Sun, sea, and a big catamaran sail.

This Palma Bay cruise is built for easygoing time on the water: you’re out sailing past Cap Enderrocat and Cala Vella, then you get a proper pause to swim and snorkel. I really like the calm, safe-feeling rhythm onboard, with crew who keep things moving at a comfortable pace.

I also enjoy that the experience can roll into food and fun. If you choose the with BBQ option, you’ll eat onboard (BBQ with pasta salad and local bread) and get one drink included, while music keeps the return journey lively.

One thing to plan for: finding the meeting point can be confusing. You’ll start at Playa del Arenal, but directions in the area aren’t always crystal clear, so arrive early and look for the sign with the local partner name by the kiosk.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Palma Bay routing: sailing past Cap Enderrocat and toward Cala Vella on a modern catamaran
• 90 minutes at anchor: a real chance to swim, sunbathe, and reset your day
• Snorkeling gear is included: plus life vests for extra comfort and confidence
• Optional BBQ lunch: pasta salad and local bread, with one included drink
• Onboard music and a bar: more upbeat on the way back, without feeling like a chaotic party boat

Palma Bay on a catamaran: Cap Enderrocat to Cala Vella

If you want Mallorca without the full-day grind, this cruise makes sense. You leave from the Arenal area and spend a few hours drifting through Palma Bay, with sailing that feels smooth and steady on a catamaran. The best part is that you’re not racing from one stop to the next; you’re moving, then pausing, then moving again.

Cap Enderrocat is a highlight for views. Expect the kind of coastline that makes you stop scrolling and actually look out the window. When the boat reaches the protected area route, the whole day starts to feel like a mini escape: sea air, warm breeze, and you’re floating where the water looks clear enough to make swimming feel worth it.

Cala Vella is another reason to pick this itinerary. Protected areas tend to mean calmer, cleaner water and more straightforward swimming conditions compared with busier stretches. Even if you’re not a die-hard snorkeler, that matters because you’ll spend your time where the water is actually inviting.

What to know about timing

The trip duration varies (2 to 4 hours depending on the option running), so the experience will feel either quick-and-fresh or a longer, more relaxed loop. Either way, the cruising is paired with swim time, not just sightseeing from deck.

Getting on board at Playa del Arenal: how to avoid the stress

Start with the simple goal: arrive early. The meeting area is at Playa del Arenal, and you’ll see a sign for the local partner name as you travel down to the beach to the kiosk. Some people find it tricky because you’re dealing with a beach setup (lots of movement, similar-looking stalls, and signage that may not be where you expect).

Here’s how to make it smoother:

• Walk the beach line slowly and look specifically for the partner sign.
• If you’re unsure, ask at the kiosk area rather than guessing which booth is yours.
• Give yourself extra buffer time, especially if you’re going during peak season.

You should also be ready for a day where you supply your own essentials. There’s no hotel pickup, so getting yourself to Playa del Arenal is on you.

Your swim and snorkel session: what the 90-minute stop really means

The best stretch of the day happens after the boat drops anchor. You’ll get about 90 minutes for swimming or sunbathing, and you can use the provided gear if you want to snorkel.

This is one of those times where the details matter. You’re not just stepping into shallow water from a random beach. You’re at anchor, which usually means:

• more open water to move around,
• clearer visibility for snorkel time,
• and a boat layout designed for easy entry from the stern and ledges.

Expect a mix of ways people get into the sea: some use stairs, some use ledges, and some jump if they’re feeling brave. If jumping isn’t your style, just plan on using the entry points that feel safest to you.

Snorkeling gear: helpful, but check what you’re getting

Snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll also have life vests available. That’s great because it turns snorkeling from a “maybe someday” into an activity you can actually do.

Still, don’t assume it’s perfect out of the gate. One key practical tip: when you board, make sure you understand how to get the snorkeling setup you need (mask and snorkel) and confirm it’s ready before the anchor stop begins. If you’re picky about fit, consider bringing your own mask—there’s at least one caution raised about cleanliness/sanitizing processes for snorkel masks and snorkels.

Water temperature reality check

Depending on the month, you might find the water colder than you hoped. The water is part of the magic, but a quick mental note helps: if you’re going in cooler months, be ready for that first splash shock.

Food, drinks, and onboard vibe: BBQ option without the fuss

The cruise is designed to feel relaxed, but it’s not silent. Music runs onboard, and the vibe tends to be more fun on the way back, with people settling in for the return ride.

What’s included with the BBQ option

If you select the with BBQ package, you’ll get a freshly cooked meal onboard. The menu described here is BBQ food paired with pasta salad and local bread. You also get one included drink, which can be water, beer, or sangria.

Important practical note: BBQ-style meals can be meat-forward. If your group has strict dietary needs (vegetarian or vegan), you may find the meal options limited. In that case, the pasta salad and bread can be the most reliable parts of the lunch.

The bar option

Even when the included drink is only one per person, there’s a bar onboard. Drinks beyond what’s included are available for purchase, so if you’re thirsty for more than the one included drink, plan for that cost.

Smoking and where you sit

One downside that came up in feedback: if you’re sensitive to cigarette smell, seating near the back of the catamaran on the return can be an issue. If you know smell will bother you, pick a seat away from that area when possible.

Photos and comfort tips: make the best of limited deck time

You’ll want photos, because the coastline around Cap Enderrocat and the water clarity during the swim stop are the kind of views that don’t look the same from land. Still, there’s a practical rhythm to it.

Here’s what tends to work:

• Take your best shots during the stop, before most people jump in.
• If you care about underwater or action-style photos, bring a phone holder with a strap so you can use both hands safely.
• Use sunscreen before the sailing stretches—once you’re anchored, time disappears fast.

Comfort-wise, pack the basics you’ll actually use:

• swimwear
• towel
• sunscreen
• comfortable clothes for before and after you swim

And quick safety mindset: you’ll have life vests available, so if you’re not a confident swimmer or you’re nervous about getting in from the stern, put one on. It’s there to make you feel more relaxed, not less.

Who this cruise is for (and who should skip it)

This is a great fit if you want a Mallorca day that mixes sea views with real water time. It’s especially ideal if:

• you love swimming and want time that’s not just “a quick dip,”
• you’re new to snorkeling and want basic gear included,
• you want a social onboard feel without needing to be part of a loud party scene.

It’s not suitable for wheelchair users. If mobility is a concern, double-check how you’d access the water from the boat, since the entry points described are stairs and ledges rather than any step-free method.

Price and value: is $47 per person a good deal?

At around $47 per person, this cruise can be good value because you’re buying several things in one package:

• a catamaran cruise in a scenic bay,
• included snorkeling equipment,
• a dedicated swim anchor stop,
• and, if you choose it, a BBQ lunch plus one drink.

If you’re the type who would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip plus snorkel rental plus food, this bundling usually wins. The main “value trade” is that there’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll either walk, take a taxi, or use local transit to reach Playa del Arenal yourself. Factor that into your day planning.

Also, the overall experience depends on timing and your chosen option. If you go for the BBQ package, you’ll likely feel the strongest value. If you skip BBQ, it’s still worthwhile for the boat ride and swim time, just less so if you’re expecting a full meal onboard.

Should you book this Palma Bay catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a straightforward Mallorca highlight: sailing + anchored swimming + snorkeling gear, with the option to add BBQ lunch and a included drink. It’s built for people who like fresh air, clear water, and an easy day where the hard part is deciding when to jump in.

Consider passing or booking another option if:

• you need guaranteed long snorkeling time (the stop is solid, but not presented as a full snorkel program),
• you’re very particular about mask hygiene and want maximum control (bring your own if that matters to you),
• you’re likely to be bothered by smoke odors near the back on the return.

If you go in with realistic expectations, though, this is one of those “worth it” sea days. You’ll come away with saltwater memories, a tan you didn’t try too hard for, and at least one stop that looks like a postcard when the boat is anchored.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

You meet at Playa del Arenal. There’s a waiting area by the beach where you’ll see a sign with the local partner name, near the kiosk.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is listed as 2 to 4 hours, depending on available departure times.

What’s included for swimming and snorkeling?

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with life vests, plus a stop for swimming.

Is snorkeling actually part of the tour?

Yes. The cruise includes time to snorkel with the provided snorkeling equipment.

Is BBQ and a drink included?

BBQ and a drink are included only if you choose the with BBQ option. The BBQ includes pasta salad and local bread, and you get one drink (water, beer, or sangria).

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.

Are there restrictions on what you can bring?

Alcohol and drugs are listed as not allowed.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

No, it’s listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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