You get a private sailing charter in Palma that feels personal fast, with a professional skipper and a Beneteau Oceanis 390 built for day-on-deck comfort. I like how the trip gives you real water time—swim and snorkel stops—instead of just passing by the coast. One clear consideration: if you’re prone to seasickness, this may not be the right fit.

Here’s the best part for planning your day: you’re not trapped in a big group schedule. With a small party up to 8, the crew can work with wind and weather to choose the best route, and they’ll help you settle in quickly after the short safety briefing. In the real world, that also means you’ll often get gentle sailing plus practical support from the team (Jorge, Ildi, and the skipper referred to as Captain).

So yes, it’s a fun escape. Just be honest with yourself about motion on the water.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Skipper-led private charter from Real Club Nautico de Palma, for up to 8 people
• Beneteau Oceanis 390 with generous deck space and a smart interior layout
• Half-day or full-day options with route choices based on wind and weather
• Swim, snorkeling, and SUP gear included (snorkel mask and tube, plus paddleboard)
• All-inclusive drinks and Spanish-style tapas depending on the tour format
• Small-boat feel with flexible pacing and extra attention when needed

Why this private sailing start in Real Club Nautico matters

Palma de Mallorca can feel busy on land. Out on the water, it gets calmer fast. This trip starts at the Real Club Nautico de Palma, inside the harbor, meeting in front of Corb Marí Terraza. That location matters because it’s right where the action is—close to the bay—so you spend more time on the route and less time commuting.

I also like the “arrive, get oriented, then go” rhythm. You get a short safety briefing (about 10 minutes), then you’re sailing. The crew’s style shows up repeatedly in how people describe the hosts: friendly, attentive, and ready to adjust to the group’s needs. One review mentions Jorge and his mother (called Captain) making everyone comfortable, including when someone in the group was feeling sea sick.

There’s a practical side too. There’s no hotel pickup included. If you’re staying away from the port area, plan your own transport so you’re not rushing. Once you’re dockside, the experience is smooth.

The Beneteau Oceanis 390: built for time on deck

You’re not on a tiny boat that forces everyone into the same cramped corners. The charter uses a Beneteau Oceanis 390, a model known here for generous deck space and a clever interior layout. In plain terms: you can move around without constantly bumping elbows, and you can find a comfortable spot whether you want sun, shade, or a moment to rest.

On a sailing trip, comfort isn’t luxury. It’s what lets you actually enjoy the stops. When you’re moving between sailing time and swimming time, you want easy access, stable footing, and enough room to share snorkel gear, towels, and drinks without turning it into an obstacle course. The Oceanis 390 is exactly the kind of setup that supports a relaxed pace.

One more practical included: there’s a toilet on board. That may sound like a small detail, but it’s the difference between spending the day worrying about logistics and just enjoying the water.

Half-day vs full-day routes: Cala Vella, Magaluf/Illetas, and Portals Vells

This is one of those trips where the “where” depends on the day. For half-day charters from Palma, you can sail toward Cala Vella or toward Magaluf/Illetas, with the final choice driven by wind and weather. Either way, you’re staying within the Bay of Palma area, which keeps the sailing experience gentle and convenient for a shorter time window.

If you choose the day charter, you get more range: there’s time to reach the Bay of Portals Vells, far southwest within the Bay of Palma. Portals Vells is known for its beauty, and it’s the sort of place that feels special because it’s scenic without turning into a theme park.

Here’s the tip I’d use when deciding between half-day and full-day:

• If you want a “morning reset” or an escape before dinner, half-day is the sweet spot.
• If you want time to sail, linger at anchor, and still have a proper return window with sunset on the water, go for the full-day.

Either option includes anchor stops for swimming and relaxing, and the crew handles the timing so the day doesn’t feel rushed.

How the trip flows: briefing, sail time, anchor stop, and a scenic return

Even though the exact route changes with conditions, the structure of your day is consistent.

First, you’re dockside and briefed. You’ll get a short safety briefing (around 10 minutes). Then you set out from the harbor area and start the bay sailing segment.

Then comes the sailing-and-aperitif stretch. There’s about two hours described for the Bay of Palma portion, with an aperitif feel: beer, wine, local snacks, plus scenic views while sailing. Sunset can be part of the return rhythm, depending on your charter timing.

Next is the “secret stop” style anchor time. This is where the day becomes a water day. Plan for hours at anchor for swimming and snorkeling, including marine life viewing. Drinks like beer and wine are included again, and this is also when tapas are served on the main format. Reviews consistently highlight this as the best portion—people mention jumping in multiple times, using snorkels, and enjoying toys like floats and paddleboard time.

Finally, you return toward the Bay of Palma. There’s another sailing segment described, about two hours, with snacks and drinks again, plus the scenic finish. If your exact tour format is geared toward sunset, the tapas program can shift to a lighter spread.

A quick reality check: anchor time is the heart of this trip. If your goal is just to see the coast from the water with no swimming, you might find yourself wishing you’d booked something different. If you want water time, this schedule is built for you.

Swimming, snorkeling, and SUP: real water time with the right gear

This experience earns its reputation through the included water gear and how the crew uses it. You get snorkel mask and tube, and there are also references to diving goggles and paddles available on board. There’s a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), plus floats for easier swimming around the boat.

What I like about this setup is that it works for mixed groups. Not everyone has to snorkel. Some people can swim, some can paddleboard, and some can just hang out on deck with a cold drink while others explore the water a bit.

The water stop also tends to be flexible in practice. In reviews, I saw people describe multiple swim opportunities—two swimming stops came up more than once—and that’s a big deal if you want to relax, swim twice, and still have time for food without feeling rushed.

One caution: this trip isn’t listed as suitable for people with epilepsy, and it’s also not suitable for people prone to seasickness. If you fall into either category, it’s worth thinking hard before booking.

Tapas, cava, and the drinks plan that makes the day easier

Food and drinks are included, and it’s set up to keep the day simple. You’ll get all-inclusive drinks including beer, wine, cava, and soft drinks, plus water all day and one soft drink per person as a welcome drink.

Tapas are included on the main tour format, but there’s a specific note: on the sunset tour, tapas are not served the same way. Instead, you get fruits, seeds, baguette with alioli, and chips. If you like a full tapas spread, double-check which format you’re choosing before you book.

What does the food feel like in real life? People describe it as delicious and satisfying, including Spanish omelette and cold meats in some cases. There are also notes about vegetarian options being available if you ask. That’s important because it means you’re not stuck with a plain plate while everyone else eats.

If you’re thinking about value, the drink plan is part of the math. A private boat day can quietly become expensive once you add drinks and snacks. Here, the baseline is already covered, so you can relax and not do mental budgeting every time someone refills a glass.

Price and value: $677 per group up to 8 people

This charter is priced at $677 per group for up to 8 people. That makes the value math much more realistic than per-person pricing.

If you fill all 8 spots, you’re effectively paying about $85 per person for a skipper-led private sailing day with drinks and tapas plus snorkeling and SUP gear. If you don’t fill the boat, the per-person cost rises, so this works best when you’re booking with a few friends or family members who can actually share the cost.

Where the money goes:

• you’re hiring a professional skipper
• you’re reserving a full boat experience for your group
• you get included water toys and on-board essentials
• drinks and most food are included (with the sunset format variation noted)

In other words, it’s not just a sightseeing cruise. It’s a half-day or full-day format designed for a social group day on the water, with the practical parts handled.

Practical logistics: meeting point, what to bring, and what to avoid

Plan your arrival around the port. The meeting point is inside the harbor at Real Club Nautico de Palma, in front of Corb Marí Terraza. The provided map reference is HJ8M+95 in Palma.

You should bring comfortable clothes. That’s the only explicit clothing guidance, but for sailing in Mallorca, I’d also suggest you think in layers: deck time can be sunny, and then a breeze can cool you off during the sail segments.

A few things are not allowed or not suitable:

• not allowed: baby carriages, electric wheelchairs, explosive substances
• not suitable: mobility impairments, wheelchair users, people with epilepsy, people prone to seasickness, people over 95 years

If you’re traveling with kids, the trip can still work well since people describe it as family-friendly in tone. Still, consider motion sensitivity and make sure everyone’s comfortable with the plan.

Who should book this sailing charter?

I’d point you here if you want:

• a private sail with a skipper, not a packed group cruise
• real anchor-stop time for swimming and snorkeling
• a food-and-drink plan that’s included so your day feels easy
• a group size that can share the cost (up to 8)

I’d think twice if:

• you get seasick easily
• anyone in your group needs wheelchair access (wheelchair users aren’t suitable)
• you’re looking for a pure sightseeing-only experience with no water time

Also, if you’re the kind of traveler who likes calm, small-boat energy, the reviews hint at a contrast with louder party boats passing nearby. You get the feeling of a gentler, more focused day on the water.

Should you book this Palma sailing trip?

Yes, if your ideal day in Mallorca includes gentle sailing, planned swimming time, and Spanish-style food without the hassle of coordinating it all yourself. The biggest “yes” factor is the combination of private charter plus included gear (snorkel mask and tube, SUP, floats) and included drinks and tapas.

It also scores well for group comfort. The Oceanis 390 setup plus the small group limit makes it easier to actually relax rather than manage space. And if your group includes vegetarians or you have anyone who needs extra care, the crew’s reputation for adjusting to the situation is a real selling point.

Book it especially when you’re traveling with friends or family who will fill the boat. That’s when the $677 turns into a smart deal instead of a stretch.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you’re booking half-day or full-day, and I’ll help you pick the route style (and what to prioritize on board).

FAQ

How many people can join this sailing boat trip?

The boat trip is a private group for up to 8 people.

What boat will we be on?

You’ll sail on a Beneteau Oceanis 390.

Is there a professional skipper on board?

Yes. The charter includes a professional skipper.

What swim and snorkeling gear is included?

Snorkel mask and tube are included, and there are swim stop(s) during the trip. Diving goggles and paddles are available on board.

Is a stand-up paddleboard included?

Yes, a SUP (stand up paddle) is included.

What drinks and food are included?

All-inclusive drinks are included, such as beer, wine, cava, and soft drinks, plus water all day. Tapas are included except for the sunset tour, where fruits, seeds, baguette with alioli, and chips are served instead.

Are there different routes depending on conditions?

Yes. For half-day charters, the trip can go in the direction of Cala Vella or Magaluf/Illetas depending on wind and weather. For day charters, there is time to sail to the Bay of Portals Vells depending on conditions.

Where do we meet for the trip?

You meet at Real Club Nautico de Palma, inside the harbor in front of Corb Marí Terraza (map reference HJ8M+95).

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long is the experience?

The duration ranges from 3 to 8 hours, depending on the starting time and chosen charter length.

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