Two hours, but the sea feels bigger. This Mallorca catamaran tour cruises the southwest coast and heads toward the Malgrats Islands, where you may spot seabirds and fish. From the open deck, the cliffs and deep-blue water look very different than they do from shore.

I like that it is simple to enjoy, sunbathing-friendly, and built for real downtime. I also like the included 20-minute swim stop, which gives you a chance to get in the water without turning the trip into an all-day mission.

One thing to plan around: on busier days the boat can feel crowded, and the swim time is only 20 minutes. If you want a long swim, you may wish you had more time in the water.

Key things to know before you go

• Malgrats Islands Marine Reserve sailing, with chances to spot local seabirds and fish
• 20-minute swim stop at a secret-feeling location, timed for a quick splash and relax
• Southwest coast highlights from sea level including Paguera, Santa Ponsa, and Camp de Mar
• Modern catamaran comfort with toilets, an entertainment area, and space to sit or stand and watch
• Snorkel add-on on board with masks and snorkel tubes available for a deposit

Where you’ll board the Cruise Cormoran in Mallorca

This is a short 2-hour catamaran outing, and it starts from one of three options. Your meeting point depends on the starting location you booked: Las Olas in Santa Ponça, Embarcadero Santa Ponsa, or Embarcadero Playa Tora.

Because the meeting point can vary, I suggest you build in extra time to find your specific dock and get settled. With only a couple hours total, you do not want to be sprinting before you even leave the harbor.

The good news is that the tour is designed to be easy once you are on board. There are toilets on the main deck, plus an entertainment area, so the boat feels more like a comfortable ride than a bare-bones transfer.

Mallorca’s southwest coastline, seen from the water

Right after boarding, you start with scenery. You cruise past the general area of the bay of Paguera, then continue along the coast toward Santa Ponsa and Camp de Mar, taking in the dramatic mix of high cliffs and clear water.

What I find valuable here is perspective. From the land, you get postcard angles, but from the sea you can really see how the coastline folds, where the shallow water meets the deeper drop-offs, and how narrow some coves are. It makes the coastline feel like a place you can actually understand, not just a view you pass by.

You will also spend time simply traveling and watching. The itinerary includes scenic viewing segments, so you are not constantly jumping on and off. If you want a relaxed afternoon, this pacing works.

And yes, you can enjoy this even without being a hardcore “boat person.” The whole vibe is family-friendly and low-pressure, with deck time for sun lovers and quiet moments for everyone else.

The Malgrats Islands Marine Reserve: birds, fish, and protected waters

The star area is the Malgrats Islands, an archipelago marine reserve. The boat heads there after a scenic cruise segment, giving you roughly 20 minutes of views on the way.

Once you are sailing around the islands, the focus shifts to what you can spot from the water. You may see local birds, and the boat experience is designed to highlight marine life. If you look down when you are near the swim area, you are likely to see fish activity around the boat, especially at the clearer spots.

This is also one of those experiences where the rules make sense. You are in protected waters, so it is worth behaving like a good visitor: no litter, no glass items, and follow any captain instructions right away. The local partner also emphasizes environmental commitments and energy efficiency, including reducing CO2 and complying with environmental legislation.

In plain terms, you get a fun boat ride, but you also get a chance to see why conservation matters in places like this.

The 20-minute swim stop, and how to make it work

The tour includes one included swim moment, and it is set up for maximum payoff in minimal time. The stop is about 20 minutes, and it is described like a secret-feeling location rather than a formal beach drop-off.

Here is the practical truth: 20 minutes goes fast. You need time to change your mindset from lounging to acting, get into the water, do a quick look around, and then climb back before the boat pulls away.

So I recommend you do two things before you arrive at the water:

• Have your swimwear on or easy to switch into, so you are not scrambling at the rail
• Bring a towel and sunscreen, because you will want comfort after you get back on board

If you have snorkel gear, great, but if not, you can rent masks and snorkel tubes on board for a €20 deposit. That deposit detail matters, because you may need cash or card ready for the rental system.

Also, plan for the water conditions. Depending on the weather, the captain may change the route. That means you might end up swimming in slightly different conditions than the ideal sunny forecast, so it is smart to go with the flow.

Calvià and the ride back with more sea views

After the swim, the itinerary shifts to more cruising and scenic viewing on the return. You get another sightseeing segment around Calvià, again with about 20 minutes of views on the way.

This is a good moment to grab your seat where you can see the coastline best. Some people prefer the top area for the wide sightlines, while others like being closer to the middle for easier movement and less sun exposure.

The return part of the trip is where you can relax into the experience you just had. You already did the highlight swim, so now it is just watching the coastline come into view again, this time with your body warmed up and your brain calmer.

On board: seating, toilets, and what you can buy

The boat is described as modern and built for sunbathing and sightseeing. On the main deck, you have access to toilets and an entertainment area, which makes a big difference on a short trip.

What you will likely enjoy most is the mix of viewing and “marine life curiosity.” Many people seem to love the chance to look beneath the boat and see fish activity in clear water. Even if you are not snorkeling, it is a fun way to feel connected to the sea without needing extra gear.

Food and drinks are available to purchase onboard, but you are not forced into it. If you want a cold drink after the swim, it is there. If you want to travel light and just enjoy what is included, that works too.

One practical note: the boat can get busy. Some days you may find it hard to sit immediately after boarding, so arrive early if you care about choosing a spot. On busier afternoons, it helps to be flexible about where you sit and to be ready to stand for a bit if needed.

What to pack, what not to bring, and rules that matter

This is not a “show up in street clothes and hope” type of tour. The trip includes a swim stop, so pack like you plan to use it.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

Do not bring:

• Alcohol and drugs
• Glass objects

That glass rule matters more than people expect. If you have a favorite drink bottle or a container you usually carry, double-check it is not glass.

If you are coming with kids, this is often a stress-free option. One parent noted it was fine getting a buggy onboard. Still, be ready for a busy boarding line, because that part can feel crowded when lots of families arrive at once.

If you need extra floatation or life jacket gear, I’d bring your own. Some people recommend doing that rather than assuming you will have everything provided.

Languages, guides, and what the commentary gives you

The tour includes a live guide with services in English, German, Spanish, and French. That matters because the route has a lot of identifiable coastline points, and you will get more value if you understand what you are seeing.

You do not need to be an expert in Mallorca geography to enjoy it. The commentary is there to give you context, and on many days it is enough to turn “pretty views” into “oh, that is what that bay is.”

Who this catamaran tour suits best in Mallorca

This is a great fit if you want a short, scenic outing with a real water break. The included swim stop makes it more active than a pure sightseeing cruise, but it still stays within a simple 2-hour timeframe.

You will likely enjoy it most if you:

• Want southwest Mallorca views without a long boat day
• Like the idea of a quick swim in protected reserve waters
• Travel with kids and want something straightforward
• Prefer a relaxed afternoon over a multi-stop excursion

It may not fit you as well if you are looking for a long swim, deep history lessons, or frequent onshore exploration. The pace is set, and time stays focused on the coastline and one swim moment.

Price and value for a 2-hour swim cruise at about $29

At about $29 per person, the value comes from what you get for your time. You are paying for:

• A catamaran ride along Mallorca’s southwest coast
• A protected marine reserve area experience around the Malgrats Islands
• An included 20-minute swim stop

That swim stop is the big differentiator versus many “sightseeing only” cruises. You are not just paying for time on the water, you are paying for time in the water.

Also, the boat has onboard options for snacks and drinks if you want them, so you can keep the day simple. If you bring your own plan and just buy something small if you feel like it, you control your spending.

And if plans change, the booking options are flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and a reserve now & pay later option.

Should you book this Mallorca catamaran to the Malgrats Islands?

I think you should book it if you want a short, scenic boat trip with an easy swim and a good chance to enjoy marine life around the Malgrats Islands. It is also a smart pick for families because it is not too long, and the boat is set up for comfort, with toilets and deck space.

Skip it if you know you want a long snorkeling session or you hate any hint of crowding. The trip can be busy, and the swim is intentionally brief, so it is better suited to people who see a 20-minute splash as a win, not a compromise.

If you are choosing between doing this or nothing, I would choose this. In two hours, you get cliff views, reserve waters, fish watching, and a real chance to cool off in the sea. That combination is hard to beat for the price.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

Where are the departure and drop-off locations?

Your meeting point varies by option, with three starting locations: Las Olas in Santa Ponça, Embarcadero Santa Ponsa, and Embarcadero Playa Tora. Drop-off is at three locations as well, including Las Olas in Santa Ponça, Embarcadero Playa Tora, and Embarcadero Santa Ponsa.

Is there a swim stop, and how long is it?

Yes. There is a swim stop with a duration of about 20 minutes.

What languages does the live guide offer?

The live guide offers English, German, Spanish, and French.

Are snorkeling masks and tubes available?

Yes. Masks and snorkel tubes are available onboard with a €20 deposit.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and glass objects are not allowed.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.