Catamaran with BBQ in the Bay of Palma

The best part of this Palma Bay outing is simple: you get four hours on the Mediterranean, with time to swim straight from the catamaran, eat a barbecue lunch, and enjoy the coast without arranging several separate activities. The boat heads toward a nature reserve and usually makes two swimming stops in clear water.

I like the easy, social format and the fact that you can choose your own pace. Jump from the boat, use the stairs or ladder, try the available snorkeling gear, stretch out in a hammock, or sit back with a drink. I also like the value: at $78.09 per person, the boat ride, BBQ, music, swimming time, and some drinks are bundled together.

The catch is space. The catamaran can carry up to 146 people, and some departures have felt crowded, especially beneath the shaded areas. If you want a quiet sailing trip or plenty of room to yourself, this is not the right boat.

Key points before you book

• Two swimming stops: You can jump from the catamaran or use its stairs and ladders to enter the sea.
• BBQ lunch onboard: Food has included chicken skewers, burgers, hot dogs, pasta salad, and other barbecue items, though the exact serving can vary.
• Party atmosphere: Music, drinks, and a friendly crew make this more social than serene.
• S’Arenal departure: The meeting point is in S’Arenal, not directly at Palma’s cruise port.
• Crowd size matters: The vessel may hold as many as 146 people, with shade becoming limited on busy trips.
• Weather-sensitive outing: Poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Setting out from S’Arenal at 10:00 am

The catamaran leaves from S’Arenal at 10:00 am and returns to the same meeting point after about four hours. S’Arenal is east of central Palma, so check the route carefully before booking. If you are coming from a cruise ship, allow about 25 minutes by taxi in normal conditions, and budget at least €30 each way according to the practical transport information supplied for this trip.

That transfer is an important part of the price calculation. The $78.09 fare may look attractive for a half-day at sea, but a cruise passenger could add more than €60 in taxi costs. From somewhere near S’Arenal, the value is much better.

The meeting point is listed at GP2X+RJ S’Arenal, Spain. Because map pins can be confusing in resort areas, I would confirm the exact pier and allow extra time. One person missed the boat after struggling with the location and communication, so do not treat the map pin as a casual suggestion.

Once aboard, expect an open, holiday-style catamaran rather than a small sailing yacht. There are places to sit, sunbathe, and stretch out in hammocks, but the amount of free space depends on the number of people booked that day. The boat may feel pleasantly roomy on a lighter departure and quite full on a busy one.

A coastal cruise toward the nature reserve

The opening part of the trip is made for settling in. You get sea air, music, sun, and views along the Mallorcan coast while the crew heads toward a nature reserve. The pace is less about covering a long distance and more about enjoying a floating day out.

That distinction matters. If you are hoping for a fast trip to remote coves or a long sail far from shore, this may disappoint. One unhappy account described spending much of the outing near the beach rather than traveling well offshore. The route is best understood as a relaxed Palma Bay cruise with swimming stops, not an expedition to untouched coastline.

Still, the scenery is a strong point. From the water, you get a different view of Mallorca than you do from the road or promenade. The catamaran gives you room to look outward, listen to music, and enjoy the changing color of the sea without worrying about driving or parking.

Music shapes the mood. Some trips begin with calm, chilled music, while later hours can feel more like a party, with drinks and dancing. That mix suits groups of friends, birthday outings, and hen parties. It may be less appealing if you want silence or the sound of the water.

Two swimming stops in clear Mediterranean water

Swimming is the heart of the trip. The boat generally stops in two attractive places, giving you time to get into the sea, cool off, and play around the catamaran. The water has been described as clear and turquoise, with fish visible in at least some spots.

You do not have to jump. The boat provides stairs and ladders, so entering the water is possible for people who prefer a careful descent. That makes the outing more workable for families and less confident swimmers, although you should still be comfortable around open water.

The first stop may be longer than some people want. One practical suggestion is to spend less time at the first swimming place and more at the second, which indicates that the stops may not feel perfectly balanced for everyone. You have no control over the final schedule, so bring a relaxed attitude about timing.

Snorkeling equipment is available, but the supply is limited. If seeing underwater life is a major reason for booking, bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. The sea can be beautiful, but this is not a dedicated marine-life tour. You might see fish, yet there is no promise of abundant sea life or special underwater sites.

Dolphins have occasionally been spotted, but treat that as luck rather than part of the plan. The reliable attraction is swimming in the Mediterranean, not wildlife watching.

BBQ lunch with food and drinks onboard

At some point during the cruise, the crew prepares the BBQ. Food described onboard has included chicken skewers, burgers, hot dogs, and pasta salad. Several portions of feedback praised the meal, calling it good or delicious, and the combination of lunch with a boat trip helps the fare feel reasonable.

Expect practical barbecue food, not a restaurant meal. One account complained about small portions and poor pasta salad, while others enjoyed the chicken, burgers, hot dogs, and drinks. The difference may reflect changing management, supply, or expectations, so I would book this for the full outing rather than for the food alone.

Drinks are part of the appeal. Sangria, soft drinks, and other beverages have been included or available during the trip, but the exact arrangement is not fully clear from the supplied details. Some drinks may cost extra, and one account found the onboard prices high. Check what is included when you book, especially if you are comparing this with another catamaran.

The meal is also a useful social break. You can eat, talk with the people around you, and decide how much more sun or swimming you want afterward. If you are traveling with teenagers, the informal lunch and open-air setting can work well.

Space, shade, and the 146-person limit

The biggest practical question is how crowded your departure will be. The official maximum is 146 people, while individual outings described anywhere from about 75 to 100 or more. That is a sizeable group for any boat.

The good news is that even a busy boat can still provide enough room to move around and swim. Several people found the crowd manageable, and the crew kept the atmosphere friendly. The less good news is that shade is limited. On a full sailing, the covered areas can become crowded, and not everyone may have a shaded seat.

If you burn easily, bring strong sun protection and plan to spend at least some time in direct sun. A hammock sounds inviting, but it is not a guarantee of private lounging space. Arrive ready to share.

The crowd can be a benefit if you want energy. Music, dancing, drinks, and easy conversation give the trip a holiday feel. For a group of friends, that can be exactly the point. For a couple seeking a quiet sail, the same features may feel noisy and over-organized.

Safety deserves sensible attention. One account raised concern about the number of life jackets available during a very full trip. The supplied information says most people can participate and service animals are allowed, but it does not provide detailed safety equipment information. If you have specific mobility or safety needs, contact the operator before booking rather than guessing.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a straightforward half-day at sea with several activities folded into one booking. It suits:

• Families with older children or teenagers who want swimming and casual food
• Friends looking for music, drinks, and a social boat day
• Cruise passengers who can reach S’Arenal without a rushed transfer
• Couples who enjoy an active, shared atmosphere
• Anyone who values swimming time more than detailed sightseeing

The trip is especially good for people who like options. You can dance for a while, eat, swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or rest in a hammock. You do not have to commit to one activity for the full four hours.

I would think twice if you want a small boat, quiet sailing, gourmet food, extensive snorkeling equipment, or a route far from the coast. The catamaran may be busy, the underwater wildlife may be modest, and the music can shift from calm to party-oriented.

Families should also consider the atmosphere. Most family feedback was positive, and the crew was described as helpful with children. Yet one account raised concerns about underage drinking and rowdy behavior on a particular outing. That appears to be an issue of the crowd and day rather than the core itinerary, but parents should know that this is a public party-style cruise, not a controlled family boat tour.

Is $78.09 a fair price?

At $78.09, I consider the price fair if you use the whole package. A four-hour catamaran trip with two swimming stops, a BBQ, music, and drinks would cost more if arranged separately. The food may be basic, but it removes the need to find lunch during the outing.

The value drops if you are paying a costly taxi from the cruise port, buying extra drinks, or mainly want a short scenic ride. Add the return transport before comparing prices. For cruise passengers, a cheaper-looking boat trip can become less attractive once the transfer is included.

The best value comes when you live nearby or are already staying around S’Arenal, enjoy swimming, and do not mind sharing the boat. The worst value comes when you expect a small group and a long coastal voyage. In that case, paying more for a smaller sailing may make better sense.

The overall rating of 3.9 from 65 ratings fits this mixed picture. The strongest points are consistent: friendly staff, attractive swimming water, good music, and a pleasant BBQ for the money. The recurring weaknesses are also clear: crowding, limited shade, uneven food impressions, and occasional communication problems.

Practical details for a smoother day

Confirmation is provided when you book. The trip starts at 10:00 am, lasts about four hours, and ends back where it began. It is offered in English, and the operator allows service animals.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring sun protection. A towel, sunglasses, and a secure way to carry small personal items will make the day easier. Since snorkeling equipment is limited, bring your own gear if that activity matters to you.

Do not plan a tight connection immediately after the boat returns. Sea conditions, loading, meal service, and passenger movement can all affect the timing, and you still need to get back from S’Arenal.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. Since the trip depends on good weather, a cancellation by the operator due to conditions should result in a different date or a full refund.

Should you book the Bay of Palma BBQ catamaran?

Book it if you want an easy, reasonably priced sea day with swimming, a casual BBQ, music, and a friendly crowd. The clear water, two swim stops, and flexible onboard format make it a good fit for families with teenagers and groups of friends.

Skip it if your ideal boat trip means peace, privacy, a small group, or serious snorkeling. Also check the meeting point carefully if you are coming from a cruise ship, because the taxi ride from the port adds both time and cost.

My advice is to think of this as a social swimming cruise with lunch, not a remote coastal sailing tour. With that expectation, the price is sensible and the day can be a lot of fun.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran depart?

The meeting point is in S’Arenal, Mallorca, at GP2X+RJ S’Arenal. The activity returns to the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 am.

How long does the catamaran trip last?

The outing lasts approximately four hours.

Is the BBQ included?

Yes, a BBQ is included as part of the experience. Food described for the meal has included chicken skewers, burgers, hot dogs, and pasta salad.

Are drinks included?

Drinks are included or provided as part of the outing, but some onboard drinks may cost extra. Check the exact drink arrangement at booking.

Can I swim from the boat?

Yes. The catamaran stops for swimming, and you can enter the water by jumping or by using the stairs and ladders.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you will be offered another date or a full refund.