Palma: Catamaran Cruise with Swimming and Snorkelling

Crystal water and an easy sail to coves. This Palma Bay catamaran route takes you past Cap Enderrocat and into protected waters near Cala Vella, with a laid-back onboard feel and real water time to swim and snorkel. I like that it is not just a sightseeing cruise, you get an actual break anchored out in the bay, plus snorkeling equipment and life vests to make it simple.

One thing to plan for: getting to the right spot at Playa del Arenal can feel confusing at first, and on busy departures you may find it harder to claim the best lounging positions on deck.

Key points to know before you sail Palma Bay

• A 90-minute anchor stop for swimming or sunbathing, not just a quick dip
• Snorkeling equipment and life vests included so you can get in the water fast
• Scenic route near Cap Enderrocat and Cala Vella, including protected coastal areas
• Optional With BBQ that comes with pasta salad and local bread, plus one drink
• Big-catamaran feel with multiple ways into the sea, including stairs and ledges for jumping

Why this Palma Bay catamaran feels different from a typical cruise

Palma de Mallorca does cruises well, but a catamaran makes the whole day feel lighter. You are up higher than you would be on a smaller boat, you get more deck room to stretch out, and the motion tends to be smoother in open water.

What I like most is that this is built around water time. The sailing part matters, sure, but the whole point is to reach clear coves off Palma and have enough time to actually enjoy them. With snorkeling gear and life vests included, you can go from sunbathing to swimming without a big checklist.

The vibe is also pretty relaxed. Music is often part of the return trip energy, and the staff are typically focused on keeping the day calm, organized, and fun rather than turning it into a nonstop party.

Getting there at Playa del Arenal: the part people trip on

You meet at Playa del Arenal. The tour says the waiting area and meeting point is there, and you should look for a sign with the local partner name while you travel down to the beach where the kiosk is.

Here is the practical advice: arrive early enough to walk the sand once, not twice. A couple of the same-day issues that pop up are not about the boat, it is about finding the exact kiosk area and the right line before you are herded down to boarding. If you have never been to Arenal, give yourself extra buffer, especially in the afternoon when it is busier.

Also note: there is no hotel pick-up and drop-off. So you will want to base yourself near Palma’s Arenal area, or at least plan a straightforward taxi or bus ride to the beach.

The route: Cap Enderrocat views and protected Cala Vella waters

This cruise sails through Palma Bay toward Cap Enderrocat and then onward to Cala Vella. Both are described as protected environmental areas, which is part of why the water quality and scenery tend to be so good.

The Cap Enderrocat section is where the scenery often hits hardest from the deck. Think headland views, open coastline angles, and that feeling of being out on the water instead of just passing it from the shore.

Cala Vella is the payoff for the “I want a great swim” crowd. In protected coves, the water is often calmer and clearer, so you get better visibility for snorkeling and a more comfortable anchored stop. Even if the sky is not perfectly sunny, this kind of sheltered location still makes the day feel worth it.

One timing note: sailing time is real, but your day is structured around stops. The more water time you care about, the more you will want to be ready to jump in when the boat drops anchor, because the best light and best conditions usually do not last forever.

The anchor stop: how swimming and snorkeling actually work

The cruise includes a drop-anchor stop with 90 minutes for swimming or sunbathing. This is the block of time you can build the rest of your day around.

You will also have snorkeling opportunities with the gear provided. Life vests are included, and the staff are set up for guests to get in and out efficiently. Expect a mix of swimmers and snorkelers, with plenty of people doing the classic move, jump off the stern, and then either float or swim back toward the boat.

How to make your water time easier:

• Bring your towel, because you will want it right after the swim portion.
• Wear sunscreen before you board. You are on the water, and the sun can catch you fast.
• If you are snorkeling, consider putting your phone somewhere secure. You might want a phone holder or strap so you can still capture shots without worrying about it slipping.

Access is also a big deal on this trip. Reviews describe multiple ways into the sea, including stairs for walking in, small ledges, and taller ledges for jumping. That matters if you are not a fearless diver or if you want a gentle entry before building confidence.

One more practical thought: snorkeling gear is included, but hygiene standards can vary by operator and day. If you are picky about how masks smell or how clean the snorkel feels, take a second to check before you commit.

Onboard BBQ and the one included drink: what you get with the With BBQ option

Food is not why you book a Palma catamaran, but it does change how pleasant the middle of the day feels.

If you select the With BBQ option, you get a freshly cooked BBQ along with pasta salad and local bread. You also receive one included drink of water, beer, or sangria. If you are not on the BBQ option, those items are not listed as included.

Here is how to set expectations: this is onboard meal food, designed to keep you fed between swim stops. It is generally described as good and substantial, but it is not a gourmet restaurant spread. If you have vegetarian or vegan needs, you might find the meal options are simpler than what a dedicated dietary restaurant would offer, with pasta and salad features showing up more often.

My advice is to treat the BBQ as a solid fuel-up. Do not plan your taste buds for a food highlight. Plan for a satisfying meal that lets you stay on the boat, keep the relaxed tempo, and go back into the water with energy.

Deck space, music, and photo tips that actually help

This trip sits in that sweet spot between “big boat party” and “quiet sail,” but your experience depends on timing and how busy the departure feels.

A few reviews mention departures around 80 people. On a catamaran that can still work, because the layout gives you places to lounge. Still, space can become competitive, especially on popular days, and some guests prefer the nets or specific sun spots.

What I would do if space matters to you:

• Get to the boarding area with enough time to choose where you want to sit on deck.
• If you care about photos, take them at the best moment, not right before everyone jumps in.
• Bring a simple solution for your phone. A strap or holder can make a bigger difference than you think.

Photo timing matters because once swimming starts, half the boat is wet, phones and hands are in motion, and the best angles can disappear. For crisp shots, aim for the quiet sail stretches and the moments right when the boat stops.

Music is often part of the experience, with reviews describing music playing during the cruise and an upbeat vibe on the return. That usually lands as fun energy rather than a full-on club sound. If you want the most peaceful feel, just pick a seating area away from where the louder crowd gathers.

Who this cruise suits best (and who should choose differently)

This tour is best for you if:

• You want a half-day in Palma Bay without needing to book multiple activities.
• Swimming is your priority, and snorkeling sounds like a bonus.
• You like a relaxed day with staff that manage timing so you spend less time waiting around.

It is also a good pick for couples, friend groups, and people traveling with parents who want an easy marine experience with a safety net (life vests and staff support), while still getting a break to sunbathe.

This is not a great fit if:

• You have limited mobility and need wheelchair access. It is not suitable for wheelchair users based on the tour information.
• You want a super guided, narrative-filled excursion. This is more “see the coast, then swim” than “listen to deep explanations for hours.”

If you are very sensitive to smells or smoke, you should be mindful that some people may choose where to stand or sit on the return leg. Picking your spot with your comfort in mind makes the day more enjoyable.

Price and value: is $47 per person a good deal?

At $47 per person, this cruise looks like strong value for Palma. You are paying for a modern catamaran ride in Palma Bay, protected-coast scenery, snorkeling equipment, and a dedicated anchor stop with 90 minutes of water time.

Add in the optional With BBQ choice and the included one drink, and it becomes a pretty clear “pay for convenience and time on the water” deal. You are not arranging a rental boat, you are not coordinating transport to a remote spot, and you are not paying separately for snorkeling gear.

Where value can vary:

• If you book without BBQ, your day is still centered on swimming and snorkeling, but food value drops to whatever you bring or whatever is available onboard beyond included items.
• If the departure feels busy, you might not get your preferred lounging spot, which affects how “relaxing” the trip feels for you.

My bottom line: if you want a straightforward, high-comfort way to get into clear Mediterranean water from Palma, this pricing is usually hard to beat.

Should you book the Palma catamaran with swimming and snorkeling?

I think you should book this if your ideal Palma day includes a real swim stop, easy snorkeling with provided gear, and a comfortable catamaran ride without the stress of planning and transfers.

Book with a smart checklist: towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and comfy clothes. Arrive early enough at Playa del Arenal to get your bearings, then treat the 90-minute anchor stop as your main event.

If you care a lot about perfect snorkel hygiene, vegetarian or vegan meal variety, or you need step-free access, then it might be worth researching alternatives or choosing a different format of tour where those needs are better supported.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the Palma catamaran cruise?

The meeting point is at Playa del Arenal. You will see a sign with the name of the local partner as you travel down to the beach where the kiosk is.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is listed as 2 to 4 hours. Starting times vary based on availability.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pick up and drop-off is not included.

What is included in the price?

Included items are snorkeling equipment, life vests, a boat cruise, and a stop for swimming. If you select the With BBQ option, BBQ and one included drink are added.

Do I get snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with life vests.

Is there a BBQ on board?

BBQ is included only if you choose the With BBQ option. The BBQ option includes pasta salad and local bread, plus a drink.

What drink is included with the BBQ option?

With the With BBQ option, you receive one drink of water, beer, or sangria.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.

Is alcohol allowed on board?

No. Alcohol is not allowed, according to the activity’s important information.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.