That sea-breeze start in Palma changes everything. This Mallorca catamaran cruise is a practical half-day escape with coastal views plus multiple swim stops, including Cala Blava. I especially liked how you get out along parts of the coast that are hard to reach by land, and how lunch on board is included rather than a snack-and-hope setup.

The main thing to consider is that this is marketed as snorkeling, but snorkel equipment is not included (you can buy it on board), and conditions like wind or chop can affect how comfortable the swim feels.

Key things to know before you go

• Plan for paid snorkeling gear: equipment isn’t included, and what’s available can be limited.
• Cala Blava is the payoff: that’s the standout stop, with lunch built into the timing.
• You’ll see Palma Bay from the water: photos often center on Palma Cathedral and the shoreline.
• The boat can run full: capacity is up to around 145, and seating can feel tight on busier days.
• Weather drives the route: itinerary can change for wind, time, or safety.
• Bar drinks cost extra: water is included during lunch, but expect to pay for everything else.

From Muelle Golondrina to open water: what the morning feels like

This trip starts at Muelle Golondrina near Palma Port, with a meeting time listed as 9:45 am. The cruise itself is described as a 5-hour sailing day (about half-day), so you’re not signing up for an all-day ordeal. You’re also not just staring at the horizon; the schedule is built around a run of viewpoints and swim opportunities, which makes the time feel active even though you’re relaxing on deck.

I like the setup because it’s simple: board a modern sailing catamaran, follow the crew’s timing, and let the coastline do the work. You’re right there where the sea turns from city-y to rugged: cliff lines, hidden coves, and the kind of water color you can’t really get from a promenade.

One small reality check: timing can be fluid. Some departures start later than the posted start time, and the overall day can end up feeling closer to 4–5 hours depending on the day’s conditions. So if your schedule is tight afterward, give yourself a cushion.

The route in plain order: Palma Bay, Cap Rocat, Cala Vella, then Cala Blava

This is a southern-coast style itinerary built around leaving Palma and working through a sequence of viewpoints and swim stops. Here’s how the day is paced, and what each stop is actually good for.

Stop 1: Board the catamaran at Attraction Catamarans Mallorca

You meet at the port and board the catamaran with a local captain and experienced crew. The early moment matters: once you’re moving, the crowd noise of Palma fades fast and the boat becomes a floating viewing platform.

This is also where you can quickly set your expectations. Ask about snorkeling gear options (since it’s not included) and what the crew recommends if water is choppy. That one step can save you from the classic Mallorca boat-day disappointment of realizing too late that you don’t have what you need.

Stop 2: Nord de Palma District and Palma Cathedral views

The cruise through Bay of Palma is long enough to settle in: about 1 hour 30 minutes. This part is about scenery—especially views toward Palma Cathedral from the water—and photos of beaches and coves along the shore.

If you like calm pacing, this is your moment. On a crowded day, this segment often feels like the best place to spread out, because you’re still near the start of the route when people are taking in the city skyline.

Stop 3: Cap Rocat cliffs and open-water vibes

Next comes Cap Rocat for about 45 minutes. This stop is shorter, but it’s the kind of coastline that makes you understand why boats exist in the first place. The cliffs look rugged and unpolished compared with the more developed beach strips.

This is a good stop for photos, and also for just watching water movement along the rock. If you’re sensitive to wind chill, dress like you’re on open water—morning air can feel sharper once you’re out beyond the port.

Stop 4: Cala Vella swim stop (the longer swim moment)

Cala Vella gets a longer swim window: about 1 hour 30 minutes. This is where the day turns from sightseeing to water time. You can jump off the catamaran, swim toward a sandy beach area, or explore natural pools formed by old quarries (the point is that it can offer different “micro” swim options).

If you’re coming for snorkeling, this stop is the most likely part of the schedule to satisfy that urge. But remember: equipment isn’t included, and some anchoring can be in deeper water depending on the day. If you want a true, easy snorkel experience, bring your own fins if you have them. If you don’t, be ready that the onboard equipment may not feel like a full snorkel kit.

Stop 5: Cala Blava lunch stop (and why it matters)

Then you reach Cala Blava—the highlight stop—and that’s also when lunch happens. The plan lists lunch and then a relatively short window (the time shown for Cala Blava is 45 minutes for lunch).

The lunch menu is substantial and specific. It includes:

• Dates with bacon
• Beef meatballs with Thai sauce
• Chicken, ginger and mango salad
• Sautéed vegetables (courgettes, carrots, cherry tomatoes)
• Roasted black pork with mushroom sauce
• Trampó (tomatoes, green pepper, spring onion salad)
• Vegetables rice
• Vegetables spring rolls
• Curry samosas
• Mixed salad with oranges
• Bread
• Fruit salad with vanilla ice cream

You also get water during lunch. Drinks like wine or cocktails are not included (there’s a bar on board), so the lunch feels like a real meal rather than a small buffet stunt.

Stop 6: Back toward Palma de Mallorca

Finally, you head back to Palma de Mallorca, with the tour ending back at the starting meeting point. This last stretch is for slow sailing views and lingering photo time from the water.

Lunch on board: included food, realistic expectations, and value

At about $93.83 per person, you’re paying for three things: the boat, the time on the water, and the included lunch. And that lunch is one of the strongest reasons this trip can feel like good value.

The menu reads like an organized catering list, not a token snack. In practice, it’s the kind of lunch that keeps you from spending your entire morning thinking about when you’ll eat. It also helps if you’re traveling with mixed tastes, since there are multiple main dishes plus salads, vegetables, and sides.

A practical note: water is included during lunch, but not all drinks. If you want wine or beer, price it mentally as an add-on. One common theme from feedback is that bar pricing can feel steep, which is normal for a boat day—but it can change how “worth it” the trip feels if you planned on buying several drinks.

If you want a more laid-back mood on a day like this, eat, then go back to deck time. If you want more party energy, you’ll usually find it tied to the bar and onboard music choices, which can vary by day.

Snorkeling reality check at Cala Vella and Cala Blava

The tricky part with this tour is the snorkeling label. The included info is clear: snorkel equipment is not included. You can buy equipment on board for 20€.

From actual on-water experiences, I’d plan for the possibility that the equipment offered might not match what you’re expecting. Some people reported receiving a mask but not a full set like fins, which matters because fins help you swim efficiently and explore more effectively—especially if you end up in deeper anchoring spots.

Here’s how I’d handle it:

• If you own snorkel gear, bring it. You’ll save time and you won’t be stuck asking what’s included.
• If you don’t, consider buying the onboard kit early. That way you’re not last in line when the crew is already timing the swim window.
• If you’re not a confident swimmer, ask about life jackets right away. There have been reports that life jackets weren’t automatically handed out, even though they can be available on request.

Also note the water can be choppy. When that happens, swimming and snorkeling feel more like a workout than a glide. If you’re sensitive to cold water, Mallorca mornings can feel cool once you’re out for a while, and the sea can turn icy-fast compared with the sun.

Crowds, seating, and the front-net issue

This is not a tiny private catamaran. The boat can be around 145 in capacity, and some departures run near full. The good news is that once sailing starts, people spread out. The less good news is that the deck isn’t always equally comfortable, especially in peak moments when everyone is trying to get to the best viewpoint spots.

One detail worth knowing: there can be a more premium front seating/net area that costs extra. Some people described needing to pay around 100€ for two people to use the front nets area shown in promo photos.

What does that mean for you? If you care about prime deck space, decide whether that cost is worth it for your priorities. If your main goal is water time and views, the rest of the deck can still work fine—just don’t assume you’ll always get the exact front spot from the marketing images.

Who this Mallorca catamaran cruise is best for

This trip works best if you want:

• A scenic catamaran day out of Palma without planning bus routes and beach hopping
• Multiple sea swim chances within one schedule
• An included lunch that’s filling and varied

It can be less ideal if you:

• Want a guaranteed, gear-equipped snorkeling experience with fins and shallow snorkeling areas
• Are planning this as a quiet nature-focused day with low music and low alcohol
• Need tight timing control because departure times and total hours can shift with weather and wind

Families can usually participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult. If you’re traveling with kids, check equipment expectations and keep a close eye during swim stops.

If you’re coming solo, this can be a friendly way to meet people on a shared boat day. If you’re a couple, it’s a nice mid-price option compared with private charters, with the tradeoff that you’re dealing with crowds on busier sailing dates.

Quick value check: is $93.83 a fair deal?

For me, the value hinges on whether the included items match your expectations.

You get:

• Round-trip catamaran sailing
• Several notable stops, including Cala Blava
• Lunch included plus water during lunch
• A bar onboard for extra drinks

You pay extra for:

• Snorkel equipment (20€ on board)
• Drinks beyond water during lunch
• Any premium seating areas that some people report as add-ons

At roughly $94, this can feel like a good deal if you’re happy to treat snorkeling as “swim with optional gear” rather than “guided, fully equipped reef time.” If snorkeling is your number one goal and you want fins and consistent shallow-water spots, plan to bring your own equipment and keep weather and sea conditions in mind.

Also consider timing: if your schedule can handle a 4–5 hour reality rather than a strict half-day, the trip tends to land better.

Should you book this Mallorca catamaran cruise and snorkeling trip?

I’d book it if you want a relaxed catamaran day with real included lunch value, scenic Palma Bay views, and at least one strong swim highlight at Cala Blava. It’s a solid way to experience Mallorca from the water without building your own beach-hopping day.

I’d think twice if you’re counting on snorkeling equipment being fully provided, or if you need guaranteed shallow snorkeling. Do yourself a favor and confirm what equipment you’ll get and whether life jackets are available on request before you go.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you’ll bring your own snorkel gear. I can help you judge whether this fits your exact snorkeling expectations.

FAQ

How long is the Mallorca catamaran cruise and snorkeling trip?

It’s listed at about 5 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $93.83 per person.

Where do you meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Muelle Golondrina, Av. de Gabriel Roca, s/n, 07014 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is listed as 9:45 am.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and water during lunch is also included.

Is snorkel equipment included?

No. Snorkel equipment is not included, but you can buy it on board for 20€.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included. There is a bar on board.

Does the itinerary include Cala Blava?

Yes. The tour includes a stop at Cala Blava, described as the highlight.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

Is there a limit on group size?

Yes. The maximum is listed as 100 travelers.

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