Palma de Mallorca: Deluxe Catamaran Sailing Tour with Meal

The best thing about this Palma sailing trip is the breathing room. The Oasis can carry 57 people but limits each departure to 36 passengers, and some sailings have had far fewer. You get a proper swim stop at Cala Vella, not just a quick look over the side, plus time to stretch out on deck.

I like the clean, modern boat and the generous food, with a BBQ at midday and tapas or canapés in the evening. I also like that paddle boards, unlimited water, and insurance are included. The catch is that drinks beyond water cost extra, cocktails can be pricey, and the meeting point may be hard to spot without checking the map or WhatsApp updates.

Key points at a glance

• A quieter boat by Palma standards: The Oasis limits numbers to 36, even though it has space for 57.
• Cala Vella swim stop: Expect clear water, coves, cliffs, and time for swimming from the catamaran.
• Two different moods: Choose a daytime BBQ cruise or an adults-only sunset sailing with tapas and canapés.
• Water sports included: Paddle boards are provided, while snorkeling masks and tubes are not.
• Good onboard facilities: The catamaran has clean toilets, plenty of deck space, and a bar.
• Check the meeting point carefully: The exact pier can change, and it may have no obvious sign.

A more spacious way to see Palma from the sea

Many boat trips around Palma turn into a contest for deck space. The Oasis takes a different approach. Its listed capacity is 57, but the operator sells no more than 36 places for this tour. That limit matters most during the swim stop, when people want room to move, eat, dry off, and find a sunny or shaded spot.

The catamaran is designed for relaxing rather than racing around the bay. You leave the Port of Palma and head toward Cala Vella, a protected coastal area known for small coves and clear water. The boat ride itself gives you wide views back toward the city and the Mallorcan coast.

I would choose this trip if your ideal day includes some sailing, one beautiful swim, a meal, and time to sit with a drink. It is not the right pick if you want a full day of several beaches, a serious snorkeling program, or a fast-moving adventure with many stops.

The tour lasts about four to four and a half hours. That is long enough to make the boat ride feel worthwhile, but short enough to fit into a Palma sightseeing day.

Leaving Palma on the Oasis

The Oasis is an elegant catamaran with a clean, modern feel. Its broad design gives you more stable footing and more useful deck space than a narrow boat. Several facilities are available onboard, including two clean toilets, according to details from recent departures.

The staff handle the practical work, including drinks, food service, and equipment. The crew speaks English, French, German, and Spanish, so basic communication should be straightforward for most international visitors.

Do not expect a large sign at the meeting point. The location can vary by booking option, and the pier may look like an ordinary quay. Check the map pin closely and watch for any WhatsApp message from the operator, since location changes may be sent there rather than through the booking app.

A useful arrival clue is to wait by the pier near the stairs and parked cars if that matches your map pin. The boat has been reported to arrive at that exact spot, but you should still check your own departure details before setting out.

Hotel pickup is not included. Plan your route to the port and leave a little extra time to find the correct pier. This is one of the few parts of the experience that feels less polished than the boat itself.

The cruise to Cala Vella

Once underway, the trip settles into an easy rhythm. You can sit back, look toward Palma, or find a place on deck for photographs. In good conditions, the crew may raise the sails, although the boat can also travel under motor power when wind or timing requires it.

The approach to Cala Vella is the scenic center of the cruise. The area has sheltered coves and clear Mediterranean water, with rocky cliffs and a feeling of being well away from the city. Some departures have taken in views around the Cap Rocat cliffs, adding a dramatic backdrop to the swim.

This is not a rushed photo stop. You can get into the water from the catamaran, swim, and use the included stand-up paddle boards. The number of boards is limited, so you may need to wait your turn when the boat is full. That is a small point, but it matters if you are booking mainly for water sports.

Snorkeling is also possible, but bring your own mask and tube. For hygiene reasons, the operator does not rent snorkeling gear. A snorkeling set can be purchased onboard for €25, which is a steep add-on if you only plan to use it for a few minutes.

The clear water makes swimming the stronger reason to book this stop. The snorkeling may be pleasant, but this is not presented as a guided marine-life excursion. You should think of the equipment as a way to look around independently rather than part of a formal snorkeling lesson.

Choosing the daytime BBQ cruise

The daytime departure is the better choice if swimming and sun are your priorities. After sailing toward Cala Vella, the crew prepares a BBQ onboard during the stop. Food reported on different departures has included chicken, hot dogs, sweet corn, salad, bread rolls, mini burgers, cheese, and dessert.

The portions are intended to be a proper lunch, not just a plate of snacks. Vegetarian food and some dietary requests have been accommodated, but you should tell the operator about your needs in advance rather than assume the menu will suit you.

The meal is served while you are near the swimming area, which keeps the day feeling connected to the sea. You can eat, return to the water, and use the paddle boards before the boat heads back toward Palma.

Unlimited bottled water is included. Other drinks are sold at the onboard bar, including beer, mixed drinks, and cocktails. Prices vary by drink, but cocktails have been reported at roughly €15 to €20, while beer has been available for less. Bring your budget with this in mind, especially if you want several drinks during the cruise.

The daytime option suits couples, families, and mixed-age groups. It is also the sensible choice for children, since the sunset sailing is restricted to adults aged 18 and over.

The adults-only sunset option

The sunset version follows the same general route toward Cala Vella and includes a swim stop. Instead of the BBQ lunch, you receive tapas and canapés, with dessert included on some departures.

The pace changes as the light softens. You swim earlier in the outing, then settle in for the return journey while the sun drops over Mallorca. The boat can offer views toward Palma’s old town and the Cathedral as you sail back, giving you a different perspective from the usual city streets.

This option works well for a birthday, anniversary, honeymoon, or quiet evening with a partner. It is not necessarily a silent cruise. Music may play, and the atmosphere can become lively after the swim. One departure even included live saxophone, followed by an impromptu dance session. That kind of entertainment may happen, but it is not something you should book as a guaranteed feature.

Bring a light layer for the trip back. Even a warm evening can feel cooler once the boat is moving after sunset. Crew members may provide blankets, but carrying your own light cover is the simpler plan.

The sunset tour is for adults only. Do not book it for minors, even if they are comfortable around boats or swimming.

Food, drinks, and the real cost

At $97 per person, this is not the cheapest boat trip from Palma. It is also not a bare-bones cruise. The price includes the catamaran sailing, the meal appropriate to your chosen departure, unlimited water, stand-up paddle boards, and insurance.

The strongest value comes from the passenger limit. A cheaper cruise can look attractive until you are sharing a crowded deck and waiting for every water activity. Here, you are paying partly for space, cleaner facilities, and a more relaxed pace.

The meal also helps justify the price. The BBQ is more substantial than a simple snack service, while the sunset tapas offer gives the evening a social, easygoing feel. Food quality can vary with the menu and departure, but the portions have generally been described as generous.

You should set aside extra money for drinks. Water is included, but beer, wine, mixed drinks, and cocktails are not. Cocktails can take the price well above the advertised fare, especially for two people.

Snorkeling gear is another possible add-on. Bring your own mask and tube if you already have them. You cannot bring your own food or drinks onboard, and coolers are not allowed.

What the swim stop is really like

Cala Vella is the reason to bring proper swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a hat. The water is described as clear and inviting, and the setting includes coves and cliffs rather than a developed beach promenade.

You enter the water directly from the boat. That can be exciting, but it also means the experience is less suitable for anyone who is not confident around open water. The activity information does not describe a dedicated shallow-water beach stop, so families should consider each swimmer’s comfort level.

Paddle boards add variety without turning the outing into a formal lesson. You can take a board out for a short paddle, then return it for someone else. There may also be opportunities to jump from the boat, but follow the crew’s instructions and use the designated areas.

The water stop depends on sea and weather conditions. The operator may amend the route if conditions change. That is normal for a sailing trip, but you should not treat the exact stop or sailing conditions as guaranteed.

If you suffer from motion sickness, consider bringing suitable medicine. The boat is generally described as smooth, but the sea can become choppy, and the ride to the swimming area may take about an hour.

Who should book this Palma catamaran trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to you if you want:

• A comfortable half-day on the Mediterranean
• More space than a high-capacity party boat
• A swim stop with paddle boards
• A meal included in the price
• A romantic sunset setting
• Clean toilets and a well-kept vessel
• A social atmosphere without a full party-boat feel

It can also work for families on the daytime option, though you should be realistic about open-water swimming and the need to supervise children around the catamaran.

I would look elsewhere if you want hotel pickup, several separate coves, included snorkeling equipment, or a low-cost drinks package. You may also prefer another activity if you dislike time on a moving boat or want an organized underwater tour.

The boat can carry 57 people, but the tour limit is 36. That is a meaningful advantage, not just a marketing detail. Some departures have had around 15 to 33 passengers, though you should book on the assumption that the boat could reach its 36-person limit.

Practical details before you reserve

Wear casual clothing and bring swimwear, a towel, a hat, and sunscreen. The supplied information both asks you to bring sunscreen and lists sunscreen among prohibited items, which is contradictory. Confirm the current rule with the operator before departure, especially if you plan to bring a large bottle onboard.

Shoes are not allowed indoors, and high heels are not suitable. Food, personal drinks, drones, fishing equipment, coolers, pets, and party-group accessories are prohibited. Intoxication, alcohol brought from outside, drugs, and explosive substances are also not allowed.

Bachelor and bachelorette groups are not accepted. The atmosphere is intended to be relaxed and comfortable rather than a dedicated party cruise.

The tour has free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later when that option is offered for your booking. Check the exact meeting point for your selected departure, since it may differ between daytime and sunset options.

Should you book the Oasis?

Yes, if you value space, a good swim stop, and a proper meal more than the lowest possible price. The Oasis gives you a polished catamaran, a limited passenger count, clean facilities, and a well-balanced four-hour outing from Palma.

Choose the daytime cruise for swimming, paddle boards, and a filling BBQ. Choose sunset for tapas, softer light, city views, and an adults-only evening. Before booking, budget for drinks, bring or buy your own snorkeling gear, and confirm the meeting point through the latest operator message.

FAQ

How long is the Palma catamaran tour?

The tour lasts approximately four to four and a half hours.

Where does the catamaran sail from?

The tour departs from the Port of Palma, but the exact meeting point may vary according to the option booked.

How many people are allowed on the boat?

The catamaran has capacity for 57 people, but this experience limits each departure to a maximum of 36 passengers.

What is included in the daytime tour?

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

What food is included on the sunset tour?

The sunset option includes tapas and canapés. It does not include the daytime BBQ.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water is included. Other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including cocktails and beer, are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling masks and tubes cannot be rented for hygiene reasons. You may bring your own or buy a snorkeling set for €25 onboard.

Is the sunset cruise suitable for children?

No. The sunset option is for adults aged 18 and over.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to the meeting point at the port.

What happens if the weather changes?

The itinerary may be amended because of weather conditions. Cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.