A catamaran that feels like a private hangout. From La Lonja Marina Charter, this small-group sail off Palma trades crowds for time in the water, plus homemade tapas served onboard by a crew that actually keeps things friendly and smooth—think hosts like Linda and captains like Tilla. The result is an easy, high-value Mallorca afternoon that stays relaxed instead of rushed.

What I like most is the mix of real time outdoors and practical extras. You get snorkeling gear, floats, and SUP boards, and the boat has plenty of comfortable seating so you can switch from sunbathing to swimming without hauling your stuff around.

One thing to plan for: the experience is more “tapas snack on board” than a full sit-down meal, and the schedule can mean snack time while the boat is still anchored for swimming. If you want a heavier lunch, you may wish you’d ordered extra drinks or brought stronger expectations for tapas.

Key highlights that make this catamaran different

• Small-group vibe (10–12 aboard) so you actually spread out on deck
• Snorkeling gear + floats + SUP boards included for the main bay stop
• Welcome drink and freshly made tapas served onboard as part of the experience
• Sailing plus anchor time—you’re not just photographing the coast from dry land
• On-board music system and plenty of relaxed seating areas
• Crew-led comfort and safety, with hosts/assistants on hand (names like Mila, Monica, and Angel show up often)

Setting sail from Palma’s La Lonja Marina Charter

Palma’s boat scene can feel chaotic fast. This starts at La Lonja Marina Charter, and you meet the skipper and host at the marina gate about 15 minutes early so you can get settled before lines come loose.

What matters here is the flow. A small group means less waiting, fewer bottlenecks on board, and more room to actually enjoy the view. Once you’re aboard, you’re out on the Mallorca coast in a way that feels calmer than the big-boat party circuit.

The catamaran setup is the kind of thing that rewards you for doing nothing. There’s seating on board, sun and shade options under sun sails, and enough deck space that you’re not constantly stepping around strangers.

How the 4-hour day sail works (and the 7:00 PM option)

The standard offering is a 4-hour day trip. There’s also a 2-hour evening option at 7:00 PM, which is shorter and intentionally simpler—especially for water activities.

Here’s the practical rhythm you should expect: you’ll sail along the coast for coastal sightseeing, then you’ll anchor in a bay where the real fun happens. Reviews repeatedly mention a smooth pace and clear explanations from the crew, which is exactly what you want when your day is mostly about relaxing and getting in the water.

For the day sail, the big point is that you’re not rushing through the main bay stop. That anchored time is what lets you snorkel, paddle, swim, and float without feeling like the boat is constantly moving on.

For the evening option, plan for a different vibe. The info is explicit that SUP, floats, snorkels, and paddle boarding are not available at sunset, so your main “activity” becomes sailing, views, music, and drinks in a shorter window.

The Bay of Palma stop: swimming, snorkeling, SUP, and floating

This is the centerpiece of the trip. You’ll anchor in a bay known for turquoise and blue water, then the crew guides you into the water options—swimming, snorkeling, using floats, and taking turns on SUP boards.

What you’re really buying is access to water that looks unreal but still feels safe and easy. The snorkel gear and floats are there so you don’t spend your vacation hunting for equipment or learning how to use random rented stuff.

And because it’s a catamaran, you get a “floating lounge” effect. You can snorkel for a bit, then come back up to cool off, then go out again. One review noted lots of fish when swimming, which lines up with why this kind of cove stop is so popular around Palma.

If you’re thinking about snorkeling specifically, here’s the mindset to have: you’re not doing a long training session. You’re doing quick swims that fit the moment. You’ll get what you need to enjoy the water, then you’ll have time to relax on deck afterward.

A note on sea conditions and comfort

Mallorca waters are often calm in the bays, but it can still get windy on deck. You’ll want to follow the onboard advice: pack a jacket or hoody, plus swimwear and towel so you’re ready when it’s time to hop in.

Some reviews mention seasickness. That’s not unusual on open water, and the crew response seems to be hands-on, with help offered when needed. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider preparing ahead of time so you don’t waste the best part of the day.

Tapas and drinks onboard: what’s included, what you may buy

The tour includes a welcome drink and freshly made homemade tapas served onboard. For many groups, that welcome drink has included cava or sparkling wine, but the key point is that you start the experience already in holiday mode.

On the food side, expect tapas as a shareable snack that keeps you fueled for swimming, not a full restaurant lunch. Multiple reviews describe the tapas as flavorful and good quality, while one mild critique said the tapas were more like light snacks. Translation: it’s enough for a boat day, but don’t treat it like a multi-course meal.

Drinks beyond the welcome drink and what comes with the included plan are available to purchase. You can buy wine, soft drinks, cocktails, long drinks, cava, and champagne for an extra cost, so if you’re planning a proper toast or a few extra glasses, you can.

I like this approach because it keeps the base price more predictable. You get your included welcome drink and tapas, then you choose how “party” you want the day to feel.

The crew and onboard setup: why the experience feels easy

The experience is built around a simple formula: a skipper handles the sailing, and a host/hostess keeps the onboard energy friendly. Names that show up in reviews include Linda, Mila, Annie, and captains such as Angel, Marlon, and Tilla, with assistant crew members like Monica also mentioned.

That matters because this isn’t a silent, tablet-guided excursion. You’re dealing with people who greet you at the marina, explain safety, and help you enjoy the water time without stress.

There’s also an on-board music system. In practice, you’ll find a steady, relaxed playlist vibe that fits the deck setting. If you’re the type who likes your own music, you might find that the crew can be flexible with how sound works onboard, but the only safe bet is that there’s already a system set up.

Seating matters too. Reviews repeatedly mention plenty of room and a lack of crowding, even at the upper end of the group size (around 12). That’s a big quality-of-life detail when you’re spending most of your time either sunning or moving between the water and the deck.

Price and value: is $117 per person “worth it”?

At $117 per person for a 4-hour day trip, it’s not a budget add-on. But the value is fairly strong when you break down what you get:

• A catamaran sailing experience from Palma with coastal sightseeing
• A long anchor stop with snorkeling gear, floats, and SUP boards
• A welcome drink plus freshly made tapas
• Water and onboard comforts (comfortable seating areas, sun sails, music system)
• Fees and fuel surcharge included per the listing

Where the price lands well is in the things that usually cost extra elsewhere: boat time, equipment, and guided “where to swim” decisions. You also avoid the hassle of packing and renting snorkel gear and paddle equipment yourself.

The main “value tradeoff” is that tapas are still tapas. If you want a heavy meal, you’ll likely end up buying additional drinks or supplementing your appetite before/after the tour. Even then, it’s still a solid way to spend half a day because you’re not just sightseeing—you’re in the water.

Who this catamaran tour is perfect for

This one fits best when you want a Mallorca day that feels like you’re doing something local but with comfort.

You’ll likely love it if:

• You’re traveling with friends, couples, or small groups and want space on board
• You care about swimming and snorkeling, not just photos from the shoreline
• You want a chilled pace after time in busy Palma
• You prefer guided help that doesn’t take over your day

It also makes sense for celebrations. One group mentioned it being memorable for a bachelorette-type outing, and the onboard setup supports that relaxed party energy without turning into a chaotic scene.

If you’re the type who needs a long meal break or a strict schedule full of multiple stops, you might find the format too simple. The trade is simplicity for quality water time.

Getting there and what to bring (without overpacking)

You meet the crew at the marina gate, and being there about 15 minutes early helps everything run smoothly. The meeting point is at La Lonja Marina Charter, and it’s easiest if you plan parking near the marina.

Two parking options close by are:

• Parc de la Mar (Av. de Gabriel Roca)
• Parking Antonio Maura (Avinguda d’Antoni Maura)

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Beachwear, plus some sun protection for your head/shoulders
• A jacket/hoody for wind and chill on deck

Not allowed: smoking.

One practical trick: keep your towel and sunscreen where you can grab them quickly after you dock into the bay. Boat days move fast once you’re anchored, and you’ll enjoy it more if you’re not rummaging for gear.

Should you book this Palma catamaran with tapas and drinks?

I’d book it if you want a Mallorca water day that balances sailing views with actual time in clear bay water—and you care about doing it in a small-group setting with gear included.

Skip it (or set different expectations) if you’re chasing a guaranteed full lunch experience, because the included food is tapas, not a formal meal. Also remember the evening option changes the water activities, since SUP/floats/snorkeling aren’t part of the sunset plan.

If your dream afternoon is simple—sail away from Palma’s crowd, anchor somewhere gorgeous, swim and float, eat tapas onboard, and come back relaxed—this is the kind of tour that delivers.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour from Palma?

The day-time option is a 4-hour sailing trip. There’s also a 2-hour evening option starting at 7:00 PM.

Where do we meet for the tour?

Meet the skipper and host/hostess at the marina gate about 15 minutes before departure at La Lonja Marina Charter (Muelle de la lonja, s/n, 07012 Palma).

How big is the group?

The tour is limited to a small group, with a maximum of 10–12 people aboard.

What’s included with the ticket?

You get the sailing trip, onboard music system, captain and host/hostess, a welcome drink, freshly made tapas, water, snorkeling/SUP/float fun equipment, and coastal sightseeing/photography opportunities. All fees and fuel surcharge are included, and there’s insurance for visitors.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Alcoholic drinks are not included in the base package. You can purchase wine, beer/soft drinks, cocktails, long drinks, cava, and champagne for an extra cost.

Is snorkeling and SUP included for both day and evening tours?

Snorkeling equipment, SUP boards, and floats are included for the sail experience, but the info specifically says that at sunset there is no SUP, floats, snorkels, or paddle boarding.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and beachwear. It’s also recommended to pack swimwear and a towel, and bring a jacket/hoody because it can get windy and chilly on board.

Is smoking allowed onboard?

No, smoking is not allowed.

Do I need to provide passport details?

Yes. You’re asked to submit passport details after booking confirmation due to boat laws.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.