Mallorca: 2-Hour Coastline & Malgrat Islands Catamaran Tour

Malga’s coast is pretty even before you hit the water. This 2-hour catamaran out of Santa Ponsa and nearby beaches gives you big cliff-and-blue-water views, plus a Malgrats Islands marine reserve stop where you can look for fish. My only watch-out is the trip can feel a bit crowded, and the 20-minute swim stop is short if you want more time in the sea.

I especially like the relaxed pace. You sail past well-known bays from sea level, then you actually get a chance to go in, not just admire from above. The modern catamaran setup also makes it easy to enjoy the ride, with toilets and a deck designed for sunbathing and sightseeing.

Before you go, decide what kind of “tour” you want. If you expect lots of long off-boat exploring or lots of structured stops, this is more of a smooth cruise with a highlight swim break and scenic cruising in between.

Key things that make this trip worth your time

• Malgrats Islands Marine Reserve cruising for bird and fish spotting
• 20-minute swim stop with a chance to see fish under the boat
• Big southwest-coast views of Paguera, Santa Ponsa, and Camp de Mar from the water
• A modern catamaran with sunbathing space, toilets, and an entertainment area
• Onboard refreshments you can buy, with reviews calling out sangria and decent prices

Why this Mallorca catamaran feels like the smart short trip

Two hours sounds small, but that’s the point. When you’re in Mallorca for a beach day or a full itinerary day, this kind of short cruise keeps travel friction low and gets you out onto the water fast.

The route focuses on Mallorca’s southwest coast, where the scenery is all cliffs, coves, and deep-looking water. From a catamaran, you get that “sea-level postcard” view. And because it’s a catamaran, you tend to feel stable and comfortable compared with smaller boats.

I also like that the trip is built around one clear payoff: a real stop to swim. Many coastal boat rides in popular areas just cruise by and call it a day. Here, you get a timed swim break, and that timing is usually enough to satisfy most people without eating your whole afternoon.

Santa Ponsa versus Playa Tora, how the boarding works in real life

This tour runs from one of three starting points: Las Olas in Santa Ponsa, Embarcadero Santa Ponsa, or Embarcadero Playa Tora. Which one you use depends on the option you book, and the meeting point can vary.

The practical tip is simple: plan to arrive early enough to find your boat and get settled. Even though the ride is only two hours, you still need time to board and find a decent spot. Reviews mention that lines can start early, and on a popular day, getting your preferred viewing area takes time.

Also, there are three drop-off locations to match the three starting options. That’s good for flexibility, but it means you should double-check your specific pick your pier before you walk away from the dock.

Malgrats Islands Marine Reserve, the highlight you can actually look at

One of the best parts of this trip is the approach to the Malgrats Islands. You cruise by for scenic views, and because they’re part of a marine reserve, the vibe is more about wildlife and nature than sightseeing monuments.

What you’re looking for in practice:

• Fish you can spot in the water, including views through windows or a bottom viewing area mentioned in reviews
• Local birds overhead as you sail around the area
• Coastal shapes, with dramatic cliff edges and clear water where you can see movement below the surface

The Malgrats portion is also where the catamaran design helps. The boat layout makes it easy to stay on deck while still having a chance to spot fish beneath you. If you’re traveling with kids, this is the kind of “wait, look at that” moment that doesn’t require special equipment.

A quick realism check

The trip does not position itself as a long, full “nature expedition.” It’s a short cruise. So expect wildlife spotting in snapshots, not a guaranteed checklist.

Still, many people rate this stop as the best part of the cruise, and that usually comes from the combination of scenery plus that fish-spotting experience.

The 20-minute secret swim stop, how to make the most of it

This tour includes a 20-minute swim stop, and it’s timed like a highlight, not a casual splash. If you’ve been craving water time, this is your moment.

What makes it work:

• You get a break from sun and sailing, so you feel like you refreshed, not just watched
• Reviews consistently praise the water and mention fish in the area
• It’s short enough that most people can do it even when they’re on a tight schedule

What to bring matters here. You’ll want swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. If you forget sunscreen, you’ll pay for it fast, because you’re likely to be out in the sun during the cruise.

Snorkel gear is partly covered, but not free. Masks and snorkel tubes are available on board with a €20 deposit. That’s helpful if you want an extra look underwater, but it’s not an “included snorkel setup” deal. If you already own your gear, bringing your own can keep things simple.

When the swim stop can change

Weather can affect the route. The operator notes the captain may change the route depending on conditions. That doesn’t mean the swim stop disappears, but it does mean you should keep a flexible mindset. Coastal water days go with the day.

The coastline you sail past, Paguera, Santa Ponsa, Camp de Mar

From the sea, the southwest coast looks different. It’s not just the famous beaches, it’s the spacing of bays, the cliff lines, and the way the water shifts from deep blue to lighter zones near shore.

This cruise is designed to take you past:

• The bay of Paguera
• Santa Ponsa
• Camp de Mar

Then you continue toward Calvià with another stretch of scenic cruising.

In other words, you’re not stuck looking straight ahead the whole time. You should get plenty of chances to glance toward shore and see how the coastline changes. If you like to understand a place visually, a cruise like this can help you mentally map where beaches are relative to each other.

The “information level” expectation

The tour includes a live guide with commentary in English, German, Spanish, or French. Based on how people describe the experience, the commentary is enough to point out the places you’re passing, without turning the ride into a lecture.

If you want long, detailed stops on land with explanations at every corner, you’ll probably need a different style of tour. Here, it’s more about the experience of moving along the coast while the guide keeps you oriented.

Life aboard Cruise Cormoran, comfort, crowding, and onboard extras

You’ll be on Cruise Cormoran, and the boat is described as modern. That usually matters for two reasons: comfort and flow. People seem to like it for sunbathing and sightseeing, and it has a main deck with toilets and an entertainment area.

Onboard you can buy snacks and refreshments. Reviews call out:

• Drinks and food at reasonable prices
• Sangria
• Music on board
• Crew energy, friendliness, and occasional fun moments, like singing or photo-taking

That mix can make the two hours feel more like a holiday activity than a checklist.

Seating and crowding: what you should know

Not everyone finds it easy to relax in comfort at all times. Some reviews mention there were a lot of people, and seating was limited at first. That’s an important consideration if you:

• Prefer guaranteed seating
• Travel with mobility constraints (the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users)
• Want a quiet, uncrowded experience

A good strategy is to decide how you like to view the trip. If you’re happy to stand, move around, or use the deck for sun, you’ll likely enjoy it more than someone expecting a guaranteed lounge chair experience.

Duration and timing, why 2 hours is both the perk and the limit

The tour is 2 hours total, and you get:

• Scenic cruising segments (about 20 minutes each on the way to different coast sections)
• One 20-minute swim stop

That’s why it often gets praised as good value. For the price point, you’re buying a compact slice of coastline plus a swim break.

But there’s the tradeoff. A couple of reviews specifically suggest the swim could have been longer. That’s consistent with the format. If you’re the type who wants to swim for a long time, you may feel a little cut short.

So I’d frame it like this: this is a great “hit the water, see the coast, go back feeling satisfied” tour. If you want a half-day beach-and-water day, you’ll probably want something longer.

Price value, what $29 buys you on the water

At about $29 per person for a 2-hour catamaran ride that includes the swim stop, the value is mostly about what’s bundled.

You’re getting:

• Boat time on Mallorca’s southwest coast
• Malgrats Islands scenic cruising around a marine reserve
• A swim break
• Onboard facilities like toilets
• A guide and basic orientation

And you can add extras onboard if you want them, like drinks and snacks. Reviews often highlight that food and drink pricing feels reasonable, and that sangria is part of the fun.

Just remember what is not included: hotel pickup and drop-off. You’re going from the pier, not from your hotel room. So the value is strongest if you’re already near one of the departure areas or you don’t mind making your own way to the dock.

Who should book this catamaran tour (and who should skip it)

This works best for:

• Families who want a simple water outing with a real swim moment
• Couples who want scenic coast views without a long travel plan
• People who like the idea of wildlife spotting from the boat and enjoy deck time
• Anyone who wants a low-stress, short activity that still feels special

You might skip or choose something else if:

• You require guaranteed seating for the full duration
• You’re in a wheelchair (the tour is not suitable)
• You want a long land-based itinerary with more walking and independent exploring
• You crave a longer snorkeling-style swim break

Quick practical checklist before you go

The tour rules are straightforward. No alcohol and drugs, and no glass objects. Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

If you plan to snorkel, consider whether you want to pay the €20 deposit for onboard snorkel gear. If you bring your own, you can skip that step.

Finally, bring a mindset for the short format. This isn’t a full-day expedition. It’s a tight cruise with one standout water break.

Should you book this Mallorca catamaran to the Malgrats Islands?

If you want an easy, affordable Mallorca experience with a real swim stop and a good shot at seeing fish and birds, I’d say yes, book it. The combination of Malgrats Islands marine reserve cruising, scenic coastline views, and the fact that you can get into the water makes this more than just a ride.

My only reason to hesitate is crowding and the short swim window. If you’re sensitive to packed boats or you’re hoping for a longer time in the sea, look at your priorities and adjust your expectations.

If your ideal day is sun on deck, blue-water views, and a couple of memorable water moments in just two hours, this catamaran tour fits that plan well.

FAQ

How long is the Mallorca coastline and Malgrat Islands catamaran tour?

The tour duration is 2 hours.

Where does the tour start?

There are three possible starting points: Las Olas in Santa Ponsa, Embarcadero Santa Ponsa, and Embarcadero Playa Tora. Your booked option determines which one you use.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What is included in the ticket price?

The ticket includes the boat tour and a 20-minute swim stop.

How long is the swim stop?

The swim stop is 20 minutes.

Can I rent snorkeling gear on board?

Yes. Masks and snorkel tubes are available on board with a €20 deposit.

Are drinks or snacks available?

Refreshments and snacks can be purchased onboard.

What languages are offered for the live guide?

The live tour guide is available in English, German, Spanish, and French.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Are alcohol or glass objects allowed?

No. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and glass objects are not allowed.