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

The best part of this Palma catamaran cruise is simple: you get a full day on the Mediterranean without having to plan a beach transfer, find a cove, or cook lunch. The boat heads from Palma toward Portals Vells or Cala Vella, then anchors near clear water for swimming and snorkeling.

I like the generous swim time and the fact that lunch is cooked on board, not packed in a box. I also like the price: at $69, you get five hours at sea, a barbecue buffet, wine, sangria, soft drinks, and two possible swim stops. The main thing to keep in mind is that this is a lively, fairly large boat rather than a quiet private sailing trip, and the exact route depends on the wind.

• Two stops along Mallorca’s south coast: The first cove is often the highlight, with clear water, fish, and room to swim toward shore.
• A proper barbecue meal on board: Expect chicken breast, skewers, sausages, salads, bread, and cake, with fruit also available on some departures.
• A social boat atmosphere: Music, dancing, Spanish songs, and an upbeat crew make this more of a sea party than a silent cruise.
• Morning or afternoon departure: The 3:30 PM sailing can return near sunset, while the 10 AM option gives you a classic full day in the sun.
• Useful for families and solo visitors: Life vests are provided, the boat is spacious, and solo passengers can easily join the social mood.
• Small practical details matter: Arrive 30 minutes early, bring cash for the refundable snorkeling deposit, and expect limited parking at the port.

Leaving Palma with the Cathedral Behind You

The meeting point is at the Port of Palma, at the dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on Passeig Marítim. Look for the boat marked Magic Catamarans on the harbor side of the pier, and arrive about 30 minutes before departure.

That early arrival is worth taking seriously. The port can be busy, parking is limited, and the boarding area may not make itself clear right away. One useful parking location is provided by the operator, but you should not count on finding a convenient space close to the dock.

Once aboard, you get a very different view of Palma. The harbor is filled with cruise ships, yachts, and working boats, while the city and its cathedral provide an attractive backdrop as you head south. This opening stretch is not just transportation. It gives you time to settle into the boat, find a comfortable spot, and watch the coast change from city harbor to rocky coves and resort beaches.

The catamaran is spacious enough that you can move around during the trip. If one side gets crowded or too sunny, you can change position later. Still, this is a popular shared excursion, so you should expect company. A full boat can feel lively rather than intimate.

Portals Vells or Cala Vella: The First Swim

The route usually includes Portals Vells or Cala Vella, with the choice guided by wind and sea conditions. A second nearby cove is also planned, although weather and operational conditions can affect the exact schedule.

The first stop is usually the strongest part of the outing. The boat anchors close to an idyllic beach or sheltered cove, and you can climb into the water directly from the catamaran. The water is often clear enough to see small fish, and you may swim toward shallower water near the shore if conditions allow.

This is where the included snorkeling masks are useful. You need to leave a €10 cash deposit for the equipment, but it is refundable when you return it. You can also bring your own mask if you prefer. Life vests are available for adults and children, which helps families feel more at ease, though children should still be watched closely around the boat and water.

The swim stop is not a guided marine-life lesson. You will not get a detailed explanation of every fish or cove. Instead, you get free time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or relax on deck while the crew prepares lunch. That freedom is part of the appeal. You are not rushed through a short photo stop.

Water conditions can change the experience. After rain, the sea may be less clear, and the second stop can sometimes be in deeper water away from shore. That does not make it a bad swim, but it may offer fewer fish and less of the bright, shallow-water color you find at the first cove.

Two Stops, With Some Flexibility Built In

The advertised plan includes two places to swim. In practice, the stops can differ in length. One may be a shorter half-hour stop, while another can last around an hour and a half. This allows the crew to use the best available anchorage and adjust to the wind.

You should also understand that two stops does not always mean two equally beautiful coves. One may be close to a beach with clear water and fish. The other may be farther offshore, offering a refreshing swim but less to see while snorkeling. A few departures have included only one substantial swim stop, so do not book this expecting two perfect postcard coves every time.

That flexibility is a reasonable trade-off for a boat excursion. The route is not fixed in the way a land tour is. The captain needs to choose a safer place when the sea is rough, and the operator states that weather can change the route.

For strong swimmers, the open-water stop can be fun. For young children or anyone who prefers shallow water, the cove near shore is likely to be more comfortable. Ask the crew about conditions before getting in, and use the life vest if you are not fully confident in the water.

Barbecue Lunch With Wine and Sangria

The meal is one of the better reasons to choose this cruise over a basic sightseeing boat. The crew prepares food on board while you swim, then serves a buffet with barbecue meats such as chicken breast, skewers, and sausages, along with fresh salads and cake.

The portion is intended to fill you after several hours in the sun. Fruit may also be available, and the drink service includes water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice throughout the excursion. Wine from Mallorca and sangria are included with the meal.

The food is practical rather than gourmet. I would think of it as a generous beach barbecue, not a restaurant meal. Most people should find enough to eat, but anyone with a very selective diet may want to set expectations accordingly. Vegetarian food is not listed as a standard option, so contact Magic Catamarans in advance if you need it.

Alcoholic drinks outside mealtime cost extra and can be bought at the bar. The boat accepts card payments, but not American Express. Bring the €10 snorkeling deposit in cash, since that is the one payment detail you should not leave to chance.

Music, Dancing, and a Friendly Crew

This cruise has a social mood. Music plays during the sailing, with Spanish songs featured on some departures, and the crew encourages an easygoing atmosphere. You might see people dancing after lunch, taking photos, or moving around the deck with a drink.

That mood works especially well for couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and solo visitors who like meeting people. One solo passenger found the trip easy to enjoy alone and made friends along the way. The age range can be broad, from young children to older adults, so the boat is not aimed only at a party crowd.

The crew receives especially strong praise for being cheerful, attentive, and organized. Captain Perez is named in one particularly enthusiastic account, and the captain and crew are often involved in both the cooking and the entertainment. The friendly service helps the boat feel relaxed even when it is full.

The trade-off is clear. If you want quiet sailing, personal space, and an intimate conversation with a skipper, choose a smaller private charter instead. Here, the music and group energy are part of what you are paying for.

Morning Sun or Afternoon Sunset

You can choose a 10 AM departure or a 3:30 PM sailing, with both options lasting about five hours.

The morning trip is the better fit if you want maximum daylight and a conventional swim-and-lunch outing. You will have the sun overhead during the main part of the cruise, and the schedule feels like a full day at sea.

The afternoon option has a different character. You still get time to swim, eat, and relax, but the return journey may include sunset views over the water. Several departures have included striking evening light, along with a closer look at Palma Cathedral from the sea near the end of the cruise.

The afternoon timing is especially appealing if you want a relaxed start to the day or are looking for a memorable final activity before dinner. Keep in mind that sunset views depend on the season and weather. Do not treat them as guaranteed, but the later departure gives you the best chance.

What $69 Really Buys You

At $69 per person, this is strong value if you plan to make full use of the boat. The price covers five hours, the catamaran ride, two planned swim stops, snorkeling equipment with a refundable deposit, life vests, the buffet meal, and drinks throughout the trip. Wine and sangria are also included with lunch.

You are paying for a complete half-day outing rather than a bare boat transfer. If you rented a car or taxi to reach a distant beach, paid for lunch, and added a separate boat ride, the total could quickly rise. This cruise bundles everything in one straightforward plan.

The value drops if you dislike crowds or do not intend to swim. Much of the experience is built around time in the water, sun on deck, food, music, and coastal views. If you want a serious sailing lesson, a quiet nature trip, or a private cove with no other boats, this is not the right product.

The large boat does help keep the cost down. You get more space than on a small motorboat, but you do not get a private experience. That is the central value calculation: good food, long swim time, and lively company in exchange for less privacy and a route that changes with the weather.

Who Will Enjoy This Most

I would recommend the cruise to families whose children are comfortable around open water, couples who like a relaxed social day, and solo visitors who do not mind joining a group. The boat provides life vests for children and adults, and the combination of swimming, lunch, and music gives everyone something to do.

It also suits people who want to see Mallorca from the sea without spending a full day on a complex excursion. You do not need to organize beach access, restaurant reservations, or snorkeling equipment. Show up at the port, bring your deposit, and let the crew handle the timing.

You may want to skip it if you are looking for a calm, high-end sailing experience. The boat can be full, the music can be noticeable, and the second swim stop may not match the first. The meal is satisfying and plentiful, but not designed for fine dining.

Wear a swimsuit under your clothes, bring sun protection, and pack a towel. A waterproof phone pouch is sensible if you plan to take photos from the water. Most important, arrive early enough to find the boat and board without a hot, rushed start.

Should You Book the Magic Catamaran Cruise?

Book this trip if you want a well-priced half-day on the Mediterranean, with clear-water swimming, a filling barbecue, drinks, and a friendly party atmosphere. The first cove, the long time in the water, and the sunset return on some afternoon sailings can make this one of Palma’s easiest fun days.

Think twice if you need a quiet boat, a guaranteed route, or two equally perfect snorkeling sites. The sea decides much of the schedule, and the boat is shared with a sizable group.

For most visitors, the $69 price is easy to justify. Choose the morning for more traditional beach time, or the afternoon for a livelier return and possible sunset over Palma.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

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

How long is the cruise?

The experience lasts five hours. You can choose a departure at 10 AM or 3:30 PM, depending on availability.

Are two swimming stops included?

The planned route includes two stops, one at Portals Vells or Cala Vella and another nearby cove. The exact route and number or length of stops can change with wind and weather conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Masks and snorkeling equipment are available, but you need to pay a €10 refundable deposit in cash. Life vests for adults and children are provided.

What food and drinks are included?

The buffet includes barbecue meats such as chicken breast, skewers, and sausages, plus fresh salads and cake. Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are available throughout the trip, while Mallorcan wine and sangria are served with the meal.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reservation option also allows you to book now and pay later.