Palma: Catamaran Cruise with Swimming and Snorkelling

The best part of this Palma catamaran trip is simple: you leave the busy shore behind and spend your afternoon floating above clear Mediterranean water. The boat cruises from Arenal toward Cap Enderrocat and Cala Vella, then anchors for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. I like the spacious catamaran and the easy access to the sea, with steps and several jumping points. I also like the choice of a short two-hour outing or a longer cruise with food.

The main thing to consider is the group size. The catamaran can carry a lot of people, and the best spots on the nets go quickly. The meeting point at Playa de l’Arenal can also be hard to identify, so allow extra time to find the kiosk and local partner sign.

Key points to know before booking

• Two swimming stops are possible: The longer option can include two stops, though the second may be much shorter.
• A spacious catamaran: There is room to sit, sunbathe, and move around, but prime places fill early.
• Snorkeling equipment is provided: Life vests are also available, though hygiene standards for shared masks may vary.
• The BBQ is optional: Choose it for cooked food, pasta salad, local bread, and one included drink.
• Music shapes the mood: Expect a relaxed cruise that can become livelier on the return trip.
• Bring your own basics: Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.

Sailing from Playa de l’Arenal

You meet at Playa de l’Arenal, near the beach kiosk marked with the local partner’s name. The directions are not as clear as they could be, and several people have needed to ask around before finding the right waiting area. I would not cut this close, especially if you want a good place on board.

There is no hotel pickup, so you need to reach the beach independently. Once aboard, the crew provides a short orientation and points out the available life vests and snorkeling equipment. The host team can assist in English, German, Spanish, French, and Italian.

The catamaran is modern and large enough to feel comfortable even when fairly full. Some passengers head straight for the forward nets to lie down and sunbathe, while others choose seats along the sides or near the rear. Seating is generally first come, first served, so arriving early matters if you have your heart set on the nets.

The ride across Palma Bay

The first part of the outing is about settling into the boat. You feel the warm air, watch the Arenal shoreline recede, and take pictures as the catamaran moves along the coast. The sailing itself is smooth, and the crew keeps the mood light with music.

This is not a quiet sailing lesson or a guided coastal history tour. You may get some basic help from the crew, but the focus is on relaxing, swimming, and enjoying the boat. If you want detailed commentary about Mallorca’s coast, this is not the right outing. If you want a simple few hours on the sea, it fits well.

The music is a big part of the atmosphere. It usually stays pleasant during the outward trip, then becomes more energetic on the way back. Some outings finish with people dancing on board, while others feel calmer. The exact mood depends on the group and the chosen departure time.

You will find a bar on board. Drinks are available, but not every beverage is part of the basic price. The BBQ option includes one water, beer, or sangria. If you choose the standard cruise, plan to pay separately for drinks sold at the bar.

Cap Enderrocat and Cala Vella

The route heads toward Cap Enderrocat and Cala Vella, two protected coastal areas east of Arenal. The attraction here is the setting: rocky shorelines, open sea, clear water, and sheltered coves that look better from the water than from the beach.

The boat may pass coastal caves and headlands before reaching its swimming area. These views are a good reason to keep your phone ready during the outward trip, though photographs are often easier once the catamaran has stopped. When the boat is moving, wind and spray can make steady pictures tricky.

Cala Vella is especially suited to the swimming break. The water can be clear enough to see small fish below you, and the crew may place bread in the water, bringing fish close to the boat. That makes the snorkeling more interesting than simply looking into empty blue water.

The scenery is the star, but do not expect to step onto a beach during the regular itinerary. The boat anchors offshore, and you enter the water directly from the catamaran. If you prefer walking on sand or exploring a beach, this trip may not meet that expectation.

The 90-minute swimming stop

The longer cruise includes a substantial stop for swimming or sunbathing, with up to about 90 minutes at anchor. Some departures also include a second stop, although the time at each location can vary. One stop may last close to an hour, while another may be closer to 20 or 30 minutes.

The catamaran gives you several ways into the water. You can use the stairs, step from a lower ledge, or jump from one of the higher points at the stern. Life vests are available, and the crew helps maintain a safe setup around the swimming area.

If you are a confident swimmer, this is likely to be the high point of the trip. You get enough time to swim properly rather than simply take a quick dip. If you are less comfortable in open water, the stairs and life vest make it easier to enter gradually, but you should still judge the conditions for yourself.

Bring a waterproof phone case with a strap if you want pictures in the water. A phone loose in your hand is easy to drop, and the best views often come from the stern, the nets, or the water itself. Keep sunscreen handy too, since the Mediterranean sun feels stronger when you are surrounded by bright water.

The sea can be cool outside the hottest summer months. An outing in May, for example, may involve beautiful but chilly water. In July and August, swimming is more likely to feel warm and inviting, though the activity runs across the season and conditions can change.

Snorkeling with provided equipment

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with life vests. The fish near the boat can make a short look worthwhile, especially when bread attracts them close to the surface.

I would still bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. One passenger found that the shared equipment did not appear to be sanitized well, and personal equipment gives you a better fit and greater peace of mind. The supplied gear is useful if you do not want to pack your own, but I would inspect it before entering the water.

This is casual snorkeling, not a specialist marine-life excursion. You are given time to look around the anchored catamaran, but there is no promise of a guided reef route or a long search for wildlife. Think of it as a pleasant extra attached to a swimming cruise.

Choosing the BBQ option

The BBQ option adds a freshly cooked meal, pasta salad, local bread, and one drink: water, beer, or sangria. The food is practical boat-trip fare rather than a reason to book the cruise by itself.

Meat eaters are likely to find the meal more satisfying. The pasta salad is useful for vegetarians, but the food selection may be less generous for vegetarians and vegans. If you have dietary restrictions, check what can be provided before booking rather than assuming the BBQ will cover every preference.

The timing of the meal can affect the first swim stop. On some departures, the initial stop is long partly because the crew is preparing and serving lunch. That can work well if you want an unhurried meal and a good swim, but it may feel slow if you would rather spend more time sailing.

The included drink adds value to the BBQ package, especially since drinks bought separately at the bar can cost about 8 euros. The combination of a meal and a drink makes the longer outing easier to justify at around $47, though the value depends on the exact option and duration available when you book.

How crowded does the boat feel?

The catamaran is spacious, but spacious does not mean empty. Some departures have carried around 80 people, and the number on board can change the character of the trip. You may have plenty of room to move around, yet still need to share the best sitting areas.

The front nets are the most sought-after places for lying down and sunbathing. Arriving early helps, but you may still need to share space. If you prefer less sun or more shelter, side seating can be more practical.

The crowd is usually part of the entertainment. Music, swimming, and people jumping from the stern create a social mood. This is a good match for friends, couples, birthday groups, and hen parties. It is less ideal if you want a private sailing experience or a silent afternoon.

Smoking can also affect where you sit. One passenger found the cigarette smell unpleasant near the rear when people began socializing on the return trip. If that would bother you, choose a forward or side position when possible.

Timing, duration, and value

The advertised duration ranges from two to four hours. The shorter trip works well if you want a quick taste of sailing and swimming, or if you have another plan in Palma later. Several hours on the water can pass quickly, especially when the outing includes a long swim and a meal.

The longer format offers more time for the coastal route, swimming, and lunch. It is the better choice if the boat itself is the main event. The two-hour version may feel too brief if you want a relaxed sail, a proper swim, snorkeling, and food all in one outing.

At about $47 per person, the trip offers solid value for a large catamaran cruise with a swimming stop. The basic price covers the boat, life vest, and snorkeling equipment. The BBQ option adds food and one drink, which can be worthwhile when you compare it with buying lunch and drinks separately.

Value is less convincing if you only want a quiet sail with few people around. In that case, a smaller boat trip may suit you better, though this experience is specifically appealing because it combines a large boat, easy swimming access, music, and a social atmosphere at a moderate price.

The free cancellation policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Mallorca schedule is still changing.

Who will enjoy this catamaran cruise?

I would recommend it for:

• Friends who want a relaxed activity with music and swimming
• Couples looking for sea views without booking a private boat
• Families with swimmers who appreciate stairs, life vests, and crew support
• Hen parties and other group celebrations
• Anyone who wants a simple half-day outing from Arenal
• Sunbathers who prefer a boat deck to a busy beach

I would think twice if you need wheelchair access, since the experience is not suitable for wheelchair users. I would also reconsider if your priority is a quiet, highly guided sailing trip, a beach stop, or a serious snorkeling session.

Pack swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. Do not bring alcohol or drugs, which are not allowed. A waterproof phone pouch, strap, and personal snorkeling gear are useful extras, even though snorkeling equipment is supplied.

Should you book it?

Book this Palma catamaran cruise if you want clear water, an easy swim stop, music, and a friendly group atmosphere without paying for a private boat. The best features are the spacious catamaran, the smooth sailing, the attractive coves near Cap Enderrocat and Cala Vella, and the chance to jump straight into the Mediterranean.

Choose the BBQ package and longer duration if you want the outing to fill a large part of your day. Choose the shorter cruise if you mainly want a scenic ride and one good swim. Arrive early, expect some crowding, and bring your own snorkeling mask if hygiene is a concern. With those points in mind, this is a good-value sea outing from Arenal, especially for first-time visitors who want an easy taste of Mallorca from the water.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise meet?

The meeting point is at Playa de l’Arenal. Look for the local partner’s sign near the beach kiosk as you walk down toward the shore.

How long does the cruise last?

The available duration ranges from two to four hours. Check the available starting times and exact option when booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You need to make your own way to Playa de l’Arenal.

Are swimming stops included?

Yes. The cruise includes a stop for swimming. Longer outings may include two swimming stops, with the length of each stop varying.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included.

Is the BBQ included in the basic price?

The BBQ is included only when you select the With BBQ option. That package also includes pasta salad, local bread, and one water, beer, or sangria.

Are drinks included without the BBQ option?

The included drink applies to the With BBQ option. Other drinks can be purchased from the boat bar.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. A waterproof phone holder and personal snorkeling equipment can also be useful.

Can wheelchair users join?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What languages are available from the host team?

The host or greeter service is available in English, German, Spanish, French, and Italian.