Five and a half hours sounds easy.

This catamaran cruise is interesting because you get a small-group feel (max 55) on a brand-new 2023 boat, then you hit two food stops: an aperitif in La Cueva Verda and a BBQ in Cala Vella with crystal-clear water and included paddle surfs. The one drawback to plan around is that the route can shift with weather, so your stop timing and how much swimming time you get can vary.

I also like that the onboard set-up feels practical, not cramped: the boat is built for 84, but they cap the experience for comfort. And yes, there’s a bar onboard for extra drinks, but drinks are not included in the price.

Key things to know before you sail

• Max 55 on board on a catamaran that holds 84, so it feels more relaxed than the crowded versions
• La Cueva Verda aperitif as your first treat before you head toward Cala Vella
• BBQ cooked on board at the second stop, plus at least one review notes dessert service too
• Paddle surfs included for fun in the water during swim time
• Weather-flexible route: the day’s plan can adjust, especially for stops and swim windows
• Onboard bar open throughout (drinks cost extra)

A Small-Group Catamaran Ride That Actually Feels Comfortable

This trip works because it doesn’t try to cram everyone into the same “party boat” vibe. The boat may be rated for 84, but you’ll sail with a maximum of 55 people. That changes the whole feel. You get room to move, find a place to sit, and spend time on deck without playing human Tetris.

You’ll also notice the “new boat” touch. The catamaran is described as brand new in 2023, and multiple reviews highlight that it’s well-kept and nicely maintained. One practical detail I like: at onboarding, you’re asked to remove your shoes. It’s a small rule, but it usually means fewer scuffs, cleaner decks, and a more comfortable surface underfoot once you’re seated.

One more thing: there’s a bar onboard, open during the excursion. Drinks are not included, but having it there matters if you want a cocktail while you watch the coastline go by.

Palma to Cala Vella: How the Route Shapes Your Day

You start at the Port of Palma, meeting at Oasis Catamaran on Av. de Gabriel Roca, 16, Palma. From there, the cruise heads toward Cala Vella, described as part of a nature reserve with small coves and clear water.

Here’s why that route is a big deal: Cala Vella is the main “water moment” of the day. You aren’t just doing a quick stop and moving on. You get time to swim and relax in the kind of water that makes you want to stay out longer. The cruise then returns by sailing along the bay waters, so you still get the slow-moving pleasure of being at sea, not just eating and then heading back.

The one consideration is that the route may be altered due to weather. That doesn’t automatically mean anything bad. It usually means the crew will protect comfort and safety by adjusting where they stop and how the day runs. For you, the best strategy is to go in flexible. If your goal is maximum swimming time, be ready for that time to depend on sea conditions.

La Cueva Verda Aperitif: The First Taste Before the Swim Break

Your first food moment is an aperitif at La Cueva Verda. Even if you’re not the type who cares about fancy settings, an aperitif stop is the right way to break up the cruise. It gets you settled into the rhythm of the day: sip something, get oriented, and then look ahead to the main swim and BBQ stop.

This is also where the “cruise pace” matters. The trip is about 5 hours 30 minutes, so the timing of these food moments keeps you from feeling like you’re stuck waiting the whole time. A short food break early can turn the afternoon into something that feels complete.

And because the BBQ comes later, the aperitif works like a warm-up. You’re not full for the swim, but you’re happy and relaxed, which makes the water time more enjoyable.

Cala Vella BBQ: Fresh Food Meets Real Sea Air

The big anchor stop is at Cala Vella, where they prepare the BBQ directly on board. This is one of the most praised parts of the whole experience. Reviews repeatedly mention that the food quality is solid and that there’s enough for seconds if you want more. That’s what you want to hear on a cruise: no tiny portions, no “one bite and done” situation.

At the same stop, you get the main water window. The description makes it clear you can swim and relax in the coves, and the water is highlighted as crystal clear. That matters because the BBQ isn’t competing with your swim plan. You’re getting both, and the day naturally alternates between deck time, water time, and eating time.

One review also mentions dessert as part of the meal services. The listing you’re given doesn’t spell out dessert, but since it shows up in the firsthand feedback, it’s fair to expect that there may be a sweet option alongside the BBQ. Either way, the BBQ itself is the centerpiece you can count on.

Paddle Surfs Included: What This Adds (And How to Use It)

The trip includes stand up paddle boarding (listed as paddle surfs). If you’ve never tried it, this is one of those “small add-ons” that can actually become the memory. It’s one thing to swim; it’s another to glide on calm water and see the coastline from above the surface.

A simple tip: don’t treat paddle surf like something you do once and rush past. Give yourself time to get comfortable. Even a short session can boost the fun level of the whole afternoon, because it turns a beautiful cove into your own little activity zone.

Also, because this excursion is focused on two main stops, the paddle surf time tends to sync with those swim windows. If the water conditions are rough, your session might be shorter or the crew may adjust the activity. That’s normal. The upside is that you’ll still have swimming time built into the plan.

The Onboard Feel: Seating, Shoes Off, and the Music Factor

This cruise lives and dies on comfort, and the boat’s vibe seems to work for a lot of people.

• There’s plenty of seating, and one review notes there’s a mix of covered and sunny spots.
• The crew is described as friendly and professional, with attention to how the trip runs.
• You get a practical onboarding step: they ask you to take off your shoes when getting on. That’s not universal on catamarans, and I actually see it as a good sign for cleanliness and order.

Now for the tricky part: music. One review praised good tunes, but another complained the music was very loud and made conversation difficult if you were seated near loud speakers. That’s worth planning around.

If you’re the type who likes easy conversation during sailing, consider bringing earplugs. Or simply sit a bit away from the loudest area. You’ll still enjoy the trip; you just won’t have to fight the sound to hear the people you came with.

Drinks and the Bar: How to Budget Without Surprises

The listing is clear: drinks are not included. There is a bar onboard, open throughout the excursion, where you can buy cocktails, mixed drinks, and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

For budgeting, that means your $109.31 is mainly covering the cruise, the food elements, and the included paddle surf. If you plan to drink alcohol, plan for extra costs. If you stick to water or soft drinks, you can keep it simple.

A practical mindset: treat the bar as an optional upgrade, not part of the base price. That way, you enjoy it without worrying about value while you’re already out at sea.

Price and Value: What $109.31 Really Buys You

At $109.31 per person, you’re paying for a 5½-hour catamaran experience with multiple tangible inclusions: an aperitif stop, a BBQ stop, and paddle surfs. That’s the key value here. You’re not just buying scenery and a quick swim. You’re buying food service and a built-in activity.

This price also makes more sense because the boat isn’t maxed at its full capacity. Even though it can hold 84, you sail with a maximum of 55. That matters because comfort is part of the cost of a cruise. Less overcrowding tends to mean better seating, easier movement, and a more relaxed time at the water.

Where the value can drop is when conditions reduce the time you can actually spend swimming or if the day’s stop pattern changes with weather. One unhappy review mentioned fewer stops and trouble swimming. You can’t control the sea, but you can control expectations: keep the main goal as relaxation and flexibility, not a guaranteed schedule minute-for-minute.

Who This Catamaran Sail Fits Best (And Who Might Want Another Option)

This cruise is a great match if you want a mix of:

• a real swim-and-relax stop at a cove
• included paddle surf
• an afternoon that feels more like a laid-back sea day than a cattle-line group tour

It also suits couples and families who want time together without constant logistics. Multiple reviews praise the relaxed pace and the room to enjoy the deck.

You might think twice if you strongly hate loud music, because the onboard sound level can be hit-or-miss. You should also have realistic expectations about water access. If the water is rough or the crew adjusts the route, you might get less ideal swimming time than you hoped.

And if you’re the type who likes strict itineraries, remember that the route can change with weather. The crew will adjust; your job is to go in flexible.

Practical Tips for Your Day on the Water

A few choices will make this trip smoother:

• Bring sunscreen. You’re outside for a long stretch, and you’ll be in and out of the water.
• Have a plan for water shoes if you like them. The crew asks for shoes off during onboarding, but you’ll still want something safe for walking around once you’re aboard and at swim areas (what that looks like depends on sea and dock conditions).
• Pack something to manage music. If you’re sensitive to sound, earplugs can be a life-saver.
• Arrive a bit early at Oasis Catamaran in Palma so you can check in calmly and settle before the sailing begins.
• Don’t overpack your expectations of stop counts. The day can shift for weather, and you’ll have the best time if you focus on what you get when you’re in the coves.

Should You Book This Catamaran in Palma?

I’d book it if you want a value-minded day at sea with real included food and a water activity that’s not an extra-cost add-on. The combination of La Cueva Verda aperitif, a BBQ at Cala Vella, and included paddle surfs makes it feel complete for the price.

I would hesitate only if loud onboard music and strict schedules are deal-breakers for you. If that’s your situation, consider bringing earplugs and mentally switching your goal from hitting exact timings to enjoying the water, the food, and the relaxed catamaran feel.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran experience?

It runs about 5 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the cruise depart from in Palma?

You’ll meet at OASIS CATAMARAN, Av. de Gabriel Roca, 16, 07014 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What food is included?

You’ll have an aperitif at the first stop and a BBQ at the second stop.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Drinks are not included, and you can purchase them at the onboard bar.

Is paddle boarding included?

Yes. Stand up paddle boarding (paddle surfs) is included.

Where do you swim during the trip?

The schedule includes a stop at Cala Vella, a nature reserve with coves where you can swim and relax. The route can change with weather.

How many people are on the boat?

The boat can carry 84, but this experience sails with a maximum of 55 people.

Is there a bar on board?

Yes. There’s a bar onboard open throughout the excursion.

Do I get a mobile ticket?

Yes. The experience uses a mobile ticket.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. It also notes the experience requires good weather and a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.