Palma Bay: Boat Tour with BBQ, Snorkelling, & Sunset Option

Best way to see Mallorca from the water. This 3-hour boat outing in the open air pairs a relaxed cruise with a swim stop in the Palma Marine Nature Reserve and a proper onboard BBQ. It is the kind of simple plan that still feels like a full Mallorca day, especially with the option to switch to a sunset schedule.

I especially like the combo of time on the water plus real food service, not just snacks. You get snorkeling gear, a stocked bar with included drinks, and a crew that keeps the vibe moving with music. The main consideration: non-pork eaters may find the BBQ burger options limited, since the burgers can include pork alongside beef.

Key highlights you will care about

• A single, well-timed swim and snorkel stop in clear water, with snorkeling equipment provided
• BBQ plus multiple included food items, not just one sandwich and done
• Drinks included up front, with water, beer, and sangria, then you can buy more from the bar
• Day or sunset departures so you can match your mood and Mallorca schedule
• A lively crew and music, with frequent dancing moments reported on board
• Super Delfin Verde comfort for a short cruise, with photo moments and a social atmosphere

Palma Bay from Can Pastilla: why this 3-hour format works

If you are trying to fit Mallorca into a packed schedule, this boat tour hits the sweet spot. It is short enough that you do not lose half your day to logistics, but it still includes the two big “Mallorca by sea” ingredients: a clear-water swim stop and a proper onboard meal.

I like that the plan is built around time you can actually use. You cruise out toward protected waters, then you get a set moment to get in and explore. After that, the BBQ and included items turn the trip from sightseeing into something closer to a mini party picnic with views.

For most people, the value lands because the tour is doing a lot for the price you pay: food, drinks, and snorkeling gear are part of the ticket. At $69 per person for a 3-hour outing, it is not trying to be a cheap “just get on a boat” deal. It is aiming to be a complete experience.

Getting aboard at Can Pastilla: timing and parking are your job

You depart from Can Pastilla, but the exact meeting point can vary depending on which option you booked. So the practical move is simple: check your specific instructions right after booking.

Boarding time closes 20 minutes before departure, and the boat cannot wait. That means you should treat arrival as a safety buffer, not a casual stroll. Parking around this area can be difficult, so building in extra time matters even if you think you are close.

This is also one reason the short duration feels good. When the boat leaves on time, the rest of the experience stays on rhythm: cruise, swim stop, meal, then return.

The cruise toward Palma Marine Nature Reserve: what you see from sea level

The tour sets sail in the direction of the Palma Marine Nature Reserve and cruises along Mallorca’s coastline. From the water, you get a different read on the shoreline, with views that change constantly as the boat moves.

You also get a strong coastline contrast as you pass areas near Palma and the bay. Expect to look toward coastal towns and popular beaches such as Illetas and Cala Mayor. If your departure route includes Palmanova, you will also see that end of the bay from a distance, which makes it feel like you are connecting a few different parts of Mallorca in one go.

One underrated part of a short cruise like this is the pace. You are not stuck watching the horizon for hours. The sailing time is mostly “getting you positioned” so that when the swim stop hits, it feels like you earned it.

Cala Vella style swimming: your snorkel stop and how to judge it

There is one swimming stop along the route, and it depends on the weather. When conditions are good, you can find your way to idyllic spots such as Cala Vella, where the water looks calm and clear from the boat.

Snorkeling equipment is included, and the tour is designed around you getting in the water, not just dipping a toe. In real terms, that means you should plan for:

• time to jump in
• time to swim or float
• time to put the gear on and try snorkel viewing

A balanced heads-up: snorkeling quality is not guaranteed. One report described a stop that did not feel like a great spot for seeing much marine life. So if your main goal is world-class snorkeling, keep expectations realistic and focus on the water clarity and the chance to swim.

Still, for most people, the big win is straightforward. You get a true boat-to-water experience in Mallorca’s bay, and the water is often clear enough to feel special even if you do not see a fish parade.

Onboard BBQ and catering: what is actually included

This is where the tour feels most like a “deal,” because you are not paying only for the boat. The included meal is built around both comfort food and lighter bites.

Included food items are:

• BBQ hamburger
• Tomato mozzarella skewer with basil and balsamic cream
• Spring roll
• Potato salad
• Dessert: watermelon and pineapple cut into pieces

Drinks included are:

• water, beer, and sangria (one drink)

After that, there is a bar onboard where you can purchase other drinks. Several people talked about the sangria as a highlight, with comments calling it tasty and good value, and some noting it can be pretty strong.

The practical point for you is to treat this as lunch, not a snack. You can eat and drink without thinking about where your next meal will come from. That is especially helpful if you are already using the morning or afternoon for beach time.

Diet note to plan around: at least one review flagged that the burger setup can include pork mixed with beef, and the only other alternative mentioned was chicken sausages. If you do not eat pork, double-check the options at booking or be ready to choose what you can confidently eat.

Daytime versus sunset: the same trip, different energy

Both the daytime and sunset options follow the core structure of cruise, swim stop (weather dependent), and onboard food. But the timing changes the feel.

On sunset tours, you get slow, scenic cruising along the coast before turning and stopping. That shift matters because Mallorca’s coastline looks different when the sun goes lower. It also changes the mood for the boat itself. Music and dancing moments often feel more natural at dusk, when people are already in a relaxed, holiday mindset.

Daytime tours lean more toward swimming first, then food, with a bright, active vibe. If your priority is water time and you like a straightforward schedule, daytime is likely the easier pick.

If you are torn, use this rule of thumb: choose sunset for atmosphere and photos, choose daytime if you want your swim stop earlier and you are sensitive to late timing.

The crew and music: fun factor without losing safety

One big reason people rate this tour so highly is the crew energy. Multiple names show up in reports, including Roger, Juan Diego, Marc, Arantxa, Leandro, David, Santi, Diego, Fabio, Luis, Carlos, and Jade. The pattern is consistent: the team is friendly, attentive, and keeps things moving.

Music is part of the experience. People mention the captain as a DJ style presence at times, and several reviews describe dancing during the cruise or on the way back. That makes the tour feel more like a social outing than a quiet sightseeing cruise.

You should expect some energy. But you still get the normal “crew keeps it organized” style, including help with safety during boarding and the swimming stop. Reviews also mention that crew members helped with practical issues for passengers, like lost items and keeping groups informed.

If you prefer silence and a strict “sit and look out” pace, this may not match your style. If you want a fun boat day with people doing laps of the deck, a bit of dancing, and a clear focus on swimming, you are probably in the right place.

Snorkeling gear and what to bring for comfort

Snorkeling equipment is included, and that is a real benefit because you avoid renting gear. Still, you should think about your comfort on a boat.

Based on what is not included, plan to bring:

• your own towel (not provided)
• swimwear and a change of clothes
• sunscreen
• water shoes if you are picky about footing during boarding

One small thing to consider: the boat ride is open air. On cooler evenings (especially around sunset), you might want something light for after your swim.

Also, if you lose items easily, consider keeping your essentials in a small waterproof pouch. A few reports mention lost goggles or small mishaps, and the crew generally helped, but prevention is easier than recovery.

Who this tour fits best, and who might feel mismatched

This is a great fit if you want:

• a short, efficient Mallorca activity
• swimming in clear water without arranging a private boat
• included food and drinks that feel like a real meal
• a social vibe with music and friendly staff

It may be a mismatch if:

• you need quiet time and dislike music and dancing
• you have strong dietary restrictions beyond what is offered
• you need mobility access, because it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users

Also note that the average age described in one report was around 20 to 40, which hints at the social, lively atmosphere you can expect.

If you are traveling as a couple, it can still work well. People even mention special moments like proposals happening during the trip, showing it can be romantic even with the party energy.

Value check: why $69 feels fair for what you get

Let’s talk value in practical terms. For about $69 for 3 hours, you are paying for:

• a boat cruise out toward a marine nature reserve
• at least one swimming stop if weather allows
• snorkeling equipment
• a multi-item included food setup
• one included drink (water, beer, or sangria)
• insurance and fees

Compare that to buying lunch, renting snorkel gear, and trying to arrange transport to swim spots. This tour bundles the big pieces into one price, and it saves you from decision fatigue.

The “value” really shows if you treat it as your lunch plan. If you go hungry, the BBQ and sides take care of you. If you arrive thirsty, the included drink gives you a head start and the bar gives you easy upgrades.

The only true value wobble is if your priority is strict snorkeling outcomes. A few experiences suggest the snorkeling spot can vary, so do not book expecting guaranteed marine life sightings.

Still, if what you want is clear water, swimming from the boat, and an easy, fun afternoon with food included, this is one of the more straightforward buys around Palma Bay.

Should you book Palma Bay boat tour with BBQ, snorkelling, and sunset option?

I would book it if you want a simple Mallorca experience that mixes sea views, real time in the water, and an onboard meal. The strongest selling points are the included BBQ catering, the swim stop in protected waters, and the crew energy that keeps the trip fun and organized.

I would hesitate only if you are a strict non-pork eater, you need wheelchair friendly access, or you are chasing a guaranteed premium snorkeling show. If those are you, consider researching the alternatives and confirming food options before you commit.

If your goal is to spend a few hours enjoying Palma Bay the way most people imagine it, with the bonus of drinks and music on board, this one is easy to recommend.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The tour duration is 3 hours.

Where does the tour leave from?

Departure is from Can Pastilla. The meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

What food is included on board?

You get BBQ hamburger plus catering items, including a tomato mozzarella skewer with basil and balsamic cream, spring roll, and potato salad. Dessert includes watermelon and pineapple.

Are snorkeling and snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the tour includes one swimming stop for you to swim and snorkel if the weather is good.

What drinks are included?

One drink is included, with options listed as water, beer, and sangria. Other drinks can be purchased onboard on top of the regular inclusions.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

The information provided says free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, but it also notes that this ticket is non refundable. Check your booking terms before you rely on the refund.