Palma: Catamaran Cruise with Swimming and Snorkelling

The best part of this Palma catamaran cruise is the chance to swim in open Mediterranean water, not just look at it from shore. You sail from El Arenal toward Cap Enderrocat and Cala Vella, then anchor in a clear-water spot where you can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or jump from the boat.

I like the friendly crew and smooth sailing, and I like the spacious catamaran, which gives you room to move even when the boat is busy. Music, a bar, and the optional BBQ make this feel more social than a quiet sailing trip. The main drawback is that space on the nets and best seating can go quickly, and swimming time may feel short if you choose the two-hour version.

Key points to know before you book

• Two swimming opportunities: Depending on the departure and route, you may stop once or twice, with the main stop lasting around 90 minutes on some cruises.
• Clear water near protected coves: Cap Enderrocat and Cala Vella provide the scenery, fish, and calm swimming conditions that make the trip worthwhile.
• Optional BBQ lunch: Choose the BBQ version for grilled food, pasta salad, local bread, and one water, beer, or sangria.
• Music and a social mood: This is relaxed but not silent. Music plays on board, and the return sailing can feel lively.
• Bring your own meeting-point patience: The kiosk at Playa del Arenal can be hard to spot, so arrive early and look for the local partner’s sign.
• Good value at $47: The price is strongest when you want swimming, a boat ride, equipment, and lunch in one simple outing.

Sailing out of Playa del Arenal

The trip begins at Playa del Arenal, near the Arenal Nautical Club. The waiting area is at a kiosk by the beach, marked with the local partner’s sign. Directions have caused some confusion, so I would allow extra time to find the exact spot rather than arriving at the last minute.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You make your own way to the beach, which is easy enough if you are staying in El Arenal but less convenient if you are based elsewhere in Mallorca.

Once on board, the catamaran gives you a wide view of Palma Bay. You can sit on the nets at the front, find a place along the sides, or stay near the rear where the bar and music may make the atmosphere livelier. Seating is generally first come, first served, so arriving early helps if you want a prime sunbathing spot.

The boat is large enough to feel stable and comfortable, but do not picture a private sailing charter. One account described roughly 80 people on board, and other outings have felt crowded. The wide deck helps, yet the front nets can fill quickly and some people may hold onto their space.

Palma Bay views and the Cap Enderrocat route

The first part is about the ride. You leave the resort shoreline and head along the coast toward Cap Enderrocat, with views of rocky headlands, coves, and open sea. This is a good time for photographs because the boat is moving and the full shape of the coast opens up around you.

Cap Enderrocat and Cala Vella are protected environmental areas. The appeal here is not a guided history talk or a long sightseeing explanation. Instead, you get a straightforward coastal cruise with time to enjoy the water and scenery at your own pace.

The crew may keep the mood going with music, but this is not primarily a narrated tour. One person wished for more guiding during the ride, so choose this trip for the boat time and swimming rather than for detailed information about Mallorca’s coast.

The sailing itself is usually smooth, and the large catamaran feels safer and less tippy than a small boat. Life vests are provided, and the crew is described as helpful and attentive. If you are nervous about boats, the broad deck and steady ride should make this a manageable choice, though anyone who dislikes open water may find the swimming stop more demanding than the cruise.

The swimming stop is the real reward

The boat anchors at a scenic location for swimming and sunbathing. The water is often clear enough to see small fish, and some outings have included fish gathering near the boat. You can enter using the steps, jump from small ledges, or use higher points at the stern if you are comfortable with that.

The main stop is listed as up to 90 minutes, but actual time can vary by departure, route, and the selected cruise length. Some schedules include two stops, with the first longer and the second shorter. Other accounts describe a swim stop of only 20 to 30 minutes, so check the exact option before booking if swimming time is your top reason for going.

This difference matters. On a four-hour trip, you have more time to settle into the ride, swim, eat, and enjoy the return journey. On a two-hour outing, the boat ride and the stop pass quickly. It can still be satisfying, but you may wish for a longer swim once you are in the water.

The swimming spots are not beaches. You stay on the boat and enter the sea directly. That is part of the fun, but it also means this is not the right choice if you want to stroll ashore, explore a cove on foot, or spend the day on sand.

You should bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing. The Mediterranean can feel cool outside the peak summer months. A May outing, for example, may offer beautiful water but not especially warm swimming conditions.

Snorkeling equipment and practical water time

Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included. The water near the anchor points can be clear, and you may see fish close to the boat. The experience is casual rather than a specialist snorkeling excursion, so expect time to explore on your own rather than a formal lesson or guided marine-life tour.

Equipment distribution may not always be obvious. If you want to snorkel, ask the crew directly for a mask and snorkel rather than waiting for someone to bring them around. You can also bring your own gear if you prefer a familiar fit.

Pay attention to equipment hygiene. One person raised concerns about the cleaning of masks and snorkels, so you may reasonably want to check that the equipment has been sanitized or use your own. This is a small point, but it matters when several groups share gear.

The boat also has a shower for rinsing off after swimming. That is useful after saltwater time, especially if you plan to continue sightseeing in El Arenal afterward.

BBQ, drinks, and the onboard bar

The BBQ is an add-on option, not part of every ticket. If you select it, you receive a freshly cooked meal with pasta salad and local bread, plus one drink: water, beer, or sangria.

The food is best viewed as a practical lunch served at sea, not a restaurant meal. Meat eaters generally have the easiest time with the BBQ. The pasta salad helps, but vegetarian and vegan choices may be limited. If your diet is important to you, check the available meal details before paying for the BBQ option.

Some people find the food tasty and substantial. Others consider it ordinary, which is fair for a meal prepared on a moving boat for a large group. I would choose the BBQ because it saves you from arranging lunch and adds to the relaxed day, but I would not book the cruise mainly for the food.

There is a bar on board, and cocktails are available for purchase. The included drink applies only to the BBQ option. Without that option, drinks may cost extra, and one account noted an €8 price for beer or sangria. If you are watching costs, confirm what is included and budget for any additional drinks.

The timing of food service can affect the mood. On some departures, the first swimming stop is longer while the crew prepares lunch. That can be welcome if you want plenty of water time, but it may feel slow if you would rather keep sailing.

Music, atmosphere, and space on board

This is a social boat trip with music throughout much of the outing. The selection has been described as broad enough to suit different tastes, and the ride back can become more lively, with some people dancing near the end.

It is not necessarily a full party boat. The atmosphere depends on the departure, group, and time of day. You may find a calm, easygoing cruise with background music, or a more energetic return with people enjoying the bar and sun.

The catamaran has enough room to move around, but capacity still matters. On busy departures, the nets and most desirable sitting areas fill early. Some people may not want to share space, so arriving ahead of time is the simplest way to improve your choice of seat.

Smoking can also affect where you sit. One account described cigarette smoke near the rear during the return ride. If smoke bothers you, choose an upwind or forward position when possible and avoid assuming every part of the boat will feel equally comfortable.

The crew is one of the stronger parts of the experience. They handle the swimming setup, provide safety equipment, prepare food when selected, and keep the boat moving on schedule. The available host languages are English, German, Spanish, French, and Italian.

How much value do you get for $47?

At $47 per person, this is good value if you want several elements in one outing: a catamaran cruise, a swimming stop, snorkeling equipment, life vests, and, with the right ticket, lunch and a drink.

The value is strongest for the four-hour version. You have more time for the coast, swimming, food, and music, so the cost feels spread across a proper half-day. The two-hour version suits someone who wants a quick sea activity, but it may feel too short once boarding and sailing time are counted.

Compare it with the cost of booking a boat ride and arranging lunch separately. The included equipment and direct access to the water make this simpler than planning your own beach day. On the other hand, you are paying for a shared boat, not a private charter, and you should not expect personal service or long stops at empty coves.

The optional BBQ improves the value if you would otherwise buy lunch and drinks. It is less compelling if you have strict dietary needs or care more about snorkeling than eating. In that case, the basic cruise may be the better choice, with your attention on the water and scenery.

Who will enjoy this Palma boat trip?

I would recommend it to couples, groups of friends, families with confident swimmers, and anyone who wants a low-effort day on the water. It also works well for a hen party or a group celebration because the music, bar, and shared swimming stop create an easy social setting.

You will probably enjoy it if you like a mix of relaxation and activity. You can sunbathe for most of the ride, then swim, snorkel, jump from the boat, and rinse off before returning to port.

It is less suitable if you want a quiet sailing experience, a small group, or detailed commentary about Mallorca. It is also not suitable for wheelchair users. The direct-water entry points, stairs, and boat layout require a level of mobility.

If you dislike crowds, try to book a longer option and arrive early. A spacious catamaran can still feel full when many people want the same front nets, swimming ledges, and bar area.

Booking tips that make the day easier

Choose the four-hour option if the sea is your main goal. The longer trip gives you more breathing room and may include two swim stops, though exact timing varies.

Select the BBQ only if the meal fits your diet. Otherwise, confirm whether you can buy food or drinks separately and plan around the included services.

Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. A phone holder with a strap is useful if you want photographs near the water, but keep your phone secure around the boat and swimming platforms.

Arrive early at Playa del Arenal. Look for the local partner’s sign at the kiosk near the beach, and ask for help if the meeting point is not clear. The boat keeps to a schedule, and arriving late can create unnecessary stress.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start times because the cruise lasts between two and four hours depending on the option.

Should you book this cruise?

Book it if you want a simple, good-value sea day with clear water, a stable catamaran, music, and direct time for swimming. The staff, smooth sailing, spacious deck, and attractive coves make the experience more than a basic ride around the bay.

I would choose the longer option with the BBQ for a relaxed half-day, especially for a group. For a shorter schedule, book it as a quick swim-and-sail outing and keep your expectations realistic about stop length, shared space, and food.

Skip it if you want an intimate yacht trip, a guided coastal tour, or a beach stop. For most visitors staying near El Arenal who want to get into the Mediterranean without arranging a full day themselves, this cruise offers a fair mix of scenery, swimming, and fun for the price.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

The meeting point is at Playa del Arenal near the Arenal Nautical Club. Look for the local partner’s sign at the kiosk as you walk down toward the beach.

How long does the cruise last?

The available options last between two and four hours. Check the departure choices when booking because the exact duration and starting time vary.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat stops at a scenic location so you can swim or sunbathe. Some departures include two swimming stops.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included. Ask the crew directly if you want to use the equipment.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included only when you select the BBQ option. That option includes a freshly cooked BBQ, pasta salad, local bread, and one drink.

What drink comes with the BBQ option?

You receive one water, beer, or sangria with the BBQ option. Other drinks from the onboard bar may cost extra.

Is hotel pickup available?

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

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed on the boat.