Palma Bay shines from a boat deck. I love the straightforward swim stop in crystal-clear water around the Palma Marine area, and I love how often the crew (like Roger and Juan Diego) keeps the vibe friendly and on schedule. One possible drawback: with only a 3-hour total run, the water time is great, but it’s not long enough for people who want a full-on snorkel session in multiple spots.

This is an open-air cruise on the Super Delfin Verde, with a choice between a daytime outing and a sunset option. You’ll get onboard food and a bar, plus snorkelling equipment, so you can go from watching Palma’s coastline to being in it without extra planning.

Key highlights worth knowing

• Swim off the boat in protected waters around the Palma Marine Nature Reserve area
• BBQ lunch on board with a fuller menu than just burgers
• Snorkelling gear included, plus the option to rent extra goggles if you want
• Sangria and drinks on tap, with the bar open for buying more
• Music and a fun crew-led atmosphere, sometimes with dancing and photos
• Views of Palma, Illetas, and Cala Mayor from the water

Boat tour basics: what you’re buying for $69

For about $69 per person, you’re paying for a short, high-value mix of sailing time, a swim stop, and a pre-set meal with drinks. The big reason this works for Mallorca is simple: you get the “from the sea” payoff fast. You’re not commuting all day or packing a picnic. You step on board, get fed, get time in the water, and you’re back.

The tour runs about 3 hours, and it’s designed to feel relaxed rather than formal. Think open-air cruising, music playing, and staff doing the small things: safety checks around the swim area, making sure people get their snorkel gear, and keeping the lunch service moving. A lot of people rate it highly for that hands-on attention.

The included food and drink are also a big part of the value. You don’t just get a token snack. You get a BBQ hamburger plus a catering lineup, with dessert, and you start with one included drink (water, beer, or sangria). After that, the bar stays an option if you want more.

Palma Marine Nature Reserve waters: the swim stop that people remember

The signature moment is the swim. You’ll head out from Can Pastilla toward the Palma Marine Nature Reserve, cruising along Mallorca’s coastline before making one swimming stop when conditions are good. Cala Vella is one example mentioned as an idyllic place to stop, and the overall theme across the experience is clear water and easy access from the boat.

What makes this better than a beach-only day is the convenience. You’re not lugging gear, negotiating parking, or trying to find the one perfect patch of calm water. You just change into swim mode and jump in where the boat stops. Reviews consistently call out how memorable the water looked and how fun it is to swim from the deck.

Snorkelling is included via snorkelling equipment, and you’ll have time to try it. Just keep expectations realistic. One review described the snorkelling spot as not really productive for seeing much underwater life. That doesn’t mean snorkeling gear is useless. It just means this is a “try it in clear water” kind of stop, not a guaranteed reef safari.

Practical tip: bring your own anti-slip sense of balance. When a group hops in and out, it’s easy to get rushed. If you want photos, hang out near the edge of the group jump-in moments or after you’re settled back onboard.

Daytime cruise vs sunset cruise: same formula, different mood

The route and core package are similar either way, but the mood changes a lot.

Daytime option

A daytime sailing is ideal if you want maximum flexibility: sunbathing, swimming, and then lunch without worrying about light fading. You get the sun angles that make the coastline look dramatic, and you can settle into the water stop without thinking about timing the golden hour.

Sunset option

The sunset cruise is about pacing your swim and then riding the slow cruise back with the coast behind you. Multiple reviews call out how amazing the sunset is, and one mentions the sangria pairing well as the light changes. If you’re picking only one, sunset makes sense for people who want Mallorca to feel like a movie scene, not just a good swim.

If you’re traveling with friends or you like a lively atmosphere, both options can be social. The difference is that sunset tends to bring out the more “let’s celebrate the day” energy.

Super Delfin Verde on board: the vibe, the crew, and the music

This is where the reviews get loud, in a good way. The boat experience isn’t only about the scenery. It’s about how the crew runs it.

The standout pattern: staff members are attentive, friendly, and quick to help with safety and equipment. Names that come up include Roger and Juan Diego, plus other crew such as Marc, Santi, Diego, Fabio, Luis, Carlos, Arantxa, and Jade in different reviews. You can’t count on a specific person on the day you go, but you can count on the crew being present and involved.

Music is part of the package. Several reviews mention great music, with some calling it a DJ vibe and even describing dance breaks on the way back. One person even described a surprise party-style energy as the group danced together, and the crew joined in. That’s not guaranteed every trip, but the general tone is: you won’t feel like you’re stuck in silence.

One consideration: music can be loud. A couple of notes suggest it might be too much at times, depending on where you sit. If you’re sensitive to sound, try to pick a spot away from the main speaker area when boarding.

What you actually eat and drink: BBQ plus a real lunch spread

On paper, it’s a BBQ boat tour. In practice, it’s a proper set lunch. Here’s what’s included:

• BBQ hamburger
• Tomato mozzarella skewer with basil and balsamic cream
• Spring roll
• Potato salad
• Dessert: watermelon and pineapple
• 1 included drink (water, beer, or sangria)

That matters because it turns the trip into an all-in-one plan. You’re not buying snacks on top or timing your lunch around changing water conditions. It’s also why the tour scores high for value. A burger plus a drink alone can feel thin. This package feels fuller.

Sangria gets special praise. People mention it tasting great and being strong. There’s also a bar onboard for buying more drinks if you want. One review even says the sangria was cheap, so if you’re a regular drinker, you might find it less painful than pay-by-the-cocktail spots.

Food options: burgers are the main BBQ item. One review noted limitations for non-pork eaters, saying there wasn’t much choice besides chicken sausages. If you have strong dietary needs, it’s worth planning around that and being ready to adapt.

Coastline views you’ll catch without extra effort

You’ll cruise near the reserve and also enjoy the coast from the water. Palma is a key reference point: you get sea views of Palma and the contrast between Mediterranean vegetation and sandy beaches like Illetas and Cala Mayor.

Depending on where you depart, you may also cruise toward Palmanova (the info mentions setting sail for Palmanova if you’re leaving from Palma). Even if you’re not visiting those beaches on land, the boat gives you a clean overview: how wide the bay is, how the coastline bends, and where the sandy stretches sit next to rocky edges.

If you like photos, this is one of those activities where you’ll naturally keep your camera out. Reviews mention the crew taking pictures for people, which saves you the awkward “please take one for us” moment.

Timing, meeting point, and getting parked in Can Pastilla

This tour runs on real time. Boarding time closes 20 minutes before the activity starts, and the boat leaves on schedule. It can’t wait for logistical delays.

The meeting point may vary depending on the option booked, so check what your voucher says. Also, plan extra time for parking. Reviews and the activity notes both hint that finding parking can be tricky in the area.

Bring what you’d bring for a swim day: swimwear, sunscreen, and a bag you can manage onboard. Also, plan for the lack of towels. Nothing kills the vibe like realizing you have to dry off with whatever you brought from the beach.

Mobility note: this experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. The boat setup and movement for swim stops make it tougher than a simple dock-to-seat cruise.

Crowd level and who this tour fits best

Most of the reviews describe an upbeat group, often in the 20–40 range, and it tends to attract people who want an activity with social energy. If you want a quiet nature-only boat ride, this might feel too fun and too music-forward.

On the other hand, if you like meeting other visitors, dancing when the crew encourages it, or just having staff that keeps things moving, you’ll likely enjoy it. One review even mentioned learning some history along the way, which suggests the crew may share a little info during the cruise even if the tour stays relaxed.

It also fits solo travelers. One review described booking alone and still feeling taken care of by a friendly crew. If you’re going solo, the best move is to grab a spot where you can easily hear instructions and access the swim ladder without stepping around people.

The main trade-offs (so you don’t get surprised)

Every great boat value has a few limits. Here are the ones that show up most clearly in the provided info:

• Only one swim stop in the 3-hour window. Great for one strong swim, not for multiple long sessions.
• Snorkelling may be limited to what the water allows. If visibility is good, it’s fun. If not, you’ll still have a swim, but marine-life viewing might disappoint.
• Lunch is included, but dietary variety beyond the standard options can be limited.
• The music can run loud depending on your position.
• The boat can feel a bit crowded at times, even if everyone is managed well.

If you’re aware of these up front, the tour reads as honest and fun, not as a bait-and-switch.

Should you book this Palma Bay boat tour with BBQ and sunset option?

Yes, I think you should book it if your top priorities are a swim from the boat, a simple onboard lunch, and Mallorca views without extra driving. The price feels fair for what’s included: the BBQ menu, dessert, snorkelling equipment, and the “one included drink” setup, all wrapped inside a short 3-hour sailing.

I’d skip it if you’re aiming for long, serious snorkelling in multiple reefs, or if you need strong dietary customization beyond the standard offerings. Also skip if mobility needs make boat movement and swim access a problem.

If you want a safe bet for a memorable half-day in Palma’s bay, this is exactly that kind of outing. Pick daytime for maximum sun and calm pacing, pick sunset if you want the coastline to end your day on a high note.