Sun, salt, and open water time. That is the core pitch of this Mallorca catamaran cruise, sailing out from Palma de Mallorca for scenic views and beachy stops you cannot reach by foot. The route focuses on the south coast, with a swim-and-snorkel style day built around multiple water breaks.

I like the way this tour mixes big-picture sightseeing with actual time in the sea. You get Bay of Palma views in the morning, then real swim stops later, including time at Cala Vella and the highlight stop at Cala Blava.

One drawback to consider: even though it is marketed with snorkeling language, snorkel gear is not included, and some stops are anchored in deeper water. If you want full snorkeling support like fins, plan on paying extra and bring your own if that matters to you.

Key things to know before you go

• Palma Bay at cruising speed: long deck time plus photo opportunities of the coastline and Palma Cathedral views
• Cala Vella swim stop: a long, practical window to jump in, swim, and do snorkel-style exploring
• Cala Blava is the highlight: this is where the day really slows down, then lunch happens
• Lunch is included on board: a full menu plus water during the meal, not just a snack
• Snorkel equipment costs extra: you can buy it on board for 20€
• Crowds can change your comfort: capacity can feel tight on busier sailing days, especially if you want specific seating spots

Morning setup: meeting at Muelle Golondrina and getting onto the water

This tour starts in Palma at Muelle Golondrina, on Av. de Gabriel Roca, s/n (07014 Palma). The listed start time is 9:45 am, and the sailing time is shown as 9:30 am, so do yourself a favor and arrive early, like 9:15 to 9:30. You do not want to be the person jogging along the harbor with salt in your eyes.

The vibe is straightforward. You board a modern sailing catamaran, helmed by a local captain and supported by a crew that focuses on safety and comfort. You also get a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English.

This is a day trip built for good weather. The operator notes it requires decent conditions, and if it is canceled for poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Bay of Palma cruising: the part that feels like sightseeing without the crowds

The first real “wow” phase is sailing through the Bay of Palma. You get a long stretch of time on the water (about 1 hour 30 minutes) while the catamaran cruises along the coastline.

This is where you will likely get your best Palma Cathedral photo moments from the bay. The cathedral is a signature view from the water, and the coastline also gives you that “I can see the city from a different angle” feeling without dealing with traffic or beach crowds.

Practical note: bring something to protect yourself from sun and wind. You will be in open air for long stretches, and the tour specifically recommends high-factor sunscreen. If you burn easily, you will thank yourself later.

Cap Rocat: dramatic cliffs and the wild side of the shoreline

Next up is Cap Rocat, with a shorter stop window (about 45 minutes). This part of the coast is known for rocky, cliffy scenery and more rugged water conditions compared to the smoother beach zones.

What I like about this stop is what it does for the pacing. After the long bay sightseeing, you get a more nature-forward segment where the shoreline looks less developed and more raw. If you like Mallorca when it feels less resort-like, this is the kind of section you want on your itinerary.

The timing is short, so use the time to look, take photos, and get oriented for the swim stops coming later.

Cala Vella: your best chance for a long swim, plus snorkeling-style time

Cala Vella is where you get a big water block (about 1 hour 30 minutes). This is the stop built for getting wet: you can jump off the catamaran, swim, and you may be able to reach a nearby sandy area depending on conditions.

The tour description also mentions natural pools formed by old quarries and points snorkeling enthusiasts toward the marine life in the area. Even if you are not a serious snorkeler, this is usually the part of the day that feels most like a beach vacation.

The tradeoff is gear. Since snorkel equipment is not included, many people end up doing more “mask and float” style exploring than full snorkeling. If you want fins, better visibility, or a comfortable setup, consider bringing your own or being ready to buy what you need on board.

Also, one safety reminder worth taking seriously: some reviews mention choppier water at times and note that life jackets were not handed out automatically. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the crew for help and request a life jacket before you get too far from the boat.

Cala Blava lunch: included meal, plus what you should expect on the water

Then comes Cala Blava, the tour’s highlight. You are given time here, and the description says lunch happens after this stop.

Lunch is included, and the tour includes water during lunch. The meal menu listed is a mix of meat, salads, vegetables, and carbs. Examples from the menu include:

• Dates with bacon
• Beef meatballs with Thai sauce
• Chicken, ginger and mango salad
• Sauteed vegetables (courgettes, carrots, cherry tomatoes)
• Roasted black pork with mushroom sauce
• Trampó (fresh tomatoes, green pepper, and spring onion salad)
• Vegetables rice
• Vegetables spring rolls
• Curry samosas
• Mixed salad with oranges
• Bread
• Fruit salad with vanilla ice cream

From the reviews, the lunch is one of the most consistently praised parts. People call it tasty, generous, and a real meal rather than a token sandwich situation.

One practical point: drinks are not included. The bar is on board, but if you want wine, cocktails, or soft drinks, you should plan on paying extra. If your budget is tight, treat lunch water as your baseline and decide on drinks after you see what you truly want.

Snorkeling expectations: what the tour includes, what costs extra, and how to set yourself up

Here is the real talk about the “snorkeling” promise. The tour does not include snorkeling equipment. It states you can buy it on board for 20€.

So the snorkeling experience you get depends on what you personally bring and what you are able to purchase. Some reviews suggest the snorkel setup may be limited, like basic mask and snorkel without fins. If you have ever tried to snorkel without fins in even mildly choppy conditions, you know it can feel like a workout you did not plan.

Also, some reviews describe anchors in deeper water, with less visible coastline snorkeling nearby. That matters because snorkeling is not just about having water. It is about having the right depth, visibility, and something to look at.

If snorkeling is your main goal, do this:

• If you can, bring your own snorkel gear, especially fins if you like them.
• Ask the crew what the water is like at the swim stop when you arrive.
• If you are sensitive to choppy water, choose calmer swim moments and stay close to the boat.

This tour still works for people who want swimming and scenic water time. Just do not assume you are getting full snorkeling service included in the price.

Onboard comfort and seating: why the boat can feel crowded

Catamaran days can feel great, right up until the moment you realize where you are allowed to sit. The tour caps the group at 100 travelers, but reviews mention the boat can run near its upper limits on busier days, and people can feel packed at the start.

One review highlights a key detail: the front nets area is reserved, and access to that front space can cost extra. They describe an additional charge of 100€ per two people to sit on the nets at the front. That matters because the pictures you see online might suggest open access that is not what you get on a full day.

If you care about where you sit, do this when you board:

• Get settled quickly once you see what is available.
• Keep expectations flexible. Once the cruise gets going, some people say the space feels better as the crowd spreads out.
• If you are prone to motion sickness, choose a stable spot and consider bringing a remedy.

And yes, there is a bar on board, so if you dislike a party atmosphere, keep that in mind. Some reviews mention loud music and a more boozy vibe at times, so ear protection is not a crazy idea.

Timing and route reality: why “5 hours” can feel shorter or different

The tour is listed as about 5 hours, and the itinerary is structured around multiple stops. But schedules at sea are not museum times. Wind, weather, and safety can change the route, and the operator explicitly notes the itinerary may change for these reasons.

A few reviews mention later starts than what they expected and shorter-than-promised sailing time. The pattern is consistent: you should think of this as a half-day outing that aims for the listed experience, not a guaranteed minute-by-minute plan.

How to make it work anyway:

• Treat the sea time as the main event and keep your expectations flexible.
• Build your day around the tour and avoid tight connections right after it ends.
• Pack for sun and wind, even if the forecast looks fine.

Drinks, snacks, and the cost behind the scenes

At $93.83 per person, the value equation is mostly about what is included versus what is optional. You do get:

• A round-trip catamaran cruise
• Lunch
• Water during lunch

What is not included:

• Drinks, even though there is a bar
• Snorkel equipment, sold on board for 20€

So your real total cost depends on how much you want to drink and whether you need gear. If you go with water plus the included lunch, you are probably closer to the advertised price than if you add several drinks and snorkel supplies.

Also, if you end up wanting premium seating access at the front nets, that can add a noticeable extra cost. If that front seating is a must for you, ask before you commit.

Who this catamaran cruise is best for, and who should skip it

This trip is a good match if you want time at sea without a full-day commitment. You will likely enjoy it if you like the mix of:

• scenic coastline viewing
• swim breaks at classic coves
• a proper lunch on board

It is also a solid choice if you are not expecting “guided reef snorkeling” and you are okay with snorkel gear being extra.

I would steer you away if snorkeling is your top priority and you expect fins, full equipment, and shallow-water anchor sites. Several reviews point out that snorkeling can be limited. I would also skip it if you dislike loud music or a party atmosphere, since some sailing days seem to get boozy.

Families with children might still have a good time, but bring a practical mindset: if water gets choppy, the day becomes more about safety and supervision than floating around for fun.

Bottom line: should you book this Mallorca Catamaran Cruise and Snorkeling Trip?

If you want an easy Mallorca half-day that trades beach crowds for open-water coves and a satisfying included lunch, I think it is worth considering. The strongest pluses are consistent: the cruise is fun, the boat is described as clean and comfortable, swim stops can be breathtaking, and the food gets strong marks.

But if you booked it specifically as a full snorkeling outing with gear included, adjust your plan. Snorkel equipment is extra, some stops may be deep-water, and fins might not be part of what you get on board.

My practical recommendation: book it if you mainly want sailing plus swimming and you are prepared to buy or bring snorkel gear. Pass or choose a different option if snorkeling is the whole reason you came and you want a more “equipment-provided and reef-focused” experience.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The experience is listed at about 5 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at Attraction Catamarans Mallorca, Muelle Golondrina, Av. de Gabriel Roca, s/n, 07014 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and the tour also includes water during lunch.

Is snorkeling equipment included in the price?

No. Snorkel equipment is not included. You can buy it on board for 20€.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included. There is a bar on board where you can purchase drinks.

What time does the tour start?

The meeting time is 9:45 am. One timing note also states the catamaran sets sail from the Port of Palma at 9:30 am, so arrive early.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 100 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation window for a full refund?

Free cancellation is offered. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.