Catamaran sailing in Mallorca through the Bay of Palma with BBQ

Crystal water, open sea, and lunch on deck. This Mallorca catamaran trip pairs a relaxed sail from Palma with a swim stop at Cala Vella, a BBQ prepared on board, and paddleboards included in the price. I especially like the small maximum group of 36 and the friendly, organized crew praised by several guests. The main drawback is simple: you visit one swimming cove, so anyone expecting a full coastal tour may find the route limited.

The experience costs about $91.71 per person and lasts roughly four to four and a half hours. I also like that the boat can hold 57 people but accepts no more than 36, giving you more room to sit, eat, and move around. Still, the water stop depends on weather, and the cove itself may feel less spectacular than the price suggests.

Key points to know before you book

• Small-group sailing: The catamaran has capacity for 57 people but limits bookings to 36 for more comfortable sailing.
• One main swim stop: You sail from Palma to Cala Vella, then return through the Bay of Palma.
• BBQ cooked on board: Lunch is served during the stop, with the boat remaining your base.
• Paddleboards included: Paddle surf equipment is available at no extra charge.
• Half-day timing: Plan for about four to four and a half hours, depending on the exact schedule and route.
• Weather matters: The captain may alter the route, or the trip may be rescheduled or refunded if conditions are poor.

Setting sail from the Port of Palma

The trip begins at the meeting point in Palma, listed as HJ9V+29 Palma. You return to this same point at the end, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride from the swimming stop.

The first part of the outing takes you out across Badia de Palma, the Bay of Palma. This is a good way to see Mallorca from a different angle. The city gradually becomes a backdrop, and the focus shifts to open water, the boat, and the coast ahead.

I like that this is a proper sailing outing rather than a quick transfer to a beach. The trip gives you time to settle into the catamaran, find a comfortable place to sit, and enjoy the sea before lunch and swimming begin.

The boat is described as elegant and spacious, with room for 57 people. In practice, the operator accepts no more than 36. That difference matters. A catamaran packed to its legal capacity can feel crowded around the railings, buffet area, and swimming platform. A 36-person limit should leave you with a better chance of finding a comfortable spot.

Of course, 36 people is not a private cruise. You will still share the boat with a group, and the feel may change depending on the mix of families, couples, and friends. But compared with a full-size party boat, this setup is more restrained.

Cala Vella is the main event

The boat sails toward Cala Vella, a nature reserve known for its clear water and small coves. This is the heart of the outing. You anchor or stop in the area, then have time to swim, relax, use the paddleboards, and eat lunch.

The cove is meant for enjoying the water rather than sightseeing on land. You should think of this as a floating beach afternoon, not a coastal sightseeing tour with several stops. The appeal comes from the combination of scenery and free time.

I like this format because it avoids a rushed schedule. You do not spend the whole day climbing on and off the boat. Once the catamaran reaches Cala Vella, you can choose your own pace. Swim if you want an active hour, paddle if you want a little exercise, or stay on deck and watch the water.

The limitation is equally clear. You sail to one main destination, and the route may feel modest if you have already taken several boat trips around Mallorca. One guest rated the experience poorly after finding the single destination average, especially for the price. That is useful criticism to keep in mind. The outing works best when you want a calm half-day on the sea, not when you want a long list of coves and viewpoints.

The route can also change because of weather. Wind, waves, or other sea conditions may affect where the catamaran goes and how long it stays in one area. Cala Vella is the planned focus, but it is wise to treat the exact route as flexible.

Swimming, paddleboards, and time in the water

The swim stop gives you the most freedom of the day. The water at Cala Vella is described as crystal clear, and the setting is intended for swimming and relaxation.

Paddleboards are included in the price and are carried on board. This is one of the better details for active visitors. You do not have to pay another rental fee once the boat reaches the cove, and you can add a little movement to what might otherwise be a fairly passive cruise.

The paddleboards also make the stop more appealing for people who do not want to swim for the entire break. You might take a short turn on the board, return to the catamaran, and then spend time eating or sitting in the sun.

The supplied information does not specify how many boards are available or how long each person may use them. If the group is keen to paddle, you may need to share. The same applies to the swimming area: the experience includes access to the water, but it does not promise a private cove or a secluded beach.

Bring the right attitude. This is a social boat outing with water activities, not a guided marine expedition. You will have an attractive setting and useful equipment, but the day is built around easy enjoyment rather than expert instruction.

A BBQ served directly on the catamaran

Lunch is prepared on board and served during the stop at Cala Vella. That arrangement is practical. You do not have to leave the boat to find a restaurant, and you can eat while remaining close to the water.

The BBQ receives some of the strongest praise attached to this experience. Several people describe the food as better than expected, and the meal is repeatedly paired with positive comments about the crew. That makes the food more than a minor extra. It is a central part of the value.

Still, the available details do not list the exact menu, portion sizes, or choices for special diets. If you have food allergies, follow a strict diet, or need a vegetarian option, contact Oasis Catamaran before booking. Do not assume the BBQ will suit every dietary need simply because lunch is included.

Timing also matters. Since swimming, paddleboarding, and lunch all take place during the same stop, you may want to eat at one point and return to the water afterward. The boat gives you a self-directed break, but it does not promise that everyone will follow the same schedule.

The meal can make the $91.71 price easier to justify. You are paying for the vessel, crew, sailing time, water activities, and food in one package. If you would normally pay separately for a boat ride, lunch, and paddleboard hire, the combined cost may feel reasonable.

The crew shapes the mood

The crew is one of the most praised parts of the experience. Descriptions focus on friendly service, organization, smiles, and professionalism. One particularly useful detail is the name Oasis, used in connection with the boat and crew, which helps distinguish this outing from a generic harbor cruise.

A good crew matters on a trip like this. You are sharing a boat, waiting for lunch, using shared equipment, and moving between sailing and swimming. Clear instructions and a helpful attitude make those transitions easier.

The mood also appears to be a major part of the appeal. The catamaran is described as having a good atmosphere without feeling overcrowded. That suggests a trip suited to people who want conversation, music or casual social energy, and a relaxed group setting.

The tone may not suit everyone. If you want silence, total privacy, or a boat reserved only for your own group, this is not the right format. The maximum of 36 people is relatively comfortable, but it is still a shared excursion.

Is $91.71 a fair price?

At about $91.71 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Mallorca. The value depends on how much use you make of the package.

The price includes approximately four to four and a half hours on the catamaran, the sailing route from Palma, the stop at Cala Vella, the BBQ, and paddleboards. You also receive the convenience of returning to the original meeting point instead of arranging your own transport between locations.

I see the best value for someone who wants a simple half-day plan. You can book one activity and receive transport by sea, lunch, and water time without piecing everything together yourself. The small-group limit adds value too, since extra space can make a big difference on a boat.

The value is weaker if you measure the trip by the number of places visited. There is one principal stop, and the route back takes place through the Bay of Palma. If you want several coves, longer sailing, or a more ambitious coastal route, you may feel that $91.71 buys less than expected.

The positive food and crew feedback helps support the cost, but expectations are key. Think of this as a comfortable sailing-and-swimming package, not a full-day exploration of Mallorca’s coast.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most?

I would recommend this outing to couples, small groups of friends, and families who want a relaxed day on the water without booking a private boat. It also suits first-time catamaran riders who prefer a structured trip with food and equipment included.

You will likely enjoy it if you value:

• A manageable group rather than a boat filled to capacity
• Time to swim in clear water
• A BBQ without leaving the vessel
• Paddleboards included in the price
• A friendly, social atmosphere
• A half-day activity that starts and ends in Palma

It may be less suitable if you want several stops, a quiet private experience, or a highly active sailing program. The boat’s main purpose is enjoyment and relaxation. You are not signing up for sailing lessons, a long coastal crossing, or a detailed nature tour.

Because most people book about 27 days ahead, popular dates may fill early. That booking pattern suggests planning ahead is sensible, especially if you have limited time in Mallorca. The mobile ticket also makes it easier to keep the booking on your phone rather than carrying printed paperwork.

Practical details that affect your day

The activity lasts around four and a half hours, although the route information also describes the sailing portion as four hours. I would reserve at least half a day and avoid placing an important appointment immediately afterward.

The meeting point is in Palma at HJ9V+29 Palma, and the activity ends back there. Check the exact meeting instructions on your mobile ticket before departure, since map codes can be easier to use than a street address.

Most people can take part, according to the supplied details. However, swimming and paddleboarding require you to be comfortable around water. The information does not provide specific accessibility details, so contact the provider directly if you need assistance boarding or moving around the catamaran.

The experience requires good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

For your own cancellation, you receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. The cutoff uses local Mallorca time.

Should you book the Bay of Palma catamaran?

Book it if you want a polished, easy half-day on the Mediterranean, with a clear-water swim, paddleboards, and a BBQ handled by a friendly crew. The limited group size is a real advantage, and the food appears to be better than many people expect from a boat lunch.

Skip it if your priority is covering lots of coastline or visiting several coves. One stop may feel too little for the cost, especially if you have already taken other cruises around Mallorca.

My practical advice is to book this for the experience of being on the catamaran, not simply as transport to Cala Vella. If the boat, lunch, shared atmosphere, and water time sound like the day you want, the package makes sense. If you are mainly chasing new scenery, choose an outing with a longer route and more stops.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip start?

The trip starts at HJ9V+29 Palma in Palma, Mallorca.

Where does the activity finish?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point in Palma.

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts approximately four and a half hours. The route details also describe the sailing portion as four hours, so plan for a half-day activity.

What destination does the catamaran visit?

The catamaran sails from the Port of Palma toward Cala Vella, a nature reserve with clear water and small coves.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The itinerary includes a stop at Cala Vella where you can swim and relax.

Are paddleboards included?

Yes. Paddle surf equipment is available on board and included in the price.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ is prepared directly on the catamaran during the stop at Cala Vella.

How many people can join the trip?

The catamaran has capacity for 57 people, but the operator accepts a maximum of 36 participants.

Can the route change?

Yes. The route may be altered depending on weather conditions.

What happens if the trip is canceled because of weather?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the activity to be canceled.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.