Water makes Mallorca feel instant. This 5-hour catamaran cruise brings you to two picture-perfect swim coves, and the BBQ lunch is prepared right on board. I love the way the schedule balances sailing time with real time in the water, not just a quick dip. One thing to consider: it’s a popular, full-size boat, so the start can feel busy before you find space.
You cruise out of Port of Palma and sail along the south coast, passing marinas and big-ship views on the way to your anchoring spots. Depending on wind and conditions, your two swim stops are typically Portals Vells or Cala Vella, plus a nearby cove.
You get complimentary snorkeling masks (with a small €10 refundable deposit) and life vests for adults and children. If you choose the late-afternoon sailing, you also have a very real shot at a golden-hour return view of Palma.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You’ll Notice Right Away
- Getting on Board at the Port of Palma (and Finding It Fast)
- The South-Coast Route: Portals Vells and Cala Vella Swims
- What Snorkeling Gear Really Means Here
- The Onboard BBQ Lunch: More Than Bread and Sad Meat
- Sailing Past the Big Views (and Why the Timing Matters)
- The Crew Vibe: Fun Energy With Real Service
- What the 5 Hours Feel Like on the Ground
- Value for About $69: What You’re Getting for the Money
- Tips to Make Your Day Smoother (Small Stuff That Matters)
- Who Should Book This Catamaran Cruise (and Who Might Want Another Option)
- Should You Book It?
- FAQ
- How long is the catamaran cruise?
- What times are the departures in Palma?
- Where is the meeting point for Magic Catamarans?
- What’s included with the lunch and drinks?
- Do I need to pay for snorkeling equipment?
- Can I buy alcohol on board, and are there limits on card payment?
Key Highlights You’ll Notice Right Away
- Two anchor-and-swim stops along Mallorca’s south coast, chosen by wind and conditions
- BBQ buffet on board with multiple grilled meats, fresh salads, and cake
- Drinks included during the trip, plus Mallorca wine and sangria with lunch
- Snorkeling masks provided (refundable cash deposit) so you can get in the water fast
- Party energy without the chaos, helped by lively crew and music
- A big-boat feel at boarding, then plenty of room once you’re under way
Getting on Board at the Port of Palma (and Finding It Fast)
The meeting point is the Port of Palma, docked in front of the Auditorium de Palma on the Passeig Marítim. Look specifically for a boat labeled Magic Catamarans on the harbor side. Arrive about 30 minutes early, because parking around the port is limited and the line to board can build.
The practical win here is how straightforward it is once you’re at the dock. This is not a complicated “meet in a back alley” situation. You show up, board the catamaran, and you’re on the water quickly.
If you’re the type who hates standing around, plan to get a good spot in line early, then settle in once everyone is moving. I’ve seen this trip described as smooth once departure starts, even if boarding feels like a small crowd-management exercise.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Mallorca
The South-Coast Route: Portals Vells and Cala Vella Swims
The heart of this cruise is simple: sail out, drop anchor, and swim in coves with clear, turquoise water. Your exact swim location depends on wind conditions, but the common pattern is:
- One stop at Portals Vells or Cala Vella
- A second stop at a nearby cove to get more swim time
What makes these south-coast stops special is the short distance from shore. You’re not always swimming far out. You can often get in, float around, snorkel, and still swim back without turning it into a workout.
There’s also a pattern to how the water can feel at each stop. The first anchoring spot is often the most clear and fish-friendly. The second can sometimes be deeper water, which may mean less visibility with snorkels even though the swim is still refreshing and fun. If you care most about snorkeling clarity, keep your expectations flexible and enjoy whichever cove you get that day.
What Snorkeling Gear Really Means Here
You’ll have complimentary snorkeling masks, but there’s a catch: you need to pay a €10 refundable deposit in cash to use the gear. That means you should bring cash just for this, even if you plan to pay for everything else by card.
Life vests are provided for both adults and children. You won’t be the only person wearing one—lots of swimmers like the added comfort while they float and adjust their mask.
A small practical tip: if you want the easiest, least-stress water time, put on your swimwear before boarding. The faster you’re dressed, the faster you’re in. You’ll likely have enough time at each stop to swim first, then snorkel, then repeat.
The Onboard BBQ Lunch: More Than Bread and Sad Meat
Lunch is served as a buffet meal after you’ve had time to swim and snorkel. The BBQ spread typically includes grilled options like chicken breast, skewers, and sausages, along with fresh salads. Dessert is cake.
A lot of boat lunches can feel like a chore—this one gets repeated praise for being filling and actually tasty. One reason it works: the meal is timed around your swim schedule, so you’re hungry in a good way, not in a hangry way.
Drinks are also part of the included value:
- Soft drinks and mineral water are included for the whole excursion
- Coffee and juice are included too
- Mallorca wine and sangria are included during the meal
Important note: alcoholic drinks outside mealtime are not included. You can buy them on board at the bar with card, but American Express isn’t accepted.
If you’re the group planner, this is a nice setup. Everyone gets a meal and drinks without the typical “What’s included?” confusion that can turn a fun day into a small spreadsheet project.
Sailing Past the Big Views (and Why the Timing Matters)
This cruise is built around a 5-hour window, with two departure options:
- Morning departure at 10:00 AM
- Afternoon departure at 3:30 PM
Both work, but they feel different.
If you go in the morning, you’ll likely enjoy more daylight for swimming and a more relaxed onboard rhythm. You’ll also avoid the late-day fatigue that can hit people after a long first half of the trip.
If you go at 3:30 PM, you’ll finish with a return sail back toward Palma, and you may catch golden light and photos near the cathedral area. Some passengers specifically call out the view as a highlight on the way back, which makes sense—this is one of those Mallorca moments where the sea turns into a mirror.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Mallorca
The Crew Vibe: Fun Energy With Real Service
This isn’t a silent, formal cruise. The boat atmosphere is lively, with music playing during the day and a “let’s have fun” energy that seems intentional, not accidental.
Crew members are repeatedly described as energetic and helpful, and one captain named Perez comes up in reviews as part of the hands-on, upbeat hosting style. You’ll feel it in small ways: setting expectations at the right times, staying on top of the food flow, and keeping the day moving.
One thing I’d watch for: the music volume and vibe can vary a bit depending on the group and conditions. If you’re hoping for a party that’s loud enough to overpower everything, you might want to mentally frame this as a “feel-good background soundtrack,” not a full nightclub system.
What the 5 Hours Feel Like on the Ground
Even though it’s only five hours, the pacing is designed to hit three goals:
- Get you onto the water fast
- Give you real swim time at two separate spots
- Feed you a proper lunch right when you’re ready
There’s usually an easy sail to the first anchoring cove. Then you swim. The crew sets up lunch after you’re back on board. After the first meal-and-recover window, you head to the second stop and swim again.
The upside of this format is that you don’t feel like you’re trapped waiting for your turn. Once you’re anchored, it’s largely your time in the water.
Value for About $69: What You’re Getting for the Money
At around $69 per person for five hours, the value comes from packing several costs into one ticket:
- Boat tour (the main cost)
- A buffet BBQ lunch
- Wines and sangria included with lunch
- Soft drinks, mineral water, coffee, and juice for the whole outing
- Snorkeling masks included (with a small refundable deposit)
- Life vests included
That’s a big deal because you’d otherwise pay separately for many of these pieces on land: food, drinks, rental gear, and a boat excursion with less included.
So this isn’t just “cheap boat time.” It’s boat time + food + drinks + swim access. If you’re traveling with friends or family, it’s also easier to keep everyone on the same page.
Tips to Make Your Day Smoother (Small Stuff That Matters)
Here’s how to get the best version of this cruise:
- Wear water-ready shoes or at least something with grip. Deck surfaces can get slick.
- Bring sunscreen and reapply. You’ll be in sun for long stretches.
- If you want snorkeling gear, bring cash for the refundable €10 deposit.
- Pack a light dry bag for your phone and any valuables you don’t want to worry about.
- If you booked multiple reservations and want to be together, contact the provider to coordinate seating/boarding.
- Expect the route to change with weather. Mallorca sea days are real-life sea days.
One more practical point: the boat is a larger catamaran, so you might feel like the “everyone is boarding at once” crowd in the beginning. Once you’re underway, you can usually move around and find your comfort zone.
Who Should Book This Catamaran Cruise (and Who Might Want Another Option)
This is a great fit if you want:
- A swim-focused Mallorca experience without complicated planning
- Included lunch and drinks so you can relax
- A fun, social atmosphere with a crew that keeps energy high
- A day that works for solo travelers, couples, and families (age ranges seen include kids and older adults)
You might think twice if you strongly prefer:
- A tiny, quiet, private boat experience (this is more of a shared outing)
- A strict snorkeling-first itinerary with guaranteed visibility at both stops (water clarity can shift with depth and conditions)
Should You Book It?
Yes, I think you should book this cruise if your Mallorca day needs a simple formula: sail, swim, eat, repeat. The included BBQ lunch, drinks, and two swim stops make it feel like you’re buying a complete sea-day package rather than just transportation.
Book it especially if you:
- Want included wine and sangria with lunch
- Plan to spend real time in the water (not just toes-in)
- Like a friendly, music-playing boat atmosphere
If you’re picky about snorkeling visibility, go with flexible expectations and treat snorkeling as part of the fun, not the only goal. And arrive early so you can start the day calm, not rushed.
FAQ
How long is the catamaran cruise?
The cruise lasts 5 hours.
What times are the departures in Palma?
There are two departure times: 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM.
Where is the meeting point for Magic Catamarans?
Meet at the Port of Palma at the boat dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma, on the Passeig Marítim. Look for a boat labeled Magic Catamarans on the harbor side.
What’s included with the lunch and drinks?
A buffet meal is included with BBQ meats, fresh salads, and cake for dessert. Soft drinks, mineral water, coffee, and juice are included during the full excursion, and wines from Mallorca plus sangria are included during the meal.
Do I need to pay for snorkeling equipment?
Snorkeling equipment is provided with a €10 refundable deposit paid in cash. Life vests are provided for adults and children.
Can I buy alcohol on board, and are there limits on card payment?
Alcoholic drinks outside of mealtime can be purchased at the bar. Only card payments are accepted on board, and American Express is not accepted.
