Five hours, two swim stops, and real BBQ.

This Palma de Mallorca catamaran cruise sends you along Mallorca’s south coast, past big yachts and charter boats, then drops anchor at coves near shore. You’ll go either to Portals Vells or Cala Vella first, and the exact route can shift with wind and sea conditions.

I love how the swim time is built around easy access to the water, with masks and snorkeling gear available for a small refundable cash deposit. I also love the onboard BBQ lunch setup, where you’re eating grilled meats, fresh salads, and cake while Mallorca wine and sangria are served with the meal.

One possible drawback: the second swim stop can be less impressive if water color or visibility isn’t as good that day, and the start of boarding can feel busy since it’s a larger catamaran.

Key things to know before you go

• Two anchor-drop swim breaks in Mallorca coves, not just one quick stop
• South-coast sailing views from the water, including the “famous yacht” harbor scene at Palma
• Snorkeling support with refundable deposit for masks/gear (cash required for the deposit)
• BBQ lunch at the right moment after you’ve actually had time to work up an appetite
• Drinks tied to the meal (wine and sangria included during lunch; card-only on board)
• Weather can change the route so you’re flexible about what exact cove you’ll get

Palma de Mallorca Catamaran Coves: What Makes This Cruise Worth It

This is the kind of trip that feels simple on paper: sail, swim, eat, repeat. But the “why” is in the pacing. You get real time in the water from a boat anchored right near shore, then you eat while the sea is still working its magic in the background.

The other big win is value. For around $69 per person, you’re not just paying for a boat ride. You’re paying for multiple swim opportunities plus an onboard BBQ meal, soft drinks, coffee and juice across the excursion, and wine and sangria with lunch.

From Palma Port to South Coast: How the Sailing Feels in Real Time

You meet at the Port of Palma, at the dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma along Passeig Marítim. Look for a boat labeled Magic Catamarans on the harbor side, and plan to arrive about 30 minutes early since parking is limited and boarding is scheduled.

Once you’re underway, you’re treated to classic “from the sea” angles of Palma’s harbor and coastline. You’ll also see why this route is popular with people who like to travel light: the catamaran is your transport, your viewpoint, and your base while the crew prepares the day’s food.

Portals Vells or Cala Vella: Your First Swim Stop (and Why It Matters)

Your first destination is determined by wind conditions: either Portals Vells or Cala Vella. This is an important detail because it affects how close the boat can anchor and how comfortable the swim time feels.

Here’s what you can realistically expect at this first stop:

• The water is typically clear and bright in this part of Mallorca.
• You can jump in from the boat and swim near idyllic shorelines.
• Snorkeling is most likely to feel satisfying here, because visibility tends to be better when you’re anchored where fish are easier to spot.

If you love photos, this stop is usually the one that delivers them. The mix of turquoise water, coves, and shallow areas can make it easy to find your “one more picture” moment without rushing.

The Second Cove Drop: More Swimming, Different Conditions

After the first swim break, you continue to a second anchoring spot in another cove near the first. The cruise keeps things relaxed, but the water conditions can vary. Some days the second stop is every bit as gorgeous as the first, and some days it’s more of a refresher than a snorkeling showpiece.

What to watch for:

• If the sea has had recent rain or rough weather, water color and clarity can change.
• If your second stop is anchored in deeper water, snorkel visibility may be less dramatic even though the swim itself is still fun.

The good news is you still get meaningful time in the water. Even if the snorkel isn’t perfect, you’re on vacation in the sun with a safe, crew-managed spot and another chance to cool off.

BBQ Lunch on Board: Grilled Food, Salads, Cake, and Mallorca Drinks

The meal is a core part of why this tour works. It’s not just “snack while moving.” You return to the catamaran, and lunch is served as a buffet with grilled favorites: meats like chicken breast, skewers, and sausage, plus fresh salads and cake for dessert.

Drinks are also structured in a way that keeps things easy:

• Soft drinks and mineral water are included throughout the trip.
• Coffee and juice are included as well.
• Wine from Mallorca and sangria are included during the meal.

One practical note: alcoholic drinks outside of mealtime are available for purchase at the bar, but you’ll need to pay by card, and American Express isn’t accepted.

Snorkeling Gear and Life Vests: What’s Included and What You Should Do

You’ll get life vests for adults and children onboard. That’s useful because it reduces stress for families and non-swimmers who still want the experience of being near open water.

For snorkeling, you have masks included with a €10 refundable cash deposit. If you plan to snorkel, bring the deposit in cash so you don’t lose time at the desk. The crew also provides guidance in a general way, and there’s time to look for local marine life.

My advice: think of snorkeling here as “fun exploration,” not a technical dive. Your best results will come at the clearest stop with the most accessible shoreline. If you go in with that mindset, you’ll enjoy it more.

Timing Choices: 10:00 AM for Daylight or 3:30 PM for Sunset Views

You can choose between a morning departure at 10:00 AM or an afternoon departure at 3:30 PM. Both options cover the full 5-hour experience and include the same core pieces: sailing, two swim stops, and the BBQ lunch.

If you take the afternoon departure, you’ll often get a more scenic return to Palma. Some trips include a close pass near the Palma Cathedral area for photo views on the way back, and several guests talk about sunset atmosphere while you’re still out on the water.

If you’re planning activities later in Palma, the morning slot is easier to build around. If you want the sea-light magic and don’t mind a later evening, the 3:30 option is a strong match.

Music and On-Board Vibe: The Fun Part That’s Not Just for Party People

The catamaran experience here tends to be upbeat rather than stiff. Music plays throughout the cruise, and the onboard atmosphere is often described as cheerful and lively, with crew energy that keeps the day moving.

A small heads-up: if you’re very sensitive to sound levels, you might notice that music volume can feel inconsistent. Also, because it’s a larger boat, the first minutes of boarding can feel like a crowd even when the boat itself later feels comfortable.

Getting There and Boarding Smoothly: Avoid the First-10-Minute Chaos

This is a boat day, so your success starts before you ever reach the water. Meet at the Port of Palma, at the dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma. Arrive about 30 minutes early because parking is limited and you’ll likely walk through some lines before you find the right spot.

Also note:

• Route can change due to weather conditions.
• If you’re traveling in a group with multiple reservations and want to be together, contact the provider directly.
• Vegetarian options aren’t automatically listed, so you’ll want to confirm directly with the operator.

Once you’re aboard, though, the flow improves. Most people settle quickly because the day is built around clear stages: sail out, anchor and swim, get fed, swim again, and head home.

Value Check: Does $69 Buy Enough?

For a 5-hour catamaran cruise, the price makes sense because you’re not paying separately for each element:

• Two swim stops with time to swim and snorkel
• BBQ lunch with multiple meat options plus salads and cake
• Drinks included across the trip (water, soft drinks, coffee, juice) and wine/sangria with lunch
• Snorkeling equipment available with a refundable deposit
• Life vests for adults and children

A lot of tours in Mallorca sell the idea of a boat day, then quietly charge extra for food or drinks. Here, the meal and key drinks are part of the package, which is what makes the cost feel fair.

The only real “value risk” is if you’re expecting a perfect snorkeling spectacle at every single stop. Water conditions can shift. If your priorities are mostly swimming, views, and relaxed sun time, you’ll be happier even when the second stop isn’t as clear as the first.

Who This Cruise Suits Best (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This is a great fit if you:

• Want a simple half-day plan with minimal logistics
• Like swimming from boats and don’t want to manage beaches on your own
• Care about food that’s actually part of the experience, not just a snack
• Want a social, fun atmosphere without it being a full party scene

It may be less ideal if you:

• Want a quiet, intimate boat with no crowd feeling at the dock
• Are very picky about snorkeling visibility at every stop
• Need a guaranteed vegetarian meal without confirming ahead

Families often do well because vests are provided and swim time is built into the schedule.

Should You Book Magic Catamarans in Palma de Mallorca?

Yes, I’d book this if you want a straightforward Mallorca highlight that mixes two swim breaks with an onboard BBQ lunch and included drinks. The price feels reasonable for the amount of time on the water and the fact that lunch isn’t an afterthought.

If you’re booking specifically for top-tier snorkeling every time, keep expectations flexible. The first stop is often the strongest, and the second can vary with conditions.

Bottom line: if your dream day includes sun, turquoise coves, and grilled food served while you’re still in vacation mode, this is a strong bet.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the Magic Catamarans cruise?

You meet at the Port of Palma, at the boat dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on Passeig Marítim. Look for a boat labeled Magic Catamarans on the pier in front of the Auditorium (harbor side), and arrive about 30 minutes early.

What swim stops does the cruise include?

The cruise makes 2 stops for swimming. The first stop is either Portals Vells or Cala Vella depending on wind conditions, and the second stop is another nearby cove.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

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

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch includes a buffet of BBQ meats, fresh salads, and cake for dessert. Soft drinks, mineral water, coffee, and juice are included during the full excursion. Mallorca wine and sangria are included during the meal.

Is there a vegetarian option?

If you need a vegetarian option, contact the activity provider directly to confirm. It’s not guaranteed in the basic information.

Do they charge extra for alcohol on board?

Alcoholic drinks outside of mealtime can be purchased at the bar with card. Only card payments are accepted on board, and American Express isn’t accepted.

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