Palma de Mallorca: Deluxe Catamaran Sailing Tour with Meal

The best thing about this Palma sailing trip is the space. The Oasis can carry 57 people, but only 36 are accepted, so you get room to stretch out, find a sunny seat, and enjoy the water without feeling packed in. I especially like the beautiful Cala Vella swimming stop and the generous meal served aboard.

I also like the clean, modern boat, helpful crew, and choice between a daytime BBQ and an adults-only sunset meal. The main drawback is the meeting point, which may be hard to spot, and the ride can feel choppy for anyone prone to seasickness. Drinks beyond water cost extra, with cocktails reaching roughly €18 to €20.

Key points

• Small-group sailing: The boat holds 57, but the operator limits numbers to 36 for a more comfortable ride.
• Cala Vella swim stop: Expect clear water, cliff views, swimming, jumping from the boat, and paddle boards.
• Fresh food on board: The daytime trip includes a BBQ, while the sunset option serves tapas, canapés, and dessert.
• Two very different moods: Choose a relaxed daytime outing or an adults-only sunset cruise with views of Palma Cathedral.
• Clean and well-kept facilities: The catamaran has two notably clean bathrooms and plenty of open deck space.
• Bring your own snorkel: Paddle boards are included, but hygienic rules mean snorkel gear is not rented.

Why the Oasis catamaran feels different

Many boat trips around Palma are built around carrying as many people as possible. This one takes a different approach. The Oasis has room for 57, yet the maximum booking is 36. That difference matters once you are on the water. You can move around, take photos, sit near the bow, or find a quieter corner without spending the trip shoulder to shoulder with strangers.

The boat itself is one of the main attractions. It is described as elegant, modern, and spotless, with comfortable areas for sitting and sunbathing. The catamaran has two bathrooms, a detail you will appreciate during a four to four-and-a-half-hour outing. Clean toilets are not a glamorous feature, but on a half-day boat trip they can make a real difference.

The atmosphere depends on the departure you choose. The day trip feels sociable and easygoing, with swimming, food, music, and time in the sun. The sunset sailing is more romantic and is limited to adults aged 18 and over. Music is part of the mood, but it is generally kept at a level that allows conversation. On one evening, a live saxophone performance turned the ride into an impromptu dance party, though you should think of this as a possible bonus rather than a guaranteed part of the program.

Leaving Palma for Cala Vella

The tour leaves from the Port of Palma and heads toward Cala Vella, a natural reserve known for small coves and clear Mediterranean water. The cruise to the swimming area takes roughly an hour, depending on conditions and the exact route.

The ride out gives you a broad view of Palma from the water. You get a fresh angle on the bay, the shoreline, and the city behind you. When conditions allow, the crew raises the sails, which gives the journey a quieter, more graceful feel than traveling under motor power alone. Wind is never guaranteed, so the boat may need to use its engines for part or all of the route.

This is not a fast sightseeing cruise. The point is to slow down and enjoy being at sea. Sit back with a glass of water, order a drink if you wish, and watch the coastline change. The boat’s bar remains open during the trip, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase.

The crew has received especially strong praise for being friendly, attentive, and professional. On one outing, Captain Pawel handled the sailing and BBQ, while other crew members kept water filled and helped people get settled. Marshall was also singled out for making an evening cruise especially enjoyable. Crew members may vary, but the operation is built around a small team that stays involved throughout the trip.

Swimming in Cala Vella

The stop at Cala Vella is the heart of the daytime excursion. The boat anchors near rocky cliffs and clear water, giving you time to swim, jump from the catamaran, and cool off in the Mediterranean.

The setting is attractive without needing much decoration. You have the boat beneath you, cliffs nearby, and water clear enough for fish to be visible. This is the part of the trip to bring your camera carefully, though you should protect it from splashes and keep an eye on your belongings while swimming.

Stand-up paddle boards are included. The boat generally carries several boards, so you may need to wait briefly if many people want to use them at once. Still, the reduced passenger count makes sharing easier than it would be on a full-capacity vessel.

Snorkeling is also encouraged, but masks and tubes are not included. For hygiene reasons, the operator does not rent snorkeling equipment. Bring your own set or buy one on the boat for €25. That extra cost is easy to avoid if snorkeling is important to you, so pack gear before leaving Palma.

The swim stop is not a guided snorkeling excursion. You are free to use the water as you like, within the crew’s safety instructions. If you prefer floating, sunbathing, or simply watching others use the boards, there is no pressure to take part in every activity.

What you eat on the daytime sailing

The daytime option includes appetizers and a BBQ prepared directly on board. The food is served during or after the swim stop, when most people are ready for something substantial.

The exact menu can vary, but meals have included chicken, hot dogs or mini burgers, sweet corn, salad, bread rolls, cheese, and dessert. Portions are generally generous, with enough food to feel like a proper lunch rather than a token snack. Vegetarian needs and some dietary restrictions can be accommodated, but you should communicate those requirements in advance rather than assume the crew will know.

Water is available throughout the trip and is included. It is bottled water, not simply a shared tap dispenser. Other drinks are not part of the base price. Beer has been available at around €3.50 on one outing, while cocktails have ranged from about €10 to €20 depending on the trip and drink.

A useful practical tip: if a complimentary drink is included with your booking, ask for it after the meal if it has not arrived. One passenger found that the crew did not always offer it automatically before or after food service. A polite reminder should solve the problem.

The adults-only sunset option

The sunset sailing follows a similar route toward Cala Vella, with a swim stop before the evening meal. Instead of the daytime BBQ, you receive tapas and canapés, with dessert included on some departures.

The return to Palma is the main event. As the light fades, you can see the old town and Palma Cathedral from the bay. The view is especially good from the open deck, so avoid settling into one seat for the entire journey. Move around when the boat is safely underway and find the angle that works best for photos.

The sunset option is for adults aged 18 and over. Do not book it for minors. It suits couples, honeymooners, and anyone looking for a quieter evening on the water, but it is not necessarily silent or formal. Music plays, drinks are available for purchase, and the mood can become lively.

Bring a light layer for the return ride. Even in warm Mallorca weather, the air can feel cool after swimming and once the sun drops. The crew has handed out blankets when evenings turned chilly, but you will be more comfortable if you bring something easy to wear over swimwear.

Food, drinks, and the real cost

The listed price is $97 per person. That is more than the cheapest crowded boat trips from Palma, but the comparison is not simply catamaran versus catamaran.

Your ticket includes the cruise, meal, unlimited water, paddle board use, and insurance. The limited passenger count is the key value. If you dislike cramped decks and long lines for equipment, paying more for a maximum of 36 people can make sense. The boat may even sail with fewer than that. One outing had only 17 people, while others had around 25 to 33.

You should budget extra for drinks. Water is included, but beer, wine, mixed drinks, and cocktails cost more. Cocktails have commonly been priced around €15 to €20, while simpler drinks are less expensive. The food is not a cover charge for a bare-bones snack. It is a real BBQ or tapas meal, which helps justify the price, especially if you would otherwise pay for lunch and a separate cruise.

This is best viewed as a half-day activity with a meal and a swimming stop, not simply transportation around the bay. If you want the lowest possible price, another boat may suit you better. If you want room, clean facilities, and a less crowded feel, the added cost is easier to defend.

Meeting point advice for Palma

The meeting point can vary according to the option booked. Check your confirmation carefully and watch WhatsApp for updates, since changes may be sent there rather than through the booking app.

The location may not have a large Oasis sign. The map pin is reported to be accurate, with the boarding area near the pier, next to parked cars and the stairs. A crew member comes to check people in, and the boat collects passengers from that area.

Give yourself extra time to find the pier. This is a small but important point because a vague meeting spot can add stress before an otherwise relaxed outing. If your group has 10 or more people and your preferred date is unavailable, contact the local partner directly.

Hotel pickup is not included. You must make your own way to the port.

Who should book this sailing

I would choose this trip if you want a polished day on the water without joining a packed party boat. It works particularly well for couples, small groups, families on the daytime departure, and solo visitors who enjoy a social but not overcrowded setting.

Swimmers will get the most from it. You do not need to be an athlete, but the main stop is built around getting into the water. Paddle boards add another option, while the deck provides a good fallback if you prefer to stay dry.

The sunset sailing is a strong choice for a romantic evening, though it is not suitable for children. The daytime version is more flexible for families and offers a filling BBQ.

This may not suit you if you want a long list of coastal stops, a dedicated snorkeling guide, or guaranteed sailing under wind power. The tour normally centers on one main swimming location, and weather can alter the route. People who get seasick should bring suitable medication. One passenger found the water a little choppy during the long ride, even though the trip remained enjoyable.

The boat does not allow pets, drones, fishing, coolers, outside food or drinks, high heels, or shoes indoors. Intoxication and alcohol or drug misuse are not permitted. Appropriate casual clothing and swimwear are the right choice.

Should you book the Oasis?

I would book this tour if space and comfort matter more to you than finding the cheapest boat ride in Palma. The combination of a well-kept catamaran, a proper meal, a scenic Cala Vella swim, paddle boards, and a cap of 36 passengers gives the outing a clear purpose.

Choose the daytime trip for swimming, sunshine, and a substantial BBQ. Choose the sunset version for tapas, Palma Cathedral views, and a more romantic mood. Bring a towel, swimwear, hat, sun protection, and your own snorkel if you want to use one.

The main cautions are simple: drinks cost extra, the meeting point may be lightly marked, snorkeling gear is not included, and the sea can be choppy. Those points aside, this is a well-balanced way to spend four to four-and-a-half hours in Mallorca, with enough activity to keep you interested and enough open space to let you relax.

FAQ

How long is the Palma catamaran tour?

The tour lasts approximately four to four-and-a-half hours. Check the available departure times when booking.

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The tour departs from the Port of Palma. The exact meeting point may vary depending on the option selected.

How many people are allowed on the boat?

The catamaran has capacity for 57 people, but the operator limits the tour to a maximum of 36 passengers for comfort and safety.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The itinerary includes a swimming stop at Cala Vella, where you can also jump from the boat and use the paddle boards.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling masks and tubes are not included for hygiene reasons. You can bring your own or buy a snorkeling set on the boat for €25.

What food is served on the daytime tour?

The daytime option includes appetizers and a BBQ prepared on board. Food has included chicken, hot dogs or mini burgers, corn, salad, bread, cheese, and dessert, though the menu can vary.

What food is served on the sunset tour?

The sunset option includes tapas and canapés. Dessert may also be served, depending on the departure.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water is included. Other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available at the onboard bar for an additional cost.

Can children join the sunset cruise?

No. The sunset option is for adults aged 18 and over. The daytime option is the appropriate choice for minors.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen or other sun protection. If you want to snorkel, bring your own mask and tube.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, subject to the booking conditions.