Charter Tour: By Boat in the Bay of Palma with Snorkeling and Paddle Surfing

Palma Bay from the water feels different fast. This 2.5-hour charter keeps things small (max 9 people) and packs in snorkeling and paddleboarding at clear-water stops, led by an expert captain.

I also like how the schedule gives you real time in the coves, not just a quick photo moment. One catch: if you’re hoping for constant, close-up reef life, plan for a mostly swim-and-sight snorkeling stop, not a guaranteed fish show.

Key Points Worth Knowing

• Max 9 passengers: you stay more relaxed than on big boats, with gear that doesn’t feel rushed.
• Ses Illetes photo stop: you get a quick look at one of the bay’s signature scenes before the main swim.
• Punta Negra swim cove: this is where snorkeling, paddleboarding, and water play happen.
• Jet ski and water-scooter fun included: you can choose your flavor of sea thrills, not just one activity.
• Drinks on board: water plus soft drinks and beers help the whole outing feel easy.
• Captain guidance throughout: expect route stories and safety checks while you’re on the water.

Why This Bay of Palma Charter Feels So Much Better Than Big-Boats

This tour is built for people who want Palma Bay’s best part: the water. Instead of sitting with strangers while someone herds you from one side of the deck to the other, you get a calmer rhythm. The boat stays small, and the captain can actually keep an eye on everyone while also getting you to the good places.

The second thing I like is the mix of options. You can snorkel, paddleboard at your own pace, and then switch gears for the jet-ski style fun. It’s not one activity that you’re forced to do for the whole trip. That flexibility matters when you’re traveling with different ages or different comfort levels.

The last part is surprisingly important: timing. At 2.5 hours, you get enough water time to feel satisfied, but not so much that you’re stuck thinking about what you’ll do next. It’s the kind of outing that works when Palma is on your checklist but you don’t want your day hijacked.

Getting There: Finding the Club de Mar Port Entrance (Not the Other One)

Your meeting point is at the entrance to the port of Club de Mar–Mallorca (not Club de Mar), in front of MercaNautic New Palma. A guide meets you there and walks you to the boat, which is a nice touch because the “port area” can look confusing from a distance.

Practical tip: arrive about 30 minutes early. This gives you time to get oriented, get your gear sorted, and start calm instead of sprinting with a sunscreen-sticky face. Also, plan on getting to the port on your own—transport to the meeting point isn’t included.

If you’re using public transport, the port is described as easy to reach from central Palma. Still, give yourself slack time. Ports have a way of making ten minutes feel like twenty.

Starting in Palma Bay: The Ses Illetes Photo Stop

Right after departure, you’ll head toward Ses Illetes for a photo stop. This is the part of the outing where the captain lines you up with views people usually only see from shore tours. You’re not committing to a full stop or long swim here—think of it as a quick “get your bearings” moment and a chance to capture that bright, clear-bay look.

What makes this stop useful is simple: it breaks the trip into phases. You don’t go straight from meeting to “jump in the water.” Instead, you ease into the scenery while the boat heads out across Palma Bay.

If you’re sensitive to sun, this is also a good moment to decide how you want to handle the rest of the day—shade onboard, sunscreen on arms, hat if you wear one.

Punta Negra: Where the Snorkeling and Paddleboarding Actually Happen

The main action comes at Punta Negra, where the boat anchors for swimming and the water activities. This is the stop that turns the boat ride into a real outing.

Here’s what you can do during the swim time:

• Snorkel with the included mask and snorkel gear
• Paddleboard (SUP) and explore at your own pace
• Float, swim, and relax if you’re taking it easy

The water here is described as clear and calm enough for fun in the bay. That matters because snorkeling feels very different when you can see what’s in front of you and when the water doesn’t punish you with constant waves.

One more honest note based on the overall pattern of feedback: some people find lots of fish, others don’t see a massive number of them at the exact spot you’re given. So I’d treat snorkeling as a beautiful-water activity first, and fish spotting as a bonus.

Jet Ski and Water-Scooter Fun: More Than One Way to Play

This tour includes the “jet ski included” option, and riders also talk about a water scooter/sea scooter setup for short rides while you’re in the bay. Either way, the key is that you get more than one way to enjoy the water.

Why this is a value point: many boat tours sell a single thrill and call it a day. Here, you can alternate. You might swim first, then do paddleboard time, and only later try the faster ride once you’re feeling confident.

Safety-wise, feedback consistently mentions the captain and crew keeping an eye on people and making sure everyone understands what to do. That’s especially important if you’re with teens or you want to avoid “watch me figure it out” chaos in the water.

The On-Board Setup: Small Group Comfort and Helpful Crew Energy

With a maximum of 9 passengers, the vibe usually stays friendly and unhurried. You’re not squeezing between strangers to use equipment, and you’re more likely to get quick help when you need it.

On the crew side, a few names show up again and again in feedback: skippers like Francesca and captains like Enrique are described as engaging and helpful. That lines up with what you want for a water day—someone who explains the plan, checks on comfort and safety, and keeps the tour moving without turning it into a production.

Also, music can be part of the mood. Some riders mention connecting music through Bluetooth, which means the trip can feel more like a fun boat day than a rigid tour schedule.

Drinks, Water Rinse, and What to Bring Anyway

Included onboard is water, soft drinks, and beers. That’s a big deal on a sea day because it removes one more decision. You don’t have to hunt for a cold drink while you’re already excited and sun-warmed.

What’s less consistent is food. Meals or snacks are listed as not included, so if you’re the type who needs a snack-plan, bring something simple. That said, some people report getting chips or small snacks onboard. I’d still treat food as your responsibility, with snacks as a possible bonus.

Also bring your own practical extras:

• Towels aren’t provided
• Sunscreen isn’t provided

A lot of the day is just you in the sun on a calm-water route, so skipping sunscreen is how this turns into a souvenir-level regret.

How Long You’ll Be in the Bay (And Why 2.5 Hours Works)

At 2.5 hours, you get a complete loop: depart from the meeting point, head to Ses Illetes for the quick photo stop, then arrive at Punta Negra for the swim-and-gear time, and return to Saltytours.

This length is a sweet spot for two reasons:

1. You get enough time to feel like you did a proper sea activity.
2. You still keep your afternoon free for Palma sightseeing, dinner, or a beach stroll.

It’s also a good fit if you’re traveling with kids or teens. You can have a real “water day” moment without the sun-and-schedule overload that longer tours can cause.

Who This Tour Is Best For (And Who Should Skip It)

This charter is ideal for people who want active fun with minimal crowding:

• Adults who like swimming and want a break from shore heat
• Families with kids who can follow safety instructions
• Anyone who wants both calm water and quick thrill options

It’s not suitable for:

• Wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments
• Non-swimmers
• Trips with pets (not allowed)
• Baby carriages (not allowed)

Kids matter here too. Minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times, and baby seats aren’t available on board. If you’re traveling with a stroller, plan to keep it simple and bring what you can manage on foot.

Price Check: Is $77 Worth It in Palma Bay?

At $77 per person, the price makes sense only if you value what’s included. Here’s why it can feel like good value:

• You’re paying for a small-group private boat feel (max 9) rather than a big crowded departure
• Snorkeling gear is included
• Paddleboarding (SUP) is included
• Jet ski is included
• Drinks are included

When you price this kind of day by item—boat time plus gear rental plus multiple water activities—$77 often lands in the “reasonable” zone because the extras are folded into the ticket.

The main thing to watch is that food isn’t officially part of the package. If you want snacks beyond drinks, plan ahead so you don’t end up hungry while everyone else is relaxed.

Timing Advice: Morning vs Late Day Comfort

If you have control over the start time, I’d aim for earlier or later slots when the sun is less intense. Several riders describe booking to avoid the worst midday conditions, and that’s smart. It’s not about avoiding heat entirely—it’s about keeping the day enjoyable when you’re wet, sun-warmed, and wearing gear.

That said, even if the weather shifts (cloudy days happen), the overall structure still works: you go out, anchor for water time, and enjoy the bay’s calmer coves.

Should You Book This Saltytours Charter in Palma Bay?

I’d book it if you want a mix of swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and jet-ski style fun without the big-boat crowd energy. The small group size is the real differentiator, and the included drinks keep the outing from feeling “nickel-and-dimed” once you’re on the water.

Skip it if you’re coming with needs that don’t match the constraints—especially if you’re not a swimmer, need wheelchair access, or you’re traveling with pets or a stroller. Also, if your priority is intense snorkeling with constant standout reef life, treat Punta Negra as a clear-water swim stop first.

If you can handle those expectations, this is a strong Palma Bay day: easy logistics, plenty to do in the water, and a captain-led route that focuses on the bay’s best angles.

FAQ

How long is the boat charter in the Bay of Palma?

The tour lasts 2.5 hours.

How many people are on each boat?

The group is limited to a maximum of 9 people per boat.

What’s included for water activities?

You get snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel) and paddleboarding (SUP). The tour also includes jet ski fun.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, soft drinks, and beers are included onboard.

Where do I meet the guide?

The guide meets you at the entrance to the port of Club de Mar–Mallorca (not Club de Mar), in front of MercaNautic New Palma. The guide then walks you to the boat.

Are towels or sunscreen provided?

No. Towels and sunscreen aren’t provided, so it’s recommended to bring them.