There’s something about Mallorca’s coastline that feels made for slow, salty days—this catamaran cruise does it right, with two swimming stops and a full meal on board.

I love the Cueva Verde stop: turquoise water where you can swap between swimming and snorkeling without feeling rushed. I also like the fact that the boat is run like a smooth operation, with a relaxed vibe plus BBQ-style food and homemade dessert built into the ride.

One thing to keep in mind: drinks aren’t included, and the bar can get pricey. Also, the route can change with weather and sea conditions, so don’t lock your whole day to a single plan.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Cueva Verde cove: time to swim and cool off in very clear, bright water
• Cala Vella marine reserve: paddleboards and snorkeling time in protected waters
• Small-group feel: catamaran holds 87, but the cruise limits to 55 people for comfort
• Food that doesn’t feel like filler: appetizers, barbecue, and home-made dessert on board
• Bar aboard the catamaran: cocktails and mixed drinks available for purchase
• Sunset return: many departures time the way back so you see Mallorca from the water in golden light

A Luxurious Catamaran Day Off Palma, Without the Crowds

This isn’t a “hop on, hop off” speedboat style outing. You’re on a catamaran that’s set up for hanging out—space to move, places to sit, and a ride that’s meant to feel comfortable rather than chaotic.

The big practical win for you is the group size. Even though the boat’s capacity is 87, the operator keeps departures to a maximum of 55. That matters when you want to swim, find a good spot to watch the coastline, and actually enjoy lunch (instead of sharing elbow room).

You’ll start from OASIS CATAMARAN in Palma. From there, the cruise focuses on just a few things—water time, scenery, and food—so the 5.5 hours feel like a complete plan rather than a string of delays.

Cueva Verde Cove: Turquoise Water and Real Swim Time

The first major stop is Cueva Verde, a hidden cove where the water looks almost unreal. This is the moment most people come for, and the schedule gives you proper freedom to enjoy it instead of a quick dip.

What to do during this stop:

• Swim and relax from the boat’s platforms
• Use snorkeling time if you brought what you need (or plan to use what the operator provides/sets up during the cruise)
• Take a few minutes just to float and watch the water color change as the light shifts

A useful detail: you’re going to be on a boat deck setup, so follow crew instructions about where it’s safe while underway. One rider noted the nets are off limits while the boat is moving, but there’s seating areas at the back where you can still relax.

Also, treat this stop like nature water, not a pool. One review mentioned jellyfish stings at the second stop and praised how quickly the crew helped. So: keep an eye on what the sea is doing, and if you feel uncomfortable, get the crew’s attention early.

Cala Vella Marine Reserve: Paddleboards, Snorkeling, and Calm Exploration

After the first swim, the cruise continues toward Cala Vella, in a marine nature reserve. This is where the trip adds a more “play in the water” feel, not just a swim stop.

Here’s what you can expect at Cala Vella:

• Paddleboards are provided, so you can explore at a slower, more scenic pace
• Snorkeling opportunities are part of the plan
• More time is built in for floating and chilling rather than constant boat movement

Paddleboarding in a reserve is a nice change of pace. It turns the trip from just watching scenery into actually experiencing it at water level. If you’ve never used a paddleboard before, you’ll likely find it easy to get comfortable with during the stop, because this is a leisure pace, not a workout.

Two practical notes I’d plan for:

• Sunbeds can be limited. One review specifically said there are only two sunbeds, so if you care about that, arrive to the deck early when you get downtime.
• If you want shade, you may not have much while waiting on the dock. One rider pointed out there’s little shade or restroom access before boarding, so bring water and plan for heat.

On-Board BBQ, Dessert, and the Bar: What’s Included vs. Extra

The meal is a big part of the value here. You’re not paying for a “sunset snack” and then buying lunch elsewhere. You get appetizers, barbecue, and dessert, plus water during the trip.

In real-world terms, this means you can stop thinking about food once you’re on the boat. You’ll get fed without needing to leave the water or hunt down a place onshore.

That said, do calibrate your expectations:

• Some people describe the barbecue positively, while one review called out that it may not be a classic backyard grill BBQ. Translation: the food is still there, but it may feel more like a served meal than a dramatic live-fire BBQ show.

Dessert gets called out as home-made in the tour description, and multiple reviews mention it was good. The rest of the food appears to be more than a token portion—some riders even listed what they were served beyond just meat, like cheese, salads, quiche, and more.

Now the bar: it’s a real perk. You can buy cocktails, mixed drinks, beer, and other beverages. Reviews vary on pricing, but most agree the bar is available and convenient. If you’re watching your budget, beer may be your friend. If you want cocktails, just expect they cost extra.

If you have dietary needs, there’s at least some flexibility. One review mentioned the crew prepared a special vegan meal after the guest informed them in advance, which is a strong sign that you should communicate ahead.

The 5.5-Hour Plan: How the Day Moves and Where Sunset Fits

This cruise is short enough to avoid a full-day drain, but long enough to feel like you left town. Expect a rhythm:

1. Depart Palma
2. Head to Cueva Verde for swimming time
3. Continue to Cala Vella for reserve water time (with paddleboards/snorkel)
4. Return to Palma with a view-focused cruise, often timed for sunset

The timing is designed so you don’t spend the whole day waiting on the water. Reviews repeatedly mention that the schedule feels well spaced—food comes when it makes sense, and the swim stops aren’t crammed into tiny windows.

One key consideration: the route may change depending on weather and sea conditions. That’s normal for open-water coast cruising. So if you’re booking for a specific vibe—like guaranteed calm water—know that the operator may adjust.

There’s also a “look back at Mallorca” factor. Riders mention the return cruise offers great views of Palma’s harbor area and sometimes even the cathedral closer up. If sunset is your thing, this trip can be a very nice way to catch it without doing another land-based activity.

Practical Tips That Make or Break Your Day at Sea

If you want this cruise to go smoothly, here’s how to show up like a smart passenger.

What to bring

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sun hat

Those three are basically non-negotiable, because you’ll spend time outdoors and in/near the water.

Boat rules you’ll actually notice

The cruise doesn’t allow pets, and it discourages party behavior. There are also rules around:

• No high-heeled shoes
• No food or drinks brought onboard
• No alcohol and drugs onboard
• No speakers

Also, there are restrictions related to sprays/aerosols and shoes indoors. If you plan to wear something slippery or fancy, skip it. Bring something practical.

Getting comfy on deck

A couple of small comfort points from reviews:

• The catamaran can have areas to relax, but sun seating may be limited.
• There may be a shower onboard, which is a real convenience after multiple water stops.
• Toilet cleanliness can be hit-or-miss depending on timing, so don’t assume it’ll match a perfect hotel standard.

Safety reality

You’re in open water, so expect natural stuff: jellyfish can happen, and the crew response matters. Based on feedback, the crew appears attentive and helpful when situations arise.

Price and Value: Is $109 Worth It in Mallorca?

At around $109 per person for about 5.5 hours, this is competing with other Palma boat tours that often include either just a drink or a basic snack.

Here’s why this one tends to feel like good value when it lands:

• Food is included: appetizers, barbecue, dessert
• Water is included
• Paddleboards are provided
• You get two distinct water areas—not just one quick swim
• The group limit (max 55) helps you actually enjoy the boat

The trade-off is that you’ll likely spend extra if you drink cocktails. Reviews suggest drink pricing can be high for cocktails, while beer and cava can feel more reasonable. So if you plan to drink a lot, the final cost rises. If you plan to drink lightly (or stick with beer), you’ll probably feel like you got a fair deal.

My advice: think of it as paying for a day with meals and gear included, not as a cheap transportation option. In that frame, the $109 price starts to make sense.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (and Who Might Want Another Plan)

This is a great pick if you want:

• A comfort-focused catamaran day rather than a crowded party boat
• Time in clear water at Cueva Verde and Cala Vella
• Included food that makes the trip feel complete
• A manageable day length (5.5 hours)

It also works well for mixed ages and groups. Some reviews mention multi-generation enjoyment and the overall vibe feeling friendly and easy.

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants:

• A long, multi-stop day packed with lots of land sightseeing, or
• A strict budget for alcohol,

…then you might prefer a different style of trip. On this one, the value is strongest when you’re content with the included water and meals, and you treat the bar as optional.

Should You Book This Cueva Verde and Cala Vella Catamaran Cruise?

If you’re choosing between boat tours in Palma, I’d lean toward booking this one if two things matter to you: time in the water and included food. The small-group approach helps, and the itinerary is built around two strong nature-focused stops plus a relaxing return.

Don’t book it expecting a rock-bottom deal on cocktails. Bring cash/card for drinks if you want them, and decide ahead of time how many you’ll buy. Also, be ready for weather-based route changes—sea days are like that.

If your goal is a comfortable Mallorca day with swimming, snorkeling-style fun, paddleboarding, and a real meal on board, this cruise fits the bill.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

You meet at OASIS CATAMARAN in Palma.

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The duration is about 5.5 hours.

What does the price include?

The cruise includes appetizers, barbecue, dessert, water during the trip, and paddle boards.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are available to purchase on board.

Is snorkeling or paddleboarding included?

Paddle boards are included, and snorkeling time is part of the experience.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring sun hat, swimwear, and a towel.

Are pets allowed on board?

No, pets are not allowed.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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