Palma de Mallorca: Deluxe Catamaran Sailing Tour with Meal

Mallorca looks best from the water. The Oasis catamaran combines a polished boat, a beautiful swim stop at Cala Vella, and a relaxed four-hour cruise that feels calmer than the packed party boats leaving Palma. I especially like the 36-person limit on a boat built for 57 and the generous onboard meal. The main catch is that drinks beyond water cost extra, and the meeting point may be hard to spot.

Choose the daytime sailing for a BBQ, swimming, paddleboarding, and a livelier Mediterranean afternoon. Choose the sunset sailing for tapas, canapés, romantic views, and Palma’s cathedral glowing on the return. I also like that the crew speaks English, French, German, and Spanish, though you should bring your own snorkeling gear or buy a set onboard for €25.

Key points at a glance

• A deliberately smaller group: The catamaran holds 57, but bookings are capped at 36 for more room to sit, move, and enjoy the swim stop.
• Cala Vella swimming stop: Expect clear water, rocky coves, and time to swim near the Cap Rocat cliffs.
• Two distinct tour styles: The daytime option includes a BBQ, while the sunset option serves tapas and canapés and is for adults aged 18 and over.
• Water activities included: Stand-up paddleboards are included, while snorkeling masks and tubes are not.
• Fresh food prepared onboard: The BBQ has included chicken, hot dogs, corn, salad, bread, and other generous portions, with vegetarian and dietary options reported.
• A polished boat at a mid-to-high price: At $97 per person, the value rests mainly in the lower passenger count, clean facilities, food, and comfortable catamaran.

Leaving Palma on the Oasis catamaran

The Oasis departs from the Port of Palma and heads out across the bay toward Cala Vella. The boat has a modern, elegant design, and the layout gives you room to sit in the sun, take photos, or find shade as the cruise gets underway.

The reduced passenger count matters here. Many Mallorca boat tours fill every available space, which can turn a scenic cruise into a shuffle for deck chairs and swim equipment. This sailing keeps the maximum at 36, even though the boat is licensed for 57. Some departures have carried fewer than 20 people, while others have been closer to the limit.

That makes the Oasis a good fit if you want a social outing without a loud party-boat mood. The atmosphere can still become lively, especially on the sunset trip. One particularly memorable evening included live saxophone music, and the relaxed cruise turned into an impromptu dance session. That sort of entertainment may not happen on every departure, but music is part of the onboard atmosphere.

The crew is one of the tour’s strongest features. Three or four crew members may be working, depending on the sailing, and they handle food service, drinks, safety, and the water equipment. Captain Pawel has received warm praise for his friendly manner and nautical experience, while Marshall was singled out for making a honeymoon outing feel special. Names and staffing can change, but you can expect a professional crew rather than a simple boat transfer.

The route to Cala Vella and Cap Rocat

The ride to the swimming area takes about an hour, depending on conditions and the exact route. Along the way, you get broad views across the bay and Mallorca’s rocky coast. If the wind cooperates, the sails go up, making the trip quieter and more pleasant than a cruise that runs entirely under engine power.

Weather matters. The itinerary can change if conditions are poor, and the sea can become choppy. If you suffer from motion sickness, bring the medication you normally use before boarding. One passenger described the ride as slightly rough at times, though still very manageable and worth repeating.

Cala Vella is the main scenic reward. The boat stops near clear, turquoise water bordered by rocky cliffs and small coves. Several people have compared the setting near Cap Rocat to the kind of postcard view that makes a swim stop worth the trip out of Palma.

This is not a beach visit. You swim directly from the catamaran, so you should be comfortable using a ladder or jumping from the boat into the water. The crew provides paddleboards, and you can take turns using them. There are also snorkeling opportunities, but masks and tubes are not included for hygiene reasons. Bring your own set or buy one onboard for €25.

The swimming stop is long enough to be a central part of the outing rather than a rushed photo break. You can swim, float, paddle, or simply sit on deck and watch the water. The exact amount of time depends on the schedule and weather, so do not expect a fixed timetable down to the minute.

The daytime BBQ and onboard food

On the daytime trip, the crew prepares lunch on the catamaran after reaching the swimming area. The food has included grilled chicken, hot dogs, sweet corn, salad, bread rolls, mini burgers, cheese, and dessert. Portions are generally generous, with enough food that some sailings have had leftovers.

The meal is a real part of the value. You are not paying $97 only for a boat ride and a quick swim. You are also getting a prepared lunch, unlimited water, the catamaran, paddleboards, insurance, and several hours on the sea.

Vegetarians and people with some dietary restrictions have been accommodated, but it is still wise to tell the operator in advance. The food is casual rather than fine dining. Think of a well-prepared BBQ served on deck, not a restaurant meal with formal service.

The sunset sailing replaces the BBQ with tapas and canapés. The selection has included dessert, and the portions have been described as satisfying. This option suits couples and adults who care more about evening views and a slower mood than a full lunch.

The sunset tour is adults only, so do not book it for anyone under 18. Families should choose the daytime option instead.

Drinks, music, and the mood onboard

Unlimited water is included and kept cold throughout the cruise. Other drinks are available from the bar, including beer, cocktails, mixed drinks, and non-alcoholic choices, but they are not included in the advertised price.

Prices vary by drink. Beer has been reported at around €3.50, while cocktails have commonly cost about €10 to €20. Several people found the drinks reasonable overall but considered cocktails expensive. If you are trying to keep the cost under control, budget for water and one drink rather than assuming the bar is included.

There is one useful service tip: after the meal, ask directly for any drink included with your booking if the crew has not brought it. One person found that the complimentary drink was not always offered automatically after food service.

The music is generally relaxed and not too loud. The atmosphere can shift from quiet sightseeing to a small party, especially on the sunset return. That balance works well for a couple’s celebration, a birthday, or a group of friends who want some energy without a full club-at-sea setup.

The boat also has two clean toilets, a detail that matters on a four-hour cruise. Several people specifically appreciated how spotless the vessel and bathrooms were.

Daytime sailing or sunset cruise?

The daytime sailing is the more practical choice for families, swimmers, and anyone who wants to make full use of the paddleboards. You see the coastline clearly, swim in strong daylight, and eat a BBQ while the boat is stopped near Cala Vella.

The sunset trip is more atmospheric. You still sail toward Cala Vella and stop for a swim, but the focus shifts to tapas, canapés, drinks, and the changing light over the bay. On the return to Palma, you can see the old town and the Cathedral from the water.

The final approach to Palma is one of the best parts of the evening option. The cathedral and waterfront look different from the sea, especially as daylight fades. This is a sightseeing cruise as much as a meal outing.

I would choose daytime if swimming is your priority. I would choose sunset if you want a date-night setting, a special occasion, or a scenic evening with food and drinks. Both options last about four to four and a half hours.

Finding the meeting point in Palma

The meeting point can vary by the option you book, so check the current details before leaving your hotel. The most common practical complaint is that the departure spot is not clearly marked with a large Oasis sign.

The map pin has generally been accurate. At one departure point, the advice was to wait by the pier near the parked cars and beside the stairs. A crew member arrives to check people in, and the catamaran comes to that same spot.

Do not arrive assuming you will see a prominent ticket office. Check WhatsApp before setting out because location updates may be sent there rather than through the booking platform. This is especially important if the operator changes the pier.

Hotel pickup is not included. You need to make your own way to the port.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Bring swimwear, a towel, a sun hat, and sunscreen. There is a confusing contradiction in the supplied instructions: sunscreen appears both under items to bring and under items not allowed. Confirm the current rule with the operator before departure rather than arriving with the wrong product.

You may bring your own snorkeling mask and tube, or buy a set onboard for €25. Paddleboards are included, so you do not need to rent those separately.

Wear casual, appropriate clothing and shoes that are easy to remove. High heels are not allowed, and shoes must be removed indoors. Food, drinks, coolers, drones, fishing equipment, and pets are also not allowed.

The operator does not permit intoxication, alcohol or drugs brought onboard, explosive items, costumes, or bachelor and bachelorette party groups. This is designed as a polished sailing outing, not a private party boat.

Is the $97 price good value?

At $97 per person, this is more expensive than a basic group boat ride around Palma. The price makes more sense when you consider what is included: a luxury catamaran, a smaller passenger load, insurance, unlimited water, paddleboards, and either a BBQ or tapas meal.

The strongest value is the space. A cheaper boat may cost less but carry far more people, leaving you with less room and longer waits for swim equipment. On the Oasis, the maximum of 36 helps the trip feel comfortable, even when the boat is full.

You still need to budget for cocktails and other drinks, and snorkeling equipment is extra. There is no hotel pickup either. For two people, these add-ons can raise the final cost, so check the bar prices before ordering several cocktails.

I think the price is justified for couples, families who value comfort, and anyone who has already seen crowded boat trips and wants something calmer. If your only goal is a quick swim in the sea, a cheaper option may do the job.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

This tour suits you if you like a mix of scenery, swimming, food, and easy social time. It works especially well for:

• Couples celebrating an anniversary, honeymoon, or birthday
• Families choosing the daytime option
• Visitors who want a cleaner, less crowded boat
• Swimmers who plan to use paddleboards and jump into the sea
• Anyone who wants Palma Cathedral views from the water
• Small groups looking for a relaxed half-day outing

It is less suitable if you want a fast sailing trip with constant movement, a fully private charter, or an inexpensive no-frills boat ride. The cruise includes a long ride to the swim stop, and the sea may be choppy.

The sunset sailing is not suitable for minors. People who dislike boats or motion should plan carefully and bring their usual motion-sickness remedy.

Should you book the Oasis catamaran?

I would book this tour if comfort and space matter more to you than finding the lowest price. The clean catamaran, capable crew, generous food, clear-water swim stop, and lower passenger limit create a much better setting than a packed party cruise.

Choose the daytime BBQ for swimming, paddleboards, and family-friendly fun. Choose the sunset option for tapas, romantic scenery, and Palma Cathedral views on the way back. Before booking, confirm the meeting point, check WhatsApp for updates, budget for paid drinks, and bring snorkeling gear if you want to use it.

FAQ

How long is the Oasis catamaran tour?

The tour lasts approximately four to four and a half hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the option you choose.

Where does the catamaran depart from?

The boat leaves from the Port of Palma. The exact meeting point may vary, and the departure area may not have a clear sign, so follow the map pin and check for any WhatsApp updates.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup is not included, so you must make your own way to the meeting point.

What food is included on the daytime tour?

The daytime option includes appetizers and a BBQ prepared onboard. Food has included grilled chicken, hot dogs, corn, salads, bread, and other casual BBQ items.

What food is included on the sunset tour?

The sunset option includes tapas and canapés. It does not include the daytime BBQ.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water is included. Other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available from the onboard bar but are not included unless specifically stated for your booking.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. For hygiene reasons, masks and tubes cannot be rented as part of the standard tour. You can bring your own or buy a snorkeling set onboard for €25. Paddleboards are included.

Can children join the sunset sailing?

No. The sunset option is for adults aged 18 and over. Children may join the daytime option, subject to the booking conditions.

What happens if the weather changes?

The itinerary may be amended because of weather conditions. If you need to cancel, you can receive a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.