Five-hour catamaran days reset your Mallorca mood. You sail out of Palma and spend real time anchored at coves like Portals Vells or Cala Vella, with two swim stops and a snorkeling break right in the middle of it all.

I love the way the day is built around getting in the water instead of just watching it go by. My favorite part is the BBQ buffet on board, served with salads and cake, plus wine and sangria during the meal, but one consideration is that the boat can feel busy at boarding, especially if you arrive late.

Key highlights that matter

• Two anchored swim breaks at coves along Mallorca’s south coast, chosen based on wind and conditions
• Snorkeling masks included with a €10 refundable cash deposit (life vests are also provided)
• BBQ lunch on board with grilled meats, fresh salads, cake, and drinks timed with the meal
• Morning or afternoon departures (10:00 AM or 3:30 PM) for different light and sunset chances
• Energetic crew vibe, with music and a party feel that stays friendly, not chaotic

Why Palma’s South Coast Works So Well From a Catamaran

Palma de Mallorca is great, but the real payoff comes once you’re away from the main harbor. This cruise heads along the south coast where the water turns that bright “throw-your-phone-in-the-air” color and the coves feel close enough to swim to.

A catamaran also changes the feel of the day. You’re not stuck on a bus transfer and you’re not hiking to viewpoints. You’re floating, wind in your hair, then dropping anchor and jumping in.

If you like a trip that mixes sightseeing with actual play, this one fits well. You get the boat ride, you get the stops, and you get lunch served as part of the rhythm, not something you chase down later.

Meeting Magic Catamarans at Palma Port, Plus What to Bring

Your meeting point is the Port of Palma, at the boat dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on the Passeig Marítim. Look for the boat labeled Magic Catamarans on the harbor side, and plan to arrive about 30 minutes early because parking near the port is limited.

Bring the required deposit (and if you want to snorkel, plan on the €10 refundable cash deposit for snorkeling equipment). Also bring the basics that make the day easier: sunscreen, a hat, swimwear under your clothes, and a small towel if you have one.

One practical note: check the route day-of. The operator says the route may change due to weather conditions, which is common in open-water cruising.

Sailing Time: The Harbor Views and That “You’re on Mallorca Now” Feeling

You board in Palma, then sail out along the south coast. From the water, you’ll see a lot of boats, including the sort of yachts you only normally notice from a distance when you’re walking by the marina.

This is not a speed tour. It’s more like a moving lounge while you get oriented. You’ll likely have time to settle in, grab a drink from what’s included, and watch the coastline drift by.

On the afternoon departure, you may also catch a nicer photo moment as you return toward Palma. One rider specifically mentioned views near the cathedral area while the boat was close enough for a proper look from the deck.

Stop One in Portals Vells or Cala Vella: Swim and Snorkel Setup

The first big moment comes after you cruise for a while and arrive at your first anchorage. Depending on wind conditions, you’ll drop anchor in Portals Vells or Cala Vella, then the crew sets you up for swimming right from the boat.

This is the kind of stop where you feel meters from the beach. You jump in, swim around the boat, and if you choose snorkeling you use the complimentary masks. The snorkeling gear requires that €10 refundable deposit in cash, so have that ready if you want it.

I like that they give you a real chance to enjoy the water rather than rushing you back on board. Many people focus on the first stop because that’s where the water can be at its most inviting, with clear visibility and plenty to look at.

You should also come prepared for variability. Water clarity can shift with conditions like wind and rain, and one person noted the second stop was less clear than the first. So your best move is to treat each swim break as its own mini-mission.

Stop Two in Another Nearby Cove: More Water Time, Different Conditions

After lunch is on the horizon or after it begins depending on timing, you return to the boat and continue onward to the second anchorage. The plan is two swim stops total, with the second one at another nearby cove next to the first area.

This second swim break can feel even better if your body is already warm and loose. You’re not starting over from zero. You’re simply doing another round of floating, swimming, and taking photos from a new angle.

One review mentioned that the second stop might not match the first for clarity. That doesn’t mean it’s bad, it just means the day is shaped by nature. Even when visibility isn’t perfect, the experience is still about being in the water, not doing a formal “touristic snorkel course.”

Expect some time for snorkeling and swimming, and if you’re with kids, this is usually the part where they’re most likely to be happy to stay in the water longer.

BBQ Buffet, Sangria, and the Food Reality Check

Food is a big reason this cruise feels like a value. Lunch is a buffet with a selection of barbecue meats such as chicken breast, skewers, and sausages, plus fresh salads and cake for dessert. Soft drinks and mineral water are included across the whole trip.

For alcohol, the rules are straightforward. Wines from Mallorca and sangria are included with the meal, while other alcoholic drinks outside mealtime can be purchased at the bar with card. The boat only accepts card payments, and American Express is not accepted.

I think the smartest way to approach the BBQ is to match expectations. This isn’t fine dining. It’s good, filling, vacation food cooked on board while you’re anchored somewhere beautiful.

The other practical win is timing. You don’t have to leave the water and deal with a restaurant schedule. You’re eating in the middle of the experience, which keeps the day from turning into a long wait.

If you’re traveling as a couple or family, the buffet style also makes it easy. You’re not stuck choosing one meal option and hoping it matches everyone’s taste.

Snorkeling Tips That Help You See More Than Ripples

Snorkeling here is optional, but the included masks make it worth trying. Since you snorkel from a stationary anchor point, your biggest factor is simply how comfortable you feel in the water.

Here’s what I’d do to get the most out of it:

• Go early during your first swim break when everyone is still getting set up.
• Keep your mask snug and rinse it quickly if water gets inside.
• Swim slowly and keep your eyes level, not looking down at your own body all the time.

Life vests are provided for adults and children. That’s especially useful if someone in your group wants the comfort of extra flotation while still enjoying the water.

Also, don’t force it if conditions aren’t great. One rider noticed they saw more marine life at the first stop than the second. That’s normal in open water. Your win is being out there, not checking off a strict list.

The Crew Vibe: Fast Energy, Good Service, Easygoing Fun

Crew energy is a recurring theme. People consistently talk about a fun atmosphere and helpful staff. One rider even named the captain as Captain Perez, calling out how the crew kept the mood upbeat and service running smoothly.

You can expect music on board, and the vibe leans toward cheerful. More than one person mentioned dancing or feeling like the boat had a party feel, especially on the way back.

At the same time, this isn’t only for party people. There’s also space to chill, sit in the sun, and just enjoy the ride. The catamaran layout helps, and several reviews noted the boat felt spacious once everyone was settled.

Just note the earlier point about boarding. If you’re sensitive to crowds or sun, arrive early and be ready for lines during the first minutes.

Who This 5-Hour Cruise Suits Best (And Who Might Skip It)

This cruise is ideal if you want:

• A simple half-day plan that doesn’t require planning lunch, transport, or tickets
• Swim breaks from the boat, not just a long look from shore
• Snorkel time with masks included, plus life vests if you need them
• A mix of relaxation and light fun, with music and a friendly crew

It’s also a good family choice. One review specifically mentioned a family group with kids ages 6 and 7 having a great time, helped by life vests and plenty of swim time.

You might consider a different option if you dislike bigger groups. This is a larger catamaran setup, and one person noted that it can feel crowded at the start. Another mentioned the second stop might be less clear, so if you’re chasing the absolute clearest water only, you’ll want to prioritize calm conditions on the day you go.

Price and Value: Is $69 a Good Deal for Palma?

At about $69 per person for 5 hours, the value comes from stacking several things you’d otherwise pay for separately. You’re getting:

• The catamaran ride along Mallorca’s south coast
• Two swim stops with time in the water
• Snorkeling masks with a small refundable deposit requirement
• A full BBQ buffet meal with salads and cake
• Drinks included throughout (soft drinks, mineral water, coffee and juice), plus wine and sangria with the meal

If you tried to build this yourself, you’d spend time and money on transport, food, and a separate boat or water activity. Here, the day is packaged so your schedule stays simple and your energy stays high.

The only “value check” I’d make is this: if you’re extremely picky about snorkeling visibility, water clarity may vary between stops based on weather and conditions. But for most people, the mix of swimming, snorkeling, and eating on board in a beautiful area is exactly what makes this price feel reasonable.

Should You Book This Palma Catamaran Cruise With Lunch?

If you want a fast, fun Mallorca day that centers on swimming, this is a strong yes. I’d book it if you like a relaxed pace, you want lunch included, and you’re happy to jump into the water from the boat.

I’d skip it if you have zero interest in swimming or you’re very sensitive to crowds right at the start. In that case, you may prefer a smaller boat or a land-based plan with one or two viewpoints.

One last practical thought: choose your timing based on your mood. The morning departure at 10:00 AM can feel lighter and more flexible if you want the rest of the day free. The afternoon departure at 3:30 PM can also set you up for a prettier return to Palma, with photo moments near the cathedral area depending on timing.

FAQ

What time does this cruise run?

You can choose either a morning departure at 10:00 AM or an afternoon departure at 3:30 PM. The total duration is 5 hours.

Where do I meet Magic Catamarans?

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 on the harbor side.

How long do I spend swimming?

The plan includes 2 stops for swimming, one in Portals Vells or Cala Vella and a second in another nearby cove. Exact time in the water can vary with conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling masks/equipment are included, but they require a €10 refundable cash deposit. Life vests for adults and children are also provided.

What food and drinks are included?

You get a buffet meal with BBQ meats, fresh salads, and cake for dessert. Soft drinks and mineral water are included during the whole trip, and wine from Mallorca plus sangria are included during the meal. Coffee and juice are also included.

Can I buy alcohol on board?

Alcoholic drinks outside of mealtime are available to buy at the bar with card. Wines and sangria are included with the meal.

Does the boat accept cash?

No. Only card payments are accepted on board, and American Express is not accepted. Snorkeling gear requires a €10 refundable deposit in cash.

Is there a vegetarian option?

If you require a vegetarian option, you need to contact the activity provider directly.