Palma de Mallorca: 5-Hour Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Swim

Five hours of sun, swim, and BBQ.

This Palma de Mallorca catamaran cruise is built around two anchored swim stops in the south-coast coves, with time to snorkel and float in warm, clear water. I like how the crew turns the trip into a relaxed hang, not a rushed sightseeing sprint, and the views of yachts leaving Port of Palma set the tone fast. One watch-out: it’s a bigger catamaran, so at busy times you can feel the crowd during boarding.

What I really like is the swim-and-snorkel rhythm. You drop anchor, then you’re a few meters from shore where you can kick around, use the masks, and look for fish without the hassle of booking separate beach time. I also love the onboard meal setup, because the BBQ buffet is waiting when you’re still sun-warmed from the water, plus soft drinks, water, coffee, and juice are included all day.

The main trade-off is simple: on a full boat, the vibe starts loud and packed, then settles once you’re cruising and anchored. If you hate queues and prefer something calmer from minute one, plan for that.

Key things I’d plan around

• Portals Vells or Cala Vella as the first swim stop, chosen based on wind and conditions
• Two total swim and snorkeling breaks, so you get more water time than most short cruises
• Snorkeling masks included, with a €10 refundable cash deposit
• BBQ buffet with salads and cake, plus Mallorca wine and sangria during the meal
• Music and social energy on board, with dancing mentioned in multiple experiences
• Return sail timed for sunset views, including photo moments near Palma

Palma de Mallorca Catamaran Cruise: how the 5 hours actually feel

This is a 5-hour catamaran cruise that trades dense itineraries for time in the sea. You depart from Palma, cruise along Mallorca’s south coast, anchor for swimming and snorkeling, then eat lunch onboard before heading back to port.

You get two different swim stops (one in the Portals Vells or Cala Vella area, then another cove nearby). That matters, because water visibility and conditions can shift from one spot to the next, and having a second chance keeps the day from feeling like one good moment and then waiting around.

Where you meet: Port of Palma by the Auditorium dock

The meeting point is the Port of Palma, at the boat dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma, on the Passeig Marítim. Look for a boat labeled Magic Catamarans at the pier in front of the Auditorium (harbor side).

Arrive 30 minutes early. Reviews and common sense line up here: boarding happens with groups at the same time, and the early window is how you avoid the hot, slow “where do we stand” feeling some people report.

Cruising the south coast: the part that makes the day worth it

Once you leave the Port of Palma, you’re sailing past the kind of coastline Mallorca does well. You’ll see yachts and cruise ships while the catamaran glides along the south coast, and the trip gives you a different angle than just driving the shoreline.

This stretch of sailing is also where you get your “I’m on vacation” reset. The crew keeps the atmosphere upbeat with music, and several experiences mention a proper party-style mood on board, including people dancing during the cruise.

Stop one in Portals Vells or Cala Vella: warm water and easy snorkeling

Your first anchoring stop is either Portals Vells or Cala Vella, depending on the wind and local conditions. When it’s right, this is the moment you’ll remember most: people describe the water as turquoise and crystal clear, with you swimming just a few meters from an idyllic beach.

What’s practical here is how the stop is designed for real swimming. You’re not doing a long tender ride or hiking to reach the water. You jump in from the anchored boat, swim around, and use the complimentary masks to check what’s going on beneath the surface.

Several people specifically note seeing fish close to shore, and some even mention jellyfish during snorkeling. That tells me the crew picks spots where marine life can be spotted, but conditions still vary. Bring a realistic expectation: snorkeling here is for fun and a bit of exploring, not a guaranteed “spectacular reef” every time.

Tips to make stop one better

• If you want the clearest water experience, go in with a light snorkel mindset, not a scuba one.
• Use the mask early, while you’re fresh and before the group settles into mid-swim chatter.
• If the water is calm, swim in closer to the coastline so you can pair snorkel views with easy back-and-forth swimming.

Stop two: another cove, sometimes clearer, sometimes just refreshing

After the first swim window, you’ll continue to a second anchoring cove next to the first area. This second stop is the “second swim chance,” and for many people it’s still fantastic, because it doubles the time in the water.

That said, clarity can change. Some experiences say the first stop set a very high bar, while the second spot was still enjoyable but less clear. Another person noted the second stop felt like deeper water and snorkeling visibility wasn’t as strong. Translation for you: plan stop two as a refreshing swim plus another snorkeling try, not as a guaranteed repeat of the best conditions.

The upside is you’re not stuck watching the boat from the deck. Even when visibility isn’t as dramatic, you still get time to cool down, float, and enjoy the sea.

The BBQ lunch on board: what you get, and why it works here

Once you’re back onboard from the swim stops, lunch is served as a buffet. It includes barbecue meats such as chicken breast, skewers, and sausages, plus fresh salads and cake for dessert.

Drinks are part of the value: soft drinks and mineral water are included for the whole excursion. During the meal, you also get wines from Mallorca and sangria. That is a nice sweet spot because it’s enough alcohol to make lunch feel like a proper Mallorca day, without turning the whole cruise into an all-day bar crawl.

A lot of the praise focuses on two things: the food is plentiful and the crew keeps service moving while you’re switching from swim mode to table mode. Some people even mention extra sangria as a birthday-style gesture, which is the kind of human touch that happens more often on smaller operations.

What to expect from the food

• BBQ portions are the main event, not a fancy plated meal.
• Salads and cake balance it out, and you’ll likely leave satisfied.
• If you’re picky about flavor complexity, treat it as a solid cruise buffet designed for hunger after swimming.

Vegetarian options are not guaranteed in the details you have. If you need vegetarian, contact the provider directly ahead of time.

Music and the onboard vibe: party energy with an easy rhythm

This is not the kind of cruise where everyone whispers for hours. Multiple experiences mention Spanish music, and one person specifically references listening to innerbloom during the sunset moment. The crowd can sing along, dance, and take photos without feeling like you’re interrupting a formal tour.

One note: a few people say the music could have been louder, but that’s a preference, not a deal-breaker. The bigger pattern is that the crew creates energy, and the day moves with a light, social flow.

Sunset and the sail back to Palma: the photo moment you’ll actually use

On the way back, you’ll sail toward Palma, and several experiences describe a sunset moment on the boat. Some mention views near Palma’s cathedral as you approach the city, which gives you a memorable “end of day” payoff.

This matters because the cruise isn’t just two swim stops and then food. The return sail is where you get to slow down, look out at the coastline again, and take a few photos that don’t feel like typical beach snapshots.

Price and value: why $69 can work for many budgets

At about $69 per person for a 5-hour catamaran with lunch, included drinks, snorkeling masks, and two swim anchors, the value is strong if you planned to do any mix of these anyway.

Here’s the practical logic:

• You’re paying for the boat ride and a full half-day at sea.
• You’re also paying for a ready-to-eat meal after swimming.
• You avoid the hassle of organizing separate snorkeling gear rental and finding a beach that actually has good access from the water.

One reason it feels like value is the day is built around your time. You’re not spending the cruise sitting on a bus to reach a single viewpoint. You’re on the water for most of it, with enough time at stops to actually swim.

If you’re traveling in a group, this also tends to be easier to justify because everyone shares the same included meal and drinks.

Who this cruise suits best

This fits well if you want:

• A relaxed day on the water with multiple swim windows
• BBQ lunch included, so you don’t have to plan a meal after the beach
• Some social energy, especially if you don’t mind upbeat music and groups

It can be less ideal if you strongly dislike crowds. It’s a “big boat” experience, and at boarding time it can feel busy. If your best travel style is quiet and private, you might prefer a smaller charter.

Practical notes before you go (so nothing surprises you)

A few details are worth knowing so you don’t get stuck mid-day:

• Snorkeling equipment is included, but you need a €10 refundable deposit paid in cash.
• Only card payments are accepted on board, and American Express is not accepted.
• If you’re hoping for vegetarian food, you need to contact the provider directly.
• The route can change due to weather conditions, so don’t plan your day around a single exact cove.

And yes, it’s a good idea to bring a deposit as requested.

Should you book Magic Catamarans in Palma?

I’d book this if you want a simple, high-reward half-day: two swim stops, masks included, and a BBQ lunch with Mallorca wine and sangria during the meal. The fact that people repeatedly mention the crew staying energetic and the day feeling fun is a strong signal that you’ll likely enjoy the overall flow, not just the scenery.

I would think twice if you hate any hint of crowding, because this is a larger catamaran experience and boarding can be hectic. Also, if your main goal is top-tier snorkeling visibility every time, accept that conditions vary by stop, and stop two may not match stop one.

If your travel plan includes time in the sea and you want food handled for you, this is one of the easiest ways to make that happen in Palma.

FAQ

What time options are offered for this 5-hour cruise?

You can choose a morning departure at 10:00 AM or an afternoon departure at 3:30 PM.

How many times will we stop to swim during the cruise?

The boat makes 2 stops for swimming: one at Portals Vells or Cala Vella, and a second stop at another cove nearby.

Is lunch included, and what does it include?

Yes. Lunch is a buffet with barbecue meats, fresh salads, and cake for dessert.

Are wines and sangria included?

Wines from Mallorca and sangria are included during the meal.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Snorkeling equipment is provided, but you need to pay a €10 refundable deposit in cash.

Do soft drinks and water cost extra?

No. Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are included during the full excursion.

Where do I meet the boat in Palma?

Meet at the Port of Palma, at the boat dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on the Passeig Marítim. Look for a boat labeled Magic Catamarans.

Can I pay with American Express on board?

No. Only card payments are accepted on board, and American Express is not accepted.

What if the route changes due to weather?

The route may change due to weather conditions.