Palma de Mallorca: Deluxe Catamaran Sailing Tour with Meal

The best part of this Palma sailing trip is the balance between comfortable cruising and time in the water. The Oasis catamaran leaves Palma for Cala Vella, where you can swim, jump from the boat, use a paddle board, or simply stretch out with a drink. Day trips include a barbecue, while the adult-only sunset sailing replaces lunch with tapas and canapés.

I like the limited passenger count, which keeps the boat from feeling like a floating bus. I also like the clean, modern setting, friendly crew, and proper meal served on board. The main catch is that cocktails cost extra, snorkeling gear is not included, and the meeting point can be hard to spot.

Key points to know before booking

• Maximum of 36 passengers: The catamaran can hold 57 people, but the operator limits bookings for more room.
• Cala Vella swimming stop: Expect clear water, paddle boards, swimming, and time to jump from the boat.
• Two distinct versions: Choose a daytime BBQ trip or an adult-only sunset sailing with tapas and canapés.
• Food is a real part of the experience: Lunch is prepared on board, with vegetarian options available.
• Bring snorkeling equipment: Masks and tubes cannot be rented, though a set can be bought on the boat for €25.
• Extra drinks cost more: Water is included, but cocktails and other drinks are charged separately.

A polished catamaran with room to breathe

The Oasis is designed as a luxury catamaran, but the practical benefit matters more than the label. The operator limits the number of passengers to 36, even though the boat is licensed for 57. That difference gives you more room to sit, move around, take photographs, and find a quiet corner during the four to four-and-a-half-hour trip.

Several details make the boat feel cared for. It is described as clean and modern, with tidy toilets and enough deck space for passengers to spread out. The crew includes three staff members on many departures, and their job is not just to steer the boat. They serve food, refill water, explain what is happening, and help passengers use the water equipment.

The music is kept relaxed rather than turning the trip into a loud party cruise. That makes the Oasis a good match for couples, families, and small groups who want a social afternoon without being packed shoulder to shoulder. You can still meet people on board, but you are not forced into a party atmosphere.

The reduced passenger count is the main reason this trip costs more than a basic boat outing. You are paying for space, a meal, crew service, and a more settled pace. If your only goal is to reach the sea as cheaply as possible, there are likely simpler options. If comfort matters, the difference is easy to understand.

Leaving Palma for Cala Vella

The trip begins at a meeting point in or near the Port of Palma, though the exact location depends on the booking option. Check the instructions closely before setting out. A few passengers found the pickup point confusing, and the operator does not provide hotel pickup.

Once on board, the catamaran heads across the bay toward Cala Vella. The journey gives you time to settle in, order a drink, and take in the views from the water. Palma looks different from offshore, with the old town and Cathedral becoming part of the return journey later in the day.

The boat may travel under engine power for part of the route and use its sails when conditions allow. Sailing with the wind up is one of the more pleasing parts of the ride, but it depends on weather and wind. Do not book this expecting constant sailing. The itinerary can change when sea conditions require it.

The boat carries unlimited water during the trip. Other drinks are available at the bar, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic choices, mixed drinks, and cocktails. Cocktails have been priced around €18 to €20 in recent feedback, so set aside extra money if that is part of your plan. Water is included, but drinks not specifically listed in the inclusions are not.

Cala Vella and the swimming stop

Cala Vella is the main outdoor attraction. The catamaran stops near a natural reserve with sheltered coves and clear water, giving you a chance to swim away from the city. The stop is long enough to make the journey feel like more than a sightseeing cruise.

You can enter the water for a swim, jump from the boat, or use the supplied stand-up paddle boards. Floating equipment may also be available, depending on the departure. This is a relaxed stop rather than a guided water-sports lesson, so you should be comfortable getting in and out of the sea on your own.

Snorkeling is possible, but you need to plan ahead. For hygiene reasons, masks and tubes are not rented. Bring your own set or buy one on the boat for €25. That extra cost is easy to miss when comparing tours, especially if snorkeling is important to you.

The water stop works best for people who want activity without a full excursion built around it. You can swim and paddle, then return to the deck for food and sun. If you dislike salt water, have limited mobility, or prefer a tour with several coastal stops, this one-stop format may feel too limited.

The daytime trip and its onboard BBQ

The daytime option includes appetizers and a BBQ lunch prepared directly on board. The food is more than a token snack, with several passengers describing the grilled meal as plentiful and better than expected. Vegetarian food is available, and the crew has also catered for dairy intolerance.

The exact menu can vary, so do not book this as a particular dish-focused food tour. The appeal is having a freshly prepared meal after time in the water, without needing to leave the boat or search for a restaurant. You can eat, order a drink, and continue watching the coast from the deck.

Timing also helps. The meal is linked to the swimming stop, so the day has a natural rhythm: sail out, stop for water activities, eat, relax, and return to Palma. That is easier than a trip that keeps moving from one photo stop to the next.

You should still tell the operator about dietary needs before departure. The available information confirms vegetarian and dairy-free catering in practice, but it does not provide a complete list of dietary options. If you have a serious allergy, ask what can be prepared before booking.

The adult-only sunset option

The sunset sailing follows the same general route toward Cala Vella, with a swim before the return to Palma. Instead of a daytime BBQ, you receive tapas and canapés. The lighter evening meal suits the slower mood, with small plates, drinks, and views as the sun drops.

This option is for adults aged 18 and over. Do not book it for minors. The sunset trip is also a better fit for couples and friends who want an evening on the water rather than a full beach-style afternoon.

The return route brings views of Palma’s old town and Cathedral. That is when the trip shifts from swimming outing to scenic cruise. Bring a light layer if you tend to feel cold after sunset. The crew has handed out blankets when the return became chilly, but you should not depend on that instead of dressing sensibly.

The sunset option does not automatically make every part of the trip more luxurious. You still pay separately for drinks, and the swimming stop remains part of the plan. Its value comes from the timing, atmosphere, and city views rather than from a different boat or a longer route.

Food, drinks, and what the price covers

At $88 per person, this is not Palma’s budget boat ride. The price includes the catamaran cruise, food based on the option selected, unlimited water, stand-up paddle board equipment, and insurance. It does not include hotel pickup, most drinks, or snorkeling equipment.

I think the price is fair if you value space and a meal. A cheaper trip may put more people on board and offer less room on deck. Here, the operator keeps capacity to 36, and some departures have carried around 15 to 33 people. That makes a meaningful difference when everyone wants a place in the sun or access to the water.

The bar is useful but can raise the final bill quickly. Cocktails around €18 to €20 are expensive compared with ordinary Palma prices, though other drinks may be more moderate. If you are watching costs, bring the budget for the tour itself and treat the bar as optional.

The included water is a small but practical benefit in the Mallorcan sun. You should still bring sunscreen and a hat, but note that the written instructions are inconsistent: sunscreen is listed among the things to bring and also among prohibited items. Contact the operator before departure to confirm the current rule, and do not assume any sunscreen product is accepted on board.

Crew service and the pace of the trip

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Staff members serve food and drinks, help passengers feel comfortable, explain the route, and look after people during the swimming stop. One crew member named Marshall was singled out for especially friendly service on a sunset departure.

You should expect attentive service, not a private charter. The crew is managing a group, preparing food, keeping the boat clean, and running the bar. That means some requests may take time when everyone is eating or returning from the water.

The mood is generally calm and friendly. Music adds atmosphere without turning the boat into a nightclub. Couples have used the sunset trip for anniversaries and honeymoons, while families have enjoyed the daytime BBQ and paddle boards.

The operator provides instruction in Spanish, English, German, and French. That helps if you need to understand safety directions or clarify meal and activity details. It does not mean every conversation will be in all four languages at once, so speak with the crew early if you have a particular question.

Who should book this catamaran trip

I would choose this outing if you want a polished half-day on the Mediterranean rather than a packed sightseeing schedule. It suits you if you enjoy swimming, sun, gentle sailing, and a proper meal without changing locations several times.

Families can choose the daytime trip, which allows minors and includes the BBQ. The water equipment adds something for active children, though parents should judge swimming ability and sea comfort for themselves. The sunset sailing is strictly adults only.

Couples get the most from the evening departure, especially if Palma is part of a longer holiday and you want a special night without booking a formal restaurant. The views of the city on the way back give the trip a clear sense of place.

You may want another option if you need hotel transportation, dislike boats, want extensive snorkeling, or expect a fully private experience. You should also avoid booking around a tight flight or rail connection, since weather can alter the itinerary and the trip lasts up to four and a half hours.

Wear casual, suitable clothing and swimwear. Bring a sun hat, towel, sunscreen after confirming the current boat rule, and your own snorkeling set if you want to use one. High heels are not allowed, which is sensible on a moving deck.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That is helpful when your Mallorca plans depend on weather, but it does not remove the need to check the meeting point for your chosen option.

Is the Oasis catamaran worth $88?

For the right kind of day, yes. The combination of limited capacity, a clean catamaran, a swimming stop, onboard food, and helpful crew gives you more than a basic harbor cruise. The strongest value comes from the extra space and the meal, not from the included drinks, since most drinks cost more.

Choose the daytime trip if you want the most practical use of the four hours, with swimming, paddle boards, and a BBQ. Choose sunset if you prefer tapas, adult company, softer light, and Palma Cathedral on the return.

I would book it for a relaxed highlight of a Mallorca stay, especially for couples, families, and anyone who dislikes overcrowded boat tours. I would skip it if you are mainly seeking a low-cost way to swim or if paid cocktails and a separate snorkeling purchase will strain your budget.

FAQ

How long is the Palma catamaran tour?

The trip lasts approximately four to four and a half hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The meeting point varies according to the option booked. The activity finishes back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to reach the assigned meeting point yourself.

What food is included on the daytime trip?

The daytime option includes appetizers and a BBQ lunch prepared on board. Vegetarian food is available, and dairy-free catering has been provided.

What food is included on the sunset trip?

The sunset option includes tapas and canapés instead of the daytime BBQ.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water is included. Other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including cocktails and mixed drinks, are not included unless specifically stated.

Can I use snorkeling equipment on the boat?

You can snorkel, but masks and tubes cannot be rented for hygiene reasons. Bring your own equipment or buy a snorkeling set on the boat for €25.

Are children allowed on the tour?

Children can join the daytime option. The sunset option is for adults aged 18 and over only.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen after confirming the current sunscreen rule with the operator. High-heeled shoes are not allowed, and the route may change because of weather conditions.