A day on a small catamaran beats another hot-sand afternoon. This one leaves Palma and heads toward the protected coves around Cala Vella, with an on-board aperitif stop and a BBQ served while you’re out on the water. It’s also the real deal on comfort: the boat is brand new (2023) and they cap it at 55 people even though it can carry 84.

I especially like the two-part food plan—aperitif first, then a proper BBQ—because it turns the cruise into an actual meal experience, not just snacks on a boat. I also like that stand-up paddleboarding is included, so you can do more than just lie in the sun and take photos.

One thing to consider: if you’re sensitive to noise, bring your own earplugs. Some people found the onboard music too loud for easy conversation, and weather can also shift the route and timing.

Quick Hits Before You Go

• 2023 catamaran, smaller groups: Maximum 55 on board for a calmer feel.
• Aperitif + BBQ plan: Aperitif at the first stop, BBQ at the second stop.
• Cala Vella waters for swimming: A nature-reserve area with crystal-clear coves.
• Paddleboarding included: Stand-up paddleboarding gear is on board and included.
• Bar on board (drinks cost extra): You can buy cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Boarding may include a shoes-off request: One review said shoes were requested to be removed.

Palma to Cala Vella: Why This Catamaran Day Works

This is the kind of trip that feels simple in the best way: you’re on a boat, you’re surrounded by water, and the big plan is built around two things—time in the coves and real food at sea. The sailing is based out of Palma, and the cruise heads toward Cala Vella, a nature reserve with small beaches and clear water that’s made for swimming and easy hanging out.

The ship itself is modern. It’s described as brand new in 2023, and that usually translates to good upkeep and comfortable common areas. More important, the operator limits the group size. Even though the catamaran’s capacity is 84, they keep it to 55 max to make room for everyone to move around, find seating, and not feel packed in like a ferry on a holiday.

And there’s a practical bonus: you’ll have a clear “what happens when” structure. You’re not stuck waiting for everything to fall into place; you know there’s an aperitif stop, a BBQ stop, and included water activities.

Entering The Route Plan: How the Day Folds Out

The day starts at the Port of Palma, departing from Oasis Catamaran at Av. de Gabriel Roca, 16, 07014 Palma. The trip runs about 5 hours 30 minutes, and you end back at the same meeting point.

Here’s the flow I’d plan around:

• You sail out from Palma toward Cala Vella.
• You get a stop where you can swim, relax, and take in the cove views.
• You also have a stop for food: an aperitif at the first stop, and then the BBQ served at the second stop in the Cala Vella area.
• You return by sailing along the Bay.

Two practical notes. First, the route can change depending on weather. That’s common on the water, and it’s also why you should pack like conditions might shift: sun protection, water shoes if you use them, and a light layer for breezy moments.

Second, your best “window” for swimming and paddle time likely depends on how the skipper adjusts for wind and swell. When you arrive at the cove area, that’s when the trip’s tone kicks in.

La Cueva Verda Aperitif: More Than a Quick Toast

The morning (or late afternoon) start includes an aperitif served at the first stop in La Cueva Verda. For me, an aperitif stop matters because it’s not just food—it’s timing. You get that early “we’re already on holiday” moment before you fully settle into the swim and sun rhythm.

It also helps break up the day. If the cruise were only sailing and then suddenly food, it can feel like you’re waiting. Instead, you get a first taste of the experience early, right when the boat is transitioning into the cove area vibe.

One practical consideration: the tour includes the aperitif, but drinks aren’t included. You can still buy drinks at the bar during the excursion, but if you’re planning on lots of cocktails, you’ll want to budget. The included aperitif is the anchor; everything else is add-on.

Cala Vella BBQ Stop: What You’re Really Paying For

This is the heart of the trip. Cala Vella is the nature-reserve area the cruise aims for, known for small coves and crystal-clear water. The operator sets up time for you to swim and relax here, and the BBQ is prepared on board while you’re in that setting.

This is good value because you’re paying for more than “a boat ride.” You’re paying for a meal event attached to a swim stop. A BBQ at sea changes how you eat—you’re not in a restaurant line, and you’re not stuck indoors once you’re hungry. You get to eat in the middle of the day’s action, with the water right there.

From reviews, the meal setup is solid and people mention that there’s enough food for seconds. One person also mentioned dessert as part of the proper meal services (so it sounds like the BBQ phase isn’t just one plate and done). The exact menu details aren’t listed here, so the safe way to think about it is: you’re getting a BBQ meal as a key included experience, and you may also see follow-up sweet items.

Also remember: while the food is included, drinks are not. If you want soda, coffee, wine, or cocktails, you’ll likely pay onboard at the bar open throughout the excursion.

Swimming, Paddleboarding, and the Included Water Time

You’ll have time to enjoy the cove area. The plan specifically calls out swimming and relaxing at the Cala Vella stop. This is where you should prioritize your energy, because the day is only 5.5 hours total and most of the real fun is connected to the water windows.

And the best “active” addition here: stand-up paddleboarding is included. That means you don’t have to treat it like an extra expense or an uncertain add-on. You can plan to try it once (or more) without worrying about paying at the dock.

A tip that matters: if you’re new to stand-up paddleboarding, don’t spend your first few minutes trying to look graceful. Start with short, steady strokes and keep your weight centered. It’s normal to wobble. The cove water is usually what you want—calm enough for beginners compared with open ocean.

Also, bring your sunscreen and protect your neck and shoulders. You’ll be out in the sun for hours, and boat shade can be limited depending on where you sit.

Onboard Comfort: Seating, Shoes-Off Boarding, and That Bar

The catamaran is set up for comfort with plenty of room for seating—one review specifically noted a lot of seating space, including covered areas and spots in the sun. That aligns with the operator’s decision to cap the group at 55. Less crowding usually means more breathing room, faster movement, and fewer people hovering in your personal space when you’re trying to settle.

One surprisingly practical detail: one review said passengers were requested to take off shoes when onboarding. That’s the kind of small rule that makes the boat nicer to walk around inside. If you have shoes that are hard to slip on and off, plan ahead so you can comply without turning it into a circus.

Now the bar. There is a bar open throughout the excursion, selling cocktails, mixed drinks, and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. That’s a fun option when the sun drops a bit and you want something chilled. But since drinks aren’t included, the bar is best treated like a “special treat,” not the basis of your whole budget.

One more comfort note: music. The trip includes music onboard, and at least one person found it very loud—especially if you want normal conversation. If you’re planning this as a quiet, intimate day with your partner or family, bring earplugs. It’s a small item that can change the whole experience.

Weather and Route Changes: The Real Rule on the Water

The itinerary here comes with a simple truth: the route may be altered depending on weather circumstances. That matters because on the sea, wind and swell decide the plan more than human schedules.

What to do with that info? Don’t treat every moment as guaranteed. Treat the trip as a “best possible day” where the skipper adjusts the sailing and stop timing to keep the swim and water activity safe and enjoyable.

If you want the calmest plan, choose a day with decent weather forecasts. If the sea looks rough, expect the operator to adjust—even if the core idea (Cala Vella area time plus onboard food) stays intact.

Price and Value for $109.31: What You Actually Get

At $109.31 per person, this trip is priced like a mid-range “do it once” catamaran day. The value comes from the combination:

• Aperitif at the first stop
• BBQ prepared onboard at the second stop
• Stand-up paddleboarding included
• A modern catamaran with limited group size (max 55)

Also, the time is right. 5 hours 30 minutes is long enough to get real water time and a full meal, but not so long that you lose the energy of the day.

The main “watch-out” for value is drinks. Drinks aren’t included, and there’s a bar onboard for cocktails and other beverages. If you plan to drink a lot, your final cost could jump. If you plan to stick to the included aperitif and BBQ and maybe buy just one or two extra items, this stays a pretty fair deal.

Overall, I’d call this good value if you want a calm boat vibe (not a packed party boat) and you care about having included food plus a water activity, not just scenery.

Who This Catamaran Sail Suits Best

This catamaran day is a strong match for:

• People who want comfort without crowds, thanks to the max 55 cap.
• Anyone who likes the idea of a swim stop plus an actual BBQ rather than a snack-only cruise.
• Couples and friend groups who want to relax, eat well, and spend time in the coves.
• Active-but-not-technical people who want to try stand-up paddleboarding without paying extra.

It might be less ideal if you’re expecting a quiet, conversation-first cruise. The onboard music can be loud for some seats, and the boat is communal by design.

Should You Book This Palma Catamaran With Aperitif and BBQ?

I’d book this if your ideal Mallorca day looks like: sail out of Palma, hit the Cala Vella coves for swimming, get a BBQ onboard, and try stand-up paddleboarding with it included.

I’d hesitate only if you’re extremely sensitive to loud music or you’re hoping for a super-structured stop schedule that never changes. Weather can shift things, and the vibe can be more energetic than “library quiet.”

If you’re making one catamaran choice while in Palma, this one is worth serious consideration because it pairs food + water time with a small-group limit on a modern boat.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran experience?

It lasts about 5 hours 30 minutes.

Where do I meet, and where does the tour end?

You meet at OASIS CATAMARAN, Av. de Gabriel Roca, 16, 07014 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain, and the experience ends back at the same meeting point.

What food is included during the trip?

You get an appetizer at the first stop and a freshly prepared BBQ at the second stop.

Are stand-up paddleboards included or extra?

Stand-up paddleboarding is included in the price.

Is there a bar onboard?

Yes, there is a bar onboard that is open throughout the excursion, but drinks are not included.

How many people will be on board?

The catamaran can hold 84 people, but this experience caps the group at a maximum of 55.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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