Great food at sea beats any beach lunch. This catamaran cruise glides through Palma’s Bay with a relaxing stop near Cala Vella, where the water is clear enough for proper swimming. You’re also getting a calmer setup than most boat trips, since the boat’s capacity is larger than the group you’ll actually sail with.

I especially like the way the BBQ is handled: it’s prepared directly on board, then you eat while you’re anchored in a cove. You’ll also have paddle surfs included, so you’re not stuck only watching the water from the sidelines.

One consideration: this is more of a one-main-stop day than a multi-stop island tour. If you’re hoping for lots of different coves or far-flung photo pull-offs, you may find the single nature-reserve stop a bit limited, and the exact route can change with weather.

Key highlights I’d plan around

• Small-group comfort (max 36 on board) keeps the vibe easy and not crowded
• BBQ cooked on the catamaran right where you’re swimming and relaxing
• Cala Vella nature reserve waters for swim time in clear coves
• Paddle surfs included so you can actually get out on the water
• Peaceful sailing in Palma’s Bay with a return along the water

A small-group catamaran setup for an easier Mallorca day

Mallorca by sea is one of those things that can go either way. Some cruises feel like a bus with waves—more people, more noise, less time in the good spots. This one is built to avoid that. The catamaran can hold 57, but you’ll only sail with a maximum of 36, which usually means more room to move, grab a seat without a scramble, and settle into the trip instead of playing musical chairs.

The boat’s size also helps with the whole feel of the day. A catamaran tends to ride smoother than you’d expect, especially when you’re simply sailing and not trying to reach a dozen places. You get that “float and relax” rhythm, plus the added bonus that the day doesn’t feel rushed even though it clocks in at about 4 hours 30 minutes.

If you like your sea days simple—sail, anchor, swim, eat, then sail back—this fits the bill. And because you’re sailing through the Bay of Palma, you’re not far from where most people are already spending their time.

Getting to Palma’s port area and finding your start point

Your trip meets at HJ9V+29 Palma (also shown as HJ9V+294 Palma). That plus the fact that it starts and ends back at the meeting point makes the logistics much easier than tours that shuffle you to multiple piers.

A good rule for these boat days: arrive early enough to find the right boarding spot and settle in before the crowd does. Even when check-in is smooth, you’ll be happier once you’ve got your bearings and can enjoy the first sailing stretch without stress.

Also note the day has a practical tempo. You’re on the water for roughly half a day, so plan around it. If you’re pairing this with lunch or a late afternoon walk, consider leaving a little buffer afterward—sun, salt, and swim time can make you want to slow down afterward.

Cala Vella stop: where the swimming and BBQ actually happen

The heart of your experience is the stop near Cala Vella, described as part of a nature reserve with idyllic coves and crystal-clear water. This is not a quick “jump off for two minutes” stop. You’re there to swim, relax, and enjoy the time in the cove.

The water clarity matters more than it sounds. When you can see what’s under you, swimming feels easier and more fun—whether you’re just floating or you want to practice a few strokes in calm water. It also makes the photo moments better, since the sea looks vivid rather than washed out.

Then there’s the onboard BBQ, prepared directly on the catamaran. That’s a big deal for two reasons. First, it keeps you from waiting for a separate lunch stop somewhere on land. Second, it means your meal is tied to the sea break itself, not tacked on as an afterthought later.

If you’re the type who enjoys eating while still feeling the vacation momentum, this format works. You’re anchored, you’re already in the swim mood, and the food arrives when you’re ready to recharge.

Paddle surfs: included fun, not an add-on scam

Many cruises say they have water toys, but then “included” turns out to be limited or requires a paid upgrade. Here, paddle surfs are on board and included in the price. That matters because it gives you more than just a scenic view—you can actually do something active in the water during the stop.

You’ll want to keep the “practical” part in mind: paddle surfs are best when you’re comfortable with water movement. Even if you’ve never tried one before, you’ll likely be able to enjoy it as a gentle way to glide around the cove. If you’re a strong swimmer or you like doing activities while on vacation, this is one of the best parts to use.

And if you’re not sure you’ll want to stand and balance, you can still use the time in the cove for classic swimming and lounging. The paddle surf option just gives you a choice.

Badia de Palma to Cala Vella: a peaceful sail with one main mission

You depart from the Port of Palma and head out toward Cala Vella. The route is designed around a single goal: get you to a great cove for swimming and BBQ. You’re not crisscrossing the sea all day, which usually keeps the trip relaxing.

One practical detail: the route may be altered depending on weather circumstances. This is normal at sea, but it can affect how the day feels. Sometimes the sea is calm enough to run exactly as planned; other times, they adjust for comfort and safety.

The positive takeaway is that the experience is flexible where it counts. Instead of pushing through a rougher path to meet a checklist, the day can shift to keep the sailing and cove time enjoyable.

Sailing back along the Bay of Palma: slow views and a relaxed finish

After the cove stop and BBQ, you return sailing along the waters of the Bay of Palma. This is the “let’s enjoy the view while winding down” section of the trip.

It’s also where your day comes together. You start with getting out onto open water from Palma, you spend your best time anchored near clear coves, then you get the slower sail back that feels like closure rather than another rush.

If you want to keep your energy for the rest of your day, this return leg helps. It’s a good time to sit back, enjoy the sea, and not feel like you’re competing for attention.

Crew, vibe, and food: why people rate this so highly

The most praised theme here is simple: the crew makes a difference. Reviews highlight staff who are friendly, organized, and professional. When a boat trip runs smoothly, you notice it right away—boarding flows, instructions are clear, and the energy stays positive instead of chaotic.

The food also shows up as a standout. Several comments point to the BBQ being better than expected, with wording that suggests the meal quality genuinely surprised people. For a trip at this length, having a BBQ that feels like more than basic boat fare can turn the entire day from pleasant to memorable.

And group size helps the vibe. People seem to really like that it doesn’t feel over crowded, with one review calling out that it’s small enough to avoid that packed feeling. If you’ve been on Mallorca boats where you can barely move, this is the kind of detail that changes everything.

Price and value: $91.71 for 4.5 hours with real inclusions

Let’s talk value without hand-waving. At $91.71 per person, this is not the cheapest boat ride in Mallorca. But it’s also not trying to be “just a cruise.” For the price, you’re getting a half-day on a catamaran, a swim stop in a nature reserve cove, an onboard BBQ, and included paddle surfs.

That combination matters. Many tours sell the sailing part and leave the meaningful bits—food quality and water time—either extra-cost or limited. Here, the cove stop is built around swimming and paddling, and the BBQ is part of that same block of time.

So the value question becomes: do you want a well-run half-day with food and water time, without spending your whole day traveling or hopping between multiple stops? If yes, the price starts looking fair. If you want an action-packed itinerary with several different stops, you may feel like the format is too simple for the cost.

Who this catamaran trip is best for

This works especially well if you want:

• A small-group sea day with a relaxed pace
• Real swim time in clear water at a single great stop
• A BBQ that’s cooked on the boat, not something rushed at a separate location
• At least one included activity beyond sitting—paddle surfs fit that role

You’ll also likely enjoy it if you’re going with friends, couples, or even a first-time catamaran rider. Reviews include people saying it was their first time and they were glad they did it, mainly because the vibe and crew help you settle in quickly.

Who might not love it: if you’re the type who needs many different scenery changes in one afternoon, the one-main-stop format may feel like only part of what you wanted.

Should you book this Mallorca catamaran with BBQ?

I’d book it if you want a clean, straightforward plan: sail out from Palma, anchor at Cala Vella for swimming, eat a BBQ onboard, use the included paddle surfs, then sail back through the Bay at an easy pace. The small-group approach (max 36) is a strong reason to choose this over larger boats.

I’d think twice if you’re hunting for a multi-stop itinerary with lots of separate viewpoints. This is designed around quality time in one cove, not maximum number of stops. Also remember the route can shift with weather, so it’s best to pick this when you can be a little flexible with your schedule.

If that matches how you like to travel, Oasis Catamaran is the kind of half-day that tends to leave you feeling satisfied rather than rushed.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour?

The experience lasts about 4 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start in Palma?

It meets at HJ9V+29 Palma, Spain (also listed as HJ9V+294 Palma, Spain), and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the BBQ included?

Yes. The BBQ is prepared on board and served during the stop at Cala Vella.

Are paddle surfs included?

Yes. Paddle surfs are on board and included in the price.

How many people are on the catamaran?

The catamaran’s capacity is 57, but the tour only accepts a maximum of 36 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid is not refunded.

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