If you like active days with a plan, this fits. You paddle the Bay of Palma and then mix in swimming and snorkeling with an instructor nearby. The Na Galera islet stop adds a curious touch beyond just fun in the water.

What I like most is how complete the setup is, you get the full kayak equipment, life jacket, snorkeling mask, and water shoes. I also like the pacing, it is only 2 hours, yet you still get instruction plus breaks for photo and swimming.

One consideration: it is not for everyone. It is not suitable for non-swimmers, kids under 10, people with vertigo, or pregnant women.

Key things you will like on this Bay of Palma kayak tour

• From Ca’n Pastilla to Na Galera islet, with guided paddling and water stops built in
• Snorkeling and swimming time included, plus marine life viewing opportunities
• Complete gear (kayak, life jacket, mask, water shoes, and weather-dependent wetsuit/gear)
• An accompanying motor boat, for extra support during the tour
• A small dose of local intrigue, with archaeological materials reportedly discovered near the islet
• Photos taken by the instructors, so you do not have to play photographer mid-adventure

Kayak and Snorkel in Palma Bay, Without Needing Special Skills

This is the kind of Mallorca activity that feels simple on paper and fun in real life. You start near Ca’n Pastilla, then head out along the coast of Palma Bay by kayak. The goal is not training, it is a guided water outing with breaks to swim and snorkel.

What makes it a good value is the full package. You are not just renting a kayak and hoping for the best. The tour includes an instructor, safety gear, snorkeling equipment, and even a snack, which means you can focus on the experience instead of logistics.

Also, the time is right. Two hours is long enough to feel like you did something memorable, but short enough that it usually works well even if your Mallorca day is already packed.

Starting Point at BonaOna Surf School, Ca’n Pastilla

The tour begins at BonaOna Surf School & Bar, in the Ca’n Pastilla area near Palma. That matters because it keeps the day from getting complicated with long transit time. You get a direct start and you are back at the same place after the excursion.

Plan to arrive ready. They ask you to come dressed in your swimwear. There is a place to store clothes and personal belongings until the end, but the tour is still water-focused, so you should keep valuables to a minimum.

One small reality check: there is no WC at the start point. If you need a bathroom break before you go, build that in before you show up.

The Route: Paddle Along Palma Bay to Na Galera Islet

Your journey connects the coast with a destination stop near Na Galera islet. The tour description highlights sailing from Ca’n Pastilla beach toward the islet, where recently discovered settlements and archaeological materials have been found.

Even if you are primarily there for the water fun, that is a nice mental bonus. You are not just repeating a generic paddle route. You get a guided outing with a reason to look around, listen, and pay attention to what is happening around you.

How it typically feels in motion: you will receive a detailed orientation at the start, then you paddle as a group. There are stops along the way for breaks and time in the water, including snorkeling. The return is back to the starting point.

What Happens Before You Touch the Kayak

This tour is designed for people who have no prior experience. You start with an orientation on kayak handling, paddling techniques, and basic safety rules. That coaching is important because it reduces the awkward first minutes that can happen on self-guided trips.

They also supply your water setup before you go out. You will be given:

• a life jacket
• kayak full equipment
• snorkeling mask
• water shoes
• neoprene and lycra depending on weather conditions (and a wetsuit if required)

You should also plan for some walking on rocks. The special footwear is there for a reason, so do not skip it.

Stop Time: Breaks, Photos, Swimming, and Snorkeling

The itinerary includes a break and photo stop during the Bay of Palma portion. That is a practical inclusion. Water activities can get tiring, and photo breaks help you reset without losing time.

Then comes the water part. The tour is built around swimming and snorkeling, with stops where you can get in and explore. It is also described as having marine life viewing opportunities, which is exactly what you want from snorkeling in this kind of coastal setting.

A good way to think about snorkeling on this trip: you are not expected to be a free-diver. You are joining a guided experience where the key is comfort. The life jacket and instructor presence help you enjoy the water rather than worry about it.

Why the Instructor and Boat Support Matter

Safety is not just a checkbox here. The tour includes an instructor who guides you throughout the journey, from start to finish. It also includes an accompanying motor boat.

That combination changes the tone of the day. With a guide leading, you get clear rules and fewer mistakes. With a motor boat nearby, you have extra support if conditions feel challenging.

One detail you can plan around is the human factor. The guide Jorge is specifically mentioned for being very nice, sharing information about Mallorca and the small island area, and looking after the group well to keep things smooth and reduce the chance of injuries. If your instructor is Jorge, that is the vibe you should expect, friendly, informative, and focused on safety.

Gear, Clothing, and Comfort Tips That Actually Help

This trip gives you most of what you need, but you still have a few decisions to make.

Bring

• Towel
• passport or ID card
• swimwear (they want you dressed before you arrive)

Wear and expect

They provide water shoes, and they encourage special footwear for walking on rocks. If you are used to sandals on the beach, treat this as a switch to closed protection.

Weather gear is not one-size-fits-all. Neoprene and lycra are used depending on conditions, and a wetsuit is provided if required. That is a smart approach because Mallorca weather can shift, especially around open water.

Keep it simple with personal items

They store your clothes and personal belongings until the end. Still, the tour asks that you do not bring valuable personal items. If you want photos, plan to use what they offer, since there are instructor-taken photos included.

Photos Included: A Small Perk With Real Value

You get photos taken by the instructors during the tour. For many active tours, that is a big deal. It is hard to get good shots when you are paddling, adjusting snorkeling gear, and trying not to drop your phone.

Having photos included removes that pressure. It also helps you capture moments that would otherwise be missed, like the group at photo stops and the water breaks.

Price and Value: What You Really Get for Around $56

At about $56 per person, this kayak and snorkel tour is fairly priced for a guided, gear-included, water-supported experience.

Here is what makes the price feel reasonable:

• Full equipment is included, not just a kayak rental
• Snorkeling mask and life jacket are provided
• Water shoes and weather-dependent thermal gear are part of the package
• A motor boat accompanies the group
• There is an included snack (ham and cheese sandwich, or vegetarian by request) plus a bottle of water
• Instructor support and photos are included

The main way this can be a bargain is the all-in structure. On days where you factor in rental gear, transport, and food, a “cheap” standalone option often costs more once you piece it together.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This experience is a good fit if you want a guided water activity and you are comfortable in the ocean environment.

It is suitable when you:

• want to paddle the coastline in a structured way
• enjoy swimming and snorkeling
• like having an instructor handle safety and technique coaching
• prefer a short, active outing (2 hours)

It is not suitable for:

• children under 10
• people with vertigo
• non-swimmers
• pregnant women

If you are unsure about snorkeling, it can still be a strong first try because the tour includes safety gear and an orientation. But if swimming is your weak point, you should take that seriously since the tour is explicitly not suitable for non-swimmers.

Rules and No-Go Items to Plan Around

To keep the outing safe and smooth, there are clear restrictions. They do not allow drones, jewelry, fishing, or alcohol and drugs.

Those rules are normal for water tours, but they matter for planning:

• leave jewelry behind, even small items
• do not bring alcohol
• expect that you should travel light

Also, they ask you not to bring valuable personal items. That is practical given you are on the water and you will be handling gear.

Should You Book This Kayak Tour of the Bay of Palma?

I would book it if you want an active, guided Mallorca experience that does not require prior skills. The combination of kayaking plus snorkeling, with life jackets, water shoes, and instructor support, makes it a reliable choice for a short outing.

I would think twice if any of these are true for you:

• You are not a confident swimmer.
• You have vertigo or you are pregnant.
• You are expecting a long sightseeing day. This is 2 hours, focused on the water and the immediate coastal area.

If you want a practical win, this is it: start from Ca’n Pastilla, get trained and equipped, paddle to Na Galera islet area, then cool off with swimming and snorkeling, all with the added comfort of an instructor and motor boat support.

FAQ

How long is the kayak tour and snorkeling in the Bay of Palma?

It lasts 2 hours.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is BonaOna Surf School & Bar at the Ca’n Pastilla beach area.

Do I need previous experience to kayak?

No previous experience is necessary. You will get an orientation on kayak handling, paddling techniques, and safety rules.

What gear is included?

You get kayak full equipment, a life jacket, snorkeling mask, and water shoes. Neoprene and lycra are provided depending on weather conditions, and a wetsuit is provided if required.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?

No. It is not suitable for non-swimmers.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, your passport or ID card, and your swimwear.

Are there restrooms at the start point?

No WC is available at the start point.