Crystal water, small boat, zero hassle. This Palma Bay charter focuses on doing, not waiting around, with paddle surfing and snorkeling gear plus seascooters for gliding over clear water. The captain also chooses the cove on the day, usually around Playa Punta Negra and nearby spots like Illetes or Portals Vells, based on sea conditions.

I also like that the experience runs with a max of 9 people, so you get plenty of attention getting set up. Another win is that you are not just on a boat, you have time for a long swim stop and the staff supply the gear, plus water, soft drinks, and beers.

One consideration: you need to show up ready for sun and salt, since towels and sunscreen are not provided, and the exact swimming location can shift with weather and waves.

Key things to know before you go

• Max 9 people per boat means quicker help, more comfortable pacing, and less crowd noise.
• SUP plus snorkeling equipment is included, so you can switch between activities without extra rentals.
• Seascooter time is guaranteed, with fun under and over the water.
• Captain picks the best cove (Illetes, Punta Negra, or Portals Vells) depending on sea conditions.
• Drinks are included (water, soft drinks, and beers), which helps keep the mood relaxed.
• Pack sun and a towel, because those are on you.

Palma Bay by small boat, with a max of 9 people

This charter tour is built around the idea that the water is the point. You are on an exclusive small boat with a strict group limit of 9 people, which changes the whole vibe. Setup time is not a production, questions get answered fast, and you spend more of the 2 hours 30 minutes in the fun zone instead of waiting your turn.

That small group size also matters when conditions change. The captain can move the plan to the best nearby cove if the sea is choppy or the visibility is better elsewhere. On a larger tour, that kind of flexibility can feel confusing. Here, it tends to feel practical. The result is a day that feels smoother and more personal, even if you are not booking a private charter.

I like how the tour does not pretend to be a long exploration of the whole coast. It is more like a focused water playground. You get one main swim period rather than a rushed series of stops, and the staff are there to help you get comfortable quickly, whether it is your first time on a paddle board or your first sea scooter.

From SUP to snorkeling, plus seascooters you actually use

The activities are where this tour earns its reputation. You are not just handed a mask and sent off with luck. The plan includes paddle surfing (SUP), snorkeling equipment with a mask, and a seascooter included.

Here is what that usually means in real life:

• SUP: you get a chance to glide across the clear water, not just stand on the board. Even if you are new, you get to play with balance at your own pace.
• Snorkeling: you can switch from the board to the water to look at marine life. The masks are included, so there is no extra gear shopping.
• Seascooter: this is the wild card that most people love because it feels like flying close to the surface, and it can also be used while you are in the water.

One of the most praised parts is the sea scooter experience itself, especially the feeling of riding through the water with help from the crew. If you want something that feels a step beyond basic snorkeling, this is it. If you want to keep the day lighter, you can also treat it like a cruise with splash time rather than a full workout.

And the best part: the tour keeps you active without bouncing you around constantly. In other words, you are doing the water activities, not spending half your time on and off the boat.

Punta Negra cove time, and why the captain may change it

The main water stop is planned around Playa Punta Negra, with a long stretch of time, about half an hour, for bathing and snorkeling. That swim time is the heart of the trip. It is where you get to slow down, take photos, and actually enjoy the water clarity.

The exact location can shift among Punta Negra, Illetes, or Portals Vells. The captain decides based on sea conditions so the experience stays comfortable and fun. That is a quiet but important detail. Mallorca can look calm from shore and still have waves where it counts. Letting the captain choose helps you get the day you want, not the day that looks good on a map.

In practice, you should expect:

• A short cruise from Palma to the cove area
• A long enough swim window to do more than one activity
• Time to relax on the water once you are suited up

If you are the type who hates surprises, this may feel like a mystery at booking. But if you actually want the best water conditions, this flexibility is a plus. You are paying for the captain’s local judgment, not for one fixed dot on a chart.

The crew and captain vibe, led by Enrique

This tour leans hard on the quality of the captain and guides. Names come up often, especially Enrique, plus support staff such as Francesca and Marlilena. The overall theme is simple: people feel looked after.

One recurring point is that the captain’s boat is treated like a clean, well cared for tool. A small boat can feel cramped if it is messy. Here, the vibe is the opposite. You get a feeling that the setup is intentional.

Another praised detail is how the crew helps you feel comfortable quickly. That matters most for first timers. If you have never used a sea scooter, you want someone to show you how to hold it, where to start, and what to expect. If you have never done SUP, you want quick guidance so you do not spend your whole time fighting the board.

The captain also shares stories and curiosities about the area, which adds texture without turning the trip into a lecture. It keeps the energy light while still making the geography feel real.

Price and value: what $78.02 buys in Mallorca water time

At $78.02 per person, this is not trying to compete with a cheap public ferry. It is a charter-style activity, and you are paying for access, small group handling, and gear.

What you get for that price:

• Exclusive boat for up to 9 people
• Paddle boards for SUP
• Snorkeling mask (for exploring marine life)
• Seascooter included
• Water, soft drinks, and beers
• An expert local guide who pilots and explains the area

What is not included:

• Transportation to the port, meaning you handle getting to the meeting point
• Meals or snacks
• Towels and sunscreen

Here is how I’d think about value. You are paying for a package that covers the main gear and the main guided time. If you show up planning to rent multiple items, buy drinks, and hire help for activities, the bundled format starts to make sense. If you already have your own snorkeling gear and you just want a casual swim, the value might feel less obvious.

But if you want several different water activities in one half day, this price looks fair. You are basically buying a guided water session with multiple ways to enjoy the sea.

Timing and length: 2 hours 30 minutes that stays fun

The duration is about 2 hours 30 minutes. That is an ideal length for this type of tour because you get enough time to do things, but not so much that you feel dragged around.

You will likely spend part of the time cruising, then a meaningful block for the cove stop where SUP, snorkeling, and sea scooter all have their moment. The activity is designed around that long swim period, not around constant movement.

Timing can also affect comfort. One traveler called out that the late slot felt great because it stayed warm without the harsh midday sun. I would take that as a clue for your planning. If you are booking based on weather and comfort, later in the day can be kinder, especially if you burn easily.

Also, plan for sun and salt exposure. Even if you are active, you are still outdoors. The included drinks help, but they do not replace shade. Bring your own sunscreen and a towel so you can dry off and cool down when the swim window ends.

What to pack for an easy, no drama day

Because towels and sunscreen are not included, packing becomes part of the success plan. I would treat this like a swim day first, not a sightseeing day.

Bring:

• Your towel
• Sunscreen
• Swimwear and something easy to rinse off
• Any personal items you need in the heat

If you forget towels or sunscreen, you can still have fun, but it is not as comfortable. And if the sea conditions are active enough to make the captain adjust the cove, you will want to be ready so you can jump into the water time quickly.

Also, arrive at the meeting point on time, since transportation to the port is not included. The tour ends back at the same meeting location, so you can plan a simple next stop in Palma without worrying about transfers.

Meeting point in Palma, and how to plan your day around it

The start and end point is Saltytours – Boat Charter Tour, located at Paseo Maritimo, Ponent, 07014 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain. You will have a mobile ticket, and confirmation is received at the time of booking.

The practical tip is to treat this as a coastal meetup. You are going to get wet, you are going to be in the sun, and you are going to want your things ready. If you are driving or taking public transit, build in a little buffer so you are not rushing down to the boat with wet hands and forgotten sunscreen.

Once the tour wraps, it is back to the same location. That makes it easy to pair with lunch, coffee, or an easy afternoon stroll along Palma’s waterfront.

Who this charter tour suits best, and who might skip it

This tour fits best if you want active water time without committing to a full day.

It is a great match for:

• People who want SUP plus snorkeling in one trip
• First timers who want staff help using a sea scooter
• Couples, friends, or families who like a small group setting
• Anyone who appreciates a captain who adjusts for the sea conditions

It may be less ideal if:

• You are hoping for a long, multi stop sightseeing route
• You do not want to bring your own basic swim items like sunscreen and a towel
• You strongly prefer a fixed location that never changes based on conditions

If you have kids, the tour can work well in a family setup. One experience described a 13 year old enjoying the day with the adults, which suggests the atmosphere is light and activity focused.

Should you book this Palma Bay snorkeling and SUP charter?

I think this is a book worthy option if you want a short, well run water session with multiple activities. The max 9-person group, the included seascooter, and the clear setup for SUP and snorkeling are the big reasons. You are also getting drinks included, which makes it feel like a complete experience rather than a gear rental plus a swim.

Book it if you:

• Want Punta Negra style cove swimming with a captain who picks the best conditions
• Care about being able to try multiple water activities in one go
• Are comfortable packing your own towel and sunscreen

Consider skipping or swapping if:

• You want guaranteed one fixed swimming beach no matter the weather
• You are not interested in doing more than a casual swim
• You are not ready for the practical parts of a water day

If you like hands on fun on Mallorca’s coast, this charter tour checks the right boxes with a small group and real time in the water.

FAQ

How many people are on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 9 travelers per boat, which keeps the experience comfortable and manageable.

How long is the charter tour?

It runs for about 2 hours 30 minutes.

What activities are included?

You get paddle surfing, snorkeling equipment (mask), and a seascooter is included.

Where is the main swimming stop?

The stop is planned around Playa Punta Negra, but the captain may choose Illetes or Portals Vells depending on sea conditions.

What should I bring with me?

You should bring towels and sunscreen. Meals or snacks are not included, so if you want food, bring something.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at Saltytours – Boat Charter Tour, Paseo Maritimo, Ponent, 07014 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain.

What happens if the weather is poor, or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.