Palma de Mallorca: Deluxe Catamaran Sailing Tour with Meal

Mallorca looks best from the water. The Oasis catamaran combines a beautiful Cala Vella swim stop with a generous meal, open bar service, and enough room to avoid the usual sardine-can boat feeling. I especially like the limited group size and the clean, modern boat. The main thing to consider is that drinks beyond water cost extra, and the meeting point can be hard to spot.

You can choose a daytime trip with a BBQ or an adults-only sunset sailing with tapas and canapés. I like that both options include paddle boards, a relaxed swim stop, and a return through Palma Bay, though the sunset version is not available to anyone under 18.

Key points at a glance

• Maximum 36 people on a 57-person catamaran: The operator leaves empty space on board, which matters more than the extra few euros you might pay for a less crowded outing.
• Cala Vella is the main event: You stop near beautiful coves and clear water for swimming, jumping from the boat, paddle boarding, and snorkeling.
• Daytime means a BBQ: Expect grilled chicken, hot dogs, salad, bread rolls, corn, and other simple, filling food prepared on board.
• Sunset means tapas and canapés: The evening trip is calmer and more romantic, with views of Palma’s old town and Cathedral on the way back.
• Bring your own snorkeling gear: Due to hygiene rules, masks and tubes are not included. You can bring your own or buy a set on the boat for €25.
• The meeting point needs care: There may be no sign at the pier. The map pin is reported to be accurate, but check WhatsApp for location changes.

Why the Oasis catamaran is different

The big selling point is space. The catamaran can hold 57 people, but the operator limits bookings to 36. That is still a social group, not a private charter, yet it gives you room to sit, move around, take photos, and find a quieter corner when you want one.

This matters in Palma, where many boat trips aim to fill every available seat. A smaller load also helps during the swimming stop, when everyone wants a paddle board or a place at the rail. The boat has three paddle boards, so you may need to wait your turn if the group is full.

The vessel itself is one of the strongest parts of the experience. It is described as elegant, immaculate, modern, and well maintained, with two clean bathrooms. Several people appreciated the smooth ride, though the sea can become choppy. If you are prone to seasickness, bring suitable medication before boarding.

The atmosphere is not fixed in one direction. Most of the time, expect relaxed music and easy conversation. On some departures, the mood becomes livelier, with a saxophone performance and even an impromptu dance party. The crew generally keeps the music at a comfortable level, so this is not designed as a full-on party cruise.

Leaving Palma for Cala Vella

The daytime and sunset routes both head from the Port of Palma toward Cala Vella. The outward journey gives you open views of the Balearic coast and a chance to settle into the rhythm of the boat.

The exact sailing time depends on the conditions, and the itinerary can change for safety or weather. In good wind, the crew may raise the sails, which adds a genuine sailing feel. At other times, the catamaran will motor along. That is normal for a scheduled boat trip, so do not book this expecting several hours under sail alone.

Cala Vella is the key stop. The boat anchors near a natural reserve with small coves, cliffs, and clear water. You can swim directly from the catamaran, use the paddle boards, or bring your own snorkeling equipment.

The stop works well because it is not just a quick photo pause. You have time to get into the water, cool off, and enjoy the setting before lunch or dinner. The water is described as clear enough to see fish, though the quality of snorkeling will depend on the day and on how much equipment is available.

One limitation is worth knowing in advance: snorkeling mask and tube are not included. For hygiene reasons, the boat does not rent them. Bring your own set or buy one on board for €25. Paddle boards are included, and the boat also provides insurance.

The daytime BBQ trip

The daytime option lasts about four to four and a half hours and includes appetizers, a BBQ lunch, unlimited water, and access to the paddle boards. Food is prepared directly on board after the catamaran reaches the swimming area.

The meal is straightforward rather than fancy, which suits a day on the sea. Food reported on different departures includes chicken fillets, hot dogs, sweet corn, mini burgers, salad, bread rolls, and dessert. Portions have generally been described as plentiful, with enough food left over on at least one departure.

Vegetarian guests have also been catered for, and the crew has handled dairy restrictions and other dietary needs. Still, if you have an allergy or strict dietary requirement, contact the operator before booking rather than relying on a general buffet.

Water is available throughout the trip and is included in the price. Other drinks are extra. Beer has been reported at around €3.50, while cocktails have ranged from about €10 to €20 depending on the drink and departure. Cocktails can be good, but they can quickly change the final cost of the outing.

The daytime tour suits families, couples, and anyone who wants the most time for swimming. It is also the better choice if your priority is an active stop with paddle boards rather than a sunset setting.

The adults-only sunset sailing

The sunset version follows the same general route to Cala Vella, including a swim stop, but replaces the BBQ with tapas and canapés. It is restricted to adults aged 18 and over, so do not book this option for children or teenagers.

The appeal is the pace. You can swim in the late afternoon, return to the boat for small plates, and watch the light change across the bay. On the way back, the route offers views toward Palma’s old town and Cathedral, with the sunset providing the main finish.

Food on the evening departure has included tapas, canapés, and dessert. The portions appear suitable for a light meal, but the daytime BBQ is the safer pick if you want a large, filling lunch.

This trip is especially suited to couples, anniversary outings, and anyone who wants a calmer evening on the water. A saxophone performance has been part of one memorable departure, but entertainment is not guaranteed, so book for the boat, food, swim, and sunset rather than expecting live music.

Bring a light layer for the return. The crew has handed out blankets when the evening became cool, but Mallorca’s summer heat can fade quickly once the boat is moving.

Food, drinks, and service on board

The crew is one of the most consistently praised parts of the trip. Staff members have been described as friendly, professional, attentive, and willing to help with directions, food needs, and general comfort.

The captain has also made an impression. One person particularly enjoyed speaking with skipper Pawel, while other departures praised the crew’s nautical experience and calm handling of the boat. That combination matters when you are swimming from a large catamaran and relying on the crew to manage the stop safely.

Water is unlimited, but do not assume every included drink will arrive automatically. One useful tip is to ask for any complimentary drink after the meal if it has not been served. The crew may not come back to offer it unless you ask.

The bar serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, cocktails, mixed drinks, and beer. Prices are not included in the $97 tour cost. If you are trying to keep spending under control, plan to use the included water and treat the bar as optional.

Food is served in a relaxed setting rather than a formal restaurant style. You eat while anchored near the cove or while sailing, depending on the option and timing. The combination of a meal and a long swim stop makes the price easier to justify than a simple sightseeing cruise.

Finding the meeting point in Palma

The meeting point varies by the option you book, so check your final instructions carefully. This is the least polished part of the outing.

The pier may have no obvious sign. The map pin is said to be accurate, with the boarding area near the stairs and parked cars. A crew member comes to check people in, and the boat arrives at that same spot.

Allow extra time to find the pier, especially if you are unfamiliar with the port. Also check WhatsApp before leaving for the meeting point, since updates may be sent there rather than through the booking platform.

Hotel pickup is not included. You need to make your own way to the port, and the exact meeting point can depend on whether you choose the daytime or sunset departure.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Pack swimwear, a towel, a sun hat, and sun protection. Casual clothing is fine, but the operator asks for suitable attire and prohibits high heels and shoes indoors.

You cannot bring your own food, drinks, cooler, drone, fishing gear, or pets. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited, as is boarding while intoxicated. Party groups, including bachelor and bachelorette groups, are not accepted.

There is one confusing detail in the supplied instructions: sunscreen appears both on the list of recommended items and on the list of prohibited items. Since sun protection is clearly important on a catamaran, confirm the current rule with the operator before departure. At minimum, ask what type of sunscreen is permitted.

You can bring snorkeling equipment from home. If you do not have any, a snorkeling set is available for €25 on board.

Is $97 good value?

At $97 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Palma. The value comes from what the price includes and, most of all, from the limited passenger count.

You receive a four to four and a half hour cruise on a luxury catamaran, a swim at Cala Vella, a meal, unlimited water, paddle board use, and insurance. The daytime BBQ can be generous, while the sunset trip gives you tapas and a more romantic setting.

The price looks better if you compare it with packed boats that offer less room and a basic meal. It looks less attractive if you do not plan to swim, do not care about space, or expect drinks and snorkeling equipment to be included.

For the best value, choose the daytime option if you want a substantial meal and longer time in the water. Choose sunset if the setting and atmosphere matter more than getting a large lunch.

Who should book this catamaran?

I would recommend the Oasis for couples, families, small groups, and solo visitors who want a polished boat outing without a crowded party atmosphere. It also works well for birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons, and a special day during a Palma stay.

The activity is a good match if you enjoy swimming, paddle boarding, open-water views, and sitting down to eat on a boat. The limited passenger count makes it easier to relax than on a fully loaded excursion.

I would think twice if you dislike boats, suffer badly from motion sickness, or want a fully private experience. This is a shared tour, and the boat can still feel social when all 36 spaces are sold.

The sunset option is not suitable for minors. Families should book the daytime sailing instead.

Final verdict: book it if space matters

I would book this tour if I wanted a comfortable half-day on the Mediterranean and cared about avoiding an overcrowded boat. The combination of a spotless catamaran, friendly crew, clear-water swim stop, useful water equipment, and proper food gives the outing substance.

Before booking, choose your version carefully. The daytime cruise is the stronger all-around value, while the sunset trip is the better pick for adults seeking a slower, more romantic evening. Bring a towel and your own snorkeling gear if you have it, check WhatsApp for the pier, and budget extra for bar drinks.

If you want Palma from the water without being packed shoulder to shoulder, the Oasis is a sensible splurge.

FAQ

How long is the Oasis catamaran tour?

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

What is included in the daytime option?

The daytime trip includes the catamaran cruise, appetizers, a BBQ lunch, unlimited water, paddle board equipment, and insurance.

What is included in the sunset option?

The sunset trip includes the catamaran cruise, tapas and canapés, unlimited water, paddle board equipment, and insurance.

Is the sunset cruise suitable for children?

No. The sunset option is for adults aged 18 and over. Minors should not be booked on that departure.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling masks and tubes are not included. You can bring your own or buy a snorkeling set for €25 on the boat.

Are paddle boards included?

Yes. Stand-up paddle board equipment is included in the tour price.

Are drinks included?

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

Is hotel pickup provided?

No. Hotel pickup is not included. You need to reach the assigned meeting point at the port.

How many people are allowed on the boat?

The catamaran has capacity for 57 people, but the tour limits the number of participants to 36 for greater comfort.

Can the itinerary change because of weather?

Yes. The route and itinerary may be amended due to weather conditions.

What languages are available?

The instructors and crew can communicate in English, French, German, and Spanish.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.