Mallorca Catamaran Cruise and Snorkeling Trip

The best part of this Mallorca catamaran cruise is the chance to see Palma Bay and the south coast from the water, far from the packed beach roads. You’ll pass Palma Cathedral, Cap Rocat’s rough cliffs, and quiet coves before stopping near Cala Vella and Cala Blava for swimming.

I like the long swimming stop, which gives you time to jump from the boat, swim toward shore, or explore the natural pools near an old quarry. I also like the generous lunch, with meat, salads, vegetables, rice, spring rolls, samosas, fruit, and ice cream. The main drawback is that this is not a dedicated snorkeling outing: equipment costs extra, and the boat may anchor in deep water.

Key points to know

• Five hours from Palma Port: The cruise generally runs in the morning and returns to the same port.
• Cala Vella is the main swim stop: You can jump from the catamaran or swim toward a nearby beach.
• Lunch is included: The buffet has several meat and vegetable dishes, plus fruit salad and vanilla ice cream.
• Snorkeling gear costs extra: Equipment is offered aboard for €20, and full fins may not be available.
• Drinks are not included: Water is provided with lunch, while other drinks can be bought at the bar.
• Crowds can change the mood: The boat may feel relaxed and spacious, or busy and noisy, depending on the sailing.

A five-hour view of Mallorca from Palma Bay

This is best understood as a coastal sightseeing cruise with swimming, not as a serious snorkeling trip. From Palma Port, the catamaran follows the southern side of the bay, giving you views that are difficult to get from land.

The boat’s route takes in the city shoreline, beaches, coves, and hills around Palma Bay. Palma Cathedral is especially striking from the water. Its Gothic form rises above the city, and the view changes as the catamaran moves away from the port.

You’ll have room to sit on deck, but the amount of space depends on how full the boat is. The published maximum is 100 people, while older operating details and past departures indicate that capacity can feel higher on busy days. The front nets may also be reserved as a paid VIP area, so do not assume the most prominent seats are included in your standard fare.

The sailing itself is another point to clarify. The catamaran does sail for part of the trip, but some departures spend much of the time under engine power. If you are booking for a full day of quiet sailing, you may be disappointed. If you mainly want a boat ride, sea air, views, lunch, and a couple of swim stops, the setup makes more sense.

Starting at Palma Port

The meeting point is Attraction Catamarans Mallorca at Muelle Golondrina, on Avenida de Gabriel Roca in Palma. The listed start time is 9:45 in the morning, although another part of the operating information gives 9:30, and past bookings have sometimes experienced a later departure.

For that reason, check your confirmation carefully and arrive early. The port is served by public transport, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

There is no general hotel pickup included in the details provided here. Some people have expected a transfer and found that they needed to make their own way to the port, particularly when staying in central Palma. Do not book this assuming a hotel collection is part of the price.

Once aboard, allow a few minutes for settling in and finding a place. The crew handles the departure, safety, and service, while the captain takes the boat out into Palma Bay.

Palma Cathedral and the southern coast

The first long stretch is the most scenic part for anyone who enjoys views more than organized activity. The catamaran moves across Palma Bay, with the city behind you and the island’s southern shore opening up ahead.

You can take photographs of Palma Cathedral, the waterfront, beaches, and scattered coves. The broad deck also gives you a good place to feel the wind and watch the coastline change.

The route is not a guided historical tour in the usual sense. Commentary can be limited, and the captain may not explain every site in detail. If you want facts about Palma’s buildings and coastal history, bring your own guidebook or use the cruise mainly for the views.

The conditions matter. A breezy morning can feel fresh or even chilly, especially outside the warmest summer months. In May, the combination of fast movement and wind has made some departures uncomfortable, and the water can still be cold. Pack a light layer, even if the forecast looks sunny.

Passing Cap Rocat’s cliffs

Cap Rocat is one of the more dramatic sections of the route. From the sea, you see steep cliffs and rough, undeveloped ground rather than a line of resort hotels.

This section gives you a useful reminder that Mallorca is more than its busy beaches and built-up waterfront. The view is at its best from the outer deck, where you can look along the rock face and out across the open water.

The stop is mainly for viewing, not for getting ashore. You will not be wandering around Cap Rocat, so keep your camera ready and enjoy the change in scenery as the catamaran passes.

Cala Vella and the main swimming stop

The long stop near Cala Vella is the practical heart of the trip. The catamaran anchors, and you have around an hour and a half for swimming and relaxing.

You can jump directly from the boat into the sea, swim toward a sandy beach, or look around the natural pools formed by old quarry work. The clear water and rocky coast make this the most appealing part of the day for active passengers.

There is an important catch: the catamaran may anchor in deep water rather than beside a shallow reef or a beach you can simply walk onto. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask for a life jacket. Life jackets are available aboard, and the crew can provide one on request.

The word snorkeling needs careful interpretation here. Snorkeling equipment is not included in the basic fare. It can be purchased aboard for €20, but past departures have included only a mask and snorkel, without fins. Some people have also found little to see beneath the boat because it anchored away from shore.

Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins if you already have them. That gives you the best chance of making the most of the stop. If snorkeling is the central reason for booking, compare this with a smaller trip specifically built around shallow reefs and guided water time.

The water may be cold outside July and August. A sunny day does not guarantee warm swimming conditions, and wind can make it harder to climb back aboard. Take your time on the ladder and use a life jacket if needed.

Lunch near Cala Blava

Lunch is served during the southern part of the cruise, around Cala Blava. The buffet is more substantial than the basic bread-and-salad meal found on some boat trips.

The listed dishes include bacon-wrapped dates, beef meatballs with Thai sauce, chicken salad with ginger and mango, sautéed vegetables, roasted black pork with mushroom sauce, trampó, vegetable rice, spring rolls, curry samosas, mixed salad with oranges, bread, and fruit salad with vanilla ice cream.

That menu gives mixed groups plenty of choice. Meat eaters have several main dishes, while vegetable rice, spring rolls, samosas, salads, and cooked vegetables provide useful options for vegetarians. A vegan group has also found enough food to eat well, though you should confirm ingredients directly if you have allergies or strict dietary needs.

Water is included during lunch. Other drinks are sold at the onboard bar, and prices can be higher than on land. The bar has a good range of drinks, but bringing the cost of extras into your budget is wise. Some departures have had a lively, party-like atmosphere, with music and plenty of sangria. Others have felt calmer.

If you want a quiet family outing, ask about the expected atmosphere before paying. The cruise can suit children, but the mood may shift when larger groups begin drinking. The boat is not automatically a sedate nature trip.

What the €93.83 price really buys

At about $93.83 per person, the price includes the return catamaran cruise, lunch, and water during the meal. For a five-hour outing in Mallorca, that can be fair value if you want several services bundled together and plan to spend time swimming.

The value is strongest when you appreciate the full package: coastal sightseeing, a large boat, a buffet meal, and a long swim stop. It is weaker if you expect a small sailing boat, included snorkeling gear, quiet waters, or several beach landings.

Budget separately for drinks and snorkeling equipment. A €20 equipment charge is significant if you are booking specifically for snorkeling, especially when fins may not be available. The reserved front seating can also cost extra, with past information describing an additional charge for two people.

There are also fewer stops than some advertising can suggest. The route includes scenic sections and swimming areas, but you may not visit several beaches or step ashore at each cove. Weather, wind, timing, and safety can change the route.

Group size, music, and the feel aboard

The catamaran can be comfortable when numbers are moderate. You have deck space, open views, and enough room to spread out once the boat leaves the port.

On a full departure, lunch service can feel crowded. Seating may be tight, and the most desirable front area may not be available without paying more. Arriving early helps you get a better choice of standard seating, though it cannot change the total number aboard.

The crew has received strong praise for being friendly and helpful, with particular thanks given to a staff member named Toni for clear directions and assistance with a changed booking. Service can vary by departure, and commentary may be sparse.

Music is part of the experience. Some sailings feel like a relaxed coastal outing, while others become a lively party cruise. That is a major factor in choosing this activity. Couples seeking calm scenery may prefer a smaller boat, while groups of friends may enjoy the easygoing social side.

What to pack for this Mallorca cruise

Bring high-factor sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, and a light layer. The wind can be strong while the catamaran is moving, even on a warm day.

Pack your own snorkeling equipment if you care about seeing marine life. At minimum, a mask and snorkel are useful. Fins give you more control in open water, but the onboard option may not include them.

A waterproof phone pouch is sensible for photographs and swimming. Keep valuables limited, since the activity involves moving between seating, lunch, and the water.

If you are unsure about swimming in open water, ask for a life jacket before entering. The stops are designed around jumping from the boat or swimming, not walking straight into shallow water.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. A cancellation made inside that window is not refundable, and poor weather can lead to a replacement date or a full refund.

Who should book this cruise

I would recommend it to you if you want an easy half-day on the sea with good coastal views, a filling meal, and time to swim. It works particularly well for friends, couples, and mixed groups that want sightseeing and relaxation without arranging food separately.

Families can enjoy it, but check the weather and the swimming setup first. The water may be deep, the catamaran may be busy, and the music can become loud.

I would not choose it as my first option for serious snorkeling, peaceful sailing, or visiting many beaches. A smaller specialist snorkeling trip should offer better access to shallow water and more useful equipment.

Book this Mallorca catamaran cruise if the views, lunch, and swim stop matter most. Skip it if the word snorkeling is the main reason you are paying, or if you want a quiet, low-capacity boat with no extra charges.

FAQ

Where does the Mallorca catamaran cruise depart from?

The meeting point is Attraction Catamarans Mallorca at Muelle Golondrina, Avenida de Gabriel Roca, in Palma de Mallorca.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts approximately five hours.

What time does the cruise start?

The listed start time is 9:45 in the morning. Another operating detail gives 9:30, so check your booking confirmation and arrive early.

Does the cruise return to Palma?

Yes. The cruise ends back at the same meeting point in Palma Port.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and features meat, vegetables, salads, rice, spring rolls, samosas, bread, fruit salad, and vanilla ice cream.

Are drinks included?

Water is included during lunch. Other drinks are not included and can be purchased at the onboard bar.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment can be bought aboard for €20. Past departures indicate that fins may not be included, so bring your own equipment if possible.

Are life jackets available?

Yes. Life jackets are available aboard, and you can request one from the crew, particularly if you are not comfortable swimming in open water.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather cancels the trip, you will be offered another date or a full refund.