Palma: Catamaran Cruise with Swimming and Snorkelling

The best part of this Palma cruise is simple: you sail out to clear Mediterranean water, drop anchor, and jump straight in. The catamaran offers stairs, low platforms, and higher jump points, so you can swim at your own pace or stay aboard with a towel and the warm Spanish breeze.

I like the beautiful swimming spots near Cap Enderrocat and Cala Vella, and I like the easygoing music, friendly crew, and spacious boat. The main consideration is crowding: some departures carry a large number of people, and the meeting point at Playa del Arenal can be harder to find than it should be.

Key points to know before booking

• Two swimming opportunities: The cruise may stop twice, with the first stop usually longer than the second.
• Clear water and fish: Bring an underwater phone case if you want photos of the fish and rocky coves.
• Optional BBQ: The meal includes pasta salad, local bread, and grilled food, plus one water, beer, or sangria.
• Music, not a full party boat: The mood is relaxed during the outward sail and often livelier on the way back.
• First come, first served: Arrive early if you want a good place on the nets or front deck.
• No hotel transfers: You must make your own way to the Playa del Arenal meeting point.

Sailing out from Playa del Arenal

The meeting point is at Playa del Arenal, near the beach kiosk with a sign showing the local partner’s name. This is the part that needs the most care. The directions can feel vague, so give yourself extra time and look for the marked waiting area as you walk down toward the beach.

The cruise leaves from the Arenal Nautical Club and heads across Palma Bay. The boat is a modern sailing catamaran with plenty of open space, though the exact amount of room depends on the departure and how quickly people claim the front deck and trampoline nets.

Some departures have carried roughly 80 people. That sounds like a lot, but the catamaran’s size helps spread people out. Still, the popular front areas can fill quickly, and some people prefer to keep their place rather than share the best sunbathing spots.

If you want a place on the forward nets, arrive early. This is also the best area for photos while the boat is moving, although the boat’s motion and the bright sun can make photography tricky. For steadier pictures, wait until the catamaran is anchored.

The route toward Cap Enderrocat and Cala Vella

The route follows Palma Bay toward Cap Enderrocat and Cala Vella, both protected environmental areas. The attraction here is not a guided history lesson. It is the combination of open water, rocky coast, sea caves, and quiet coves that look best from the boat.

The sailing itself is smooth and calm in normal conditions. You can sit back, watch the coastline, and listen to music while the crew handles the boat. The crew speaks English, German, Spanish, French, and Italian, so basic instructions should be easy to follow for most people.

Do not expect a nonstop sightseeing cruise with detailed commentary. Music provides much of the atmosphere, and one past passenger wished there had been more explanation or someone actively talking during the outward trip. If you want a quiet boat ride, that is not a major problem. If you want a formal tour of the coast, you may find the commentary limited.

The cruise comes in different duration options, listed from two to four hours. Check the exact departure before booking, since the shorter trip can feel fast once you include boarding, sailing, food service, and time in the water. The longer option gives you more room to enjoy the boat rather than watching the clock.

The swimming stops are the heart of the trip

The catamaran drops anchor in a scenic area for swimming and sunbathing. The advertised swimming time is about 90 minutes, but the actual pattern can vary. Some departures include two stops, with a longer first stop and a shorter second one. Other accounts describe a single main stop lasting around 30 minutes to an hour.

That variation matters. If swimming is your main reason for booking, check the selected duration and understand that the captain may adjust the stops to fit the day’s schedule and food service. Several people wanted longer in-water time, while others felt the available time was generous.

The water around the coves is clear enough to see fish, and the rocky setting makes a pleasant change from a standard beach day. The crew may throw bread into the water, bringing fish close to the boat. This creates a memorable little scene for snorkelers, though you should not expect a major reef or a specialist marine-life tour.

You can enter from steps, low ledges, or higher points at the stern. That gives you options: walk in if you want a gentle entry, or jump if you are comfortable with the height. Life vests are available, and the crew helps keep the swimming area organized.

The boat also has an outdoor shower for rinsing off after swimming. That small detail matters on a windy return ride, when saltwater on your skin can quickly become uncomfortable.

Snorkeling equipment and what to bring

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with life vests. In practice, you should ask the crew early if you want a mask and snorkel, since equipment may not always be handed out automatically. One account also raised concerns about how well the masks and snorkels were sanitized, so bring your own equipment if hygiene is a major concern.

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. A phone case with a strap is useful if you want pictures from the boat or underwater, but do not take an unprotected phone into the sea.

The clearest photos usually come when the boat is anchored. While sailing, you need to hold on and keep an eye on spray and movement. At the swimming stop, you can photograph the coves, fish, and people jumping from the stern without trying to frame a moving coastline.

Sunbathers should remember that the front nets have limited shade. You can relax there in the breeze, but sunscreen needs regular attention, especially during the longer four-hour option.

The optional BBQ and drinks

You can select the BBQ version when booking. The meal includes freshly cooked BBQ food, pasta salad, and local bread. You also receive one drink, choosing from water, beer, or sangria.

The meal is useful rather than fancy. Some people found it tasty and substantial, while others rated it as ordinary. That is a fair expectation: you are eating on a moving boat during a swimming cruise, not sitting down to a restaurant meal.

The menu is better suited to meat eaters. Vegetarians and vegans may have limited choices, with pasta salad being the most practical part of the meal. If your diet is important to you, check what can be provided before booking rather than assuming the BBQ will cover every preference.

The included drink is tied to the BBQ option. The onboard bar offers other drinks and cocktails, but those cost extra. One person noted that a beer or sangria could cost 8 euros when not included, so budget for bar purchases or choose the package that makes sense for you.

Food service can affect the timing of the first swimming stop. On some trips, the longer stop appears to give the crew time to prepare lunch. That is not a serious flaw, but it explains why the swimming schedule may not feel identical from one departure to another.

Music and the mood onboard

The atmosphere is relaxed rather than strictly quiet. Music plays throughout much of the trip, with a selection designed to suit a mixed crowd. The return sail can become more lively, with dancing and a party feel near the end.

This is not necessarily a hard-party boat. The music supports the holiday mood without taking over the whole outing, though the rear area can become louder and smoky later in the trip. If cigarette smoke bothers you, choose a seat away from the back when possible.

The social side works especially well for groups of friends, couples, and hen-party groups. You have enough shared activity to avoid awkward silence, but also enough space to sit alone and watch the coast. Families with older children may enjoy the swimming platforms, provided everyone is comfortable with a boat-based day and open-water swimming.

The crew is one of the stronger parts of the outing. They are described as friendly, attentive, professional, and helpful with safety equipment. You can expect life vests, clear access to the water, and a crew that keeps the basic schedule moving.

Is $47 good value?

At $47 per person, this is a fair price for a catamaran cruise that includes a boat ride, swimming stop, snorkeling equipment, and life vests. If you choose the BBQ package, the meal and one drink add practical value, especially if you would otherwise buy lunch and drinks separately.

The value depends on what you want from the day. For a scenic ride with swimming, music, and a casual meal, the price works well. For a private sailing trip, a small group, expert snorkeling instruction, or a detailed coastal tour, it is not the right product.

The group size is the main value tradeoff. A large catamaran gives you stability, toilets, a bar, several ways into the water, and room to move around. It also means the front nets and prime sunbathing areas can feel competitive.

The two-hour trip is a good pick if you want an easy activity before another plan. The four-hour option makes more sense if you want the boat to be the main event of the day. One person found four hours flew by, while others wanted a longer swim stop, so swimmers should choose the longer cruise when available.

Who should book this catamaran cruise?

I would choose this cruise if you want to combine coastal views and swimming without arranging your own boat rental. It is especially suitable for:

• Friends who want music, sun, swimming, and a casual social setting
• Couples looking for an easy half-day on the water
• Hen parties and small celebrations
• First-time visitors who want to see the coves east of S’Arenal
• Confident swimmers who enjoy jumping from a boat
• People who prefer a stable catamaran to a small speedboat

I would think twice if you need wheelchair access, since the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. I would also reconsider if you dislike shared group outings, loud music, cigarette smoke, or a first-come seating arrangement.

Swimmers should bring their own mask and snorkel if they have them. Everyone should arrive early, confirm the kiosk location, and choose the BBQ option only if the menu suits the group.

Practical details that can improve your day

Book with the weather and water temperature in mind. The sea can feel cold in spring, even when the air is warm, while summer departures are better for long swims and sunbathing.

Keep valuables to a minimum. The supplied information does not describe a dedicated storage service, so bring only what you can keep secure and dry. A towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing are more useful than extra luggage.

Follow the crew’s instructions around the stern and swimming platforms. The higher jump points are fun for confident swimmers, but you can use the stairs or lower entries instead. Life vests are available if you want extra support in the water.

The provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later. The exact start times depend on availability, so confirm the time and duration before finalizing your day.

Should you book it?

Book this Palma catamaran cruise if you want a good-value sea outing with clear water, two possible swimming stops, music, and the option of a simple BBQ. The scenery and easy access to the water are the main reasons to go, not the food or formal guiding.

Choose the longer version if swimming is your priority, arrive early for better seating, and bring your own snorkeling gear if you prefer guaranteed fit and cleaner equipment. Skip it if you want privacy or a quiet sailing lesson. For a relaxed group day on Palma Bay, though, the combination of boat space, friendly crew, and open-water swimming is hard to fault at this price.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise meet?

The meeting point is at Playa del Arenal. Look for the waiting area and a kiosk with a sign showing the local partner’s name as you walk down toward the beach.

How long is the cruise?

The available durations range from two to four hours. Check the booking calendar for the specific departure time and duration.

Where does the boat sail?

The route travels through Palma Bay toward Cap Enderrocat and Cala Vella, which are protected environmental areas.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The cruise includes a stop for swimming, and some departures provide two swimming stops.

How long do you get in the water?

The planned swimming period can be about 90 minutes, but the timing varies. Some departures have a longer first stop and a shorter second stop.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included. You may want to bring your own mask and snorkel if you prefer your own equipment.

Is the BBQ included?

Only if you select the With BBQ option. That package includes the BBQ, pasta salad, local bread, and one water, beer, or sangria.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must arrange your own transport to Playa del Arenal.

What should you bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.