Mallorca: 2-Hour Coastline & Malgrat Islands Catamaran Tour

The best part of this two-hour catamaran trip is its mix of sightseeing and swimming. You cruise past Mallorca’s southwest coast, circle the Malgrats Islands Marine Reserve, peer through underwater viewing windows, then stop in a pretty patch of sea for about 20 minutes.

I like the short length, which gives you a real taste of the coast without taking over your day. I also like the easygoing setup: sunbathing space, toilets, a bar, music, and commentary in English, German, Spanish, and French. The main drawback is crowding. On busy departures, finding a seat can be difficult, especially if you board late.

Key points

• Three departure points: Choose Las Olas in Santa Ponça, Embarcadero Santa Ponsa, or Embarcadero Playa Tora, depending on your booking.
• Malgrats Islands Marine Reserve: Cruise around this small archipelago and look for seabirds, fish, and clear water.
• A 20-minute swim stop: Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Masks and snorkel tubes are available with a €20 deposit.
• Glass-bottom viewing: Underwater windows let children and non-swimmers see fish without getting in the water.
• Simple onboard comforts: The boat has toilets, an entertainment area, snacks, drinks, and reasonably priced food and beverages.
• Good value at $29: This is a low-cost way to see several bays and coastal sections from the water, though it is not a long or highly detailed sightseeing cruise.

A Short, Easy Introduction to Mallorca’s Coast

This Cruise Cormoran catamaran trip is designed as a relaxed coastal outing, not a full-day sailing adventure. For $29, you get two hours on the water, a swim stop, and views of some of Mallorca’s most popular southwest bays.

That short format is its strength. You can fit it between beach time, lunch, or an evening in Santa Ponça. Families often find two hours easier than a longer cruise, and the swim stop gives children something active to look forward to. Couples and solo visitors can simply sit on deck, listen to music, and watch the coast slide past.

You should set your expectations correctly. This is not a small private boat and it is not a quiet sailing trip. The catamaran can feel busy, particularly in summer. It is a cheerful shared excursion with a bar, music, commentary, and plenty of people moving around.

The activity earns a rating of 4.3 from 966 bookings, and the strongest pattern is clear: people value the friendly crew, the swim, the views, and the price. The main criticism is also clear: busy boats can mean limited seating, and the swim stop may feel too short if snorkeling is your main goal.

Choosing Between the Three Santa Ponça Area Piers

You can start at Las Olas in Santa Ponça, Embarcadero Santa Ponsa, or Embarcadero Playa Tora. The correct meeting point depends on the option you book, so check your confirmation carefully rather than assuming every departure uses the main Santa Ponça pier.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to make your own way to the selected pier and allow enough time to find the boat. This matters most if you are traveling with small children, carrying towels and swim gear, or trying to board early for a better seat.

Boarding early is a practical idea if you care where you sit. The upper deck gives you the clearest views and the best chance to stretch out in the sun, but it is also the popular choice. If you arrive later, you may need to stand at first or settle for a less open position.

The three return points mirror the departure choices: Las Olas, Embarcadero Playa Tora, and Embarcadero Santa Ponsa. Check the location on your ticket so you do not get off at the wrong pier. The boat visits these areas as transport points, not as sightseeing stops where you should expect 15 or 20 minutes ashore.

Sailing Toward the Malgrats Islands

The first section takes about 20 minutes and heads toward the Malgrats Islands. These two small islands sit within a marine reserve, making this the most natural part of the route.

From the deck, you can watch the southwest coast change from developed resort areas to steep cliffs and open water. The views are the main attraction here. You are not touring a museum or historic site, so the experience depends on weather, light, and where you find a place to sit.

The crew points out coastal features and places of interest. The amount of commentary may vary with the guide and the mood of the trip. Some departures have enough explanation to give the bays and islands context, while others feel closer to a scenic boat ride with occasional information.

Look toward the water as you approach the reserve. Local birds may be visible around the islands, and fish can sometimes be seen from the boat. The underwater viewing area gives children a reason to stay interested during the cruise, especially if they are not strong swimmers.

Do not expect a dedicated wildlife tour. The boat circles the islands as part of a broader coastal route, and sightings depend on conditions. Still, this part gives you a useful look at Mallorca’s marine side without needing a separate snorkeling excursion.

The 20-Minute Swim Stop

The swim stop is the heart of the outing. The catamaran pauses at a scenic spot, and you have roughly 20 minutes to enter the water, swim, or float beside the boat.

The water is often the most memorable part for people who enjoy a quick dip. The stop is also a good chance to cool down after sitting in the sun. Fish may be visible below the boat, making this more than a simple swim in open water.

Pack your swimwear under your clothes if you want to get in quickly. You will also need a towel and sunscreen. The activity includes the swim stop but not snorkeling equipment. Masks and snorkel tubes can be borrowed with a €20 deposit, according to the tour information.

Twenty minutes is enough for a refreshing swim, but not enough for a serious snorkeling session. If you want to explore slowly or spend most of your time in the water, you may find the stop frustratingly brief. For families, though, the limited timing can be useful because nobody has to wait around for hours.

Bring your own flotation aids if you or your children need them. One booking note specifically advises bringing your own life jackets or floaties. The tour information does not promise that these items are supplied onboard.

The captain can change the route or swim stop if the weather requires it. That is sensible on the open coast, but it means the exact scenery and swimming location are not guaranteed.

Coastal Views Around Paguera, Santa Ponça, and Camp de Mar

After the islands and swim stop, the boat continues along the coast toward Calvià, with scenic views taking up another part of the trip. You can see the bays of Paguera, Santa Ponça, and Camp de Mar from an angle that is impossible from the road.

The appeal is simple: Mallorca looks different from the sea. Resorts, headlands, cliffs, and small inlets line up in one wide view. The high cliffs are particularly impressive when seen from below, and the deep blue water provides the color that makes this section feel like a proper holiday outing.

Camp de Mar gives you a chance to see another popular coastal area without spending time finding parking or walking between beaches. Paguera and Santa Ponça also make more sense from the water, where you can see the shape of their bays rather than just the built-up waterfront.

The boat does not stop so you can explore these towns. If you want beach time or a walk ashore, plan that separately before or after the cruise. The catamaran shows you the coastline, then returns to the selected drop-off point.

The final section is a good time to move around if space allows. You can take photos from different sides of the boat, look through the underwater windows, or order a drink from the onboard bar. Just remember that crowded departures may limit how easily you can change seats.

What the Catamaran Is Like Onboard

The modern catamaran has a main deck with toilets and an entertainment area. That makes a real difference on a short family outing. You do not need to plan around finding a restroom before the boat returns, and children have more than one way to stay occupied.

The vessel has open areas for sunbathing and sightseeing. The upper level is the obvious place for broad coastal views, while the lower or underwater viewing area works well when you want to watch fish. You cannot guarantee a particular seat, so board early if that matters to you.

Music is part of the atmosphere. Some departures have a lively feel, and past trips have included a guide playing guitar and singing. That will appeal to you if you want a fun holiday mood, but less so if you are looking for quiet natural observation.

Food and drinks are available to buy onboard. The available information describes prices as reasonable, with sangria receiving particular praise. You do not need to bring a full picnic for a two-hour trip, though you should bring water if you prefer not to buy drinks onboard.

Glass objects, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed. The boat provides a social setting, but the rules keep it suitable for families.

Commentary, Crew, and Languages

Live commentary is offered in English, German, Spanish, and French. You can expect basic information about the coast and places along the route, rather than a long lecture packed with history.

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. They help with boarding, explain the route, and keep the mood friendly. The captain has also marked special occasions, including wishing a child a happy birthday, which tells you something about the personal tone of the operation.

The amount of information can vary. If you want detailed geology, marine biology, or local history, this may feel light. If you simply want enough explanation to understand what you are seeing between swims and photographs, it should do the job.

This is a good place to remember that the boat ride itself is the main event. The commentary supports the scenery, but it does not replace a dedicated guided tour of Mallorca’s southwest coast.

Is $29 Good Value?

At $29 per person, I consider this strong value if you want a short boat trip with a swim included. A two-hour coastal excursion normally becomes expensive when you add transport, equipment, food, and a full day of activities. Here, you get the boat, the coastal route, the Malgrats Islands, and the 20-minute swim stop in one compact package.

The value is especially good for families. Children can look through the underwater windows, swim, watch the coast, and enjoy the music without committing to a long day at sea. You also have toilets and snacks close at hand.

The price is less compelling if you want an intimate sailing experience or extensive snorkeling time. You are paying for access to the route and a convenient shared boat, not for private attention or a long stop in the water.

It is worth comparing the current price with Cruise Cormoran’s direct booking option before paying. One booking note found direct reservations cheaper, though prices can change. Also remember to budget for drinks, snacks, and the €20 deposit if you borrow a mask and snorkel tube.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the reserve-now, pay-later option make the booking relatively flexible. Still, check the exact meeting point and departure time before you commit.

Who Will Enjoy This Trip Most?

I would choose this tour for families, couples wanting a simple afternoon activity, and anyone staying near Santa Ponça who wants to get on the water without spending a full day. It also suits you if you like a relaxed mix of views, music, sun, and a quick swim.

It is a particularly good first boat trip in Mallorca. The two-hour length gives you an introduction to the southwest coast without making you wonder how long you have left.

You may want something else if you dislike crowds, need guaranteed seating, or want serious snorkeling. The catamaran can become crowded, and some people have had difficulty finding a seat at the beginning. Wheelchair users should also note that the activity is not suitable for them.

A buggy may be manageable, based on one family’s experience, but the tour information only specifically states that wheelchair users cannot be accommodated. If you are traveling with a stroller or very young child, confirm the arrangement before booking.

Should You Book the Malgrats Islands Catamaran?

Book it if you want good coastal views, a friendly crew, and a swim stop for $29. The combination is hard to fault for a short holiday activity, especially when you are based around Santa Ponça or one of the nearby departure points.

Skip it if your priority is a quiet, private boat, a long snorkeling session, or time ashore in Paguera, Santa Ponça, or Camp de Mar. Those places are viewed from the water, not visited as stops.

For the best experience, arrive early, bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and any flotation gear you need. Pick the upper deck for views, the underwater windows for fish, and the swim stop for cooling off. With those expectations, this is a cheerful and affordable way to see Mallorca’s southwest coast from a new angle.

FAQ

How long is the Mallorca catamaran tour?

The tour lasts two hours, including scenic cruising and a 20-minute swim stop.

Where can I board the catamaran?

The available starting points are Las Olas in Santa Ponça, Embarcadero Santa Ponsa, and Embarcadero Playa Tora. Your meeting point depends on the option you book.

Which parts of Mallorca can I see from the boat?

The route includes views of Paguera, Santa Ponça, Camp de Mar, Calvià, and the Malgrats Islands.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat includes a 20-minute swim stop.

Can I use snorkeling equipment?

Masks and snorkel tubes are available with a €20 deposit. Bring your own swimwear, towel, and sunscreen.

Are food and drinks available onboard?

Yes. Snacks and refreshments are available to purchase on the catamaran. The boat also has toilets and an entertainment area.

What languages are available for the live guide?

Live guiding is available in English, German, Spanish, and French.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.