Palma: Catamaran Cruise with Swimming and Snorkelling

The best part of this cruise is the chance to jump straight from a large catamaran into clear Mediterranean water. You sail out from El Arenal, pass the rocky coast near Cap Enderrocat, and anchor in a protected area near Cala Vella for swimming and snorkeling.

I like the spacious boat and relaxed crew, which give you room to sunbathe, sit in the shade, or move toward the stern for an easy swim. I also like the practical value: at $47 per person, you get the cruise, swimming stop, safety equipment, and snorkeling gear, with an optional BBQ and drink for a higher package price.

The main drawback is that this is a popular boat, not a private sailing trip. Some departures carry a large crowd, and finding the shore kiosk at Playa del Arenal can take extra effort. Bring time to locate the meeting point, and arrive early if you want the best place on deck.

Key points to know before you book

• Two very different cruise lengths: Choose from an outing of about 2 hours or a longer trip of up to 4 hours, depending on the departure option.
• Swimming takes place from the boat: You anchor in the sea rather than stopping at a beach, with ladders, ledges, and jumping points into the water.
• Cala Vella brings the clearest water: This protected coastal area is the main reason to bring swimwear and a phone case for underwater pictures.
• The mood is social but not always a full party: Music plays onboard, and some trips finish with dancing, while others feel quiet and easygoing.
• The BBQ is optional: The meal includes cooked food, pasta salad, local bread, and one water, beer, or sangria when you select the BBQ package.
• The meeting point needs careful attention: Look for the local partner’s sign and kiosk as you walk down toward Playa del Arenal.

Sailing out from Playa del Arenal

Your day starts at Playa del Arenal, beside the Arenal Nautical Club area. The stated meeting point is a waiting area near the beach kiosk, marked with the name of the local partner. This sounds simple, but the directions can feel vague once you are walking down toward the sand.

I would not cut your arrival close. Several people have found the ticket booth difficult to spot, so use the partner’s sign as your main clue and ask nearby staff if needed. Getting there early also helps if you want a preferred place on the catamaran.

Once onboard, the first impression is less like a small sailboat and more like a floating terrace. The catamaran has room to sit, stretch out, and take pictures, though the most desirable spaces can fill quickly. The forward nets are especially useful for sunbathing and views, while the back of the boat is handy when you want quick access to the water.

The ride out across Palma Bay is smooth and pleasant. You can feel the warm air, watch the shore recede, and take pictures of the coast without having to plan anything more complicated than where to sit. The crew speaks English, German, Spanish, French, and Italian, so basic instructions are available to a broad mix of passengers.

Cap Enderrocat and the coast toward Cala Vella

The route heads east from El Arenal toward Cap Enderrocat and Cala Vella. These are protected environmental areas, with rocky headlands, sea caves, and coves that look best from the water.

The cruise is not built around a long guided talk about the coast. It is more about the view, the breeze, and the simple pleasure of being offshore. If you want detailed commentary about geology or local wildlife, this may feel light on information. Music provides much of the atmosphere instead.

Cap Enderrocat is a good point for photographs. From the catamaran, you get a wider view of the cliffs and coves than you would from the beach. Keep your camera ready while sailing, but take your best shots when the boat slows or anchors. The moving deck, sun glare, and other people can make photographs harder during the open-water ride.

The scenery changes with the weather. Bright sun brings out the blue-green water, but even a cloudy day can work well because you are still outside with open views. The experience depends less on sightseeing facts and more on the quality of the water stop and the time spent on deck.

The swimming stop, with ladders and jumping points

The main event is the anchor stop. The advertised plan allows about 90 minutes for swimming or sunbathing on the longer format, although the exact timing can vary by departure. Some outings include two swim stops, with the first longer and the second shorter.

You do not walk onto a beach. Instead, you enter from the catamaran using steps, low ledges, or higher points for jumping. This gives you several ways into the sea, but it also means the activity is not suitable for anyone who needs step-free access. Wheelchair users cannot take part.

The water is usually the part I would plan around. The coves near Cala Vella are clear enough to see fish, and the protected setting makes the stop feel calmer than the open bay. Some trips have attracted small fish close to the boat, adding a pleasant bit of life to the swim.

Life vests are included, and snorkeling equipment is provided. Ask the crew directly for a mask, snorkel, or other equipment when you get settled, since distribution may not always be obvious. A past departure had questions about how well the masks and snorkels were sanitized, so you may prefer to bring your own equipment if you have it.

The swim stop is long enough for a proper session on the longer cruise, but it can feel brief on the 2-hour option. Strong swimmers may wish for more time, while people mainly interested in sunbathing may find the schedule just right. The shorter stop on some 4-hour trips has been around 20 to 30 minutes, so do not assume every swim period will be the same length.

You can also jump from the stern or lower platforms, then climb back using the boat’s access points. Follow the crew’s instructions and use a life vest if you are not a confident swimmer. The catamaran provides a shower after swimming, which is a small but welcome detail before lunch or the return ride.

What the onboard BBQ adds

The BBQ is available only with the appropriate package. It includes a freshly cooked meal, pasta salad, local bread, and one drink: water, beer, or sangria.

The food is best viewed as useful boat lunch rather than the reason to book. Meat eaters generally have the most choice, while vegetarian and vegan diners may find the meal limited. The pasta salad is a safer part of the plate for people avoiding meat, but you should not expect a broad special-diet menu based on the information available.

One drink is included with the BBQ selection. If you want more, there is a bar onboard, but extra drinks can cost more, with one report putting a beer or sangria at about 8 euros. If you are watching your spending, compare the cruise-only and BBQ prices before booking rather than assuming lunch is a bargain add-on.

Meal service can affect the rhythm of the first swim stop. The longer pause may give the crew time to prepare and serve the BBQ, so people who want maximum time in the water should consider that tradeoff. I would select the BBQ if you want the convenience of eating onboard, but choose the basic cruise if swimming and sunbathing matter more than lunch.

Music, space, and the social mood

Music plays throughout much of the cruise. The selection can range from easy background tunes to a livelier return ride, and some departures end with people dancing at the back. It is social without always becoming a full party boat.

That balance will suit you if you want music and a friendly atmosphere but still hope to relax. It may not suit you if you want silent sailing or a romantic, private feel. The mood depends partly on the group onboard, and the same route can feel calm in the morning and more energetic later in the day.

The catamaran is large enough to hold a substantial group. One departure carried about 80 people, while other outings felt less crowded. Space can be the main issue, especially around the forward nets. Some people settle into a good spot and are reluctant to share, so arrive early and be prepared to move around rather than claiming one place for the whole trip.

The bar, music, open deck, and swimming platforms make this a good choice for friends, couples, and small celebrations. It has also worked well for groups marking a special occasion. Families can enjoy the swimming, though you should think about your group’s comfort with jumping from a boat and spending time in open water.

How good is the $47 value?

At $47 per person, the cruise-only price is reasonable for a short boat outing in Mallorca. You are paying for the catamaran ride, crew, life vests, snorkeling equipment, and a dedicated swimming stop. That is a fair package if you mainly want easy access to clear water without arranging a separate boat rental.

The value improves for anyone who would otherwise pay for a boat trip and a swim activity separately. You also avoid the work of finding a suitable cove or arranging safety equipment. The included gear is basic rather than high-end, but it covers the central purpose of the stop.

The calculation changes if you care mainly about quiet space, a private experience, or gourmet food. A busy departure can make the price feel less attractive, especially if you spend much of the cruise looking for a place to sit. The BBQ package can also cost more, and the included meal is filling rather than memorable.

The flexible booking terms help if your plans are still moving. You can reserve and pay later, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Check the selected departure carefully because the available start times and total length vary.

Practical packing advice for the Mediterranean

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. I would add a secure phone holder with a strap if you want pictures from the boat or water. Keep it attached when you move around, since a loose phone can easily become part of the sea.

Apply sunscreen before boarding and again after swimming. The open deck gives you plenty of sun, even when the wind makes the air feel mild. Sunglasses and a hat may also help, though only pack items you can secure.

Bring your own mask and snorkel if you are particular about fit or hygiene. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, but asking the crew for it early is sensible. You can use the life vests provided if you want extra support in the water.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed as personal items onboard. If you select the BBQ, the included drink is limited to water, beer, or sangria as specified. Extra drinks can be purchased from the bar, subject to the boat’s own prices.

Who should choose this catamaran cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want a simple half-day on the sea, with swimming built into the plan and no need to organize much yourself. It works especially well for people staying around El Arenal who want a break from the beach and resort streets.

It is also a good fit for a group of friends. The music, bar, sunbathing space, and jumping points give a group several ways to enjoy the same outing. Couples can have a pleasant time too, especially on a quieter departure, but this is not a private sailing experience.

Strong swimmers will get the most from the anchor stop. You can spend a long stretch in the water, look for fish, snorkel, or jump from the boat. Less confident swimmers can use the steps and life vests, but anyone uncomfortable with open-water access should choose a beach-based activity instead.

I would think twice if you need wheelchair access, want a detailed coastal tour with a guide speaking throughout, or dislike crowded boats. The crew is friendly and helpful, but the emphasis is on a relaxed ride, music, swimming, and lunch rather than formal sightseeing.

Final call: book it for the water, not the meal

You should book this catamaran cruise if your priority is clear water, easy swimming access, and a pleasant few hours offshore. The most reliable strengths are the friendly crew, smooth sailing, spacious boat, attractive coves, and the chance to snorkel without arranging equipment yourself.

Choose the longer option if you want time to swim properly, and arrive early for a better choice of seating. Select the BBQ only if convenience matters more than having a special meal. If you want a quiet, uncrowded sail or a private boat, spend your money elsewhere. For a social and good-value water outing from El Arenal, this is a sensible choice.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise leave from?

The meeting point is at Playa del Arenal near the Arenal Nautical Club. Look for the waiting area and kiosk marked with the local partner’s name as you walk down toward the beach.

How long does the cruise last?

The available options last from about 2 to 4 hours. Starting times and exact durations depend on the selected option and availability.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The cruise includes a stop for swimming, with some longer departures allowing about 90 minutes at anchor. Some trips also include a second, shorter swimming stop.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included. Ask the crew when you want to collect the equipment, as it may not be handed out automatically.

Can I choose the BBQ option?

Yes. A BBQ is available when you select the With BBQ option. It includes cooked food, pasta salad, local bread, and one water, beer, or sangria.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to Playa del Arenal.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. A phone holder with a strap is useful if you want to take pictures near the water.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter can assist in English, German, Spanish, French, and Italian.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available for selected bookings.