Cala Rajada: Boat Excursion with Drinks and Food

Cala Rajada by boat feels like freedom. This 5.5-hour trip mixes swim stops along the coast with a relaxed on-board setup where drinks and a buffet lunch are part of the price. You’ll spend your morning sailing out from Cala Ratjada Port and your middle of the day floating, eating, and soaking up the views.

One thing to consider: it’s not suitable if you get seasick easily, and there are sundeck rules for kids (no under-13 on the sundeck during the trip).

Key highlights at a glance

• Vellmari Primer I (20-meter boat): built for comfort on a half-day outing from Cala Ratjada
• Multiple swimming stops: planned pauses so you can actually get in the water, not just watch it
• Snorkel-friendly: bring a mask and snorkel, and you may have access to snorkel equipment during swimming breaks
• Buffet lunch mid-trip: lunch is served around midday, so you don’t waste your day hunting food
• Captain-led atmosphere: the captain keeps things lively and friendly, including feeding fish and seagulls
• Limited spaces: fewer people means you’re more likely to find your own calm corner on board

From Cala Ratjada Port: Boarding the Vellmari Primer I

Your day starts at the Port of Cala Ratjada. The boat trip runs from 10:30 AM to about 4:00 PM, with a total length of 5.5 hours. For boarding, plan to be at the meeting point by 10:00 AM since that’s when you get set before departure.

The boat is the 20-meter Vellmari Primer I. It’s the kind of size that feels like a real excursion, not a tiny speedboat where you’re stuck shoulder-to-shoulder the whole time. You’ll have room to move between lounging areas and the parts of the boat where swimming starts to happen.

One small practical thing: your comfort on a boat depends heavily on how you manage simple “boat life” rules. The trip asks for comfortable clothes and swimwear, plus basics like a towel and sunscreen. The list of what to bring is pretty clear, but it also comes with stricter rules than you might expect, including restrictions involving shoes onboard. So I’d treat the “shoe” guidance seriously: wear what’s sensible for getting to and from the boat, and be ready to follow the crew’s on-board instructions once you’re aboard.

As for language, you’re covered. The driver/crew communicates in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. That matters more than people think, especially when the captain is explaining where the swimming stops are and how the day’s schedule will flow.

Swimming Stops and Snorkel Time: What those pauses are really for

This is a swimming-focused outing, not a sightseeing-only cruise. The plan includes several stops for swimming, and you’ll spend time in the water along the coastline. That’s why it’s smart to show up ready to swim, not just ready to take photos.

You’re encouraged to bring a mask and snorkel. Having your own gear is the easiest way to make swimming time feel smooth. The boat also provides snorkel equipment during swimming breaks, so even if you forget yours, you might be able to use what’s available onboard. Either way, you’ll get the best results when you can slip into the water quickly and comfortably.

What I like about this structure is how it breaks up the day. You don’t just sit while the coast slides by. Instead, you get repeated chances to cool off and explore. When the boat is moving, you relax and enjoy the sea views. When it stops, you go from watching the water to being in it.

Also, the swimming breaks fit well with different comfort levels. Not everyone wants to snorkel. Some people are happy to swim briefly and then float around. Others will spend more time looking around. The trip’s design makes room for both.

A reality check: this is sailing, so it’s not ideal for people prone to seasickness or anyone with motion sickness. Even with the calm of a coastal route, you still feel the movement. If you know your stomach doesn’t handle boats well, I’d take that seriously before booking. The trip even suggests bringing motion-sickness prevention, which is your clue that choppy conditions can happen.

Buffet Lunch Mid-Trip: Food, drinks, and staying comfortable

Lunch is a big part of why this excursion works as a half-day plan. You’ll be served a buffet lunch onboard at midday, after you’ve already had time to enjoy the morning sailing and swimming. That timing is practical: you avoid the usual holiday problem of choosing a restaurant while you’re still half-tired, sunburn-prone, and sandy.

Drinks and snacks are included, too. In other words, you can keep things easy without constantly checking menus or paying for small extras. The food is described as delicious, and the onboard setup is meant for the rhythm of the day—eat, rest, and then get back to the water and views.

Where to sit depends on what kind of day you want. If you want shade and calmer conditions, you’ll likely prefer covered areas. If you want maximum sun, you’ll gravitate to the deck. The trip also has a sundeck rule: children under 13 aren’t allowed on the sundeck during the trip. That’s worth knowing because it can affect who you’ll see up top and how quiet it feels in the sun.

If you’re the type who likes to plan your comfort: bring sunscreen that you can reapply, and keep your towel handy so you can dry off quickly after swimming. Motion can make small annoyances bigger on a boat, so having the basics ready turns lunch into a true reset instead of a rushed break.

And yes, there’s an extra entertainment element tied to the captain and crew vibe. In one real example of the kind of fun atmosphere you can expect, the captain feeds fish and seagulls during the trip. That adds a living, changing moment to the sailing—something other than just staring at coastline.

Sailing Along the East and North-East Coast: The views you’re buying

You’re out of Cala Ratjada Port and cruising along the coast for a route that runs roughly 10 km along the east and north-east coastline. That distance matters because it’s long enough to feel like you left the shore behind, but not so long that you feel trapped on the water.

As you sail, you’ll admire beaches along the route—good, postcardy coastline, but also the kind you remember because you’re seeing it from moving water. It’s also a chance to spot where the water is calm enough for swimming and where the coastline looks inviting.

Here’s the best way to think about this part: the sailing is the “between moments” time. When the boat is gliding, you can do the easy things—watch the shapes of the shore, keep an eye out for how the water changes color and depth, and take photos without needing to fight crowds on land.

Then, the swimming stops change the experience completely. You go from seeing the coastline to touching it—literally. That back-and-forth is what makes the day feel like more than a simple tour.

One more practical tip: if you want your photos to look good, bring your camera/phone in a way you can access quickly during stops. Boat days have a lot of sun glare and moving angles. The best shot often happens when the boat is paused and everyone’s settled.

Who This Trip Fits Best (and when to skip it)

This is a good match if you want an easy day at sea with food included, swimming built in, and a friendly crew. It’s also a smart option if you like structure: you don’t have to decide where to go for lunch or how to time your beach breaks. The trip’s rhythm already covers those needs.

It’s not suitable for everyone, though. The trip is not suitable for:

• children under 5 years old
• wheelchair users
• people prone to seasickness
• people with motion sickness

It also has rules that shape the on-board environment:

• limited sundeck access for children under 13
• no pets
• no large bags or oversize luggage
• drones are not allowed
• no fishing
• and the crew has the right to refuse boarding if someone attempts to board while intoxicated

If you’re coming with a group, there’s also the option for a private group, which can be a win if you want your own pace and fewer people around.

If you’re traveling with kids: remember the under-13 sundeck rule and the fact that children under 5 can’t join. If your child is older and you’re hoping for a lot of sun time, keep that sundeck restriction in mind so you’re not surprised later.

And if you’re sensitive to motion: consider whether a 5.5-hour boat outing is worth it for you. If you take motion-sickness prevention and still feel unsure, it’s better to choose something on land. This one is designed around being on the water.

Price and Value at About $106: What you’re getting for the money

At $106 per person for a 5.5-hour excursion, the value comes from the bundle. You’re not paying just for a boat ride. You’re paying for:

• a dedicated 20-meter boat experience
• multiple swimming stops
• snacks, drinks, and a buffet lunch served onboard
• time on the water with a captain-led, friendly atmosphere

That matters because food and drinks on coastal excursions add up quickly when they’re not included. Here, you avoid that extra budgeting headache. You also avoid the time cost of finding lunch somewhere nearby. When your itinerary already includes meals, you spend more of the day doing the fun parts and less time planning.

The “limited spaces” angle is another value point. When fewer people are on board, it tends to make the trip feel more relaxed, and it’s easier to find space for towels, sun time, and after-swim change moments.

Now for the honest trade-off: this price is for a set experience that’s fixed around water time. If you’re not planning to swim or snorkel, you might feel like you’re paying for time you won’t use. But if you’re the type who wants to get in the water repeatedly and enjoy lunch without hunting, this is the kind of package that makes sense.

Should You Book This Cala Rajada Boat Excursion?

Book this if you want a half-day at sea that’s built around swimming stops and includes drinks and a buffet lunch. It’s ideal for couples, friend groups, and anyone who wants a laid-back day without making a bunch of small decisions. The captain’s entertaining style, plus moments like feeding fish and seagulls, adds personality to the trip beyond the basic route.

Skip it if you’re prone to motion sickness or if accessibility is a concern, since it’s not suitable for wheelchair users and it’s not designed for people who struggle on boats.

If you’re deciding between packing light and being comfortable: pack for sun and water. You’ll be happier with a towel, sunscreen, swimwear, and a mask/snorkel if you have them. And arrive early enough to get the meeting done smoothly at 10:00 AM.

If you like your vacations simple—time, food, and fun already handled—this one fits.

FAQ

What time does the boat depart and return?

The trip departs at 10:30 AM from Cala Ratjada Port and returns at approximately 4:00 PM.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point may vary depending on the option booked, but you’ll meet on the boat at 10:00 AM.

What’s included in the price?

Snacks, drinks, the meal (buffet lunch), and swimming stops are included.

Can I bring snorkeling gear or use snorkel equipment onboard?

You’re encouraged to bring a mask and snorkel. Snorkel equipment is available for swimming pauses.

Are children allowed on the trip?

Children under 5 years old are not allowed. Also, children under 13 years old are not allowed on the sundeck during the trip.

Is this suitable for someone with motion sickness?

No. The trip is not suitable for people with motion sickness or those prone to seasickness.