A Day on the Water in Palma: Catamaran Sailing with Aperitif and BBQ
Sailing in the waters off Palma Mallorca on a brand-new, luxurious catamaran is a treat for anyone looking for a relaxing yet lively day. For around $109, you’ll spend roughly 5.5 hours exploring stunning coves, enjoying a delicious BBQ, and swimming in crystal-clear waters. The boat, built in 2024, is spacious, with a capacity of 84 people, but they keep the group comfortably smaller—around 55 guests—to ensure everyone has room to breathe and relax.
What makes this trip stand out is the combination of comfortable sailing, beautiful scenery, and high-quality food and drinks. We particularly appreciate how the crew keeps the atmosphere friendly and laid-back while maintaining a professional touch. The paddleboards included in the price are also a nice bonus, allowing you to paddle in the calm waters at your leisure.
One possible consideration to keep in mind is the weather dependence—as with any outdoor activity, poor weather could lead to cancellations or altered routes. Also, if you’re someone who prefers a more active or adventure-heavy boat tour, this may lean more toward relaxing rather than high-energy.
This experience is best suited for anyone wanting a comfortable, well-organized day of swimming, eating, and enjoying Mallorca’s coastline without feeling overcrowded. Families, couples, or groups of friends who value good food, scenic views, and a friendly crew will find plenty to love here.
Key Points
- Comfortable group size ensures a relaxed atmosphere and ample space.
- Beautiful coves with crystal-clear water make for ideal swimming and paddleboarding.
- Delicious, freshly prepared BBQ on board adds a tasty touch to the day.
- Inclusive paddleboarding lets you enjoy the Mediterranean from a different perspective.
- Well-maintained vessel with modern amenities enhances the overall experience.
- Flexible cancellation policy offers peace of mind if plans change.
A Closer Look at the Catamaran Sailing Experience in Palma
When we talk about a day on a luxurious catamaran in Palma, it’s worth understanding what you’re signing up for. This tour takes you from the bustling Port of Palma, sailing towards Cala Vella—a protected natural area with coves famous for their crystal-clear waters and peaceful surroundings. The boat itself is a new model from 2023, ensuring modern comfort, and even with a maximum capacity of 84, the trip is intentionally limited to 55 guests.
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The Itinerary and Stops
The trip’s core revolves around two main stops—one for aperitifs and another for BBQ. The first stop is at “La Cueva Verda”, a hidden-like spot where we get a chance to relax, take in the scenery, and sample a tasty aperitif. It’s a great moment for photos and soaking in the tranquility of the bay before the main highlight: the onboard BBQ at Cala Vella.
Cala Vella is a nature reserve with secluded, idyllic coves where the water is so clear you can see your toes. Here, you can jump into the water, swim around, or paddleboard—all included in the price. The reviews mention plenty of time to enjoy these water activities, with guests appreciating their ability to relax and really take in the scenery.
Food and Drinks
The food is a highlight of this tour. You’ll enjoy a delicious BBQ that’s prepared fresh on board, with many reviewers commenting on the quality and generous portions. Some mention there’s plenty for seconds, and the dessert adds a sweet finish. The boat has a well-stocked bar, serving exquisite cocktails and drinks throughout the trip. But note, drinks are not included in the price, so you’ll want to budget accordingly if you fancy a cocktail or soft drink.
Water Activities and Equipment
A definite plus is the stand-up paddleboarding available at no extra charge. Many reviews highlight how much fun it is to paddle in the calm waters after swimming. It’s a good way to work off some of the great food while enjoying the views.
The Experience and Atmosphere
Guests consistently mention the friendly, relaxed crew—a key element of why this trip gets such high marks. The crew are praised for being polite, professional, and attentive without being overbearing. The music onboard, while sometimes loud, adds to the lively atmosphere, though a review mentioned that it could be a bit too loud for some to converse easily.
The group size plays a big role here. Many reviewers appreciated the less crowded feel compared to other tours, with some saying it felt more like a “private boat” experience. This makes for a better environment to unwind, chat, and enjoy the scenery without feeling overwhelmed.
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What Could Be Better?
Some critics pointed out that routes can be altered depending on weather, which is common for outdoor water activities. One reviewer felt the tour was shorter than expected and expressed disappointment over fewer stops and less information about the sites. Also, if you’re someone who prefers a lively, action-packed tour, this might lean more toward relaxation rather than high energy.
The Authenticity of the Experience
What really makes this trip stand out are the authentic touches—the beautiful scenery, delicious food, and the friendly crew. Many reviews describe it as a relaxing, enjoyable way to spend an afternoon, ending with beautiful sunset views if you stay until the last moments. The quality of the food, especially the BBQ, is often praised, with some reviewers calling it “worth every penny.”
Valuable for Different Travelers
This tour is perfect for families, couples, or small groups looking for a comfortable, scenic day. It’s a good choice if you want flexibility—swimming, paddleboarding, or simply lounging—and enjoy delicious food and drinks. It’s also for those who prefer a less crowded experience, given the smaller group size.
It might not suit travelers seeking a more adventurous or fast-paced water tour, or those who prefer all drinks included. Still, for those who value value for money, scenic beauty, and authentic hospitality, this is a solid option.
The Sum Up
This catamaran tour offers a beautiful blend of scenic sailing, delicious food, and relaxed water activities. For around $109, you gain access to a modern vessel, a friendly crew, and some of the best swimming spots near Palma. It excels in providing a comfortable, well-organized experience that highlights Mallorca’s stunning coastline without the chaos of larger, overcrowded tours.
Travelers who appreciate good value will find the food, paddleboarding, and quiet coves well worth the price. The friendly crew and small group size contribute to a more intimate, enjoyable atmosphere. The combination of beautiful scenery, tasty BBQ, and relaxed pace makes it suitable for families, couples, and anyone looking for a peaceful yet fun day on the water.
If your goal is to unwind, enjoy great food, and soak up Mallorca’s natural beauty with minimal hassle, this tour will likely hit the mark. Just keep an eye on the weather and be ready for some quiet, scenic swimming and paddleboarding fun.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and children who enjoy swimming and water activities will love the experience.
How long is the trip?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, including stops for swimming and a BBQ.
Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included, but there is a bar onboard offering cocktails, mixed drinks, and non-alcoholic options.
What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and a towel. Shoes are requested to be removed upon boarding to keep the boat clean.
Can I paddleboard?
Yes, stand-up paddleboarding is included and available at the stops for all guests.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour may be altered or canceled due to weather, but you’ll either be offered a different date or a full refund.
Is there a limit on group size?
Yes, a maximum of 55 travelers ensures a comfortable, less crowded experience.
Enjoy your time in Mallorca and make the most of this beautiful sailing adventure—a perfect way to see the coast, relax, and savor some local flavors.
More Sailing Experiences in Mallorca
- Palma: 2-Hour Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Drinks
- Mallorca: 2-Hour Coastline & Malgrat Islands Catamaran Tour
- Palma de Mallorca: Sunset Sailing Catamaran Trip with Drink
- Full Day, Half Day, or Sunset Sailing Cruise with Tapas & Drinks
- Mallorca Private Half-Day Sailing Experience with Tapas & Drinks
- Full Day Cruise on Sailing Boat in Mallorca
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- Mallorca: Private Full-Day Cruise on a Luxury Speedboat
- 4h Private boat tour north coast of Mallorca
- Cala Ratjada: Afternoon Boat Trips with drinks and snacks
- Can Picafort: Dolphin Watching Boat Tour, Swimming stop
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More Tour Reviews in Mallorca
- Palma de Mallorca: City Walking Tour with The Cathedral
- From Palma: Serra Tramuntana and Lluc Monastery Guided Tour
- Mallorca: Drach and Hams Caves, and Porto Cristo Day Tour
- Mallorca: Market Visit and Traditional Cooking Workshop
- Andratx: Guided Jet Ski Tour with Dragonera Island Visit
- Mallorca: Palma Aquarium Tickets with Transfer
More Mallorca experiences we've covered
- Palma de Mallorca: City Walking Tour with The Cathedral
- From Palma: Serra Tramuntana and Lluc Monastery Guided Tour
- Mallorca: Drach and Hams Caves, and Porto Cristo Day Tour
- Mallorca: Market Visit and Traditional Cooking Workshop
- Andratx: Guided Jet Ski Tour with Dragonera Island Visit
- Mallorca: Palma Aquarium Tickets with Transfer
- Alcudia: Self-Guided Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour
- Costa d’en Blanes: Entry Ticket for Marineland Mallorca
- Mallorca: Private Full-Day Cruise on a Luxury Speedboat
- 4h Private boat tour north coast of Mallorca
- Mallorca: Palma Aquarium Entry Ticket w/ Optional 3D Cinema
- Sóller: Jardines de Alfabia Entrance Ticket