A catamaran day beats beach crowds fast. This Mallorca cruise leaves from Port of Palma, sails Palma Bay, and builds in real time to swim off the boat, including a stop at Cala Blava for lunch. It’s an easy way to see Mallorca’s coastline from the water without renting a car or hunting parking.

I like two things most. First, the mix of viewpoints and water time: you get multiple stops (including Cap Rocat and Cala Vella) where you can jump in and enjoy the Mediterranean. Second, the included meal is a real lunch on board, plus water during lunch, so you’re not rationing snacks all afternoon.

One drawback to plan around: snorkeling is not guaranteed to feel like a full gear-and-fins dive. Snorkel equipment costs extra, and some stops can be in deeper water depending on wind and safety rules.

Key Things To Know Before You Go

• Morning departure from Muelle Golondrina in Palma, with the boat’s day starting around 9:30–9:45am.
• Swim breaks happen from the catamaran, not by stepping onto a shore every time.
• Cala Blava is the lunch anchor point, and it’s the tour’s named highlight stop.
• Snorkel gear is not included; you can buy it on board for 20€.
• On busy days, seating can feel tight—and there’s a reserved front area with an extra fee.
• Timing can shift with wind and weather, because the itinerary may change for safety.

Arriving at the Port: Muelle Golondrina, Palma de Mallorca

Your day starts at Muelle Golondrina, Av. de Gabriel Roca, s/n, 07014 Palma. This is close to public transportation, so you can usually avoid a stressful taxi hunt. Bring sunscreen with a high SPF—strong sun off the water is real, even when the breeze feels cool.

This tour uses a mobile ticket (nice and simple), and it runs in English. It’s also family-friendly in theory (children must be with an adult), and the overall cap is up to 100 travelers. Still, catamarans can feel fuller than you expect once everyone is settled and the boat is moving—so plan to be flexible about “space.”

One more practical note: you’ll be outdoors for the entire ride, so think in layers. Even in summer, the combination of wind + sea spray can cool you down when you’re sitting still.

Cruising Palma Bay: Cathedral Views and Easy Deck Time

Once you’re on board, you’ll get a short welcome/boarding window and then sail through the Bay of Palma. This part is made for relaxed deck time. If you like taking photos from the water, you’ll get a clear view of the coastline and the kind of skyline shots you can’t easily recreate from the promenade.

This leg is also about enjoying the “in-between” moments. The catamaran lets you drift past harbors and viewpoints at a steady pace, so it’s a nice break from Palma’s traffic and beach crowding. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple and you want a calm morning activity, this is usually where the day clicks.

Expect that the boat is under engine power for a good chunk of the trip. That’s not a problem—just know it means you’ll be watching scenery more than “feeling the sail” most of the time. If your priority is serious sailing, you might want to temper expectations.

Cap Rocat: Cliffs, Open Water, and a More Wild Feeling

After cruising out, you’ll pass Cap Rocat, a stretch known for dramatic cliffs and rugged coastline. The vibe here is different from a resort beach. Instead of sand and sun umbrellas, you get rock forms and clear water that looks like it belongs on a postcard.

This stop is a shorter one, but it’s the right kind of stop for people who like to look first and swim second. You can scan the coastline, watch swimmers (if conditions allow), and get oriented to the geography of Mallorca’s coast from a high, offshore vantage.

The main consideration: water conditions matter. When the sea is choppy, jump-in time can be a bit more work than a calm swim. If you’re not fully confident in the water, ask the crew what they recommend before you climb down. Life jackets are available on board according to the operator’s guidance—just don’t assume one will be handed to you automatically.

Cala Vella Swim Break: This Is Where You’ll Feel It

Cala Vella is the long swim stop, and this is where the cruise turns into a real water day. You’ll have time to jump off the catamaran, swim in the open water, and (depending on conditions) head toward nearby sandy areas. For a more adventurous approach, there are also natural pools linked to older quarry formations, which can make for a different kind of shallow-water dip.

Why this stop matters: most Mallorca cruises sell the water idea, but not all of them give enough time to actually enjoy it. Cala Vella is one of the times in this itinerary that feels built for swimming—not just for anchoring and letting everyone take two quick pictures.

One reality check from experience on similar routes: not every swim spot is shallow. Some anchoring positions can be deeper, so you may need to be comfortable with getting in and swimming without immediate “walk-out” access. If you brought snorkel gear, you’ll likely be tempted to use it right away—just keep a close eye on the water conditions and where the boat is anchored.

Cala Blava Lunch: Food, Then Back Into the Sea Air

Lunch happens at Cala Blava, and this is described as the tour highlight stop. The meal is included, and the list of dishes is quite substantial for a boat trip. You’ll find things like dates with bacon, beef meatballs with Thai sauce, a chicken, ginger and mango salad, and multiple hot sides and vegetarian-friendly options.

There’s also Trampó (a fresh tomato and pepper salad), vegetable rice, vegetables spring rolls, curry samosas, mixed salad with oranges, bread, fruit salad, and vanilla ice cream. Plus, you get water during lunch.

How to set expectations: boat lunches are never fine dining, and this is the kind of buffet that’s designed to feed a lot of people efficiently. Still, the spread here is better than you’d expect at this price point—especially if you’re traveling with someone who usually complains about “tour food.”

After lunch, the atmosphere depends on the weather. If the sea is calm, it’s a perfect reset: eat, hydrate, then get back to swimming when the boat is ready to move.

Snorkeling on This Trip: What’s Included vs What You’ll Pay For

This is the part where you should read carefully and plan smart. Snorkel equipment is not included. The tour says you can buy it on board for 20€.

Also, the experience seems to focus more on swimming than on a structured snorkeling session. Some accounts suggest you may be provided a mask but not full gear like fins, and swimming can happen from deeper anchorage points. In plain terms: if snorkeling is your main reason to book, go in knowing you might get more “swim + look” than “guided reef snorkel with fins.”

My advice if you care about snorkeling depth and comfort:

• Bring your own mask if you already own one you trust.
• If you’re renting, budget for the full kit (or at least verify what’s included when you buy).
• Ask the crew what the water visibility is like at the stop you care about most.

This isn’t a deal-breaker for the right person. If you want Mediterranean water time, dramatic coast views, and a comfortable included lunch, it can still be a great day.

Crowds, Seating, and the Front-Nets VIP Detail

This boat can get busy. Even though the operator lists a max of 100 travelers, catamarans in general can carry more capacity, and one review noted near-full conditions and a reserved front area. The big takeaway is simple: on a crowded day, you might not get the exact “front net” photo spot you imagined from promotional images.

There’s also mention of an extra charge for the reserved front seating/nets area (described as 100€ for two people). Whether that’s important to you depends on your vibe. If you’re happy finding a spot mid-boat or relaxing from a normal seat, you’ll probably feel fine once you’re underway.

Then there’s the “boat energy” factor. Some people describe it as a fun, sometimes party-leaning atmosphere (music, drinks, and groups). If you want quiet and nature-first calm, you’ll still have the coast and water to focus on. Just don’t expect library-level silence.

Price and Value: Is $93.83 Worth Your Time?

For $93.83 per person and about five hours on the water, the value comes from three things:

• A round-trip catamaran cruise from Palma
• Lunch included (with a fairly long menu) plus water during lunch
• Multiple swim stops, including Cala Vella and Cala Blava in the south-coast area

If you were to price out lunch + a boat experience + time in the water separately, you’d likely spend more. That’s where this trip lands as a smart “one-ticket day” for many visitors.

Where the value story can wobble is snorkeling. Because snorkel equipment isn’t included and the actual snorkeling time may be more casual than some people expect, you need to match your expectations to the format. If you bring your own gear or plan to buy it, the experience becomes more aligned with what you want.

In other words: it’s a solid boat day with food and swimming. It’s not guaranteed to be a reef-focused snorkeling excursion.

Who Should Book This Mallorca Catamaran Cruise?

This tour fits best if you want a relaxed morning out of Palma with real coast views and swim opportunities, without having to drive. I’d also suggest it to people who like social days but can still find their quiet moment on deck.

You might skip it if:

• Snorkeling is your top goal and you expect full fins + shallow reef access at each stop.
• You want a guaranteed quiet atmosphere.
• You’re very sensitive to schedule changes from wind and weather.

On the positive side, the crew seems consistently described as friendly and helpful. One staff member, Toni, came up in an account as especially helpful with directions and getting a last-minute spot. That kind of support matters when you’re dealing with port logistics and a boat schedule.

Should You Book It? My Decision Guide

If you’re planning a Mallorca trip and want an easy, well-fed, sea-focused half-day that includes multiple swim points—this is the kind of booking that can save you time and stress. The included lunch at Cala Blava is a strong value marker, and the combination of Palma Bay views plus Cap Rocat and Cala Vella makes for a good mix of scenery and water time.

My final nudge: treat the snorkeling as a bonus, not a promise of deep-water reef magic. If you’re prepared to buy equipment (or bring your own), and you’re comfortable swimming from the boat, you’ll be happier.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Mallorca catamaran cruise and snorkeling trip?

It runs for about 5 hours. The itinerary can change depending on wind, time, or weather and safety reasons.

What time does the tour start and where do I meet?

The meeting point is Muelle Golondrina, Av. de Gabriel Roca, s/n, 07014 Palma. The start time is 9:45am, and the cruise is described as sailing from the Port of Palma around 9:30.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and water is included during lunch.

Are drinks included on board?

No. Drinks are not included, but there is a bar on board.

Do I get snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkel equipment is not included. You can buy it on board for 20€.

Where does the tour sail from and where does it end?

It starts at Muelle Golondrina in Palma and ends back at the same meeting point.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is the cruise dependent on weather?

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

You Might Also Enjoy

3 Hours Historic E-Bike Tour in Palma de MallorcaDiscover Son Serra de Marina offroad e-scooters 100%FUN adventureFrom Cala Millor: East Coast Glass-Bottom Boat Trip4-Hour Market Visit and Traditional Cooking Workshop in Palma