Mallorca: Palma Boat Tour & Snorkeling with Drink Included

The best part of this Mallorca boat trip is the long swim and snorkel stop in the Bay of Palma’s marine reserve. After about 40 minutes on the water, the Super Delfin Verde pauses at a scenic spot such as Cala Vella, where you can jump in, look for small fish, or simply float in the Mediterranean. I like the generous time in the water and the easygoing mix of music, sunshine, and open-air cruising.

I also like the value: for about $40, you get a 2.5-hour cruise, snorkeling gear, a life jacket, and one drink. The boat has a bar, toilet, shower, and several places to sit, including an upper deck and front beanbags. The main thing to consider is that this is a social boat outing, not a quiet nature trip. Music, dancing, and paid drinks are part of the atmosphere, and the upper-deck seating is first come, first served.

Key points at a glance

• A 70-minute swim stop: You have meaningful time to snorkel, swim, sunbathe, and view marine life.
• Two possible routes: Departures from Can Pastilla head toward the marine reserve and Cala Vella, while Palma departures cruise toward Palmanova and pass Illetas and Cala Mayor.
• One drink included: Choose water, beer, or sangría, with extra drinks available to buy.
• A social, music-led cruise: The crew may play requests, and the mood can shift from relaxed to lively on the return trip.
• Useful onboard facilities: Snorkels, life jackets, a shower, toilet, bar, and indoor and outdoor seating are provided.
• A strict boarding deadline: Boarding closes 10 minutes before departure, and parking near the meeting point can take time.

A swim-first cruise across Palma Bay

This experience works best if you think of it as a half-day slice of Mallorca at sea. You are not signing up for a guided scientific expedition or a private yacht charter. You are joining a friendly boat outing built around views, music, drinks, and a proper chance to get into the water.

The route lasts 2.5 hours. The standard pattern is about 40 minutes cruising, 70 minutes at a swimming stop, then another 40 minutes returning across the bay. That is a sensible balance. You get enough time to enjoy the boat itself, but the trip is not mostly spent sitting in a harbor.

The boat is the Super Delfin Verde, with indoor and outdoor areas, a lower deck, upper seating, a bar, toilet, and shower. The upper deck is popular, so arrive early if you want a particular seat. The front beanbags are a useful choice on a calm day, especially if you want a clear view and a place to stretch out.

The atmosphere depends partly on the day. Music is central, and the crew may accept requests. Some departures feel calm and lounge-like, while others become more of a small party, with singing and dancing after the swim. That range is part of the appeal, but it may not suit you if you want silence and serious wildlife watching.

Choosing between the Can Pastilla and Palma departures

There are two starting options, and the route changes depending on where you board.

From Can Pastilla, the boat heads toward the Palma Marine Nature Reserve. The trip includes a swimming stop in attractive places along the coast, with Cala Vella named as one possible location. This option puts more weight on the nature-reserve setting and the swim itself.

From Palma, the boat sails toward Palmanova, at the western end of Palma Bay. Along the way, you see sections of Mallorca’s coast, including the sandy beaches of Illetas and Cala Mayor. The views come from the water, so you get a different angle on the shoreline than you would from a road or beach promenade.

Do not choose a departure only because the words Palma or Can Pastilla appear on your booking. Check the exact meeting point attached to the option you select. Both the starting point and the ending point can vary by booking, and the activity returns you to its meeting point rather than providing hotel transport.

Parking deserves attention. The operator warns that finding a space can be difficult, and boarding closes 10 minutes before the activity begins. I would allow extra time, particularly if you are driving or unfamiliar with the waterfront.

The first 40 minutes: Palma Bay from the water

Once underway, the first part of the tour is a straightforward coastal cruise. You can sit on the upper deck for open views, use the outdoor areas, or retreat to the lower deck if you want a more sheltered place.

This is when the trip feels most like a sightseeing cruise. From the Palma route, you look toward the coast near Illetas and Cala Mayor, with Mediterranean vegetation and sandy beaches forming the view. From Can Pastilla, the boat makes for the marine reserve and the quieter coves around the eastern side of the bay.

The crew speaks Spanish, English, and German. Their role is not limited to handling the boat. The mood onboard is helped along by friendly service, music, and practical assistance. Crew members including Roger and Arantxa are associated with the lively, helpful feel of the trip, and the staff may take photos or help people get settled.

There may also be information about marine life and the ecosystem, depending on availability. Treat this as a possible extra rather than the main reason to book. The central experience is being on the sea and getting into it.

The 70-minute stop: swimming, snorkeling, and small fish

The middle stop is the reason to book this trip. The boat pauses at a scenic place in the marine reserve, subject to weather and operating conditions. You can swim directly from the boat, use the provided snorkel, or wear a life jacket if you prefer extra support.

Seventy minutes is generous for a group boat excursion. You are not limited to a quick ten-minute splash. You can take your time getting into the water, swim around the boat, snorkel for a while, then climb back aboard to dry off or sit in the sun.

The water is often clear enough to see small fish. That said, keep your expectations realistic. The snorkeling here is simple Mediterranean viewing, not a tropical reef experience. You might see plenty of little fish, or only a modest amount of marine life depending on the exact stop, water conditions, and visibility.

Some people find caves or interesting spots near the swimming area, but the precise location is not fixed in the information provided. The operator chooses an idyllic stop along the route, and weather can affect both the location and the swimming opportunity.

Bring caution as well as enthusiasm. Jellyfish have been spotted at the swimming stop. That does not mean they will be present on your departure, but it is sensible to look before entering the water and follow the crew’s advice. The boat provides life jackets, but floats and pool noodles are not listed among the included equipment.

A shower is available onboard, which is handy after swimming. You also have access to a toilet, a small detail that matters on a 2.5-hour outing.

Music, sangría, and the bar onboard

The included drink is one of the small features that improves the value. You can choose water, beer, or sangría. Extra drinks are not included, but they are available from the bar.

The drink choice is worth noting if you do not consume alcohol. Water is the listed nonalcoholic option, and there is no promise of juice, soda, or another soft drink. If that matters to you, plan on buying something extra at the bar or bring nothing from outside, since food and drinks are not allowed onboard.

Music is not background decoration here. It shapes the experience. The crew may play requests, and the tone can become cheerful and participatory on the return cruise. On some departures, people sing and dance after swimming. On others, the boat feels more relaxed, with passengers sitting outdoors and watching the coast.

I would describe the mood as friendly rather than formal. You can enjoy a quiet seat, but you should not expect a silent sailing trip. The music and social setup make this a good choice for couples, friends, and families who want a fun afternoon at sea.

Is $40 a fair price?

At around $40 per person, the tour offers solid value for a 2.5-hour activity in Mallorca. You get the boat ride, a lengthy swimming stop, snorkel equipment, a life jacket, one drink, and access to a bar, toilet, and shower.

The strongest value comes from the 70-minute stop. Some boat trips promise swimming but allow only a brief dip. Here, the schedule gives you enough time to make the stop the center of your outing.

The price also covers the atmosphere. You are paying for music, crew service, views from the bay, and the convenience of having equipment available. It is not the right comparison for a private sailing charter or a specialist snorkeling excursion. It is better compared with other shared coastal cruises, where the longer water stop and included drink make the package appealing.

Extra drinks add to the final cost, and there is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to reach the meeting point yourself. The exact meeting point depends on the option booked, so check it carefully before you leave.

Weather, comfort, and the practical details

Weather matters more here than it does on a museum visit. The swimming stop depends on suitable conditions, and wind can make the boat feel lively. Even in poor weather, the crew can keep the mood upbeat, but the views, comfort, and water clarity may not be at their best.

Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, and a dry change of clothes. These items are not listed as inclusions, and you will be more comfortable having them. The onboard shower helps, but it does not replace a towel.

Bring only what you need. Food and outside drinks are not permitted. You will have a bar onboard and one included drink, so a small bag with sun protection and swimming essentials is the sensible approach.

Seat selection is another small but useful point. Upper-deck places are first come, first served. If you want the best chance of getting one, arrive well before the 10-minute cutoff. The boat has several seating areas, so missing the top deck does not mean standing for the entire trip.

Who will enjoy the Super Delfin Verde most?

I would recommend this outing if you want a social sea day with a real swim stop and a bit of music. It suits people who like mixing sightseeing with an easy activity, rather than spending the whole day on a beach.

It is also a good fit for families, provided everyone is comfortable entering the sea from a boat. Life jackets are available, and the crew may have marine-life information and materials for children, subject to what is available on the day.

Couples and groups of friends can make good use of the flexible format. One person can snorkel, another can sunbathe, and someone else can order a drink and watch the coastline. The boat has enough space to support different levels of activity.

I would choose something else if your priority is a quiet cruise, advanced snorkeling, or a private experience. Marine life can be limited, and the music-led atmosphere is not designed for detailed wildlife study. You also cannot count on the exact same cove every time, since the stop depends on conditions.

Booking advice and final call

Book this tour if you want a reasonably priced way to get on the water and swim in Mallorca without organizing a full day on a private boat. The combination of clear water, a long stop, friendly crew, and a drink included gives it a practical edge.

Before booking, confirm whether you are leaving from Palma or Can Pastilla, check the meeting point, and allow time for parking. Arrive early for better seating, especially if you want the upper deck or front beanbags.

My final advice is simple: choose it for the fun of a shared boat day, not for a serious snorkeling program. If that sounds right, the Super Delfin Verde offers a pleasant and good-value outing with enough time in the sea to feel worthwhile.

FAQ

How long is the Mallorca boat tour?

The tour lasts 2.5 hours. The schedule includes about 40 minutes cruising across the Bay of Palma, a 70-minute swimming and snorkeling stop, and another 40 minutes cruising.

What drink is included?

You can choose one included drink from water, beer, or sangría. Extra drinks are available from the onboard bar.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A snorkel and life jacket are included. A shower and toilet are also available onboard.

Where does the boat depart?

There are two possible starting areas, depending on the option you book: Palma or Can Pastilla. Check your selected option for the exact meeting point.

Does the boat stop for swimming?

Yes, the boat makes one swimming stop if the weather is suitable. The stop lasts about 70 minutes and may take place in scenic areas such as Cala Vella.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must make your own way to the meeting point, and boarding closes 10 minutes before the activity starts.