Catamaran with BBQ in the Bay of Palma

The main attraction here is simple: you spend four hours on the Mediterranean, stopping to swim from a catamaran while the crew grills lunch. I like the combination of clear-water swim stops and a ready-made BBQ, and I like that you can choose between jumping from the boat, using the ladder, snorkeling, or stretching out in a hammock. The catch is crowding. This is a large boat, with capacity for up to 146 people, and the shaded areas can fill quickly.

The trip also earns points for its easygoing party feel. Music, sangria, soft drinks, and a friendly crew turn it into more than a boat transfer. But this is not a quiet sailing trip or a small-group nature cruise. If you want solitude, serious snorkeling, or a long run along the Mallorcan coast, you may find the format too busy and the route too close to shore.

Key points at a glance

• Two main swimming stops: Expect time to jump, climb down the ladder, or swim in clear Mediterranean water.
• BBQ lunch on board: Food has included chicken skewers, burgers, hot dogs, pasta salad, and drinks, though the exact selection may vary.
• Large social boat: Capacity reaches 146 people, and some departures have had more than 75 or 100 passengers.
• Four hours from S’Arenal: The boat leaves at 10:00 am and returns to the same meeting point.
• Snorkeling is casual: Equipment is provided, but the supply may be limited and marine life is not guaranteed.
• Cruise-port warning: The meeting point is roughly 22 to 25 minutes by taxi from Palma’s cruise port, with taxi costs adding more than €60 round trip according to one detailed estimate.

What the four-hour sailing day feels like

You meet at GP2X+RJ S’Arenal in the S’Arenal area at 10:00 am. The activity ends back at that same point, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup location. Confirmation arrives when you book, and the operator lists the outing in English.

Once aboard, you can settle into a seat, find a place in the sun, or try to claim a shaded spot. The catamaran has hammocks and open areas for lying down, but space depends heavily on the number of people booked that day. A less crowded departure can feel relaxed and roomy. A full one is more like a floating beach club, with people moving between the seating, food, swimming, and shade.

The boat heads out toward a nature reserve, with music playing as the coast slips by. The pace is part of the appeal. You are not racing from landmark to landmark. Instead, the ride gives you time to enjoy the breeze, sun, and views across the Bay of Palma.

I would set your expectations correctly before booking. The route is about swimming, food, music, and being out on the water. It is not presented as a detailed coastal sightseeing tour, and one unhappy account found the boat stayed relatively close to the beach. If you want a full day exploring remote coves, this is the wrong type of trip.

The best part: swimming from a catamaran

The swimming stops are the heart of the outing. The boat pauses in attractive Mediterranean water, and you can jump from the deck if you are comfortable with that. Ladders and stairs are available for a slower, easier entry, so you do not have to make the leap.

The water has been described as clear and turquoise, with some fish visible around the swimming areas. That makes the stops pleasant even if you are not a strong swimmer. The setup is also useful for mixed groups. Teenagers can jump from the boat, while less confident swimmers can use the ladder and stay close to the catamaran.

Reports describe two main swimming areas, while other accounts refer to several stops. The exact timing may change, but you should expect a substantial portion of the four hours to be spent moored or paused for swimming. One useful criticism was that the first stop received too much time, leaving less time at the second. That is worth keeping in mind if you prefer variety over a long single break.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and something dry to wear afterward. The boat makes swimming easy, but wet passengers and a crowded deck can make personal space limited. A waterproof pouch for your phone is sensible, though the tour information does not promise one.

Snorkeling is a bonus, not the main event

Snorkeling equipment is available, allowing you to look beneath the surface at the swimming stops. You may see small fish and other ordinary Mediterranean sea life, but this is not a specialist snorkeling trip. The amount of equipment can be limited, and marine life may be sparse.

That distinction matters. If you are booking mainly to snorkel, bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. You will avoid waiting for shared equipment and may get more time in the water. If snorkeling is simply one option among several, the onboard gear should be enough to add a little underwater interest.

The clear water still gives the stops value. You can swim, float, jump, take photographs, or simply cool off. Families and mixed-age groups may appreciate having several ways to use the stop, rather than being expected to take part in one organized water activity.

BBQ lunch, drinks, and the onboard mood

The meal is one of the strongest parts of the package. The BBQ has included chicken skewers, burgers, hot dogs, and pasta salad, with some departures also offering sangria, soft drinks, or other drinks. Several accounts praised the food, especially when paired with the easygoing atmosphere and time in the water.

Do not expect a restaurant meal. This is casual food served on a busy boat, and the portions and quality may vary. One particularly negative account described a small chicken skewer, a basic meat portion, a sausage, and poor pasta salad. That experience does not match the more favorable reports, but it is a useful reminder to treat the lunch as convenient excursion food rather than a culinary highlight.

The drinks are part of the fun, but not all drinks are necessarily included in the same way. The tour information highlights BBQ and drinks, while individual descriptions refer to sangria, soft drinks, and one included drink. Check the exact booking terms before you assume every drink is covered. Separate drinks may be expensive, and one account specifically found onboard beverages costly.

Music shapes the day. Many people enjoy the party atmosphere, with upbeat music and a friendly crew. Others found the morning music too calm and spa-like. In practice, the tone may depend on the group and the crew. Expect background music that can develop into a social, festive mood rather than a silent sail.

How crowded is a boat holding 146 people?

Crowding is the main issue to weigh against the price. The stated maximum is 146 people, and some departures have had roughly 75 to 100 or more passengers. That does not mean the boat is always uncomfortable. A less full sailing can provide enough room for everyone, including useful shade.

The problem is that shade is limited compared with total capacity. If you need shade, arrive ready to find a place early. The open deck may be comfortable for sun-seekers, but it is less suitable if you burn easily or cannot sit in direct sunlight for long periods.

A full boat also changes the swimming experience. You may have to wait for a ladder, move carefully around people entering the water, and share the best jumping points. On the positive side, the large format can feel lively rather than awkward. Groups of friends, older children, and teenagers often have plenty to do.

I would not book this outing expecting a private or intimate setting. Think of it as a public beach club that happens to move across the bay. That comparison explains both its fun and its limitations.

Is $78.09 a fair price?

At $78.09 per person, the value depends on how much of the package you use. You are paying for about four hours aboard a catamaran, the coastal ride, swimming stops, snorkeling equipment, a BBQ lunch, and at least some drinks. If you would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride, lunch, and time at a beach club, the price is reasonable.

The value improves for people who want a complete half-day plan. You do not need to find a beach, arrange a restaurant, or organize water access. The boat, food, music, and swimming are bundled together. Several people found the trip worth the cost for exactly that reason.

The value drops if you dislike crowds, do not drink, or want extensive sightseeing. You might spend much of the time near the same stretch of coast, and a basic meal may not feel worth the price on its own. Also budget for transport if you are staying elsewhere in Palma or arriving by cruise ship.

Getting to S’Arenal from Palma’s cruise port

The meeting point is in S’Arenal, not directly at Palma’s cruise terminal. From the cruise port, allow roughly 22 to 25 minutes by taxi under ordinary conditions. One detailed estimate placed the fare at more than €30 each way, so a couple or family should add more than €60 to the excursion budget.

This is the single most important booking detail for cruise passengers. The tour begins at 10:00 am, and a misleading map pin or poor understanding of the meeting point can cause a serious problem. One person missed the entire activity after struggling with the location and communication, with no refund afterward.

Read the meeting point carefully and leave extra time. The activity ends back at S’Arenal, so you also need to plan the return to the ship. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, but missing the boat is not treated the same way as canceling in advance.

Families, groups, and the right kind of party

This outing can work well for families with teenagers. The water is easy to reach, food is served onboard, and children can choose between swimming, snorkeling, music, and sitting in the sun. The crew has been described as helpful with children, and the ladder gives a practical alternative to jumping.

Still, I would think carefully about younger children and the atmosphere on the day. Some accounts describe a strong party mood and concerns about alcohol being available around underage passengers. That does not mean every departure will feel rowdy, but the large social format is not designed as a quiet family cruise.

Friends, birthday groups, and hen parties are a natural fit. The music, drinks, swimming, and open deck create a festive setting without requiring you to plan separate activities. Couples who want a calm sailing day may prefer a smaller boat.

People with limited mobility should ask specific questions before booking. The activity is described as having easy access for swimming and most people can participate, but the available information does not explain boarding arrangements or accessible facilities in detail. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

Weather, timing, and practical planning

The outing requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel it, you are offered another date or a full refund. Since the experience is built around open-air seating and swimming, weather affects more than the sailing itself. Wind, cloud, or rough water can change the mood and reduce the time you want to spend in the water.

The morning departure gives you a full four-hour block before the afternoon. It is a useful choice if you want to keep your evening open in Palma. The stated duration is approximate, so avoid scheduling a tight connection immediately afterward.

Wear shoes that are secure enough for a wet deck. Pack sun protection and a towel, and consider bringing your own snorkeling gear if underwater time matters to you. If you want shade, do not assume there will be enough for everyone. If you want a hammock, treat it as a bonus rather than a guaranteed seat.

The boat has been described as clean and well maintained, and the crew is frequently praised for being friendly, professional, and funny. That service matters on a large vessel. A good crew can make a busy boat feel organized, while poor communication can make the same crowd frustrating.

Should you book the Bay of Palma catamaran?

Book it if you want a social half-day on the sea with swimming, casual food, music, and a simple all-in-one plan. It is especially suitable for groups, families with older children, and anyone who likes a lively boat atmosphere. The two swim stops, helpful crew, BBQ, and clear water offer solid value when the boat is not overly full.

Think twice if you need quiet, shade, gourmet food, or serious snorkeling. Also be cautious if you are coming from a cruise ship and have not confirmed the S’Arenal meeting point and taxi time.

My call: this is a good-value party-and-swim excursion, not a peaceful sailing charter. Book it for the water and the easy social fun, and accept the crowd as part of the deal.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran depart?

The meeting point is at GP2X+RJ S’Arenal in S’Arenal, Mallorca. The activity returns to the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 10:00 am.

How long does the experience last?

The sailing trip lasts approximately four hours.

Is food included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included. Food described for the outing has included chicken skewers, burgers, hot dogs, and pasta salad. The exact meal may vary.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available, although the amount may be limited.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can receive a different date or a full refund.