Palma de Mallorca: 5-Hour Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Swim

The best part of this five-hour catamaran cruise is simple: you get a full day on the water without having to arrange transport between Mallorca’s coves. The boat sails from Palma’s harbor to Portals Vells or Cala Vella, where you can swim beside the catamaran, use snorkeling gear, and watch the crew prepare lunch.

I especially like the generous swim time and the fact that food, soft drinks, water, coffee, juice, wine, and sangria are included. The main thing to consider is the size of the boat. It is spacious and well suited to families and social groups, but this is not a quiet private sailing trip.

Key points to know before you book

• Two swimming stops: The route usually includes Cala Vella or Portals Vells plus another nearby cove, though weather can change the plan.
• A proper onboard barbecue: Expect chicken breast, skewers, sausages, salads, bread, and cake, with wine and sangria served at mealtime.
• A social atmosphere: Music, dancing, and an upbeat crew make this feel more like a relaxed boat party than a silent sailing trip.
• Good family value: Life vests are available for adults and children, and the wide catamaran gives families room to spread out.
• Morning or afternoon departure: Choose 10 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. The afternoon sailing may return around sunset, with especially fine views of Palma Cathedral.
• Bring cash for snorkeling: Equipment requires a €10 refundable deposit, and you should arrive 30 minutes early at the Magic Catamarans dock.

Sailing out from Palma with the city behind you

The cruise begins at the Port of Palma, at the dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on Passeig Marítim. Look for the Magic Catamarans boat on the harbor side. I would arrive the full 30 minutes early, especially in summer, because parking is limited and the boarding area can become confusing in the sun.

Once underway, the views change quickly. You leave the harbor traffic and cruise past large ships, private yachts, and the broad curve of Mallorca’s south coast. This opening stretch is not just a transfer to the swimming area. It gives you time to settle in, claim a comfortable place, and get your first look at Palma from the sea.

The catamaran is large enough to avoid feeling cramped, even when fully booked. You can move around and change sides as the boat sails, which matters on a long outing because the best view shifts with the route. Still, you should expect a shared excursion rather than a small-group charter.

The crew keeps the mood lively with music, often including Spanish songs. Some departures become quite social, with dancing and plenty of conversation. If you want a peaceful reading session, bring realistic expectations. The sound level can vary, but the overall mood is cheerful and informal.

Choosing between the 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. departures

The morning departure at 10 a.m. works well if you want the boat trip to be the main event of your day. You get bright light over the water and plenty of time for swimming before returning to Palma.

The 3:30 p.m. departure has a different character. The afternoon light softens as the boat heads back, and the return can include sunset views. You may also pass close to Palma Cathedral, giving you a memorable city view from the water. One late-season outing even combined a swim, barbecue, sunset, and a near-cathedral view in a single five-hour trip.

I would choose the morning sailing for families with young children who prefer a conventional day schedule. I would choose the afternoon option for couples, solo visitors, and anyone who likes the idea of music, dinner, and a golden-hour return.

The schedule is fixed at five hours, so you are not rushing through a quick harbor cruise. At the same time, the trip moves at a relaxed pace. The boat may sail for about an hour before reaching its first anchorage, depending on the selected cove and conditions.

The first cove is usually the star of the trip

The exact route depends on the wind. The boat may head to Portals Vells or Cala Vella, then continue to another nearby cove. That flexibility is useful because the captain can seek a safer anchorage when the sea is rough.

The first stop is often the most impressive for swimming and snorkeling. In good conditions, you can expect clear water, fish near the coast, and a view toward an idyllic beach. The catamaran anchors a short distance from shore, so you can swim around the boat and, if comfortable, make your way toward shallower water.

This is where the experience earns its keep. You are not merely looking at Mallorca’s coast from a deck. You get a long break to get into the sea, cool off, and see some marine life. Several visitors have found enough fish for snorkeling to feel worthwhile, though visibility can change after rain or rough weather.

The boat provides masks and snorkeling equipment for a €10 refundable cash deposit. You may bring your own equipment if you prefer. Life vests are available for both adults and children, which is helpful for families and anyone who is not a confident swimmer.

The beach itself is viewed from the water rather than visited as a conventional beach stop. That means you do not get a long walk ashore, a beach café, or a chance to explore the cove on land. You do get the appealing view of a quiet-looking bay without leaving the catamaran.

A second stop adds more water time, but can be less scenic

After the first swimming period and lunch service, the boat makes another stop in a nearby cove or offshore area. This gives you a second chance to swim, take photos, and enjoy the sea without having to share the entire outing with one short water break.

The second stop can be more open and less colorful than the first. At times, the boat anchors in deeper water, where the sea may not look as clear and there may be fewer fish to see. I would treat this part as extra swimming time rather than expect a second perfect postcard cove.

That difference is worth knowing before you book. The two stops are not guaranteed to look identical, and weather conditions may lead to a changed route or fewer stops. One departure had only one swimming stop, so flexibility is part of the deal.

Still, the second swim is valuable if you love being in the water. Families with children, strong swimmers, and anyone who finds it hard to leave the sea may appreciate the extra time more than the scenery. If your main goal is visiting a specific beach, this is not the right format. The boat’s priorities are safe anchoring and a pleasant day on the coast.

What lunch is like on the catamaran

The barbecue is cooked on board while you swim, which makes the first stop feel like the center of the day. The meal includes chicken breast, skewers, sausages, fresh salads, and cake for dessert. Some departures have also included tuna, bread, and fresh fruit later in the trip.

I would describe the food as filling and straightforward rather than gourmet. Portions are generous, and there is usually enough for people who want a second helping. That makes the meal good value at the $69 price, especially since you are also paying for the boat, crew, drinks, and five hours on the coast.

Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are available throughout the excursion. Wine from Mallorca and sangria are included with the meal. You can buy other alcoholic drinks at the bar outside mealtime, but only card payments are accepted, and American Express is not accepted.

Vegetarian food is not automatically detailed in the meal description. If you need a vegetarian option, contact Magic Catamarans before departure rather than assuming the standard barbecue will suit you.

The meal is served in a casual group setting. You may eat while music plays and people move around the deck. It is a practical lunch for a day at sea, not a formal dining experience.

The crew makes a big difference

The crew’s energy is one of the strongest parts of this excursion. Staff members help with boarding, swimming arrangements, food service, and drinks, while keeping the atmosphere friendly. Captain Perez was specifically praised for his service on one sailing, and the crew has also been credited with handling a small technical issue quickly without letting it spoil the day.

That matters on a boat trip. You want clear instructions around the water, steady organization during lunch, and people who can keep the mood relaxed when the sea or schedule changes. The crew is especially good at making solo visitors feel included, and the social setup makes it easy to meet people without having to force conversation.

The guide language is English and Spanish. Do not expect a detailed coastal lecture. The experience is more about scenery, swimming, food, and music than historical commentary. If you want facts about every cove, you may find the narration light.

On some departures, the music becomes a major part of the fun. There may be dancing on deck, Spanish songs, and a festive mood on the return. If you prefer low-key sailing, choose your expectations carefully. The boat is designed to create a good group atmosphere.

Is $69 a fair price?

At $69 per person, I consider this strong value for a full five-hour outing. A shorter boat trip can cost a surprising amount once you add lunch, drinks, and equipment. Here, the price includes the catamaran cruise, barbecue buffet, nonalcoholic drinks throughout, wine and sangria with the meal, and access to snorkeling equipment with a refundable deposit.

The value is best for people who will actually use the swimming time. If you plan to stay on deck and skip the water, you may find the excursion less compelling. Much of the appeal comes from the combination of two anchorages, a meal, and several hours of open sea.

The price does not include alcoholic drinks outside mealtime, and parking near the port is limited. Those are small extra concerns, but they are worth planning for. Reserve now and pay later is available, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure.

For a family, the inclusive setup can simplify the day. You do not need to find a restaurant after swimming, carry lunch to a remote beach, or arrange a separate transfer to the coves. For a couple seeking privacy, the value is less obvious because a shared catamaran cannot provide a secluded sailing experience.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this trip to:

• Families who want safe, simple access to the sea
• Couples who like sunset, music, and an easygoing social setting
• Solo visitors who want an activity where meeting people feels natural
• Strong swimmers and snorkelers who value plenty of water time
• Anyone looking for a half-day or afternoon break from Palma’s streets

I would hesitate if you dislike group activities, loud music, or organized meal service. I would also look elsewhere if your priority is a small private boat, a guided snorkeling lesson, or a long visit on land at a particular beach.

The catamaran suits a wide age range. Children as young as six and seven have enjoyed the swimming and boat ride with their parents, while older adults can stay on deck and take in the views. You should still judge swimming conditions for yourself, especially if wind changes the route.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Arrive 30 minutes before departure at the Auditorium de Palma dock. Parking spaces are very limited, so plan extra time if you are arriving by car.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and cash for the €10 snorkeling deposit. The deposit is refundable, but it must be paid in cash if you want to borrow the equipment.

Wear something comfortable for walking around the boat and bring a light layer for the return sail. The sea can feel different once the sun drops, especially on the afternoon departure.

If you have more than one booking and want to sit together, contact the provider before the day of the cruise. The same applies to a vegetarian meal request.

Keep your plans flexible. Cala Vella, Portals Vells, and the second cove depend on wind and sea conditions, and the route can change for safety. The captain’s choice of a less famous anchorage may mean better shelter and a more comfortable swim.

Should you book the Magic Catamarans cruise?

I would book it if you want a full, social day on Mallorca’s south coast with swimming, a barbecue, drinks, and sunset or harbor views in one package. The first cove can be beautiful, the crew brings plenty of energy, and the $69 price covers more than the basic boat ride.

I would skip it if you want silence, privacy, or guaranteed access to a specific beach. The second stop may be less scenic, the music can be lively, and the route changes with the weather.

For most visitors to Palma, this is an easy way to reach clear water without renting a car or planning a complicated beach day. Bring cash, arrive early, and treat the route as flexible. Do that, and the cruise offers a generous amount of swimming, food, and sea time for the money.

FAQ

How long is the Palma catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts five hours.

Where does the catamaran depart from?

It departs from the Port of Palma, at the dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on Passeig Marítim. Look for the Magic Catamarans boat on the harbor side.

What time does the cruise leave?

You can choose a morning departure at 10 a.m. or an afternoon departure at 3:30 p.m. Check availability when booking.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The barbecue buffet, water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are included throughout the excursion. Wine from Mallorca and sangria are included with the meal.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkeling equipment are available with a €10 refundable cash deposit. Life vests for adults and children are also provided.

Can the route change?

Yes. The route may change because of weather and wind conditions. The boat generally visits Portals Vells or Cala Vella and another nearby cove, but the exact stops are not guaranteed.