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

The best part of this Palma Bay boat tour is the combination of open-water swimming and a proper meal on board. You cruise from Can Pastilla toward Mallorca’s marine reserve, stop in a sheltered-looking cove such as Cala Vella, then eat, drink, and watch the coast slide by.

I like the easy holiday formula here: three hours gives you plenty of time for a swim, and the barbecue, fruit, and included drink make the $69 price easier to justify. I also like the crew’s social approach, with music, dancing, photos, and helpful staff such as Roger and Juan Diego adding more life than you would get on a quiet sightseeing cruise.

The main catch is the snorkelling. The water can look wonderfully clear, but conditions vary, and one swimming stop may offer little marine life or visibility. Music can also be loud, and the boat may feel busy at peak times.

Quick points to know before booking

• One main swimming stop: Plan on one substantial break, not a full day of hopping between coves.
• A lively boat, not a quiet yacht: Music, dancing, and a sociable crew are part of the appeal.
• BBQ and fruit included: Expect a hamburger, several side dishes, watermelon, pineapple, and one drink.
• Daytime or sunset choice: The sunset sailing is especially suited to couples and anyone wanting golden coastal views.
• Snorkelling is weather-dependent: Equipment is included, but underwater visibility is not guaranteed.
• Arrive early: Boarding closes 20 minutes before departure, and late arrivals can miss the boat.

Cruising out from Can Pastilla

The trip begins in Can Pastilla, at the eastern end of Palma Bay. You board the Super Delfin Verde and head toward the Palma Marine Nature Reserve, leaving the city shoreline behind for a more open view of Mallorca’s coast.

This first section is less about a narrated sightseeing tour and more about settling into the boat. You can find a place to sit, order extra drinks from the bar, and watch the bay widen around you. The route gives you a different angle on Palma, with sandy beaches and Mediterranean vegetation meeting the water.

The exact meeting point depends on the option you book, so check your confirmation carefully. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. If you drive, allow extra time for parking. The operator warns that finding a space can be difficult, and boarding closes 20 minutes before the scheduled start.

That cutoff matters. A boat cannot wait easily for late arrivals, and the departure time is fixed for logistical reasons. I would treat the meeting time as a firm deadline, not a suggestion.

The swimming stop near Cala Vella

The heart of the outing is the stop for swimming. The boat may pause near idyllic coastal places such as Cala Vella, depending on weather and sea conditions. You can jump or climb into the Mediterranean, sunbathe on deck, and try the supplied snorkelling equipment.

The water is often the star of the trip. Several departures have allowed roughly an hour of swimming and snorkelling, giving you enough time to enjoy the sea rather than merely take a quick dip. The coast and cliffs also make a strong setting for photos, and the crew may help take pictures for you.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. This is not a specialist marine-life excursion. One stop may have excellent clarity, while another may have poor visibility and nothing much to see below the surface. You might see fish, but you should not book this trip solely for underwater wildlife.

The title promises snorkelling, and equipment is included, but the quality of the experience depends on weather, water movement, and the chosen anchorage. If you mainly want a refreshing swim in a beautiful bay, the tour is a safer bet. If you need coral, abundant fish, or guided underwater exploration, choose a dedicated snorkelling trip instead.

Bring your own towel. Towels are not supplied, and the boat’s bar is for buying extra food and drinks beyond the included serving. The information provided does not specify the availability of changing rooms, so arrive ready to swim if possible.

BBQ lunch, fruit, and one drink

After the swim, food is served on board. The included meal is more than a token snack. You get a BBQ hamburger, a tomato and mozzarella skewer with basil and balsamic cream, a spring roll, potato salad, and cut watermelon and pineapple for dessert.

The menu gives you a mix of warm food, salad-style sides, and fresh fruit. It suits a casual afternoon on the water rather than anyone expecting a restaurant meal. The barbecue has received especially strong praise, and some meals may have extra portions available if you ask.

There is one included drink: water, beer, or sangria. That choice adds real value to the ticket, especially on a warm day when you are swimming and sitting in the sun. The sangria is a popular pick, and additional drinks can be bought at the bar.

You should check the meat ingredients before booking if you avoid pork. The hamburger has been described as a beef and pork mixture, while chicken sausages are another option. That means the standard burger may not suit every diet. The provided information does not list vegetarian, vegan, halal, or allergy-specific alternatives, so ask the operator before paying if this matters to you.

Music, dancing, and the social mood

This boat tour has a party edge. Music plays during the cruise, and the crew may encourage dancing on the return journey. Roger is often identified with the entertainment side of the experience, while crew members including Juan Diego, Santi, Bellnatt, Diego, and Arantxa have been praised for friendly and attentive service.

Do not expect a silent cruise with a guide pointing out every cove. You are more likely to get music, a relaxed bar atmosphere, and people chatting on deck after the swim. Some crews also share information about local marine life and the coast, but the main focus is enjoyment rather than formal guiding.

That mood works well for solo visitors, couples who enjoy a social setting, and groups of friends. Going alone does not mean you will be left on your own, since the activity naturally brings people together. A typical age range has been described as roughly 20 to 40, although the tour has also suited families, including children around six years old.

The trade-off is noise. Music has been called too loud on some departures. If you want calm, bring your patience and choose the daytime trip rather than assuming the sunset sailing will be quiet. The boat is designed for shared fun, not private peace.

Daytime sailing or sunset on Palma Bay

The daytime option gives you the clearest practical use of the tour. You swim in full daylight, see the color of the water, eat lunch on board, and enjoy the coastline without worrying about the clock. It is the better match for you if swimming is the main goal.

The sunset option changes the mood. You cruise along the coast, stop for a swim before the light fades, eat the BBQ, and watch the evening colors over Palma Bay. Views toward Palma, Illetas, Cala Mayor, and the western side of the bay can be especially appealing as the sun drops.

A sunset trip is also a natural choice for a birthday, proposal, or romantic occasion. One couple arranged a marriage proposal with help from the crew, showing that the staff can support a special moment when you contact them ahead of time. Do not assume every detail is included, but the team has shown a willingness to help with personal occasions.

The sunset departure may offer less bright underwater visibility, so choose based on your priority. Daytime is stronger for swimming and snorkelling. Sunset is stronger for atmosphere, photographs, and a slower coastal ride.

How much value do you get for $69?

At $69 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water, but the package is fairly broad. Your price covers three hours aboard the boat, the swimming stop, snorkelling equipment, the BBQ meal, fruit, one drink, insurance, and fees.

If you bought a boat ride and meal separately, the package would compare well. The included food is substantial enough to replace lunch for many people, and the drink helps avoid the feeling that every part of the day costs extra. You still need to budget for additional bar purchases.

The strongest value comes when you want several things at once: a coastal cruise, a swim, music, lunch, and an easy social setting. It is less compelling if you only want a quiet boat ride or serious snorkelling.

The three-hour length also keeps the price practical. You can fit this into a day in Palma without giving up the whole afternoon. One possible frustration is that the time can feel short when swimming, eating, taking photos, and cruising all share the same schedule. If you want several bays and a long period in the water, this tour will feel limited.

Comfort, access, and timing

This is an open-air boat experience, so sun protection matters. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a towel. You should also protect your phone if you plan to take pictures near the swimming area.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Boarding, moving around the boat, and getting into the water may be difficult, so ask directly about your situation before booking rather than relying on assumptions.

The host or greeter languages are English and Spanish. The crew’s friendly style is one of the better features of the trip, and several staff members have been praised for helping passengers feel safe and comfortable.

Check the cancellation wording for your selected option. The booking details include a free-cancellation policy up to 24 hours ahead, but the important information also says the ticket is non-refundable. Those terms conflict, so confirm the rule shown at checkout before you commit.

Who will enjoy this Palma Bay boat trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want an uncomplicated slice of Mallorca by sea. It works particularly well for:

• Couples wanting a sunset cruise with food and photos
• Friends looking for music, swimming, and a party-friendly boat
• Solo visitors who enjoy meeting people during an activity
• Families with children who can manage the boat and swimming setup
• Anyone who wants lunch included rather than planning a separate restaurant stop

I would be more cautious if you need a quiet setting, have strict dietary requirements, use a wheelchair, or are booking mainly for snorkelling. The food, views, and swimming are the reliable core. Underwater wildlife and calm music are less certain.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want good-value fun on the water, not a specialist sailing or snorkelling expedition. The crew, BBQ, included drink, swimming stop, and views of Palma Bay make the package easy to enjoy, and the sunset option adds a memorable finish.

Choose the daytime departure if clear water and swimming matter most. Choose sunset if you care more about mood, music, photos, and coastal views. Arrive early, bring a towel, check the food ingredients, and confirm the cancellation terms.

For $69, this is a sensible pick for a social Mallorca afternoon or evening. Just remember that one swimming stop is not the same as a full coastal cruise, and snorkelling conditions can be hit or miss.

FAQ

How long is the Palma Bay boat tour?

The boat tour lasts three hours. Available starting times depend on the date and option selected.

Where does the boat tour depart?

The tour leaves from Can Pastilla for the route toward the Palma Marine Nature Reserve. The meeting point can vary depending on the option booked.

Is a sunset option available?

Yes. You can choose between a daytime departure and a sunset departure, subject to availability.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat makes one swimming stop when weather conditions are suitable. You can swim and sunbathe during the stop.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included. Underwater visibility and marine life can vary with conditions.

What food is included?

The meal includes a BBQ hamburger, tomato and mozzarella skewer with basil and balsamic cream, a spring roll, potato salad, watermelon, and pineapple.

What drink is included?

You receive one drink, with a choice of water, beer, or sangria. Other food and drinks can be purchased on board.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.