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

The best part of this five-hour catamaran cruise is the simple rhythm: sail from Palma, stop in clear water, swim until lunch is ready, eat on board, then do it again. The south coast coves are the star, with Portals Vells and Cala Vella chosen according to the wind.

I like the generous swim time and the fact that water, soft drinks, coffee, juice, and a meal are included in the $69 price. I also like the friendly, lively feel, with Spanish music, dancing, and a crew that keeps the boat moving without making the day feel stiff. The main thing to consider is size: this is a popular, full catamaran, not a quiet private sailing trip, and the route or number of swim stops can change with weather.

Key points to know before you book

• Two south-coast swim stops: The plan includes Portals Vells or Cala Vella, followed by another nearby cove, though weather can alter the route.
• A proper onboard meal: Expect grilled chicken breast, skewers, sausages, salads, bread, and cake, with Mallorcan wine and sangria served at mealtime.
• Good value at $69: The fare covers the boat, buffet, drinks throughout the trip, snorkeling equipment with a refundable deposit, and life vests.
• Morning or afternoon departure: Choose 10 a.m. for a daytime outing or 3:30 p.m. for softer evening light and a possible sunset return.
• A social atmosphere: Music, dancing, and an upbeat crew make this better for people who enjoy a group outing than for anyone seeking silence.
• Bring cash for snorkeling: The equipment requires a €10 refundable cash deposit, while purchases at the bar require a card.

Setting out from Palma’s harbor

Magic Catamarans leaves from the Port of Palma, at the 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, and arrive 30 minutes early.

That extra time matters. Parking near the harbor is very limited, and the boarding area can become confusing when several people are waiting in the sun. If you are driving, plan your parking before you arrive rather than hoping to find a space beside the dock.

Once on board, you get a wide view of Palma’s waterfront as the catamaran leaves the port. Cruise ships, large yachts, and the busy harbor provide an entertaining start before the boat turns toward the south coast. The catamaran is spacious enough for people to move around and change sides during the trip, though a full sailing still feels social rather than private.

The crew speaks English and Spanish. Their role is practical and hands-on: helping with boarding, serving drinks, preparing lunch, and keeping the mood cheerful. This is not primarily a guided sightseeing cruise, so you should not expect a running commentary about every cove or landmark. If you want detailed facts about Mallorca’s coast, this may feel light on information.

Choosing between the 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. sailings

The morning departure at 10 a.m. gives you the clearest stretch of daylight for swimming and sunbathing. It suits families and anyone who wants to make the cruise the main activity of the day.

The 3:30 p.m. departure has a different feel. You still get five hours on the water, but the return can bring warmer evening color, views of Palma Cathedral, and a sunset over the sea. Several people found the late light to be a highlight, especially when music was playing on the way back.

The afternoon sailing is not automatically a formal sunset dinner cruise. The exact light depends on the season, weather, and route. In August and September, you have a good chance of enjoying evening color, while the October sunset timing may be especially appealing. If swimming is your priority, both options work. If atmosphere and sunset views matter most, choose the later departure.

The first cove: Portals Vells or Cala Vella

The first main stop is selected according to wind conditions. The boat may head for Portals Vells or Cala Vella, with another nearby cove used for the second stop.

Portals Vells is known for its pretty setting and clear water near the coast. Cala Vella also offers the classic Mallorca combination of turquoise water, rocky shoreline, and an idyllic beach nearby. The important point is that you are not simply pulling up to a marina. The catamaran anchors offshore, and you enter the water directly from the boat.

This first stop is usually the strongest part of the trip for swimming and snorkeling. The water can be clear enough to see small fish, and you may swim toward shallower water near the coast before returning to the boat. The exact conditions change after rain or wind, so do not expect identical visibility every day.

You can use the boat’s snorkeling masks after paying a €10 cash deposit. The deposit is refundable when you return the equipment. You are also welcome to bring your own mask if you prefer not to manage the deposit.

Life vests are available for adults and children. That makes the swimming stop more workable for families, though young children still need close supervision around the boat and in open water. People who do not want to swim can stay on board, sunbathe, listen to music, and watch the cove from the deck.

Lunch is cooked while you swim

The boat uses the first anchorage as a floating kitchen. While you are in the water, the crew prepares a barbecue meal on board.

The buffet includes chicken breast, skewers, sausages, fresh salads, bread, and cake for dessert. Some departures also include tuna among the grilled choices, along with fruit later in the day. The food is straightforward rather than gourmet, but it is filling and well suited to a day at sea.

Mallorca wine and sangria are served with the meal. Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are available throughout the excursion. This is a useful inclusion because drinks on boat trips can quickly push up the final cost.

Vegetarian food is not part of the standard description, so contact Magic Catamarans before booking if you need a vegetarian option. Do not wait until lunch service to ask. Bar drinks outside mealtime are available to buy, but only card payments are accepted on board, and American Express is not accepted.

The lunch setup adds to the social side of the trip. People return from the water, collect food, and settle in while the crew keeps the music going. It is casual and cheerful, with some dancing on certain sailings. If you prefer a quiet meal with table service, this will feel basic. If you want a relaxed barbecue after swimming, it fits the day well.

The second stop is useful, but less predictable

After lunch, the catamaran sails to another nearby cove or anchorage for a second swim. This gives you another chance to get in the water after eating, which is a real advantage for people who want plenty of swimming time rather than a cruise with only a short photo stop.

The second location may not match the first. One stop can be a shallow, clear coastal cove with plenty to see through a mask. The next may be farther from shore, with deeper water and less visible marine life. You can still enjoy a refreshing swim, but the color and clarity may be less impressive.

This difference is worth keeping in mind when you compare the cruise with a private boat charter. You are paying for access to two possible swim locations, not a guarantee that every stop will be postcard-perfect. Wind, rain, currents, and boat operations affect the choice.

The advertised plan is two stops, but the route is not fixed. Weather conditions can change the itinerary, and the timing of each stop may vary. If swimming is the main reason you are booking, ask about conditions on the day and keep your expectations flexible.

Music, crew, and the feel on board

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this outing. The mood is friendly and energetic, with Spanish songs, background music, and occasional dancing. The staff also help people feel comfortable in the water and keep lunch service organized.

This atmosphere suits couples, families, solo visitors, and groups of friends. A solo passenger can easily spend the day around other people, and the relaxed setup makes it natural to chat. Families with children have room to move around, plus life vests and a simple swimming routine.

The trade-off is that the catamaran can be fully booked. It generally has enough room for people to move between areas, but you should not expect a quiet corner all day. If you prefer a small sailing boat, personal attention, and long stretches without music, choose a private or smaller-group trip instead.

The activity is also light on formal narration. You will see the coast, harbor, yachts, coves, and Palma Cathedral, but the crew’s focus is service and entertainment rather than detailed coastal history. You can enjoy the view without a lecture, though you may want a separate guidebook or walking tour for context.

What makes the $69 price worthwhile

At $69 per person, this is strong value if you use the inclusions. You receive five hours on the water, two planned swim stops, the barbecue buffet, wine and sangria with lunch, and nonalcoholic drinks throughout the outing.

The snorkeling equipment adds practical value, even with the refundable deposit. Life vests are included, and there is no need to arrange separate transport to a beach or pay for a restaurant meal afterward.

The price looks less attractive if you do not swim, do not drink the included beverages, or dislike group activities. In that case, you are paying for a long boat ride and an atmosphere you may not use. But for an active day with swimming, food, music, and coastal views, the fare covers a lot.

The meal is best understood as a barbecue buffet, not a restaurant lunch. Portions are plentiful, and there is enough variety for a simple midday meal, but food quality can feel ordinary if you have high culinary expectations. The real value is the combination of lunch and a full day on the sea.

Who should book this catamaran cruise?

You should consider it if you want an easy Mallorca activity with several elements handled for you. It works particularly well for:

• Families who want swimming, drinks, and a meal in one outing
• Couples choosing the afternoon sailing for sunset color
• Solo visitors who enjoy a friendly group setting
• Friends looking for music, dancing, and a casual day at sea
• Swimmers and snorkelers who want more than one chance to get in the water
• Anyone comparing the cost of a boat trip with separate beach transport and lunch

You may want something else if you need a private setting, quiet sailing, detailed guiding, or a guaranteed specific cove. The route changes with the wind, and the boat can feel busy during peak summer dates.

Practical details that make the day easier

Wear a swimsuit beneath your clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a change of clothes. You will spend a substantial part of the outing in direct Mediterranean sun.

Bring cash for the €10 snorkeling deposit. Bring a payment card for anything you buy at the bar, remembering that American Express is not accepted. If you have more than one booking and want to sit together, contact the provider before the trip rather than trying to arrange it at the dock.

Magic Catamarans offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the current departure time when booking, since availability can change.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a full, sociable day on the water at a reasonable price. The clear first cove, generous time for swimming, filling barbecue, included drinks, and good crew energy create a well-rounded Palma outing.

Choose the afternoon departure if sunset views and a livelier evening mood appeal to you. Choose the morning if you want the strongest daylight for swimming. Just remember that this is a large group catamaran, the second stop may be less impressive than the first, and weather can change the route.

For most people who want to swim, eat, and see Mallorca from the sea without arranging every detail themselves, this is an easy recommendation.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran leave from?

It leaves from 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 of the pier.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 30 minutes before departure. Parking near the port is very limited, so allow extra time if you are coming by car.

How long is the cruise?

The activity lasts five hours. You can choose a departure at 10 a.m. or 3:30 p.m., subject to availability.

Where does the boat stop?

The boat stops at Portals Vells or Cala Vella, depending on wind conditions, and then visits another nearby cove or anchorage. The route can change because of the weather.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The buffet includes barbecue meats such as chicken breast, skewers, and sausages, along with salads and cake. Some departures may also include other grilled choices such as tuna.

Are drinks included?

Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are included throughout the excursion. Mallorcan wine and sangria are included with the meal. Other alcoholic drinks can be purchased at the bar by card, but American Express is not accepted.

Do I need to pay for snorkeling equipment?

Snorkeling equipment is available with a €10 refundable cash deposit. Life vests for adults and children are included.