Palma: Cueva Verde and Cala Vella Catamaran Cruise with BBQ

Blue water, good food, no frantic schedule. This Palma catamaran cruise combines two swim stops, a freshly prepared meal, and a polished boat with room to sit comfortably. I especially like the maximum of 55 passengers on a catamaran built for 87, plus the friendly crew and well-paced five-and-a-half-hour route. Drinks cost extra, and cocktails can be expensive.

The first stop at Cueva Verde is made for a cool swim, while Cala Vella gives you time to paddle across clear water in a protected marine area. I also like that water, food, and paddleboards are included, though the meal may feel more like a generous boat buffet than the barbecue promised in the title.

What makes this Palma cruise worth considering

• A spacious boat with limited boarding: The catamaran can hold 87 people, but the operator limits the group to 55.
• Two proper water stops: You get time to swim at Cueva Verde and Cala Vella instead of only pausing for a quick photo.
• A useful mix of activity and rest: Paddleboards, swimming, music, food, and open views keep the day moving without making it feel rushed.
• A sunset-friendly return: Afternoon departures can finish with sunset views and a close look at Palma’s cathedral from the water.
• Food is included, drinks are not: Water, appetizers, the main meal, and dessert are covered, while cocktails, beer, wine, and mixed drinks cost extra.
• Weather can change the route: The captain may alter the stops when sea or weather conditions make it necessary.

Leaving Palma on a comfortable catamaran

The boat departs from the Port of Palma. Look for the Oasis Catamaran boat, a useful detail because the harbor has plenty of vessels and the meeting area can feel busy at departure time.

The cruise lasts about five and a half hours. That is long enough to feel like a full outing rather than a short harbor ride, but not so long that you are committed to an entire day at sea.

The catamaran is one of the strongest parts of the experience. It is described as modern, clean, stylish, and spacious, with enough seating for people to spread out. The operator sells fewer places than the boat’s official capacity, so the deck should feel more relaxed than a tightly packed party boat.

That does not mean every seat is equal. Only two sunbeds are available, and the front nets are off limits while the boat is moving. You can still sit toward the back or find another place on deck, but if a sunbed matters to you, arrive early and expect competition.

Shoes are not allowed indoors, and the boat has a shower for rinsing off after swimming. That is a practical bonus when you have salt water on your skin for several hours. Bring a towel, since one is not listed as included.

Cueva Verde brings the first swim

The first stop is Cueva Verde, a cove known for turquoise water and a more sheltered feel. Here, you get free time to swim before the cruise continues toward Cala Vella.

This stop works well as an introduction to the day. You can get into the water, cool off, and settle into the pace before lunch. The boat also serves an aperitif around this part of the trip, adding a small social pause without turning the stop into a rushed snack break.

The water is the main attraction. Several people enjoyed swimming with fish, and the warm sea during the summer months makes the stop inviting even if you are not a strong swimmer. Life jackets are available, but the information does not promise a full set of flotation toys. If you need extra support in the water, bring suitable floatation equipment if permitted.

Snorkeling requires a little planning. Paddleboards are included, but snorkeling gear is not clearly listed among the included items. Snorkels may be available to purchase on board, so bring your own equipment if snorkeling is important to you and you want to avoid relying on availability.

There is one safety point worth keeping in mind. Jellyfish were present during at least one cruise, and crew members helped people who were stung. That does not make the stop unsafe, but you should pay attention to the crew’s instructions and avoid touching anything in the water.

Cala Vella offers the best active stop

The cruise continues to Cala Vella, a marine nature reserve with clear water and a more active feel. This is where the supplied paddleboards become especially useful.

You can paddle around the cove, swim, or simply remain on board and enjoy the view. The stop is not just a quick anchor drop. The schedule allows time for several swims, and one cruise included enough time for people to enter the water two or three times.

Cala Vella is likely the highlight for anyone who wants more than a boat ride. The water is calm enough for paddling when conditions cooperate, and the reserve setting gives the stop a quieter character than the open bay near Palma.

Still, conditions matter. The route and stops can change with weather and sea conditions, so you should treat the exact order and length of each stop as flexible. Wind can also affect how easy paddleboarding feels.

If you have children or non-swimmers in your group, check what flotation equipment is available before getting in. Life jackets are provided, but extra inflatables are not listed as standard equipment.

The included meal is generous, but do not expect a restaurant barbecue

Food is included in the price, with appetizers, a barbecue-style main meal, and dessert. The exact spread may vary, but the food served on different departures has included hot dogs, chicken, corn, salad, cheese, crackers, quiche, and other simple items.

This is usually a substantial meal rather than a token snack. Some people found the food fresh, tasty, and plentiful, while others preferred the opening snacks to the main course. One useful detail is that the meal may not match your mental picture of meat grilling over an open flame. The title says barbecue, but the actual service can feel more like a prepared buffet with grilled or hot food.

That distinction matters if food is a major reason you are booking. You will not go hungry, and dessert is included, but this is still a boat excursion rather than a specialist food tour.

Vegetarian and vegan needs require advance notice. A vegan meal was prepared successfully when requested ahead of time, so contact the operator before the cruise rather than waiting until boarding.

The staggered food service helps the schedule. Snacks appear around the first stop, then the main meal follows the second swimming session, with dessert afterward. You can enjoy the water first and eat later, which is more comfortable than trying to manage a full meal before swimming.

The bar is convenient, with mixed pricing

Water during the trip is included. Other drinks are available from the bar, including cocktails, mixed drinks, beer, wine, cava, and similar choices.

Prices receive mixed reactions. Beer and cava are often considered reasonable, while cocktails can reach about 20 euros. That is closer to Palma bar pricing than a budget boat excursion, so keep your spending in mind before ordering several rounds.

The bar is still useful. You do not need to bring your own drinks, and outside food and beverages are not allowed. A complimentary aperitif or sangria may be offered during the cruise, but you should not assume every drink is included.

I would budget for one or two paid drinks rather than treating the bar as an all-inclusive feature. The cruise price covers the essentials, while the bar lets you add a little comfort or celebration if you want it.

Music and crew shape the mood

Music is part of the experience. The playlist has been praised for creating a relaxed, upbeat mood without taking over the day. That makes the cruise feel more social than a silent sightseeing boat, but it is not described as a full party cruise.

The crew receives especially strong praise for being attentive, friendly, and efficient. They explain the schedule, help with water activities, and respond when someone needs assistance. That matters on a boat, where clear instructions and quick help are more important than polished sales talk.

The crew also keeps the boat running in an orderly way. Food service, swimming stops, paddleboards, and the return route are spaced out so the five and a half hours do not feel like one long wait.

The experience suits a mixed group. Families, couples, solo visitors, and several generations can fit into the same day, although the music and swimming focus may appeal most to adults and older children.

The return to Palma can be the day’s prettiest section

The trip back across Palma Bay is more than a simple ride to the harbor. Afternoon departures can line up with sunset, giving you changing light over the water and a different view of Palma’s coast.

The boat may also pass close to Palma Cathedral, creating a memorable city view from the sea. If you want photographs, keep your phone ready during the return rather than packing it away after the swimming stops.

Sunset is not guaranteed. It depends on your departure time, season, and weather, so treat it as a bonus rather than part of the promised route. Even without a dramatic sunset, the return gives you time to dry off, have a drink, and enjoy the coastline from the deck.

What $109 really gets you

At $109 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the water near Palma. You are paying for a five-and-a-half-hour outing, a modern catamaran, two swim locations, paddleboards, food, water, crew service, and space created by limiting the passenger count.

The value is strongest if you want an easy all-in-one day. You do not need to arrange a separate boat, find a place to eat, or rent a paddleboard after arriving at the cove. The food and equipment reduce the small costs that can build up on an independent outing.

The value is weaker if your main goal is cheap swimming or serious snorkeling. Paid drinks add to the total, snorkeling gear may cost extra, and the barbecue-style meal may not satisfy someone expecting a gourmet spread.

The lower passenger limit is important. A full boat built for 87 would feel very different from one carrying 36 to 55 people. Space, comfort, and the ability to find a seat are part of what you are buying here.

Practical tips before you book

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, and a towel. Sun protection is essential, since much of the day is spent on open deck or in the water.

Arrive early if you want one of the limited sunbeds or a preferred place to sit. The front nets cannot be used while the boat is moving, so do not assume the most photogenic seating area will remain available throughout the cruise.

Wear practical footwear for boarding and walking around the harbor, but remember that shoes are not allowed indoors on the boat. High heels are specifically prohibited.

Do not bring outside food or drinks. Pets, fishing equipment, sprays, speakers, and party items are also not allowed. The operator does not accept intoxicated passengers, alcohol, drugs, or bachelor and bachelorette groups.

The meeting area has no shade or restrooms while you wait, so plan ahead before reaching the port. This is one of the few practical frustrations attached to an otherwise comfortable outing.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available starting time carefully, especially if you want a sunset return.

Who should book this catamaran cruise?

I would choose this cruise if you want a polished boat day with swimming, light adventure, a meal, and attractive Palma views without organizing each part yourself.

It is a good fit for couples who want a relaxed sea outing, families with older children, and groups that value space and friendly service. It also works well for people who want to swim and paddle but do not want an intense water-sports program.

I would hesitate if you dislike music, need a very quiet boat, or expect a luxury restaurant meal. You should also compare other options if your priority is extensive snorkeling gear, a private boat, or the lowest possible price.

The overall rating of 4.7 from 1,344 ratings reflects a consistently strong experience, but the most useful details are in the small print: drinks cost extra, the meal is simple, and the route depends on the sea.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want a comfortable and social half-day on the water with two genuine swim stops and a good chance of sunset views. The limited passenger count, modern catamaran, helpful crew, included food, and paddleboards make the $109 fare reasonable for a full Palma outing.

Book with realistic expectations about the meal and bar prices. Bring your own snorkeling gear if it matters to you, notify the operator about dietary needs, and arrive early for the best seating. For most visitors who want an easy mix of swimming, scenery, food, and relaxation, Oasis Catamaran offers very good value.

FAQ

How long does the Palma catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately five and a half hours.

Where does the catamaran depart?

The boat departs from the Port of Palma. Look for OASIS CATAMARAN.

What stops are included?

The route includes Cueva Verde cove and Cala Vella marine nature reserve, with time for swimming and relaxation.

Are paddleboards included?

Yes. Paddleboards are included for use during the cruise.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is not clearly listed as included. Snorkels may be available to purchase on board, so bring your own if snorkeling is important to you.

Is food included in the price?

Yes. The price includes appetizers, a barbecue-style meal, dessert, and water.

Are drinks included?

Water is included, but other drinks must be purchased from the onboard bar.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, and a towel.

Can the route change?

Yes. The route may change depending on weather and sea conditions.