Catamaran sailing in Mallorca through the Bay of Palma with BBQ

A catamaran cruise from Palma becomes much more appealing when the main stop is Cala Vella, a nature reserve with clear water, quiet coves, and time to swim right from the boat. The trip combines a relaxed sail with a BBQ served on board, so you are not simply watching Mallorca from the water. You have a place to eat, swim, and enjoy the sea.

I like the 36-person limit on a boat built for 57. That leaves more room than a full-capacity sailing trip, and the crew can keep the mood social without making the deck feel packed. I also like that paddle surf boards are included, rather than offered as an extra charge once you are anchored.

The main drawback is simple: the route has one principal swimming stop, and Cala Vella may feel underwhelming if you expect a full coastal tour with several coves. Weather can also alter the route, so this is best booked for the overall sailing day, not for one guaranteed view.

Key points at a glance

• Cala Vella swimming stop: Anchor at a nature reserve known for clear water and attractive coves.
• BBQ cooked on board: Lunch is part of the outing, with the meal prepared during the cruise.
• Maximum of 36 people: The catamaran holds more, but the operator limits numbers for extra comfort.
• Paddle surf boards included: You can use the boards during the stop at no added cost.
• Four and a half hours on the sea: The outing gives you enough time to sail, eat, swim, and return to Palma.
• Strong crew and food feedback: The crew is described as friendly, organized, and professional, while the BBQ earned especially warm praise.

From Palma harbor toward Cala Vella

You begin at the Port of Palma and sail out into the Bay of Palma. The opening stretch is part of the pleasure here. Instead of rushing from one attraction to another, you get time on the water, with the catamaran carrying you toward the eastern side of the bay and Cala Vella.

The boat is described as elegant and comfortable, with capacity for 57 people but a working maximum of 36. That difference matters. A catamaran with every seat filled can feel like a floating restaurant, while a limited group gives you a better chance of finding a comfortable spot and moving around without squeezing past people.

The route is not presented as a narrated sightseeing cruise, so do not book it expecting a detailed historical tour of Palma or a long list of coastal landmarks. The appeal is the setting, the steady sailing, and the chance to spend part of the day outdoors.

You return to the port by sailing through the Bay of Palma. The exact route may change with weather conditions, so wind and sea conditions have the final say. That is normal for a boat trip, but it is worth keeping in mind if you are planning the day around a particular cove.

Cala Vella: the main reason to book

Cala Vella is a nature reserve with idyllic coves and clear Mediterranean water. It is the heart of the outing, and the boat stops here so you can swim and relax rather than merely pass by offshore.

The stop gives you a change of pace. The first part is sailing, while this section is about getting into the water, sitting in the sun, and using the paddle boards. If you prefer a calm day at sea, you can stay on the catamaran and enjoy the setting. If you want more activity, the included paddle surf boards give you another way to use the time at anchor.

Do keep your expectations measured. The trip spends its main stop at one destination, not a string of different coves. One rating described the destination as average for the price, which is a fair warning for experienced boat-tour customers who want constant movement or several stops.

For a first catamaran trip in Mallorca, though, one good swimming stop can be enough. You avoid spending the whole day motoring between locations, and you get a proper block of time to enjoy the water.

A BBQ lunch served on the catamaran

The BBQ is not an afterthought. It is prepared directly on board and served while you are at sea or stopped near Cala Vella. That makes the meal part of the experience rather than a break that sends you back to shore.

Food quality is one of the strongest points in the feedback. The BBQ was described as better than expected, and another account praised the lunch on the catamaran. That is useful when comparing this trip with a basic sailing excursion where you need to bring your own food or buy lunch separately.

The details of the menu are not provided, so I would not book this expecting a particular meat, side dish, or special dietary arrangement. What you can count on from the supplied information is a BBQ prepared on board as part of the tour.

The meal also improves the value of the four-and-a-half-hour schedule. At $91.71 per person, you are paying for several connected parts: the catamaran ride, the crew, the swimming stop, use of paddle boards, and lunch. If you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip and a meal by the water, the price becomes easier to justify.

Why the smaller group matters

The operator limits this cruise to 36 people, despite the catamaran having space for 57. That is one of the clearest practical advantages of this outing.

You will still be joining a shared cruise, not hiring a private boat. But a group of up to 36 is more manageable than a full load. You should have a better chance of finding a comfortable place to sit, getting to the rail for views, and using the swimming equipment without the deck becoming chaotic.

The feedback supports this point. One very positive account specifically praised the boat for having about 30 people and not feeling overcrowded. The crew was also praised for being friendly, organized, and professional.

That said, 36 people is not intimate in the way a private sailing charter is. If you want quiet, personal service, and complete control of the route, this is not the right format. If you want a social day with enough space to breathe, the limit is a sensible compromise.

Paddle boards add a little action

Paddle surf boards are carried on board and included in the price. This is a small feature, but it changes how you can spend the stop.

You can swim from the catamaran, relax on deck, or try the boards in the clear water around Cala Vella. The boards give you something to do beyond sitting in the sun, especially if you have already spent plenty of time swimming on Mallorca’s beaches.

The supplied details do not explain how many boards are available or how long each person may use one. With a group of up to 36, you may need to take turns. Still, the fact that the equipment is included removes the worry of an extra rental charge.

This is also why the trip suits mixed groups. One person can paddle, another can swim, and someone else can simply enjoy lunch and the scenery. You do not all have to spend the stop in the same way.

What the crew adds to the day

The crew is an important part of a shared sailing trip. A boat can have beautiful water and good food, but poor organization quickly spoils the mood.

The available feedback is especially positive about the Oasis Catamaran crew. They are described as friendly, smiling, helpful, organized, and professional. One account called the atmosphere on board brilliant, while another praised the crew’s service during the meal and the sailing.

No individual guide names are provided, so I cannot tell you who will be working your departure. You should expect an onboard crew rather than a named tour guide leading a detailed lecture.

That distinction matters. This is a leisure cruise first. You are paying for a pleasant day on the water, not for a guide-led lesson in Mallorcan history, geology, or marine life. If the crew keeps the schedule moving, serves the meal well, and helps people use the equipment safely, they are doing the job this experience calls for.

Is $91.71 a fair price?

At $91.71 per person, this is not a bargain beach transfer. It is a half-day boat outing with lunch and water activities included.

I think the value depends on how you use the day. If you want to sail, swim, paddle, and eat without arranging each part separately, the package is reasonably easy to defend. The smaller maximum group also adds value, since you are not paying for a crowded, full-capacity cruise.

The price is harder to justify if your main goal is simply reaching one spectacular cove. You could prefer a beach day, a shorter boat ride, or a more ambitious cruise with several stops. One less favorable experience expected more for the price and found the single destination only average.

I would compare the cost with the alternatives available during your stay. If you already have beach plans and want a different kind of Mallorca day, the catamaran adds variety. If you are choosing between this and another boat trip offering several coves, compare the route first, not just the BBQ.

The fact that the tour is commonly booked about 27 days ahead suggests you should not leave it until the last minute during a busy holiday period. That does not guarantee every departure sells out, but it is a useful planning signal.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

This cruise is a good fit if you want a short, easy sailing day with several pleasures built into one schedule. You can enjoy the Bay of Palma, eat lunch, swim, and try paddle boarding without taking responsibility for transport or equipment.

It works particularly well for couples, friends, and families who do not all want the same level of activity. The boat provides a social setting, while the Cala Vella stop offers choices. You can be active in the water or stay on board.

It is also a good first catamaran outing. The four-and-a-half-hour duration is long enough to feel worthwhile but shorter than a full-day cruise. If you are unsure how much time you want to spend at sea, this is a manageable introduction.

I would hesitate to recommend it to you if you want a private experience, a detailed guided tour, or a long route with multiple swimming spots. It may also disappoint you if the specific beauty of Cala Vella is the only reason you are booking and weather changes the route.

Practical points before you reserve

You receive booking confirmation at the time of purchase, and the ticket is available on your mobile. The activity begins and ends at the stated meeting point in Palma, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer.

The cruise lasts about four and a half hours, although the listed stop time is shown as four hours. Treat the longer figure as the useful planning estimate, since it includes the sailing time out and back.

Most people can take part. The supplied information does not provide detailed accessibility notes, so you should contact Oasis Catamaran directly if you have specific mobility or boarding needs.

The trip requires suitable weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of people is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local Mallorca time.

The bottom line: should you book it?

Book this catamaran if you want a comfortable shared cruise with a limited group, a BBQ prepared on board, and a proper swimming stop at Cala Vella. The crew, food, and relaxed atmosphere are the clearest strengths, and the included paddle boards make the stop more useful.

Think twice if you expect several coves, a long guided tour, or a private-boat feel. The route centers on one destination, and weather can change the plan.

For most people, I would call this a solid half-day choice rather than a must-do Mallorca landmark. Reserve it when the combination of sailing, lunch, clear water, and easy recreation sounds more appealing than packing another beach day into your schedule.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise begin?

The cruise begins at the meeting point in Palma, listed as HJ9V+29 Palma, Spain, near the Port of Palma.

Where does the activity finish?

The cruise returns to the same meeting point in Palma.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours and 30 minutes. The listed itinerary also describes a four-hour sailing and swimming program.

What is the maximum group size?

The maximum is 36 people, even though the catamaran has capacity for 57.

Is food included?

Yes. A BBQ is prepared directly on board and included in the experience.

Can I use paddle boards during the trip?

Yes. Paddle surf boards are available on board and included in the price.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.