Sea days are the best kind of plan. This one runs from Cala Ratjada Port on a 20-meter boat with multiple swimming pauses, plus drinks and a buffet lunch served onboard.

I like that the trip has real time on the water, not just a quick cruise. I also like the practical touches: you can bring your own mask and snorkel, and the info notes snorkeling gear is available for the swim breaks.

The main thing to weigh is timing and bodies: this tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness, and it’s restricted for younger kids on the sundeck.

Quick Key Points

• Vellmari Primer I (20 meters): enough space to move around, not so big that you feel lost.
• Several swimming stops with a chance to snorkel and see the coastline up close.
• Buffet lunch + drinks included, served around midday while you’re sailing.
• Captain-led atmosphere, including fish and seagull-feeding for entertainment during the ride.
• About 10 km along the east/northeast coast from Cala Rajada, so the scenery changes as you go.

Stepping Aboard the Vellmari Primer I at Cala Ratjada

Your day starts at Cala Ratjada Port. The boat leaves at 10:30 AM, but you should aim to be at the boat meeting point by 10:00 AM. That extra half hour matters because you’ll want to get settled before the first sailing stretch starts.

The boat is the Vellmari Primer I, a 20-meter vessel. That size feels like the sweet spot for this kind of outing: big enough for a real deck and a comfortable flow to the meal, but not so huge that you’re constantly searching for your group.

Also, this is a limited-space trip to keep it comfortable onboard. If you’re booking last minute, that matters. If you’re traveling with a plan (sun time, swim time, food time), you’ll appreciate not feeling packed in like you’re commuting.

A quick note on what you’ll do first: you’ll either head out to view the coastline from the deck or get ready for the first swim break. The pace is relaxed, but it’s still a full half-day out on open water.

The 5.5-Hour Plan: Sailing Out, Swimming Often, Back at 4:00

The duration is 5.5 hours, with a return to Cala Ratjada around 4:00 PM. That timing is great if you want a beach day without sacrificing your entire afternoon.

You’ll make several stops for swimming. The idea isn’t just to hop in once and call it a day. It’s more like a rhythm: sail a bit, swim a bit, rinse and repeat. That gives you multiple chances to refresh your legs, cool off, and get different views as the coastline shifts.

One practical tip: plan for a mix of sun and spray. The day is built around being outside. Bring your sunscreen, and don’t wait until you feel hot before you apply it. Between the deck time and the swims, you can easily go from comfortable to overexposed.

Also, there’s a clear preference built into the setup: if you want to relax, you can. If you want to snorkel, you can. The boat day works because you’re not forced into one mode all the time.

From what I’ve picked up about the route, the trip covers about 10 km along the east and northeast coast. That’s not enough to feel like sightseeing overload. It’s enough to keep the views changing and make the trip feel like it’s doing more than circling the same spot.

Swimming Stops and Snorkel Time: How to Make It Actually Fun

This excursion is designed around water time. The info specifically encourages bringing a mask and snorkel so you can enjoy the depths of the coastline. Even if you don’t consider yourself a strong swimmer, snorkeling gear lets you explore without needing to do anything athletic.

At the same time, the details say snorkeling equipment is available, including for the swimming pauses. So if you forget gear at home (it happens), you might still be covered. That’s one of those small value points that makes a difference when you’re traveling with a busy schedule.

Here’s how I’d do it on the day:

• Put the mask on during the swim break, even if you’re not sure you’ll use it. Once you see what you can spot from shallow water, it’s easy to relax into it.
• Keep an eye on how you feel after lunch. If the water feels a little choppy, take it slow and stick to the calmer moments.

You’ll also get time to sunbathe on deck between stops. If you’re the type who likes to alternate activities—swim, dry off, snack, repeat—this fits your style better than a tour with one long stop.

The biggest “make it fun” factor is motion comfort. This trip notes it’s not for people prone to seasickness or motion sickness. If you’re even slightly sensitive, bring the motion sickness prevention listed in the info, and consider skipping this one rather than forcing it.

Buffet Lunch, Drinks, and Snacks: Value That Changes the Day

Food on a boat can be either an afterthought or the reason you booked. Here it’s part of the plan. You get snacks, drinks, and a meal, with a buffet lunch served around midday while you’re sailing.

Why that matters for value: at $106 per person for a 5.5-hour sea outing, you’re paying for transportation + time on the water + onboard dining. If you tried to DIY this day with a private boat or separate restaurant stops, you’d spend more, and you’d lose the smooth flow of being served while you’re still moving.

The lunch is buffet-style. That works well on water because it’s flexible: you can eat when you feel ready, not when the table is cleared. It also reduces stress if you want to go back to deck right after.

One of the strongest signals from the positive feedback is that the food and drink were delicious and easy to enjoy. Add in the swim pauses, and you’ve got a “day that keeps you happy” without needing to hunt for a café between swims.

If you’re picky about timing, here’s the practical angle: plan on eating after you’ve had a first swim break, or at least after you’ve settled onboard. Your stomach will thank you later if you go in hungry at the wrong moment.

The Captain’s Role: More Than Just Sailing

This trip isn’t only about scenery. The human energy matters too.

The captain is described as running things in a very entertaining way, and the crew comes across as friendly and helpful. That helps when you’re on a boat and you need quick clarity: where to go, what’s available, and how swimming stops will work.

A standout detail: the captain feeds fish and seagulls during the ride. That’s not a gimmick detail; it’s the kind of on-board moment that turns a scenic trip into something with memory attached. It also gives you a break from the routine of sun and swim—something to watch and chuckle at from your seat.

If you like a little show, this fits well. If you’re the quiet type, it still works, because the feeding happens in the background while you enjoy the rest of the day.

One more practical point: the boat trip is set up so you can be “the star of the day.” Translation: it’s designed for your comfort—limited spaces, time outdoors, and enough structure that you don’t have to think too hard once you’re there.

Price and Logistics: Is $106 Worth It?

Let’s talk value honestly.

At $106 per person for a 5.5-hour trip that includes drinks, snacks, a buffet lunch, and multiple swimming stops, you’re paying for a complete half-day experience. You’re not just buying a ticket for time on the water. You’re buying convenience and an itinerary that fills the day with activities that don’t require extra spending.

What you’re getting:

• Boat time from 10:30 AM to about 4:00 PM
• Multiple chances to swim
• Onboard dining (snacks + drinks + meal)
• Deck time for sun and views
• A small dose of entertainment led by the captain

What can make it feel pricey is if you’re not planning to swim. If you’re mostly staying on deck with no intention of snorkeling or swimming, you might compare it to cheaper boat or shore options. But if you want water time plus food handled for you, it’s priced in a sensible way for the package.

One logistics thing to plan for: there’s a coach pickup option. If you add pickup, it’s from outside the hotels or from the bus stop in front of the hotel, and it costs extra. If you prefer to avoid extra fees, just factor that into your plan from the start.

Who This Boat Trip Suits (and Who Should Skip It)

This is a boat excursion where the “best fit” depends on your comfort level in water and on the boat itself.

Great match:

• Adults and older teens who want swimming breaks plus a meal
• People who like the idea of snorkel time without having to manage everything
• Anyone who enjoys a light, captain-led atmosphere rather than a silent transport

Not a great match:

• People prone to seasickness or motion sickness (explicitly noted)
• Wheelchair users (not suitable)
• Children under 5 (not suitable)
• Kids under 13 are not allowed on the sundeck during the trip

Also, it’s not meant for “bring everything” days. The info lists no large bags and no weapons or sharp objects and no items like drones or coolers. There are also several footwear-related restrictions listed under items not allowed, even though the packing list recommends comfortable shoes. That’s one of those cases where you should be ready to follow crew instructions at check-in, and keep your footwear situation simple.

If you show up with swimwear ready, towel in hand, sunscreen applied, and a calm plan for motion comfort, this becomes a very smooth half-day.

My Booking Advice: Should You Book This Cala Rajada Boat Trip?

I’d book it if you want a true beach-day rhythm: sail out, swim often, eat onboard, then sail back without scrambling for plans. The combination of included lunch + drinks and multiple swim stops is what makes the trip feel like a real day, not just a boat ride.

I’d skip it if motion sickness is a concern. It’s very clearly not built for that situation, and no amount of willpower fixes nausea at sea.

So my simple decision rule:

• If you can handle boats and you want swimming time, this is a strong yes.
• If you dislike open water or get sick easily, choose something on land instead.

FAQ

What time does the boat leave Cala Ratjada?

The boat trip departs from the Port of Cala Ratjada at 10:30 AM.

How long is the experience?

The duration is 5.5 hours, with an arrival back at Cala Ratjada Port at approximately 4:00 PM.

Where do I meet the group?

The meeting point can vary depending on the option booked. The info also notes a meeting point on the boat at 10:00 AM.

What’s included in the price?

You get snacks, drinks, and a meal, plus swimming stops included in the experience.

Is snorkeling gear available?

The tour info encourages bringing a mask and snorkel. It also notes that snorkeling equipment is available for the swim breaks.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and personal medication if needed. The info also suggests motion sickness prevention. Comfortable shoes are listed on the packing guidance.

Are children allowed?

Children under 5 are not suitable for the trip. Also, children under 13 are not allowed on the sundeck during the trip.

Is pickup available from hotels?

Yes. Coach pickups are optional and are from outside the hotels or the bus stop in front of the hotel. Pickup costs extra.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

Cala d’Or | Jet Ski Tour 30 min along southeast coast.Sea Caves Kayak Tour in MallorcaMallorca: Almond Blossom Minivan Tour with tasting – GERMANMallorca: Kayaking, Sea Cave, Cliff Jumping & Snorkel Tour