Palma de Mallorca: 5-Hour Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Swim

The best part of this Palma catamaran cruise is simple: you spend a full half-day moving between beautiful coves and clear swimming water, with lunch prepared right on the boat. The south coast gives you a fine mix of sea views, yachts, rocky shore, and small beaches that are hard to appreciate from land.

I like the generous time in the water, and I like that the $69 price includes a barbecue, soft drinks, water, coffee, juice, wine, and sangria with the meal. The main caution is that this is a large, popular boat, not a quiet private sailing. The exact coves and route also depend on the wind.

Key points at a glance

• Two swimming stops: The boat usually anchors at Cala Vella or Portals Vells, then continues to another nearby cove.
• A proper meal at sea: Expect grilled chicken breast, skewers, sausages, salads, bread, and cake, with wine and sangria during lunch.
• Five hours for $69: The price covers the cruise, meal, nonalcoholic drinks, and much of the onboard entertainment.
• Morning or afternoon sailing: Depart at 10 AM for a daytime outing, or at 3:30 PM for softer light and a possible sunset on the return.
• Snorkeling is easy to arrange: Masks and equipment are available with a €10 cash deposit, refunded when you return the gear.
• Good for mixed groups: Families, couples, solo passengers, and groups can all enjoy it, as long as they are comfortable with a sociable boat.

Leaving Palma with the harbor in view

The meeting point is at the Port of Palma, at the dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on Passeig Marítim. Look for the Magic Catamarans boat on the harbor side. Arrive 30 minutes early. Parking is very limited, so driving right up at departure time is a poor plan.

Once aboard, you leave Palma with the city and harbor behind you. Cruise ships and large yachts form part of the opening view, and the boat then follows the south coast toward the swimming coves. This first stretch is not dead time. It gives you a chance to settle in, find a comfortable place, and take in the coast before the swimming begins.

The catamaran is spacious enough for a full boatload, but do not expect an intimate sailing. One useful trick is to change sides during the trip. You may get a better view of the coast, more sun, or a little shade depending on where you sit.

The crew keeps the mood light with music, and the atmosphere can become quite lively. Spanish songs, dancing, and an upbeat crew are part of the experience. If you want silence, a private boat, or a serious sailing lesson, choose something else. If you want a relaxed day at sea with a social feel, this setup works well.

Cala Vella or Portals Vells, depending on the wind

The first main destination is either Cala Vella or Portals Vells. The captain chooses the route according to wind and sea conditions, so you should not book this expecting one fixed beach every time.

Portals Vells is known for its pretty cove and appealing water, and it has been a favorite stop on many afternoon sailings. Cala Vella offers the same basic pleasure in a more open coastal setting: clear water, a nearby beach, and a good place to swim from the boat.

The boat anchors a short distance from shore rather than pulling up onto the beach. You jump from the catamaran into the water, then swim around the boat or toward the shallower water near the coast when conditions allow. This is the part of the trip that feels most connected to Mallorca. You are not just looking at the sea. You are in it.

The water is often clear enough to see small fish, particularly near the coast and in the shallower areas. Bring your own mask if you have one, or use the provided snorkeling equipment. The boat requires a €10 cash deposit for the gear, and that deposit is refundable.

A life vest is available for both adults and children. Children can enjoy the swim, but you should stay realistic about the setting: this is swimming from a boat in open water, not a supervised resort pool. Anyone who is not a confident swimmer should use a life vest and follow the crew’s instructions.

Two stops, but not always two identical coves

The trip includes two stops, one at Cala Vella or Portals Vells and another nearby cove. The first stop is often the highlight because it may be closer to shore, with clearer water and more visible fish. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and take photographs from the boat.

The second stop gives you another chance to get in the water, but its character can be different. In some conditions, it may be in deeper water away from the coast. That can still make for a refreshing swim, but it may not offer the same clear, shallow snorkeling as the first stop.

This is worth understanding before you book. The promise is two swimming stops, not two perfect postcard beaches. Weather, wind, water clarity, and the captain’s safety decision all matter. After rain, the water can be less clear for a while. On rougher days, the crew may choose a safer anchorage rather than the prettiest possible cove.

The timing can also vary. Some sailings offer a short first swim and a longer second stop. Others give you a long first stop while the crew prepares lunch, then a shorter swim later. The total amount of water time is generous, but the exact sequence is not fixed.

Barbecue lunch on the catamaran

Lunch is served from a buffet after the first swimming period. The meal includes grilled chicken breast, skewers, sausages, fresh salads, bread, and cake for dessert. Some sailings also include tuna or fruit, but the core meal is the barbecue and salad selection.

I would describe the food as practical boat fare rather than a gourmet meal. It is filling, freshly prepared onboard, and suited to a day when you have been swimming in the sun. The barbecue is cooked by the crew, and the meal is one of the reasons the price works well for many people.

Wine from Mallorca and sangria are included with lunch. Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are available throughout the full excursion. Alcohol outside mealtime costs extra and can be purchased at the bar by card. American Express is not accepted, so bring another card if you expect to buy drinks later.

Vegetarian meals are not described as a standard automatic option. If you need one, contact Magic Catamarans directly before the day of the cruise. That is much safer than hoping a suitable plate will appear at the buffet.

The food also helps explain why this cruise suits families and groups. You do not need to organize a restaurant reservation after returning to Palma, and you are not paying separately for a beach lunch, drinks, and boat transportation. You get the main costs bundled into one fare.

Choosing the 10 AM or 3:30 PM departure

The morning departure leaves at 10 AM. Choose it if your priority is a full day in the sun, bright water for photographs, and a straightforward daytime outing. You will return with the evening still available for Palma’s restaurants, old streets, or a relaxed night near the harbor.

The afternoon sailing leaves at 3:30 PM and lasts five hours. It gives you a later, more relaxed start and can finish with sunset light on the way back. Several passengers have enjoyed the changing colors over the sea, along with views of Palma and the cathedral near the end of the outing.

The afternoon option can feel more festive. Music, dancing, dinner, and sunset combine into something close to a casual party at sea. That is a plus for couples, friends, and solo passengers hoping to meet people. Families may prefer the morning if younger children have an early bedtime.

The afternoon route is not a guaranteed sunset cruise in the formal sense. The light depends on the season, weather, and route. Still, the timing gives you the best chance of seeing Palma after the harsh midday sun has faded.

How crowded does it feel?

Magic Catamarans carries a sizeable number of people, and the boat can fill up. You may find a line and some confusion before boarding, especially in the hot sun. Get there early, but also expect that the boarding area may not be perfectly obvious at first.

Once aboard, the space generally feels more manageable than the initial crowd at the dock. You can move around and switch sides during the trip, although popular places near the front or along the rail may go quickly.

This is not a secluded sailing. Music plays, the crew encourages a cheerful mood, and people may dance after lunch. That social energy is a major part of the appeal, but it is also the main reason someone seeking peace and quiet might be disappointed.

Solo passengers can fit in easily because the format naturally creates conversation. Families can also make it work, especially since the boat has life vests for children and plenty of open water time. Couples should decide if they want a shared social outing or a private romantic cruise. This is clearly the former.

What makes the $69 price worthwhile

At $69 per person, the value is strongest if you plan to use the full package. You are paying for five hours on the sea, a catamaran ride from Palma, two possible swim stops, a barbecue lunch, water, soft drinks, coffee, juice, wine, sangria with the meal, and onboard entertainment.

A basic boat trip without food can easily leave you paying extra for lunch and drinks. Here, the included meal and beverages make the cost easier to judge. You are also getting transport to attractive coastal swimming areas without arranging a taxi, rental car, or separate beach visit.

The price does not buy luxury service or a private experience. You share the boat, the buffet, the music, and the swimming areas with other people. The food is good, filling boat food, not a restaurant tasting menu. That is a fair trade for anyone who values a full day out at a controlled cost.

I would call it especially good value for families and groups. A family of four can spend a large amount on separate beach transport, food, and drinks, while this keeps the day simple. Solo passengers also receive plenty for the price, though someone who dislikes organized group activities may not feel the same value.

Practical details that make the day easier

Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and cash for the €10 snorkeling deposit. You can use your own mask or request equipment onboard. The deposit is refunded when the gear is returned.

Wear something comfortable for sitting in the sun and bring a light layer for the return ride. Conditions on the water can change, and the wind may feel cooler once the boat is moving. Since the route depends on weather, keep your plans flexible after the cruise.

Only card payments are accepted onboard for extra purchases, and American Express is not accepted. The included drinks cover much of what you need, so you may not need the bar at all.

If you have multiple bookings and want to sit together on the same boat, contact the provider directly in advance. Do not assume separate reservations will automatically be grouped.

The cruise has live guides in English and Spanish. The crew focuses more on running the boat, serving food, and keeping the atmosphere moving than on giving a detailed coastal lecture. If you want a tour packed with facts about Mallorca’s coves, this may feel light on commentary.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the current departure availability before setting other plans around the cruise.

Who should book this catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a simple, social day on the water with swimming, food, music, and a good amount of included drink service. It suits first-time visitors who want to see Mallorca from the coast without spending a full day planning the details.

It is also a strong choice for families with children, groups of friends, and solo passengers who like an easy way to meet people. The boat is spacious, the swimming time is substantial, and the meal removes one common hassle from a beach day.

Think twice if you want a quiet sail, a private boat, a fixed itinerary, or expert commentary about every cove. Also keep expectations sensible about snorkeling. The first stop may offer lovely clear water and fish, while the second can be deeper or less impressive.

Should you book it?

I would book this cruise for the overall mix, not for one perfect beach stop. The strongest reasons are the two chances to swim, the generous food and drink package, the friendly crew, and the chance to see the coast and sunset from the sea.

Choose the morning for maximum daylight and a calmer family schedule. Choose 3:30 PM for a more social outing and the possibility of sunset views near Palma. At $69, it is a sensible choice if you want five easy hours of Mallorca sea time and do not mind sharing the boat.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran leave from?

It leaves from the Port of Palma, at the boat dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on Passeig Marítim. Look for the Magic Catamarans boat on the harbor side.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at the departure point 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. Parking nearby is very limited.

What departure times are available?

You can choose a morning departure at 10 AM or an afternoon departure at 3:30 PM. Check availability for the date you want.

Are two swimming stops included?

The excursion is planned with two stops, one at Cala Vella or Portals Vells and another nearby cove. The route and stops can change with wind and weather conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is available onboard with a €10 refundable cash deposit. Life vests are provided for adults and children.

What food and drinks are included?

The buffet includes barbecue meats such as chicken breast, skewers, and sausages, along with salads and cake. Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are available throughout the excursion. Mallorcan wine and sangria are included with the meal.

Can I request a vegetarian meal?

Yes, but you should contact the activity provider directly before the cruise if you require a vegetarian option.