Palma: Cueva Verde and Cala Vella Catamaran Cruise with BBQ

The best part of this Palma cruise is the balance: you get two proper swim stops, a comfortable catamaran, food, music, and plenty of time to sit still. Cueva Verde gives you a beautiful first swim in clear water, while Cala Vella adds paddleboarding inside a protected marine area.

I like the sensible passenger limit of 55 people on a boat built for 87, and I like that the crew spaces out the food rather than dropping one meal on the table and calling it a day. The boat feels polished without being a floating nightclub, and the trip often returns toward Palma in time for sunset views of the cathedral.

The main consideration is cost after you book. At $109 per person, the barbecue and water are included, but drinks are extra, and cocktails can be expensive. Snorkeling equipment is not clearly included, so bring your own gear if snorkeling matters to you.

Key points before you book

• Two swim stops: Cueva Verde comes first, followed by Cala Vella, where you can use the supplied paddleboards.
• Comfortable capacity: The catamaran can hold 87 people, but the operator limits boarding to 55.
• Food is part of the value: Expect appetizers or snacks, a freshly prepared barbecue-style meal, and dessert.
• Drinks cost extra: Water is included, while beer, cava, cocktails, wine, and mixed drinks are purchased onboard.
• Sunset potential: Afternoon departures can bring you back past Palma’s waterfront and cathedral near sunset.
• Weather matters: The route may change if sea or weather conditions make the planned stops unsuitable.

A half-day on Palma Bay, without the usual crowding

At $109, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Mallorca. It is also not simply a five-hour boat ride with a sandwich thrown in. You are paying for the catamaran, the reduced passenger count, two water stops, food service, paddleboards, crew attention, and the ease of having the day arranged for you.

That difference matters in Palma. Several boats leave the port for similar-looking coves, but a crowded deck can change the mood quickly. Here, the advertised limit is 55 people on a vessel designed for 87. In practice, the exact number can vary, but the lower limit gives you a better chance of finding a seat, moving around, and eating without balancing a plate on your knees.

The tone is relaxed rather than rowdy. Music plays during the cruise, and the boat has a bar, but strict rules ban intoxication, speakers, party groups, and bachelor or bachelorette parties. That makes this a better fit for couples, families, and mixed-age groups than for a dedicated party cruise.

You meet the boat at OASIS CATAMARAN in the Port of Palma. Hotel transfers are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the port. English and Spanish are used onboard, and the crew gives instructions for the swimming stops and equipment.

Leaving Palma and settling into the catamaran

The first stretch gives you time to get comfortable and watch Palma Bay open up around you. The boat is repeatedly described as modern, clean, spacious, and stylish, with enough seating for people who want sun and other areas for those who prefer shade or shelter.

Do not assume you will claim a private sunbed. There are only two sunbeds, so they can go quickly. The nets at the front are off limits while the boat is moving, but the back area remains available for sitting. Shoes are not allowed indoors, and you should expect to remove them before settling in.

This is a practical point, not a complaint. Bare feet make sense around a wet deck, but the toilet floor may not always feel as tidy as the rest of the boat. Bring a towel and wear swimwear under your clothes so you are ready when the first stop arrives.

The boat carries water for the trip. You can buy beer, cava, wine, cocktails, mixed drinks, and other beverages at the bar. Pricing depends on the drink: beer and cava have been described as reasonable by some passengers, while cocktails have drawn complaints for being costly, with one report placing cocktails around €20. If you want to control the final bill, enjoy the included water and plan your paid drinks carefully.

Cueva Verde, the first swim in clear water

The first main stop is Cueva Verde, a cove known for its clear, turquoise water and sheltered feel. The boat pauses here for free time, so you can swim directly from the catamaran rather than walking onto a beach.

This is the moment to get in early if you want a long swim before the food service begins. The water is the attraction, not a formal shore excursion. You will not be following a guide through a cave system or touring a village. You are stopping at a scenic cove, swimming, and enjoying the view from the boat.

The crew provides safety instructions and life jackets. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask about the available equipment before entering. One useful limitation is that extra floating aids are not listed as included, so families with children or anyone who needs more support should consider bringing suitable personal flotation equipment if permitted by the operator.

Snorkeling can be worthwhile in Mallorca’s clear water, and some onboard snorkeling options may be available for purchase. Still, the included equipment specifically lists paddleboards, not snorkel sets. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you want to make fish spotting part of the day, and confirm the current onboard arrangement when you arrive.

The first stop can also include an aperitif or snack service. Food reported at this stage has included items such as meat, cheese, crackers, melon, salad, quiche, and other small offerings. This early food service is useful because it gives you something to eat before the main meal and lets you spread the day’s food across the cruise.

Cala Vella and the marine reserve

After Cueva Verde, the catamaran continues to Cala Vella, a marine nature reserve with clear water and another chance to swim. The supplied paddleboards are the special feature here. You can paddle around the calm area, take turns with your group, or simply remain on the boat and enjoy the water from the swim platform.

Two water stops make this cruise feel more generous than a trip that anchors once and rushes everyone back onboard. You have time to swim two or three times during the day, according to the stated schedule described by passengers, rather than making one brief stop for a quick photograph.

The reserve also gives you a different setting from Cueva Verde. The first cove is a good introduction to swimming from the catamaran. Cala Vella adds activity, with paddleboarding and the chance to look into the clear water below. If you want a busy day, use both stops actively. If you want an easy day, treat the boards as optional and stay on deck.

Jellyfish can be present in the water. On one occasion, crew members helped people who had been stung and assisted with the discomfort. That does not mean stings are likely, but it is sensible to pay attention before entering, avoid touching anything in the water, and follow the crew’s advice.

The schedule can change with weather and sea conditions. That is especially important for a catamaran trip built around swimming. Strong wind or rough water may affect the route, the order of stops, or the time spent in each cove. You are booking a day on the sea, not a fixed land tour, so a little flexibility is part of the deal.

The barbecue, snacks, and dessert

Food is one of the main reasons this cruise can justify its price. The meal includes appetizers or snacks, a barbecue-style main course, and dessert. Water is included, and the food is prepared onboard.

The exact meal can vary, but reported items have included chicken, hot dogs, corn, salad, cheese, crackers, quiche, and dessert. Portions are generally described as substantial, and the food is served in stages. That spacing helps the day: you can have a light snack before swimming, then eat the main meal after the second stop.

You should keep your expectations realistic about the word barbecue. Most people describe the food as good, fresh, and plentiful, but not everyone considers the main course a classic barbecue. One passenger felt the meal was closer to meat and cheese with snacks, while another preferred the first snack service to the later barbecue. If you are expecting grilled seafood, local Mallorcan specialties, or a restaurant-level menu, this may feel ordinary.

For a boat excursion, though, the arrangement works. You are not leaving the water to find lunch, and you do not need to carry food aboard. Vegetarian and vegan needs may be possible to handle if you tell the operator in advance. A vegan meal was prepared for one passenger after prior notice, but you should not assume special diets are automatic.

You cannot bring your own food or drinks onto the boat. That rule is worth noting if you have allergies, children with specific preferences, or a long gap between meals. Contact the operator before booking if you need a special meal rather than relying on the standard menu.

Music, service, and the return to Palma

The mood depends partly on the group, but the format encourages a pleasant mix of relaxing and social time. Music plays throughout the trip, and it has been praised for adding atmosphere without turning the cruise into a loud party.

The crew’s strongest role is practical. They explain the schedule, manage the paddleboards, serve food and drinks, and help people in the water. The crew is often described as friendly, attentive, efficient, and professional. That matters on a boat because small delays can quickly become frustrating when dozens of people need to board, eat, or collect equipment.

On afternoon departures, the return can be the prettiest part of the cruise. The boat may time the route for sunset, and Palma’s waterfront and cathedral can look especially good from the bay. The sunset is not guaranteed, since departure times and weather vary, but an afternoon booking gives you the best chance of catching it.

Some trips have returned under sail, adding a quieter stretch after the swimming and meal. Again, conditions determine what the crew can do. The return is not just dead time, though. It gives you a final chance to sit on deck, take photographs, and watch Palma come closer.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I would choose this trip if you want a comfortable day at sea with built-in food rather than a serious sailing lesson or a fast-paced water sports outing. Couples can make good use of the sunset timing, while families can appreciate the spacious boat and two separate swim stops.

It also suits friends who want a shared day without arranging separate transport, lunch, equipment, and beach stops. The music and bar keep the atmosphere lively, but the restrictions on party groups make it less suitable for a bachelor or bachelorette celebration.

You should think twice if you want a quiet, small private charter. Fifty-five people is a moderate group, not an intimate boat for two or six. You should also reconsider if your main goal is extensive snorkeling, because paddleboards are clearly included while snorkeling gear is not.

This is not the best match for someone who dislikes paid extras. The ticket covers a lot, but the bar can add up fast, especially if you order cocktails. It is also not ideal if you need hotel pickup, since you must reach the Port of Palma yourself.

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, and a towel. Avoid high-heeled shoes, sprays, aerosols, and indoor footwear. Pets, fishing, outside food and drinks, drugs, alcohol brought from elsewhere, fire, speakers, costumes, and intoxication are not allowed.

Is $109 a fair price?

For Palma, $109 sits in the premium day-trip range, but the price makes more sense when you use the full package. You get 5.5 hours, two swimming areas, paddleboards, a catamaran with a reduced passenger limit, water, snacks, barbecue food, dessert, crew service, and the possibility of a sunset return.

It is less good value if you do not plan to swim, eat onboard, or use the paddleboards. In that case, you are paying for facilities you may ignore. The price also does not include drinks or transportation to the port, so budget beyond the ticket.

The boat’s comfort is the key value point. A cheaper cruise can still take you to attractive water, but if it fills every seat, the saving may not feel worthwhile. Here, the lower passenger cap gives you more room to sit, move around, and enjoy the sea without constant jostling.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option make the booking less rigid. The route itself remains subject to weather and sea conditions, so keep your plans flexible around the day on the water.

Should you book the Oasis Catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want Mallorca’s coast in an easy half-day package: good swimming, a polished boat, solid food, paddleboards, and a pleasant return to Palma. The reduced passenger limit and attentive crew give it an edge over packed sightseeing boats.

I would book an afternoon departure if sunset views matter, and I would bring my own snorkeling gear if you care about seeing fish. Keep money aside for drinks, do not expect a gourmet barbecue, and arrive ready for a swim rather than a formal sightseeing tour.

At $109, it is a worthwhile choice for a first Palma visit, a couple’s day out, or a family group that wants comfort and structure. Skip it if you need a private boat, hotel transfers, extensive snorkeling equipment, or a low-cost outing with no paid extras.

FAQ

How long is the Palma catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts 5.5 hours.

Where does the catamaran depart?

You meet the boat at OASIS CATAMARAN in the Port of Palma.

What places does the cruise visit?

The planned stops are Cueva Verde cove and Cala Vella, a marine nature reserve.

Are paddleboards included?

Yes. Paddleboards are included for use during the trip.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

The included items specifically list paddleboards but do not list snorkeling equipment. Snorkels may be available to purchase onboard, so bring your own if snorkeling is important to you.

Is food included in the ticket?

Yes. The ticket includes appetizers or snacks, a barbecue-style meal, dessert, and water. Drinks other than water are available to purchase onboard.

Can the route change?

Yes. The route may change depending on weather and sea conditions.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, and a towel. High-heeled shoes, outside food and drinks, pets, speakers, fishing equipment, and aerosols are not allowed.