Catamaran Sailing in Palma Mallorca includes Aperitif and BBQ

Clear water, good food, and plenty of deck space. This 5.5-hour Palma catamaran cruise combines a stop at La Cueva Verda, a BBQ in Cala Vella, swimming, and stand-up paddleboarding. I especially like the new 2023 catamaran and the limited capacity of 55 people, which should feel more comfortable than a full-size sightseeing boat. The freshly prepared food and friendly crew also earn strong praise.

The main caution is that comfort depends on the day. One low-rated account found the boat too crowded, missed planned stops, and could not swim because of conditions. Music can also be loud near the speakers, and drinks are extra. The route may change with weather, so this is best viewed as a flexible sea outing rather than a fixed sightseeing cruise.

Key points at a glance

• A newer, roomier boat: The catamaran was launched in 2023 and carries up to 84 people, but the excursion limits numbers to 55.
• Two food moments: You get an aperitif at La Cueva Verda and a freshly prepared BBQ at Cala Vella.
• Swimming is central: The Cala Vella stop is designed for time in the water, with paddleboards included.
• A scenic Palma departure: The boat leaves from Port of Palma and returns through the Bay of Palma.
• Drinks cost extra: A bar serves cocktails, mixed drinks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the trip.
• Weather affects the plan: The route, stops, and water time can change in poor conditions.

From Palma harbor toward Cala Vella

The trip begins at Oasis Catamaran, at Av. de Gabriel Roca, 16, in Palma. That puts you right on the city’s port waterfront, a practical departure point if you are staying in Palma and want a half-day on the sea without arranging separate transport.

The full outing lasts about five and a half hours. That is long enough to feel like a proper day on the water, but not so long that you lose an entire day of sightseeing in Mallorca. You spend part of the time sailing across the Bay of Palma, with the rest set aside for food, swimming, relaxing, and paddleboarding.

The boat heads toward Cala Vella, a protected area known for small coves and clear water. The route itself is part of the appeal. You are not simply being ferried from one dock to another. The return sail gives you another chance to sit back, enjoy the coastline, and see the bay from the water.

Do not expect a guided history tour of Palma. The experience is built around the sea, the food, and the atmosphere. If you want detailed commentary about the island’s coastline, ask the crew when you board, since the available information may be limited.

What the 2023 catamaran feels like onboard

The catamaran has room for 84 people, but this experience limits the group to a maximum of 55. That difference matters. A boat can be technically within its legal capacity and still feel cramped, especially when people are eating, changing for swimming, or moving between shaded and sunny areas.

The lower passenger limit is one of the strongest reasons to consider this trip. Several high-scoring accounts praise the amount of seating and the choice between sun and shade. One person specifically preferred this boat after seeing several catamarans leave at the same time, noting that it appeared to have more seating and fewer people.

Still, do not picture a private sailing charter. With up to 55 people, this remains a shared excursion. The boat may feel easygoing when everyone is spread across the deck, then busier during the BBQ or when people gather at the swimming platform.

The vessel is described as luxurious and brand new in 2023. The strongest praise focuses on its clean condition, good seating, and comfortable layout. Shoes are requested to be removed when boarding, a small rule that helps keep the deck clean and pleasant.

Music is part of the mood. Most of the time, that means a relaxed holiday feel, but one family found the volume too high for easy conversation when seated under the speakers. If you want a quieter spot, pay attention to where the speakers are before settling in.

La Cueva Verda and the first aperitif

The first stop is La Cueva Verda, where an aperitif is served. The name suggests a cave or cove setting, and the stop is meant to give you an early taste of the scenery before the main meal and swimming session at Cala Vella.

An aperitif is not the same as a full lunch. Think of it as a light food service that sets the tone for the outing. The food receives very good marks overall, with descriptions of tapas-style dishes and enough to keep people satisfied before the BBQ.

This first stop also breaks up the sailing time. Rather than spending several hours sitting in one position, you get a chance to look around, eat, and enjoy the setting. If you are prone to seasickness, having food and a pause in the schedule may help, although the boat’s movement and your own comfort will vary with the weather.

The exact route and timing can change. This is important because one account expected three stops but experienced two. The advertised plan includes an aperitif stop and a BBQ stop, but weather and sea conditions can affect how long the boat remains in each place.

Cala Vella, swimming, and paddleboards

Cala Vella is the main event. The boat stops in a protected area with clear water and idyllic coves, giving you time to swim, relax, and use the paddleboards supplied onboard.

This is where the trip has its strongest sense of place. Mallorca’s coast is best appreciated from the water, and Cala Vella offers the kind of setting that makes a boat day worthwhile. You can jump from the boat into the sea, float near the catamaran, or take a paddleboard out for a closer look at the cove.

Swimming time is not guaranteed in every condition. The route can be altered for weather, and a low-rated experience reported being unable to swim. That is not a minor detail if you are booking mainly for the water. On a calm, suitable day, swimming and paddleboarding are a major part of the value. On a rough or restricted day, the trip becomes more about sailing and food.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a dry change of clothes. The available information does not specify changing facilities, so it is sensible to keep your belongings simple and easy to manage. A mobile ticket is accepted, which means you do not need to print your confirmation.

BBQ lunch on the Mediterranean

The BBQ is prepared directly onboard during the Cala Vella stop. That gives the meal a pleasant connection to the setting. You are eating on the catamaran, surrounded by clear water, rather than stopping at a restaurant and losing the day’s rhythm.

Food is one of the most praised parts of the experience. The BBQ is described as good quality, generous, and plentiful enough for seconds. Some accounts also mention a dessert and two substantial food services, while others refer to tapas and a buffet-style spread. The exact menu is not provided, so I would not book this expecting a particular meat, side dish, or dessert.

The practical advantage is convenience. You do not need to find a restaurant in a busy coastal area, and the meal is built into the sailing schedule. At $109.31 per person, food, the boat, staff, the swimming stop, and paddleboard use are all part of the package.

Drinks are not included. The onboard bar remains open during the excursion and sells cocktails, mixed drinks, beer or wine-style alcoholic options, and non-alcoholic beverages. Keep that extra cost in mind if you expect to buy several drinks. The listed price is not an all-inclusive fare.

Sailing back through the Bay of Palma

After the Cala Vella stop and BBQ, the catamaran returns toward Palma across the bay. This is a good time to slow down. The active part of the outing is finished, so you can sit in the sun, find a shaded seat, listen to music, or simply watch the coastline pass.

The return sail also gives the trip a natural finish. You are not rushed straight from the water into the port. Instead, you get a final stretch of open-water views before arriving back where you started.

The excursion ends at the same meeting point, Oasis Catamaran on Av. de Gabriel Roca. That simple out-and-back arrangement is useful if you have evening plans in Palma. Allow a little flexibility after the stated duration, since sea conditions and docking can affect the exact return time.

Is $109.31 good value?

At $109.31 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get onto the Mediterranean. You are paying for a newer catamaran, a roughly 5.5-hour outing, two food services, crew, paddleboard use, and access to a scenic swimming area.

I think the price works best for people who would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, and a water activity. The package saves you the trouble of organizing those pieces. It also gives you a full half-day, rather than a short harbor ride.

The value falls if you do not drink, do not swim, or dislike shared boat trips. Since drinks are extra, your final spending can rise. If the sea is rough and swimming is not possible, you are paying mainly for the cruise, food, and boat setting.

The 4.4 rating from 36 ratings points to a generally strong experience, but not a flawless one. The highest praise focuses on the crew, food, boat, seating, and swimming spots. The weaker feedback centers on crowding, missed stops, loud music, and limited swimming time. Those are exactly the factors to consider before booking.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend this trip to couples, families, and friends who want an easy half-day on the water without planning every detail. The mix of food, sailing, swimming, and paddleboarding gives you more variety than a simple sunset cruise.

It also suits people who value a comfortable shared boat over the lowest possible price. The limit of 55 passengers is meaningful, though you should still expect other groups onboard.

Families should think about the music volume and the weather-dependent swimming plan. Couples can use the shaded or sunny seating areas to create a relaxed afternoon, but this is not a quiet private charter.

The trip may be less suitable if you want serious sailing instruction, a detailed coastal talk, or a guaranteed schedule of three stops. It is also a poor match if your main goal is to spend every minute swimming, since conditions can change the plan.

Practical details before you reserve

You receive confirmation at booking, and a mobile ticket is accepted. The tour begins and ends at the Oasis Catamaran meeting point in Palma.

Most people can participate, but the operator does not promise a fixed route in every weather condition. The experience needs good weather and a minimum number of bookings. If poor weather or low numbers cause cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time. Canceling or changing the booking within 24 hours means no refund, so do not wait until the last minute if your plans are uncertain.

Pack sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and clothing that can handle sea spray. Since the boat asks you to remove shoes when boarding, wear something easy to take off and keep your footwear secure.

Should you book the Palma catamaran cruise?

I would book it if you want a polished, food-focused boat day with a good chance to swim in Cala Vella. The newer catamaran, 55-person limit, friendly crew, generous BBQ, and included paddleboards make this stronger than a basic harbor cruise.

I would skip it if a quiet boat, fixed stop schedule, or guaranteed swimming matters most. Also check the forecast and budget for drinks before you commit. For a relaxed Mallorca afternoon that blends scenery, lunch, and time in the sea, this is a solid choice, as long as you treat the route as weather-dependent.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran experience last?

The excursion lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the catamaran leave from?

It departs from Oasis Catamaran at Av. de Gabriel Roca, 16, 07014 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain.

Where does the activity finish?

The trip ends back at the same meeting point in Palma.

What food is included?

An appetizer is included at the first stop, followed by a BBQ at the second stop. The BBQ is prepared onboard.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Drinks are not included, but the onboard bar sells cocktails, mixed drinks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during the excursion.

Is paddleboarding included?

Yes. Stand-up paddleboarding is included in the price, with paddleboards available onboard.

How many people can join the tour?

The catamaran can hold 84 people, but this experience has a maximum of 55 participants.

Can the route change?

Yes. The route may be changed because of weather conditions. Swimming and the timing of stops can also be affected.

What happens if the tour is canceled because of weather?

You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if poor weather causes cancellation. The same options apply if the minimum number of participants is not reached.