There’s something special about going out on water that stays quiet. On this solar-powered catamaran in Palma Bay, you get snorkeling plus 6 underwater scooters, with an itinerary built around Illetas, Cala Comtesa, and Punta Negra. I love the combination of no noisy engines and no fuel smell, because it makes the whole trip feel calmer and more natural.

Two things really stand out: the onboard snorkeling setup (easybreath masks and fins) and the hands-on thrill of the underwater scooters, which turn swimming into something easier and more fun for mixed groups. The possible drawback is simple—if conditions change, the crew may swap the beach/sea-life spots, so you’ll want to be flexible.

Key highlights to look for

• Solar-powered, electric sailing: smoother, quieter cruising with no engine roar or fuel smell.
• Snorkel gear included: easybreath masks and fins on board.
• 6 underwater scooters: built for a more guided, easier water experience.
• Prime Palma Bay areas: Illetas, Cala Comtesa, and Punta Negra (weather-dependent).
• Included refreshment breaks: water plus snacks and fruit after the first stop.
• Private group vibe (up to 12): small scale with crew support throughout.

Solar-powered comfort: what it feels like in Palma Bay

This is the kind of outing you notice right away—because the boat doesn’t feel like a typical motorized day on the sea. The catamaran runs as an eco-friendly electric, solar-powered experience, so the ride tends to be quieter and more relaxed than you’d expect on the water. That matters more than you might think. When you’re not surrounded by engine noise and fuel smell, you can actually pay attention to the bay—birds, coastline views, and the moment you put your face in the water.

The other big comfort factor is the simple, practical water setup. You’re not just tossed in with a life vest and a hope. You get snorkel gear on board and time to use it properly. Then you layer in the underwater scooters (there are 6), which can be a game-changer if you want to see sea life without fighting your way through waves or struggling to stay in position.

One more detail worth appreciating: the catamaran works on eco navigation, and the whole experience is framed around protecting the environment around Palma Bay. Even if you don’t care about the technology, the result is the same—you get a cleaner, calmer way to tour the shoreline.

Picking the right time slot: morning, afternoon, and sunset options

You’ll choose your start time based on the season, and that choice affects how “chill” the sea feels. The tour is offered in 4–6 hours, and the operator lists different windows depending on the month and weather.

Here’s how the timing works:

• March, April, September, October, November
• Morning: 9:30 to 13:30
• Afternoon: 14:30 to 18:30
• Sunset: starts 2 hours before sunset (ask for this time)
• December and January
• 10:00 to 14:00 or 12:00 to 16:00
• Sunset: 14:00 to 18:00
• May, June, July, August
• Morning: 9:00 to 13:00
• Afternoon: 14:00 to 18:00
• Sunset: 19:00 to 22:00

If you care most about snorkeling comfort, mornings and earlier slots can feel easier because you’re less likely to end up in late-day wind. If you want photos, the sunset option is obviously the winner. I’d also plan your trip around your group. People who get restless do better with the clear breakpoints of a 4-hour-ish schedule, while slower-paced groups can enjoy the longer window.

Also, keep in mind that the sea-life stops are weather-dependent. If conditions change, the crew will choose another spot that works for everyone. That’s not a failure of planning—it’s how they keep the day safe and fun.

Meeting point and day-of logistics near Palma’s waterfront

The meeting point can vary depending on the option you book, but you’ll generally want to show up early and be ready to go. One clear instruction is to arrive 20 minutes before your experience starts. If your option is the standard Palma meeting location, that’s:

Carrer Contramoll Mollet 1, 07012 Palma, in front of San Telmo Chapel.

From there, your trip is based out of Real Club Náutico de Palma, and you’ll depart and return there as part of the sailing loop.

You also may see different start/drop-off points depending on the exact option, including Corb Marí Terraza and Capella de Sant Elm, along with the main eco catamaran option name. If you’re coordinating with a group, double-check the exact meeting instructions in your booking so nobody gets stuck looking at the wrong dock.

What to bring is very straightforward, and the list is worth following closely:

• Sunglasses
• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Passport or ID (copy accepted)
• Motion sickness prevention (if you need it)

And there are clear no-go rules:

• No shoes or high-heeled shoes
• No pets
• No smoking
• No food or drinks you bring
• No luggage or large bags
• No alcohol or drugs

That last bit means you should travel light. Think swim gear + sunscreen + a towel, and you’re set.

Snorkel gear and the 6 underwater scooters: the water plan

This is where the experience gets more than just scenic sailing.

You’ll have snorkeling equipment on board, including easybreath masks and fins. That specific gear choice is practical: easybreath style masks are designed to make it simpler to snorkel comfortably for longer stretches, especially if you’re not an expert swimmer.

Then you add the main attraction for many people: 6 underwater sea scooters. These are built to help you move underwater with less effort. For the group, it changes the feel of snorkeling. Instead of everyone struggling to hold a steady position, you can spend more time actually looking around.

In other words, it helps you get the benefit of sea-life viewing without turning it into a workout. That’s especially useful for families and mixed-experience groups.

One important consideration: the experience requires you to know how to swim and be in good physical condition. If anyone in your group tends to get sea sick, it’s smart to take a sea-sickness pill 30 minutes before the experience starts.

If you’re wondering whether this is fun or just technical, the answer is that it’s designed for everyday humans, not scuba pros. The scooters plus the snorkeling setup make it a high-energy water activity while still feeling approachable.

The Bay of Palma route: Illetas, Cala Comtesa, and Punta Negra

The classic plan is built around three sea-life zones in Palma Bay:

• Illetas
• Cala Comtesa
• Punta Negra

Your day starts from the catamaran base and then you head out to these areas. The operator keeps the route flexible. If the weather changes, they’ll choose another spot that’s good for everyone. So don’t plan your day like you’ll 100% see exactly one named cove. Plan for a shortlist of excellent alternatives.

Here’s why the locations make sense for this style of trip:

• These are known areas where you can expect a mix of views and clear opportunities for snorkeling.
• The route is designed to give you breaks—so you’re not snorkeling for hours straight with no reset.

A typical rhythm is:

1. You cruise to a first snorkel area.
2. You do snorkeling and scooter time.
3. You take a snack break, then head onward.

That snack break is more valuable than it sounds. Being out in the sun and moving in the water can wear you out, and a quick boost helps everyone stay happy through the later part of the tour.

Your on-board guide experience with Leonardo (and Silvia)

The crew matters a lot for a water day. The guide not only helps you find good snorkeling spots but also keeps the timing and flow smooth, which is what makes the scooters and snorkeling feel safe and easy.

In the onboard experience, Leonardo is highlighted for showing great snorkeling spots and keeping things organized, with snacks ready and a clear, friendly approach. Another guide, Silvia, is also mentioned as part of a setup that feels especially tailored for families and kids—where people need more guidance and less waiting around.

You’ll get a live tour guide in English and Spanish, which helps if you have a mixed-language group. In practice, good guidance is what turns this from a boat ride into a real activity, so you spend your time where the water life and visibility are best.

Snacks, water, and the relaxed pace of an eco cruise

After the first stop, you’ll get a recovery moment with snacks and fruit, plus still and sparkling water and soft drinks. This is a smart inclusion for a day that mixes sun, salt water, and a little adrenaline from the scooters.

It also supports the overall vibe: you’re not forced into a formal meal plan or a long wait. Instead, you get a reset mid-cruise so the later snorkeling time stays enjoyable.

The other practical win is the sailing feel. Because the catamaran is electric and solar powered, it’s positioned as a trip without the crowded, noisy, smoky atmosphere that a lot of boat days can have. If you’re sensitive to noise or just want a more peaceful day, this is a meaningful upgrade.

Price and value: $1,825 per group up to 12

At $1,825 per group (up to 12 passengers), this isn’t priced like a per-person ticket you’d find for a huge public catamaran. It’s closer to a private experience model, which changes the math in your favor if you’re splitting costs.

If you have a full group of 12, you’re roughly paying about $152 per person—not bad for snorkeling gear plus scooters plus an eco catamaran. Even if you don’t fill all spots, it can still be good value if you compare it to the combined cost of separate snorkeling tours, scooter rentals, and boat transportation.

Where the price really earns its keep is the bundle:

• Snorkel equipment included
• 6 underwater scooters
• Snacks, fruit, soft drinks, and water
• A guided route with a small private-group feel

So the value depends on your group size and how much you’ll use the water gear. If you’re traveling with people who will actually snorkel and try the scooters, this tends to make sense. If you mostly want scenic views and don’t care about snorkeling, you might feel like you’re paying for features you won’t use.

Who should book this eco catamaran experience

This works best if you fit one of these profiles:

• You want snorkeling plus scooters in one trip, without needing to be an expert.
• You’re traveling with family or friends where some people are confident swimmers and others are just willing to try.
• You care about a quieter, cleaner-feeling boat day—less noise, less fuel smell, and a more peaceful mood on the water.
• You prefer an experience that feels small and managed, not a cattle-call crowd.

It’s not a great fit if:

• Anyone in your group needs wheelchair accessibility (it isn’t suitable for wheelchair users).
• People don’t swim or aren’t in good physical condition.
• You don’t want the practical rules like no shoes and no onboard personal food/drinks.

If you get sea sick easily, plan for it with motion sickness prevention as recommended.

Quick practical tips for a smoother day

These are the little things that tend to make the difference between a fun water day and a stressful one:

• Arrive early. Aim to be at the meeting area 20 minutes before the start.
• Bring a towel and sunscreen. Sun + water can catch you off guard.
• Pack light: no luggage or large bags, and follow the no-shoes rule.
• If you need it, take motion sickness prevention 30 minutes before you go out.
• Bring your ID or a copy if you don’t carry the original.
• Wear weather-appropriate clothing. Even on calm days, sea air can feel cooler than expected.

And when you’re on the water, listen to the guide about timing between scooter use and snorkeling. The day flows better when everyone is ready to move when it’s time.

Should you book this catamaran at Palma Bay?

I’d book this if you want a quieter, eco-focused catamaran day that still feels like an actual activity—snorkeling with equipment plus 6 underwater scooters—and you’re traveling with a group that can share the cost.

Skip it if your priority is purely sightseeing with minimal time in the water, because this experience is built around sea-life exploration. Also, if anyone in your group doesn’t swim well, you’ll want to think carefully since the experience is not intended for non-swimmers.

If you’re looking for a practical, modern Palma Bay outing—cleaner atmosphere, guided snorkeling spots around Illetas, Cala Comtesa, and Punta Negra, and a mid-cruise snack break—this is a solid pick.

FAQ

How long is the Palma Bay eco catamaran experience?

The experience lasts 4 to 6 hours. The exact start time depends on the month and weather conditions.

Where does the tour depart from?

It’s based at Real Club Náutico de Palma, and the tour departure/return is connected to that area. The meeting point can vary depending on which start option you booked.

What snorkeling equipment is included?

Snorkel equipment is included, including easybreath masks and fins.

Are underwater scooters included?

Yes. The tour includes 6 underwater sea scooters for the snorkeling experience.

What’s included for snacks and drinks?

You’ll have still and sparkling water, soft drinks, snacks, and fruit. Snacks are provided after the first stop.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen, plus weather-appropriate clothing. You may want motion sickness prevention if needed. Not allowed: shoes, high-heeled shoes, pets, smoking, outside food or drinks, luggage or large bags, and alcohol or drugs.

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