Five hours of sun, salt, and BBQ. This catamaran sail from Palma pairs a 2023 boat with small-group comfort (max 55) and real food stops in some of Mallorca’s prettiest coves.

You’ll start with an aperitif at La Cueva Verda, then reach the nature-reserve area of Cala Vella for swimming and a freshly prepared BBQ on board. The included stand-up paddleboard gear (paddle surfs) turns the stop into something you actually do, not just watch.

One consideration: the route can change with weather, and if you’re sensitive to onboard music volume, pick your seat plan early when you board.

Key Points Before You Go

• Small-group sailing on a big boat: capacity is 84, but the trip caps at 55 for comfort.
• Food is part of the schedule: aperitif at the first stop, then a BBQ at the second.
• Cala Vella is the star swim stop: plan time to swim, relax, and use the water gear.
• Stand-up paddleboarding is included: paddle surfs are on board during the excursion.
• Bar is available, but drinks aren’t included: cocktails and mixers are pay-as-you-go.
• Weather affects the exact plan: expect route adjustments if conditions shift.

Why This Oasis Catamaran Sail Feels Like a Day on the Water

Catamaran days in Mallorca can range from relaxed and scenic to crowded and rushed. This one aims for the sweet spot: a newer catamaran (built in 2023) with enough room that you can actually spread out, plus a strict cap so you’re not packed shoulder-to-shoulder.

The value also comes from how the time is structured. You’re not just spending hours moving between viewpoints. You’re scheduled for a proper aperitif and then an onboard BBQ right where the water looks inviting. That matters because a lot of boat tours sell the “boat experience,” but food and swim time are what make it feel like a real half-day outing.

There’s also a practical touch: the operation keeps the group small relative to the boat’s capacity. That usually translates into easier boarding, more seating options (covered and sun areas), and a calmer vibe when you’re taking your turn on the water.

Palma Meeting Point: Getting Onboard Without Stress

Your start point is Oasis Catamaran at Av. de Gabriel Roca, 16, 07014 Palma. Since this is a port departure, I recommend arriving a bit early so you have time to park yourself, use restrooms, and get your gear sorted.

A small detail that can save you time: when boarding, you might be asked to take your shoes off. That’s not a huge deal, but it’s smart to wear easy, comfortable footwear for the short walk around the dock area.

What to bring is straightforward:

• Sunscreen (and reapply during the swim stop)
• A swimsuit you can actually get into quickly
• A light cover-up for between swim and meal
• Water shoes or sandals you can stand in comfortably
• A towel if you prefer one (the included info doesn’t say towels are provided)

You’ll get a mobile ticket, so keep your phone charged and ready when you arrive.

The First Stop: La Cueva Verda Aperitif Time

After leaving the Port of Palma, the sail heads toward La Cueva Verda for the aperitif stop. This is the part of the outing that sets the tone. Instead of rushing directly to “the swim spot,” the schedule builds in a relaxed start with drinks and snacks.

Here’s why I like this approach: it gives you a buffer. On a sail day, weather changes fast. Even if the sea is a little choppy, an earlier food-and-drink break helps you settle in before you’re asked to jump in the water.

The included aperitif at the first stop is one of the strongest “value levers” in the package. At this price point, it’s not just you paying for time on a boat—you’re paying for a structured meal moment that’s built into the itinerary.

Cala Vella: Swimming, Paddleboards, and a Fresh BBQ

The real payoff comes at Cala Vella, a nature-reserve area known for idyllic coves and clear water. The plan includes a stop long enough to swim and relax. This is where you should shift from sightseeing mode to do-the-fun-stuff mode.

You’ll also get the included BBQ prepared on board during the Cala Vella stop. That’s a big deal because it turns the swim break into a full reset: water first, then food, then back to the water if you still have energy.

Two practical things to keep in mind for this portion:

1. Bring swim confidence (or at least a willingness to hang out at the edge). The water is a highlight, but entry can vary by conditions and where the boat anchors.
2. Plan for the full block of time. Even if you think you’ll only swim briefly, the best part of Cala Vella is the lingering: floating, paddle time, and switching between sun and shade.

Also, you’ll have stand-up paddleboarding included (paddle surfs on board). You don’t need to be an expert. This is one of those activities that works even at a beginner level because you’re out on calm, scenic water—if conditions allow.

Onboard Life: Seating, Atmosphere, and the Drinks Bar

This is a sailing outing, not a bus ride with a view. The catamaran has space for people to relax, and the operator keeps the group to 55 max, which helps a lot with finding your spot.

Expect to have areas that feel different:

• Covered seating for shade and wind protection
• Sun areas for getting that classic “boat tan” (or a warning tan if you forgot sunscreen)

Food service runs as part of the plan, and there’s also an onboard bar that stays open during the excursion. The important part for your wallet: the bar is available, but drinks are not included. So if you’re the kind of person who orders cocktails, factor that in.

Music is the one “wild card” onboard. Some people like the playlist energy; others find it hard to chat when the volume is high. If you’re going with family or you want conversation time, choose seats more away from where you think speakers are placed and keep that plan flexible.

Route Flexibility: How Weather Can Change Your Day

The route can be altered depending on weather circumstances. That’s not a red flag—it’s how boats work in the Mediterranean. But it does mean you should avoid thinking of the trip as a rigid script.

What this means for you:

• Don’t build your day around a very exact number of stops.
• If swimming is your top priority, check the forecast day-of and aim for conditions that look calm.
• Stay friendly with the crew. The better they can communicate under changing conditions, the better your experience tends to be.

A good catamaran experience depends on pacing, and pacing gets affected by sea state. The upside is that the operator is still aiming to deliver the core moments: swim time at Cala Vella and the included food stops.

What You’re Really Paying for at $109.31

At $109.31 per person, you’re buying more than “a boat ride.” The included package covers:

• An aperitif at the first stop
• A BBQ prepared on board
• Stand-up paddleboarding access

That combination is what makes this feel like value. Many tours include one food moment and then charge extra for water activities. Here, you get both the food and the action included, which means you’re not constantly adding costs during the afternoon.

The smaller group cap also helps value. An 84-person catamaran can feel very different when the cap is 55. You tend to get:

• More room to sit without playing musical chairs
• A calmer vibe during boarding and meal time
• Better odds that you’ll actually enjoy the sail instead of feeling stuck in a crowd

The key budgeting note: drinks are not included. If you plan to buy cocktails or mixers, that’s where your final cost can climb. If you keep it to water, soda, or an occasional drink, the package price likely feels more predictable.

Who This Catamaran Is Best For

This sail fits best when you want a relaxed half-day with a mix of scenic sailing, time in the water, and onboard food.

It’s a strong pick if you:

• Like the idea of an organized swim stop at a cove
• Want included paddleboarding without extra ticket math
• Prefer a smaller group over big-boat crowds
• Are traveling as a couple, small group, or family who doesn’t need a guided lecture

It may be less ideal if you:

• Want quiet, low-volume conversation the whole time (music can be loud)
• Are extremely strict about seeing the exact same sequence of stops every single outing
• Need a lot of hands-on guidance for entering the water (your experience will depend on conditions)

Quick Booking Checklist (So the Day Goes Smooth)

Before you go, make your life easier with a simple plan:

• Wear swim-ready clothes under layers you can peel off fast
• Pack sunscreen and something for after-swim (even a light shirt helps)
• Charge your phone for your mobile ticket
• If music volume bothers you, choose seats thoughtfully when you board
• Bring a little flexibility in your schedule due to weather

That’s how you turn a “good” sailing day into a “we should do this again next time” sailing day.

Should You Book This Palma Catamaran with Aperitif and BBQ?

I’d book it if you want a comfortable, small-group catamaran day with included food moments and included paddleboarding. The price makes sense when you remember you’re paying for the aperitif, the BBQ, and the water activity, not just time on the deck.

I’d think twice if your main goal is quiet conversation or you’re very sensitive to schedule changes. Weather can shift plans, and onboard music levels can affect the mood.

If you’re aiming for a classic Mallorca afternoon—boat ride, clear-water swim time, and food you don’t have to hunt for—this is the kind of trip that fits.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran experience?

It lasts about 5 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start?

You start at OASIS CATAMARAN, Av. de Gabriel Roca, 16, 07014 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain.

What food is included?

You get an appetizer at the first stop and a freshly prepared BBQ at the second stop.

Are drinks included?

No. The bar is open throughout the excursion, but drinks are not included.

Is stand-up paddleboarding included?

Yes. Stand up paddle boarding is included, and paddle surfs are on board.

Where do you swim during the trip?

You’ll stop at Cala Vella for swimming and relaxing in the clear waters.

How many people are on board?

The catamaran capacity is 84, but the experience sails with a maximum of 55 people.

What if weather is poor?

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

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