Palma de Mallorca: Deluxe Catamaran Sailing Tour with Meal

The best thing about this Palma sailing trip is the space. The Oasis can carry 57 people but limits each outing to 36 passengers, so you get room to sit, sunbathe, move about, and take photos without feeling packed in. The stop at Cala Vella adds a proper swim in clear water, not just a quick look from the rail.

I like the generous food, the clean modern boat, and the calm pace. I also like that paddleboards are included, while unlimited water is available throughout the trip. The main drawback is the meeting point, which may be hard to spot, and paid cocktails can reach €18 to €20.

Key points at a glance

• A limited-capacity catamaran: The boat holds 57, but bookings are capped at 36 for more room.
• Cala Vella swimming stop: Expect time to swim, jump from the boat, and use the included paddleboards.
• Two distinct versions: Daytime brings a BBQ lunch, while the adults-only sunset trip offers tapas and canapés.
• Clean, comfortable facilities: The Oasis has two well-kept bathrooms and a modern, spotless interior.
• Drinks cost extra: Water is included, but beer, cocktails, and other drinks are purchased onboard.
• Meeting point needs attention: The map pin is reported to be accurate, but the pier may have no clear sign.

Why the Oasis works better than a crowded boat

Palma has no shortage of boat trips. Some load passengers onto large vessels until every seat is taken. The Oasis takes a different approach. Its 36-person limit is the central reason to consider paying $97 for this four to four-and-a-half-hour outing.

That price is not the lowest way to get on the water. It makes more sense if you care about elbow room, a cleaner-feeling boat, a proper meal, and a less hectic swim stop. The difference matters most in summer, when a crowded deck can turn a pleasant cruise into a queue for the rail, the paddleboard, and the food.

The boat itself has earned strong praise for being clean, modern, and well maintained. You have two bathrooms, open deck space, and enough room to spread out. On some departures, the group has been as small as 15 to 28 people, though you should plan for the full 36-person limit rather than count on a half-empty boat.

The atmosphere is relaxed rather than strictly formal. Music plays at a moderate level, and some trips have included a saxophone performance that shifted the mood from quiet sunset sailing to an impromptu dance party. That sort of entertainment is a bonus, not a guaranteed part of the booking.

Leaving Palma for Cala Vella

The trip begins at the Port of Palma and heads toward Cala Vella, a protected area known for small coves and clear water. The ride out gives you a useful change of view: Palma’s waterfront recedes, and the open Mediterranean becomes the main event.

The journey to the swimming area can take about an hour, depending on the route and conditions. That is worth knowing if you are hoping to spend most of the trip in the water. This is first a sailing cruise, with one main swimming stop, not a fast-moving series of coves.

Conditions determine how much actual sailing takes place. When the wind cooperates, the crew raises the sails and the return can feel especially smooth and peaceful. At other times, the catamaran uses its motor. The itinerary can also change because of weather, so treat the route as flexible.

If you are prone to seasickness, bring medication you already know works for you. One account described some choppy water, though the ride was still considered comfortable overall. Sitting in a central area and keeping your eyes on the horizon may help, but no boat trip can promise perfectly calm water.

Swimming, paddleboards, and the Cala Vella stop

Cala Vella is the heart of the daytime outing. The catamaran anchors near cliffs and sheltered coves, giving you time to swim in clear water, jump from the boat, and enjoy the setting without immediately rushing back aboard.

The included stand-up paddleboards are a real advantage. They give you something active to do between swims and are included in the tour price. The boat has a limited number, so you may need to wait your turn if many people want one at once.

Snorkeling is advertised as an activity, but snorkeling masks and tubes are not included for hygiene reasons. You can bring your own equipment or buy a snorkeling set onboard for €25. This is an important detail: do not assume that the presence of a swimming stop means free snorkel gear is waiting for you.

The water stop is also when the meal is prepared on the daytime departure. That creates a natural rhythm. You swim first, dry off or find a place in the sun, then eat while the boat remains in the attractive cove. If you prefer long, uninterrupted swimming time, the meal service will reduce the time available in the water.

What you eat on the daytime cruise

The daytime trip includes appetizers and a BBQ prepared onboard. Food described on recent departures has included chicken fillets, hot dogs, sweet corn, salad, bread rolls, mini burgers, cheese, dessert, and other snacks.

Portions tend to be generous. Some departures have had enough food for seconds and leftovers. Vegetarian options have also been provided, and the crew has accommodated dietary restrictions, including dairy intolerance. Still, tell the operator about important dietary needs before you sail rather than relying on a last-minute conversation onboard.

The food is a useful part of the value. A four-hour boat trip with only a small snack would make the $97 price feel steep. A hot, freshly prepared lunch turns it into a more complete half-day outing.

Water is unlimited and served cold throughout the trip. Other drinks are not included. Beer has been priced around €3.50 on one departure, while cocktails have commonly cost about €10 to €20, depending on the drink and the date. You can keep spending under control by using the included water and buying only what you want.

One small service tip: if a complimentary drink is part of your booking, ask for it after the meal if it has not appeared. It may not be offered automatically before or after food service.

The sunset version feels more romantic

The sunset cruise follows a similar route toward Cala Vella and includes a swimming stop before the evening light takes over. Instead of the daytime BBQ, you receive tapas and canapés, with dessert reported on some departures.

The real reason to choose this option is the return to Palma. The boat sails back while the sky changes color, and the route offers views of the old town and Palma Cathedral. A slow approach toward the harbor can be especially attractive as the city lights appear.

This is an adults-only outing. You must be at least 18 to book the sunset option, so families with minors should choose the daytime departure.

The atmosphere is often more romantic than party-focused, though it can vary. Chilled music, open deck seating, and sunset views suit couples and small groups. A saxophone performance has added a memorable touch on at least one evening, but live music is not listed as a standard inclusion.

Bring a light layer for the ride back. Even in warm weather, the wind can feel cooler after sunset, and the crew has handed out blankets when conditions turned chilly.

Crew, languages, and onboard service

The crew speaks English, French, German, and Spanish. Service is a strong part of the experience, with crew members helping passengers settle in, filling water, explaining the trip, and keeping the boat tidy.

A skipper named Pawel has been specifically praised for his friendly approach and nautical professionalism on one departure. Marshall has also been singled out for kind service on another. Crew assignments can change, so do not book on the expectation that a particular person will be onboard.

The boat’s cleanliness comes up repeatedly in the experience details. The two bathrooms are reported to be clean, and the vessel is kept in good order. That matters on a four-hour cruise, especially when you are eating onboard and spending much of the day in swimwear.

The crew also appears willing to adjust when conditions require it. A sailing date was changed because of bad weather, and one departure was moved to a longer version without an added charge. Policies and availability can vary, but it is sensible to contact the operator promptly if weather affects your plans.

Finding the pier without needless stress

The meeting point can change depending on the option you book. Check the final details carefully, and monitor WhatsApp for updates, since location changes may be sent there rather than through the booking app.

The pier may not have a large Oasis sign. The map pin has been described as accurate, with the boat meeting area near the stairs and parked cars. A crew member should arrive to check you in, and the catamaran comes to that same spot.

Arrive with enough time to find the quay calmly. The hardest part of the experience for some people has been locating the departure point, not the sailing itself. Do not assume a marked ticket office will guide you.

Hotel pickup is not included. You need to make your own way to the port.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Pack a swimsuit, towel, sun hat, and practical sun protection. The information for this activity tells you to bring sunscreen, but it also lists sunscreen among items not allowed, which is an obvious contradiction. Confirm the current rule with the operator before sailing, and do not bring a large cooler or outside food and drinks.

Wear casual, suitable clothing and non-slip footwear. High heels are not allowed, and shoes may need to be removed indoors. Drones, fishing equipment, pets, party items, and intoxicating substances are prohibited.

This is not designed as a bachelor or bachelorette party boat. Party groups are not accepted, and intoxication is not permitted. The tone is social and friendly, but the focus is sailing, swimming, food, and scenery rather than a rowdy drinking cruise.

If snorkeling matters to you, bring your own mask and tube or budget €25 for a set onboard. Paddleboards are supplied, so you do not need to arrange those separately.

Who gets the best value from this sailing trip?

I would choose the Oasis if you want a polished half-day on the sea and do not want to be packed onto a large excursion boat. Couples will find the sunset version appealing, especially for an anniversary or honeymoon. Friends and families with older children can make good use of the daytime swim stop and paddleboards.

It also suits people who want food included. The BBQ or tapas make the outing easier than arranging lunch around a port visit, and the generous portions help justify the higher price.

I would think twice if your priority is serious snorkeling, a long list of swimming locations, or a low-cost boat ride. There is one main swimming stop, snorkeling gear is not included, and cocktails add noticeably to the bill. If you need a highly structured itinerary with guaranteed sailing under sail power, weather may frustrate you.

The tour has a 4.7 rating from 459 reviews, which fits the practical picture: the strongest points are space, staff, food, cleanliness, and the attractive swimming location. The recurring cautions are the unclear meeting point, extra drink costs, and occasional choppy water.

Should you book the Oasis catamaran?

Book it if you value comfort more than the lowest price. The 36-person cap, clean bathrooms, good onboard meal, included paddleboards, and beautiful Cala Vella stop make this a well-rounded choice from Palma.

Choose the daytime departure for a more flexible family outing and the BBQ. Choose sunset if you are an adult seeking a romantic evening with tapas, a swim, and views of Palma Cathedral on the way back.

Before paying, check the exact meeting point, read any WhatsApp updates, confirm dietary needs, and clarify the sunscreen rule. If you do that and accept that drinks cost extra, the Oasis offers one of the more comfortable ways to spend four hours on Mallorca’s coast.

FAQ

How long is the Palma catamaran tour?

The tour lasts about four to four and a half hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

How much does the catamaran tour cost?

The listed price is $97 per person. Drinks other than unlimited water are not included.

Is the BBQ included on the daytime trip?

Yes. The daytime option includes appetizers and a BBQ prepared onboard, with food such as grilled items, salad, bread, and dessert depending on the departure.

What food is served on the sunset cruise?

The sunset option includes tapas and canapés. Dessert has also been served on some departures.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water is included. Other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including beer and cocktails, cost extra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Masks and tubes are not included because of hygiene rules. You can bring your own or buy a snorkeling set onboard for €25.

Are paddleboards included?

Yes. Stand-up paddleboard equipment is included for use during the swimming stop.

Can children join the sunset cruise?

No. The sunset option is for adults aged 18 and over. The information provided does not set the same age restriction for the daytime option.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The itinerary may change because of weather conditions. The operator may also adjust arrangements when conditions make the original plan unsuitable.