Cala Vella looks unreal from a catamaran. What makes this one different is the small 55-person max and the BBQ plus aperitif at sea, served while you’re floating in clear water off Mallorca. Add stand-up paddleboarding that’s included, and you get a half-day that feels like a proper island escape, not a rushed checklist.

One thing to keep in mind: the route and stop timing can shift with weather, so plan for the day to be flexible rather than minute-perfect.

Key highlights at a glance

• Small group feel (max 55 on board) despite the boat’s 84-person capacity
• Aperitif at La Cueva Verda and a BBQ stop in Cala Vella
• SUP included during your swim and relaxation time
• Bar service on board throughout the excursion, with drinks not included
• Comfort-minded sailing with room to spread out across covered and sun areas

A 2023 catamaran with a real small-group vibe in Palma

This catamaran is brand new in 2023, and the operator keeps the experience comfortable by sailing with a maximum of 55 people on board. That matters. On a lot of catamaran cruises, you end up pressed shoulder-to-shoulder. Here, the lower cap is what helps you actually enjoy the water time instead of playing deck Tetris.

I also like that the boat is set up for a longish, relaxing afternoon. You’re out roughly 5 hours 30 minutes, so you’re not just “on the water for a photo.” You have time to lounge, swim, and try the included water toys. And since the bar stays open during the trip, you can make it a slow, social sail without needing to leave the boat.

The practical tip: check what kind of seat you’re drawn to. Some areas will feel more exposed to sun, others more sheltered. If you want to control your comfort, look for shade when you can.

From Palma Port to La Cueva Verda aperitif stop

You start at the OASIS CATAMARAN meeting point in Palma, at Av. de Gabriel Roca, 16, 07014 Palma. From there, you depart from the Port of Palma and sail out toward the coves, with food built into the schedule instead of turning it into a snack hunt later.

The first food moment is an aperitif at the stop in La Cueva Verda. This is the kind of pause that changes the whole feel of the cruise. You’re not waiting until the end for something good to eat. You get a Mediterranean-style start while you’re still getting your sea legs and settling in.

Here’s a detail I’d plan around: boarding rules can include taking shoes off. Some trips like this ask passengers to remove shoes when getting on board, mainly to keep the interior clean. If you’re in doubt, wear footwear that’s easy to slip off and on quickly.

Cala Vella swimming time, plus the on-board BBQ moment

Cala Vella is the main nature-focused stop in this outing. The idea is simple and effective: you sail to the protected area with idyllic coves, then you get time to swim and relax in the clear water. This is where the cruise earns its reputation as a “real water day.”

Food happens here too, with a BBQ prepared on board during the Cala Vella stop. That’s a big value factor. You’re not dealing with finding a restaurant after you’ve already spent your morning walking around Palma. The food is part of the downtime at the water.

A smart way to handle the timing: don’t treat BBQ like a race. I’d swim, then head over when the crew signals the food service. That way you don’t end up balancing wet hair and tongs while everyone else is already lining up. Also, plan for the fact that water conditions and timing can shift. Weather can change the route, so your exact swim window may be slightly different day to day.

One more reality check from the broader sailing style here: if a day’s weather is borderline, the operator may adjust how the day runs. So if your goal is maximum swimming time, keep your expectations flexible and aim to enjoy the water you do get.

SUP on board: what you actually get out of it

You don’t have to rent anything extra. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is included, and the boards are available onboard during the excursion. That turns the trip from “pretty views” into “real activity,” even if you’re not a hardcore paddler.

For me, SUP inclusion is one of the best value drivers on this kind of cruise. You get a structured reason to get up and do something without paying a separate fee. And even if you only manage a short try, you still get that moment of being out on the water under your own power.

The key is to treat SUP time as part of the overall water rhythm: swim, paddle, snack, lounge, repeat. Don’t overpack your head with plans. The goal is to enjoy Mallorca from the water, not cram in skills practice.

The bar, the music, and how to manage your comfort

There’s a bar on board that’s open throughout the excursion. You can get cocktails, mixed drinks, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. The important bit: drinks are not included in the price.

That makes planning easy. If you like alcohol, decide ahead of time what you want to spend, then treat the rest of the day as a relaxation budget. If you don’t drink much, you can ignore the bar and focus on the included food plus your time in the water.

Music is part of the experience too. On some catamaran days, the sound level can be a lot if you’re seated near speakers. If you know you’re sensitive to loud music, choose a seating area that feels quieter for you. Even better, bring your own coping tool, like a pair of earplugs, if you tend to get distracted by volume.

Why the aperitif plus BBQ price can make sense in Mallorca

At $109.31 per person, this catamaran isn’t the cheapest option in Palma. But it does stack up well because the core costs are baked in: an aperitif at the first stop, a BBQ at the second stop, plus SUP included.

A cruise like this can be misleading if you compare only the boat ride time. Here, your money goes into food service and a guided water experience. If you’ve ever tried to combine boat time with buying lunch and paying for water activities, you know the “extras” add up quickly.

That said, your personal value will depend on how much you’ll use what’s included. If you’re not interested in swimming or SUP, you might feel like you’re paying primarily for sailing and views. If you do want the swim and food combo, the price feels more fair.

Also, remember drinks cost extra. People often assume bar access means everything is included. It isn’t. Still, having a bar available is handy for pacing the afternoon, especially if you want something cold while you lounge between swims.

Seating, space, and the feel of the crew

The vibe here is mostly about comfort and friendliness. The biggest positive theme is that the crew runs things smoothly and keeps the day relaxed. I like that the boat is designed for a more comfortable group size, and that it tends to avoid the worst “crowded cruise” feeling.

You also get those small comfort touches that make a difference on sea days. For example, some operators ask you to remove shoes at boarding to keep the interior clean. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it signals that someone is paying attention to how the experience works.

One more practical note: seating is split between covered and sun areas. If you’re heat-sensitive, you’ll likely spend more time in shaded zones. If you want sun, plan on moving around. The cruise is only half a day, so you can find your preferred spot and stay there most of the time.

Who should book this Palma catamaran (and who should think twice)

This is a great fit if you want a classic Mallorca sea day: sail out of Palma, spend real time in the water, eat well onboard, and try SUP without extra rentals. It also works nicely for couples who want calm, for families who like swimming breaks, and for anyone who doesn’t want the stress of organizing lunch near the coast.

Think twice if you:

• Want a strict, never-changing schedule with lots of separate stops. The route can be altered depending on weather.
• Are extremely sensitive to loud music. Some people find the onboard audio too strong, especially from certain seating positions.
• Don’t care about BBQ or aperitif food. Then you’ll be paying mainly for sailing and swimming, and your “included value” drops.

Should you book this catamaran with aperitif and BBQ?

If your idea of a good Mallorca day includes time in the water, good onboard food, and included SUP, I’d book it. The 55-person max is the biggest reason why this can feel genuinely comfortable, and the BBQ plus aperitif are a smart way to make the trip feel like more than just scenic cruising.

If you’re worried about weather variability or you’re hoping for very long, perfectly timed swim sessions, keep your expectations flexible. In exchange, you get a modern boat experience from Palma, with the kind of sea-side food that makes the whole afternoon feel effortless.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran depart from in Palma?

It starts at OASIS CATAMARAN, Av. de Gabriel Roca, 16, 07014 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the catamaran sailing experience?

The duration is about 5 hours 30 minutes.

What food is included on board?

You get an appetizer at the first stop and a BBQ at the second stop.

Is stand-up paddleboarding included?

Yes. Stand-up paddleboarding is included in the price.

Are drinks included?

Drinks are not included. There is a bar on board that is open throughout the excursion, where you can buy cocktails, mixed drinks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

What is the maximum group size on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 55 travelers on board.

What happens if weather is poor, or if I cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.