Palma de Mallorca: 5-Hour Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Swim

Mallorca’s best feature on this trip is not the boat itself, but the chance to spend a long, easy afternoon in clear water off the island’s south coast. You sail from Palma past cruise ships, yachts, and the cathedral area before anchoring near Portals Vells or Cala Vella, depending on the wind. Then you swim straight from the catamaran.

I like the generous five-hour schedule, which gives you real time in the water rather than a quick photo stop. I also like the practical value: barbecue, salads, cake, water, soft drinks, coffee, juice, Mallorcan wine, and sangria are included. The main thing to keep in mind is size. This is a lively shared boat, not a quiet private sailing trip, and the second swimming stop may be less scenic than the first.

Key points to know before booking

• Two swim stops: The route usually includes Portals Vells or Cala Vella plus a nearby cove, but weather and wind can change the plan.
• Barbecue at sea: Expect chicken breast, skewers, sausages, salads, bread, and cake, with wine and sangria served during the meal.
• Spacious but social: The catamaran can be full, though there is room to move around and change sides during the cruise.
• Morning or afternoon: Choose a 10 AM departure or a 3:30 PM sailing, with the later option offering a chance of sunset views on the return.
• Snorkeling deposit: Masks are available for a refundable €10 cash deposit. Bring your own equipment if you prefer to avoid the deposit.
• Simple port meeting point: Find the Magic Catamarans boat at the dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma and arrive 30 minutes early.

Leaving Palma for Mallorca’s south coast

Your five-hour outing begins at the Port of Palma, at the boat dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on Passeig Marítim. Look for the boat marked Magic Catamarans on the harbor side of the pier. Arriving 30 minutes early is sensible, since the boarding area can be busy and the starting lines may not be clearly explained.

Parking near the port is limited. If you are driving, plan ahead and use the suggested parking location rather than assuming you will find a convenient space beside the boat. Public transport or a taxi may be easier, though the supplied details do not specify a dedicated transfer service.

Once aboard, the early part of the cruise gives you a pleasant change of pace from Palma’s streets. The catamaran heads out past the port, where you can see large cruise ships and sleek yachts before the south coast opens up. The views are a useful part of the experience, especially if you have already spent time in the old city and want to see Palma from the water.

This is not a guided sightseeing cruise packed with facts. English and Spanish are spoken, but the experience focuses more on swimming, food, music, and time at sea. If you want detailed commentary about Mallorca’s coves and coastline, you may find the information fairly light. One improvement I would welcome is more explanation about the places along the route.

Portals Vells or Cala Vella: the first swim

The route changes with wind conditions, so you may visit Portals Vells or Cala Vella. Both are associated with the kind of south-coast water people hope to see in Mallorca: clear, bright, and inviting for a swim.

The catamaran anchors a short distance from an idyllic beach or cove. You enter the sea from the boat, swim around the anchored catamaran, and use the complimentary masks to look for small fish and other marine life. At the better-positioned first stop, you may be able to swim toward shallow water near the coast before returning to the boat.

This first stop is usually the visual highlight. The water can be exceptionally clear, and several people have spotted small fish and jellyfish while snorkeling. Conditions vary, though. After heavy rain, the water may be less transparent than usual, so do not book this as a guaranteed underwater wildlife trip.

You also need to remember that this is an open-water swim. Life vests are provided for adults and children, and the crew chooses a safer anchorage when the sea is rough. Still, you should be comfortable entering the water from a boat, and children need close adult supervision.

The stop is also when the crew prepares the meal. You can swim while the barbecue is being cooked, then return aboard when you are ready to eat. That timing works well because it turns what could be a long wait into more time in the water.

Lunch on deck with barbecue, salad, and sangria

The meal is a buffet of grilled food. The listed selection includes chicken breast, skewers, sausages, fresh salads, bread, and cake for dessert. Some accounts also describe tuna being served, but the exact menu may vary.

This is straightforward boat food rather than a restaurant meal. I would set your expectations accordingly. The portions are described as plentiful, with enough for people to return for more, and the barbecue is cooked on board. For a $69 five-hour cruise, that makes a real difference.

Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are available throughout the excursion. During the meal, you also receive Mallorcan wine and sangria. Alcoholic drinks outside mealtime can be bought at the bar, but only card payments are accepted, and American Express is not accepted.

The meal helps make the trip good value. If you paid separately for a five-hour boat outing, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling access, the total could climb quickly. Here, the main extra to plan for is the €10 cash deposit for snorkeling equipment, which is refundable when the gear is returned.

Vegetarians should contact Magic Catamarans directly before departure. A vegetarian option is not automatic based on the available information, so this is one detail to settle before booking rather than hoping it will be arranged on board.

The second cove and the reality of the route

After lunch, the catamaran continues to a second cove or anchorage nearby. You get another chance to swim, cool off, and enjoy the sea from the boat. This stop can be a nice change of setting, but do not expect both locations to be equally beautiful.

The first cove is often the stronger stop, with clearer water and more visible fish. The second may be in deeper water or farther from shore, where the sea looks less blue and snorkeling produces less to see. You can still enjoy a refreshing swim, but the contrast matters if you are booking mainly for snorkeling.

The duration at each stop can vary. One reported pattern was a shorter first swim followed by a longer second stop, while other trips have offered ample time at both locations. The route and timing depend on conditions, so the tour works best if you value the full outing rather than needing a precise schedule for each cove.

A small number of accounts describe only one swimming stop. The stated plan is two stops, but weather, wind, sea conditions, and operational changes can affect the route. Keep this in mind if you are arranging another activity immediately after the cruise.

Music, crew, and the mood on board

The atmosphere is cheerful and social. Spanish music plays during the cruise, and the crew may encourage dancing after lunch. This can feel like a small party at sea, especially on an afternoon departure with sunset light on the way back.

The crew receives especially strong praise for friendliness, energy, and organization. Captain Perez is named in one account, and the crew is described as helpful, attentive, and able to keep the mood positive even when a minor technical problem occurred. That sort of calm response matters on a shared boat.

You should not expect a silent sailing experience. Music is part of the appeal, but it may not suit everyone. Some people enjoy the soundtrack and dancing, while others might prefer more quiet time. The music volume can vary, and the trip is aimed at a relaxed social crowd rather than a private, low-key sail.

Solo visitors can fit in well because the atmosphere makes it easy to chat with other people. Families also use the trip successfully, including children around six and seven years old. The age range can be broad, from young children to older adults, so the tone is generally inclusive rather than focused on one age group.

Choosing the 10 AM or 3:30 PM departure

The morning trip leaves at 10 AM and gives you a full day on the water while the sun is high. This is the practical choice if you want strong daylight for swimming and plan to have your evening free in Palma.

The 3:30 PM departure is more atmospheric. The sea may take on softer light during the return, and an afternoon trip can finish with sunset views near Palma. Several accounts describe beautiful sunset color and good views of the cathedral as the catamaran nears the city.

The later sailing is not a guaranteed sunset cruise in every season or under every condition, so book it for the timing and mood rather than treating sunset as promised. You also need to consider the season. In late October, the sea may still be warm enough for swimming, but conditions are less predictable than in August.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and a small amount of cash for the snorkeling deposit. The supplied information specifically says to bring the deposit, and the equipment deposit must be paid in cash. Keep valuables secure, since you will spend time in the water.

How much value do you get for $69?

At $69 per person, this is a strong value if you want several holiday activities bundled into one outing. You receive the catamaran cruise, two intended swim stops, snorkeling equipment access, lunch, soft drinks, water, coffee, juice, wine, and sangria. A five-hour duration gives the day enough substance to feel like a main activity rather than a short harbor ride.

The value is strongest for people who will actually use the inclusions. If you enjoy swimming, eat the barbecue, and appreciate drinks being available during the whole trip, the price is easy to justify. It is also convenient for families and couples who want one organized day without arranging separate transport to a beach and finding a place for lunch.

The value is weaker if you dislike crowds, loud music, buffet food, or open-water swimming. A private charter would offer more control and quiet, but it would cost much more. This catamaran is designed for shared fun, and the price reflects that.

The boat is described as spacious, clean, and comfortable, even when fully booked. Still, a full catamaran is a full catamaran. You may need to shift around to find the best sun or shade, and the boat will not feel intimate. One useful feature is that you can change positions during the trip to enjoy different views from each side.

Who should book this catamaran cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, families with confident swimmers, solo visitors, and groups of friends who want a relaxed day with a bit of music and social energy. It is especially good for you if swimming in clear Mediterranean water matters more than a formal guided tour.

The trip suits a celebration, too. The combination of food, music, sea views, and possible sunset light gives birthdays and special occasions a natural sense of fun without requiring an elaborate plan.

You may want another kind of boat trip if you are seeking a quiet sailing lesson, a private cove, detailed local commentary, or a small group. The route can change, the second stop may disappoint compared with the first, and the barbecue is simple rather than refined.

If you have multiple reservations and want to sit together on the same boat, contact the operator in advance. Do not assume separate bookings will automatically be placed together.

My call: book it for water time and easy value

I would book this Magic Catamarans cruise if I had five hours in Palma and wanted a simple way to reach beautiful swimming water without organizing the day myself. The first cove, onboard barbecue, friendly crew, and generous drink service are the strongest reasons to go.

Choose the morning for bright swimming conditions or the afternoon for a more relaxed return and possible sunset views. Just accept the shared-boat setting, bring the €10 cash deposit, and treat the second cove as a bonus rather than expecting it to match the first. At $69, it is a well-priced choice for a fun day at sea.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The activity lasts five hours, including the sailing time, swimming stops, meal, and return to Palma.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is at the Port of Palma, at the boat dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on Passeig Marítim. Look for the Magic Catamarans boat on the harbor side.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 30 minutes before departure. The boarding area can be busy, so arriving early gives you time to find the correct boat and line.

What departure times are available?

You can choose a morning departure at 10 AM or an afternoon departure at 3:30 PM. Availability should be checked for your chosen date.

Are two swimming stops included?

The planned route includes two stops, one at Cala Vella or Portals Vells and another at a nearby cove. The route can change because of weather and wind conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkeling equipment are available with a refundable €10 deposit paid in cash. Life vests for adults and children are also provided.

What food and drinks are included?

The buffet includes barbecue meats such as chicken breast, skewers, and sausages, along with salads and cake. Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are available throughout the excursion. Mallorcan wine and sangria are served with the meal.

Can I buy alcoholic drinks outside the meal?

Yes. Alcoholic drinks can be purchased at the onboard bar outside mealtime. Only card payments are accepted, and American Express is not accepted.

Can vegetarian food be arranged?

If you need a vegetarian option, contact Magic Catamarans directly before the cruise. The available information does not confirm an automatic vegetarian meal.