Palma de Mallorca: Deluxe Catamaran Sailing Tour with Meal

The best part of this Palma sailing trip is the space. The Oasis can carry 57 people, but the operator limits bookings to 36, so you get room to stretch out, find a sunny seat, and move around without feeling packed in. I especially like the clean, modern boat and the stop at Cala Vella, where clear water, paddle boards, and a swim turn a sightseeing cruise into a proper Mediterranean outing.

I also like that you get real food rather than a token snack: a grilled BBQ on the daytime trip or tapas and canapés at sunset. The main drawback is that drinks beyond unlimited water cost extra, and cocktails can reach €18 to €20. The meeting point can also be hard to spot, so allow time to find it.

Key points to know before booking

• A 36-person limit: The boat has capacity for 57, but the smaller booking limit gives you much more room than a standard party cruise.
• Cala Vella swim stop: Plan on swimming, jumping from the boat, and using the included stand-up paddle boards.
• Two distinct versions: Choose a daytime cruise with BBQ lunch or an adults-only sunset trip with tapas and canapés.
• Food is a real strength: The onboard meal is plentiful, with vegetarian options and attention to some dietary needs.
• Bring your own snorkel: A mask and tube are not included. You can bring your own or buy a set onboard for €25.
• Leave time for the marina: The meeting point may vary by booking option and has limited signs.

A quieter catamaran from Palma

The Oasis is designed to feel more like a relaxed yacht outing than a floating nightclub. Its passenger limit matters. With roughly 15 to 36 people onboard, you have a fair chance of finding a comfortable place to sit, take photographs, or stretch out in the sun.

That does not mean the boat will feel private. You are still sharing the deck with other people, and music creates a social atmosphere. But the reduced numbers avoid the shoulder-to-shoulder feeling found on larger catamarans that carry far more people.

I would choose this trip if you want a polished half-day on the water without giving up a meal and a swim. It works well for couples, families, and small groups who value comfort but still want a sociable boat ride.

The catamaran itself is one of the strongest reasons to book. It is described as elegant, spotless, and modern, with clean toilets and plenty of room for sitting or taking pictures. On calm days, the crew may raise the sails for part of the return journey. If the wind is poor, the boat will use its motor instead, so do not book expecting a full sailing lesson.

Leaving Palma and settling into the cruise

The trip begins at a meeting point in the Port of Palma. Your exact starting point depends on the option you select, and this is one area where you should pay close attention to your booking information. There may not be a large, obvious sign at the marina.

Once aboard, the pace is easy. You leave the port and head along the Bay of Palma, with views opening toward the coast. The boat is made for sitting back rather than constant sightseeing commentary, so this is a good time to find your place, order anything you want from the bar, and keep your camera ready.

The crew speaks Spanish, English, German, and French. The staff’s role is practical and hands-on: helping people settle in, serving food and drinks, explaining the water equipment, and keeping the boat tidy. Marshall is one crew member praised by name for being especially friendly, while the wider crew is repeatedly described as polite and attentive.

You receive unlimited water during the trip. Other drinks are not included, so budget separately for beer, wine, soft drinks, mixed drinks, or cocktails. Cocktails have been priced around €18 to €20, which is the biggest extra cost to watch. If you are happy with water, the advertised price is easier to judge.

Cala Vella is the main event

After about an hour of cruising, the boat reaches Cala Vella, a natural reserve with small coves and clear water. This is where the trip shifts from sightseeing to active time at sea.

You can swim from the catamaran, and the stop is long enough to feel worthwhile rather than rushed. The boat’s position gives you a chance to jump directly into the water, though you should be comfortable climbing back up a boat ladder. Families should keep a close eye on children, especially around the edge of the deck and during jumps.

Stand-up paddle boards are included. They give you another way to explore the water near the boat without needing to go far. Some people use them for a short paddle, while others simply float, swim, and enjoy the view.

Snorkeling is possible, but the equipment policy needs careful attention. A mask and tube are not included for hygiene reasons. Bring your own set or buy one onboard for €25. Do not assume that the mention of snorkeling means free masks are waiting for you.

The water equipment makes Cala Vella more than a photo stop, but the choice of activities depends on sea conditions and how many people want to use the boards. If swimming is your main goal, bring a towel, swimsuit, and a secure bag for anything you do not want splashed.

Daytime sailing with a BBQ lunch

The daytime option is the better pick if you want the most time in the sun and water. After sailing toward Cala Vella, you stop for swimming and water activities, then eat a BBQ prepared directly on the catamaran.

The meal is one of the tour’s most praised features. It is described as fresh, plentiful, and better than expected for a boat trip. Vegetarian food is available, and the catering has handled at least some dietary needs, including dairy intolerance.

You should still share any dietary requirements with the operator before departure. The supplied information confirms vegetarian choices and attention to dairy intolerance, but it does not give a full menu or guarantee every allergy can be accommodated.

Lunch gives the day option a useful rhythm: cruise, swim, eat, then relax on the return route. You are not left to buy an expensive meal at the bar, which helps support the $88 price. Food, unlimited water, the cruise, insurance, and SUP equipment are included.

The daytime trip is likely the best fit for families, since the sunset option is restricted to adults aged 18 and older. It also suits anyone who would rather spend the main part of the trip swimming than watching the light fade.

Sunset sailing with tapas and Palma Cathedral views

The sunset option follows the same general route toward Cala Vella, including a swim stop. The mood changes as the light softens and the return journey lines up with sunset over Mallorca.

Instead of a BBQ lunch, you receive tapas and canapés. The food is intended as a dinner-style spread, with dessert included on at least some departures. It is a lighter and more social meal than a grilled lunch, so I would choose the daytime trip if you expect a large, hearty meal.

The return to Palma is the scenic payoff. You can look back toward the old town and the Cathedral as the sky changes color. The boat may provide blankets if the ride back feels cool, which is a useful touch for anyone wearing swimwear into the evening.

The sunset cruise is adults-only, so do not book it for minors. It is a natural choice for couples, anniversary plans, and anyone who wants a calm evening rather than a full day in the sun. The music is described as chilled rather than loud, creating a pleasant background without turning the boat into a club.

You will pay extra for drinks on this option as well. Cocktails can be expensive, though standard drinks may be more manageable. If you want to keep costs under control, enjoy the included food and water, then buy only what you really want.

What the $88 price really buys you

At $88 per person, this is not Palma’s cheapest boat outing. The value comes from the combination of a smaller passenger load, a clean deluxe catamaran, a meal, water, insurance, and access to SUP boards.

The passenger limit is particularly important. A cheaper cruise may take more people, leaving less deck space and a less relaxed feel. Here, the operator sells fewer places than the boat could legally hold, which helps explain the higher price.

The meal also changes the calculation. On the daytime trip, you receive appetizers and a BBQ lunch. On the sunset trip, you get tapas and canapés. You are not paying for transport alone, and you can avoid spending money on a separate meal before or after the cruise.

The extras can add up. Alcoholic drinks and cocktails are separate, and snorkeling equipment is not included. A cocktail or two can make the final cost noticeably higher, while buying a €25 snorkel set onboard only makes sense if you do not already own one.

For me, the price is fair if comfort matters and you want a proper four-hour outing. It is less compelling if you only want a quick boat ride, do not plan to swim, or would rather spend the money on a larger meal and drinks ashore.

Timing, comfort, and the practical details

The cruise lasts about four to four and a half hours. Check the available departure times carefully, especially for the sunset version, since the schedule will change with the season.

There is no hotel pickup. You need to reach the assigned meeting point yourself, and the start and end point are the same. Since the meeting point may vary by booking choice, check the exact location before leaving your hotel.

Wear casual clothing suitable for a boat and bring:

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Secure footwear or flat sandals

High-heeled shoes are not allowed. The booking information also lists sunscreen under items not allowed, while separately telling you to bring sunscreen. That is a clear contradiction. I would confirm the current rule with Oasis Catamaran before departure, but do not skip sun protection on a four-hour Mediterranean cruise.

The itinerary can change in poor weather. That may mean a different route, a shorter water stop, or less sailing under the sails. The operator has shown flexibility when weather made a booked date unsuitable, but you should still keep plans adjustable if the forecast looks rough.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later. Those terms are useful if your Palma schedule is still moving, but always check that the selected option has the same conditions before confirming.

Who will enjoy the Oasis most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want several things in one outing: open-water views, a swim, a meal, and an easy way to see Palma from the sea. The smaller passenger limit is especially useful for couples and families who dislike crowded boats.

It is also a good choice for a special occasion. The sunset trip has the right pace for an anniversary or honeymoon, while the daytime trip is more practical for a family day out. The crew’s attentive service helps the experience feel organized without making it formal.

You should think twice if you want a very active snorkeling trip. The supplied mask and tube are not included, and the main purpose is a relaxed catamaran cruise with one swimming stop, not a full guided exploration of the reserve.

It may also disappoint you if your idea of sailing means silent travel under sail for the entire route. The crew raises the sails when conditions allow, but motor power may be needed. Weather controls that part of the experience.

Seven useful questions before you go

FAQ

How long is the Palma catamaran tour?

The cruise lasts approximately 4 to 4.5 hours. Departure times vary, so check availability for the exact start time of your selected option.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The meeting point may vary depending on the option you book. The activity ends back at the meeting point, and hotel pickup is not included.

Is lunch included on the daytime cruise?

Yes. The daytime option includes appetizers and a BBQ prepared onboard, along with unlimited water. Vegetarian food is available.

What food is served on the sunset trip?

The sunset option includes tapas and canapés instead of the daytime BBQ. The sunset cruise is for adults aged 18 and older only.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water is included. Other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including cocktails and mixed drinks, cost extra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

A snorkeling mask and tube are not included. You can bring your own equipment or buy a snorkeling set onboard for €25.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a sun hat. High-heeled shoes are not allowed. The itinerary may change if weather conditions require it.

Should you book this Palma sailing trip?

I would book the Oasis if you want a comfortable, limited-capacity catamaran with a genuine meal and a worthwhile swim stop. The strongest reasons are the uncrowded layout, clean boat, friendly crew, good food, and the chance to see Palma’s Cathedral from the water at sunset.

Choose the daytime trip for swimming, paddle boards, and a filling BBQ. Choose the sunset trip for an adults-only evening, tapas, soft music, and views of Palma as the light fades.

Bring your own snorkel set, expect to pay separately for drinks, and confirm the meeting point and sunscreen rule before you go. With those details handled, the $88 price buys a polished half-day on Mallorca’s coast rather than a basic ride around the bay.