A catamaran day can still feel low-key. This one sails out of Playa de Palma Arenal for a scenic cruise in Palma Bay, then drops anchor near protected coves like Cap Enderrocat and Cala Vella for swimming and snorkeling.

What I like most is how much actual water time you get: you’re not just looking at Mallorca from a deck. The combo of a modern catamaran, provided snorkeling equipment and life vests, and an easy on-board rhythm makes it feel simple and fun.

One thing to watch: the meeting point can be confusing, and the swim-stop timing can vary depending on the sailing day and how the crew keeps things running. I’d plan to arrive early and be ready to ask for the kiosk location.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• Palma Bay sailing with protected-cove stops at Cap Enderrocat and Cala Vella
• About 90 minutes at anchor for swimming or sunbathing (timing can feel shorter/longer by day)
• Snorkeling gear + life vests included, so you can jump in without extra planning
• BBQ option adds pasta salad and local bread, plus one included drink
• On-board music and an upbeat-but-not-too-chaotic vibe for a cruise day
• Bring a towel and phone holder so you can enjoy the jumps and photos without stress

Why This Palma Catamaran Feels Like the Right Kind of Easy

This is one of those trips where your day plan is basically: sail, look out at the water, then go in the water. The catamaran style matters too. You get room to lie down, a smooth ride, and a relaxed tempo that doesn’t feel like a checklist tour.

The route through Palma Bay also helps. Cap Enderrocat and Cala Vella are part of the protected areas vibe, which usually means clear, calm-looking water and great scenery from the deck.

I also like that it’s pitched as a cruise experience first, not a hardcore marine tour. You get swimming, you get snorkeling, and you still have time to just enjoy the breezes.

From Playa del Arenal to the Boat: The Meeting Point Reality Check

You meet at Playa del Arenal. You’ll see a sign for the local partner, then you head down to the beach area where the kiosk is.

Here’s the practical part: some people find this step harder than it should be. The fix is easy. Arrive early enough to walk around and confirm you’re in the right spot before boarding time. If you’re unsure, ask the kiosk staff directly for the boat line and the partner name.

Also note: no hotel pickup is included. So you’ll want to plan your route in advance and keep a little buffer for walking time along the beach.

Sailing Palma Bay: Cap Enderrocat Is the Photo Stop You Want

Once you’re aboard, you’re sailing out of the area around Arenal Nautical Club. The catamaran heads toward Cap Enderrocat and Cala Vella, both noted as protected environmental areas.

Cap Enderrocat is the area where the views tend to get people reaching for their phones. Even before you swim, the scenery from the water gives you that Mallorca coastline perspective you don’t get from the road.

If photos are part of your goal, do two things. First, take some deck shots as you approach the stop. Second, don’t wait until you’re in the water to think about your phone setup. One helpful tip from the experience: use a phone holder with a strap so your phone doesn’t become an accidental swim trophy.

The Main Event: Anchor Time for Swimming and Sunbathing

After sailing, the boat drops anchor at a good spot and you get time—often described as about 90 minutes—for swimming or sunbathing. This is the heart of the day.

Most days break the water time into more than one moment. You’ll see patterns like two swim stops, with one that feels longer and another that’s shorter. The key is to treat the schedule as flexible. If you’re a strong swimmer, plan on getting in early so you don’t feel rushed when it’s time to move.

Getting into the water is designed to be easy:

• You can use stairs to enter
• There are ledges for stepping or jumping
• The stern jumping option is a real part of the fun

Even if you’re not a thrill-seeker, the ledges and multiple entry points mean you can match your comfort level to the water conditions.

Snorkeling With Included Gear: How to Get Better Results Fast

Snorkeling is included, and you’re provided snorkeling equipment plus life vests. That means you don’t need to buy gear in Palma first. You can just focus on staying calm and floating long enough to actually see fish.

What I’d do when you board: look for the snorkeling instructions and make sure you understand how to fit the mask and where people typically gather when it’s time. The general flow is meant to be easy, but a couple of details can make a difference in your first few minutes in the water.

Also, don’t assume your comfort zone is automatic. If you’re sensitive to fit or fogging, set aside a minute to adjust before the water. And since you’ll be in warm Mediterranean water for swimming time, remember the basics: don’t forget sunscreen and keep a towel handy so you can dry quickly when you return to the deck.

BBQ Option: A Nice Add-On, Not the Whole Point

The trip offers a BBQ if you select the with BBQ option. When it’s included, the meal includes pasta salad and local bread. Along with that, you get one included drink—water, beer, or sangria.

Two balanced takeaways. First, the food is there to fuel the day, not to compete with a top-notch restaurant. Second, most people seem to treat it as a bonus because the real value is the sailing and the water time.

If you’re someone who eats differently (vegetarian or other needs), plan to check what’s being served. Some reports mention the BBQ setup being more meat-focused, while pasta salad stands out as the crowd-pleaser.

One more practical note: included drinks aren’t always served immediately to everyone, depending on how the crew times things. If you want more than the included drink, you may pay extra at the on-board bar (one rider cited about 8 euros for additional drinks).

On-Board Vibe: Music, Space, and the Crew’s Role

This is not a silent museum boat. Music is part of the experience, and there’s often a DJ or upbeat playlist energy that ramps during the return trip.

The crew generally keeps things professional while staying friendly and attentive. You’ll see that in how they help with life vests, manage the timeline, and get everyone moving for the swim portion.

Space also matters here. Some departures can feel busy, but the catamaran format usually gives you more room than a smaller boat. Still, it can be first-come, first-served for the best spots on the nets or where people like to lie down, so arriving with time in hand helps.

And yes, toilets are typically part of the reality of having 80+ people on board. Reports say they’re kept reasonably clean, which is a relief on a day like this.

Duration and Timing: Why 2 Hours vs 4 Hours Changes Everything

The activity is listed as 2 to 4 hours. In practice, you’ll notice that the longer end of the range feels more relaxing because it gives you more time both sailing and swimming.

If your schedule is tight, a shorter run still works. It’s a good Mallorca taster: you get on the water, you get your swim, and you go home with the kind of sunburn you earn the right way.

If you can stretch the time, choose the longer option. Several people liked the value because it felt like the time flew by while they had multiple chances to jump in, snorkel, and soak up the sun.

What to Bring (So Your Day Stays Smooth)

You’ll want to pack like you’re going to the beach and then living in the water for a while:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable clothes for deck time between swims

I’d also add one small luxury item if you have it: a waterproof phone pouch or strap holder. The water stops create photo moments, and the better your phone setup, the less time you spend worrying about it.

Who This Catamaran Cruise Best Fits

This fits best if you want:

• a relaxed half-day on the water
• swimming and simple snorkeling with provided gear
• a scenic sailing route out of Palma without complicated logistics

It’s also a good choice for groups—friends, couples, and even a multi-generational day trip—because the atmosphere is social but not chaotic.

It’s not a fit for wheelchair users, based on the tour’s suitability info. And if you hate the idea of getting wet, this might not be your ideal Mallorca activity.

Price and Value: What $47 Actually Buys You

At $47 per person, the value is strong because you’re paying for more than a boat ride. Your ticket covers:

• the catamaran cruise
• swimming stop(s)
• snorkeling equipment and life vests
• optional BBQ, depending on the option you choose

So you’re not just buying “scenery.” You’re buying access to water time, plus gear that would cost you extra elsewhere.

The only real cost you might add is if you want extra drinks beyond the included one (especially if you’re choosing the BBQ option and want additional cocktails).

Should You Book This Palma Catamaran Cruise?

Yes, if you want a low-stress day that mixes sailing, real swim time, and an easy snorkeling experience with included gear. I’d especially recommend it when you’re in Palma and you want one memorable water-based activity without arranging your own boat, renting gear, or solving where to snorkel.

Skip it only if you’re strongly sensitive about trip logistics like finding the meeting spot, or if you need a very specific food setup. Also, if you’re expecting a long, guided snorkeling session, this is more swim-and-float than deep instruction.

If you book, do one thing that pays off fast: arrive early at Playa del Arenal, confirm the kiosk line, and come ready to enjoy the water the moment you drop anchor.

FAQ

How long is the Palma catamaran cruise?

The duration is listed as 2 to 4 hours. Check availability for the exact starting times.

Where do we meet for the cruise?

You meet at Playa del Arenal. Look for a sign with the local partner name, then walk down to the beach kiosk area.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included.

Do you stop for swimming?

Yes. The itinerary includes a stop for swimming, with time at anchor for swimming or sunbathing.

Is the BBQ included?

BBQ is included only if you choose a With BBQ option. The meal includes pasta salad and local bread.

What drinks are included with the BBQ?

If you select the with BBQ option, you receive one included drink: water, beer, or sangria.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.

Is this wheelchair accessible?

No. It’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

What is not allowed on board?

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.