Palma de Mallorca: Deluxe Catamaran Sailing Tour with Meal

The best thing about this Palma sailing trip is the space. Oasis can carry 57 people but sells only 36 places, so you get room to stretch out, take photos, and find a quiet corner instead of being packed shoulder to shoulder. The route heads to Cala Vella, where clear water, cliffs, swimming, and paddleboards make the stop more than a quick photo break.

I like the clean, modern catamaran and the generous food service. I also like that water and paddleboard equipment are included, while the crew keeps the music at a level that suits both a relaxed afternoon and, on some evenings, a livelier return trip. The main drawback is the meeting point, which may have no visible sign, and the boat ride can feel choppy if you are prone to seasickness.

Key points to know before booking

• Only 36 passengers on a 57-person catamaran: The lower guest limit is the main reason to pay more than for a crowded boat tour.
• Cala Vella is the main swimming stop: Expect time for swimming, jumping from the boat, paddleboarding, and possibly snorkeling with your own equipment.
• Daytime means BBQ, sunset means tapas: Pick the daytime trip for a fuller grilled meal, or the adult-only sunset trip for tapas, canapés, and views of Palma Cathedral.
• Drinks beyond water cost extra: Beer is more modestly priced, while cocktails have been reported at roughly €15 to €20.
• Bring your own snorkeling gear: For hygiene reasons, masks and tubes are not rented. A set can be bought aboard for €25.
• Check WhatsApp before setting out: The meeting point can change, and the dock may not have a sign even when the map pin is correct.

Why the smaller group matters on Oasis

Many Palma boat trips sell the maximum number of seats. Oasis takes a different approach. The catamaran has room for 57, but the operator limits the excursion to 36 people, with some departures carrying closer to 15, 17, 25, or 28 people.

I consider this the strongest reason to choose this trip. You have a better chance of finding a comfortable place to sit, moving around for photos, and using the paddleboards without feeling as if the boat is a floating queue. The lower number also helps the crew keep an eye on food service, drinks, and swimming activity.

The catamaran itself is part of the appeal. It is described as elegant, new-looking, and carefully maintained, with two clean bathrooms. That matters on a four to four-and-a-half-hour outing. A beautiful boat is nice for the first ten minutes, but clean toilets, open deck space, and a smooth boarding process matter much more by the end.

This is not an empty private charter. You will share the boat with other people, and the atmosphere can become social. Still, the setup feels more like a comfortable sailing outing than a packed party cruise. Some departures have included music, and one sunset trip featured live saxophone before the mood turned into an informal dance session. That sort of entertainment appears to depend on the day, so I would not book it expecting a concert.

Leaving Palma for Cala Vella

The tour leaves from the Port of Palma and heads across the bay toward Cala Vella. The outward ride gives you time to settle into the boat, order a drink, and enjoy views from the water rather than from Palma’s busy streets.

The meeting point needs a little care. It can vary by booking option, and it may not be marked with a large Oasis sign. The map pin has been described as accurate, with the boat collecting people near the pier, beside parked cars and the stairs. A crew member checks you in there.

I would check your messages, including WhatsApp, on the day of the trip. One departure changed its meeting location and sent the update through WhatsApp rather than the booking app. This is a small issue, but arriving at an unmarked dock with no clear sign can be stressful if you are cutting things close.

Once under way, the route is as important as the destination. On good sailing days, the crew may raise the sails, giving you a quieter and more natural ride. At other times, the catamaran may rely on its motor. Conditions decide this, so do not assume the entire trip will be under sail.

If you are sensitive to motion, consider taking your usual seasickness medicine before leaving. The ride is generally described as comfortable, but the water can get choppy, and one review specifically noted that the journey felt long for someone prone to motion sickness.

Swimming in Cala Vella

The main stop is Cala Vella, a natural reserve with small coves and clear water near the Cap Rocat cliffs. The setting is the tour’s strongest visual moment. You get a broad view of Mallorca from the sea, with rocky cliffs and turquoise water around the boat.

The swim stop is not simply a short pause for people to step into the water. You can swim, jump from the boat, and use the included stand-up paddleboards. The number of boards is limited, so you may need to wait your turn if the boat is full. With a smaller departure, sharing is easier.

Snorkeling is also part of the activity, but the boat does not provide mask-and-tube rental for hygiene reasons. Bring your own equipment or buy a snorkeling set aboard for €25. This is worth knowing before you pack. The water may be clear, but the experience depends on having the gear to see beneath it.

I would bring a towel, swimwear, sun hat, and sunscreen, and wear casual clothing that is suitable for getting wet. The instructions also say not to wear shoes indoors, and high heels are not allowed. There is one oddity in the directions: sunscreen appears both on the bring list and among the prohibited items. Confirm this point with the operator before departure, especially if you intend to bring a large bottle or cooler.

The swimming area is beautiful, but the stop is still dependent on weather and sea conditions. The route may change for safety. The crew decides what is practical on the day, so treat Cala Vella as the planned destination rather than an absolute guarantee.

BBQ by day, tapas at sunset

The daytime tour includes appetizers and a BBQ prepared aboard the catamaran. Food reported on the day trip has included chicken, hot dogs, sweet corn, salad, bread rolls, mini burgers, cheese, and dessert. Portions have generally been described as plentiful, with enough food left over on one departure.

That makes the daytime option useful if you want lunch built into your sightseeing. You do not need to leave the boat hungry after swimming, and the meal is more substantial than the light snacks offered on many short cruises. Vegetarian food has also been provided, and the crew has accommodated dairy intolerance and other dietary needs. I would still tell the operator about allergies or restrictions ahead of time rather than relying on a last-minute conversation onboard.

The sunset option replaces the BBQ with tapas and canapés, sometimes followed by dessert. It is better suited to a romantic evening, a special occasion, or anyone who values atmosphere over a full lunch. The boat heads back toward Palma as the light changes, with views of the old town and the Cathedral.

The sunset departure is for adults aged 18 and over. Do not book that option for minors. The return can become cool after dark, so a light layer is sensible. On one evening, the crew handed out blankets when the temperature dropped, but that should be treated as a thoughtful possibility rather than a promised service.

Drinks, music, and the mood onboard

Unlimited water is included throughout the trip, and it has been kept cold on some departures. Other drinks are not included, although there is a bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic choices, cocktails, and mixed drinks.

Prices vary by drink. Beer has been reported at about €3.50, while cocktails have ranged from roughly €10 to €20, with several comments placing them around €15 to €18. The cocktails are considered good quality, but they can add noticeably to the cost of a tour priced at $97 per person.

One practical tip concerns the included drink offered on some departures. You may need to ask for it after the meal, since the crew may not serve it before eating or return to offer it later. I would simply ask politely when the meal is finished.

The sound level is usually suited to conversation and relaxation, though the atmosphere can change. Music has been described as chilled and not too loud, while one sunset trip added live saxophone and dancing. If you want total quiet, this is not a guaranteed silent sail. If you want a little life without a full party-boat setting, the balance should work well.

Is $97 good value?

At $97 per person, this is not Palma’s cheapest boat outing. You are paying for the smaller passenger limit, the better-finished catamaran, food, unlimited water, paddleboard use, insurance, and a four to four-and-a-half-hour route.

I think the price is reasonable if avoiding a crowded boat is important to you. A cheaper tour can still take you to attractive water, but the experience changes when every seat is occupied and equipment must be shared by a much larger group. Oasis gives you more room and a meal, which helps explain the higher price.

You should budget extra for cocktails and other drinks. Snorkeling equipment is another possible added cost if you do not bring your own. Hotel pickup is not included, so you must make your own way to the port.

The value is strongest for couples, families who want a comfortable half-day on the water, and people marking a birthday, anniversary, or honeymoon. It also works for solo visitors who enjoy meeting a small group without signing up for a loud party boat.

I would be less enthusiastic if your main goal is intensive snorkeling. There is one principal swimming stop, masks are not included, and the available paddleboards must be shared. This is a sailing-and-swimming outing with food, not a dedicated marine-life tour.

Daytime or sunset?

Choose the daytime departure if you want:

• A proper BBQ lunch
• More time in bright sun for swimming and paddleboarding
• A family-friendly option
• A full four-hour outing without an adults-only rule

Choose the sunset trip if you want:

• Tapas and canapés instead of a BBQ
• A romantic setting
• Evening light over Palma
• Views of the old town and Cathedral on the return
• A more adult social atmosphere

Both options include the Cala Vella swim stop and the same general catamaran experience. The key difference is the meal and the light. I would choose the daytime option for active use of the water and the sunset option for scenery, drinks, and a special evening.

Who will enjoy this most?

I recommend Oasis if you care about comfort, clean facilities, and room to move. The smaller passenger limit is especially useful for anyone who dislikes tightly packed excursions.

It suits couples very well. The boat, open water, sunset return, and optional cocktails create a pleasant setting for an anniversary or honeymoon. A live musician may add to the evening on some departures, though that is not something you can count on.

Families can choose the daytime trip, where swimming, jumping from the boat, and paddleboards give children and adults something to do. The sunset trip is not appropriate for minors because it is adults only.

You should think twice if you dislike boats, are highly sensitive to motion, or want a completely flexible day. The trip lasts several hours, the route can change with the weather, and you are committed to the boat once it leaves Palma.

The crew speaks English, French, German, and Spanish. The team has been described as friendly and attentive, with names including captain Pawel and crew member Marshall mentioned during individual departures. Service can include help with water, blankets, dietary needs, and general comfort.

Small details that make the trip easier

Arrive with swimwear under your clothes if you want to get in the water quickly. Pack a towel, sun hat, sunscreen, and your own snorkeling mask and tube if snorkeling matters to you.

Do not bring outside food or drinks, a cooler, drone, fishing gear, pets, or party supplies. High heels, indoor shoes, intoxication, drugs, and large party behavior are not permitted. Bachelor and bachelorette groups are specifically excluded, so this is not designed as a private party cruise.

The operator allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the exact meeting point for your selected option because it can vary. I would also save the local partner’s phone or WhatsApp details before leaving your accommodation.

Should you book Oasis Catamaran?

I would book this tour if you want a polished, comfortable day on the water rather than the lowest possible price. The limited passenger count, spotless facilities, generous food, attractive swimming stop, and friendly crew make the $97 fare easier to justify.

Pick daytime for the BBQ and active swim stop. Pick sunset for tapas, romance, and Palma views after dark. Bring your own snorkeling gear, watch for meeting-point messages, and keep some money aside for drinks.

Skip it if you want a long snorkeling session, a private charter, or a guaranteed sail under wind power. For most people seeking an easy half-day escape from Palma, though, Oasis offers a well-balanced mix of scenery, swimming, food, and comfort.

FAQ

How long is the Palma catamaran tour?

The tour lasts approximately four to four-and-a-half hours. Check availability for the exact departure time of the option you choose.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the luxury catamaran cruise, appetizers and a BBQ on the daytime option, or tapas and canapés on the sunset option. Unlimited water, stand-up paddleboard equipment, and insurance are also included.

Is food included on both the daytime and sunset trips?

Yes. The daytime trip includes a BBQ prepared aboard the boat. The sunset trip includes tapas and canapés instead of the BBQ.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water is included. Other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including cocktails, are not included and must be purchased at the onboard bar.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. For hygiene reasons, snorkeling masks and tubes are not rented. You can bring your own equipment or buy a snorkeling set for €25 on the boat.

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.

How many people are allowed on the boat?

The catamaran has capacity for 57 people, but the tour limits participation to a maximum of 36 for comfort and safety. Some departures may have fewer passengers.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. The route and stops may be amended because of weather conditions. The meeting point can also vary by booking option, so check the latest directions and messages before departure.