A day at sea in Palma can feel fancy fast. This cruise turns the coast into your playground, with two swim stops and a BBQ meal served onboard after time in crystal-clear water.

I especially like the calm, not-too-crowded setup. They limit the boat’s sailing group even though the catamaran holds more, so you get space to lie down, move around, and actually enjoy the views of Palma Bay. I also like that the trip mixes water time with simple comfort: paddle boards, water provided, and a crew that keeps the day moving without rushing you.

One thing to consider: drinks are extra, and the onboard “BBQ” experience can feel more like a set onboard meal rather than a classic backyard-style cookout. Also, your route can shift with weather and sea conditions, so the exact timing of each swim stop can vary.

Key Things I’d Plan Around

• 55-person max feel on a larger catamaran: more breathing room for relaxing
• Cueva Verde for a bright, turquoise swim with time to just float and reset
• Cala Vella nature reserve time with paddleboards and snorkeling possibilities
• Onboard bar for cocktails and mixed drinks you can buy à la carte
• BBQ-style meal plus dessert served after the main swim time
• Route flexibility depending on wind and sea state

Palma Bay From Water Level: Why This Catamaran Cruise Works

Palma is pretty from land. It’s a different story from the deck of a catamaran, where the shoreline becomes a long ribbon and the water does the showing off for you. This trip is built around that idea: you leave from Palma de Mallorca, sail along the bay, and spend the middle of the day in two major water spots.

The big practical win here is the group size. The catamaran can carry more people, but this cruise runs with a maximum of 55. That matters. On big boats, you end up looking for a place to sit. Here, you’re more likely to find a spot where you can hear your own thoughts, not just someone’s playlist.

The other thing you feel quickly is that the day has a steady rhythm. You get time to swim, time to paddleboard, a meal at the right moment (not during the most active part of the day), and then a relaxed cruise back. Several people also mention an especially nice return with sunset on the water and views around the harbor area, including close-up sightlines to Palma’s cathedral from the water.

Finding the Boat and Handling the Pre-Boarding Reality

Your meeting point is OASIS CATAMARAN. Plan to arrive early enough to find the right boat spot, get your towel and swim gear ready, and get settled before sailing.

Now for the part people don’t always think about: the time before you’re on the water. One review notes there’s little shade or comfort while waiting, and if it’s hot and humid, that can feel long. So bring a sun hat (it’s specifically recommended), and consider bringing your sunscreen with you so you’re not scrambling once you’re outside.

Once you’re onboard, the vibe is much easier. The catamaran is described as clean, modern, and comfortable, and several passengers comment that it doesn’t feel cramped. If you’re the type who gets stressed by logistics, this is a good choice because the crew keeps things organized.

Cueva Verde Cove: the Swim Stop You’ll Actually Remember

The first major highlight is Cueva Verde, a cove known for bright, inviting water. This is where the day turns into a proper sea break. You get free time to swim, and you can spend it doing whatever you want: floating, wading, taking a slow look around, or doing the classic jump-off-and-grin routine.

What I like about this stop for real travelers is that it’s not one of those “you have 12 minutes, good luck” scenarios. People report enough time to swim more than once. And because you’re in a cove setting, it tends to feel like a protected reset point rather than a chaotic open-water moment.

Safety-wise, the crew is there. One passenger reported jellyfish stings at the second stop and said staff helped quickly with distress and care. That doesn’t mean you should panic, but it does mean you’ll have backup if the water isn’t entirely trouble-free.

Tip for Cueva Verde: get yourself positioned early. If you like being closer to the water entry points, you’ll waste less time once the boat stops.

Cala Vella Nature Reserve: Paddleboards and Snorkel Time

After the first swim, you sail onward toward Cala Vella, described as a marine nature reserve. This is where the trip adds a little exploration without turning your day into an exhausting tour.

Here’s what you can count on:

• time in the water again
• paddleboards available to use
• snorkel time as part of the experience (and you may find snorkeling gear available to purchase, depending on what’s offered onboard)

Paddleboarding adds a lot because it turns the stop into something more active than just swimming. You’re not far from the boat, but you can glide and look at the underwater life and water clarity. Even if you’re not a confident boarder, it’s usually more forgiving than open-water snorkeling because you’re staying close to the group.

Snorkeling is also part of the plan, but your confidence level will matter. If you’re brand new to snorkeling, you might want to take the first few minutes slow and use the paddleboard time as practice. If you already snorkel comfortably, you’ll likely enjoy this stop even more.

One more practical detail: the route and stop timing can shift with sea conditions. So keep a flexible mindset. If the day is rougher than expected, the crew still aims to give you meaningful water time rather than cancelling the whole idea.

Onboard BBQ: What to Expect From the Meal

The included meal is a major part of the appeal because it saves you from hunting for lunch in Palma and then rushing back out again. You get appetizers, a barbecue meal, and dessert.

Here’s the honest balance: people describe the meal in two different ways. Many say the food is delicious and that the BBQ was one of the better onboard meals they’ve had. Others point out that it may not feel like a traditional BBQ spread with a huge variety, and that some parts might be more like a set menu rather than a live grill carnival.

So what should you expect?

• A satisfying onboard meal with meat-focused items
• Dessert included
• Enough food that you won’t be hungry again the moment you step back off the boat

If you’re picky about BBQ style, set your expectations around “onboard cooked meal” rather than “backyard grill experience.” And if you have dietary needs, there’s a useful real-world tip: one passenger reports that a special vegan meal was arranged after informing the team in advance. If this matters to you, reach out ahead of time rather than assuming everything will be possible last minute.

The Bar and Drinks: Value Tips So You Don’t Overpay

This cruise includes water, but drinks are not included. The onboard bar is there for cocktails, mixed drinks, and other beverages, and you can buy them during the trip.

Is it worth it? That depends on what you order.

A few pricing notes from the experience:

• cocktails can cost more than beer or cava
• some people call cocktails expensive
• others describe beer prices as reasonable
• one person even says drinks weren’t too pricey compared to other places in Palma

My advice: if you want a drink, pick one you genuinely like and don’t treat it like an unlimited sampler. If you’re budgeting, beer or simpler pours may feel like the better value. If you’re celebrating, a cocktail here and there can match the vibe, especially with sunset on the return.

Also, don’t forget this: some passengers mention a hot, waiting period before departure and then long sun time afterward. If you’re drinking alcohol, it’s smart to drink water too, since the day is mostly out in the sun and on the water.

Boat Comfort, Space, and What “Luxury” Means Here

Luxury on a catamaran usually means comfort and room, not silk curtains. On this boat, multiple passengers say it’s stylish, clean, and doesn’t feel overcrowded. The cap of 55 people plays a big role in that.

You’ll also find practical comfort points:

• plenty of seating space for relaxing
• a shower onboard is mentioned by a passenger as a bonus
• life jackets are on board, and you’re in an environment where crew guidance matters

One small rule that affects comfort: shoes indoors are not allowed, and high-heeled shoes are not allowed. You’ll want to wear slip-on, water-friendly footwear while onboard and in common areas.

Another practical detail: some areas are safer for sitting when the boat is moving, and nets can be off-limits while underway. That’s not a big deal, but it does mean you should watch for crew instructions so you’re not sitting somewhere that isn’t meant for motion.

Timing the Best Parts: Swim, Eat, Then Sunset

The 5.5-hour length is long enough to feel like a real outing, but short enough that you’re not missing half your day in Palma. The flow typically goes like this: depart, sail to the first swim stop, continue toward the second nature reserve stop, then eat while the day starts winding down and finish with a cruise back.

Departing in the afternoon is a big win because many people mention sunset on the water during the return. If you like golden-hour photos, this is the time you want to be onboard. One passenger also reports the boat returning with a nice harbor route that gives close-up views of the cathedral.

So if you’re choosing between time slots, go later in the day if you can. You’ll get the water portion plus a better finish.

What You Should Bring (and What You Should Leave)

The recommended packing list is simple:

• sun hat
• swimwear
• towel

Then add a little smart reality:

• bring sunscreen and reapply if you’re getting in and out for swims
• consider water shoes if you’re sensitive underfoot, especially since you’ll move around a lot onboard and at entry points

Leave behind:

• pets
• food and drinks from outside
• high heels and anything that’s not meant for boat movement
• anything that involves sprays or aerosols
• party groups (and anything heading toward intoxication)

These rules aren’t there to be fussy. They’re there because the boat environment is tight, slippery, and safety-focused when you’re around water.

Price and Value: Does $109 Make Sense?

At $109 per person for about 5.5 hours, the price lands in the “mid-to-premium” category for Palma day trips. The real question is what you get for that money.

You get:

• a catamaran ride from Port of Palma
• two meaningful water stops (including Cueva Verde and Cala Vella)
• paddleboards
• water
• an onboard meal with appetizers, BBQ-style main, and dessert

You do not get:

• drinks (unless you buy them onboard)
• hotel transfers

When value feels good, it’s usually because you’re not paying extra for basic needs. Here, the trip includes water and food, plus your main activities. If you already planned to pay for a boat or a guided water day, this is often a tidy bundle. If you’re the type who only wants a short swim and doesn’t care about the onboard meal, it might feel pricey. But if you want a full half-day on the water with food handled, it’s a strong deal for the comfort level.

Who This Cruise Suits Best

This is a good match for:

• couples who want a relaxed, scenic half-day with swim time
• small-to-medium groups who still want space (the max group cap matters)
• families traveling with older kids who can handle sea time and follow crew instructions
• people who want comfort without giving up the fun of getting in the water

Some reviews mention the vibe includes a mix of ages, from multi-generation families to young couples. So it’s not only one type of crowd. But the overall tone is more relaxed than a party cruise.

If you’re expecting a quiet spa boat with zero music, you might be surprised. There are reports of music onboard that helps create a fun atmosphere.

Should You Book This Palma Catamaran Cruise With BBQ?

If your goal is a satisfying day on the water without heavy planning, I’d book it. The two water stops, the paddleboard option, and the included meal make it easier than doing separate swim stops plus lunch on your own. The not-too-crowded feel is a major quality marker here, and that tends to decide whether a boat trip feels enjoyable or exhausting.

Book it if:

• you want Cueva Verde and Cala Vella for swimming and light exploration
• you like having food sorted onboard
• you care about comfort and room more than roughing it

I’d think twice if:

• you want classic, huge-range BBQ variety (the meal is good, but not everyone sees it the same way)
• you’re sensitive to heat while waiting at the meeting point
• you want drinks included in the price

FAQ

Where does this catamaran cruise depart from?

You meet at OASIS CATAMARAN in Palma. The trip departs from the Port of Palma.

How long is the Palma: Cueva Verde and Cala Vella catamaran cruise with BBQ?

The duration is 5.5 hours.

What are the main swim stops?

The cruise stops at Cueva Verde and Cala Vella.

Is BBQ food included, or do I have to buy food?

Food is included. You’ll have appetizers, barbecue, and dessert onboard.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Drinks are not included, though there is a bar onboard where you can purchase beverages.

Is water included?

Yes, water during the trip is included.

Are paddle boards included?

Yes, paddle boards are included.

Is snorkel gear included?

Snorkeling is part of the experience, but the provided details specifically mention paddle boards as included. One review says snorkels may be available to buy, depending on what’s offered onboard.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, and a towel.

What’s the cancellation policy and payment option?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s also a reserve now & pay later option.

What’s the route like if weather changes?

The route may be changed depending on weather and sea conditions.