Fast boats, sea views, and a swim break. This Mallorca speedboat trip out of Sa Calma Boats mixes quick sightseeing past Palma with a classic Palma Cathedral view from the water, then turns into straight-up water fun with the captain at the helm. I like that it keeps the energy high without feeling rushed, and you get a real reason to be on the water besides photos.

My favorite part is the snorkelling stop. You get snorkel equipment and a life jacket, then you have time at Ses Illetes in the bay to swim and snorkel in clear water at one of the more scenic areas off Palma.

One thing to consider: the best adrenaline moments come in the ride time, and the tour includes a set swim/snorkel window rather than endless full-throttle. If you’re hoping for a constant max-speed show, you may feel the pace dip during the stop and sightseeing segments.

Key highlights that make this speedboat tour worth it

• Palma Cathedral views from the sea during the outbound stretch
• Adrenaline water maneuvers with an experienced captain
• Ses Illetes snorkelling in Palma Bay with gear provided
• A proper swim window built into the 2-hour total timing
• Insurance included plus life jackets for everyone on board

Sa Calma Boats start: where the ride really begins

The action starts at Sa Calma Boats. The meeting point is on a street parallel to the nautical club of Can Pastilla. Turn left from the restaurant Marisquería Internacional, then go to the end of the street where there’s a small car park and a gate. Crew come about 10 minutes before boarding time, so don’t show up and then wander. Be ready where they expect you.

This kind of trip moves fast in a good way. You’re not waiting around for long explanations on land. You’re getting on board and getting the sea air into your plans right away. Also, the tour duration is short by design (2 hours total), so arriving 15 minutes early helps you start in rhythm instead of stress.

Palma Cathedral and the Palma de Mallorca pass: quick sights, good perspective

Right after departure, you’ll have about 10 minutes of sightseeing while heading through Palma de Mallorca. The big “look up” moment is the Palma Cathedral view from the sea, which is one of those views you don’t get if you’re only walking the city streets.

The practical value here is perspective. From the water, the city feels layered—architecture, coastline, and the bay all in one frame. It’s not the kind of stop where you get out and tour the cathedral (this is a speedboat outing), so treat it as an appetizer. If Palma Cathedral is high on your must-see list, pair this with time on land later so you can actually explore.

Ses Illetes snorkelling: the main reason most people book

The heart of the experience is the snorkel stop at Ses Illetes. After the sightseeing stretch, you get around 40 minutes for snorkelling and swimming in a natural spot in the bay. This is the moment where the trip turns from thrill ride to Mediterranean break.

You’re provided with snorkel equipment and a life jacket. That matters more than it sounds. When gear is included, you don’t waste time hunting for rentals or second-guessing sizing. You can focus on the water and your comfort level. And because this is a short, timed stop, it helps to think ahead: be ready to use the window well rather than spending it figuring things out.

A note on expectations: this stop is timed, so you won’t have all day. If you want to treat snorkelling as a major activity, you’ll still want to plan for another water outing later or do more time ashore. But for many people, this is the sweet spot—enough time to enjoy the bay and still come back energized.

Full-speed thrills with a captain who controls the ride

The adrenaline part is built into the experience: you get about 1.5 hours of adrenaline and adventure time on the water. The captain handles the show with impressive maneuvers, and the ride is set up so you feel the speed while still getting moments to enjoy the scenery.

This is where the reviews line up with what you should look for: the best captains know how to mix action with control. One guide name you’ll hear associated with this tour is Roger, and the feedback points to him being both fun and tuned in—able to bring out the excitement while keeping the experience comfortable for the group. Another review described a real mix of adrenaline and relaxation, with the guide getting people the thrill without turning the boat ride into chaos.

Also, don’t ignore the safety rules. You’ll see this tour is not for everyone (non-swimmers are not allowed, and the minimum age is set). That’s not there to be annoying. It’s there because speed plus open water requires everyone to be able to handle the snorkel stop and the boat conditions.

What’s included in the $53 value: gear, insurance, and time on the water

At $53 per person for a 2-hour trip, you’re paying for three things that usually cost extra on vacation: time on the sea, snorkel readiness, and guided confidence.

What’s included:

• Snorkel equipment
• Life jacket
• Insurance
• The adrenaline/adventure ride (around 1.5 hours)

What that means for value: you’re not just booking a boat ride. You’re booking a packaged “do it now” experience. The gear and life jacket reduce friction, and insurance adds a layer of safety coverage that’s especially relevant for speedboat activities. If you’re already staying in the Can Pastilla / Palma area, the lack of transfers as an extra cost (since it’s not included) also helps you keep the trip simple and budget-tight.

Where the value can feel less perfect: if you measure value by getting long hours of snorkelling or a full-length sightseeing program, this won’t match that. This is short, energetic, and built around one main stop. It’s great if you want a hit of adrenaline and a real swim moment, not a half-day sailing lecture.

What’s not included: food, drinks, and transfers

This tour does not include transfers, drinks, or food. You also can’t bring food and drinks on board, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

So plan your day with that in mind. If you’re doing a morning activity and this is your midday sea break, eat beforehand. Keep your hydration strategy simple too: since you can’t bring drinks on board, plan your water off the boat. It’s a small rule that affects comfort more than people expect, especially on a sunny coast.

Transfers not being included is also worth noticing if you’re staying farther from Can Pastilla. If you’ll need a taxi or bus to get to the meeting point, that can change the true cost versus booking something closer to your hotel. The good news: the meeting point is straightforward once you know the street by the nautical club.

Who this Mallorca speedboat makes sense for

This is a swim-and-boat experience, so it fits best if you’re comfortable around open water. It’s not suitable for children under 10, and the minimum age to access the activity is 12 years accompanied by a legal guardian. People with mobility impairments and wheelchair users aren’t suitable either.

Non-swimmers are also not allowed. And while the note says “boat tours have easier policy” for knowing how to swim, the requirement still exists. In other words: you should be confident in the water. If you only want to wear a life jacket and hang out, this isn’t the format.

Who will likely love it:

• Couples and friends looking for a fun, short thrill
• Swimmers who want an efficient snorkelling break
• People staying around Palma who want a break from walking streets

Who might prefer something else:

• Anyone wanting a long snorkeling session
• Anyone who doesn’t meet the swimming or age requirements
• Anyone who needs accessibility accommodations beyond what’s offered in this activity type

Timing and expectations: how the 2 hours actually feel

The tour is 2 hours total, but the itinerary is built around short, punchy segments:

• Starting at Sa Calma Boats
• A short sightseeing pass in Palma de Mallorca (about 10 minutes)
• A longer swim/snorkel window at Ses Illetes (about 40 minutes)
• Return to Sa Calma Boats

That structure makes the pacing feel lively. You don’t spend half the trip in transit, and you don’t spend the whole time snorkelling either. It’s a balance between motion and stillness.

Arriving 15 minutes before the activity helps the whole experience start smoothly. Crew will come about 10 minutes before boarding time, and you’re expected to wait at that specific meeting spot by the gate and small car park. If you’re late, you risk losing your spot on a tightly scheduled, short-duration activity.

My decision guide: should you book this speedboat and snorkel?

If your ideal Mallorca day includes speed on the water plus a real snorkel stop, this is a smart book. It’s not trying to be a slow boat day. It’s built for adrenaline, quick sights (including Palma Cathedral from the sea), and a timed swim break at Ses Illetes with snorkel gear and life jackets included.

Book it if:

• You’re staying near Can Pastilla / Palma and want an easy-to-access ocean activity
• You can swim and want a snorkel session that’s long enough to matter
• You like the idea of an experienced captain bringing the thrill while keeping the ride manageable

Skip or choose another option if:

• You’re hoping for endless max speed without breaks
• You need accessibility features not suitable for this activity style
• You don’t meet the swimming or age requirements
• You want food/drinks included on board

FAQ

How long is the Palma speedboat adrenaline & snorkelling trip?

The total duration is 2 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at Sa Calma Boats. The meeting point is on a street parallel to the nautical club of Can Pastilla. Turn left from the restaurant Marisquería Internacional, then go to the end of the street where there’s a small car park and a gate.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel equipment is included.

Are life jackets included?

Yes. Life jackets are provided.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. Non-swimmers are not allowed, and the tour requires swimming ability.

What is the minimum age for the activity?

Minimum age is 12 years, accompanied by a legal guardian. It’s not suitable for children under 10.

How long do I have for snorkelling?

You get a snorkelling stop at Ses Illetes for about 40 minutes.

Are food and drinks included or allowed on board?

No. Food and drinks are not included, and food and drinks are not allowed on board.

Do you provide insurance?

Yes. Insurance is included.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments?

No. It’s not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.