A day on a small boat beats the big-tour shuffle. This private Mallorca sailing trip focuses on two cove stops for snorkeling right near Palma, with a professional skipper running the show and a comfy 7-meter boat that fits up to 5 guests.

I particularly like the small-group feel and the fact that your day is built around anchored swimming time, not just cruising past views. One thing to consider: the sailing to reach the coves takes about 2 hours, so a portion of your 4 hours is on the water with limited time on each swim stop.

What I like most: skipper care and real cove time

First, I love how the crew keeps the day easy from start to finish. In the reviews, names like Edu (helping with reservations) and Alberto (captain and attentive skipper) come up with consistent praise for being friendly and professional.

Second, you get two meaningful water breaks—each stop is about an hour at anchor. That rhythm gives you enough time to get in, snorkel at a relaxed pace, and still have time to hang out on the boat afterward.

A practical note before you go

Because the boat is only 7 meters and holds up to 5 guests plus the skipper, this is ideal for small groups. If you’re hoping for lots of onboard people, a party vibe, or constant on-the-spot entertainment, this format may feel more laid-back than lively.

Key highlights at a glance

• Two anchored snorkeling stops with about 1 hour at each cove: Cala Comtesa and Playa Punta Negra
• Up to 5 guests plus skipper on the 7-meter Pájaro, with seats and solariums at bow and stern
• Fuel, snorkeling gear, snacks, and soft drinks included, so you’re not nickel-and-diming your day
• Professional skipper with local know-how, including help from Edu for smooth reservations
• About 2 hours navigation to the coves, which shapes the schedule and time you spend swimming

The Pájaro boat: cozy, not crowded

This is the kind of Mallorca day trip that works because it feels personal. You’re on the Pájaro, a 7-meter boat with capacity for up to 5 people plus the skipper. Instead of fighting for space, you can spread out.

The boat has seating and solariums at both the bow and stern. That matters because you’ll likely want two modes: shade-and-chat when you’re recovering from snorkeling, and sun-and-slow-sailing when you’re simply enjoying the Bay of Palma.

What I like about small-boat sailing here is control. If conditions are calm, you feel the comfort of a smooth ride. If conditions are a bit breezy, the crew’s familiarity with the area is what helps keep things relaxing rather than stressful.

Timing: how the half-day and sunset windows shape your day

The operator runs two main departures: half-day trips (about 4 hours) and sunset options (about 2 hours). The half-day departures listed are 10:00–14:00 and 14:30–18:30.

Here’s the key detail you should plan around: it’s estimated that navigation to the coves takes approximately 2 hours. In plain terms, that means you’re not just stepping onto a boat and immediately snorkeling for the whole afternoon. You’re on the water together, then you reach the anchor spots, then you use your swim time efficiently.

If you want a longer day with more breathing room, the half-day format usually makes sense. If you’re mainly after the sea air and a shorter taste of the experience, the sunset schedule can be a good fit—just keep your expectations aligned with the shorter timeframe.

Meeting at D-Marin Palma Cuarentena (and why that location helps)

The tour starts at D-Marin Palma Cuarentena, 07014 Palma, and returns to the same place. That “back to the start” detail is more important than it sounds, because it keeps your day from getting eaten by extra transport.

The meeting point is also described as near public transportation. So if you’re staying in Palma or somewhere connected to transit, you’re not forced into a complicated logistics puzzle just to enjoy a few hours on the water.

The boat tour format is private, meaning only your group participates. That tends to reduce the awkward moments you sometimes get on shared departures, like waiting on other people, arguing about pace, or feeling rushed because the next group is coming.

Stop 1: Cala Comtesa for an hour of anchored snorkeling

Your first cove stop is Cala Comtesa. The way this works is simple: the skipper anchors in a cove near Palma, and you do water activities from there. The time at this stop is listed as about 1 hour, with an admission ticket included.

What this kind of cove time gives you is options. Even without knowing the underwater “hotspots,” you can still snorkel casually, float with the provided gear, and get your bearings in a sheltered area. Many people love cove snorkeling because it’s easier to manage than open water—less drama, more relaxed observation.

A practical tip: use your first snorkel moment to check how you feel. If you’re comfortable, you can roam a bit and look around. If you’re still getting used to the mask and fins, keep it calm. One hour is enough if you pace yourself.

The boat setup helps here. With solariums at the bow and stern, you can switch between snorkeling and drying off without constantly changing positions or feeling crowded. That comfort turns “snorkeling time” into a full sea break, not just a quick dip.

Possible drawback at Cala Comtesa

Because this is a short, anchored stop, you don’t want to arrive on the boat already feeling rushed. Give yourself a few minutes to get snorkeling gear sorted comfortably. If you waste time fiddling at the start, your effective swim time can shrink.

Stop 2: Playa Punta Negra for your second sea break

The second stop is Playa Punta Negra, again anchored near Palma for about 1 hour with snorkeling included. If Cala Comtesa is where you ease into the day, Punta Negra is where you typically settle into a rhythm: snorkel, float, repeat.

This “two-stop” design is one of the best parts of the trip. It’s not a one-and-done swim. You get a second chance to see more underwater life, more angles of the coast, and a different feel to the cove.

The underwater experience itself depends on conditions and visibility on the day, which you can’t fully control. But you can control your mindset: treat each hour as its own mini chapter. In calm conditions, snorkeling often feels effortless. In choppier conditions, the boat-based layout and gear still let you enjoy the sea without having to do everything the hard way.

What to do if snorkeling isn’t your top priority

Even if you don’t stay in the water for the entire hour, this still works. You’re on a small private boat with seating and open deck space. So you can hang out above the water, enjoy the breeze, and join the snorkeling when you’re ready.

Included essentials: snorkeling gear, floats, and real comfort

This tour includes snorkeling equipment plus floats. It also includes bottled water, soda/pop, and Spanish snacks. Fuel is covered too, along with all fees and taxes.

That’s a meaningful value point. Many “snorkel tours” turn into a surprise expense once you add gear rentals or food. Here, the core items are already in place, which lets you focus on the day rather than budgeting mid-trip.

One more included detail: there’s a professional skipper (and the reviews consistently highlight that the captain and crew are friendly and professional). Having a skipper who’s confident in the local area tends to reduce the guesswork for you. You spend time on the water enjoying, not second-guessing.

And yes, snacks matter. Short boat outings can feel like you’re constantly thirsty or hungry. With Spanish snacks and soft drinks included, you get a proper break between swims.

Snorkeling equipment: what you’re actually getting

The trip includes snorkeling gear and floats, which makes it more approachable if you’re not an experienced swimmer. Floats can help you relax and stay buoyant while you focus on observing rather than fighting to stay comfortable.

If you’re bringing your own mask, you can still use the provided setup for backups. But if you’re traveling light, you’ll appreciate not having to pack specialty gear.

In other words: this tour is structured so you can enjoy snorkeling without turning the day into a gear project.

Price and value: $729.29 for up to 5 people

The price is $729.29 per group for up to 5. That’s not a cheap outing—no sugarcoating—but it’s also not priced like a basic shared sightseeing cruise. This is private boat time in a small vessel with a skipper, fuel, two anchored stops, and snorkeling gear included.

If you do the quick math at full capacity, the per-person cost works out to roughly $146 each (before any tip). The value comes from what’s wrapped in: you’re not just paying for transportation. You’re paying for a small-boat charter experience where your group gets attention, gear, and planned cove time.

It also helps that the reviews give consistent weight to the experience quality—people mention a comfortable, well-equipped boat, good music, and that the skipper makes the day feel special and easy. When the captain is on top of details, private tours tend to justify their price.

Who this tour suits best (and who might not love it)

This trip is a strong match for:

• Friends or couples who want a private Mallorca day without crowds
• Snorkel-curious people who want gear supplied and a guided, anchored setup
• Travelers who value comfort on deck—solariums, seating, and downtime between swim stops

It may be less ideal if you want:

• Long, nonstop snorkeling (this itinerary is anchored in shorter 1-hour blocks)
• A large-group party atmosphere (the boat is intentionally small)

Also, it’s stated that most travelers can participate. If you have any mobility or comfort concerns around getting in and out of the water, it’s worth thinking about your comfort with water entry in coves.

What the crew adds: friendly professionalism with local ease

The biggest repeated theme in the feedback is the human side. People highlight that the captain and crew feel friendly and professional, and that the experience runs smoothly.

Two names come through clearly: Edu helped make the reservation easy, and Alberto served as a captain who was attentive and friendly. That kind of service is more than a nice touch. On a boat day, being organized helps you relax—because you’re not wondering what happens next.

Some reviews also mention a fun onboard vibe: good music, food/snacks, and a “sea aperitif” feeling. Since the included items already cover Spanish snacks and soft drinks, it makes sense that the crew knows how to turn those breaks into a memorable moment.

Should you book this Mallorca private boat tour with snorkeling?

I think you should book it if you want a small, private day on the water with real snorkeling time. The schedule is clear: two anchor stops near Palma (Cala Comtesa and Playa Punta Negra), about an hour at each, plus the comfort of a skipper-led setup and included gear.

You might skip it (or consider a different format) if you’re hoping for a full day of continuous snorkeling or you don’t want to spend a chunk of your time navigating to reach the coves. The trip is designed around the cove plan, not an all-day “just keep swimming” structure.

If you’re traveling as a group of 3 to 5, this is especially compelling. The private boat format makes the cost easier to swallow, and you’ll feel the benefit of having the boat essentially yours.

FAQ

FAQ

What is the duration of this snorkeling boat tour?

The half-day option is about 4 hours, and the sunset option is about 2 hours.

How many people can be on the boat?

The boat Pájaro can carry up to 5 people plus the skipper.

What are the main snorkeling stops?

The route includes Cala Comtesa and Playa Punta Negra.

How long do you stay at each stop?

Each stop is listed as about 1 hour.

Do I get snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and floats are included.

What food and drinks are included?

Bottled water, soda/pop, and Spanish snacks are included.

Is the fuel included in the price?

Yes. Gasoline/fuel is included.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at D-Marin Palma Cuarentena, 07014 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain.

What isn’t included?

Tips are not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel within 24 hours of the start time, no refund is provided.

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