Palma de Mallorca: Deluxe Catamaran Sailing Tour with Meal

Mallorca looks best from the water. This four to four-and-a-half-hour cruise takes you out from Palma on the stylish Oasis catamaran, with a swim stop at Cala Vella, food prepared onboard, and time to relax on deck. I especially like the limited group size, with no more than 36 people aboard a boat built for 57, and the clean, modern setting that keeps the trip from feeling like a floating crowd scene.

I also like the choice between a daytime barbecue cruise and an adults-only sunset trip with tapas and canapés. The main consideration is cost: the $88 price includes the cruise, food, water, insurance, and paddle boards, but drinks beyond water cost extra, and cocktails can reach €18 to €20.

Key points at a glance

• A roomy catamaran with a 36-person limit: The boat can hold 57, but the operator limits bookings for more space.
• Cala Vella swim stop: You can swim, jump from the boat, use paddle boards, and bring your own snorkeling gear.
• Two different moods: Choose a daytime barbecue or an adults-only sunset cruise with tapas and Mallorcan views.
• Food is a real part of the experience: The barbecue is cooked onboard, and vegetarian and dairy-free needs have been accommodated.
• Clean, polished facilities: The Oasis is modern and spotless, with clean toilets and a professional three-person crew.
• Watch the drink bill: Water is included, but cocktails and other drinks are paid for separately.

Boarding the Oasis in Palma

The experience begins at a meeting point in or near the Port of Palma. The exact location depends on the option you book, so check your confirmation carefully. One practical warning: the meeting point has been confusing for some people, and there may not be an obvious sign when you arrive. Give yourself extra time rather than racing down the dock at the last minute.

The Oasis is designed to feel more like a small sailing lounge than a packed excursion boat. Although its official capacity is 57, the company accepts no more than 36 people. Several departures have had around 15 to 33 people, leaving plenty of room to sit, stand, take photographs, and move around without squeezing past rows of deck chairs.

That reduced number matters. Palma has plenty of boat outings, and the cheapest options can feel like transport with a loudspeaker. Here, you are paying partly for space. The boat’s clean lines, modern finish, and spotless interior help make the trip feel special without turning it into a formal yacht charter.

The crew speaks Spanish, English, German, and French. Three crew members generally look after the boat, serving food and drinks, explaining what is happening, and helping people use the water equipment. The service style is friendly and attentive, but not stiff. On some trips, the crew has handed out blankets when the return ride became chilly and kept an eye on water needs.

The cruise across Palma Bay

Once you leave port, the boat heads across the bay toward Cala Vella. The ride takes about an hour, depending on conditions and the exact route. This is your chance to settle in, find a comfortable place on deck, and watch Palma recede behind you.

The views are a major reason to book. From the sea, you get a wide look at the Mallorcan coast rather than the usual street-level view. On the return, the old town and Cathedral come back into sight, especially on the sunset departure. The boat may travel under sail when the wind cooperates, though some parts of the route use the motor.

That distinction is worth understanding. This is a sailing tour, but it is not guaranteed to be a quiet, sail-powered trip from port to port. Weather and wind control the experience. Several people have particularly enjoyed the moments when the sails went up, but the schedule can be adjusted for safety and sea conditions.

Music adds to the atmosphere, usually in a relaxed, easygoing way. The feel is social but not necessarily a party cruise. You can meet people and enjoy the shared setting, yet the lower passenger count prevents the boat from becoming overwhelming.

Cala Vella and the swimming stop

The main stop is Cala Vella, a natural reserve known for small coves and clear water. The boat anchors for a swim, and this is the most active part of the outing. You can jump from the boat, swim around it, or use the supplied stand-up paddle boards.

The swimming stop is long enough to feel like a proper break rather than a quick photo opportunity. The water is the star here. If you enjoy being in the sea more than simply looking at it, this part gives the cruise its value.

Snorkeling is also possible, but you need to plan ahead. For hygiene reasons, the operator does not rent snorkeling masks and tubes. You can bring your own or buy a snorkeling set onboard for €25. That extra cost is easy to miss, so pack your own equipment if snorkeling matters to you.

The supplied paddle boards and other water equipment are included. They tend to be popular, so you may need to take turns, particularly on a departure close to the 36-person limit. Still, the water stop offers more than one way to enjoy the cove. You can swim, paddle, float, or stay dry and watch from the deck.

Bring a towel, swimwear, a sun hat, and sun protection. The instructions both recommend bringing sunscreen and list sunscreen among items not allowed onboard, which is a clear contradiction. Confirm the current rule with Oasis Catamaran before you go. At minimum, bring a hat and suitable clothing, and do not assume you can simply carry any sunscreen product onto the boat.

Daytime sailing with an onboard barbecue

The daytime version is the best choice if swimming and lunch are your main goals. After the Cala Vella stop, the crew serves appetizers and a barbecue prepared directly onboard. The meal has received especially strong praise for being plentiful, fresh, and better than expected for a boat excursion.

Food is not just a snack added to the ticket. It becomes the central pause in the middle of the trip, giving you a chance to dry off, eat, and enjoy the deck before another swim. Vegetarian food is available, and dairy intolerance has been accommodated on at least some departures. If you have a serious allergy or a strict diet, contact the operator before booking rather than relying on a last-minute request.

The menu is described as a barbecue with homemade food and appetizers, but exact dishes can vary. That is normal for a meal prepared at sea and affected by supplies and dietary needs. You should expect a satisfying onboard lunch, not a restaurant menu with several courses.

Water is included without limit. Other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available at the onboard bar, but they are not included unless specifically stated. Several people found regular drinks acceptable in price, while cocktails were notably expensive at about €18 to €20. If you want to keep the total cost close to $88, stick to the included water and treat paid drinks as optional extras.

The adults-only sunset option

The sunset trip follows the same general route toward Cala Vella, including a swim stop, but replaces the daytime barbecue with tapas and canapés. It is for adults aged 18 and over, so do not book this option for minors.

This departure works especially well for couples, honeymoon trips, and anyone who prefers a slower evening mood. You can swim while there is still enough light, return to the boat for small plates and drinks, then watch the sun lower over Mallorca as the boat heads back toward Palma.

The food is lighter than the daytime barbecue, though there is still enough to make it feel like dinner rather than a few token nibbles. A dessert has also been served on some sunset trips. If you need a large meal, the daytime option is the safer choice. If the view and atmosphere matter more, sunset is the more memorable pick.

Bring an extra layer. Even in warm weather, the return ride can feel cool once the sun drops, and the crew has provided blankets when needed. The relaxed music, open deck, and view of Palma’s old town and Cathedral create a pleasant finish without requiring a loud party atmosphere.

Food, drinks, and the real value of $88

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the Mediterranean. You can find shorter and more basic boat outings around Mallorca. The question is what you receive for the higher price.

Here, the fare includes:

• The catamaran cruise
• Daytime appetizers and barbecue, or sunset tapas and canapés
• Unlimited water
• Stand-up paddle board equipment
• Insurance

The boat itself is part of the value. A clean vessel with a 36-person limit feels very different from a full-capacity boat carrying more than 50 people. You are also getting several hours on the water, a protected swimming stop, a meal, and staff service. For a half-day activity, that makes the price reasonable for people who care about comfort.

The value drops if you expect every drink and every activity to be included. Cocktails are extra, snorkeling equipment is extra, and the transfer from your hotel is not included. There is no hotel pickup, so you must reach the meeting point yourself.

I would compare this trip with the cost of a good lunch, a separate coastal cruise, and a taxi to and from the port. The package makes sense if you would otherwise pay for several separate activities. It makes less sense if you only want a quick boat ride or do not plan to swim.

Comfort, cleanliness, and the crew

The strongest feature of the experience is the combination of space and care. The Oasis has been described as new, smart, modern, and exceptionally clean. The toilets are also kept clean, which matters more than you might expect on a four-hour boat trip.

The crew receives consistent praise for being polite, helpful, and attentive. They serve food, explain the activities, help people feel comfortable in the water, and keep the bar running. The best service details are small ones, such as refilling water, offering blankets on the return, and helping people with the paddle boards.

The boat is not silent or private. You share the outing with other people, music plays, and the bar creates a social setting. But the passenger cap keeps the experience from becoming cramped. If you want solitude, book a private charter instead. If you want company without a packed deck, this is a good middle ground.

What can go wrong

Weather is the main variable. The route may change when sea conditions are poor, and the sails may not always be used. A calm day can mean a smoother, quieter ride, but it may also mean more time under motor power.

The meeting point can be hard to identify. Check the exact location for your selected departure and contact Oasis Catamaran if anything is unclear. Hotel pickup is not provided, so this small bit of planning is your responsibility.

Extra costs are another minor trap. The base fare does not cover drinks other than water or snorkeling gear. A €20 cocktail is not unusual for a boat bar, but several drinks can push the final cost well above the advertised price.

Finally, the swimming stop may not suit everyone. You need to be comfortable getting into open sea water, and equipment is shared. You can remain onboard, but the strongest reason to book this tour is the chance to swim and use the water toys.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful when the forecast is uncertain, though you should still check the exact conditions attached to your selected date.

Who should book this catamaran trip?

I would recommend the daytime cruise to families and mixed-age groups who want swimming, food, and a relaxed half-day on the water. The daytime option is also the better choice if you want a substantial lunch or have younger children, since the sunset trip is adults-only.

Couples and honeymooners will likely prefer the sunset departure. The lighting, return views of Palma, and lower-key atmosphere make it feel more special than a standard afternoon outing.

This trip suits you if you value:

• A clean and modern boat
• A smaller group than many standard cruises
• Time to swim and paddle
• Food served onboard
• A calm social atmosphere
• Views of Palma from the sea

I would look elsewhere if you want a private boat, a fully guided history cruise, guaranteed sailing under wind power, or a low-cost trip with all drinks included.

Should you book the Oasis catamaran?

Yes, if you want a polished half-day on the Mediterranean and are willing to pay extra for space. The reduced passenger limit, excellent cleanliness, friendly crew, good food, and beautiful Cala Vella stop are the reasons this cruise earns its strong reputation.

Choose daytime for the barbecue and longer active feel. Choose sunset for tapas, an evening swim, and the view back toward Palma Cathedral. Bring your own snorkeling set, check the meeting point, budget separately for drinks, and confirm the sunscreen rule before departure.

For many people, this will be one of the most enjoyable ways to see Mallorca without spending a full day at sea. It gives you enough sailing time to feel away from Palma, but enough structure that you are never left wondering what happens next.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour?

The cruise lasts approximately four to four-and-a-half hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date and option.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point varies depending on the option booked. Check your booking details carefully because the location may not be obvious at the port.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to make your own way to the meeting point.

What food is included on the daytime tour?

The daytime option includes appetizers and a barbecue prepared onboard. The exact dishes may vary.

What food is included on the sunset tour?

The sunset option includes tapas and canapés. This option is for adults aged 18 and over only.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water is included. Other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available onboard but cost extra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. You can bring your own snorkeling mask and tube or buy a snorkeling set onboard for €25.

Are paddle boards included?

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

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a sun hat, and sunscreen, but confirm the current sunscreen rule because the written instructions conflict. Casual, appropriate clothing is recommended, and high-heeled shoes are not allowed.