Mallorca: 2-Hour Coastline & Malgrat Islands Catamaran Tour

The best part of this two-hour catamaran ride is its mix of sightseeing and swimming. You cruise past Mallorca’s southwest coast, circle the Malgrats Islands Marine Reserve, then stop in a clear-looking cove for about 20 minutes in the water. It gives you a taste of the coast without taking up half your day.

I like the easy price, about $29 per person, and the chance to see fish through the boat’s lower viewing windows. I also like the choice of three departure points around Santa Ponça. The main drawback is space: on busy sailings, you may need to stand at first or settle for a less desirable seat.

Key points to know before you book

• The 20-minute swim stop is the star of the trip: Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen, since the stop is included in the fare.
• The Malgrats Islands bring the best scenery: Look for seabirds, fish, rocky shores, and clear water around this marine reserve.
• The boat is built for casual comfort: You’ll find toilets, an entertainment area, a bar, music, and upper-deck sunbathing space.
• The route links several southwest-coast sights: Expect views of Paguera, Santa Ponça, Camp de Mar, Calvià, cliffs, and sheltered bays.
• Arrive early if seating matters: Busy departures can fill quickly, leaving some people without a seat at the start.
• This is sightseeing from the water, not a shore excursion: The listed stops are boarding and drop-off points, and the included swimming break is the only planned time off the boat.

A short cruise with one very good reason to get wet

Mallorca’s southwest coast is easiest to appreciate from the sea. From the deck, the resort towns become part of a larger view of steep cliffs, small bays, rocky islands, and open blue water. You won’t get a long, detailed coastal expedition in two hours, but you will see a good stretch of shoreline at a manageable pace.

The route is designed for a relaxed afternoon rather than a serious sailing adventure. You can sit in the sun, listen to music, buy a drink, watch the coast go by, or head below to look through the viewing windows. Then the boat pauses for a swim in a sheltered spot.

That format suits you if you want something simple and affordable. It also works well for families, couples, and anyone who wants a break from the beach without committing to a full-day boat trip. If you want long stops in coastal towns, intensive snorkeling, or a quiet small-group cruise, this is probably not the right choice.

How the two-hour route unfolds

The tour has three possible starting points: Las Olas in Santa Ponça, the Santa Ponsa pier, or the Playa Tora pier. Your exact meeting point depends on the option you book, so check it carefully before leaving your hotel or apartment.

The same general places are used for the return: Las Olas, Playa Tora, or the Santa Ponsa pier. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. This makes the tour easiest for you if you are already staying near Santa Ponça, Paguera, or another southwest-coast resort.

The first 20 minutes: heading toward the Malgrats Islands

Once the catamaran leaves the harbor, the first section is mainly about views. The coast opens up as you move away from the immediate resort area, with cliffs and rocky edges replacing some of the built-up shoreline.

The boat heads toward the Malgrats Islands, a small archipelago protected as a marine reserve. The islands are best appreciated from the water, where you can see their low rocky profiles and the sea around them without buildings getting in the way.

Keep your eyes open for local birds around the islands. You may also spot fish from the lower viewing area, especially when the boat slows. The windows are a fun feature for children, although you should not expect an aquarium-style display or guaranteed wildlife sightings.

The commentary is provided in English, German, Spanish, and French. It is intended to point out places and features along the route rather than provide a long historical lecture. Some departures may feel more like a gentle boat ride with occasional information, so book this for the scenery and relaxed pace first.

The 20-minute secret stop: the practical highlight

The included swim stop lasts about 20 minutes. That is enough time for a refreshing dip and a quick look at the water below, but not enough for a long snorkeling session.

You should bring your own swimwear and towel. Sunscreen is essential, since much of the boat is exposed to the sun. Masks and snorkel tubes are available onboard with a €20 deposit, but you may prefer to bring your own equipment if you want to spend the entire stop looking underwater.

The swimming area is described as a beautiful spot with fish, and the water is the main reason many people rate this cruise so highly. Still, keep your expectations sensible. The stop is short, and conditions depend on the weather and sea. The captain may alter the route when conditions require it.

The provided information does not say that flotation devices are supplied. If you or your child needs a life jacket or float, check with the operator before sailing and do not assume that pool-style inflatables are available.

The final 20 minutes: Calvià and the return coast

After the swim, the catamaran continues along the coast toward Calvià before returning to the drop-off points. This gives you another angle on the southwest shore and a chance to relax after getting out of the water.

The route takes in views connected with Paguera, Santa Ponça, and Camp de Mar. You will see these places from offshore, not as a walking tour. That distinction matters. The cruise offers coastal sightseeing, but the listed itinerary does not include a planned town stop or time to explore ashore.

Some descriptions of the experience can make the various piers sound like sightseeing stops. Treat them as boarding and return locations unless the crew tells you otherwise. If you want to visit Camp de Mar or another town, plan that separately.

What the catamaran is like onboard

The modern catamaran has a main deck with toilets and an entertainment area. You can also use the deck for sunbathing and sightseeing, giving you a choice between open-air views and a little shelter from the sun.

The boat has music, and some departures include a lively crew atmosphere. The tone is casual rather than formal. You might hear jokes, enjoy a drink, or simply sit quietly and watch Mallorca pass by.

Food and drinks are available to buy onboard. Prices have been described as reasonable, and sangria is one of the popular choices. You do not need to depend on the bar, though. Bring your own practical basics, especially water if you plan to sit in the sun for much of the trip.

Seating is the main comfort issue. The upper deck is the best place for wide views and sun, but seats can fill quickly. On busy sailings, some people have had trouble finding a place to sit at the beginning. If you care about your position, arrive early and join the boarding line ahead of the crowd.

The boat is not suitable for wheelchair users. A family with a young baby has reported being able to bring a buggy aboard, but conditions may vary with crowding and boarding arrangements. If you need specific assistance, confirm it before booking.

The views from Paguera to Santa Ponça

The southwest coast is a strong setting for a short cruise because the scenery changes without requiring a long journey. You get resort bays, high rocky sections, open sea, and the small Malgrats Islands within the same outing.

From the water, Paguera and Santa Ponça look different from the beach-level view. You see the shape of the bays and the way the built-up areas sit behind the shoreline. Camp de Mar adds another coastal reference point, while the cliffs give the trip a more natural edge.

The best photographs usually come from the upper deck, but you will need to balance views with sun exposure and available seats. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen will make the ride more comfortable. If you want photographs of the islands or cliffs, keep your phone ready before the boat reaches the most scenic sections.

This is also a pleasant option for people who do not want an intense activity. You can spend the sightseeing sections doing as much or as little as you like. The boat handles the movement, while you choose between watching the coast, looking through the viewing windows, chatting, or relaxing.

Is $29 good value?

At about $29 per person, the price is fair for a two-hour coastal trip that includes the boat ride and a 20-minute swimming stop. You are paying for three useful elements: the coastal route, access to the marine reserve area, and a planned chance to get into the sea.

The value is strongest if you use the trip as a compact half-day addition rather than your main Mallorca excursion. You get sea views and a swim without paying for a full-day sailing trip. The onboard toilet, bar, and entertainment also make it easier for families and mixed-age groups.

The value drops if you expect a small boat, lots of personal space, or a long snorkeling session. You may find the catamaran crowded on popular dates, and 20 minutes in the water goes quickly. Food and drinks cost extra, as does any deposit connected with borrowed snorkeling gear.

The rating of 4.3 from 966 reviews fits that balance. The strongest praise centers on the friendly crew, the swim stop, the scenery, and the price. The most common cautions are crowding, limited swimming time, and commentary that can feel light on some departures.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would point this tour toward you if you want:

• A low-cost way to see Mallorca’s southwest coast
• A short outing that fits around beach time or other plans
• A boat with toilets and refreshments
• A simple swim stop with the possibility of seeing fish
• A family-friendly activity with more variety than a standard beach afternoon
• A relaxed ride with music and a social atmosphere

It is especially useful when your group cannot agree on a full-day activity. One person can sunbathe, another can watch the coast, children can use the lower viewing windows, and anyone who wants to swim gets a short but worthwhile break.

I would choose something else if you need step-free access, dislike crowded boats, or want a quiet sailing experience. It is also not the best pick for serious snorkelers, since the included water stop is brief and the main focus is the full coastal ride.

Practical tips for a smoother outing

Arrive early if you want an upper-deck seat or hope to sit together as a group. The boat can become crowded, particularly in summer, and seating is not guaranteed in the spot you prefer.

Wear your swimsuit under your clothes. With only 20 minutes in the water, changing onboard could use up much of your swimming time. Pack a towel, sunscreen, and a cover-up for the ride back.

Bring a small amount of cash or another accepted payment method for drinks, snacks, and the snorkeling deposit. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and glass objects are prohibited.

Listen carefully when the crew explains the return arrangements. The tour uses several boarding and drop-off locations, and one passenger reported getting off at the wrong stop after the locations were not clearly announced in English. If you are unsure, ask before the boat reaches the pier.

Keep your schedule flexible. Weather can change the route, and the captain has authority to adjust the sailing plan for safety. The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps when your Mallorca plans are still moving around.

Should you book the Malgrats Islands catamaran tour?

Book it if you want good-value coastal sightseeing with a swim, not a full sailing expedition. The combination of cliffs, island views, fish-viewing windows, onboard facilities, and a 20-minute swim makes this a well-rounded two-hour outing.

I would book an early departure if possible, arrive with swimwear already on, and aim for the upper deck before it fills. If you are staying near Santa Ponça or Playa Tora, the easy meeting points add to the appeal.

Skip it if personal space, wheelchair access, or extended snorkeling time matters more to you than price and convenience. For most people looking for a cheerful, uncomplicated way to get on the water, this is a sensible Mallorca choice.

FAQ

How long is the Mallorca catamaran tour?

The tour lasts two hours, including the coastal cruise and a 20-minute swimming stop.

Where does the catamaran leave from?

There are three possible starting points: Las Olas in Santa Ponça, the Santa Ponsa pier, and the Playa Tora pier. Your exact meeting point depends on the option booked.

What places can I see from the boat?

The route offers views of the southwest coast, including Paguera, Santa Ponça, Camp de Mar, Calvià, the Malgrats Islands, rocky cliffs, and bays.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The tour includes a 20-minute swim stop. Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Can I borrow snorkeling equipment?

Masks and snorkel tubes are available with a €20 deposit. The equipment is not included as a free part of the tour.

Are food and drinks available onboard?

Yes. Snacks and refreshments can be purchased from the boat. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and glass objects are prohibited.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.