Salt air and BBQ beat the usual Mallorca routine. This 4-hour catamaran ride in the Bay of Palma mixes sailing with time to swim, snorkel, and just chill in the sun. You’ll head toward a nature reserve, then come back to port with the whole experience built around sea time and food on deck.
What I like most is the combination of easy water access and downtime. You get BBQ (with drinks) plus multiple chances to jump in and cool off, either by swimming or using the provided snorkeling setup. A second big win is how relaxed it feels: hammocks, sunbathing, and music keep the mood light while the boat does the work.
One thing to plan for: this is a large-capacity tour (up to 146 people), so it can get crowded, especially around shaded areas. If you’re the type who needs lots of personal space, you’ll want to adjust your expectations.
In This Review
- Key highlights at a glance
- A 4-hour catamaran reset in the Bay of Palma
- Boarding at S’Arenal: start time, easy setup, and what to watch
- What the “sail toward the nature reserve” part really gives you
- Swim and snorkel stops: ladders, hammocks, and realistic expectations
- BBQ, drinks, and the music vibe on a working sea-day
- How crowded is it, really? Shade is the real currency
- Price and value: why about $78 makes sense here
- Who this catamaran suits best (and who should skip it)
- Practical tips so you enjoy it more
- Should you book the Catamaran with BBQ in the Bay of Palma?
- FAQ
- What time does the catamaran tour start?
- How long is the experience?
- Where does the tour start and end?
- Is the tour offered in English?
- Are BBQ and drinks included?
- Is snorkeling included?
- Does the tour require good weather?
- What is the maximum group size?
Key highlights at a glance
- BBQ on board with included drinks while you’re out on the water for a full half-day
- Swim access for most people, with ladders/stairs and multiple water stops
- Snorkeling equipment included, but it’s not set up like a private dive session
- Sailing toward a nature reserve for that “we’re actually going somewhere” feeling
- Up to 146 people, so expect a lively boat and limited prime shade
- English service, with the overall vibe geared for broad participation
A 4-hour catamaran reset in the Bay of Palma
If you’ve been doing the museum-and-church circuit in Mallorca, this kind of trip is a straight-up reset. You start in S’Arenal at 10:00 am and spend roughly four hours on a sailing catamaran. The schedule is simple: board, sail out, stop for swimming and snorkeling, eat, then head back.
This isn’t a “learn every detail of Mallorca’s history” outing. It’s built for water lovers and people who want a day (or chunk of a day) that feels like vacation instead of a checklist. The nature-reserve heading also matters, because it signals you’re not just cruising in circles near the harbor.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Mallorca
Boarding at S’Arenal: start time, easy setup, and what to watch
Meeting point is at GP2X+RJ S’Arenal, Spain, and the tour ends back at the same spot. That round-trip structure is one of the underrated comforts—no hunting for a new pickup, no guessing how far you’ll end up from where you started.
The tour runs in English, and confirmation is sent at booking time. Also, service animals are allowed, and it’s described as near public transportation, so it’s usually doable even if you’re not driving.
The one practical thing I’d keep in mind is timing. If you’re arriving by cruise ship, factor in real travel time by taxi. One traveler noted it’s about 25 minutes from the cruise port each way, and that adds cost on top of the ticket price.
What the “sail toward the nature reserve” part really gives you
After you’re settled on board, you’ll set sail toward a nature reserve. On paper, that sounds vague. In practice, it’s the part that makes the rest of the trip feel earned.
While the crew handles the sailing, you’re not stuck waiting around in one spot. You get sea breeze time, sun time, and that slow-motion rhythm catamarans do well—especially when the deck has room to spread out. Music is part of the experience too, and the mood can skew more chill in the morning while still staying fun.
If you’re tempted to think of the whole trip as just “BBQ and swims,” don’t. The sailing portion is where the day starts to feel like you escaped land for a bit.
Swim and snorkel stops: ladders, hammocks, and realistic expectations
The heart of this excursion is water time. You’ll have opportunities to dance around (if that’s your thing), swim in the Mediterranean, and use the snorkeling equipment provided. You can also relax in hammocks while the crew gets the barbecue ready.
Two big practical points:
- Access to the water is made easy. The experience notes that swimming is accessible for everyone on board, and ladders/stairs are available for getting in and out.
- Snorkeling is more “try it” than “gear-obsessed.” The snorkeling setup is basic, and you should plan for an easy, casual look rather than expecting a full, carefully managed dive experience.
From people who’ve done it, the pattern usually includes two main swim areas (with time at each stop). One suggestion was to spend a bit less time at the first stop and more at the second, which tells me the second swimming location tends to be the favorite. So if you’re deciding between “fastest swim and go” and “linger and float,” lean into the second stop if you can.
And here’s a small note that matters: for a boat tour, even “a couple” stops can feel like a lot because you’re swimming, climbing back in, grabbing a drink, and resetting between jumps.
BBQ, drinks, and the music vibe on a working sea-day
The barbecue happens during the cruise, once you’re settled after the sailing and water time. The idea is you’ll be out on deck with sun on your face, then shift to food and drinks as the crew prepares.
What stands out is that this doesn’t feel like a sad afterthought meal. People describe the BBQ as good and filling, with options such as pasta and chicken skewers, and even classic deck-friendly items like burgers and hot dogs. Drinks are part of the deal too—many highlight sangria as a favorite.
The music and atmosphere are part of the package. Some people mention great party vibes and jumping in immediately when the boat stops. Others describe it as relaxed at times, which makes sense if the crew keeps the tone shifting through the morning.
Bottom line: this is a “food-and-float” style boat trip. If you want gourmet dining or quiet conversation, you might feel the noise level. If you want a fun sea break with solid food, it fits well.
You can also read our reviews of more sailing experiences in Mallorca
How crowded is it, really? Shade is the real currency
This trip caps at 146 travelers, and you should treat it like a social, shared outing. Reviews and general experience point to it being packed—sometimes with around a hundred people. That doesn’t automatically mean it’s miserable.
What you should expect:
- Space for movement, especially since it’s a catamaran with open deck areas
- A lively vibe and lots of people in the swim zones
- Shade being the first thing to go
A few comments hint that the shaded areas can get overbooked, even if everyone has access to the boat and swimming. One person also mentioned life jackets not feeling plentiful enough if you truly needed them. I’m not saying it’s unsafe—but I am saying you should use your common sense. If you care about gear, keep your eyes on where life jackets are located for your area.
If you want a more peaceful day on the water, come with the right mindset. This is not a private boat. It’s a great-value group day, with the tradeoff being crowd management and shade competition.
Price and value: why about $78 makes sense here
At $78.09 per person for about four hours, the value comes from what’s bundled. You’re getting:
- a real boat ride (not just a short harbor shuffle)
- swim time with multiple water stops
- snorkeling equipment provided
- BBQ food on board
- included drinks
You’re also paying for convenience. Round-trip back to the same meeting point reduces friction. And the fact that it runs from S’Arenal makes it easier to build into a Mallorca itinerary without needing complicated logistics.
If you were to price these components separately—boat tour plus lunch plus time on the water—the total often climbs quickly. Here, the ticket is basically buying a half-day of sea access, food, and atmosphere.
That said, the main value tradeoff is the group size. If you don’t handle crowds well, a cheaper ticket won’t matter. But if you’re there to swim, eat, and enjoy the vibe, this price structure is pretty friendly.
Who this catamaran suits best (and who should skip it)
This is a strong fit if you want:
- lots of time in the water
- an easy, all-in-one half day
- a fun deck atmosphere with music and friendly crew
- BBQ lunch and included drinks as part of the package
It can also work for families, including kids, because there’s easy water access and a clear plan for the trip. If you’re traveling with teenagers, it can feel like a proper group outing where they’ll actually have something to do.
Where it may not be ideal:
- If you need lots of quiet time or guaranteed prime shade
- If you’re picky about snorkeling quality and want advanced gear
- If you’re extremely sensitive to crowds
Practical tips so you enjoy it more
A catamaran day can be more comfortable if you show up ready. Here’s what I’d do before you go:
- Bring a towel and wear swimwear under your clothes. You’ll be getting wet.
- Use sunscreen before boarding. Sea breeze doesn’t stop sun burn.
- Bring a light cover-up for when you’re done swimming.
- If you’re on a cruise, give yourself extra buffer for getting to the S’Arenal meeting point and back.
Also, keep your eyes open during the ride. One person said they were lucky enough to spot dolphins. No guarantee, but it’s the kind of moment you notice when you’re actually out at sea instead of stuck near shore.
Should you book the Catamaran with BBQ in the Bay of Palma?
Book it if you want a simple, fun half-day that centers on swimming, sailing, and an included meal. The BBQ and drinks make it feel complete, and the water access is genuinely a big part of why the trip works.
Skip it if you’re planning this as a peaceful nature experience where you can spread out comfortably in shade. With up to 146 people on board, you’ll need to accept the social reality and plan your comfort strategy.
My take: for the money, this is one of those trips that delivers on the basics really well—sea time, good deck energy, and a proper onboard BBQ.
FAQ
What time does the catamaran tour start?
The tour starts at 10:00 am.
How long is the experience?
It lasts about 4 hours.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at GP2X+RJ S’Arenal, Spain and ends back at the same meeting point.
Is the tour offered in English?
Yes, this tour/activity is offered in English.
Are BBQ and drinks included?
BBQ is part of the experience, and drinks are included as part of what’s provided on board.
Is snorkeling included?
Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you’ll have time to discover the underwater world.
Does the tour require good weather?
Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
What is the maximum group size?
The activity has a maximum of 146 travelers.
