A private boat day can feel like a cheat code. This one is set up for easy cove hopping in the Bay of Palma, with a 7-meter boat (the Pájaro) that fits up to 5 people plus the skipper, and two anchored swim stops built around snorkeling time.

I like two things most: first, the stops are simple and practical—Cala Comtesa and Playa Punta Negra—each with about an hour on the water where you can snorkel using the provided gear and floats. Second, the included food-and-drink setup (Spanish snacks, soda/pop, and bottled water) turns the trip into more than a “go look at water” outing.

One consideration: sailing to the coves takes about 2 hours, so you’ll spend a chunk of the day on the boat, not in the shallows. If rougher conditions pop up (wind can happen in Mallorca), the ride is still part of the experience.

Quick Key Points Before You Go

• Private by design: only your group joins, capped at 5 plus skipper on a 7-meter boat.
• Snorkeling is ready to use: snorkeling equipment and floats are included, so you’re not scrambling for gear.
• Two cove stops with real time: about 1 hour at Cala Comtesa and 1 hour at Playa Punta Negra for water activities.
• Timing has structure: half-day departures run 10:00–14:00 or 14:30–18:30; navigation to coves is estimated at ~2 hours.
• Food and drinks are included: Spanish snacks plus soda/pop and bottled water are part of the package.
• Skipper support is highlighted: Edu is mentioned as helpful for reservations, and captain Alberto is noted as attentive on the water.

First Look: the Pájaro Boat and the Private-Group Feel

This tour is built around a small boat and a small group. The Pájaro is about 7 meters long and carries up to 5 people plus the skipper, which matters because you get a calmer, less crowded vibe than you’ll find on larger catamarans.

You also get places to sit and relax. The boat has seats and solariums at the bow and stern, so you’re not stuck in one position. That sounds like a minor detail until you’re out on the water for hours. Having somewhere to angle toward the sun, somewhere to shade a bit, and somewhere to put your feet changes the mood of the day.

The private setup also affects pace. The skipper can work around your group’s comfort level—staying longer for smoother water, moving when conditions shift, and keeping the day feeling controlled rather than rushed. In the reviews, this kind of captain attention comes up repeatedly, including mentions of Alberto being friendly and helpful.

Meeting at D-Marin Palma Cuarentena: Timing and What the 4 Hours Mean

You’ll start and end at D-Marin Palma Cuarentena, 07014 Palma, and this matters for two reasons: you’re not doing a long transfer into the countryside, and the tour runs on a clear schedule.

For the half-day option (about 4 hours), the itinerary is essentially:

• time sailing out to the coves (estimated ~2 hours)
• 1 hour anchored at Cala Comtesa
• 1 hour anchored at Playa Punta Negra
• return to the marina

That pacing is important. It means you’re not just cruising past scenery; you have actual anchored time to get in and out of the water. But it also means you should plan for boat time. If you hate sitting on a boat, this might feel more like a “half boat, half swim” day than a “mostly snorkeling” day.

Also, there are two half-day departures:

• 10:00–14:00
• 14:30–18:30

And there’s a sunset alternative:

• 19:00–21:00 (shorter, so less total cove time)

If your goal is maximum water time, the half-day schedule is usually the better fit because it includes both cove stops.

Cala Comtesa: Why This Cove Stop Works for Snorkeling Days

Cala Comtesa is your first anchored stop, with about 1 hour for water activities. The setup is straightforward: the boat anchors nearby, and you use the time to snorkel, float, and just enjoy the water.

What I like about this stop style is the simplicity. You’re not managing a complicated outing with multiple tenders or constant movement. You get one base point, you slip into the water with the snorkeling gear and floats, and you’re free to explore at your own comfort level.

Because the tour includes snorkeling equipment and floats, you don’t need to bring anything except whatever you normally use for sun and personal comfort. That alone is practical on Mallorca, where it’s easy to pack light and still want a real activity.

Possible drawback: with only one hour, you’ll want to have your routine down quickly. If your group likes slow, leisurely entry and long surface time, try to get in early so you don’t burn your whole window on getting settled.

Playa Punta Negra: Second Cove Stop, Same Great Idea

Your second swim stop is Playa Punta Negra, also with about 1 hour anchored for water activities. This matters because it gives you a backup option. Water conditions can change—wind, swell, and visibility are not guaranteed. Having two cove opportunities increases your chances of a great swim moment.

Think of this stop as your “second bite at the apple.” If Cala Comtesa is busy, choppy, or less clear that day, you still have another hour later. If Cala Comtesa is perfect, Punta Negra becomes a chance to see a different stretch of the Bay of Palma with a fresh start.

Again, the gear is included, and the floats help if you want to relax without committing to a full-on swim. This is a nice option for mixed groups, like couples where one person wants to snorkel more and the other wants a calmer, drift-style break.

Food, Drinks, and the Skipper’s Job: What’s Included Actually Means

The tour includes more than the basics:

• fuel
• professional skipper
• snacks and soft drinks
• bottled water
• soda/pop
• Spanish snacks
• snorkeling equipment and floats

In real life, this is what keeps the day from turning into a stressful checklist. You’re not hunting for a place to eat midday or worrying about whether someone remembered to bring water.

The snack setup also supports the “vacation mode” feeling. You can recharge between swimming sessions without breaking the flow of the outing. And since the boat is small, the experience stays more personal than a big group ferry ride.

From the reviews, the captain experience is a highlight. People describe the crew as friendly and professional, and they call out Alberto specifically for being attentive. There’s also mention of Edu making it easy to manage the reservation. I can’t promise you’ll get the same exact match on every day, but it’s a strong signal that the human side matters here—especially important on a small boat where the skipper’s decisions affect your comfort.

Price and Value: Is $729.29 a Good Deal?

The price is $729.29 per group, up to 5 people (plus the skipper). That’s the key thing: it’s not priced per person.

At full capacity (5 people), you’re effectively paying about $146 per person. If you’re a couple (2 people), it’s closer to $365 per person, which is a very different value proposition. So the real question is how you’re splitting the cost.

Where the value feels strongest:

• you have 4–5 people to split the group price
• you want a private experience rather than a crowded tour
• you care about included basics like snorkeling gear, floats, and food

Where it might feel pricey:

• you’re booking for 1–2 people and you’re used to per-person tours
• you mainly want “viewing time” and could get similar scenery with a lower-cost public boat option

One other detail: this tour is often booked about 23 days in advance on average. That doesn’t mean you must book early, but if you’re traveling during peak season or you want a specific departure time, booking sooner is the safer play.

Logistics You’ll Feel on the Water (Not Just on Paper)

This is a private tour/activity, so only your group participates. That’s not a small point. It affects how the day feels: less waiting, fewer stop-start delays, and more “we’re doing this for us” rather than “you’re fitting into their schedule.”

You’ll also use a mobile ticket, which is convenient. The meeting point is near public transportation, so you may not need a private car just to get there.

Duration details to keep in mind:

• Half day: about 4 hours
• Sunset: about 2 hours
• Navigation to coves: estimated ~2 hours

Finally, tips aren’t included. That’s normal for private guides, but it’s worth budgeting so you’re not making a decision at the end of a great day.

Who This Tour Fits Best in Mallorca

This kind of private snorkeling day fits best when you want:

• a calm, small-group boat experience
• two structured cove stops rather than random cruising
• included snorkeling gear so you can pack light
• a skipper who handles the driving while you focus on the water

It also works well for:

• couples who want privacy and flexibility
• friend groups who can split the group cost
• families or multi-age groups who may prefer short anchored swim windows over long, complicated excursions

If your top priority is a nonstop party cruise, this probably isn’t the vibe. But if you want relaxation with real snorkeling time and good organization, it’s a strong match.

Should You Book This Private Snorkeling Boat Tour?

I’d book it if you meet two conditions: you have a group size that can spread the cost, and you’re excited about the Bay of Palma’s cove style (anchored stops with time to swim, float, and hang out on a small boat).

If you’re traveling as just a couple and you’re price-sensitive, you should do the math first and think hard about whether the private boat feel is worth the per-person jump. The route includes two one-hour snorkeling stops, but your total time in the water is still split into those windows, with plenty of boat sailing time in between.

Bottom line: for the right group size, this is one of the more straightforward ways to get genuine water time around Palma without logistics headaches—plus the kind of captain attention that keeps the day feeling smooth.

FAQ

How long is the private boat tour with snorkeling?

The half-day option runs about 4 hours, and the sunset option runs about 2 hours.

How many people can be on the boat?

The boat holds up to 5 people plus the skipper.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends back at D-Marin Palma Cuarentena, 07014 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain.

What are the snorkeling stops?

The tour includes anchored stops for water activities at Cala Comtesa and Playa Punta Negra.

What is included in the price?

Snorkeling equipment and floats, fuel, a professional skipper, Spanish snacks, bottled water, soda/pop, and all fees and taxes are included.

What time is the half-day departure?

Half-day departures are at 10:00–14:00 or 14:30–18:30.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group will participate.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid isn’t refunded.

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