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

The best Mallorca days involve water. This five-hour Magic Catamarans cruise pairs a scenic sail from Palma with two swimming stops, a barbecue meal, music, and drinks. I like the easy mix of active and lazy time: you can snorkel in clear coves, then stretch out on deck while lunch cooks nearby. I also like the price, $69 per person, which covers the boat, food, soft drinks, water, coffee, juice, and wine or sangria with the meal.

The main drawback is size. This is a popular catamaran, not a private yacht, and the atmosphere can feel more like a friendly floating party than a quiet sail. The route also depends on wind and weather, so the exact coves and water conditions are not fixed.

Key points to know

• Two swimming stops: The planned route includes Cala Vella or Portals Vells, plus another nearby cove, though weather can change the plan.
• A full barbecue meal onboard: Expect chicken breast, skewers, sausages, salads, bread, cake, and drinks served around the meal.
• Good water time: The first stop can offer shallow, clear water with small fish, while the second may be farther from shore and less impressive.
• Morning or afternoon sailing: Depart at 10 AM or 3:30 PM, with the later trip offering a chance of sunset views on the return.
• A lively boat atmosphere: Music, dancing, Spanish songs, and an upbeat crew are central to the experience.
• Bring cash for snorkeling gear: Equipment requires a €10 refundable deposit, and only card payments are accepted onboard, except American Express.

Leaving Palma beneath the cathedral and cruise ships

The meeting point is at the Port of Palma, at the dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on Passeig Marítim. Look for the boat marked Magic Catamarans on the harbor side of the pier. Arrive 30 minutes early, since the area can be busy and parking is limited.

The opening stretch is part of the fun. You leave Palma among cruise ships, harbor traffic, and expensive yachts, then head along the south coast. Depending on your departure time and the day’s route, you may also get a fine view back toward Palma, including the cathedral.

Boarding is not the most polished part of the experience. With many people arriving at once, it can be unclear where to queue, and there may be little shade while you wait. Arriving early helps you avoid the last-minute rush, especially in the hot months.

Once underway, the catamaran gives you a choice of settings. You can find a place in the sun, sit near the edges for better views, or move around during the cruise. The boat is described as spacious and comfortable, although it can be fully booked. That means you should expect company, not solitude.

The first cove is usually the main event

The first stop is planned for Cala Vella or Portals Vells, selected according to wind conditions. Both are associated with the kind of clear, turquoise water that makes a boat trip worthwhile. The catamaran anchors near an idyllic beach, giving you the chance to jump straight from the boat into the sea.

This is where the cruise earns much of its value. You are not simply looking at Mallorca from the water. You have time to swim, use a mask, float beside the boat, and look for small fish. At the best stop, the water is shallow and clear enough to see marine life, and you can swim closer to shore before returning to the catamaran.

The first stop can last around 30 minutes on some departures, while other parts of the schedule allow much longer in the water. The exact timing is not guaranteed, but the general pattern is clear: the crew gives you a useful block of time rather than a rushed photo stop.

Bring your own snorkeling mask if you have one. The boat provides equipment, but you need to leave a €10 cash deposit, which is refundable when you return it. Life vests are available for adults and children, and children aged six and seven have enjoyed the outing with their families.

The sea is not always perfectly calm or clear. Rain the previous day can reduce visibility, and wind can change the selected cove. One sensible feature is that the crew chooses a safer swimming location when conditions are rough.

Barbecue lunch with Mallorca wine and sangria

At some point around the first swimming stop, the crew prepares the meal onboard. The food is straightforward rather than fancy: grilled chicken breast, skewers, sausages, fresh salads, bread, and cake. Some descriptions also mention tuna and fruit being available, but the core meal is the barbecue and salad buffet.

I would set your expectations at good boat food, not a restaurant lunch. The strongest praise goes to the quantity, the freshness of the meal, and the fact that food keeps coming. If you are hungry after swimming, this is satisfying. If you are particular about food, the basic preparation may feel ordinary.

Drinks are a real part of the value. Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are available throughout the excursion. Wine from Mallorca and sangria are included with the meal. Alcoholic drinks outside mealtime can be bought at the onboard bar, but payment is by card, and American Express is not accepted.

Vegetarian food is not specified as standard, so contact the provider ahead of time if you need that option. It is better to arrange it before boarding than to hope for a suitable plate from the buffet.

The crew does the cooking and service while keeping the mood light. Captain Perez has been singled out for his cheerful manner, and the crew is often praised for being friendly, organized, and willing to keep the atmosphere moving. This matters on a long boat outing. A pleasant crew can make a crowded vessel feel relaxed; a poor one can make five hours feel long.

A second swim stop with less predictable scenery

After lunch, the catamaran continues to another cove nearby. The second stop gives you another chance to swim, which is especially useful for families and anyone who came mainly for the water.

Do not assume the second stop will match the first. At some locations, the boat anchors in deeper water away from the coast. You can still enjoy a refreshing swim, but the water may not be as clear, and there may be fewer fish or no easy route toward a shallow beach.

That contrast is worth knowing before you book. The first cove is often the visual highlight, while the second is more about extra time in the sea. If you expect two equally beautiful snorkeling sites, you could be disappointed. If you see the second stop as a bonus swim, it does its job well.

The route may also change with wind and weather. The planned destinations are Cala Vella or Portals Vells and another nearby cove, but the crew has to choose safe anchorage. On some outings, the schedule may not deliver two full swimming stops. Flexibility is part of booking a shared boat trip.

Music, dancing, and the afternoon return

This is not a silent sailing trip. Music plays throughout the day, including Spanish songs, and the atmosphere can build into dancing after lunch. Some passengers find the music a little quiet, while others enjoy the relaxed background sound.

The morning departure is at 10 AM. The afternoon departure is at 3:30 PM and runs for five hours, making it a good choice if you want the return to Palma around sunset. Several parts of the experience can be especially pretty in the evening, with warm light on the water and views back toward the city.

The later sailing is not only for couples. Solo passengers have found it easy to meet people onboard, and the friendly, social mood can make the trip comfortable if you are traveling alone. Families can also enjoy it, provided children are happy with a long boat day and swimming from an anchored catamaran.

The return can include a close view of Palma’s cathedral, a useful final photo opportunity before docking. You will spend a fair amount of time sailing between stops, but that is not wasted time. It gives you a chance to rest, take pictures, listen to music, and enjoy the coast from a different angle.

What $69 really buys you

At $69, this is strong value if you plan to use the included parts. You receive five hours on the water, a catamaran cruise, two planned swim stops, a barbecue buffet, unlimited water and soft drinks during the excursion, coffee and juice, plus wine and sangria with the meal.

Comparable private boat outings would cost far more, but this is not a private experience. You are paying for a shared catamaran with a lively social setting. The price works best for people who want a full half-day activity without arranging transport between beaches, buying lunch, or renting a boat.

The value is also better if you swim. Someone who stays on deck the whole time may find the cruise repetitive after a few hours. Someone who swims, uses the snorkeling gear, eats well, enjoys the music, and appreciates the views is getting several activities in one booking.

The food is filling, but I would not choose this cruise mainly for cuisine. The strongest reasons to book are the combination of water access, scenery, crew energy, and included drinks. The meal supports the day rather than defining it.

Who should book this Palma cruise?

I would choose this outing for:

• Couples who want a relaxed day on the water and a possible sunset return
• Families with children who enjoy swimming and boat rides
• Solo visitors who like social activities and music
• Groups of friends looking for a low-effort day with food and drinks included
• First-time visitors who want to see Mallorca’s south coast without renting a car or boat

I would think twice if you want a quiet, intimate sailing trip. The catamaran can be full, and the music and dancing create a party feel at times. I would also reconsider if your main goal is serious snorkeling. The water can be excellent, but visibility and marine life depend on weather, location, and the day’s anchorage.

Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and cash for the snorkeling deposit. Arrive 30 minutes early, and do not count on finding an easy parking space right at the port. If you have several separate bookings and want to sit together, contact the provider in advance.

My verdict on the Magic Catamarans experience

I like this cruise because it keeps the day simple. You show up at Palma’s port, board a comfortable catamaran, sail toward the south coast, swim in clear water, eat a hot meal, and return with music and coastal views.

The weak points are clear too. The boat may be crowded, the second cove may be less scenic, and the barbecue is practical rather than memorable. Weather can alter the route, and the boarding process may feel disorganized.

Still, $69 is a fair price for five hours with food, drinks, swimming, snorkeling equipment, and a crew that works hard to keep the mood friendly. I would book it if you want an easy, sociable Mallorca day with plenty of time in the sea. I would skip it only if privacy, silence, or top-quality snorkeling matters more to you than convenience and good value.

FAQ

Where does the Palma catamaran cruise depart?

It departs from the Port of Palma, at the boat dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on Passeig Marítim. Look for the Magic Catamarans boat on the harbor side.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts five hours.

What departure times are available?

You can choose a morning departure at 10 AM or an afternoon departure at 3:30 PM. Check availability for the date you want.

Where does the boat stop for swimming?

The route includes Cala Vella or Portals Vells, depending on wind conditions, plus another nearby cove. Weather can change the route.

Are two swimming stops guaranteed?

Two stops are planned, but the route and stop pattern can change because of weather and sea conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkeling equipment are available with a €10 refundable cash deposit.

What food is included?

The onboard buffet includes barbecue meats such as chicken breast, skewers, and sausages, along with fresh salads and cake. Bread, fruit, and tuna may also be available.

Are drinks included?

Water, soft drinks, coffee, and juice are available throughout the excursion. Mallorca wine and sangria are included with the meal. Other alcoholic drinks can be bought onboard.

Can I request a vegetarian meal?

Yes, but you should contact the activity provider directly before the cruise to arrange it.