Palma Bay: Boat Tour with BBQ, Snorkelling, & Sunset Option

Three hours, and the water does the talking. This Palma Bay cruise off Mallorca is all about open-air comfort, crystal-clear swim spots, and big views of the coast near the Palma Marine Nature Reserve. You’re on a real boat day, not a bus-and-photos routine.

I really like the simple plan: a short cruise, a swim-and-snorkel stop (when conditions are good), then food and drinks back on board. The BBQ setup plus the included catering makes it feel like you’re not constantly spending extra money. The main drawback is the time: it’s only 3 hours total, and you get just one scheduled swim/snorkel stop, so serious snorkel fans might want more water time than the tour allows.

Key things I’d prioritize before you book

• Super Delfin Verde + local crew energy that keeps things friendly and organized
• One main swim and snorkeling stop in the Natural Reserve area, if weather cooperates
• BBQ and full onboard meal (not just a snack) plus dessert
• Beer, sangria, and water included for the basics while a bar sells more
• Daytime or sunset options so you match the trip to your mood
• A lively music vibe with photo moments and dancing on some sailings

From Can Pastilla to the Palma Marine Nature Reserve

Most sailings start from Can Pastilla, then head toward the Palma Marine Nature Reserve zone. The route is made for sea views: you cruise along the coast, with the chance to spot the contrast between Mediterranean vegetation and sandy beaches like Illetas and Cala Mayor.

Depending on which direction your tour runs, you might also see references to continuing toward Palmanova and the wider Bay of Palma. The point isn’t “sightseeing stops all day.” It’s the feeling of leaving Palma’s shoreline behind, then watching the coast change color and texture as you move.

One detail that matters for your day: boarding closes 20 minutes before departure and the boat won’t wait. That means you’ll want to arrive early enough to park and walk in without stress.

The onboard vibe on Super Delfin Verde: music, photos, and a friendly crew

This isn’t a quiet, library-on-a-boat type of trip. The atmosphere is social, with music playing on board and a crew that acts more like hosts than just attendants. In the experience, names like Roger, Juan Diego, Marc, Santi, Diego, and David come up in how people describe the team’s personalities—so if you like animated energy, you’ll likely feel at home here.

You also get the kind of service that makes a short trip run smoothly: food is set out, the bar handles drinks, and the crew looks after safety during swim time. Several people highlight that the team keeps things organized even with a mixed group (different ages, different comfort levels, and different reasons for coming).

If you’re the type who wants a calm sunset and no music at all, you should know this tour can skew lively. Music volume is one complaint that shows up, so bring that expectation with you.

Your swimming and snorkeling stop in crystal water

The heart of the tour is the planned water time. You’ll sail toward the reserve area, and then make one swim stop (weather permitting) in spots described as idyllic and tucked-away, like Cala Vella.

What you’ll enjoy most:

• Jumping in from the boat and swimming in water people describe as very clear
• Snorkeling equipment included, so you can try it without extra cost
• Time to sunbathe and relax on board while you wait for food and the next leg of the cruise

What to keep realistic:

• You only get one main stop, and the exact snorkeling quality can vary. One person called out that a snorkeling point didn’t have the underwater visibility they expected.
• If your goal is to see lots of fish and coral detail for hours, this may feel short. Think of it as a “try it and enjoy it” snorkeling moment, not a specialist marine-life expedition.

A practical tip: if you’re serious about snorkeling comfort, consider bringing your own comfort gear if you have it. Some people also mention you can rent snorkeling goggles, which can help if you don’t have the right setup.

BBQ and onboard catering: what’s included for $69

Here’s where this tour earns its value. For $69 per person (3 hours), you’re not just paying for boat time—you’re paying for food structure.

Included meal items:

• BBQ hamburger
• Tomato mozzarella skewer with basil and balsamic cream
• Spring roll
• Potato salad
• Dessert: watermelon and pineapple
• Snorkeling equipment
• 1 drink (water, beer, or sangria)
• Insurance and fees

That’s a lot of “in-the-box” spending you would normally handle on your own. If you’ve ever bought lunch near the water and then added drinks and snacks, you’ll see why the price works for many people.

Drinks are also worth calling out. You get one included drink to start. After that, there’s a bar onboard where you can purchase more. Several people say the sangria is tasty, and a few mention it’s a good deal compared to typical bar prices.

Dietary note you shouldn’t ignore: the BBQ burgers include beef and pork, and one non-pork eater described the options as limited (chicken sausages are mentioned as an alternative). If you avoid pork for religious or personal reasons, plan ahead and message the operator with your dietary needs before you go.

Also, towel isn’t included. Bring one if you don’t want to dry off however you can.

Daytime vs sunset: which option matches your Mallorca mood?

You can choose a daytime or sunset option, both roughly 3 hours. The best choice depends on what you want most out of those hours.

If you choose daytime:

• You’re more likely to maximize swim time while the sun is higher
• The vibe is still fun, but you’ll likely feel more “beach day” energy

If you choose sunset:

• You get the golden-hour cruise effect, with the coastline looking different on the way out and back
• People call out the sunset as a highlight, and some mention romance-style moments like proposals happening on this kind of sailing

One more practical point: if your sunset tour includes a swim stop before the light shifts, you’ll want to be ready to get into the water when the crew calls it. No wandering around waiting for “later.” The schedule is tight because the boat has to depart on time.

Price and value check: does $69 make sense here?

For a 3-hour boat tour, $69 is only “cheap” if the tour delivers on the basics. Here, the basics are covered: food, dessert, and snorkeling gear are included, and you also get one drink.

The value story is simple:

• If you’d otherwise pay for lunch + drinks separately, the meal inclusion makes the total feel fair
• The snorkeling equipment included saves you from last-minute add-ons
• Insurance and fees being included means fewer surprise costs

That said, value doesn’t mean everything is perfect. Some people mention the experience can feel a bit crowded for the boat size, and because the tour is short, you don’t get endless chances to swim. For many, that’s exactly why they choose it. For others, it’s the trade-off.

Things to watch for: timing, crowds, and non-pork limits

A few practical considerations can help you avoid disappointment:

• Time is tight. You get one main swim/snorkel stop and then it’s back to food and cruising. If you want hours of snorkeling in one go, this isn’t built for that.
• Boarding cutoff is real. With a 20-minute closing window, arriving late can ruin your day even if you’re “basically there.”
• Some snorkel stops may be better than others. Clear water helps, but visibility for seeing marine life isn’t guaranteed at every stop.
• Food is convenient, not tailored. BBQ burgers include pork, and one person reported limited options if you avoid pork.
• Not suitable for mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Plan accordingly if mobility is a concern.

If you match your expectations to a fun, short Mallorca sea day, you’ll likely feel satisfied.

Should you book this Palma Bay boat tour?

Book it if you want:

• A 3-hour Mallorca cruise from Can Pastilla that mixes scenery + swimming + a real BBQ meal
• A lively onboard vibe with music and social energy
• Included snorkeling gear and a straightforward plan without extra spending

Skip it (or at least reconsider) if:

• You need a long snorkeling session focused on marine life
• You avoid pork and can’t confirm a suitable alternative
• You strongly prefer quiet, low-key tours
• You use a wheelchair or have mobility limitations that would make boarding and moving around unsafe

If you’re flexible, come ready to swim, and show up early for boarding, this is one of those Mallorca activities that tends to make your day feel like it’s finally on “island time.”

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The tour lasts 3 hours.

Where does the tour depart from?

The departure is listed as Can Pastilla, and the route can also reference sailing toward Palmanova depending on the option booked.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and there’s typically one swimming stop along the route if the weather is good.

What food is included on board?

Included meal items are BBQ hamburger, tomato mozzarella skewer with basil and balsamic cream, spring roll, potato salad, plus dessert (watermelon and pineapple).

What drinks are included?

You get 1 drink included (water, beer, or sangria). Other drinks can be purchased from the onboard bar.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Towel is not included, so you’ll want to bring one.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off is not included.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users.

What’s the cancellation/refund situation?

The info lists free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, but it also includes a note saying the ticket is non refundable. Check the exact terms shown during booking. Also, boarding closes 20 minutes before departure, and the boat leaves on time.