Salt air and white-sand coves in one afternoon. This catamaran day trip from Cala Ratjada brings you past Cap de Freu and into the Llevant Natural Park, with time to swim, snorkel, and eat well at sea. It’s a simple plan: sail, anchor in pretty places, and spend the day outside.

What I really like is the mix of easy water time plus a proper meal. You get snorkeling equipment included, and the day is built around swims in clear water rather than “look but don’t touch” sightseeing. The other big win is the BBQ lunch with drinks included during the meal, so you’re not hunting for food after you’ve already worked up an appetite on deck.

One thing to consider is group size and how the day feels at capacity. The tour can run with up to 140 people, so if you’re hoping for a totally quiet, intimate outing, plan for some bustle, especially around lunch and getting back on board. Also, like most sea trips here, it needs good weather to run smoothly.

Key points before you go

• Cap de Freu meets the Llevant Natural Park on a 4-hour loop along Mallorca’s east side
• Swim and snorkel stops are built into the schedule with included gear
• BBQ lunch plus salads and fruit, with soft drinks, beer, and sangria included during lunch
• English is offered, and the crew handles the sailing and service while you enjoy the water time
• Optional hotel pickup may be available from Mallorca’s east area, but it’s not included by default

Cala Ratjada start: Mayurca Yachting and the 9:30 departure

This trip starts from Cala Ratjada at 9:30am, with the meeting point at Mayurca Yachting, Carrer Ingeniero Gabriel Roca, 9, 07590 Cala Rajada. The port area is practical to reach, and it’s described as near public transportation, which matters if you don’t want to rely on taxis for a short, timed experience.

Because the schedule is tight (about 4 hours), I’d treat arrival like a small mission. Get there early enough to check in calmly, use the restroom, and get your swim stuff ready. Once you’re on board, you’ll want to be ready to move when the crew anchors—those stops are the main event.

If you’re staying on Mallorca’s east side, look into whether pickup is offered for your hotel area. It’s listed as optional from east area hotels, but pickup itself isn’t included in the standard cost. That means you may still need to make your own way to Cala Ratjada depending on where you’re staying.

Sailing the Majorcan east: Capdepera, Artà, and the nature reserve feel

The ride covers Mallorca’s north-eastern corner, starting from Cala Ratjada and sailing around the peninsula while passing the Capdepera and Artà area. The big target is the Llevant Natural Park and the Reserve des Cap de Freu, which is the stretch that draws people for the coastline.

What you’re paying for here is not a museum-style tour. It’s the value of time on the water, plus access to spots that are hard to reach by foot. You’ll be traveling along a protected coastal area, and the schedule is designed around the coastline rather than winding inland.

In plain terms: if you like looking out the window while the boat does the driving, this fits. If you expect a long, scripted talk about every feature you pass, you might find the narration lighter than you wanted. The best way to enjoy it is to keep your focus on the water, the swim breaks, and the views you get from the deck.

Anchor stops for swimming and snorkeling in clear water

This is a catamaran trip built around the sea time. After leaving the port, the crew takes you through the protected east-coast area and then anchors for a refresh swim. Later, there’s additional time to cruise through more of the “hidden spot” coastline style areas, with another chance to jump in and enjoy the water.

Even the snorkeling angle is practical here. Snorkeling equipment use is included, so you don’t have to rent gear on arrival. I’d still do the usual prep: bring your own swimwear, pack a towel if you have space, and consider water shoes if the boat crew allows easy entry in your spot. And if you don’t know your comfort level with open-water snorkeling, start with short sessions—these are the kinds of coves where you’ll be tempted to stay in longer than planned.

One more note: the experience is listed as having a maximum of 140 travelers. That doesn’t automatically mean it feels crowded in the water, but it can affect how fast you get back and forth during anchor stops. If you want the calmest swim, timing matters—be ready to get in early when the crew announces the stop.

BBQ lunch at sea: what’s included, what’s not, and how to plan

Lunch is one of the best reasons to book this exact format. While the boat is at anchor, you’ll enjoy a BBQ lunch with three salads and fruit, plus bread and dessert. During lunch, drinks included are soft drinks, beer, and sangria.

What’s not included is also important: drinks before and after lunch are not included. That’s common, but it affects your budgeting if you’re the type who wants a drink earlier in the morning or a cold one after the meal. If you’re prone to getting thirsty on boats, plan for a small extra spend.

Food-wise, the lunch is described as bread, dessert, salads, fruit, and BBQ—so you’re not just getting a snack. A couple of different experiences have shown up in the feedback patterns, from praise for the overall meal to comments that it was more simple than expected. My take: don’t treat it like a fine-dining meal. Treat it like a well-executed beach/boat lunch that keeps you fueled for the swimming.

Practical move: eat like you’ll still be in the water afterward. Don’t go heavy on anything that makes you feel slow when you’re ready to swim. And if you’re bringing sunscreen, apply before you settle into the lunch flow. Sun + salt + time in the water adds up fast.

Timing, group size, and the vibe on a 4-hour loop

This is designed as a half-day. You’ll be out for about 4 hours, starting at 9:30am, which makes it easy to fit into a Mallorca itinerary without losing your whole day to logistics.

The tour is offered in English, and it’s set up with a professional crew. In practice, that’s why this works for many people: the crew handles the boat movement, the anchor stops, and the meal service, so you can focus on your own pace—swim, snorkel, relax on deck, repeat.

Still, keep your expectations calibrated to group scale. With up to 140 people, you can get a bit of line energy around key moments: boarding, lunch distribution, and reloading onto the catamaran after swim time. If your ideal day is low-key and quiet, you’ll probably feel it most at those transition moments.

Weather is the other big reality check. This experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s worth respecting. Boats don’t run their best work when seas get rough.

Value for $90.82: what you’re actually buying

At $90.82 per person, this trip prices like a “pay for the sea time” outing. You’re not just paying for transportation. You’re paying for:

• a catamaran ride along a protected coastline area,
• snorkeling gear use included,
• a BBQ lunch with sides (salads and fruit) and dessert,
• and drinks during lunch (soft drinks, beer, sangria).

If you were trying to recreate this yourself, you’d quickly pay for boat access, plus you’d need to transport to the right coves and arrange snorkeling gear. Even if you found a cheaper boat option, you’d still be building meals and timing around swim windows. This tour already bundles those pieces into one straightforward half-day.

The value is strongest if you want a day at sea without extra planning. If your priority is detailed historical storytelling or long guided walks, you might feel you could spend your money elsewhere. But if your priority is water time, lunch included, and a coastline you can’t easily reach by yourself, the math generally works.

Also, based on the performance shown in the overall rating and recommendation percentage (a 4.5 score and 92% recommended), it seems to land well for most people who show up ready for a water-focused day.

Who should book this catamaran trip (and who should think twice)

This is a great fit for:

• Couples and families who want an easy plan with built-in swimming and snorkeling
• People staying around Cala Ratjada or Mallorca’s east coast who want a short, high-reward outing
• Anyone who prefers a simple day at sea over a long, structured sightseeing program
• Travelers who like included extras: snorkeling equipment and lunch with drinks

You might think twice if:

• You expect a lot of guided commentary about the island from stop to stop
• You’re very sensitive to crowds around meal times (up to 140 on board)
• You’re planning around specific timing for music or event-style activities, since rules about onboard behavior can matter on group trips

Practical packing list for Cap de Freu and Llevant days

You can keep it simple, but a few items help:

• Swimwear and a dry change of clothes for after
• Reef-friendly sunscreen and a hat (sun is strong on the water)
• A waterproof phone pouch or small dry bag
• Towel if you have one, since it’s not listed as included
• Water shoes if you get picky about foot entry on rocky or uneven spots

If you forget something, you can still make it work. But you’ll enjoy the day more if you walk on board prepared to swim quickly when the anchor drops.

Should you book the Cap de Freu catamaran from Cala Ratjada?

If you want a straightforward Mallorca east-coast experience with swimming and snorkeling, plus a BBQ lunch with drinks during the meal, this is an easy yes. The schedule fits into a half-day, the meeting point is clear, and the included snorkeling gear removes a common hassle.

Book it if your top priority is time on the water and you like nature-focused coastline views from a boat. Skip it if you’re looking for deep, spoken guide-style storytelling or if you strongly prefer small groups and near-silent travel.

If you’re flexible about weather and you’re ready for a group day that centers on swimming, this catamaran run to Llevant Natural Park and Cap de Freu is exactly the kind of trip that makes Mallorca feel like Mallorca.

FAQ

What time does the catamaran leave Cala Ratjada?

The start time is 9:30am.

How long is the trip?

It’s listed as about 4 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Mayurca Yachting, Carrer Ingeniero Gabriel Roca, 9, 07590 Cala Rajada, Illes Balears, Spain.

What’s included in the lunch?

Lunch includes bread and dessert, plus a BBQ with 3 salads and fruit.

Are drinks included?

During lunch, drinks included are soft drinks, beer, and sangria. Drinks before and after lunch are not included.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is optional from east area hotels, but it’s not included by default.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

What’s the cancellation and weather situation like?

You get free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.