Palma: Catamaran Cruise with Swimming and Snorkelling

The best part of this cruise is simple: you leave the busy shore behind, ride along Palma Bay, and stop in clear Mediterranean water for a proper swim. The boat heads from El Arenal toward Cap Enderrocat and Cala Vella, protected coastal areas with striking cliffs and coves.

I like the roomy catamaran and the easygoing mix of sunbathing, music, swimming, and snorkeling. I also like the value: at about $47 per person, the cruise includes the boat ride, safety gear, and a swim stop, with a BBQ and one drink available on the right booking option.

The main catch is that this is a shared boat, not a quiet private sailing trip. It can feel crowded, the best spaces go quickly, and some swim stops may be shorter than you expect.

Key points to know before you book

• Two ways to enjoy the water: Use the stairs or jumping platforms to enter the sea, then swim or snorkel with the provided equipment.
• The route follows Mallorca’s east side of Palma Bay: Cap Enderrocat and Cala Vella provide the most scenic parts of the cruise.
• Music shapes the mood: This is relaxed during the outward ride and livelier on the return, with enough music for a social atmosphere.
• The BBQ is optional: Choose it for grilled meat, pasta salad, local bread, and one water, beer, or sangria.
• Arrive early at Playa del Arenal: The meeting kiosk can be hard to spot, and an early arrival gives you a better chance of claiming a good place on deck.
• Expect swimming, not a beach visit: The boat anchors offshore, so you enter the water directly from the catamaran.

Leaving El Arenal for Palma Bay

The meeting point is at Playa del Arenal, near the Arenal Nautical Club. As you walk down toward the beach, look for a kiosk with the local partner’s name on its sign. This is one place where a little planning helps. The location is not always obvious, and several people have found the directions less clear than they should be.

I would arrive early, especially if you are traveling with friends and want to sit together. Deck space is first come, first served. The forward nets are popular for lying down and sunbathing, while the rear area can become more social once the music picks up.

The catamaran is modern and large enough to carry a sizeable group. One account described roughly 80 people on board, though capacity may vary by sailing. That gives you room to move around, but it also explains why this is not a private, hushed sailing outing.

Once underway, the ride is smooth and easy. You can settle into the warm Spanish air, take pictures of Palma Bay, or simply watch the coastline change as the boat heads east. The route is part of the appeal, but the real purpose is the water stop.

Cap Enderrocat and Cala Vella by catamaran

The cruise heads toward Cap Enderrocat and Cala Vella, two protected areas known for rocky coves, coastal cliffs, and clear water. You are not visiting a town or stepping onto a beach here. Instead, you see the coast from the water and anchor offshore.

That makes the trip feel more like a short Mediterranean escape than a sightseeing tour. The scenery is best enjoyed from the front or side of the catamaran, where you can take photographs without the shore filling the frame.

You may want to take your main pictures before everyone jumps in. Once the boat stops, many people head straight for the sea, and the deck becomes less crowded. A waterproof phone pouch with a strap is a practical addition if you want photos in the water. It is not listed as provided, so bring your own.

Do not expect a guide to give a running talk about the coast. The host languages include English, German, Spanish, French, and Italian, but the experience is built around sailing and swimming rather than detailed commentary. Music supplies much of the entertainment.

The 90-minute swim stop

The advertised stop allows about 90 minutes for swimming or sunbathing, although the exact timing can vary by departure and option. Some sailings include two water stops, with the first longer and the second shorter. Other accounts describe a single main stop. Check the schedule for your chosen departure if the swimming time is especially important to you.

The boat offers several ways into the water. You can use a set of stairs, step from lower ledges, or jump from higher platforms at the stern. A clean shower is available afterward, which is welcome after swimming in salt water.

The water is the star here. It can be clear enough to see fish around you, and the setting is especially attractive near the rocky coves. In some cases, bread has been thrown into the water, bringing small fish close to the boat. That makes the snorkeling more interesting, though you should keep your expectations sensible. This is casual snorkeling from a busy catamaran, not a specialist marine-life excursion.

Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included. One practical point is worth noting: equipment may not always be handed out automatically, so ask the crew if you want a mask and snorkel. If you care strongly about fit or hygiene, bringing your own mask and snorkel is sensible. One person raised concerns about cleaning, so this is an area where personal gear may give you more comfort.

The water may feel cool outside the hottest summer weeks. A swim in May or early autumn can still be beautiful, but do not assume the sea will feel warm simply because you are in Mallorca.

Sunbathing, space, and the shared-boat reality

A catamaran gives you more room than a small speedboat. You can lie on the forward nets, sit along the sides, or find a place near the rear. The wide layout also makes it easier to watch people jump, swim, and climb back aboard.

Still, space is limited once the boat fills. Some people may hold onto prime spots, and not everyone will want to share the nets. If you want a front position, arrive early and be ready to settle in. If you prefer a quieter corner, the busiest areas may not suit you.

The atmosphere changes during the trip. The outward journey can feel calm and scenic. After the swim, the music often becomes more upbeat, with some sailings ending in dancing and a party mood on the way back to El Arenal.

This is not generally described as an all-out party boat, but it is not silent either. Music plays throughout much of the outing. That suits groups of friends, birthday parties, and hen parties. If you want a peaceful sail with only the sound of the sea, choose another type of boat trip.

Smoking may be an issue around the rear section when people begin socializing. If cigarette smoke bothers you, choose a seat away from that area when possible.

The optional BBQ and drink

The BBQ option adds a freshly prepared meal, pasta salad, local bread, and one drink. Your drink choice is water, beer, or sangria. This is useful because there is no need to leave the boat or arrange a separate lunch during the cruise.

The food is best viewed as practical boat food rather than a meal worth booking the entire trip for. Grilled meat has pleased many people, while the pasta salad gives vegetarians a more useful option. The menu is less suitable for vegans or pescatarians, and the available information does not promise a special alternative.

The included drink applies to the BBQ option. The boat also has a bar, but extra drinks cost more, with one account noting an €8 price for a beer or sangria outside the included serving. If you plan to drink more than one beverage, allow for that extra cost.

At $47, the value depends on your choice. The basic cruise is reasonably priced for a modern catamaran, a coastal route, safety equipment, and time in clear water. The BBQ option makes more sense if you want a simple lunch and drink included. If food quality is your top concern, you may prefer the cruise without expecting a memorable meal.

How long should you book?

The experience is offered in different lengths, from about two to four hours. The shorter option works well if you want a compact activity between beach time, sightseeing, or another reservation. Two hours can pass quickly once you include boarding, the outward ride, the swim, and the return.

Choose the longer sailing if you want more time on the water and a less hurried day. One account found four hours flew by, while another felt a two-hour version was too short because the swimming was the best part.

The longer option may include more time for swimming, food, music, or a sunset return, depending on the departure. Since exact schedules vary, check the available start times and duration before paying.

The cruise is also useful for a first or last day in Mallorca because it does not require hotel pickup. You arrange your own way to Playa del Arenal, then return to the same general area after the boat trip.

What to bring for a comfortable day

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing. The sun can feel strong on open water, even when the breeze makes the temperature seem mild.

I would also bring a waterproof phone case, sunglasses with a strap, and your own snorkeling gear if you want a guaranteed fit. These are practical suggestions based on the nature of the activity, not items listed as included.

Do not bring alcohol or drugs. Alcohol bought at the boat bar is a separate matter, but personal alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan your route to El Arenal yourself. The meeting point is by the beach, and you should allow extra time to find the kiosk. Wheelchair users cannot take this activity, so it is not suitable if you need wheelchair access.

Who will enjoy this Palma cruise?

I would choose this for friends, couples, families with confident swimmers, and anyone who wants a simple few hours on the Mediterranean without arranging a private boat. The crew is described as friendly, helpful, and attentive, and the catamaran provides several safe ways to enter the water.

It is also a good choice for a group celebration. Music, a bar, swimming, and plenty of open deck create an easy social setting. You can take part in the lively mood or simply sit in the sun and watch the coast.

I would hesitate if you want a small group, detailed coastal guiding, a quiet sailing experience, or a serious snorkeling trip. The boat can be busy, the swim time may feel short, and the food is basic. Vegetarians, vegans, and pescatarians should check what can be served before selecting the BBQ option.

The activity has a rating of 4.3 from 2,859 bookings, which fits the overall picture: a popular, well-liked outing with a few predictable limits around crowds, meeting directions, food, and equipment handling.

Should you book this catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want good-value time on the water, clear coves, a swim directly from the boat, and music rather than a formal sightseeing talk. Choose the BBQ option if convenience matters more than a special meal, and arrive early for better seating.

Skip it if you dislike shared boats or want long, quiet snorkeling sessions. For most people visiting El Arenal, though, this is an enjoyable way to trade a few hours of beach crowds for open water, coastal views, and a memorable Mediterranean swim.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise meet?

The meeting point is at Playa del Arenal near the Arenal Nautical Club. Look for a kiosk with the local partner’s name on its sign as you walk down toward the beach.

How long does the cruise last?

The available durations range from 2 to 4 hours. Starting times and exact lengths depend on availability.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included. Ask the crew if you want equipment, as it may not always be handed out automatically.

Is the BBQ included in the price?

The BBQ is included only when you select the With BBQ option. That option includes food and one drink.

What food and drink come with the BBQ?

The meal includes BBQ food, pasta salad, and local bread. You receive one drink, choosing from water, beer, or sangria.

Is hotel pickup available?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach Playa del Arenal on your own.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. A waterproof phone holder and personal snorkeling gear may also be useful.

Can wheelchair users take this cruise?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.