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

The best part of this Palma catamaran cruise is simple: you spend a full half-day moving between beautiful south-coast coves, swimming from the boat, and eating lunch while Mallorca slips by. The route may lead to Portals Vells or Cala Vella, depending on the wind, with a second nearby cove added along the way.

I like the generous swim time and the fact that lunch is cooked on board rather than packed in a box. I also like the price, $69, which covers five hours, barbecue, water, soft drinks, coffee, juice, wine with the meal, and sangria. The main caution is that this is a large, social catamaran, not a quiet private sailing trip. Some second swim stops are less clear and scenic than the first.

Key points to know before you book

• Two stops along Mallorca’s south coast: The exact coves depend on wind and sea conditions, but Portals Vells or Cala Vella is usually the main destination.
• A proper swim-focused outing: You can spend a good part of the trip in the water, with masks available for a refundable €10 cash deposit.
• Barbecue lunch at sea: Expect chicken breast, skewers, sausages, salads, bread, and cake, with wine and sangria served during the meal.
• Morning or afternoon departure: Choose 10 AM for a daytime cruise or 3:30 PM for a later outing that may include sunset views.
• Lively rather than intimate: Music, dancing, and an upbeat crew are part of the appeal, but the boat can fill up in high season.
• Easy value for families and solo visitors: Life vests are provided, children are welcome, and solo passengers can easily join the social atmosphere.

Five hours from Palma to the south-coast coves

The boat leaves 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 of the pier, and arrive 30 minutes early. The meeting point can become confusing when several people are waiting, so do not plan to arrive at the last minute.

Parking near the port is very limited. If you are driving, check the recommended parking location before setting off, or arrange another way to reach the harbor.

Once on board, you cruise past Palma’s harbor, with cruise ships, yachts, and the city shoreline in view. The boat then follows Mallorca’s south coast toward its swimming coves. The ride itself is part of the experience, though the focus is less on formal sightseeing commentary and more on time at sea, music, food, and swimming.

The crew speaks English and Spanish. Their style is friendly and energetic, with music playing during the journey and plenty of help around the boat. Captain Perez was singled out by name in one particularly enthusiastic account, but the wider impression is of a hard-working crew that keeps the mood moving without making the trip feel disorganized.

Portals Vells or Cala Vella, depending on the wind

The main stop is either Portals Vells or Cala Vella. This choice is made according to wind and sea conditions, so you should treat the exact route as flexible rather than guaranteed.

Both areas offer the kind of water people hope to find on a Mallorca boat day: clear turquoise sea, rocky shoreline, and nearby beaches. The catamaran anchors a short distance from shore, allowing you to jump into the water and swim around the boat. You may also be able to swim toward shallower water near the coast, depending on the anchoring position and conditions.

This first stop is usually the strongest part of the outing. The water may be clear enough to see small fish, and the coastline gives the swim a more sheltered, cove-like feel. Bring your own mask if you have one, or use the provided snorkeling equipment after paying the €10 cash deposit. The deposit is refundable when the gear is returned.

The stop is not a guided marine-life lesson. You are free to swim and look around at your own pace. That works well for confident swimmers, families who want relaxed water time, and anyone who would rather make their own fun than follow a tightly managed program.

You should still pack practical beach gear. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and cash for the snorkeling deposit. A phone or camera can capture excellent water shots, but use care around the boat and remember that the sea is not always calm.

The second cove can be a mixed experience

The itinerary includes two swimming stops, with the second one usually in another cove nearby. The amount of time at each stop can vary. One reported pattern was a shorter first swim followed by a longer second stop, while other accounts describe the first anchorage as the main snorkeling location and the second as a simpler open-water swim.

This difference matters. The first stop may have shallow, bright water and fish close to the coastline. The second could be farther from shore, with deeper water and less to see through a mask. It can still be refreshing and fun, but do not expect both stops to look like the best cove of the day.

Weather also affects the water. After heavy rain, visibility may be lower, and rougher seas can change where the boat anchors. The crew chooses a safer spot when conditions require it, and the route can change for the same reason.

Life vests are available for adults and children. You should follow the crew’s instructions when entering and leaving the water, especially if the sea is moving. The trip is suitable for swimmers of different ages, but the description does not promise a fully adapted swimming setup, so ask the operator directly if you have specific mobility or support needs.

Barbecue lunch with Mallorca wine and sangria

At some point during the anchorage, the crew prepares lunch on board. The buffet includes grilled chicken breast, skewers, sausages, salads, bread, and cake. Some accounts also mention tuna and fresh fruit being available, though the core meal is the barbecue, salads, and dessert listed for the outing.

I would call the food filling and practical rather than fine dining. It is exactly the sort of meal that works after swimming: warm meat, simple salads, bread, and something sweet. Portions are generally described as generous, with enough food for people to return for more.

Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are available throughout the excursion. Wine from Mallorca and sangria are served with the meal. Alcoholic drinks outside mealtime can be bought at the bar, but only card payments are accepted on board, and American Express is not accepted.

Vegetarian food is not described as a standard included option, so contact Magic Catamarans directly before booking if you need a vegetarian meal. This is important because the central lunch offering is built around grilled meats.

The meal also gives you a natural break from swimming. You can dry off, eat, chat, and enjoy the view while the boat remains anchored. If you are hoping to spend every minute in the water, lunch takes up part of the stop, but that is also when the crew is doing the cooking.

Music, dancing, and the social side of the boat

This cruise has a cheerful party-at-sea feel. Spanish music plays during the outing, and the crew may encourage dancing once lunch is served or the boat is back underway. The atmosphere has been praised repeatedly, with the crew described as friendly, energetic, organized, and attentive.

That tone makes the trip a good match for couples, families, groups of friends, and solo visitors who enjoy meeting people. A solo passenger can easily find company here, especially on the afternoon departure. It is not a silent retreat, though, and music volume can vary. One account wished for louder music, while others liked the relaxed Spanish songs.

The catamaran is spacious enough for people to move around and change sides during the trip. Still, it can be fully booked in the busy summer season. The boat may not feel cramped, but you should expect shared deck space, queues during boarding, and a lively group rather than personal service.

If you prefer an intimate sail with a small number of passengers, this is probably not the right product. If you want an easygoing day with food, music, swimming, and a chance to make friends, the larger boat works in its favor.

Morning cruise or afternoon sailing?

You can choose between a 10 AM departure and a 3:30 PM departure, both lasting about five hours.

The morning trip gives you a classic full daytime outing. You get strong daylight for swimming and snorkeling, and the whole schedule feels built around a long stretch on the water.

The afternoon option has a different appeal. You reach the swimming area later, eat on board, and may sail back as the light softens. Several accounts describe beautiful sunset views on the return to Palma. The boat may also pass close to Palma Cathedral near the end, giving you a memorable city view from the water.

For photographs, the afternoon departure is tempting. For families with younger children or anyone who prefers earlier swimming, the morning sailing may be easier. Check the forecast before choosing, since wind and sea conditions can influence both the route and comfort.

Is $69 good value for Palma?

At $69 per person, this is a strong-value package if you plan to use the inclusions. You are paying for five hours on the water, the catamaran ride, two planned swimming stops, snorkeling equipment access, a barbecue buffet, nonalcoholic drinks throughout, and wine and sangria with lunch.

A private boat would give you more control and privacy, but it would cost far more. A simple harbor cruise might be cheaper, but it would not include the same amount of swimming time or a full meal. The value here comes from combining transport, a beach-style outing, food, and entertainment in one booking.

The price is less compelling if you do not swim, dislike group activities, or want detailed commentary about Mallorca’s coast. The cruise provides some information in English and Spanish, but the emphasis is clearly on relaxing at sea rather than learning about local geology, history, or marine life.

The booking terms are flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. If you have separate bookings and want to sit on the same boat, contact the provider ahead of time.

Who will enjoy this catamaran cruise?

I would recommend it most to:

• Families who want a simple day by the water, with life vests, food, and drinks handled for them.
• Couples choosing the afternoon departure for sunset views and a relaxed shared activity.
• Solo visitors who enjoy music, a social setting, and plenty of time outdoors.
• Friends who want swimming, photos, barbecue, and dancing in one half-day plan.
• Anyone staying in Palma who does not want to arrange a separate trip to the coves.

I would be more cautious if you want a quiet luxury sailing experience, a very small group, or a highly educational coastal tour. The boat can fill up, the route depends on conditions, and the second swimming stop may not be as scenic as the first.

My take: book it for the water time and value

I would book this cruise if my priority were an easy, good-value day on Mallorca’s south coast. The best features are the long time at sea, the chance to swim from the catamaran in clear water, the generous barbecue, and the crew’s upbeat approach.

Choose the afternoon departure if sunset photographs and a view of Palma Cathedral appeal to you. Choose the morning if you want the brightest conditions for swimming and snorkeling. Bring cash for the €10 equipment deposit, arrive early, and treat the exact cove as weather-dependent.

Book it with the right expectations: this is a sociable catamaran outing with music and shared space, not a private coastal adventure. For $69, the mix of food, drinks, scenery, and swimming makes it one of the more practical ways to spend five hours in Palma.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran leave from?

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

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at the departure point 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

What departure times are available?

You can choose a morning departure at 10 AM or an afternoon departure at 3:30 PM.

How long is the cruise?

The experience lasts five hours.

Which coves does the boat visit?

The boat visits Portals Vells or Cala Vella, depending on wind conditions. A second stop is made at another nearby cove, but the route can change because of weather.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is available with a €10 refundable cash deposit. Life vests for adults and children are also provided.

What food and drinks are included?

The buffet includes barbecue meats such as chicken breast, skewers, and sausages, along with fresh salads and cake. Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are available throughout the excursion. Wine from Mallorca and sangria are served with the meal.

Can I pay for drinks on the boat?

Yes. Alcoholic drinks outside mealtime are available at the bar, but only card payments are accepted. American Express is not accepted.