Mallorca has a special way of doing sea days right. This 5-hour catamaran cruise from Palma turns the south coast into two swim-and-snorkel breaks, plus lunch on board while you sail past big marinas and yachts. It’s an easy half-day plan with a real payoff: you get anchored time in coves, not just a quick look from the deck.

I like the swim locations the most. The stops are right next to beaches with that bright turquoise water you came for, and the crew keeps things moving so you actually spend time in the sea. I also really appreciate the on-board BBQ setup—grilled meats, fresh salads, and dessert, with Mallorca wines and sangria served during the meal.

The one thing to weigh is the format. This is a larger catamaran, so it can feel busy at boarding, and the day’s exact route depends on wind and weather.

Key moments that make this cruise worth your time

• Two anchored swim stops (Portals Vells or Cala Vella, plus a second nearby cove)
• Snorkeling masks included, with snorkeling equipment available via a €10 cash deposit
• BBQ buffet on board with grilled meats, fresh salads, and cake for dessert
• Wines from Mallorca and sangria with lunch, plus water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice throughout
• Crew energy and music that keeps the atmosphere upbeat, even on windy days
• Two departure options (10 AM or 3:30 PM) so you can time it for sunset vibes on the way back

From Palma to your first cove: how the day actually feels

The tour starts at the Port of Palma. You meet at the boat dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma along the Passeig Marítim, and you’re looking for a boat labeled Magic Catamarans on the pier side by the harbor. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early. Parking nearby is limited, and boarding lines can form when multiple groups land at once.

Once you’re on board, the rhythm is simple: sail out from Palma, then reach a swimming spot and drop anchor. The pacing matters here. Instead of rushing you to a single stop, the cruise builds in multiple chances to be in the water—so if the first cove isn’t perfect for visibility, you still have another swim window coming.

Also, expect a bit of “real sea day” motion. Several people noted conditions can be choppy, and the crew handles it by choosing a safer swimming spot when needed. That flexibility is a good sign because it means you’re not stuck with a rough setup.

And one more practical note: you’re paying for a whole experience, but you still have to manage small details. Snorkeling gear needs a €10 refundable deposit in cash, and the ship accepts card payments only on board (American Express isn’t accepted). Bring a backup payment method just in case.

The swim stops: Portals Vells or Cala Vella, then a second nearby cove

This cruise is built around anchored time. You’ll sail to one of two areas depending on wind: Portals Vells or Cala Vella. From there, the crew drops anchor and you jump in for a swim and a chance to snorkel close to shore.

What I like about this approach is that you’re not fighting distance. These coves are positioned so you can get right into the fun. People describe swimming just a few meters from the beach area, which is exactly what you want for easy entry and easy exits.

Portals Vells or Cala Vella: what it’s like

Both of these options are known for those postcard-looking waters. In practice, you’ll likely get:

• A short cruise stretch where you can settle in and enjoy the views out of Palma
• A swim segment where you’re close enough to shore to feel comfortable
• A snorkeling opportunity using the provided masks

Some days, visibility is outstanding and you can spot small marine life near the surface. Other days, conditions (like recent rain) can affect clarity. Either way, anchoring right off the coast gives you a better chance of having a genuinely fun swim than if you were too far out.

The second stop: more time in the water, often with better flow

After you return for lunch prep and eating on board, you head to a second swim location—another cove close to the first area. That second stop tends to be longer for many departures, which is great if you want one “main event” swim after lunch.

I also like the variety. One stop might feel more scenic for photos. The other can feel like pure water time—jump in, swim back toward shallower areas, repeat. It’s a good setup for different energy levels: if someone in your group wants to snorkel more, you still have enough time to rotate.

Snorkeling gear and masks: the simple way to see fish

You get complimentary masks, and snorkeling equipment can be used with that €10 refundable cash deposit. Life vests for adults and children are also included, which makes the whole “in the water” part less stressful for families.

Here’s what you should know so you don’t end up disappointed:

• Snorkeling visibility depends on day-to-day water conditions.
• You may see more fish at one stop than the other.
• If you’re bringing your own snorkeling gear, you’ll be able to use it too, but you don’t have to—you’re covered either way.

I think the best way to approach this is mindset, not gear. Go for short, calm stretches in the water and focus on what’s near the surface. Even if one spot doesn’t deliver perfect clarity, a good snorkeling mask still helps you enjoy the experience. And because you have two swimming breaks, you’re not putting all your luck into one anchorage.

BBQ lunch on board: what you get, and why it’s better than it sounds

Lunch is one of the most consistently praised parts of the cruise. You’ll get a buffet-style meal with barbecue meats (including items like chicken breast, skewers, and sausages), fresh salads, and cake for dessert.

What makes this valuable isn’t just the food—it’s timing. The crew sets lunch up while you’re in the rhythm of the sea day. That means you’re not waiting hungry on shore or rushing into lunch right away. You swim, you warm up, and then food shows up right when your appetite naturally kicks in.

Drinks: wines and sangria with the meal

Soft drinks and mineral water are included for the whole excursion, and you’ll also have coffee and juice during the trip. Then, during lunch, the cruise includes wines from Mallorca and sangria.

One helpful takeaway: outside of the meal, extra alcoholic drinks are available to buy at the bar with a card. That structure keeps the value clearer. You’re not wondering if the drink situation is going to be chaotic once lunch starts.

Also, for anyone sensitive to sweetness: sangria is available, but you still have water and soda as your backup options. Mix it how you like.

Views from the water: Palma scenery plus a “sunset moment”

The trip gives you two kinds of scenery: coastal views on the way out and then a return sail that can include a look near major landmarks. Some people describe taking photos on the return route with views around the Palma area, including a moment facing the cathedral area when conditions allow.

Even if you pick the 10 AM departure, you still get the classic “how pretty is this coastline” effect from a moving deck. But if you’re trying to maximize the mood, the 3:30 PM slot is the smarter pick. You’ll be more likely to catch that golden-hour feeling heading back to Palma.

And yes—music is part of the experience. Several people mention Spanish music playing onboard, and the crew keeps the atmosphere lively. Some departures add dancing and a fun group vibe, which is exactly the kind of sea-day energy that makes the day feel like more than just transport.

Value for $69: what you’re really paying for

At $69 per person, this is positioned as a mid-price day trip that covers a lot of basics in one package: boat time, swim stops, meal, and drinks during lunch.

To judge value, look at what’s included:

• Boat tour (the big cost driver)
• Two swim stops with anchored time in coves
• Snorkeling access (masks included; equipment available with refundable deposit)
• A buffet BBQ lunch with meat and salad, plus cake
• Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice across the full excursion
• Wines and sangria with lunch

Then compare what you’d likely pay for just the sea experience separately if you hired a small private boat or even pieced together lunch and drinks on your own. You end up spending more quickly than you expect once you factor in the marina-to-cove transport, meal, and beverages.

The main “value trade-off” is boat size. It’s not private. Several people noted it can look crowded at the start, but the catamaran setup usually spreads people out once you’re underway and at anchor. If you want a quiet, almost silent escape, you might prefer a smaller private charter. If you want fun, water time, and food without stress, this price point makes sense.

Who should book this cruise (and who should think twice)

This cruise fits best if you:

• Want more water time than time spent traveling by bus
• Appreciate a simple plan: sail, swim, eat, swim, return
• Like social energy—music, upbeat crew, and a group atmosphere
• Are traveling with kids, since life vests are included for adults and children

It may be less ideal if you:

• Are very sensitive to crowds right at boarding
• Expect snorkeling that always delivers perfect visibility
• Want lots of detailed commentary about the area (people noted they could use more interesting facts, though the main focus stays on the sea day itself)

In other words: this is a do-the-fun-things cruise. It’s not a museum tour. It’s a practical way to spend a half day on Mallorca’s coast without overplanning.

Should you book Magic Catamarans for this sea day?

I’d book it if your goal is a high-reward swim-and-lunch experience from Palma. The combination of two coves, BBQ lunch, and included drinks during the meal makes it feel like a full package rather than a simple sightseeing cruise.

Book it with confidence if you’re comfortable sharing a catamaran with a larger group and you’re happy to let the crew choose the best swimming spot for the day’s wind. If you’re celebrating something, several people mention the onboard mood is celebratory enough to make it feel special without extra effort.

If you’re the type who wants total quiet and zero crowd energy, consider a smaller charter instead. But for most first-timers to Mallorca’s south coast, this gives you exactly what you came for: coves, turquoise water, and a proper meal while you’re at sea.

FAQ

What time does this Palma catamaran cruise run?

You can choose between a 10:00 AM departure or a 3:30 PM departure, with a total duration of 5 hours.

Where do I meet the boat in Palma?

Meet at the Port of Palma, at the boat dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on the Passeig Marítim. Look for a boat labeled Magic Catamarans at the pier in front of the auditorium.

What swim stops are included?

The cruise makes two stops for swimming. One is in Portals Vells or Cala Vella (depending on wind conditions), and the second is in another nearby cove.

Is lunch included, and what’s served?

Yes. You’ll have a buffet meal with barbecue meats, fresh salads, and cake for dessert.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are included during the full excursion. Wines from Mallorca and sangria are included with the meal.

Do I need to pay for snorkeling equipment?

Snorkeling masks are included. Snorkeling equipment is available with a €10 refundable deposit in cash.

Can I get a vegetarian meal?

If you require a vegetarian option, you’ll need to contact the activity provider directly.

How do I pay for extra drinks on board?

Alcoholic drinks outside of mealtime can be purchased at the bar. On board, only card payments are accepted, and American Express is not accepted.

What if the weather changes?

The route may change due to weather conditions.

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