Catamaran Sailing in Palma Mallorca includes Aperitif and BBQ

A modern catamaran, a swim in the clear waters of Cala Vella, and a BBQ cooked aboard the boat make this more than a short harbor cruise. Oasis Catamaran sails from Palma for about five and a half hours, with a maximum of 55 people even though the boat can hold 84.

I like the generous time on the water and the fact that stand-up paddleboards are included. I also like the two food services: an aperitif at the first stop and a freshly prepared BBQ at the second. The main thing to consider is that the route depends on weather, and one reported departure had only two stops instead of three and no swimming time.

Key points to know before booking

• A 2023 catamaran with room to spread out: The boat is built for 84 people but operates with no more than 55.
• Cala Vella is the main swimming stop: Expect clear water, coves, and time to relax, though the exact stop can change with conditions.
• Food is part of the fare: An appetizer and onboard BBQ are included, while cocktails, wine, beer, soft drinks, and other bar purchases cost extra.
• Paddleboards are included: You can use the stand-up paddleboards during the swimming stop.
• Music is part of the mood: Most feedback praises the atmosphere, but one family found the music too loud for easy conversation.
• The price is $109.31 per person: That is a fair rate if you value a long cruise, meals, swimming, and a newer boat rather than simply a short sail.

Leaving Palma on a spacious 2023 catamaran

The trip begins at Oasis Catamaran, at Av. de Gabriel Roca, 16, in Palma’s port area. You return to the same meeting point after the cruise, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride back from the coast.

The boat is brand new in 2023, a useful detail for anyone comparing several sailing options around Mallorca. It has a listed capacity of 84, but the operator limits this outing to 55 people. That difference matters. A boat can feel very different at 55 people than at its legal maximum, especially when people are eating, moving toward the swim platform, or looking for shade.

The layout offers seating in both covered areas and open sections. You can choose sun or shade, although your preferred place may not remain yours once the boat gets busy. One practical detail from the onboard routine is that passengers may be asked to remove their shoes when boarding. Wear something easy to slip off, and keep your footwear handy for the return to shore.

This is not a private sailing trip. With up to 55 people aboard, you will share the deck, meal service, bar, and water equipment. Still, the lower operating limit gives the experience a more comfortable feel than a fully loaded excursion boat.

The first sail across the Bay of Palma

Once the catamaran leaves port, the cruise heads across the Bay of Palma toward the coves around Cala Vella. The appeal here is simple: you get a long stretch of open-water sailing instead of being rushed straight to a single swimming stop.

The route also gives you time to settle into the boat. You can sit with a drink from the bar, watch the coast pass, or find a sunny spot on deck. The bar remains open throughout the excursion and sells cocktails, mixed drinks, alcoholic beverages, and non-alcoholic drinks. None of these drinks are included, so budget for extra purchases if you want more than the provided food.

The atmosphere is designed to be social, with music playing during the cruise. That works well if you want a relaxed afternoon with a holiday feel. It is less ideal if you are hoping for a quiet sail or long conversations with your group. Seating near the speakers may be worth avoiding if you prefer a calmer ride.

Do not expect a guided coastal tour with a running commentary. The information provided focuses on sailing, food, swimming, and relaxation rather than formal explanations of Palma’s shoreline or the nature reserve.

Aperitif at La Cueva Verda

The first food service is an appetizer at La Cueva Verda. The stop is presented as a scenic place to pause, take in the surroundings, and enjoy a light bite before the main meal later in the trip.

The word aperitif suggests a smaller service rather than a full lunch. It is useful as a bridge between departure and the BBQ, but you should not treat it as your only meal. The food details are not specified in full, so anyone with strict dietary needs should confirm what is available before booking.

The exact route and order of stops can change. The general plan includes La Cueva Verda and Cala Vella, but the operator notes that weather can alter the itinerary. That is normal for a boat trip, but it is worth keeping in mind if you are booking around a specific cove or hoping to visit a set number of places.

Cala Vella brings the main swim and BBQ

The key stop is Cala Vella, a nature reserve known for its coves and clear water. This is where the cruise shifts from sightseeing to a proper beach-day rhythm. You can swim, relax on the catamaran, and use the included stand-up paddleboards.

The water is the star here. Several strong ratings describe the swimming spots as beautiful, and the chance to jump directly from the boat adds a bit of fun without requiring a separate beach transfer. You will not be dropped on a sandy shore. Instead, the catamaran acts as your base, with access to the water from the boat.

The BBQ is prepared onboard and served during the stop. This is a real advantage over a basic sailing trip that provides only snacks. The food has received especially strong praise, with enough available for second helpings on some departures. Another account described two proper meal services and dessert, though the standard details specifically promise an appetizer and BBQ, so I would not book solely on the expectation of a particular dessert.

You should also allow for normal boat-trip limits. Swimming time depends on the route, weather, sea conditions, and how the crew manages the schedule. One disappointing outing reportedly had no chance to swim, so the activity is not a guaranteed substitute for a full beach day. On good-weather departures, though, the combination of clear water, paddleboards, and a hot meal is the strongest part of the experience.

Food, drinks, and the value of the $109.31 fare

At $109.31 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Mallorca. The price makes more sense when you add up what is included: roughly 5.5 hours aboard a newer catamaran, an aperitif, a BBQ, swimming time, paddleboard use, and the return sail across the bay.

The boat itself is part of the value. A newer vessel with a 55-person limit should feel more comfortable than a larger boat filled to capacity, and several high ratings focus on the space, seating, cleanliness, and well-kept condition of the catamaran.

The included food also helps justify the fare. You are not paying only for transportation to Cala Vella. The crew prepares the BBQ directly onboard, which saves you from arranging lunch during the outing and keeps the day moving.

Drinks are extra. This is easy to overlook because the bar is open throughout the cruise. If you want cocktails or several alcoholic drinks, your final cost will rise. If you are happy with the included meal and bring a modest budget for refreshments, the package offers better value.

For a couple looking for a relaxed day on the sea, the price can work well. For a family calculating the cost of several tickets plus drinks, it becomes a more serious purchase. The best comparison is not with a short harbor ride, but with other half-day boat outings that include food and water activities.

What the crew and atmosphere are like

The crew is one of the most consistently praised parts of the trip. Descriptions of the staff focus on friendliness, professionalism, politeness, and attention. That matters on a boat, where a clear boarding routine and organized meal service can make the difference between an easy outing and a crowded scramble.

The atmosphere leans toward fun rather than formal. Music, open water, food, and swimming create a party-friendly setting, but the mood is not necessarily wild. Several strong accounts describe the trip as relaxed, making it suitable for couples and families as well as groups of friends.

Music volume is the main caution. One family enjoyed the cruise but found it hard to talk while sitting under the loud speakers. If conversation is important to you, try to choose a seat away from the sound system when you board.

The catamaran can also offer a sunset feel on certain departures or routes. A French-language account specifically praised a beautiful sunset at the end of the cruise, but sunset is not guaranteed by the core schedule provided. Think of it as a possible bonus, not a promised feature.

Who will enjoy this Palma sailing trip

I would recommend this outing if you want a full half-day on the Mediterranean without planning each part yourself. It combines transport, scenery, lunch, swimming, and paddleboarding in one booking.

It suits:

• Couples who want a comfortable day at sea
• Families looking for swimming and food in one activity
• Friends who enjoy music and a social setting
• People who prefer a newer boat with fewer people than its full capacity
• Anyone who wants to visit the Cala Vella area without arranging a private charter

It may not suit you if you want a quiet sailing lesson, a private boat, or a detailed history of every cove. It is also not the best choice if your whole decision depends on visiting three exact stops or swimming for a guaranteed length of time.

Most people can participate, according to the activity information, but the tour does not provide detailed accessibility information. If you have mobility, dietary, or water-activity concerns, ask the operator before paying.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a towel. The itinerary centers on swimming and relaxing in open areas, so sunscreen is not an optional extra.

Pack a small amount of money or a card for drinks, since the bar is not included in the fare. You may also want a waterproof phone pouch if you plan to take photos near the water.

Arrive at the stated meeting point, Oasis Catamaran at Av. de Gabriel Roca, 16, Palma. The booking uses a mobile ticket, and confirmation is sent at the time of booking.

Expect the timetable and route to respond to the weather. The operator can change the itinerary when conditions require it. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.

The cancellation rules are simple but strict near departure: cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. The trip also requires a minimum number of people, so the operator can offer another date, another activity, or a full refund if that minimum is not reached.

Is this catamaran trip worth booking?

I would book it if your ideal Mallorca day includes clear water, a cooked lunch, a modern catamaran, and a lively but generally relaxed onboard mood. The strong points are clear: friendly crew, good food, plenty of time on the water, included paddleboards, and a lower passenger limit than the boat’s full capacity.

I would pause if you need guaranteed swimming time, a quiet atmosphere, or a fixed three-stop itinerary. Weather can change the route, drinks cost extra, and music may be loud in some seating areas.

At $109.31, this is a midrange to premium boat outing, but the long duration and included food make the cost reasonable for a well-organized half-day. For an easy, social way to reach the coves near Cala Vella from Palma, it is a good choice. Just book with flexible expectations about the exact route.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The tour starts at Oasis Catamaran, Av. de Gabriel Roca, 16, 07014 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain.

Where does the activity end?

The cruise ends back at the same meeting point in Palma.

How long does the catamaran experience last?

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes.

How many people can join the cruise?

The boat has a capacity of 84 people, but this activity operates with a maximum of 55 travelers.

Is food included?

Yes. The experience includes an appetizer at the first stop and a BBQ at the second stop.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Drinks are not included, but the onboard bar is open throughout the excursion and sells alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Is paddleboarding included?

Yes. Stand-up paddleboarding is included in the price, with paddleboards available onboard.

Will the tour always follow the same route?

No. The route may be changed because of weather conditions.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather or an insufficient minimum number of participants causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.