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

Mallorca’s best feature here is not the boat ride itself, but the chance to reach clear-water coves without renting a car or planning a beach day. You sail out from Palma, swim beside the catamaran, eat a barbecue lunch, and return with the coast sliding past.

I like the generous five-hour length and the easygoing crew, who keep things moving without turning the trip into a formal tour. I also like the price: at $69, lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and a full afternoon or morning at sea make this a solid deal. The catch is that this is a popular, full-size catamaran, not a quiet private sail, and the exact route and swimming stops depend on wind and sea conditions.

• Two stops along Mallorca’s south coast: Portals Vells or Cala Vella is usually one of the main swimming areas, followed by another nearby cove.
• A real swim-first itinerary: You can jump from the boat, use a mask, and look for small fish in clear coastal water.
• Barbecue served on board: Chicken breast, skewers, sausages, fresh salads, and cake make this more than a sightseeing cruise.
• Morning or afternoon departure: The 10 AM sailing suits an early beach day, while the 3:30 PM trip can bring sunset views on the return.
• Drinks are largely covered: Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are available throughout, with wine and sangria served at the meal.
• Good for mixed groups: Families, couples, solo visitors, and groups of friends can all find something to enjoy, though the atmosphere is social and sometimes lively.

Sailing out of Palma with the south coast ahead

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 of the pier, and arrive 30 minutes before departure.

The opening stretch gives you a pleasant change of view from Palma’s streets. Cruise ships and large yachts sit in the harbor as the catamaran heads out, then the city gives way to the rocky south coast and small beach coves. This is a scenic ride rather than a guided history lesson, so you should not expect a steady stream of facts about every headland.

That lack of commentary is one of the few things I would improve. The crew keeps the mood friendly and organized, but the experience focuses on music, swimming, food, and views more than local stories. If you like a relaxed day with no lecture, that works well. If you want detailed information about Mallorca’s coast, bring your own guidebook or use the sailing time to enjoy the view.

The catamaran is spacious enough for a full boat to feel manageable. You can move around and change sides as the view shifts, although the best spots are naturally popular. The boat can be fully booked in high season, so expect a shared social setting rather than personal space at every moment.

Choosing between 10 AM and 3:30 PM

The 10 AM departure gives you a classic day on the water. You have daylight for the entire cruise, plenty of time for swimming, and a relaxed return to Palma in the afternoon. This is likely the better choice for families with young children or anyone who wants to keep the evening free.

The 3:30 PM departure has a different feel. The light softens as the trip goes on, and the return can include a sunset over the water. Some afternoon sailings have also passed close to Palma Cathedral, creating a fine photo opportunity near the end of the cruise.

The exact timing of the meal and stops can vary with the route. The general pattern is a cruise out, a first anchorage, time for swimming while the crew prepares food, a meal on board, and another stop before returning. You should treat the schedule as a flexible day at sea, not a minute-by-minute program.

The afternoon option is especially appealing for couples and friends, but it can also work for solo visitors. The music and shared tables make it easy to enjoy the boat without needing to arrange your own company. One solo visitor found the atmosphere comfortable and made friends during the trip.

Portals Vells, Cala Vella, and the first swim

The main destination is usually Portals Vells or Cala Vella, selected according to wind conditions. Both are associated with attractive coastal water and nearby beaches, but the exact anchorage is not guaranteed.

The first swim is often the highlight. The catamaran anchors close enough to the coast for you to see shallow water and small fish in good conditions. You can jump from the boat, swim around it, or use the snorkeling mask to look below the surface.

Bring your own mask if you have one, though equipment is available for a refundable €10 cash deposit. Life vests are provided for adults and children, which gives families another option besides free swimming. The water can be warm enough for a long swim well into October, although conditions after heavy rain may make it less clear.

You should also pack a towel, swimsuit, sun protection, and a way to protect your phone. The boat provides the setting for photographs, but you will be moving between sun, spray, and swimming water. A small dry bag is useful if you have one.

The nearby beach adds a pleasant sense of place even if you do not swim all the way to shore. Still, this is not a beach landing excursion. The main point is swimming from the catamaran, not walking onto a beach and spending the afternoon on land.

The second cove and the limits of the route

The advertised plan includes two swimming stops, with the second in another nearby cove. This gives you a chance to swim again after lunch and breaks up the five-hour ride.

The quality of the two stops may not be equal. The first can offer shallow, clear water close to shore, while the second may be farther out in deeper water. You might still enjoy a refreshing swim, but snorkeling can be less rewarding when there is no shallow coastline or visible marine life.

There has also been an occasional sailing with only one swimming stop. Weather and wind control the route, and the captain may choose a safer anchorage rather than force the advertised pattern. That is a sensible decision at sea, but you should know that the exact number and character of stops can change.

This flexibility matters in Mallorca. Wind can make one cove uncomfortable and another much better, so the crew’s choice may protect the quality of the day. Go expecting water time and coastal scenery, not a guaranteed visit to one precise beach.

Barbecue lunch, wine, and the social mood

The barbecue is cooked on board and served as a buffet. The listed meal includes chicken breast, skewers, sausages, fresh salads, and cake for dessert. Portions are intended to be filling, and the food is a practical match for a day of swimming.

I would rate the meal as good holiday barbecue rather than a special dining experience. Most people will appreciate having hot food and enough choice after time in the water, but anyone seeking refined cooking should adjust expectations. Vegetarian visitors should contact Magic Catamarans in advance to request an option.

Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are available throughout the excursion. Wine from Mallorca and sangria are served with the meal. Alcoholic drinks outside mealtime can be bought at the bar, but payment on board is by card only, and American Express is not accepted.

The music helps shape the atmosphere. Spanish songs, upbeat selections, and dancing have all been part of the experience, with crew members encouraging people to join in. Captain Perez has been singled out for his cheerful presence and hands-on work around the barbecue, while the wider crew is known for being friendly and organized.

That energy will suit you if you want a small party at sea. It may not suit you if you want a silent sail with only the sound of the water. The volume can vary, and the boat’s mood depends partly on the mix of people on board.

What $69 gets you

At $69 per person, this cruise offers a strong package for Palma. Five hours on the water, a buffet meal, drinks, two planned swim stops, life vests, and access to snorkeling equipment cover the main costs of a beach day without the need for a rental car, restaurant booking, or separate boat excursion.

The value is especially clear for families and groups. Buying lunch and drinks separately near a resort can add up quickly, while a shared boat gives you transport between several coastal areas in one outing. You also get the added pleasure of eating while anchored off the coast rather than sitting at a standard restaurant.

The price does not buy an intimate sailing experience. You share the catamaran with a sizeable group, and busy summer departures can feel crowded around the boarding area and popular deck spaces. Parking near the port is limited, so a car can add stress unless you plan ahead. The listed parking location is a useful fallback, but you should allow extra time to reach the dock.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That is useful when weather may affect your wider Mallorca plans, though the route itself can still change after you arrive.

Who will enjoy this catamaran cruise most

This is a good match for families with children, provided everyone is comfortable with a full boat and open-water swimming. Life vests are available, the catamaran is described as smooth and spacious, and the swimming time can be generous.

Couples can choose the afternoon sailing for softer light and a possible sunset return. Friends will appreciate the music, sangria, dancing, and easy social setup. Solo visitors can also fit in comfortably, especially if they enjoy meeting people rather than seeking a private setting.

Strong swimmers and people who simply like being in the sea will get the most from the day. The schedule gives you much more than a short photo stop, with time to swim, return to the boat, eat, and swim again.

You may want a different excursion if your priority is a quiet sail, detailed coastal interpretation, a private boat, or a guaranteed visit to one particular cove. The route is weather-led, the second stop may be less scenic than the first, and the food is casual.

Practical details before you book

Bring the €10 cash deposit if you want to use the boat’s snorkeling equipment. The deposit is refundable, but it is easy to forget because most of the activity can be paid for or booked in advance.

Arrive 30 minutes early. The dock is in a busy port area, and one practical weakness is that boarding instructions may not always be obvious when several people are waiting in the sun. Getting there early gives you time to find the correct line and boat.

If you have multiple reservations and want to sit together, contact the provider before the day of sailing. The tour operates in English and Spanish, but do not expect a detailed bilingual lecture throughout the cruise.

Should you book the Magic Catamarans cruise?

Book it if you want a full, easygoing day on the Mediterranean for a fair price. The combination of clear coastal water, a barbecue, drinks, music, and a five-hour schedule is hard to beat at $69.

Choose the 3:30 PM sailing for sunset potential and a more festive mood. Choose 10 AM for maximum daylight and a simpler family schedule. Just keep your expectations flexible: weather may alter the route, one stop may be better than the other, and the boat is shared rather than private.

For most visitors who want swimming, scenery, food, and a little music without complicated planning, this is a smart Palma day out.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise 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 of the pier.

How long is the cruise?

The activity lasts five hours.

What departure times are available?

You can choose a morning departure at 10 AM or an afternoon departure at 3:30 PM, subject to availability.

Are two swimming stops included?

The planned route includes two stops, one at Cala Vella or Portals Vells and another nearby cove. The route can change due to weather, and an individual sailing may have fewer stops.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkeling equipment are available with a €10 refundable cash deposit. Life vests for adults and children are also provided.

What food is served?

The buffet includes barbecue meats such as chicken breast, skewers, and sausages, along with fresh salads and cake for dessert. Contact the provider in advance if you need a vegetarian option.

What drinks are included?

Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are available throughout the excursion. Wine from Mallorca and sangria are served with the meal.

Can I buy alcoholic drinks outside mealtime?

Yes. Alcoholic drinks are available to buy at the onboard bar outside mealtime. Only card payments are accepted, and American Express is not accepted.

Is parking available near the meeting point?

Parking spaces at the port are very limited. You should allow extra time and consider the alternative parking location supplied by the activity provider.