Palma: Cueva Verde and Cala Vella Catamaran Cruise with BBQ

Palma Bay opens up beautifully from the water, and this 5.5-hour cruise gives you two good reasons to leave the city for the day: swimming in the clear coves and a relaxed sail back toward Palma. The modern catamaran carries up to 87 people but limits bookings to 55, so you get room to sit, move about, and enjoy the sea without feeling packed in.

I like the careful pacing, with time at Cueva Verde, another stop at the Cala Vella marine reserve, and food served during the outing rather than all at once. I also like the return route, which can include a sunset and close views of Palma Cathedral. The main drawback is the extra cost of drinks, especially cocktails, and the barbecue menu may not match everyone’s idea of a grilled feast.

Key points at a glance

• Two separate swimming stops: Cueva Verde offers a refreshing first swim, while Cala Vella adds paddleboarding and snorkeling in a protected marine setting.
• Maximum of 55 passengers: The catamaran has capacity for 87, but the smaller operating group leaves more space than many large boat outings.
• Food is included: Expect appetizers, a barbecue-style meal, and dessert, with water provided throughout.
• Drinks cost extra: Beer, cava, wine, and mixed drinks are sold at the bar. Cocktails can be expensive.
• Sunset can be a highlight: Afternoon departures often return with changing light over Palma Bay and views of the cathedral.
• Weather controls the route: The captain may alter the plan if sea or wind conditions require it.

A spacious catamaran departure from Palma

You meet the boat at OASIS CATAMARAN in the Port of Palma. Hotel transfers are not included, so allow time to reach the marina on your own. One practical warning: the waiting area may have little shade and no restrooms, which matters on a hot summer afternoon. Arriving prepared with your hat and water before boarding is sensible.

The catamaran itself is one of the strongest parts of the experience. It is described as modern, clean, and stylish, with enough seating for the reduced passenger count. The operator limits the boat to 55 people even though it can carry 87, a choice that gives you more breathing room around the seating areas and makes the five-hour trip feel less like a ferry ride.

You will find several places to sit, though the best spots go quickly. There are only two sunbeds, so do not expect a private lounger unless you arrive early and make it a priority. The nets at the front are off limits while the boat is moving, but the back area remains available for sitting during the cruise.

Shoes are not worn indoors, and high heels are not allowed. Bring swimwear, a towel, and a sun hat. The boat has a shower, a welcome feature after swimming, although one note about the facilities is worth keeping in mind: the floor in the toilet area may not always feel as clean as the rest of the boat.

Cueva Verde brings the first swim

The first major stop is Cueva Verde, a cove known for clear turquoise water and a sheltered feel. The stop is designed for free time in the sea, so you can swim, float, and enjoy the setting without a tightly scripted activity.

This is a good point in the day to cool off before lunch. The water has been described as warm during the summer months, and the stop offers the simple pleasure of jumping from the boat into open water. If you are not a confident swimmer, life jackets are available, but the supplied information does not promise a full range of flotation devices. Families bringing children may want to pack their own approved floatation aid.

An aperitif is served before the cruise continues. Food can vary, but examples include meat and cheese, crackers, melon, and other light snacks. This early spread has sometimes been more popular than the later hot food, so treat it as more than a token snack.

Snorkeling equipment is not clearly included as standard. Paddleboards are included, while snorkels may be available to purchase. If seeing fish is important to you, ask about equipment before setting out or bring your own if permitted. The water and coves are the main attraction here, but the experience is still weather dependent. Wind, waves, or other sea conditions can change the route.

Cala Vella combines swimming with paddleboards

The second stop takes place at Cala Vella, a marine nature reserve. The setting is another chance to swim in clear water, but this stop adds paddleboards supplied by the crew. You can use them to move around the cove at an easy pace and get a different view of the rocks and water.

Paddleboarding here is recreational rather than a formal lesson. You should be comfortable balancing and climbing back aboard, though the crew provides general assistance and safety support. The stop leaves enough time for more than one swim, rather than forcing you to choose between getting in the water and sitting on deck.

This is also the better stop for people who want a little activity between meals. The cruise is not built around constant action, though. You will spend much of the day sitting, sunning yourself, listening to music, and watching the coastline pass. That balance suits people who want water time without booking a serious watersports excursion.

Be aware that jellyfish can be present. The crew has helped people who were stung, including with first aid and pain relief, but the possibility is worth remembering before you enter the water. Ask the crew about current conditions, and do not assume that clear water means completely risk-free swimming.

What the included barbecue is really like

The food is included in the $109 price, along with water, so you are not paying only for transportation and scenery. The meal includes appetizers, a freshly prepared barbecue, and dessert. Food examples from the boat have included hotdogs, chicken, corn, salad, quiche, cheese, and other small dishes.

The barbecue is substantial, but expectations should be realistic. Some people find it tasty and plentiful, while others feel that the hotdogs and chicken are ordinary or that the earlier snacks are better. One important point is that the meal may not look like a classic grill party with a wide range of grilled meats. The advertised barbecue wording is broad, and the exact menu can vary.

Dessert is included, though no fixed dessert menu is supplied. A homemade sweet finish is part of the offering. If you have dietary needs, contact the operator in advance. A vegan meal has been prepared when requested ahead of time, but you should not wait until boarding to mention a special diet.

Meals are spaced through the outing, which helps the cruise feel well organized. You can swim first, have light food, continue to Cala Vella, then return aboard for the main meal. That pacing also prevents the trip from becoming five hours of sitting around waiting for lunch.

The bar, music, and the sail back to Palma

Water is included. Other drinks are sold separately at the onboard bar, including beer, cava, wine, cocktails, mixed drinks, and soft options. Prices are a mixed point. Beer and cava have been described as fairly reasonable by some people, while cocktails can reach about €20. If you plan to order several drinks, add that cost to the $109 tour price before deciding if it fits your budget.

The music contributes to the mood without turning the outing into a full party boat. It helps create a relaxed holiday feel while you sit on deck and watch Palma’s coastline. Speakers and personal sound systems are not allowed, so the boat’s playlist controls the atmosphere.

Afternoon departures have a special advantage. The return can coincide with sunset, and the boat may pass close enough to Palma Cathedral for a memorable view from the bay. The final stretch is less about swimming and more about watching the city appear in changing light. That scenic return is one reason the tour feels like more than a basic trip between two coves.

The route may be changed because of wind and sea conditions. The operator can also return under sail when conditions allow, which creates a quieter finish than the outbound motor ride. Do not book this expecting a guaranteed sunset or exact route, but an afternoon departure gives you the best chance of both.

Comfort, crowd size, and the onboard rhythm

The reduced passenger limit is important. A boat carrying 36 to 52 people on different departures has been described as comfortable, with space to sit and walk around. At the full limit of 55, it will feel busier, but still less crowded than a catamaran that fills all 87 available places.

The crew is a major part of the experience. They handle boarding, food, drinks, water activities, and safety in a friendly and efficient way. The sailing team has also been praised for helping people after jellyfish stings and for preparing special meals when notified in advance.

Do not expect personal service at the level of a private charter. You are still sharing a boat with a mixed group of couples, families, and multigenerational parties. The atmosphere can feel romantic, social, or family-friendly depending on the departure. It is not promoted as a bachelor or bachelorette party outing, and party groups, speakers, intoxication, alcohol brought from outside, and drugs are not allowed.

The five and a half hours pass quickly because the stops and meals break up the day. Still, the length may be too much if you dislike open-water trips or prefer a short sightseeing cruise. There is no hotel pickup, so the total door-to-door time will be longer than the advertised duration.

Is $109 a fair price?

At $109 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Palma Bay. You are paying for a half-day on a modern catamaran, two swimming locations, paddleboards, water, snacks, a main meal, dessert, crew service, and the space created by the 55-person limit.

That package offers fair value if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip and lunch. The reduced passenger count also matters. A cheaper cruise that fills every seat may leave you with less room and a less relaxed day.

The value weakens if you do not plan to swim, eat on board, or spend time in the sun. Drinks are extra, and cocktails can push the final bill higher than expected. You should also remember that snorkeling gear is not clearly part of the included equipment, and the exact food menu can change.

I would compare this with a private charter only if you are traveling in a large group and want complete control of the route. For most couples, families, and small groups, the shared catamaran gives you a good middle ground between a basic excursion and a costly private boat.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

You are a good match for this outing if you want a polished half-day at sea with swimming, food, music, and views rather than a demanding watersports session. It suits people who like a planned schedule but still want free time in the water.

The cruise also works well for a romantic afternoon, especially when the return includes sunset. Families can enjoy it too, though parents should bring suitable flotation equipment if a child needs more support than a life jacket provides.

You may want to choose another activity if you need guaranteed snorkeling equipment, dislike shared boats, want a quiet trip with no music, or have a strict food budget. You should also stay flexible about the route, since the captain can change it for safety.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The tour is offered in English and Spanish. Those policies help if your Mallorca plans are still shifting, but they do not change the need to check the departure time and reach the port yourself.

Should you book it?

I would book this catamaran if you want an easy day of sea, swimming, and food with more room than a fully loaded boat. The strongest reasons are the limited passenger count, two attractive swimming stops, capable crew, paddleboards, and the chance to return past Palma at sunset.

Go in with sensible expectations about the meal. It is included and generally plentiful, but it may be a simple barbecue-style spread rather than a gourmet lunch. Budget for drinks, bring a towel and sun protection, and arrive ready to spend several hours outside.

Choose an afternoon sailing if sunset and cathedral views matter most. Choose this tour over a cheaper, crowded boat if comfort is worth paying for. If those points match your plans, the $109 price is reasonable for a full half-day on the water.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts 5.5 hours, including the journey from Palma, the two swimming stops, meals, and the return to Palma Bay.

Where does the cruise depart?

The meeting point is at OASIS CATAMARAN in the Port of Palma. Hotel transfers are not included.

Are food and water included?

Yes. The package includes water, appetizers, a barbecue-style meal, and dessert. Other drinks are available to purchase on board.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Beer, cava, wine, cocktails, mixed drinks, and other beverages are sold separately at the onboard bar.

What activities are available at the swimming stops?

You can swim at Cueva Verde and Cala Vella. Paddleboards are provided at the Cala Vella stop. Snorkeling equipment may be available to purchase, but it is not listed as included.

Can the route change?

Yes. The route may change depending on weather and sea conditions.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, and a towel. High heels, outside food and drinks, pets, speakers, fishing equipment, aerosols, and party-group items are not allowed.