Palma de Mallorca: 5-Hour Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Swim

Five hours, salt air, and beaches of turquoise. This Palma de Mallorca catamaran ride with Magic Catamarans cruises the south coast and delivers two anchor stops for swimming and snorkel, plus a BBQ lunch served right on board. It’s an easy way to trade the usual sightseeing rush for warm water time and simple, good-value fun.

I like the structure of the day: you sail out from the Port of Palma, get your first swim in the clear coves, then return for another water break and a filling buffet meal. One thing to plan for, though, is that it’s a popular boat, so boarding can feel crowded at the start, especially when the line forms in the sun.

Key highlights to plan around

• Two swimming/snorkeling anchor stops with time built in, not just a quick dip
• Portals Vells or Cala Vella chosen based on wind conditions, then a second cove near it
• Snorkeling masks and gear available with a €10 refundable cash deposit
• BBQ buffet lunch plus cake, with Mallorcan wine and sangria included during the meal
• Life vests for adults and children, which makes the whole experience feel easier
• A sunset-style mood on the return, sometimes paired with views near Palma’s cathedral

The Real Vibe: A 5-Hour Catamaran Day That Balances Sun, Swim, and Food

This is a half-day style cruise, and that matters. In 5 hours, you get the best parts of Mallorca’s coastal life without needing to commit to a full day trip or a complicated schedule. The catamaran format also helps: it’s a roomy boat, designed for people to move around, take photos, and reset after swimming.

The tour is built around two water breaks. That’s why it feels more vacation-like than a typical “sights first, swim last” excursion. You’re not racing the clock. You’re doing a sail, a swim, a meal, then a second swim, with time in between to relax and enjoy the boat atmosphere.

Meeting at the Port of Palma, Without Losing Time

You’ll start at the Port of Palma, at the dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on Passeig Marítim. Look for the boat labeled Magic Catamarans. Show up 30 minutes early since parking near the port is limited and boarding is timed.

Practical tip: arrive ready to move. People tend to cluster at the start, so bring your patience, hydrate, and avoid expecting a calm, no-line boarding process. Once you’re on board, the space opens up and the day settles into a smoother rhythm.

Choosing Portals Vells or Cala Vella: Wind Controls the Best Anchor Spot

Your route depends on wind conditions. The first stop is either Portals Vells or Cala Vella, and the second stop is in another cove near the first. Translation: you’re getting the south coast, but the exact anchoring point adapts to weather.

Why you should care: south-coast coves can vary a lot based on wind and water conditions. If the sea is calmer, the water looks more glassy and snorkeling can feel more productive. If conditions aren’t ideal, the crew typically chooses a safer spot for swimming, so you still get your time in the water.

One helpful way to think about the day: you’re not just taking a boat ride. You’re buying access to coastal pockets that are hard to reach casually from shore, especially for a quick swim session.

First Anchor Stop: Swim and Snorkel in Water That Feels Too Clear

When you arrive at the first anchoring cove, you drop anchor and jump in from the boat. The water is described as turquoise and clear, and that lines up with why this stop is usually the highlight.

What you can expect during this swim block:

• Easy access from the boat, with swimming just a few meters from shore areas
• Optional snorkeling using masks provided by the operator, plus additional snorkeling gear if you rent it with the deposit
• A chance to spot local marine life when conditions are good

Timing note: some days feel built for “longer water time,” and the first stop often gets the highest energy. People tend to linger, swim out and back, and take more photos because the water is at its most inviting earlier in the day.

Small reality check: your visibility will depend on the day’s conditions. If there was recent rain or if the sea has stirred up, clarity can shift. Even then, the experience can still be relaxing and fun, just not always picture-perfect.

Second Stop: Another Cove, Another Mood (Sometimes Better, Sometimes Just Fine)

After lunch prep starts onboard, you continue to a second anchoring spot for a second swim time. Most itineraries include two stops total, with the second one typically in deeper or different water than the first.

This is where you’ll want to adjust expectations:

• If the first cove is very clear and shallow near the coastline, it sets a high bar
• The second stop can be a refreshment moment even if it’s less blue or less full of visible fish through snorkels

I still think this second stop is valuable because it gives you more total water time. On a 5-hour cruise, that’s the difference between “a quick swim” and “I actually spent most of my afternoon in the sea.” If your goal is swimming, you’ll appreciate that structure even if one anchoring point beats the other.

BBQ Lunch at Sea: What You Really Get in That Buffet

Food is one of the most praised parts of the trip, and for good reason. The lunch is a buffet-style spread prepared onboard as you cruise and anchor. Typical items include:

• Barbecue meats, such as chicken breast, skewers, and sausages
• Fresh salads to balance the grill
• Cake for dessert

On top of that, the drink setup makes the meal feel like a proper part of the outing, not an afterthought. Soft drinks and mineral water are included the whole trip. Coffee and juice are also included during the excursion. During the meal, you also get wines from Mallorca and sangria.

One practical takeaway: this lunch is filling enough that you shouldn’t feel pressured to eat again immediately afterward. It works well if you start the cruise at 10 AM. If you choose the 3:30 PM slot, you’ll still eat like it’s lunch rather than snacking.

Vegetarian note: if you need a vegetarian option, you must contact the provider directly. The standard buffet is meat-focused, so don’t assume it will automatically be swapped.

Drinks, Music, and the Social Energy on a Catamaran

The vibe tends to be upbeat. Many people talk about the mood and the crew keeping energy up, with music playing during the trip. If you like a lively atmosphere, this is the kind of tour where you might end up dancing a bit or singing along while you’re anchored.

At the same time, it’s still a cruise day, not a club. You can read, relax, and switch places around the boat depending on where the sun and shade land.

Snorkeling Gear and the €10 Refundable Deposit: The Part to Not Forget

Snorkeling gear is available, but there’s a key detail: the snorkeling equipment requires a €10 refundable deposit in cash. Masks are also provided as part of the snorkeling setup, but if you want full gear, plan for that deposit day-of.

If you forget, you’ll still be able to enjoy the swim. But if snorkeling is on your list, bring the cash deposit so you can actually use the equipment when you want it.

Also, think about comfort. A life vest is provided for both adults and children, so the overall safety setup is clear. Use it, especially if you’re not a strong swimmer or if you’re traveling with kids.

When the Sea Gets Rough: How This Trip Handles Weather Changes

The route may change due to weather conditions. That’s normal in the Mediterranean, and it’s part of why the first stop varies between Portals Vells and Cala Vella.

One thing that reassures me is that you’re not left to deal with conditions on your own. The crew manages the safest swimming spots, and you still get your core plan: anchor, swim, repeat.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider packing your usual remedy. Catamarans generally feel stable compared with many small boats, but wind and wave height can still affect anyone.

Who This 5-Hour Cruise Is Best For

This tour hits a sweet spot for people who want sun and water without a heavy planning workload.

It’s a great match if you:

• Want two swim opportunities in Mallorca’s south-coast coves
• Like the idea of a BBQ lunch plus drinks rather than bringing your own food
• Travel as a couple, with friends, or with family and want a shared activity
• Prefer an easy day from Palma rather than switching buses or cars

It can also work well for solo travelers since the boat format keeps the day social and easy. Reviews suggest a broad age mix, from families with younger kids to older adults, so it’s not only for one demographic.

Price and Value: Is $69 Worth It?

At $69 per person for a 5-hour catamaran cruise, I think the value depends on what you’d otherwise spend your time on.

Here’s the value logic I like:

• You’re paying for boat access plus two swim stops in coves that are hard to replicate on your own
• Lunch is included, and it’s not just bread and fruit. You get a real BBQ buffet plus cake
• Drinks are included in multiple ways: soft drinks and mineral water all trip, and wine plus sangria during the meal

If you’d otherwise pay for a day on the water, lunch, and drinks separately, this package starts to make a lot of sense fast. If your main goal is shopping, museums, or long walks, then no, this won’t replace a full sightseeing day. But if you want Mallorca in the “warm water and good food” mode, this is priced like an efficient way to do it.

Should You Book Magic Catamarans for This Palma Cruise?

I’d book it if your ideal Mallorca day is simple: sail out, swim in clear coves, eat a BBQ buffet onboard, then do it again at the second stop. The two anchoring swims and the included meal and drinks are the core strengths, and those are exactly the parts that most people praise.

I’d think twice if:

• You hate any chance of crowds at boarding and want a quiet, low-activity feel
• You need a vegetarian meal and you don’t want to coordinate with the provider in advance
• You’re very sensitive to changing weather and want a perfectly fixed itinerary, since stops can shift due to conditions

If you can handle a lively start and you’re here for the sea, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point in Palma?

You meet at the Port of Palma, at the boat dock in front of the Auditorium de Palma on Passeig Marítim. Look for a boat labeled Magic Catamarans at the pier in front of the auditorium. Arrive 30 minutes before departure time.

What time departures are available?

There are two departures: one in the morning at 10:00 AM and another in the afternoon at 3:30 PM. The total duration is 5 hours.

Do I get two swimming stops?

Yes. The tour includes two stops where you can swim, with the first stop in Portals Vells or Cala Vella (depending on wind conditions) and the second stop in another nearby cove.

Is lunch included, and what is it like?

Yes. Lunch is included as a buffet meal onboard with barbecue meats (such as chicken breast, skewers, and sausages), fresh salads, and cake for dessert.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

You can use snorkeling equipment, but it requires a €10 refundable deposit in cash. Masks are also available for snorkeling during the trip.

What drinks are included on the cruise?

Soft drinks, mineral water, coffee, and juice are included during the full excursion. Wines from Mallorca and sangria are included during the meal.

What payment methods are accepted on board?

Only card payments are accepted on board, and American Express is not accepted.

Can I request a vegetarian option?

If you require a vegetarian option, you need to contact the activity provider directly.