Palma de Mallorca: 5-Hour Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Swim

The best part of this five-hour catamaran cruise is the simple rhythm: sail, swim, eat, swim again, and watch Mallorca slide past from the water. The first cove is often the star, with clear water, small fish, and time to reach shore or snorkel around the boat.

I like the generous swim time and the fact that lunch, water, soft drinks, wine, and sangria are included. The main thing to consider is the size of the boat and the group. This is a social outing with music and a cheerful party mood, not a quiet private charter, and the exact route depends on the wind.

Key points to know before booking

• Two coastal swim stops: You visit Portals Vells or Cala Vella, plus another nearby cove, though weather and sea conditions can change the plan.
• A proper barbecue lunch: Expect chicken breast, skewers, sausages, salads, bread, and cake, with wine and sangria served during the meal.
• Good water time: The first stop can offer clear shallows and fish, while the second may be a deeper-water swim from the boat.
• A sociable boat atmosphere: Music, dancing, Spanish songs, and an upbeat crew make this a good choice for groups and solo visitors who enjoy company.
• Two departure times: Choose 10 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. The afternoon sailing can bring a sunset return to Palma.
• Bring cash for snorkeling: The equipment requires a €10 refundable deposit, and onboard purchases take cards only, except American Express.

Sailing out of Palma with the city behind you

The meeting point is at the Port of Palma, by the dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on Passeig Marítim. Look for the Magic Catamarans boat on the harbor side. Arrive 30 minutes early, since parking is scarce and the boarding area can get confusing when several people are waiting in the sun.

Once aboard, the view changes quickly. You leave the harbor with cruise ships, yachts, and Palma’s waterfront around you, then head along the south coast toward the swimming coves. The catamaran gives you a broad view from both sides, so you can move around during the crossing rather than stare at the same stretch of sea.

The boat is spacious enough for a full sailing, but do not expect a small, intimate yacht. One useful trick is to change sides during the trip. The sun and views shift as the boat moves, and moving around lets you find a better spot without feeling stuck in one place.

The crew helps keep the mood going with music, friendly service, and a relaxed approach. Captain Perez is named by the operator’s recent customers, and the crew’s role is part safety team, part hosts, and part barbecue staff. The atmosphere can include dancing, Spanish music, and plenty of conversation.

If you want a quiet lesson about Mallorca’s coast, this is not really that kind of outing. Commentary about the coves is limited, so you should think of the experience as a scenic leisure cruise rather than a guided geography tour.

Choosing between the morning and afternoon sailing

The 10 a.m. departure gives you a full day on the water and leaves your evening free in Palma. It is useful if you have dinner plans, an early flight the next day, or only want the catamaran to be one part of your day.

The 3:30 p.m. departure creates a different mood. You still get five hours, but the return can line up with late afternoon light and, depending on the season and conditions, a sunset view. Several guests particularly enjoyed seeing Palma Cathedral and the waterfront from the boat on the way back.

The afternoon trip is not a formal sunset cruise in the narrow sense. The focus remains on swimming, the barbecue, and the two coastal stops. Still, if photographs and evening light matter to you, this departure has the stronger visual payoff.

Mallorca’s water temperature and weather vary by season. In late October, swimming can still be comfortable on a warm day, but you should not assume summer conditions. The route can change if the wind or sea makes a planned cove unsuitable.

Portals Vells or Cala Vella: what the first stop is like

The main stop is either Portals Vells or Cala Vella. The captain chooses according to the wind, so you cannot treat one name as a guaranteed destination.

Both are used for the same basic purpose: getting you into clear Mediterranean water near an attractive beach. The catamaran anchors close enough for a swim, but you do not simply step onto the sand. Most of the time, you enter from the boat and swim around it, with the option of making your way toward shallow water or the beach if conditions allow.

This is where the snorkeling gear earns its place. A few small fish and local marine life can be seen in the clearer areas, especially when the boat anchors near the coast. The included masks and equipment require a €10 cash deposit, which is returned when you give the gear back.

The first stop is usually the strongest part of the water experience. It can offer bright, clear water, visible fish, and a coastline close enough to make the swim feel more varied. If you prefer not to snorkel, you can simply float, swim, sunbathe, or stay aboard.

Safety matters here. Life vests are provided for adults and children, and the crew selects a more sheltered place when the sea is rough. Even on calm days, the open-water entry is worth considering if you are not a confident swimmer.

The exact length of this stop can vary. Some departures give you around 30 minutes at one stop and much longer at the next, while others allow ample time at the first cove while lunch is prepared. The overall design gives you enough water time, but the split between stops is not fixed.

The second cove and the limits of the promise

After the first swimming session and the meal, the boat heads to another cove nearby. This second stop lets you swim again, which is valuable if the first session left you wanting more water time.

The quality of the second stop can be less predictable. It may be another attractive cove, but some departures anchor in deeper water farther from shore. In that setting, the water may not look as blue or clear, and there may be fewer fish to see. You still get a refreshing swim, but it may feel less special than the first stop.

That difference is worth understanding before you book. The sales pitch naturally focuses on beautiful coves, yet the best location depends on wind, anchoring rules, and safe operating conditions. You should judge the outing by the full mix of sailing, swimming, food, and atmosphere, not by expecting two identical postcard bays.

For families, the second swim can be useful because children get another chance to enter the water after lunch. For keen snorkelers, it may be less exciting if the boat is anchored in deeper water. Bring your own mask if you have one you prefer, though the boat offers equipment with the cash deposit.

What lunch includes, and how good is it?

The barbecue is prepared on board while you swim. The food generally includes chicken breast, skewers, sausages, salads, bread, and cake for dessert. Some meals also include tuna, fruit, or extra simple sides, depending on the service that day.

I would describe it as a filling boat buffet rather than a destination meal. The strongest value comes from having hot food ready during a day on the water, not from expecting restaurant-level cooking. Portions are designed to feed a full boat, and there is generally enough for people who want a second serving.

The meal works well because of the timing. You return hungry from the first swim, then sit down with a plate while the boat is still surrounded by sea. Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are available throughout the excursion. Wine from Mallorca and sangria are included with the meal.

Alcohol outside mealtime costs extra and is available at the bar. Only card payments are accepted onboard, and American Express is not accepted. Bring cash only for the snorkeling deposit, and keep your card handy for any other drinks.

Vegetarian food is not automatically guaranteed in the basic arrangement. If you need a vegetarian option, contact the provider before you go. That is a small step, but it matters on a five-hour outing where lunch is a major part of the value.

Music, dancing, and the social side of the boat

Music shapes this trip as much as the water. Spanish songs, upbeat playlists, and dancing give the cruise a party feel, especially on afternoon departures. Some people will love that energy. Others may prefer a quieter boat with more coastal commentary.

The crew is a major part of the experience. They serve drinks, organize swimming, prepare the barbecue, and help people feel comfortable. The best departures seem to strike a friendly balance between activity and downtime. You can join the dancing, sit with your group, take pictures, or stay on the open deck and watch the coast.

This format also works well if you are traveling alone. The boat creates easy chances to meet people without forcing you into a formal group activity. You might find the atmosphere especially friendly on the afternoon sailing, when music, food, and sunset views blend into one long social outing.

At the same time, a full boat means some noise, movement, and competition for the most desirable deck positions. Families, couples, solo visitors, and large groups share the space. If you want privacy, silence, or a personal skipper, spend your money on a smaller charter instead.

Is $69 a good value for five hours?

At $69 per person, the value is strong if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, drinks, and a coastal swimming outing. The cruise includes the catamaran ride, five hours on the water, two planned swimming opportunities, barbecue food, water, soft drinks, coffee, juice, wine, and sangria with the meal.

You also get the convenience of not arranging transport between several coves. The boat handles the route, the crew prepares lunch, and the captain adjusts the plan when the wind changes. That makes the price easier to justify for families and groups who want a full half-day without extra planning.

The value is less clear if you dislike crowds or do not plan to swim. Much of the appeal comes from the time in the water, so someone who wants a narrated coastal sightseeing tour may find the experience too focused on leisure.

The 5-hour duration is another advantage. Short boat trips can feel rushed once you account for boarding and the return crossing. Here, you have enough time for a proper swim, a meal, a second water stop, and a scenic sail back.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Arrive 30 minutes before departure. The boat leaves from the dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma, and parking nearby is very limited. The boarding area can be busy, so early arrival gives you time to identify the correct line and boat without standing in the sun at the last minute.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and cash for the €10 snorkeling deposit. Life vests are available, but you should still bring anything you normally need for a comfortable swim.

Keep valuables secure and expect to get wet if you spend time on the swim platform or move around the boat. A waterproof phone pouch is sensible if you plan to photograph fish, the coves, or Palma Cathedral from the water.

If you booked separately from friends but want to sit together, contact the provider before the trip. The same applies to a vegetarian meal request. The operator can also confirm details if your group has more than one reservation.

The route is controlled by weather and wind. Portals Vells may replace Cala Vella, or the reverse, and the second anchorage may not look exactly like the first. Treat the named coves as a guide to the area, not a firm promise of one precise beach.

Who should book this Palma catamaran cruise?

I would choose this trip for couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and solo visitors who like a friendly social setting. It is especially good for anyone who wants real time in the water rather than a boat ride that only circles the coast.

It also suits visitors who want an easy day with food included. You do not need to find a beach restaurant, organize snorkeling gear, or arrange a second boat transfer. The day has a clear rhythm and enough flexibility to relax.

I would be more cautious if you want a quiet, small-scale sailing experience, serious snorkeling, or detailed information about the coast. The boat can be full, the music can be lively, and the second stop may be less clear than the first.

Should you book it?

Book it if you see Mallorca from the water as a social day out, not just a sightseeing trip. The combination of clear-cove swimming, a filling barbecue, included drinks, music, and a five-hour schedule makes $69 a fair price.

Choose the afternoon sailing if you want the best chance of sunset light and evening views of Palma. Choose the morning if you prefer a cooler start or need your evening free.

The biggest reason to book is the balance of water time and easy logistics. The biggest reason to hesitate is the full-boat atmosphere and the fact that weather decides the route. If those limits suit you, Magic Catamarans offers one of the more useful ways to spend half a day along Mallorca’s south coast.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts five hours.

Where does the boat leave from?

It leaves from the Port of Palma, at the dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on Passeig Marítim. Look for the Magic Catamarans boat on the harbor side.

What departure times are available?

The stated departure options are 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Check availability for the date you want.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The buffet includes barbecue meats, salads, and cake. Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are available throughout the trip. Wine from Mallorca and sangria are included with the meal.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkeling equipment are available with a €10 refundable cash deposit.

Can I request a vegetarian meal?

Yes, but you should contact the activity provider directly before the trip to arrange a vegetarian option.

Can the route change?

Yes. The route may change because of weather and wind conditions. The boat may visit Portals Vells or Cala Vella, followed by another nearby cove.