Palma de Mallorca: Deluxe Catamaran Sailing Tour with Meal

From the first hour on the water, this feels less like a crowded harbor cruise and more like a relaxed day aboard a private yacht. The Oasis carries up to 57 people but limits bookings to 36, leaving you room to stretch out, take photos, and find a sunny or shaded spot. Cala Vella supplies the main reward: clear water, quiet coves, and a swim stop far removed from Palma’s busy waterfront.

I like the fresh onboard meal, which is more substantial than the usual packet of snacks, and I like the crew’s careful service. The boat is modern, clean, and well looked after. The main catch is that drinks beyond water cost extra, cocktails can reach €18 to €20, and the meeting point may take some finding.

Key points to know before you book

• Small passenger limit: The Oasis has capacity for 57 but accepts no more than 36 people.
• Cala Vella swim stop: Expect time for swimming, jumping from the boat, and using the included SUP boards.
• Two different meals: The daytime trip includes a barbecue, while the adult-only sunset sailing offers tapas and canapés.
• Snorkel gear is not included: Bring your own mask and tube or buy a set onboard for €25.
• Palma views on the return: The route back can include views toward the old town and Cathedral.
• Weather matters: The route may change, and poor conditions can affect sailing or the date of the trip.

The Oasis catamaran keeps the trip comfortable

The boat is the star of this outing. The Oasis has a distinctive, elegant design and enough deck space to keep a group of 36 from feeling packed together. That passenger limit matters. Many boat excursions sell every available seat, leaving people shoulder to shoulder around the railings. Here, you have a better chance of finding room to sit, stand, photograph the coast, or simply watch the sea.

The boat holds 57 people, but the operator admits a maximum of 36. That is still a proper group activity, not a private charter, but it gives the experience a calmer rhythm. Several people have found room for sunbathing, and the clean toilets and spotless interior add to the feeling that the boat is being run with care.

You will spend part of the trip under power and, if conditions allow, part sailing with the sails up. That distinction is worth noting. A catamaran tour does not guarantee a full afternoon of silent sailing. The crew uses the engine when needed, and weather determines how much actual sailing you get. On good days, the return journey under sail is one of the most peaceful parts of the outing.

The crew speaks Spanish, English, German, and French. Service is a major strength here. The crew serves water, explains what is happening, and keeps an eye on the practical details. One crew member named Marshall receives special praise for being warm and attentive, though the full team works onboard.

Leaving Palma and heading toward Cala Vella

The trip begins at a meeting point in or around the Port of Palma. Check the exact location on your booking because the starting point can vary by option, and clear signs are not always guaranteed. Give yourself extra time to find the boat, especially if you are unfamiliar with the port.

Once you are underway, the city begins to recede behind you. The sea gives you a fresh view of Mallorca, with the shoreline and Palma’s built-up waterfront seen from a more open angle. The trip lasts roughly four to four and a half hours, so the journey itself is not just transport to the swim stop. You have time to settle in, enjoy a drink, take photos, and watch the crew manage the boat.

The bar remains open throughout the excursion. Unlimited water is included, while other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks cost extra. Cocktails and mixed drinks are available, but they are not a small add-on. Expect cocktails to cost around €18 to €20, so keep that in mind when comparing the $88 price with less expensive boat trips.

The crew also serves snacks before the main meal. That helps break up the sailing time and makes the cruise feel like a full half-day outing rather than a quick transfer with a swim attached.

Cala Vella is the main swimming stop

The boat sails toward Cala Vella, a natural reserve known for its coves and clear water. The swimming stop is the heart of the daytime trip. You can get into the sea, use a paddle board, or jump from the boat if you are comfortable with that. The stop is designed for enjoying the water rather than touring the shoreline on foot.

SUP equipment is included. This is a useful advantage because paddle boards can otherwise become an expensive extra on boat excursions. You can take your turn on the boards, float near the catamaran, or remain onboard and watch the activity from the deck.

Snorkeling is possible, but the equipment policy is important. For hygiene reasons, masks and tubes are not rented. Bring your own set if you have one. If you do not, a snorkeling set can be bought onboard for €25. That price can change your calculation if snorkeling is a major reason for booking, so do not assume the word snorkeling means gear is included.

The water stop works best for people who are happy with a simple swim from the boat. The supplied information does not promise a guided snorkeling session or a separate beach landing. You will swim from the catamaran in a scenic cove, with the boat serving as your base.

The amount of time in the water can depend on the day’s conditions and the final sailing plan. Weather can alter the itinerary. Bring a towel, swimsuit, hat, and sun protection, and remember that a wet swimsuit can become chilly when the catamaran gets moving again.

The daytime barbecue gives the $88 fare real value

The daytime option includes appetizers and a barbecue prepared onboard. Food is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip instead of a basic sailing cruise. You are not expected to bring lunch, and the meal gives the outing a proper centerpiece.

The barbecue has been described as plentiful, fresh, and better than expected. Vegetarian food is available, and the crew has also handled a dairy intolerance. Still, if you have a serious allergy or a strict dietary requirement, contact the operator before booking rather than relying on a general meal description.

The meal is served around the swimming stop, so you can combine lunch with the sea view. That makes practical sense in Mallorca’s heat. You swim, dry off, eat, and then have time to relax as the boat heads back toward Palma.

At $88 per person, the fare is not the cheapest way to get on the water. You are paying for the smaller passenger limit, the modern catamaran, the meal, the included water, the SUP boards, and insurance. If you only want a short boat ride, cheaper choices may suit you. If you want food, swimming, space, and a more polished setting in one half-day package, the price is easier to justify.

The sunset version changes the mood

The sunset excursion follows the same general route toward Cala Vella and includes a swimming stop. Instead of the daytime barbecue, you receive tapas and canapés. The meal is lighter in style, though dessert has been included on at least some departures.

This option is for adults aged 18 and over. Do not book it for minors. The evening setting also changes what you should bring. The boat can feel cool on the way back, especially after swimming, so a light layer is sensible. The crew has handed out blankets when the return ride became chilly.

The best part comes after the swim, when the catamaran turns back toward Palma and the sun lowers over Mallorca. You can watch the changing light from the deck, with views toward the old town and Cathedral as you approach the bay. Chilled music creates a social but not rowdy mood.

The sunset trip is a good match for a honeymoon, anniversary, or an evening when you want a scenic meal without booking a formal restaurant. It is less suitable if your main goal is a long swim in daylight or a full barbecue meal.

What the onboard atmosphere is really like

This is not presented as a party boat. Music plays, people chat, and the bar is open, but the reduced passenger count keeps the tone fairly relaxed. You can meet other people without being pressed into a loud entertainment program.

The boat’s cleanliness receives repeated attention. The deck, interior, and toilets are kept in good condition, which matters after swimming and eating onboard. A clean, modern boat also makes a difference when you are spending four hours at sea rather than simply crossing a short stretch of water.

The crew’s approach is attentive without making the experience feel formal. Water is refilled, questions are answered, and the staff helps people feel comfortable. That service is especially useful for families and for anyone who is not used to boat trips.

Families can choose the daytime option, which has been enjoyed by children and adults together. The sunset sailing has the age restriction, so check the option carefully before paying.

Practical details that can make or break the day

The itinerary lasts four to four and a half hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want. The activity ends where it begins, and hotel pickup is not included. Plan your own way to the meeting point.

Wear casual clothing and a swimsuit. High heels are not allowed, and practical footwear is the better choice on a moving boat. Bring a hat, towel, and sunscreen, though there is a confusing instruction in the supplied information: sunscreen is listed both as something to bring and as something not allowed. Check the operator’s current rule before departure rather than assuming you can apply it freely onboard.

Weather can change the route. It may also determine whether the sails are used or the boat relies more heavily on the engine. If conditions are poor, contact the local partner about any change to your plans. The operator has allowed date changes when weather made the original trip unsuitable, but that depends on the circumstances.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. For groups of 10 or more, contact the operator if your preferred date shows no availability. That is more useful than splitting a large party across different boats.

Who will enjoy this Palma sailing trip most

I would choose this for someone who wants a polished half-day on the Mediterranean without paying for a fully private charter. You get a proper meal, a scenic swim, SUP equipment, a bar, and a boat that does not fill every available space.

It also suits couples celebrating a special occasion, thanks to the sunset option and Palma views on the return. Families should select the daytime sailing, where the swim and barbecue make the schedule easy to enjoy together.

You may want a different tour if you dislike group activities, need hotel pickup, or expect a dedicated snorkeling excursion with equipment supplied. You should also budget for drinks if cocktails are part of your plan. The core fare is solid value, but a few premium drinks can quickly push up the final cost.

Should you book the Oasis catamaran?

Book it if you value space, clean facilities, friendly service, and a meal as much as the sailing itself. The 36-person limit is the key detail. It keeps the Oasis from feeling like a floating bus and helps explain the higher price.

Choose the daytime trip for the barbecue, longer-feeling swim experience, and family-friendly format. Choose sunset for tapas, adult company, evening light, and views of Palma Cathedral from the bay.

Bring your own snorkel set, arrive early enough to locate the meeting point, and do not count on every drink being included. With those details understood, this is a strong choice for a comfortable Mallorca boat day, especially if you want a little breathing room on the water.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour?

The tour lasts approximately four to four and a half hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The meeting point can vary depending on the option booked. The activity ends back at the meeting point, and hotel pickup is not included.

Is food included?

Yes. The daytime option includes appetizers and a barbecue. The sunset option includes tapas and canapés instead.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water is included. Other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are not included unless specifically stated.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Masks and tubes cannot be rented for hygiene reasons. You can bring your own or buy a snorkeling set onboard for €25.

Is paddle board equipment included?

Yes. Stand-up paddle board equipment is included during the excursion.

Can children join the sunset tour?

No. The sunset option is for adults aged 18 and over. The daytime option is the appropriate choice for families with minors.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour can also be reserved with payment made later.