REVIEW · MALLORCA
Catamaran sailing in Mallorca through the Bay of Palma with BBQ
Book on Viator →Operated by Oasis Catamaran · Bookable on Viator
A catamaran day trip can be either hit or miss. This one earns its place with a small guest count (max 36) on a comfortable boat that could hold more, plus an on-board BBQ in clear-water coves where you can swim and use the included paddles. The main catch to think about: it’s built around one standout swim/BBQ stop, and weather can shift the exact route.
What I like most is how the day feels relaxed instead of crowded, and how the food is part of the experience instead of an afterthought. You’ll spend time sailing the Bay of Palma and then anchor in a natural setting for a proper break. If you’re expecting lots of different stops or a big sightseeing route, plan your expectations around one key destination.
In This Review
- Key things that make this Mallorca catamaran BBQ stand out
- A Small-Group Catamaran on the Bay of Palma
- From the Port of Palma to Cala Vella’s Coves
- Cala Vella Swim Stop and On-Board BBQ Lunch
- A small drawback to plan for
- The Return Sailing Along Palma’s Coast
- Price and Value: About $91.71 for a 4.5-Hour Sea Day
- Who This Mallorca BBQ Catamaran Is Best For
- Practical Tips So Your Day Feels Effortless
- Should You Book This Mallorca Catamaran BBQ Sail?
- FAQ
- How long is the catamaran sailing trip?
- Where do you meet for the tour?
- What’s the main swim and lunch stop?
- Is BBQ included?
- Are paddle surfs included?
- How many people are on the boat?
- Does the route ever change?
- What’s the cancellation and weather situation like?
Key things that make this Mallorca catamaran BBQ stand out
- Small-group comfort: 57-seat catamaran but capped at 36 passengers
- Cala Vella swimming time: crystal-clear waters in a nature reserve
- BBQ prepared on board: lunch is part of the sailing, not a separate plan
- Paddle surfs included: you can switch from floating to activity right away
- Bay of Palma sailing: a calm cruise both ways, with the route depending on weather
A Small-Group Catamaran on the Bay of Palma
The best part of this trip isn’t just that it’s on a catamaran. It’s the way the operator uses the space. The boat holds up to 57, but you only sail with a maximum of 36. That matters because you’re not stuck doing the vacation version of elbow tag. You get room to move, find a comfortable spot to watch the coast, and actually enjoy the “sit back and relax” part of a sailing day.
The vibe also comes through in the way people describe the crew and organization. Multiple reviews highlight friendliness and professionalism, and that’s often the difference between a chaotic boat day and a smooth one. When the staff is organized and welcoming, you spend less time figuring out what’s next and more time enjoying the sea.
And yes, it’s a shared experience. Still, the smaller group size gives it that “we’re all in this together” feel—more like a pleasant day with fellow vacationers than a crowded tour.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Mallorca
From the Port of Palma to Cala Vella’s Coves
You start in Palma at the scheduled meeting point (HJ9V+29 Palma, Spain) and head out from the Port of Palma. The route takes you toward Cala Vella, described as a nature reserve with idyllic coves and clear, tempting water.
The cruising portion is your warm-up. You’ll be out on the Mediterranean with the sense that you’re seeing Mallorca from a calmer angle than you get from shore. Reviews repeatedly mention the beauty of the sailing itself, not just the swim stop. That’s important: even if you come mainly for the BBQ, you still get a genuine time-on-the-water experience.
One practical note: the route may be altered depending on weather circumstances. That’s normal at sea, but it also means you should be flexible. If winds or conditions are off, the crew may adjust where you anchor and swim. If you’re the type who needs an exact itinerary to the minute, this is worth flagging now.
Cala Vella Swim Stop and On-Board BBQ Lunch
This is the core of the trip. You’ll anchor in Cala Vella and get time to swim and relax in the water and coves. The reviews are very consistent here: people love the crystal-clear water and the fact that you can go from boat to swim without the hassle of shore excursions.
What makes the stop better than a basic “jump in the water” moment is the setup. You’re not just standing on a dock. You’re at anchor in a cove, so the day feels like a mini getaway. You can hang out, swim, and also use the included paddles/paddle boarding-style gear (the experience mentions paddle surfs), which gives you a different way to enjoy the water beyond just floating.
Then comes the BBQ, prepared directly on board. This is one of the highest-praise aspects. People say the food is beyond expectations and specifically call out the BBQ as a highlight, not a rushed meal. That’s a big deal on boat trips. On many tours, food is “included” but not memorable. Here, it seems built into the experience so you’re eating while the sea and scenery are still doing their job.
A small drawback to plan for
There’s typically one main swim/BBQ stop. That’s great if you love one perfect cove. It can feel less satisfying if you expected multiple destinations or a longer list of stops. One review even notes disappointment because the trip felt like it didn’t offer enough for the price. Translation: if you want a multi-stop sightseeing day, this is better seen as a swim-and-sail experience.
The Return Sailing Along Palma’s Coast
After the BBQ and swim time, you head back sailing along the Bay. This part sounds simple, but it’s actually where the day’s pacing clicks into place.
The first half is movement—getting out to the cove. The middle is the payoff—water time plus the meal. The last stretch is the decompress moment, with the pleasure of sailing back instead of ending immediately after lunch.
If you’re the kind of person who likes to watch the coastline and relax instead of rushing from viewpoint to viewpoint, this return sail is a big part of the value. You’re still on the water, still in the fresh-air sea mood, and you’re not stuck with the stress of a fast turnaround.
And because the route can adjust due to weather, the “exact” return path might vary. In practice, that flexibility is part of what keeps the day enjoyable—crew chooses the safest and most comfortable options for sea conditions.
You can also read our reviews of more sailing experiences in Mallorca
Price and Value: About $91.71 for a 4.5-Hour Sea Day
Let’s talk value honestly. At around $91.71 per person, you’re paying for four things together:
- Catamaran sailing in Mallorca with real time on the water
- A swim stop at Cala Vella (nature reserve coves, clear water)
- An on-board BBQ that people describe as genuinely good
- Included paddle gear (paddle surfs)
For a mid-length tour (about 4 hours 30 minutes), that’s the right mix if you want a complete half-day at sea rather than just a quick cruise. The small group cap at 36 is part of the value too. You’re not paying city-tour prices for cramped boats. You’re paying for comfort plus activities plus food.
Where the price conversation gets tricky is expectations. This trip is not positioned as a tour-with-many-stops. If you judge value by number of different places visited, it may fall short for you. If you judge value by one great cove, good food, and a comfortable day with a professional crew, it looks like a solid deal.
Also, the average booking window is about 27 days in advance. That’s often a sign the schedule fills reasonably well. If you want a specific day, don’t wait until the last week.
Who This Mallorca BBQ Catamaran Is Best For
This trip is ideal if you want a classic Mediterranean day with minimal fuss.
I’d point you toward it if:
- You like swimming from the boat and enjoy calm water time
- You want included activity (paddle surfs) without planning rentals or logistics
- You care about crew quality and organization
- You’re traveling with a group size that appreciates smaller boat vibes (max 36)
It also fits first-time catamaran riders well. One review calls it their first catamaran experience and says they’d repeat it. That lines up with the way this is structured: you get sailing, swimming, and food without needing special skills.
If you’re a solo traveler, you’ll likely enjoy meeting other friendly people in a small group. If you’re a family group, it can work—most travelers can participate—but you’ll want to consider how comfortable you are with water time since the heart of the stop is swimming.
If, on the other hand, you’re hunting for a packed itinerary with several distinct landmarks and lots of land-based sightseeing, you may feel like the day is too focused. One of the reviews basically flags that mismatch.
Practical Tips So Your Day Feels Effortless
A boat day is easy when you pack like a local and think ahead about two things: water comfort and sun.
Bring:
- A swimsuit you don’t mind getting sandy
- A light cover-up for after swimming
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (the sun on the water can be sneaky)
- Something for your phone/keys (waterproof pouch or bag is a smart move)
- Reef-friendly water shoes if you prefer extra grip while getting in and out
Plan to:
- Use the swimming time early if the water feels inviting right away
- Take a moment before the BBQ to see what seating and shade options you like
- Bring a towel if you have one you trust (the experience doesn’t say towels are provided)
And because the route may change with weather, keep your mindset flexible. Think of the cove and sea conditions as part of the experience, not a disruption.
Should You Book This Mallorca Catamaran BBQ Sail?
Book it if you want a small-group catamaran cruise with a swim stop at Cala Vella and an on-board BBQ that’s actually a highlight. The combination of sailing time, included paddles, and a capped group size makes it feel like a well-run half-day at sea. If you’re aiming for “relax, swim, eat well, repeat,” this fits.
Skip it or choose another option if you’re the type who expects multiple destinations and a more varied itinerary. This experience is built around one main water cove moment, then sailing back. Also, keep in mind the weather dependency—sea days are always at the mercy of conditions.
If your ideal Mallorca day includes clear water, an easy pace, and staff who keep things moving smoothly, this is a very reasonable bet.
FAQ
How long is the catamaran sailing trip?
It lasts about 4 hours 30 minutes.
Where do you meet for the tour?
The tour meets at HJ9V+29 Palma, Spain, and ends back at the same meeting point.
What’s the main swim and lunch stop?
You sail to the Cala Vella area in Mallorca for swimming, relaxing, and an on-board BBQ.
Is BBQ included?
Yes. The BBQ is prepared on board during the stop.
Are paddle surfs included?
Yes. Paddle surfs are on board and included in the price.
How many people are on the boat?
The catamaran can hold 57, but this experience caps it at a maximum of 36 travelers.
Does the route ever change?
Yes. The route may be altered depending on weather circumstances.
What’s the cancellation and weather situation like?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. There’s also a minimum number of travelers, so it could be canceled if that minimum isn’t met.
