Mallorca’s south coast looks made for a boat day. This 5-hour catamaran cruise with two anchor stops trades museum time for turquoise water, simple snorkeling, and an onboard BBQ lunch. I love the mix of swimming time and the easy pace, and I also like that the crew keeps the mood up with music and a welcoming vibe, but the one thing to watch is that the water color and snorkeling visibility can vary with wind and recent weather.

If you’re curious where the locals and yachting crowd overlap, Portals Vells and Cala Vella sit in that sweet spot. One review even mentions the crew and captain, including Captain Perez, keeping things organized and upbeat even when sea conditions were rough. The main practical consideration: this is a larger boat, so the start can feel busy until everyone spreads out.

Quick hits: what people love most

• Two swim-and-snorkel anchor stops close to shore for easy re-entry and plenty of time in the water
• BBQ buffet lunch on board with multiple meat options, fresh salads, and cake
• Drinks included for the whole trip, with Mallorca wine and sangria served during the meal
• Snorkeling masks included with a refundable €10 cash deposit (and life vests for adults and kids)
• Crew energy and music that makes it feel more like a fun day at sea than a rigid tour

From Port of Palma to open water: how the 5 hours actually feel

You meet at the Port of Palma, at the boat dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on the Passeig Marítim. Look for a boat labeled Magic Catamarans and plan to arrive about 30 minutes early, since parking is limited and the pier gets busy.

Once you board, the schedule moves quickly: you sail out along the south coast with views of big cruise ships and the marina crowd. The ride itself is part of the experience, but the real payoff happens when you drop anchor and switch from “watching” to “doing,” which is when people start talking about how clear the water looks and how close the swimming feels.

The cruise runs either 10:00 AM or 3:30 PM, and it’s built as a smooth half-day loop. That matters because you are not rushed through the lunch and swim rhythm. You get time to swim, eat, then swim again, instead of treating the water like a quick stop.

Anchor stop 1 near Portals Vells or Cala Vella: turquoise water, simple snorkeling

The big promise of this trip is straightforward: you’ll sail to the south coast coves and drop anchor so you can jump in. Depending on wind conditions, your first swim stop is either Portals Vells or Cala Vella.

Here’s what makes these spots work so well for a broad range of swimmers. You’re not climbing down onto an uncomfortable ledge or far out into open water. The stops are close enough that people describe swimming right near the coastline and even returning toward shallow areas. That turns “I’ll try snorkeling” into “we spent a long time in the water.”

Snorkeling is included in a basic, practical way: you can use complimentary masks with a €10 refundable deposit in cash. If you’re new to snorkeling, that’s a big deal. You’re not paying extra to test it, and the crew helps make it feel normal. If you already snorkel often, you might still appreciate having the backup mask onboard.

Wildlife spotting is possible, and some reviews mention seeing small fish and even jellyfish at the first stop. Just keep expectations realistic. Coves are natural water environments, so visibility changes with wind, cloud, and how choppy the day is.

The real trick: snorkeling gear deposit and how to avoid delays

One small thing that can make or break your experience is the €10 cash deposit for the snorkeling masks. If you want to use the gear, bring the cash so you are not stuck sorting it out when everyone is boarding and excited.

Also note how payments work on board. You can use a card, but American Express is not accepted. Alcoholic drinks outside meal time are available to buy, and you’ll want a card that works with their system.

These details sound minor, but on a boat tour they add up. The goal is for you to spend time swimming, not waiting in a short line at the wrong moment.

The onboard BBQ lunch: what you get and why it’s good value

Lunch is served buffet-style on board. You’ll get a spread built around grilled meats, fresh salads, and cake for dessert. Meat options mentioned include items like chicken breast, skewers, and sausages, and some reviews also describe additional choices such as tuna and kebab-style chicken.

This is where the value math gets interesting. At around $69 for five hours, the tour includes:

• a boat ride with fuel and crew time
• lunch plus dessert
• soft drinks and mineral water for the full trip
• coffee and juice during the excursion
• and wine and sangria with the meal

That is a lot of included food and drink for a short day at sea. If you tried to replicate it independently, you’d pay for a private boat or a taxi to get you to coves, then still cover lunch and drinks. Here, the meal is timed into the day so you do not lose half of your schedule searching for food on land.

One thing I’d call out for expectations: food on boat tours is rarely fine dining, and some reviews describe lunch as not perfect for every palate. But multiple reviews still rate it as enjoyable, filling, and well organized, which is exactly what most people want on a swim day.

How swimming time is planned between stops

The tour is designed around two swim periods, not one long one. You anchor for the first swim at Portals Vells or Cala Vella, then later you get a second stop in another nearby cove.

In practice, the first stop often feels like the highlight. Several comments describe the first swim as the most crystal-clear and full of fish activity, with people able to swim into shallow water and back toward the coastline. The second stop is still a swim stop, but a few reviews say it can be a step down depending on conditions.

That’s not a reason to skip the tour. It’s a reality check that helps you choose the right mental plan. Treat the first anchor as your main snorkeling moment. Use the second stop for a longer float and swim, or for an extra dip if you want time in the water after lunch.

Sea conditions matter here too. One review notes rougher seas, with the guide selecting a safer area for swimming. The takeaway for you is simple: if the water feels different than expected, the crew is watching the conditions and making the call.

The catamaran ride back: views, music, and a potential Palma photo moment

The cruise doesn’t just stop at anchoring and eating. You’ll also get the sail back toward Palma, and that’s when the “day at sea” turns into “Mallorca postcard.”

Music is part of the atmosphere. Reviews frequently mention Spanish songs playing onboard, and there’s an energetic vibe that can shift into dancing if the mood hits. One person also wished the music volume was higher, so if you are super music-driven, you might not get exactly the sound level you want. Most people still describe it as fun and relaxing.

Some trips include time for photos near major landmarks as you return. One review mentions being close to Palma Cathedral for a nice view. If you take the 3:30 PM departure, you may also catch sunset from the water on the way back, which is one of the most loved moments of the afternoon slot.

Price and value: is $69 a fair deal for five hours?

At $69 per person for about five hours, this is priced like a “big included” activity, not a barebones boat ride. What you get is:

• two swimming anchor stops
• snorkeling masks (with a refundable deposit)
• life vests for adults and children
• BBQ buffet lunch plus cake
• soft drinks, mineral water, coffee, and juice for the full trip
• wine and sangria during the meal
• an English and Spanish live guide

For most visitors, the value comes from avoiding decision fatigue. You do not have to plan where to eat, how to get to coves, or how to rent snorkeling gear. Your “what’s included” is clear, and your time on the water is the central focus.

The one value risk is if you personally care less about swimming. If you mostly want a quiet sightseeing cruise, a more intimate boat might fit better. But if your idea of a great day is swimming, snorkeling, sun, and food on the move, this is a strong deal.

Who should book this cruise, and who might want a different day

This tour fits best if you want a fun, social half-day with real time in the water. It’s a great choice for:

• couples who want a simple romantic day without overplanning
• families, since life vests are provided for children
• solo travelers who like meeting people in a lively setting
• anyone who wants snorkeling try-out time without paying extra

It may be less ideal if you want:

• a quiet, minimalist experience with no music
• lots of narration or deep area history (the focus stays on the swim and onboard day)
• a perfectly consistent snorkeling environment, since visibility can change

Also, if you have dietary needs, vegetarian options are available, but you need to contact the provider ahead of time.

Practical tips before you go (so you spend time in the water)

Here are the small things that make the day smoother.

Bring the €10 cash deposit if you plan to snorkel with their masks.

Use a card that works on board, since only card payments are accepted and American Express is not accepted.

Arrive early so boarding is less stressful, especially if you’ll be traveling during peak times.

And a quick mental tip: if the first swim spot is amazing, the second one might feel slightly less perfect. That does not mean the second stop is bad. It means the day is already delivering a high bar.

Should you book Magic Catamarans?

If your Mallorca plan includes swimming in coves and you want lunch and drinks handled for you, I’d book it. The strongest reasons are the ones that come up again and again: two swim stops, a BBQ lunch that’s actually included, and a crew that keeps the energy up so the trip feels fun, not just functional.

You might skip or compare if you hate boats with crowds or you want a very quiet experience. This can be busy at the start on a larger catamaran, even though there is usually enough room once underway.

For most people, though, this is exactly the kind of easy, high-value day Mallorca does best: short travel time, big water payoff, and a simple onboard meal that gets you back in the water fast.

FAQ

What time do the cruises run?

There are two departure options: 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM. The total time on the water is about 5 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at the Port of Palma, at the dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on the Passeig Marítim. Look for the boat labeled Magic Catamarans at the pier.

Is lunch included, and what is it like?

Yes. You’ll have a buffet meal on board with barbecue meats, fresh salads, and cake for dessert. Wine and sangria are included with the meal.

What drinks are included during the cruise?

Soft drinks and mineral water are included for the full excursion. Coffee and juice are also included, and wine and sangria are served with lunch.

Do I get snorkeling equipment?

Yes, snorkeling masks are provided. You need to pay a €10 refundable deposit in cash to use the gear.

Are life vests provided?

Yes. Life vests for adults and children are included.

Is American Express accepted for purchases on board?

No. Only card payments are accepted on board, and American Express is not accepted.

Can I request a vegetarian meal?

You can request a vegetarian option, but you need to contact the provider directly to arrange it.

Will the route always be the same?

Not always. The route can change due to weather conditions, including whether you go to Portals Vells or Cala Vella for the swim stops.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.