Palma de Mallorca: Deluxe Catamaran Sailing Tour with Meal

The best thing about this Palma sailing trip is the space. The Oasis can carry 57 people but takes no more than 36, so you get room to stretch out, find a sunny seat, and enjoy the sea without being packed shoulder to shoulder. I especially like the beautiful swim stop at Cala Vella and the freshly prepared meal served aboard.

I also like the clean, modern boat, the friendly crew, and the choice between a daytime BBQ and an adults-only sunset cruise with tapas. The main drawback is the meeting point, which may be hard to spot, and the trip can feel choppy if the sea is up. Drinks beyond unlimited water cost extra, with cocktails reaching roughly €15 to €20.

Key points to know before booking

• A genuinely uncrowded boat: Bookings are capped at 36 people on a catamaran built for 57.
• Cala Vella swim stop: You can swim, jump from the boat, and use the included paddle boards.
• Two distinct tour styles: Choose a daytime BBQ or an adults-only sunset cruise with tapas and canapés.
• Good onboard facilities: The Oasis has two clean bathrooms, open deck space, and a bar.
• Bring your own snorkeling gear: Masks and tubes are not included for hygiene reasons, though a set can be bought aboard for €25.
• Allow time for the meeting point: The location may change, and there may be no visible sign. Check WhatsApp before leaving.

Why the Oasis feels less crowded than other Palma boat trips

Palma has no shortage of boat excursions, and many are built around filling every available seat. The Oasis takes a different approach. Its 36-person limit is the detail that matters most here. You are still joining a social outing, not a private charter, but you should have enough room to move between the bow, shaded seating, and the swimming area.

That extra space changes the mood. You can sit quietly with a drink, take photos without bumping into people, or join the group when the music and swimming begin. Some departures have carried fewer than 30 people, and one had only 17. The exact number will vary, but the operator’s stated limit gives you a useful ceiling.

The catamaran itself is modern and carefully kept. Two bathrooms are available, and the boat has been praised for clean toilets and tidy shared areas. That is not a glamorous detail, but it matters during a four-hour trip. You are not returning to port after a quick one-hour cruise.

The atmosphere is relaxed rather than strictly formal. Music plays, the crew serves food and drinks, and the mood may become livelier later in the day. A saxophone performance has even appeared on a sunset departure, followed by dancing. That is not guaranteed, but it gives you a sense of the sort of informal fun that can develop onboard.

Leaving Palma and heading toward Cala Vella

The trip begins at the Port of Palma, with the exact meeting point depending on the option you book. Check your confirmation carefully, then check WhatsApp on the day. The meeting location has changed for some departures, and there may be no large sign at the pier.

The practical trick is simple: use the map pin rather than looking for a prominent office. At one pickup point, the correct place was beside the stairs and parked cars near the quay. A crew member arrived to check people in, and the boat came to that same spot. Give yourself extra time, since a confusing pier is a poor place to discover that you have the wrong meeting point.

Once aboard, you can settle in while the catamaran leaves the port and heads across Palma Bay. The journey is part of the experience, not just transport to the swimming stop. You will have open-water views, changing angles on the coast, and time to get comfortable before the main activity begins.

If conditions allow, the crew may raise the sails for part of the trip. On other departures, the boat may rely more on its engines. Weather controls the sailing, route, and length of stops, so do not treat a particular sailing maneuver as guaranteed.

The crew speaks English, French, German, and Spanish. Names can vary by departure, though Pawel has served as captain on some trips and Marshall has been singled out for warm, helpful service. The crew’s role is practical as well as friendly: they explain the outing, help with water activities, serve food, and keep an eye on conditions.

Cala Vella is the main event

After roughly an hour of cruising, the Oasis reaches Cala Vella, a natural area known for small coves and clear water. The boat stops near cliffs and sheltered Mediterranean scenery, giving you the chance to swim directly from the catamaran.

This is the point to bring your swimsuit, towel, hat, and sunscreen. You can swim, jump from the boat, or simply sit above the water and watch others have a go. Paddle boards are included, with three boards available on some departures. If the boat is full, you may need to wait your turn, but the 36-person limit helps keep the equipment manageable.

Snorkeling is possible, but you need to plan ahead. Masks and tubes are not included as standard because of hygiene rules. You can bring your own set or buy one onboard for €25. That price makes bringing your own gear the better choice if snorkeling is a priority.

The water and setting are the strongest part of the excursion. You are not merely looking at the sea from a moving boat. You get a proper stop in which you can cool off and spend time in the water. Still, this is not a dedicated snorkeling expedition. The length of the swim stop, the exact anchorage, and the water conditions can change with weather and safety concerns.

Bring a dry change of clothes if you dislike sitting in wet swimwear. Casual clothing is suitable for the boat, but high heels are not allowed, and shoes are not worn indoors. A hat with a secure fit is sensible on a moving deck.

Daytime sailing means BBQ, swimming, and a relaxed bar

Choose the daytime option if you want the most straightforward beach-style outing. After anchoring at Cala Vella, the crew prepares a BBQ on board. The food has included chicken, hot dogs, corn, salad, bread rolls, mini burgers, and dessert, with portions described as generous.

The precise menu may change, but the useful point is that this is a proper meal rather than a token snack. You can swim before or after eating, use the paddle boards, and return to the deck for a plate of food. Vegetarian options have been available, and the crew has accommodated some dietary restrictions. If you have a serious allergy or special diet, contact the operator before booking rather than relying on what is prepared on the day.

Unlimited water is included throughout the trip. Other drinks are not included, but the onboard bar sells beer, mixed drinks, cocktails, and non-alcoholic choices. Prices have varied by drink, with beer around €3.50 on one departure and cocktails commonly around €15 to €20. That is fair for a boat bar, but it can add up quickly if you order several.

One small service tip is worth remembering: if a complimentary drink is part of your booking, ask for it after the meal if it has not appeared. It may not be brought automatically once lunch is over. The crew generally keeps people supplied with water, but a polite reminder avoids missing an included item.

The ride back follows Palma Bay toward the port. Depending on the time and route, you may see the old town and the Cathedral from the water. The return gives you a chance to dry off, enjoy the deck, and watch the coast recede rather than ending the trip immediately after swimming.

Sunset sailing trades the BBQ for tapas

The sunset option follows the same broad pattern: depart Palma, sail toward Cala Vella, stop for a swim, then return as the light changes. Instead of the daytime BBQ, you receive tapas and canapés, with dessert included on some departures.

This version suits couples and adults who want a quieter, more romantic evening. The sunset option is for people aged 18 and over, so do not book it for minors. The atmosphere can remain calm with low music, though the return may become more social if the group feels like dancing.

The evening light is the main reason to choose this departure. As the catamaran sails back, you can see the Mallorcan coast and Palma’s old town from the water. The Cathedral is particularly attractive from the bay, especially as the city begins to glow after sunset.

Even in warm weather, the return journey can feel cool after swimming. Pack a light layer. The crew has provided blankets when conditions turned chilly, but you should not depend on that as your only warm clothing.

Cocktails are available at an additional cost, and they are the most expensive part of the bar menu. Basic drinks may be reasonably priced, while cocktails have reached €18 to €20 on some trips. If you are choosing the sunset cruise mainly for the meal and views, you can enjoy the evening without buying several drinks.

How much value do you get for $97?

At $97 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water around Palma. The value comes from the combination of a smaller group, a polished catamaran, a meal, swimming time, SUP equipment, unlimited water, and a four to four-and-a-half-hour duration.

A cheaper boat may offer a similar route, but it may carry many more people. If you care about open deck space, clean bathrooms, and a less hurried swim stop, paying more makes sense. The limit of 36 is the clearest reason to choose this experience over a high-capacity party boat.

The included food also helps. A daytime BBQ is more substantial than a few packaged snacks, and the sunset tapas turn the outing into an evening meal as well as a cruise. You still need a budget for optional drinks and possibly snorkeling equipment, but those costs are easy to control.

I would call the price good value for a special occasion, a honeymoon, or a day when you want the boat itself to be part of the experience. It is less compelling if you only want a quick swim and do not care about group size. In that case, a basic boat trip may be enough.

What to pack, and what to leave behind

Keep your packing simple:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Light clothing or a cover-up
• A warmer layer for the sunset return
• Your own snorkeling mask and tube, if you want to snorkel

The instructions create one odd conflict: sunscreen is listed among the items to bring, but also appears among the prohibited items. Confirm the current rule with the operator before departure. Sun protection is important on an open boat, so do not assume you can spend four hours outside without it.

Do not bring outside food or drinks, a cooler, drone, fishing gear, pets, or high-heeled shoes. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited, and anyone intoxicated may not be allowed to take part. Party groups, including bachelor and bachelorette groups, are not accepted.

The boat is suitable for swimmers and for people who prefer to stay dry on deck. You should be comfortable with a water stop and a moving vessel. If you suffer from seasickness, consider medication before departure, since the ride can become choppy even when the overall trip is pleasant.

Who should choose this Palma catamaran tour?

I would recommend the daytime cruise to couples, families, and friends who want swimming, food, and a comfortable boat without a loud party focus. The space is especially useful for families, since you can spread out while still keeping the group together.

The sunset departure is better for adults seeking a romantic evening, a birthday outing, or a slower way to see Palma from the bay. It offers a memorable setting, but remember that it is not available to children.

This is not the best match if you need hotel pickup, want a fully private charter, or expect a specialist snorkeling excursion. Hotel pickup is not included, and the itinerary may change with weather. You also should not book it if you strongly dislike boats, since the cruising time is a major part of the experience.

The operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later. Those policies are useful when your Mallorca plans depend on weather, though you should still check the exact meeting point and departure time before travel.

Should you book the Oasis?

Book it if you want a well-spaced catamaran, a scenic swim at Cala Vella, and a real meal rather than a quick drink and a short ride. The boat, crew, clean facilities, and small passenger limit make this a stronger choice than many crowded Palma cruises.

Choose the daytime option for a generous BBQ and more daylight in the water. Choose sunset for tapas, city views, and a more romantic mood. Bring your own snorkeling equipment, check WhatsApp for meeting updates, and budget separately for cocktails.

At $97, you are paying for comfort and room as much as for the route. For most people who value a relaxed boat day over the lowest possible price, that is money well spent.

FAQ

How long is the Oasis catamaran tour?

The excursion lasts approximately 4 to 4.5 hours. Check the available departure times when booking.

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat departs from the Port of Palma, but the exact meeting point may vary by the option booked. Check the map pin and any WhatsApp updates.

How many people are allowed on the catamaran?

The boat has capacity for 57 people, but the tour limits bookings to a maximum of 36 for greater comfort.

What food is included on the daytime tour?

The daytime option includes appetizers and a BBQ prepared aboard. Food has included items such as chicken, hot dogs, corn, salad, bread, and dessert, though the menu may vary.

What food is included on the sunset tour?

The sunset option includes tapas and canapés. It is an adults-only experience for people aged 18 and over.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The itinerary includes a swimming stop at Cala Vella. You can also jump from the boat and use the included paddle boards.

Are paddle boards included?

Yes. SUP equipment is included in the tour price. Availability may require you to wait your turn.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Masks and tubes cannot be rented for hygiene reasons. You can bring your own or buy a snorkeling set on the boat for €25.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water is included. Other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including cocktails, cost extra.

What languages does the crew speak?

The activity is offered in English, French, German, and Spanish.