Can Pastilla: Sailboat Tour with Snorkeling, Tapas & Drinks

The best part of this Can Pastilla sailing trip is its easy mix of real sailing and lazy time at sea. You cruise past Mallorca’s rocky coast, drop anchor at two swimming spots, and choose your pace: paddleboard, snorkel, swim, or stay aboard with tapas and cava. Captain Andres, also called Andreas, runs the boat with calm skill, and past trips have felt surprisingly close to a private charter.

I like the small maximum group of 12, since it keeps the boat from feeling like a floating party platform. I also like that food, water, snorkeling gear, and a paddleboard are included, so the $117 price covers most of what you need for four hours. The main consideration is the weather: on a cloudy or windy day, swimming may be brief, and the listed two drinks may feel modest if you expect an open bar.

Key points to know before booking

• Small sailboat, maximum 12 people: The intimate setup can feel more like a private outing than a large catamaran cruise.
• Two water stops: Expect time near Cap Enderrocat and another scenic coastal point for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.
• Captain Andres or Andreas: He is praised for sailing skill, safe handling, local knowledge, and thoughtful touches such as blankets on cool days.
• Mallorcan food on board: Tapas have included tortilla de patata, sandwiches, hummus, carrots, pizza, and other snack plates.
• Two drinks included: Choose from soft drinks, beer, wine, or cava, with water available throughout.
• Three possible meeting and return points: Check your booking carefully, since the departure point may be Club Marítim Sant Antoni de la Platja, Sailing Experiences Jaque Mate, or Aparcamiento Cala Estancia.

A quiet sail across the Bay of Palma

This is not a high-speed sightseeing ride. The sailboat moves at a gentler pace, giving you time to watch the coast change from marina buildings to rock formations and open sea. Depending on the wind, you may get proper sailing under canvas, including the pleasant lean of the boat as it gathers speed.

The route begins from the Can Pastilla area, at one of three listed meeting points. That detail matters. The port area has several nearby names, and the exact spot can vary with the option you book, so check the final confirmation rather than simply heading to the first marina entrance you see.

Once aboard, you settle into a four-hour outing with plenty of unhurried time. The captain handles the boat while you take in views of the Bay of Palma. Some people will want to sit forward and watch the bow cut through the water. Others will prefer the seating area near the food and drinks, where conversation comes easily in a small group.

The sailing itself is part of the value. Many coastal boat trips motor from one stop to the next, treating transport as dead time. Here, the movement between coves and shore points is a central part of the experience. It gives you a better sense of Mallorca from the water and lets the day breathe.

Cap Enderrocat and the first swim

The first major stop is near Cap Enderrocat, a rugged coastal area with rock formations and clear water. The boat pauses for roughly 50 minutes, giving you a useful block of time for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or simply sitting on deck.

The water activities are flexible rather than tightly programmed. You can use the provided snorkeling equipment to look for fish below the surface, or take the paddleboard out for a slower view of the shoreline. One past outing produced sightings of several fish and even a stingray, though marine life is never guaranteed.

The setting is attractive, but keep your expectations sensible. This is not necessarily a sandy beach stop. One account described the snorkeling areas as stretches of shore with emerald-colored water rather than classic enclosed coves. That can be a plus if you prefer a quieter, more natural coast, but it may disappoint you if you picture a postcard beach with soft sand.

You also need to be ready for the water temperature and weather. In summer, swimming may be the star of the trip. In spring or on a cloudy day, you may spend more time aboard. A cool April outing still worked well because the captain offered blankets and kept the food coming, but the water activities were limited.

Tapas, cava, and the practical value of lunch

Food is served during the trip, and it is more substantial than a bowl of packaged snacks. The exact selection can vary, but dishes have included tortilla de patata, sandwiches, hummus with carrots, pizza, and other tapas-style plates.

I like this arrangement because it fits the rhythm of the day. You can swim first, dry off, and then sit down with food and a drink while the boat heads to the next point. The meal also saves you from giving up part of your day to find lunch on shore.

Do not book this expecting a formal restaurant meal. The food is casual, shared, and prepared aboard the sailboat. Past food highlights included a particularly good Spanish potato and egg tortilla, while one person hoped for more melon, ham, and olives. That tells you what to expect: tasty and welcome, but not a carefully designed tasting menu.

Two drinks per person are included. You can choose soft drinks, beer, wine, or cava, and water is available throughout the trip. The limit is worth noting. If you picture several hours of unlimited drinks, this is not that product. You can enjoy cava with the tapas, but extra beverages are not listed as included.

The second coastal stop and time in the water

After the first water stop, the boat spends about 30 minutes underway before reaching another scenic point. This second stop also lasts around 50 minutes and includes the same basic choices: swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, food, and drinks.

The value of two stops is that the day does not depend on one single cove. You get a change of view and another chance to enter the water. If one area is less inviting because of wind, boat traffic, or water conditions, the next point may suit you better.

At the same time, the itinerary is not a long list of separate attractions. Much of the four hours is spent sailing between stops, and that is exactly what makes this a good match for someone seeking a calm boat day. If you want constant activity, loud music, or a packed schedule, you may find the pace too gentle.

Some departures take place in the afternoon, and one past outing at 4 p.m. was especially appreciated. A later start can work well if you want a cooler ride, softer light, or a relaxed end to a day in Mallorca. The exact departure time depends on availability, so check before booking.

Why the small group changes the experience

The boat has a maximum capacity of 12, but the actual number can be much lower. Several outings had only four or five people, and one group of nine still found the boat comfortable. A smaller group gives you more room to move around and makes it easier to ask the captain questions without turning the ride into a formal lecture.

The atmosphere is usually quiet and social rather than rowdy. You may share the boat with people from several countries, and the small setting makes casual conversation natural. One group described the trip as feeling like a private boat rental even though they had not hired the entire boat.

Private groups are available if you want the boat for your own party. That option makes sense for a birthday, family outing, or bachelorette celebration, but the shared version may already feel private when numbers are low. Check the price for your date and group size before assuming a private booking is the better deal.

The captain is a major part of the experience. Andres or Andreas has been praised for managing the boat alone, preparing food, answering questions, and keeping people comfortable. He speaks Spanish and English, and can explain what you are seeing around the island. Past trips also mention a captain named Jacques, so the person operating the boat may vary.

The style is friendly but not overly theatrical. If you want nonstop commentary, this may feel understated. One person found the captain fairly quiet, though quick to answer questions in detail. I see that as a useful distinction: you get a sailing host first, and a scripted sightseeing guide second.

Comfort, safety, and what to pack

The boat is described as clean, well maintained, and comfortable, with several seating choices. That matters on a four-hour trip, especially if you do not want to spend the whole time perched on a narrow bench.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, comfortable clothing, and comfortable shoes. You should also expect wet feet and swimwear if you plan to use the water equipment. A light layer is sensible in spring, during a windy crossing, or on a late departure. Blankets have been offered on cooler days, but you should not rely on warm weather at sea.

Snorkeling equipment and the paddleboard are included. You do not need to arrange separate rental equipment, which makes the stops easy to join. Still, this is an active boat experience, not a wheelchair-friendly excursion. It is listed as unsuitable for wheelchair users.

The captain’s attentive approach is another strong point. Past outings included blankets for people who were cold, a beanbag chair for a comfortable place in the sun, and help keeping everyone at ease while the captain managed the boat. These touches matter more than polished sales language when you are several miles from shore.

Is $117 a fair price?

At $117 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get onto the Mediterranean. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: four hours of sailboat transport, a captain, tapas, two drinks, water, snorkeling equipment, and a paddleboard.

You are also paying for a smaller setting. A large party boat may offer a lower entry price, but it will usually feel less personal and give you less room. Here, the chance of a small group and the possibility of a private-group booking add real value, especially for couples, families, and small friend groups.

The meal is casual, and the drinks are limited to two per person. If you are mainly looking for an unlimited beverage cruise, spend your money elsewhere. If you want a good balance of sailing, swimming, light food, and time to relax, the package is well judged.

I would also factor in transport to the marina. Pickup and drop-off are not included, and parking can be difficult. One past departure involved a long search for a space and a walk of more than half a mile. Public transport or a taxi may be the easier choice, but the tour does not include either.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Mallorca plans are still shifting, but weather remains the key factor in how much swimming and snorkeling you get.

Who will enjoy this sailing trip most?

I would choose this for someone who wants a peaceful half-day on the water, not a packed excursion. Couples will appreciate the calm pace, while families with older children and teenagers can make good use of the swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboard.

It also suits people who enjoy boats for their own sake. You do not need to be an experienced sailor, but you should like the idea of cruising between stops rather than racing straight to an attraction. The trip has enough activity to keep you interested, with enough empty time to simply sit and look out.

This is less suitable if you need step-free access, want a sandy beach, or expect a large lunch and unlimited alcohol. It may also be a poor fit in cool weather if swimming is your main reason for booking.

Should you book the Can Pastilla sailboat tour?

I would book it if you want Mallorca from the water, a small group, good casual food, and a captain who takes care of the details. The strongest parts are the comfortable boat, the relaxed mood, the two swimming stops, and the chance to get genuine sailing rather than a purely motorized cruise.

Book with realistic expectations. The route and food can vary, swimming depends on conditions, and two drinks are included rather than unlimited service. Check the exact meeting point, plan your transport to Can Pastilla, and bring a warm layer outside the main summer season.

For a quiet afternoon with tapas, cava, clear water, and wide views across the Bay of Palma, this is a strong value at $117. It is especially appealing when the group is small, since the experience can feel far more private than the price suggests.

FAQ

How long does the sailboat tour last?

The tour lasts four hours.

Where does the tour depart?

The listed starting options are Club Marítim Sant Antoni de la Platja, Sailing Experiences Jaque Mate, and Aparcamiento Cala Estancia. The exact meeting point depends on the option booked.

What activities are available during the stops?

You can swim, snorkel, or use the paddleboard. You can also remain on the boat and enjoy the views, tapas, and drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Is a paddleboard included?

Yes. A paddle surfboard is provided for use during the water stops.

What food and drinks are included?

Appetizers and tapas are included, along with two drinks per person. Drink choices include soft drinks, beer, wine, and cava. Water is available throughout the trip.

Is the tour available as a private booking?

Yes. A private group option is available.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for wheelchair users.