REVIEW · MALLORCA
3-hour boat trip at sunset in the bay of Palma
Book on Viator →Operated by Sa Calma Boats · Bookable on Viator
Sunset on Mallorca hits different at sea. This 3-hour sunset boat trip in the Bay of Palma mixes big-bay cruising, a swim stop with snorkeling gear, and an included BBQ dinner while the coastline glows. I especially love the way the route looks back toward Palma, with classic postcard views as daylight fades, and I also like that the food and one drink are baked into the price. One thing to plan for: if you get motion sick easily, the boat’s movement can be a factor on choppy evenings.
The crew matters here. You’ll hear about staff who keep things smooth and fun, including Marco (noted for the BBQ), Arantxa (praised for her upbeat service), and Juan Diego (called out as great). Reviews also mention music on board, with people even getting in on limbo and dancing during the cruise back.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you board
- Why this sunset cruise in the Bay of Palma feels worth it
- Price and what’s actually included in your $70.29
- Badia de Palma sailing: caves, beaches, and open-water time
- Cala Blava swim stop: your chance to jump in and snorkel
- The onboard BBQ dinner: what’s served and why it matters
- Music, dancing, and the social vibe on the way back
- Boat comfort and motion: the one drawback worth taking seriously
- What you’ll like most (based on what people remember)
- Who should book this sunset BBQ boat trip
- How to make the most of a 3-hour evening on the water
- Should you book Sa Calma Boats sunset BBQ?
- FAQ
- How long is the boat trip?
- Is there a swim stop during the cruise?
- Is snorkeling equipment included?
- What food is included with the BBQ?
- What drinks are included?
- Can I buy extra alcoholic drinks?
- Is the tour offered in English?
- How many people are on the boat?
- Does the cruise run in bad weather?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
- Is the ticket digital or do I need to print it?
Key things to know before you board
- 3 hours at sunset: enough time for cruising, a swim, and dinner without feeling rushed
- Two main areas: Badia de Palma sailing, then a swim stop around Cala Blava
- Snorkeling gear is included (with a €10 deposit for equipment)
- BBQ dinner + one drink: water, beer, or sangria included with the meal
- Max 90 people: bigger than a true small-charter, but the vibe is still social and manageable
- Weather-dependent: the tour requires good weather, with an alternate date or full refund if canceled
Why this sunset cruise in the Bay of Palma feels worth it
If your Mallorca days are packed with sightseeing, this is a very different way to enjoy the island. You’re not climbing, not standing in lines, and not trying to squeeze one more thing in. You’re just on the water, watching the light change over Palma and the surrounding coast.
What makes this trip feel “complete” is the pacing. You get a long stretch of cruising first, then a swim break, and then you’re fed. That matters because sunset cruises can sometimes feel like pay-for-views-and-hope-you’re-hungry-later. Here, you’re set up for an easy evening: you arrive, you relax, you swim if you want, then you eat and drink without a separate restaurant run.
The included dinner is also a practical plus. Even if you don’t eat much, it’s an easy way to avoid spending extra money when you’d rather be enjoying the boat ride.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Mallorca
Price and what’s actually included in your $70.29

At $70.29 per person, you’re paying for a 3-hour experience that covers more than just transport.
Here’s what’s included:
- Snorkeling equipment (use of the gear, with a €10 deposit)
- Bottled water
- Dinner BBQ with a specific set menu (burger + sausage, tomato mozzarella skewer with basil and balsamic cream, spring roll, potato salad, watermelon and pineapple)
- 1 drink with dinner (water, beer, or sangria)
- All fees and taxes
What’s not included:
- Additional alcoholic drinks (bar service is paid separately)
So is it good value? For me, it leans yes if you want the trio: sea views + a swim chance + a real meal onboard. If you’re only interested in a quick photo at sunset and you hate the idea of eating while on a boat, then the price can feel less like a bargain. But for most people looking for an “evening plan that’s handled,” it’s fairly straightforward.
Badia de Palma sailing: caves, beaches, and open-water time

The trip starts with cruising in Badia de Palma, giving you time to settle in and enjoy the boat’s motion at sunset. You head across the Mediterranean and look around at the island’s coastline as you move through the bay. There’s also a mention of marine caves like Cueva Verde, plus views of beaches along the water.
This first stretch is key because it sets the mood. The bay is wide enough that you feel like you’re getting out of the city routine, even though you’re still close to Palma. And because the boat is moving during golden hour, you’re not just watching a static sunset from a single point—you’re getting changing angles.
If you want a practical photo tip: be ready early. Sunset shifts quickly, and you’ll likely want to be positioned where you can see Palma and the coastline as the light drops.
Cala Blava swim stop: your chance to jump in and snorkel
After the sailing portion, the cruise heads toward Cala Blava and the area near a nature reserve. This is where you get your swim stop.
The time you’ll have in the water is about 1 hour. You also have snorkeling equipment available (snorkel gear is included, but there’s the €10 deposit for using it).
Two useful thoughts for your expectations:
- The water is described as calm at the swim stop by at least one reviewer, which makes it easier to relax and enjoy the break.
- On a different evening, snorkel visibility wasn’t great because the water wasn’t very clear. That doesn’t make the stop pointless; it just means you should go in ready for a swim more than a guaranteed reef show.
If you bring your own mask or snorkel, you can still use the provided gear, but the tour’s included setup is already set up to get you in fast. I’d come ready with a swimsuit plan so you’re not scrambling once people start jumping in.
The onboard BBQ dinner: what’s served and why it matters
Dinner is served as a BBQ onboard, and you’re not left guessing what you’ll get. The included menu is:
- burger + sausage
- tomato mozzarella skewer with basil and balsamic cream
- spring roll
- potato salad
- watermelon and pineapple pieces
- 1 drink (water, beer, or sangria)
That level of detail helps. It’s not just bread and chips with a vague promise of food. And because it’s tied to the cruise, you don’t need to decide where to eat after sunset.
That said, there’s at least one complaint about the food quality. So if you’re a picky eater or you judge BBQ harshly, this is the part of the trip you should weigh carefully. For most people, though, onboard food hits the right note because you’re tired from sunshine and you’re hungry from being outside.
On the positive side, multiple people call out good vibes and friendly, helpful service around food. Marco is specifically mentioned for the BBQ, and Arantxa gets praised for service throughout the evening.
You can also read our reviews of more evening experiences in Mallorca
Music, dancing, and the social vibe on the way back

This cruise isn’t silent and scenic-only. There’s music onboard, and the energy can get playful during the return.
Some of the fun described includes people doing limbo and dancing, which tells you the crew is comfortable turning the atmosphere into a party-lite rather than a stiff sightseeing lecture. It’s the kind of vibe that works well for groups, but it also works for couples who want a relaxed night out that doesn’t require bar-hopping.
Because the tour caps at 90 travelers, you won’t feel like you’re in a giant ferry with no personal space. Still, it’s big enough that you’ll share the boat with a mix of people—families, friends, and couples are a common match.
Boat comfort and motion: the one drawback worth taking seriously

The biggest downside that shows up is motion. One review bluntly called out seasickness and said the boat moved constantly, which led to feeling sick.
I can’t predict your exact ride, because sea conditions vary, but you can plan:
- If you’re motion-sensitive, consider bringing motion-sickness medication before you board.
- Wear something you can move around in easily, not heavy shoes.
- Sit where you feel most stable. If you notice people getting queasy near you, shift seats if you can.
This doesn’t mean you should skip the cruise—it means you should be honest with yourself about your tolerance.
Also, there’s one negative note about comfort and food quality. If you’re prone to being disappointed by any rough edges, keep that in mind.
What you’ll like most (based on what people remember)
This trip earns its good reputation for a few repeat themes:
- Views during the sunset cruise: people describe golden-hour scenery and the feel of cruising around the bay instead of just watching from shore.
- A friendly, attentive crew: names like Marco, Arantxa, and Juan Diego pop up for service.
- The included meal: even among mixed reviews, food is often mentioned in a clear way, and the menu is specific.
- The overall party-social mood: music and dancing turn the boat into a memorable night plan, not just transportation.
The rating sits around 4.1 out of 5, which usually signals “worth booking, but read this like a realist.” You’ll likely love it if you come for the experience and accept that an evening boat trip has a few variables.
Who should book this sunset BBQ boat trip
This is a great fit if you:
- want a sunset activity that also includes a swim break
- like the idea of snorkeling gear being ready without extra shopping
- prefer a planned evening with food included
- enjoy a social vibe with music and a crew that keeps things upbeat
It’s less ideal if you:
- get seasick easily and haven’t managed it well before
- expect a high-end food experience in a BBQ setting
- need pristine snorkeling visibility every time (water clarity can vary)
How to make the most of a 3-hour evening on the water
A 3-hour tour moves faster than you think. The key is to decide what you care about most and then optimize.
If you’re mostly there for sunset views:
- position yourself early, before the boat settles into the return run
- keep a phone camera handy but give yourself a few minutes to just look
If you’re there for the swim and snorkeling:
- treat the swim stop as your main water moment
- use the provided gear to avoid delays once everyone starts heading toward the water
If you’re there for dinner:
- expect the meal after you’re a bit tired and sun-warmed, not after a short walk-and-grab
- plan to enjoy it slowly. You’re not rushing. That’s the point.
And remember the weather factor: the experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled because conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Should you book Sa Calma Boats sunset BBQ?
Book it if you want an easy Mallorca evening that combines Palma Bay views, a real swim break, and an included BBQ dinner with one drink. The best versions of this trip sound like a relaxed celebration—good crew, good atmosphere, and scenery that you feel in your bones.
Skip it or choose carefully if you know you’re highly motion-sensitive, because one clear complaint is about constant movement and seasickness. Also, if you’re very picky about food quality, read the situation as: BBQ onboard is part of the fun, not fine dining.
If your goal is a “no-stress sunset plan” in Palma that feels authentic and social, this one is a strong contender.
FAQ
How long is the boat trip?
The tour lasts about 3 hours.
Is there a swim stop during the cruise?
Yes. There’s a swim stop at Cala Blava with about 1 hour available.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Snorkeling equipment is included, but there is a €10 deposit required for the gear.
What food is included with the BBQ?
The included BBQ menu includes burger and sausage, tomato mozzarella skewer with basil and balsamic cream, spring roll, potato salad, plus watermelon and pineapple.
What drinks are included?
You get 1 drink with dinner: water, beer, or sangria.
Can I buy extra alcoholic drinks?
Yes, but alcoholic beverages beyond the included 1 drink are paid separately at the bar.
Is the tour offered in English?
Yes, it’s offered in English.
How many people are on the boat?
The experience has a maximum of 90 travelers.
Does the cruise run in bad weather?
No. The tour requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is the ticket digital or do I need to print it?
You receive a mobile ticket.






























