Palma de Mallorca: Deluxe Catamaran Sailing Tour with Meal

Palma’s Oasis catamaran is built for people who want a proper day on the Mediterranean without being packed shoulder to shoulder. You sail from the port toward Cala Vella, stop for a swim in clear water, eat onboard, and return across Palma Bay with the city and cathedral in view.

I especially like the strict passenger limit of 36 people, even though the boat can carry 57. I also like the combination of a clean, modern boat and a real swimming stop, rather than four hours spent only looking at the coast. The main drawback is that cocktails cost extra and can run to €18 to €20, while the meeting point can be hard to spot.

Key points to know before booking

• A 36-person limit keeps the catamaran comfortable: The Oasis has capacity for 57, but the operator sells no more than 36 places.
• Cala Vella is the main event: You get time to swim, jump from the boat, and use the paddle boards in a natural reserve.
• The daytime meal is a BBQ: Appetizers and a grilled lunch are included, with vegetarian and special dietary options noted in the feedback.
• The sunset trip serves tapas instead: You get canapés, a swim, chilled music, and views toward Palma’s old town on the way back.
• Snorkeling gear is not included: Bring your own mask and tube or buy a set onboard for €25.
• The price is $88 per person: That is fair for a small-group catamaran outing with food and water, but paid drinks add to the bill.

A polished catamaran with room to breathe

The boat is the heart of this outing. The Oasis is described as elegant, spotless, and modern, with enough open space for you to move around, sit in the sun, and take photographs without feeling hemmed in. Several people specifically praised the clean toilets and the general condition of the boat.

The passenger limit matters more than it may sound. A catamaran with 36 people can still feel social, but it gives you a fighting chance of finding a comfortable place to sit. Some departures have had around 15, 25, 28, or 33 people, so the actual number may vary. You should not expect a private charter, but you also should not expect a floating nightclub packed with 70 people.

That makes this a good middle ground. You can meet other people, listen to music, and share the swimming stop, while still having space to stretch out. If you dislike crowded boat excursions, the extra cost over a standard large-group trip may be money well spent.

The crew speaks Spanish, English, German, and French. Their role is practical as much as friendly: they explain what is happening, help with equipment, keep water topped up, and make sure people are comfortable. On cooler sunset returns, blankets have been offered, which is a small but useful touch.

Leaving Palma and sailing across the bay

The trip begins at a meeting point in or around the Port of Palma, but the exact start point depends on the option you book. This is one place to pay attention. The boat may be easy to recognize once you are there, yet the meeting area itself does not always have clear signs.

I would arrive early and check the precise meeting instructions before leaving your hotel. Hotel pickup is not included, so you are responsible for reaching the port. The activity finishes back at the same meeting point.

Once onboard, the boat leaves Palma and heads along the bay toward Cala Vella. The trip takes roughly four to four and a half hours overall, with the cruise itself forming a large part of the pleasure. If sailing conditions cooperate, the crew may raise the sails for part of the route. That quiet change from motor power to wind is one of the nicest moments, though you should understand that weather can alter the sailing plan.

From the water, Palma looks different. The port gives way to a broad view of the coast, and the return route offers views toward the old town and Palma Cathedral. You get a chance to take photographs without spending the entire trip staring through a bus window.

The music and atmosphere are generally relaxed rather than rowdy. That suits the boat. This is a social outing, but its tone is closer to an easy afternoon on the water than an organized party cruise.

Cala Vella, the swimming stop

The boat sails to Cala Vella, a natural reserve with small coves and clear water. This is the point of the trip for most people. You can get into the sea, swim from the boat, and spend time floating beneath the Mallorcan sun.

The stop is not a guided coastal walk. You will not be taken ashore for a village visit or a long beach break. Instead, the catamaran anchors or pauses in the water, and you enjoy the setting from onboard. That makes the stop simple and flexible, but it also means this tour is best for someone who is happy swimming from a boat.

Stand-up paddle boards are included, and they give you something to do beyond sitting on the deck. You can paddle around the boat, take a turn jumping from the side, or simply swim. The water is described as clear enough to see fish, which adds interest even if you are not a serious snorkeler.

Bring your own mask and tube if snorkeling matters to you. The equipment is not included for hygiene reasons, and the operator says you can buy a snorkeling set onboard for €25. This is an easy extra to miss when comparing tours, especially since the trip description promotes snorkeling as an activity.

You should also bring a towel, swimwear, sun hat, and sunscreen according to the practical instructions. One note needs clarification: the instructions also say sunscreen is not allowed. That conflicts with the request to bring it, so confirm the boat’s current rule before departure. At minimum, plan for sun protection through a hat and appropriate clothing.

Daytime sailing with a BBQ lunch

The daytime departure includes appetizers and a BBQ prepared onboard. The meal is one reason the $88 price can make sense. You are not simply paying for transport to a swimming spot. Food is cooked during the outing, and the meal is served as part of the cruise.

The portions have been described as plentiful, and the food has received unusually strong praise for a boat excursion. Vegetarian food is available, and the onboard meal has also worked for people with dairy intolerance. Still, if you have a serious allergy or a strict dietary requirement, contact the operator before booking rather than relying on a general promise.

The meal changes the rhythm of the day. You swim first, return to the boat, and settle in for lunch while the catamaran remains in the Cala Vella area or begins the return route. You can eat, have water, and enjoy the view without rushing to find a restaurant after leaving the water.

Unlimited water is included. Other drinks are not automatically included, apart from anything specifically noted for your selected option. The bar sells alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mixed drinks, and cocktails. Basic drinks may be manageable, but cocktails have been priced around €18 to €20, so budget carefully if you want more than water.

This is also a useful choice for families. The daytime option is not restricted to adults, and the swimming area, paddle boards, food, and open deck give different age groups something to enjoy. You will still need to be comfortable with open water and the normal movement of a boat.

Sunset sailing with tapas and Palma Cathedral views

The sunset version follows the same general route to Cala Vella, including a swimming stop, but replaces the BBQ with tapas and canapés. This is the more romantic choice, and it suits a honeymoon, anniversary, or quiet evening out.

The return to Palma is the visual payoff. As the light changes, you can look back toward the old town and Cathedral of Santa Maria. The boat’s relaxed music and open deck make the sunset feel like part of the trip rather than a rushed photo stop.

The sunset option is for adults aged 18 and over only. Do not book it for minors. The timing also depends on the season and availability, so check the departure time carefully before committing to dinner plans elsewhere.

Evenings on the water can turn cool, especially on the return journey. Bring a light layer. Blankets may be available, but I would not rely on them as your only warm clothing.

The tapas meal has been well received, and dessert may be included as part of the evening spread. Alcoholic drinks cost extra, with cocktails being the most expensive choice. You can enjoy the sunset without ordering drinks, but the final bill will rise quickly if everyone in your group orders cocktails.

How good is the value at $88?

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Mallorca. You can find simpler boat outings for less, often with larger passenger numbers and fewer inclusions.

The value here comes from several parts working together:

• A smaller passenger load than the boat’s legal capacity
• A clean, modern catamaran
• Four to four and a half hours on the water
• A swimming stop at Cala Vella
• SUP equipment
• A daytime BBQ or sunset tapas
• Unlimited water
• A multilingual crew
• Insurance included

Food alone does not justify the price, since paid meals on group boats are rarely the main reason to book. The stronger argument is comfort. You are paying to avoid the cramped feeling that can spoil a boat trip, while gaining a better deck, a proper swimming break, and a meal without having to organize lunch separately.

The price feels most sensible if you value space and a polished setting. It feels less attractive if your only goal is to swim for a few minutes or if you plan to spend heavily on cocktails. The $88 starting price is not the final cost for anyone ordering several premium drinks or buying snorkeling equipment onboard.

What to bring and what to watch for

Pack light. A hat, towel, swimwear, and sun protection are the basics. Wear casual clothing and sensible footwear. High heels are not allowed, which makes sense on a moving boat.

Your phone or camera should be protected from splashes. This is practical advice rather than a special rule, since you will be near the water and using paddle boards. Keep valuables secure and avoid bringing anything you do not need.

Read the meeting instructions closely. The exact point can vary by booking option, and the lack of strong signs has caused confusion. Hotel pickup is not part of the tour, so allow time to reach the port on your own.

The weather can change the route or the amount of sailing. A calm day may allow more time under sail, while rougher conditions can lead to a revised itinerary. The operator has also shown flexibility when poor weather required a date change, but you should still use the free cancellation policy if your plans are uncertain. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option means you do not have to pay at the time of booking.

Who will enjoy the Oasis most?

I would choose this tour if you want a comfortable half-day on the Mediterranean, not a packed schedule of Palma sights. It works especially well for couples, families on the daytime departure, small groups, and anyone who wants swimming time without giving up good food and city views.

It is also a strong pick for a special occasion. The sunset version has the right pace for an anniversary or honeymoon, while the daytime trip is more practical for families and anyone who wants longer use of the water.

I would think twice if you dislike boats, cannot swim comfortably from an open deck, or want a shore excursion with time on land. Cala Vella is enjoyed from the catamaran, and the itinerary may change with weather.

You should also compare the total cost, not just the advertised fare. Add cocktails, possible snorkeling equipment, and your transport to the port. The boat’s comfort is the selling point, so the price is easier to justify when you plan to use the deck, swimming stop, paddle boards, and included meal.

Should you book this Palma catamaran tour?

I would book the Oasis for a relaxed, food-inclusive day or sunset on the water, especially if a smaller group matters to you. The 36-person limit, clean boat, capable crew, Cala Vella swim, and strong meal offering make it more appealing than a basic harbor cruise.

Choose the daytime trip for the BBQ, longer family-friendly feel, and active swimming stop. Choose sunset for tapas, a more grown-up atmosphere, and the return view of Palma Cathedral. Confirm the meeting point, bring your own snorkeling mask if needed, and keep extra money for drinks.

If you want a quiet but social boat outing with enough space to move around, this is a good value at $88. If you want the lowest-cost way to reach the sea, look elsewhere.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour?

The activity lasts approximately four to four and a half hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date and option.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The meeting point can vary depending on the option booked. The activity ends back at the meeting point, and hotel pickup is not included.

Is food included on the catamaran?

Yes. The daytime option includes appetizers and a BBQ lunch. The sunset option includes tapas and canapés. Unlimited water is also included.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water is included. Other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including cocktails, are not included unless specifically stated for your booking. Cocktails have been priced around €18 to €20.

Can I use snorkeling equipment?

Snorkeling masks and tubes are not included for hygiene reasons. You can bring your own or buy a snorkeling set onboard for €25. SUP equipment is included.

Can children join the sunset tour?

No. The sunset option is for adults aged 18 and over only. The daytime option is the suitable choice for a family outing.