Palma sunsets or bright-day coves, you get both in one ride. This deluxe catamaran tour on the Oasis brings you out from Palma for a swim stop at Cala Vella, with food and drinks onboard, plus snorkeling or paddle time. I really like two things here: the boat stays comfortably small (36 people max on a 57-capacity vessel), and the stop at Cala Vella is built for real water time, not just photo ops. One thing to consider, the snorkeling setup is limited since you cannot rent masks and tubes, so plan to bring your own.

Onboard, the vibe is relaxed and organized. You cruise on a clean, modern catamaran, with a bar operating during the whole excursion and unlimited water included, so you can pace yourself whether you pick the daytime BBQ option or the sunset tapas experience. The only downside is you should expect cocktails and mixed drinks to cost extra.

The day tour heads out from Port of Palma, sails toward Cala Vella, and gives you a solid few hours on and in the water. The sunset tour follows the same basic route, then shifts the focus to dinner and watching the Mallorcan old town glow as you sail back toward Palma and the Cathedral.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group on a big boat: 36 guests max for comfort, even though the catamaran holds 57.
• Cala Vella swim stop: a natural reserve with coves and clear water that’s ideal for jumping in.
• Daytime BBQ, sunset tapas: the food style changes depending on whether you book the day or sunset slot.
• SUP and water activities: SUP equipment is included, and you can also do snorkeling and kayaking or surf paddling.
• Onboard bar is open the whole time: unlimited water is included, but cocktails are not.
• Bring your own snorkel kit: snorkeling mask and tube cannot be rented, though you can buy a set on the boat for €25.

The Oasis catamaran: comfort that doesn’t feel cramped

This tour’s main advantage is the way it sizes the experience. The Oasis is a catamaran built for 57 people, but you’re limited to 36 guests max. That matters more than you might think, because on boats, the real bottleneck is space, not just seating. With fewer people onboard, you get room to move, claim a spot for photos, and actually enjoy the swim time without feeling like you’re part of a floating crowd.

The boat is also described as very clean and modern, and that translates into comfort for the whole outing. You’re spending several hours on deck and indoors, and small things like clean toilets and a tidy layout can make the difference between a fun day and an annoying one. From what you’ll hear, the crew keeps the ship in good shape throughout the trip.

I also like that this isn’t a strict “sit, listen, leave” excursion. Even though you’re sailing, the schedule is designed around active breaks, so you can cool off quickly and then settle back in when you want shade.

Day vs sunset: what changes at Cala Vella and at dinner

Both options share the same core ingredient: sailing to Cala Vella for a swim in one of Mallorca’s coves. The differences are what happens after that, and the mood of the return trip.

Daytime option: BBQ lunch, then more water time

On the daytime sail, you depart from the Port of Palma and head toward Cala Vella. Once you arrive, you get a swimming stop in the natural reserve’s coves. The big meal moment is a BBQ prepared onboard, so you’re not leaving the water adventure to go find lunch somewhere else.

After that, you get another chance to get back in again, with gear like paddle boards and snorkeling available during the excursion. This is a good choice if you want the most total swim time and you like the idea of food happening right where you are, without any stress.

Sunset option: adult-only tapas and the return views

The sunset excursion keeps the Cala Vella swim stop, then swaps BBQ lunch for dinner of tapas and canapés, timed around the Mallorcan sunset. You’re sailing back toward Palma while you watch the old town and the Cathedral from the water, which is exactly the kind of perspective you can’t get from the shore.

There’s one clear constraint: the sunset option is adults only (+18). If you’re traveling with teens, the daytime tour is the one that fits the family side better.

What you actually do onboard: swimming, snorkeling, SUP, and the bar

This isn’t just a sailing tour. It’s a water-and-sun package, with multiple ways to get wet.

The swim stops, in plain terms

You can expect at least one main swim break in Cala Vella, where you can jump off the boat and swim in clearer water. The schedule is built so you’re not stuck on board for hours without a break.

If you pick the daytime option, you should expect time for additional water activities after the onboard BBQ. The point is to get enough time in the water to feel satisfied, not just do a quick dip and go.

Snorkeling and the one gear rule that matters

Here’s the practical part: snorkeling mask and tube can’t be rented. The tour information says you can bring your own, or buy a snorkeling set on the boat for €25.

Also note the bar area and deck are not a place you want to be rummaging for missing gear. If you want to snorkel, decide before you leave the hotel. Bring your own mask and tube if you already own one, or budget for the €25 option on board if you don’t.

SUP and paddling options

SUP equipment is included, and you can expect paddle board time during the excursion. The highlights also mention kayaking or surf paddling, so you’re not locked into only one style of water fun. If you’re the type who gets bored sitting still, this is a strong match.

Even better, the smaller group size helps here. More room means it’s easier to take turns, manage your own timing, and actually relax between activities.

The onboard bar: included water, paid cocktails

The bar is open throughout the trip. Unlimited water is included, which is great in Mallorca heat because you can keep refilling without doing math in your head.

But drinks like cocktails are typically extra. One real-world hint you can plan around: cocktails have been described as around €18 to €20 each. If you want mixed drinks all afternoon, this can change the effective cost of the tour. If you’re mainly in it for the water time and the included food, you’ll likely be fine just having a couple of paid drinks or sticking to water.

Cala Vella: why this stop is the real reason to book

Cala Vella is a natural reserve with coves and clear water. In a tour like this, that matters because the whole value comes down to the swim stop. If the water is good, the rest of the day feels effortless. If the water is rough or unpleasant, everything else becomes background noise.

The experience is designed around that reality: you sail out, hit Cala Vella, then use the time efficiently. The boat also gives you access to a jump-in experience from the deck, which tends to be more fun than trying to wade in off a crowded shoreline.

A simple tip: bring a towel and plan your transition. You’ll go from deck to water and back again a few times, so having your towel ready and your swimwear on is a lot easier than doing quick changes at the last second.

Sailing back to Palma: the views, plus the feeling of space

The return ride is where the sailing part becomes more than a ride. On both options, you cruise back toward Palma through the bay.

On the sunset itinerary, that return is the star. You’re sailing while admiring Palma’s old town and the Cathedral. Even if you’re not a sunset fanatic, there’s something special about moving through the city glow rather than watching from a fixed point on land.

On the daytime tour, the return still gives you open-water views and a change of scenery from deck level. With fewer people onboard, it’s easier to get a clear angle for photos and to enjoy the light while you dry off and eat.

Food on board: BBQ lunch or tapas dinner, with real dietary care

Food here is not a sad snack. The daytime option includes a BBQ prepared directly on board, and the sunset option includes tapas and canapés.

What makes this more valuable than it sounds is timing. You don’t have to hunt for lunch near the port or make a separate plan. You’re already on the water, and your meal happens in the middle of the experience.

Also, you have a strong hint that they handle different needs, because vegetarian options have been mentioned as available. If you’re vegetarian, this is one of those tours where you can usually eat without it becoming a full-time job.

On drinks, remember the setup: water is unlimited and included, while cocktail and mixed drinks are paid. That’s typical, but it changes how you budget the overall cost.

Value for the price: is $88 a good deal?

At about $88 per person, you’re paying for a few things at once:

1) a catamaran cruise,

2) a swim-focused stop at a natural reserve,

3) included equipment like SUP,

4) a real meal onboard (BBQ at lunch or tapas at sunset),

5) insurance included.

Where it can feel like a bargain is the small-group structure. Many Mallorca boat experiences scale up the guest count, and then you pay deluxe prices for economy-level crowding. Here, the cap at 36 people is a big part of what you’re actually buying.

Where it might not feel like a bargain is the bar costs. If you plan to drink cocktails constantly, you can add a lot to your total. If you’re the kind of traveler who drinks water, has maybe one cocktail, and spends your money on the actual experience, this looks like strong value.

So I’d frame it like this: the meal and included water reduce what you’d otherwise spend on lunch and hydration. Then you can decide how much you want to add for drinks.

Who should book this, and who should choose something else

This is a great pick if you want:

• Water time as the main event (swimming, snorkeling, paddle boards).
• A more comfortable boat experience rather than a packed party vibe.
• A simple plan that starts at Palma and ends back at Palma, without transfers.
• Day or sunset options so you can match the day to your schedule.

It’s also a smart honeymoon or anniversary style outing, because the pace is relaxed and the boat is kept clean and well run. If you want a calm celebration at sea rather than a noisy group tour, the smaller guest count helps a lot.

You might skip it if:

• You hate not having rental snorkeling gear. You can buy snorkel equipment on board, but you still need to plan.
• You want a strict itinerary with zero weather changes. The schedule can be amended due to weather conditions, which is normal for a sea trip.
• You’re traveling with minors and want the sunset. The sunset option is adults only.

Practical tips that make the difference on sailing day

These are the details that can make your trip smoother.

Bring the right essentials

You’ll want:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

One tricky point: the tour info also says sunscreen is not allowed. That sounds contradictory, so treat it as a boat policy you must follow. The safest approach is to apply sunscreen before you board and then follow whatever the crew asks once you’re onboard.

Also avoid high-heeled shoes. Stick with flats or sandals you can manage around wet decks.

Plan your snorkeling gear now

Since mask and tube rental aren’t available, either:

• bring your own, or
• budget for the €25 snorkeling set on the boat.

If you’re relying on rentals, don’t. This is a “bring your own or buy onboard” situation.

Expect the meeting point to take a bit of effort

The meeting point can vary depending on the option booked, and some people find it easier to miss than you’d hope. I’d arrive a little early and double-check the exact instructions for your chosen option so you’re not sprinting to the dock.

Use the bar time wisely

The bar is open and the drinks you want might cost extra. If cocktails are your thing, decide what you want ahead of time so you’re not surprised by the total when you’re tired and hungry.

Dress for water and sun

Casual but appropriate attire and swimwear are recommended. You’ll be exposed to sun, then in and out of the water, so wear something you can handle without worrying.

Should you book the Oasis catamaran sailing tour with meal?

Yes, I’d book it if your priority is a real Mallorca sea break with time to swim, snorkel, and paddle, plus a meal that happens without forcing you to leave the boat. The 36-person maximum is the big reason, because it turns a boat day from “survive the crowd” into “actually enjoy the ride.”

Pick the day tour if you want more active water time and a BBQ lunch. Pick the sunset tour if you want tapas and the payoff of Palma’s old town views as the light fades, and you can travel on an adults-only schedule.

Just do two planning steps first: bring or buy snorkeling gear, and think about how you’ll handle drinks if you’re ordering cocktails. If you line those up, this is the kind of half-day that feels like you got Mallorca out of the water, not just around it.

FAQ

How long is the Palma catamaran tour?

The tour lasts about 4 to 4.5 hours, depending on the selected time slot shown when you check availability.

Do I choose between a daytime and a sunset option?

Yes. There is a daytime excursion and a sunset excursion, and the food type changes between them.

What happens at Cala Vella?

Both options sail toward Cala Vella and include a swimming stop in that area.

What meal is included on the daytime tour?

On the daytime option, you get a BBQ prepared onboard, along with appetizers.

What meal is included on the sunset tour?

On the sunset option, you get dinner featuring tapas and canapés.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water is included on the trip. Drinks like cocktails and mixed drinks are available from the onboard bar, but they are not listed as included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling mask and tube cannot be rented. You can bring your own, or buy a snorkeling set on the boat for €25.

Is SUP equipment included?

Yes. SUP equipment is included.

Is the sunset tour for adults only?

Yes. The sunset option is for adults only, +18 years old.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup is not included, and you meet at the meeting point for your booked option.