Coves first. Snorkel next. Lunch on the way.

This 5-hour catamaran cruise from Palma de Mallorca focuses on swimming in the south-coast coves, with time to snorkel and rinse-free relaxation. I especially like the easy swim setup—you drop anchor close to shore, so the water is only a few meters away instead of feeling like you’re far out at sea. I also like that the food isn’t an afterthought: a BBQ buffet with salads and dessert comes right after you’re done in the water.

One thing to keep in mind: this is a popular, big-boat trip, so you can get lines and a slightly crowded start at boarding. The good news is that once you’re moving and anchored, the experience spreads out, and the crew keeps the pace friendly.

If you like good energy, you’ll probably enjoy the onboard vibe. The music leans Spanish, and the staff often works hard to keep things fun; one captain mentioned in the feedback is Captain Perez, and his crew shows up prepared.

Key Things I’d Prioritize on This Catamaran Day

• Two swim anchor stops (usually Portals Vells or Cala Vella plus a second nearby cove) so you get more than one turn in the water.
• BBQ lunch onboard with chicken, skewers, and sausages, plus salads and cake.
• Snorkeling gear with a €10 refundable deposit if you want to try without bringing your own.
• Drinks built into the plan: water and soft drinks all trip, plus wine and sangria with the meal.
• A sunset-style return on the afternoon departures, with chances to view Palma from the water.

Leaving Palma: The South Coast Cruise Part You Actually Enjoy

You meet at the Port of Palma at the dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on the Passeig Marítim. The boat is labeled Magic Catamarans, so you can’t miss it once you’re at the right pier. Arrive about 30 minutes early because parking around the port is limited and boarding can bunch people up.

From there, the cruise is simple and scenic: you sail out past the busy harbor vibe and into the Mallorca south-coast scenery. Expect the classic mix of working port energy and holiday glitter—cruise ships and yachts are part of the view as you depart. This matters because it sets the tone: you’re not traveling to “do something”; you’re traveling to relax, swim, and eat on the water.

Most of the time, you’ll spend a short stretch sailing before the first anchor stop. One pattern that pops up in the feedback is about an hour of sailing, then a clear shift from travel mode to swim mode. That’s exactly what you want on a 5-hour excursion—no long waits, no complicated transfers.

Your Real Schedule: Two Anchored Swim Stops (Wind and Weather Decide the Exact Place)

The core of this tour is two anchored swim breaks. Depending on conditions, you go to Portals Vells or Cala Vella for the first stop, and then you move to another cove nearby for the second swim. Weather and wind can change the route, so the precise cove swap is part of the deal.

Here’s what that structure means for you in practical terms:

• You get more time in the water than typical day tours that only allow one short swim.
• You can choose your “main swim” moment—some people prefer the first stop because it often has the best clarity.
• You avoid the stress of trying to time shore-based snorkeling. The crew brings you there, drops anchor, and you go.

One caution: while the plan includes two swim stops, some departures have fewer or different opportunities depending on conditions. If you’re booking expecting a perfectly identical schedule every time, keep your expectations flexible. Mallorca weather is real, and the crew adjusts for safety.

Portals Vells vs. Cala Vella: Picking the Kind of Water You Want

Because the meeting point is Palma but the swim location depends on the day, you’ll likely end up at either Portals Vells or Cala Vella. Both are on the south side of the island, where the coastline is all about coves and that Caribbean-looking color you came for.

What to expect when you land at Portals Vells or Cala Vella

When you arrive, you drop anchor and jump in from the boat. The big plus is the distance: multiple people note that it’s only a few meters from shore, so you can swim and get back without feeling like you’re doing an ocean workout. If you’re snorkeling, masks are provided, and visibility can be excellent—one feedback story even mentions local marine life you could see from near the coastline.

The second stop can be different

A recurring theme is that the first swim stop often sets a high bar. Some people describe the first stop as crystal clear and very fishy, while the second is still refreshing but not as clear or not as close to shore for snorkeling. That doesn’t automatically make the second stop bad—it just means you should treat Stop One as your “make it count” moment.

Snorkeling Gear: Easy to Use, With One Small Deposit Detail

If you want to snorkel, the tour includes snorkeling equipment. There’s a €10 refundable deposit paid in cash, and you’ll use card-only payments onboard for the rest of your needs. This is the one part that can surprise you if you didn’t read the fine print: bring the cash deposit or plan to snorkel with your own gear.

Life vests are provided for both adults and children. That’s reassuring if you’re traveling with kids or anyone who wants a safety net while in the water.

What might you see? The feedback points to small fish and sometimes jellyfish, depending on conditions. The underwater show is never guaranteed, but you’ll usually get a solid view when the water is clearer and you’re nearer shore.

The BBQ Lunch That Actually Works on a Boat

A lot of “lunch included” trips turn into vague snacks. This one doesn’t. After your swim time, you climb back onboard and get a buffet meal with:

• BBQ meats (including chicken breast, skewers, and sausages)
• Fresh salads
• Cake for dessert

On top of that, soft drinks and mineral water are included for the full excursion. With the meal, you’ll also get Mallorca wine and sangria. That’s a nice mix because it’s not just juice and water while you’re hungry after swimming.

If you’re thinking about value, here’s the math that matters: for $69, you’re basically buying (1) the boat ride, (2) two swim stops, and (3) a full onboard meal with drinks. The alternative—taking taxis to coves, renting gear, and buying lunch—adds up fast.

Alcohol outside of meal time costs extra

One practical note: alcoholic drinks outside the meal are not included. They can be purchased at the bar, but only via card, and American Express isn’t accepted.

The Onboard Vibe: Music, Dancing, and a Good Crew Rhythm

This trip isn’t silent and formal. The crew tends to keep the mood up, with onboard music and a lively atmosphere. People mention Spanish songs specifically, and there are comments about dancing and energetic guides.

Music volume is personal—some people wished it was louder. But even with that minor nitpick, the overall vibe is consistently described as fun and well-run.

The crew’s job is basically three things: keep boarding smooth, get you to safe swim spots, and make sure food and drinks hit at the right time. When it works (and in most cases it does), you barely think about logistics. You just enjoy the water, eat when you’re ready, and soak up the sunset view on the ride back.

Seats, Crowds, and Where You’ll Want to Stand or Sit

This is a big part of “will you have a good day?” on any popular catamaran. At check-in, expect a bit of chaos—people standing in lines, waiting in the sun, and trying to figure out where to go. Once the boat is underway, the crowd spreads out.

So here’s what I recommend you do:

• Aim to arrive early, even if it feels early.
• When boarding starts, don’t fight for the best view immediately. Once you’re moving, you can typically find a comfortable spot.
• If you’re a group, you may need to coordinate to ensure you’re together on the same boat if you booked multiple reservations.

Also, since you’ll be in and out of the water, plan like a swimmer. Don’t wear your heaviest outfit. Bring a cover-up and be ready for sun.

Timing: Morning vs. Afternoon and Why the Return Matters

You can choose either a morning departure at 10:00 AM or an afternoon departure at 3:30 PM. Total time is 5 hours, and you sail back to Palma at the end.

If you take the afternoon option, you’re more likely to catch the glow back into Palma. Multiple people mention sunset vibes on the return, including moments looking toward Palma’s landmarks from the water. Even if you’re not obsessed with sunsets, there’s something special about seeing the city from offshore when the light softens.

Morning departures are great if you want the day to continue afterward on your own terms—beach time, lunch on land, or a second activity without feeling like the day is “over” at sunset.

Price and Value: Why $69 Often Feels Like a Steal

At $69 per person, this isn’t a luxury charter, but it includes a lot of the stuff that makes a catamaran day expensive elsewhere. You’re getting:

• The boat tour
• Two swim breaks
• Buffet meal (BBQ meats, salads, cake)
• Water/soft drinks/coffee/juice during the excursion
• Wine and sangria with the meal
• Snorkeling equipment (with a refundable deposit)
• Life vests for adults and children

What’s not included is straightforward: alcoholic drinks outside meal time can be bought at the bar, using card (American Express not accepted). If you’re used to paying for drinks, gear, and lunch separately, this package is where the value shows.

The one “value risk” is the second swim spot. If conditions make the second cove less clear, you might feel like your best underwater time happened first. Still, you get two tries in the water, and lunch is waiting when you’re ready to dry off.

Who This Catamaran Trip Suits Best

This tour fits best if you want a simple Mallorca day with minimal planning. I’d point you here if:

• You want swimming time first, sightseeing second
• You like an easy food plan where the meal happens onboard
• You’re traveling as a couple, solo, or family and want a relaxed group vibe
• You don’t want to manage snorkeling gear or transfers to coves

If you’re the type who needs a tiny group, silent sailing, or guaranteed underwater clarity at every stop, you might prefer a smaller boat. But if you’re okay with a big-boat start and you’re flexible with weather-driven routing, you’ll likely have a great day.

Should You Book This Palma Catamaran With Lunch and Swim?

Yes—with eyes open.

Book it if you care most about two anchored swim chances, a real onboard BBQ lunch, and included drinks that keep the day feeling complete. The $69 price is hard to beat when the meal and swim time are built into the ride, and the crew energy can turn an ordinary sea day into a memory.

Pass or consider an alternative if you hate crowds at boarding, or if you’re expecting the exact same swim conditions every single time. Mallorca can shift with wind and weather, and the route may change.

If you want the best experience, your best move is simple: arrive early, bring the €10 cash deposit if you want snorkeling gear, and treat the first swim stop as your priority moment. Then let lunch and the return sunset do the rest.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the Magic Catamarans cruise?

You meet at the Port of Palma, at the boat dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on the Passeig Marítim. Look for a boat labeled Magic Catamarans at the pier in front of the Auditorium (on the harbor side).

What time options are available?

You can choose either a morning departure at 10:00 AM or an afternoon departure at 3:30 PM.

How long is the cruise?

The experience lasts 5 hours.

Does the tour include snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, but there is a €10 refundable deposit that must be paid in cash.

What meals and drinks are included?

Lunch is a buffet with barbecue meats, fresh salads, and cake for dessert. Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are included during the full excursion. Wine from Mallorca and sangria are included with the meal.

Can you pay with card for drinks onboard?

Onboard, only card payments are accepted, and American Express is not accepted.