Palma de Mallorca: Deluxe Catamaran Sailing Tour with Meal

The best part of this Palma sailing trip is the balance between open-water relaxation and a proper swimming stop. You leave the port, cruise toward Cala Vella, then spend time in clear Mediterranean water before eating aboard the Oasis. It feels more like a small sailing outing than a packed party boat.

I especially like the roomy setup, with only 36 people allowed on a catamaran built for 57, and the fresh food served on board. The crew also gets strong marks for friendly service, clean facilities, and helping passengers feel at ease. The main drawback is that drinks beyond water cost extra, and cocktails run about €18 to €20.

Key points at a glance

• Limited to 36 people: The reduced number matters on a boat. You get more room to sit, sunbathe, take photos, and reach the water.
• Cala Vella swimming stop: The main stop brings clear water, coves, paddle boards, and time for a swim or jump from the boat.
• Two distinct versions: The daytime trip includes a BBQ, while the adult-only sunset trip serves tapas and canapés.
• Food is part of the appeal: Lunch is prepared on board, with plentiful portions and vegetarian-friendly choices noted in the tour details.
• Snorkeling needs planning: Bring your own mask and tube, or buy a snorkeling set on the boat for €25.
• No hotel pickup: You need to reach the designated port meeting point yourself, and the exact location can vary by booking option.

Why the Oasis feels less crowded than a standard boat trip

The Oasis catamaran can hold 57 people, but the operator limits this sailing to 36. That is a useful difference, not just a marketing line. A full boat can turn a swim stop into a scramble for deck space. Here, you should have room to move between the seating areas, sun yourself, take photos, or watch the crew prepare the meal.

Numbers may be lower still. One sailing had about 15 people, while others carried roughly 25, 28, or 33. The boat never feels designed around squeezing in every possible fare. At $88 per person, that lower passenger count is the main reason to pay more than you might for a basic catamaran cruise.

The boat itself is described as modern, spotless, and elegant. Clean toilets matter on a four-hour outing, especially after swimming. The staff also keeps water available throughout the trip, which is welcome under the Mallorcan sun.

This is not a silent yacht charter. There is music, a bar, and a social atmosphere. You can meet other people and chat, but the limited capacity keeps it from becoming a loud party boat. That makes it a good middle ground for couples, families, and small groups who want a lively outing without losing personal space.

Leaving Palma and heading toward Cala Vella

The trip begins at the Port of Palma. Hotel pickup is not included, and the meeting point can vary according to the option you book, so read the final instructions carefully. One practical weakness is that the meeting point may not have an obvious sign. Give yourself extra time rather than trying to find the boat at the last minute.

Once aboard, the cruise heads through the bay toward Cala Vella. The ride gives you a different view of Mallorca, with the port and city receding behind you. On the return, the route includes views toward Palma’s old town and Cathedral, especially appealing on the sunset departure.

The timing is about four to four and a half hours. That is long enough to settle into the day, enjoy the swimming stop, eat a meal, and cruise back without turning the outing into an all-day commitment. You should still expect much of the experience to be spent on the boat, not at several different coastal stops.

The crew speaks Spanish, English, German, and French. Service is one of the strongest parts of the outing. The staff keeps water filled, helps passengers use the equipment, and has handed out blankets when the evening became cool. A crew member named Marshall received particular praise for being warm and attentive, though the full crew works the sailing.

Cala Vella is the main event

Cala Vella is a natural reserve with small coves and clear water. The boat stops here for swimming, and this is where the outing shifts from scenic cruise to active water time.

You can swim, jump from the boat, and use the included stand-up paddle boards. The boards give you something to do beyond floating beside the catamaran, and they were popular on the sailings described. If you prefer to stay dry, you can remain on deck and enjoy the cove from above.

Snorkeling is possible, but bring your own mask and tube. The current information says snorkeling equipment is not rented for hygiene reasons, with a set available for purchase on board for €25. Some past passengers describe snorkels being available, so the safest plan is not to rely on the boat for free snorkeling gear.

The water and fish make this a pleasant place to swim, but keep expectations sensible. This is not a dedicated snorkeling expedition with a guide, reef instruction, or multiple underwater sites. It is a scenic swimming stop with optional equipment. You get the most from it if you bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and your own mask.

The exact amount of time at Cala Vella can depend on weather and sea conditions. The operator can amend the itinerary when needed. That is normal for sailing, but it means you should treat the cove stop as the heart of the day rather than a fixed promise of a certain number of minutes.

Daytime sailing comes with a fresh BBQ

Choose the daytime option if the food and swimming matter more to you than the sunset. The meal includes appetizers and a BBQ prepared directly on board. The food receives unusually consistent praise, with generous portions, fresh grilled dishes, and choices suitable for vegetarians.

I like the fact that lunch is built into the rhythm of the trip. You swim first, dry off, then eat while the catamaran cruises or rests in the cove. That is more satisfying than stopping at a restaurant and losing time ashore.

Do not expect a formal restaurant meal. This is casual boat dining, with saltwater, sun, and people moving around in swimwear. Still, the meal appears to be a real strength, not an afterthought. One passenger specifically noted that the food was good for vegetarian diners, and another mentioned that the crew accommodated a dairy intolerance.

Water is unlimited during the outing. Other drinks are not included, so budget for them if you want wine, beer, mixed drinks, or cocktails. The bar stays open, and basic drinks may be reasonable, but cocktails have been priced around €18 to €20. That can push the final cost well above the advertised $88.

The sunset version changes the mood

The sunset sailing follows the same general route toward Cala Vella and includes a swim. Instead of the daytime BBQ, you receive tapas and canapés. The return to Palma is timed around the evening light, with views toward the old town and Cathedral.

The atmosphere is calmer and more romantic than the daytime version. Chilled music, a smaller number of people, and the changing light make this a strong choice for a honeymoon, anniversary, or an evening out that feels different from a restaurant meal.

The sunset option is for adults age 18 and older. Do not book it for minors. It can also become cool on the way back, so bring a light layer even if the afternoon is hot. The crew has provided blankets when needed, but packing your own cover is the simpler plan.

Tapas and canapés are not the same as a full BBQ lunch. If you arrive hungry, the daytime trip may suit you better. The sunset meal includes plenty of food according to the available details, but the format is more like a grazing dinner than a plated main course.

Drinks, equipment, and what to pack

The included list covers unlimited water, food according to the option selected, paddle-board equipment, the luxury catamaran cruise, and insurance. It does not cover unspecified drinks, hotel pickup, or snorkeling mask and tube.

Pack lightly, but bring the basics:

• Swimwear and a towel
• A sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable casual clothing
• A light layer for the evening return
• Your own snorkeling mask and tube, if you want to snorkel

There is a confusing point in the provided instructions: sunscreen appears both on the list of things to bring and on the list of prohibited items. Do not ignore this contradiction. Confirm the operator’s current rule before sailing, especially if you plan to use spray sunscreen or a particular type of product.

High-heeled shoes are not allowed. Casual, suitable clothing and swimwear are recommended. The boat is designed for comfort, but this remains a marine outing, so sensible footwear and clothing are better than dressing for a formal dinner.

Is $88 a fair price?

At $88, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Palma. The value comes from the reduced capacity, the clean modern catamaran, the meal, the swimming stop, and the included paddle boards. If you compare it with a basic cruise carrying a much larger number of people, the difference is mainly comfort rather than extra destinations.

The price makes the most sense if you want a polished half-day experience and plan to use the boat as your main activity. It is less compelling if you only want a short ride or if you would rather spend the day visiting several coves independently.

Remember to add drinks to your mental budget. Water is included, but cocktails can cost €18 to €20. You also need to arrange your own way to the meeting point. Those costs do not ruin the value, but they matter when comparing this with other boat outings.

The cancellation terms help reduce the risk: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps you from paying immediately. Weather can still alter the route or schedule, which is part of the deal with sailing.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would choose this for someone who wants Mallorca from the water but does not want a crowded party cruise. Couples get a relaxed setting, especially on the sunset option. Families can enjoy the daytime swimming, paddle boards, and BBQ, but minors cannot join the sunset sailing.

It also suits a small group celebrating something special. The boat feels smart without requiring formal clothes, and the crew pays close attention to comfort. The experience has enough structure to feel organized, but enough free time for you to swim or simply sit in the sun.

You may want another tour if your priority is serious snorkeling, sailing instruction, or visiting many separate coves. This is primarily a comfortable catamaran cruise with one attractive swimming stop, not a technical sailing lesson or an underwater safari.

Should you book the Oasis catamaran?

Book it if you value space, good food, and an easy half-day on the Mediterranean. The reduced passenger limit is the key advantage, and the combination of Cala Vella, a meal, paddle boards, and Palma views gives you plenty for the price.

Choose the daytime trip for the BBQ, longer-feeling family appeal, and active swimming. Choose sunset for the softer mood, tapas, and views of Palma after dark approaches. Bring snorkeling gear if you care about seeing fish, confirm the sunscreen rule, and budget extra for drinks.

I would skip it only if you dislike boat-based dining, need hotel pickup, or want a full day of coastal exploration. For a comfortable, social, well-organized sailing outing with a genuinely good meal, the Oasis is a strong choice.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

It starts at a meeting point in or near the Port of Palma. The exact meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the sailing tour last?

The tour lasts about four to four and a half hours. Starting times depend on availability.

What is included in the daytime option?

The daytime option includes the catamaran cruise, appetizers, a BBQ lunch, unlimited water, stand-up paddle-board equipment, and insurance.

What is included in the sunset option?

The sunset option includes the catamaran cruise, tapas and canapés, unlimited water, stand-up paddle-board equipment, and insurance.

Is the sunset tour suitable for children?

No. The sunset option is for adults age 18 and older.

Can I snorkel during the tour?

You can snorkel at the swimming stop, but snorkeling mask and tube are not included. You can bring your own or buy a snorkeling set on the boat for €25.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water is included. Other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are not included unless specifically stated for your booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You need to make your own way to the designated meeting point.

What happens if the weather changes?

The itinerary may be amended because of weather conditions. Sailing conditions can affect the route and how the swimming stop operates.

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.