Cala Vella looks unreal from the water. From Palma de Mallorca, this Oasis catamaran turns a half-day at sea into a real swim-and-meal outing, with stunning coves and space to move around. You also get a choice of a daytime cruise or a sunset version that lines up with views over Mallorca’s old town.

I love two things right away: the boat feels clean and deluxe, and the crew keeps the vibe relaxed (not chaotic). I also like that the day option gives you a BBQ lunch on board with time to cool off again after you swim, while the sunset option swaps BBQ for tapas and canapés.

One thing to plan for: the tour includes unlimited water, but the on-board bar serves drinks for purchase and snorkeling masks aren’t rented. If you’re hoping everything is handled for you gear-wise and drink-wise, you may end up budgeting a little extra.

Key things that make this catamaran tour worth your time

• Small-group comfort: max 36 guests on a 57-person boat
• Cala Vella swim stop: a natural reserve with crystal-clear coves
• Two distinct experiences: BBQ lunch (day) vs tapas and canapés (sunset, adults +18)
• Water toys included: SUP equipment plus snorkeling time (mask/tube not rented)
• On-board bar stays open: water is unlimited, other drinks are available for purchase
• Sailing + viewpoints: sails when conditions allow, plus Palma old town and Cathedral views on the way back

Entering The Oasis: a “deluxe” catamaran that’s not trying too hard

The big difference here is the boat. The Oasis catamaran has a sleek, modern look, and the whole feel is more like a well-run private outing than a cattle-line excursion. Even though the boat’s capacity is 57, they cap the guest list at a maximum of 36, so you don’t spend your cruise playing find-a-corner on deck.

That matters because Mallorca’s sea days can get choppy with crowds. Here, you can actually spread out, find a spot to lie down, and get a photo without someone’s elbow in your shot. Multiple reviews call out how clean and spotless the boat feels, including the toilets, which is a small detail that somehow becomes a big deal once you’re cruising for a few hours.

The crew tone is another plus. People consistently describe the staff as professional, attentive, and quick to help once you’re on board. And one name that pops up in feedback is Marshall, who gets credited with making sure things run smoothly and people have what they need.

Palma to Cala Vella: the swimming stop is the real anchor

Most of the “wow” happens around Cala Vella, the natural reserve the cruise sails toward. This is where you stop for a swim, and it’s the kind of water that makes you instantly understand why people keep returning to Mallorca by boat.

You’ll leave the Port of Palma, sail across the Mediterranean, and then get your first water break. The itinerary is built around giving you actual time in the cove, not just a quick dip and back to deck. Expect swimming, and if you’ve got the energy, snorkeling and paddle boarding can follow right after.

A practical note: the day tour structure puts food around your swimming time, so you’re not stuck waiting for lunch while everyone else is already cooling off. That flow keeps the whole trip feeling balanced.

Day tour: BBQ lunch, paddle boards, and snorkeling time in one loop

If you choose the daytime excursion, the rhythm is simple and satisfying. You head toward Cala Vella, stop for a swim, and then settle in for a BBQ prepared directly on board. This is one of the most praised parts of the experience because the meal isn’t an afterthought—it’s part of the schedule, and it arrives while the trip is still in full-motion fun.

After the BBQ, you get another chance to go back into the water. This is where the SUP equipment and snorkeling come into play. SUP boards are provided as part of the experience, so you can try something a little different without having to sign up separately or rent gear elsewhere.

Snorkeling can be a highlight, especially if the water is clear, but here’s the practical catch: snorkeling masks and tubes aren’t rented. If you don’t want to bring your own, you can buy a snorkeling set on the boat for €25. That’s not a deal-breaker—just plan ahead so you’re not scanning for a shop at the last minute.

The on-board bar stays open during the excursion, so you can grab a drink between water activities. Even if you don’t overdo it, it helps the whole trip feel like a floating hangout, not a timed checklist.

Sunset tour: tapas and canapés with Palma old town views

The sunset option follows the same overall route—sailing toward Cala Vella and stopping to swim—but the second half is where it changes. Instead of BBQ lunch, you’re treated to dinner-style small plates: tapas and canapés. The point isn’t heavy dining; it’s enjoying food while the light shifts.

Then comes the best part of the sunset format: you admire the Mallorcan sunset while you’re on the water. When the sky cooperates, this is the kind of moment that feels like it belongs on a postcard, but you’re actually there, moving with the breeze.

On the way back to Palma, you also get views of the old town and the Cathedral. That’s a big value add if you already plan to see Palma on land. You get a different angle, and it ties the sea day into your Mallorca story in a way a random sightseeing stop doesn’t.

One key restriction: sunset tours are adults only, +18. If you’re traveling with minors, stick with the daytime option.

How “not overcrowded” works (and why it changes the whole trip)

On paper, a 4–4.5 hour catamaran sounds like any other sea excursion. In practice, the guest cap is what makes this feel smoother. Limiting to 36 guests on a boat built for 57 means you’re less likely to end up squeezed around rails or fighting for deck space to sit or dry off.

This shows up in the tiny stuff: you can move to where the sun is, find a shaded spot without a long scramble, and get space for photos. People also bring up the number of crew members and how attentive they are, which helps if someone needs help with SUP boards, finding the right place for swimming, or just figuring out what’s happening next.

If you’ve ever done a “fun boat” where the atmosphere turns into noise and line-ups, this is the opposite. It still has a lively feel—just with room to breathe.

Food and drinks: what you’ll actually pay for

The meal situation is one of the strongest reasons this tour earns its price point. Daytime includes BBQ and appetizers. Sunset includes tapas and canapés. In both cases, the food is part of the core experience, not something you add later if you feel like it.

Water is included and unlimited, which is smart. It keeps you from paying for basic hydration and lets you focus on enjoying the ride. The on-board bar is also open throughout the cruise, but drinks beyond the included water are purchase items.

Cocktails and mixed drinks are available, and the going rate is often discussed in feedback, with cocktails mentioned around the 18–20 EUR range. That doesn’t make the tour overpriced on its own, but it does mean you should budget a bit if you plan to drink alcohol during the cruise. The good news is you can keep it simple and just stick with water and whatever non-alcoholic options you prefer.

If you’re a vegetarian, this tour looks like it’s set up to handle you well, since vegetarian needs are specifically mentioned in feedback. For mixed groups, it reduces stress.

The water-activity setup: SUP included, snorkeling gear not

You’re not just “watching the sea.” The experience is built around hands-on time in the water. The included SUP equipment gives you a guided feel (even if you don’t need instruction for every movement), and it’s a fun change from plain swimming.

Snorkeling is also part of the experience, but you should come in with your eyes open: masks and tubes aren’t rented. The boat sells a snorkeling set for €25 if you need one, or you can bring your own.

Bring your towel and swimwear, and give yourself a moment to dry off between activities. The deck setup works best if you can manage the small routine: swim, rinse (if needed), dry, snack, then repeat.

And do keep in mind that the itinerary may shift due to weather conditions. On sea days, wind and wave height can change the safest or smoothest plan, so it’s normal if timing or specific activities adjust.

Value check: why $88 can make sense here

At $88 per person, you’re not paying only for a view. You’re paying for a semi-private feel: the catamaran cruise out of Palma, the swim stop at Cala Vella, water that’s unlimited, insurance, and included water gear. Plus, there’s a full meal component—BBQ for the day tour or tapas and canapés for sunset.

The “value” part is that you’re not stacked onto a super-crowded boat. Multiple reviews highlight the comfort of the smaller headcount, and that’s exactly where the money goes. Less crowding means better access to deck space, more relaxed staff attention, and fewer frustrations when you want to swim or paddle board.

If you’re comparing this to other Mallorca boat trips, look past the sticker price. Ask: does that price include a real meal, unlimited water, and a smaller guest count? If yes, then $88 starts looking like a straightforward deal rather than a splurge.

Who should book this catamaran sailing tour from Palma

This is a great fit if you:

• want a comfortable catamaran day with real swimming time
• care about small-group vibes instead of party-boat crowding
• enjoy mixing downtime on deck with short active bursts in the water
• want food included without hunting down a restaurant afterward

It’s especially good for couples and small groups because the boat size keeps things social without getting rowdy. People also booked it for celebrations and anniversaries, and the overall tone sounds “special” without turning into stiff fine dining.

If you’re traveling with kids, stick to the daytime option since sunset is adults only. If you’re very sensitive to extra costs for drinks or you don’t want to deal with snorkeling gear, you may want to plan your purchases (or bring your own mask) before boarding.

Practical tips so your sail day feels effortless

Here are the small things that make a big difference on a sea trip like this:

• Bring your sun hat, swimwear, and a towel. The deck can be bright even when the ride feels calm.
• Sunscreen is listed as something to bring, but sunscreen is also listed as not allowed. That’s a confusing combo, so I’d follow the boat’s instruction on arrival and ask what’s allowed onboard.
• Wear casual, appropriate clothing. Avoid high-heeled shoes—those aren’t allowed.
• If you care about snorkeling, either bring a mask/tube or budget for the €25 set on the boat.
• Pack light. You’ll use the water gear and then want to move quickly between swim and meal areas.

Also, check the day’s starting time when you book. The duration is listed as 4 to 4.5 hours, but departures vary by option and schedule.

Should you book this Palma catamaran tour?

Book it if you want a clean, comfortable catamaran from Palma with a clear reason to exist: the swim stop at Cala Vella plus a real included meal. The small guest cap is the hidden value, because it turns the trip from just “time on a boat” into a genuinely relaxing experience.

Skip it—or at least go in with eyes open—if you’re expecting everything to be free once you’re onboard. Water is included, but drinks from the bar and snorkeling gear needs (if you don’t bring your own) can add cost. And if you want to avoid any adult-only limitation, choose the daytime itinerary.

If your goal is Mediterranean water time without overcrowding, this one is an easy recommendation.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour from Palma?

The tour lasts about 4 to 4.5 hours, depending on the option and starting time.

Where do you swim during the tour?

The cruise sails to Cala Vella and includes a swimming stop there.

Is lunch or dinner included?

Yes. The daytime option includes appetizers and a BBQ lunch. The sunset option includes tapas and canapés.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water is included. The on-board bar is open during the trip, and other drinks are available for purchase.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

SUP equipment is included, but snorkeling mask and tube are not rented. You can bring your own or buy a snorkeling set on the boat for €25.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Casual attire is recommended, and you’ll want swim-ready clothing.

Are high-heeled shoes allowed?

No. High-heeled shoes are not allowed on the tour.

How many people are on the catamaran?

The boat can hold 57, but the tour admits a maximum of 36 guests for comfort and safety.

Is the sunset tour for adults only?

Yes. The sunset option is for adults only (18+).

What if the weather changes?

The itinerary may be amended due to weather conditions.

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