Turquoise water meets small-boat calm in Palma Bay. I love the small-group setup capped at 9 people, and I love that snorkeling gear and paddleboards are part of the ticket. One thing to consider, this is geared for active swimmers, so it is not suitable for non-swimmers or people with mobility impairments.

You’ll meet the crew at Saltytours and spend 2.5 hours cruising, photo stopping, and playing in the water with captain-led direction. On this trip, you may hear names like Francesca or Enrique, and the main payoff is time at Punta Negra with clear water, quick safety guidance, and plenty of chances to switch activities.

Key highlights you will feel on the water

• Up to 9 people per boat, so the bay feels uncrowded and the captain can actually manage the group
• Snorkeling gear included, plus paddleboards, so you can choose slow float or active glide
• Jet ski included, which turns a swim stop into a real sea-day thrill
• A captain-led route with a photo stop at Ses Illetes and a planned swim area near Punta Negra
• Onboard drinks (water, soft drinks, beers), with some snacks and rinse options mentioned often

Why this Palma Bay boat charter feels more personal than big tours

The Bay of Palma is the kind of place where big boats can turn your afternoon into background noise. This charter keeps things tight, with a maximum of 9 passengers, which changes the whole vibe. You get more room to move around on the boat, more attention when you try the gear, and less time waiting your turn.

The other reason I like this format is the mix of activities. You are not locked into one thing for 2.5 hours. You can do a calm swim, suit up for snorkeling, or switch to paddle surfing when you want a different view of the water. And then there is the jet ski option, which adds that fun, adrenaline edge without turning the day into a chaos-fest.

If you want a day that feels like you are hanging out on the sea with a competent local captain, this is the style to pick.

Price and value: what $77 gets you (and why it adds up)

$77 for 2.5 hours in Palma sounds simple, but the value is in what’s included. You are paying for a private charter experience, not just a ticket to a general cruise. That small-boat setup matters.

In the price, you get:

• Snorkeling masks and snorkel gear
• Paddleboards
• Jet ski included
• Water, soft drinks, and beers
• A local guide or captain who steers and explains what you are seeing

That inclusion list is the real bargain. If you tried to rent gear and book separate activities around Palma Bay, the costs stack fast. Here, your main spend is already bundled into the ride.

Now, one fair note: food is not included in the base package. If you have a big appetite or you hate being hungry at sea, plan to bring a snack. Some people also report snacks like chips being offered, but I would not count on a full meal.

Getting to Saltytours: the meeting point you should find easily

You will start at Saltytours. The guide meets you at the entrance to the port of Club de Mar-Mallorca, in front of MercaNautic New Palma, and then walks you to the boat so you do not waste time guessing which dock is yours.

I recommend arriving about 30 minutes early. Ports move slowly when everyone is arriving at once, and this extra buffer keeps you relaxed. If you are arriving from Palma’s main areas, public transport access is described as easy, which helps if you do not want to juggle taxis or parking.

This is also a self-arrival activity. Transport to the port is not included, so make sure your day plan has you at the meeting point on time.

Ses Illetes photo stop: a quick hit of postcard Mallorca

Early on, you get a stop at Ses Illetes. Think of this as a visual warm-up before the water play. The bay area here is famous for its clear, bright water, and the crew builds in a photo moment so you can capture that Mediterranean look without racing the schedule.

It is not meant to be a long wandering stop. It’s short, focused, and then you’re back moving. That timing is part of the charm. You get the signature scenery, then you get the main event.

If your goal is a low-stress outing that does not chew up your whole afternoon, that “photo stop then swim” rhythm works well.

Punta Negra: where the snorkeling and paddleboarding actually happen

The centerpiece is Punta Negra. This is the swim and gear time, and it is where the tour earns its reputation. You’ll have a planned moment for:

• Swimming
• Snorkeling
• Stand up paddleboarding (paddle surfing)

Because the stop is designed for gear use, you are not just getting dropped into open water. The crew helps you get set up and stays focused on safety, which is especially important when you’re getting in and out around the boat.

Snorkeling expectations: clear water, mixed fish count

Snorkeling here is mainly about seeing what you can in the water column and enjoying the visibility. The water clarity gets praised a lot. One caution from experience reported on this style of trip: if you are dreaming of a reef packed with fish, it may not always deliver that kind of abundance.

My practical advice: treat it as a clean-water swim with added snorkeling time. If you spot fish, great. If you do not see tons, you still get the main benefit, warm Mediterranean water and a chance to float and look down.

Paddleboarding: best when you want to go slow

SUP works differently than snorkeling. Instead of stopping and scanning, you can glide. It is a fun way to explore at your own pace while staying in the general area the crew plans for the group.

This is also why a small group helps. With fewer people, the SUP activity does not feel like a waiting line. You get more usable time on the board.

Jet ski and sea scooters: the added thrill that keeps it from feeling routine

Jet ski is included, and that changes the energy level of the tour. For some people, it becomes the top memory of the day because it is an active ride on the water, not just a stationary swim break.

You may also see other motorized fun equipment, often referred to as sea scooters or water scooters in the way people describe the experience. The important takeaway for you is this: the operator clearly wants you playing in more than one way, so you can choose between calm and fast depending on your mood.

If you are traveling with teens or adults who get bored easily, this variety is a big plus. Even if you are more of a swimmer than a thrill seeker, the ability to take a short ride and then return to snorkeling gives your day a natural rhythm.

Captain-led route: views from the boat, plus the little safety details

Between the photo stop and the main swim cove, the riding portion is not just transit. People note smooth handling and good route choices, plus the captain and crew point out landmarks and explain what you’re passing.

Names like Enrique and Francesca show up in feedback, which suggests consistent leadership. Either way, what matters for you is the style: clear instructions, a calm check-in on safety, and help getting the gear sorted.

A small but meaningful detail mentioned often: there is a rinse or fresh-water setup aboard for getting salt off. That sounds minor until you have kids with sea-spray hair or you just want your swimsuit to not dry crusty on the ride home.

Also, music is sometimes part of the vibe. People describe Bluetooth options, so if you like having your own soundtrack, there may be a chance to connect devices. It adds to the relaxed party-of-one feeling you get from a small boat.

Drinks, timing, and what to bring so you enjoy every minute

The tour includes water plus soft drinks and beers. You are also offered additional refreshing drinks during the experience. That matters because being on the water makes you thirsty fast, even when the sun feels mild.

Food is not included. If you want snacks beyond what might be offered, bring something simple. Think energy bars, fruit, or something easy that won’t get messy on a boat.

What to bring that is actually useful:

• Towel and sunscreen (not provided)
• Swimwear and a change of clothes
• If you snorkel often, consider bringing your own nose clip or any comfort items you like
• For photos, a waterproof phone case can save you from stress

And one more practical tip: arrive 30 minutes early so you are not rushing. On a boat, a calm start makes everything after easier.

Who should book this Bay of Palma charter, and who should skip it

This tour is a strong fit if you want an active, sea-day experience with variety. You will probably love it if you:

• Like swimming and using included gear
• Want paddleboarding without renting or figuring it out alone
• Travel with a mix of ages, because people report it working well for families and for adults who just want fun in the water
• Prefer small groups over crowds and long lines

It is not the right pick if you:

• Cannot swim
• Need wheelchair access or have mobility impairments
• Are traveling with pets
• Are relying on baby carriages or baby seats (baby seats are not available)

Minors also must be accompanied by an adult at all times, so plan your supervision like you would for any water activity.

How to plan your day in Palma around this 2.5-hour experience

A 2.5-hour charter fits nicely into a Mallorca schedule. You can pair it with a late lunch in Palma, or do it as your main daytime activity and keep the evening open for dinner and a slow walk.

Timing matters. If you are sensitive to heat, consider booking a morning slot. People describe booking morning times as a way to keep temperatures comfortable and get the best water-play window.

Also, you do not need to overpack your day. The tour already does the heavy lifting: boat ride, cove time, and activity gear. When you keep the rest of your itinerary light, you actually get to enjoy the water.

Should you book Saltytours in the Bay of Palma?

If you want a small-group Bay of Palma day that blends sailing views, real swim time, included gear, and jet ski fun, I think this is a very good choice. The value is in the bundling, and the capped group size helps the day feel personal instead of chaotic.

Book it if your priority is time in the water with options, not just sitting on a cruise. Skip it if you cannot swim, need wheelchair access, or you are hoping for a snorkel stop that guarantees dramatic reef life.

If your goal is clear-water swimming plus paddleboarding, with a bonus hit of motorized fun, this charter hits the sweet spot for an easy, memorable Mallorca day.