Palma de Mallorca: Deluxe Catamaran Sailing Tour with Meal

The best part of this Palma boat trip is simple: the Oasis carries no more than 36 people, even though the catamaran can hold 57. That extra space changes the mood. You can find a place to sit, move around for photos, and reach the water without feeling packed in. I especially like the beautiful Cala Vella swim stop and the generous meal served on board.

I also like the clean, modern boat, helpful crew, and choice between a daytime BBQ and an adults-only sunset cruise with tapas. The main drawback is the meeting point, which may not be marked clearly, and the sea can feel choppy on the hour-long ride to the swimming area. Check your WhatsApp messages for location changes and bring motion-sickness tablets if you need them.

Quick points about the Oasis catamaran

• Limited to 36 people: The boat has room for 57, but the smaller group is the reason this feels calmer than many Palma boat trips.
• Cala Vella swim stop: Swim beneath the Cap Rocat cliffs in clear water, then use the paddle boards or jump from the boat.
• Two distinct tour styles: Choose a daytime BBQ or an adults-only sunset sailing with tapas and canapés.
• Food is more than a token snack: Expect grilled items, salads, bread, appetizers, and dessert, with vegetarian and some dietary needs accommodated.
• Drinks cost extra: Water is included throughout, while beer, cocktails, mixed drinks, and other beverages are purchased at the onboard bar.
• Bring your own snorkel gear: Due to hygiene rules, masks and tubes are not included, though a set can be bought on the boat for €25.

Why the smaller group matters on this Palma sailing

Palma has plenty of boat excursions, and some pack people tightly onto large vessels. The Oasis takes a different approach. Its capacity is 57, but the operator limits each sailing to 36 people. That means more open seating, less competition for paddle boards, and a quieter ride back across the bay.

This is not a private charter. You will still share the boat with other people, and the atmosphere can become lively, especially on a sunset sailing. But it is designed to avoid the party-boat feeling. The smaller load is the main reason the $97 price can make sense.

The catamaran itself is one of the attractions. It is described as elegant and modern, with two clean bathrooms and enough room to sit in the sun or find shade. Several visitors found the boat immaculate, and that matters on a four-hour outing. A spotless deck and clean toilets make a real difference once wet swimwear, food, and drinks are all part of the day.

The crew includes three or four staff members depending on the sailing. Captain Pawel is mentioned by name in connection with the route and BBQ, while Marshall received special praise for his friendly service on another trip. The crew speaks English, French, German, and Spanish.

Leaving Palma for Cala Vella

The boat leaves the Port of Palma and heads toward Cala Vella, a natural reserve known for small coves and clear water. The ride to the swimming area takes about an hour, although the exact timing depends on conditions and the day’s route.

This first stretch gives you the best chance to settle in. Sit back, watch Palma recede, and take in the bay from the water. On a good sailing day, the crew may raise the sails rather than rely only on the motor. That makes the ride quieter and more pleasant, though the itinerary can change if wind or weather conditions require it.

The sea is not always perfectly smooth. One visitor noted that the ride became a little choppy, while still considering the trip comfortable overall. If you are prone to seasickness, take your usual precautions before departure rather than waiting until the boat is underway.

The meeting point deserves attention. It may vary by booking option, and it may not have a large sign. The map pin is reported to be accurate. At one location, the practical advice was to wait by the pier, near the parked cars and the stairs, where a crew member checks people in and the boat arrives. Check your messages, especially WhatsApp, before leaving for the port, since location updates may be sent there instead of through the booking platform.

Swimming beneath the Cap Rocat cliffs

Cala Vella is the heart of the daytime trip. The Oasis anchors near a beautiful cove, often in front of cliffs, and you can swim directly from the boat. The water is clear enough to see fish, and the setting feels far removed from Palma’s harbor.

You can jump from the boat, swim around the catamaran, or stay aboard and enjoy the view. Paddle boards are included, with three boards available on some sailings. That is enough for a smaller group, but you may need to wait your turn during a busy swim stop.

Snorkeling is also part of the advertised activities, but masks and tubes are not supplied for hygiene reasons. Bring your own set or buy one on board for €25. Do not assume the boat provides full snorkeling equipment, even though swimming and snorkeling are listed among the activities.

The swim stop is especially good for people who want a real break from sightseeing. You are not just looking at Mallorca from a deck. You get time in the water, a chance to paddle, and a view of the coast that is difficult to enjoy from land.

Still, this is one main swimming stop, not a full beach-hopping itinerary. If you want several coves, long time ashore, or a serious snorkeling program, this tour may feel limited. The appeal is the combination of a comfortable boat, one scenic swim, food, and a relaxed return to Palma.

What comes out of the galley at lunchtime

On the daytime sailing, the crew prepares a BBQ directly on board. The menu described by visitors includes hot dogs, chicken fillets, sweet corn, salads, bread rolls, cheese, and small burgers, with appetizers and dessert also appearing on some sailings.

The food is served after the boat reaches the swimming area, so you can choose between eating first and swimming afterward, or getting in the water before lunch. Portions are generally described as generous, with enough variety to make the meal feel like part of the experience rather than an afterthought.

Vegetarian food is available, and the crew has accommodated dietary restrictions, including dairy intolerance. It is still wise to communicate your needs before departure. Do not bring your own food or drinks, since outside provisions are not allowed.

Water is unlimited and included. Other drinks are not. Beer has been priced around €3.50 on one sailing, while cocktails have ranged from about €10 to €20, depending on the report and drink. One practical note: if your package includes a complimentary drink, ask for it after the meal if it has not arrived. Service may not be automatic.

The adults-only sunset version

The sunset option follows the same general route toward Cala Vella, including a swim stop, but it changes the mood and the meal. It is restricted to people aged 18 and over, so do not book this version for children or teenagers.

Instead of the daytime BBQ, you receive tapas and canapés, with dessert included on some sailings. The boat then returns slowly toward Palma as the light changes over the bay. From the water, you can see the old town and Palma Cathedral, an especially attractive finish to the evening.

This is the better choice for a couple, an anniversary, or anyone who prefers a quieter, more romantic outing. Chilled music is common, and a live saxophone performance has occasionally been part of the atmosphere. On one evening, the music led to a spontaneous dance party, so the mood is not always hushed or formal.

Bring a light layer. The deck can feel cool on the ride home after swimming, and the crew has handed out blankets when the evening turned chilly. Sunset times vary through the season, so the exact light and return views will depend on your date.

The sunset boat is still a social experience, not a private dinner cruise. You share the deck and bar with other people, and cocktails cost extra. For a special evening, though, the combination of a limited group, dinner, swimming, and Palma’s illuminated waterfront gives the higher price a clear purpose.

Food, drinks, and the real cost of $97

At $97 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Mallorca. The price includes the catamaran cruise, the meal for your chosen option, unlimited water, paddle-board equipment, and insurance. You are paying for space as much as for transport.

That distinction matters. A cheaper boat may offer a similar route but carry far more people. On the Oasis, you are more likely to find a comfortable seat, move around the deck, and use the water equipment without a long wait. The clean bathrooms and attentive service also add value during a four to four-and-a-half-hour trip.

Plan for extra spending at the bar. Water is covered, but cocktails and most other drinks are not. Cocktail prices can be high, reaching €18 to €20 on some trips, while beer is considerably less expensive. If you are watching your budget, enjoy the included water and treat the bar as optional.

The daytime sailing is probably the stronger value for families and active couples because it includes the BBQ, swimming, and paddle boards. The sunset option makes more sense if you care most about atmosphere, Palma Cathedral views, and a romantic setting.

Practical details before you book

You should bring swimwear, a towel, a sun hat, and sunscreen. There is a contradiction in the written instructions: sunscreen appears both on the recommended packing list and among the prohibited items. Confirm the current rule with the operator before departure, since going without sun protection on a Mediterranean boat is not sensible.

High heels are not allowed, and shoes may need to be removed indoors. Casual, appropriate clothing works best. Pets, drones, fishing equipment, coolers, outside food and drinks, and alcohol or drugs are prohibited. The operator also does not accept party groups, bachelor parties, or bachelorette parties.

The sunset cruise is for adults only. The daytime option is the safer choice if anyone in your party is under 18.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The meeting point can change, so check the latest message before setting out. If you are a group of 10 or more and your preferred date is unavailable, contact the local operator directly.

The route can change with the weather. That is normal for a sailing trip, but it means the exact swimming location, sail time, or order of activities is not guaranteed.

Who will enjoy the Oasis most?

I would choose this tour if you want Mallorca from the water but do not want to spend the day on a packed party boat. It suits couples, families on the daytime option, and small groups who value a clean vessel and an organized meal.

It is also a good fit if you want several holiday pleasures in one booking: a scenic cruise, a swim in clear water, paddle boarding, lunch or dinner, and views of Palma. You do not need to plan separate equipment rentals or find a beach restaurant.

I would think twice if you dislike boats, need a long stretch of time on land, or want a serious snorkeling excursion. The tour has one main swim stop, and the open sea can be rough enough to bother some people. The additional drink costs also add up quickly if everyone orders cocktails.

For the most relaxed day, arrive with your swim gear ready, confirm the meeting point, bring your own snorkel set if you want to use one, and ask the crew about any included drink. Those small preparations prevent the most common frustrations.

Should you book this Palma catamaran?

Yes, if you value room to move, a polished boat, and a full half-day on the water. The limit of 36 people is the key selling point, and the Cala Vella swim, onboard meal, clean facilities, and friendly multilingual crew give the $97 price solid value.

Choose the daytime sailing for the BBQ and more active swim-stop feel. Choose the adults-only sunset trip for tapas, Palma Cathedral views, and a more romantic evening. Just keep your expectations realistic: drinks cost extra, snorkeling gear is not included, the meeting point can be hard to spot, and weather may alter the route.

FAQ

How long is the Oasis catamaran tour?

The experience lasts about 4 to 4.5 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your selected date.

What is included in the daytime tour?

The daytime option includes the luxury catamaran cruise, appetizers, a BBQ lunch, unlimited water, paddle-board equipment, and insurance.

What food is served on the sunset cruise?

The sunset option includes tapas and canapés. Dessert may also be served as part of the onboard meal.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Masks and tubes cannot be rented for hygiene reasons. You can bring your own equipment or buy a snorkeling set on the boat for €25.

Can children join the sunset sailing?

No. The sunset option is for adults aged 18 and over. Do not book it for minors.

How many people are allowed on the boat?

The catamaran has capacity for 57 people, but the tour limits participation to a maximum of 36 for greater comfort.