Mallorca looks different from a catamaran. I love the small-group feel and the included water toys and snorkeling gear, which makes the swimming stops actually fun, not just a quick dip. The main drawback to plan around is that only the welcome drink is included, and everything else is pay-as-you-go.

This is built for people who want an easy, low-effort half day at sea, with a crew that handles the sailing and the food. You get a calm ride, onboard music, and freshly made tapas served while you’re out along the coast. One more consideration, the day lasts about 4 hours but a big chunk is time underway, so if you’re chasing lots of separate stops, set your expectations.

If you’re choosing between the day cruise and the sunset version, go by your swim mood. The day option includes swimming and snorkeling, while the sunset option skips swimming and keeps things focused on drinks and views.

Key highlights you will feel on board

• Up to 10 to 12 people keeps the boat from feeling crowded
• Fresh tapas served onboard plus a welcome drink to start
• Snorkeling gear and water toys included (SUP, floats, snorkels)
• Two choices: 4-hour day with swimming, or 2-hour sunset without swimming
• Relaxing sailing out of Palma from La Lonja Marina Charter

From La Lonja Marina to open sea, this is Palma without the crowd

Your day starts at La Lonja Marina Charter in Palma, right at Muelle de la lonja, s/n, 07012 Palma. It’s close to public transportation, so you are not stuck with an awkward taxi puzzle before you even sail. Once you’re on board, the vibe shifts fast. You get away from the busy shoreline and into an easy rhythm of sailing, coastal views, and hanging out under the sun sails.

This catamaran experience is designed for a small group, with a maximum onboard size of 10 travelers, and a typical cap that lands in the 10 to 12 range. That matters because you get less waiting for water activities and more room to spread out. One of the most common wins from this kind of format is that you spend your time on the water, not managing logistics.

Also, this trip is not just a boat ride. You sail with a captain onboard and a host on deck, plus an onboard music system. When it works, it turns the cruise into something closer to a floating beach club, but with the motion and comfort of a catamaran.

Price and what it really includes for the money

The price is $119.72 per person for about 4 hours on the day option. At first glance, that might feel steep, until you look at what is covered: the catamaran sailing, onboard music, the captain and host, fresh tapas served onboard, a welcome drink, water, snorkeling equipment, and water toys like SUP boards, floats, and snorkel gear. The ticket also includes all fees and fuel surcharge, plus insurance for visitors.

That set of inclusions is the value story here. You are paying for a managed sailing experience with food and equipment, not just transportation from point A to B.

Now the part to be clear about: it is not an open bar. Additional drinks are available to purchase at extra cost, including wine, soft drinks, cocktails, long drinks, cava, and champagne. Even coffee can be charged, since only the welcome drink comes included.

If you like to budget up front, plan on extra spending once you are out on the water. One person reported paying a lot for mixed drinks and soda, so bring a credit card you are comfortable using.

In plain terms, this trip is best value if you want the tapas and the water toys as part of your day, and you are okay paying extra for your adult drinks.

The 4-hour day cruise: sailing, anchoring, and real time in the water

The day option is the one to choose if your ideal Mallorca afternoon includes swimming and snorkeling. The flow is simple and it makes sense: you meet at La Lonja, set out from the harbor, and follow the Mallorca coastline away from the hustle of Palma. When everyone is on board, the crew gets underway, hoists the sails, and heads out with coastal sightseeing as the backdrop.

You should think of the middle of the trip as a stop at an anchored bay with clear, bright water. This is where the vacation feeling hits. You get time to swim, snorkel, and use the water toys. The boat anchors in a bay known for turquoise and blue tones, and you can stay in the water as long as you want within safe conditions.

On board, you get shaded and sunny places to relax. There is semi-shade under the sun sails, and plenty of space to lie down, hang out, or just watch the coastline slide by. If you want the water time to feel worth it, this is where you can turn a short trip into a memorable one.

A key detail: there is some natural sailing drama built in. The crew notes that there might be an Arabian wind at times. In real life, that just means the sail plan can shift based on conditions, so try to keep a flexible mindset.

One more practical point from the way people talk about this cruise: the trip time includes moving in and out of Palma. You may not get multiple distinct far-away destinations in one half day. Still, the water break is the centerpiece, and that is where this experience earns its high marks.

The sunset option: same catamaran energy, no swimming

If you want romance and calm over water activities, the sunset cruise is your match. It lasts about 2 hours and it focuses on drinks and views, with swimming not included in this option.

This is the choice if you want to be on the water during golden hour without worrying about getting gear ready or handling snorkeling logistics. It also makes sense if the weather or your schedule does not line up with a full day.

From the experience described, sunset is a real highlight, with people calling out that the evening views were amazing. If you are the type who enjoys a relaxed pace, this is the version that tends to feel most effortless.

Fresh tapas at sea: tasty, but manage expectations on portion size

Tapas onboard is a big part of why this cruise feels like more than a standard sail. You start with a welcome drink, and then you get freshly made tapas and snacks served onboard. You also get water included.

The word I’d use is snacky, not heavy. Some people felt the food and drinks were plentiful, while others expected more volume given the luxury framing. So, if you show up very hungry, assume tapas will be a satisfying break, but not a full restaurant meal the whole way through.

The upside is that it is served in a setting where you are already relaxed and moving gently on the water. Food tends to taste better when the day is already going right.

If you have a special occasion, tell the crew. Requests for birthdays and other celebrations are something the operator says they can help with, and one guest even noted a birthday cake being prepared.

Water toys, snorkeling gear, and a simple safety rule

This is one of the most practical parts of the experience. You are not just told where to swim, you get the gear and the toys. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you can use SUP boards, floats, and other fun water equipment once you anchor.

If you have never snorkeled before, this is still manageable because the gear is provided and the crew is there. But you should still treat open-water time seriously. Pay attention to how the captain and host explain where you can go and how to reboard safely. If you are a new or nervous swimmer, ask clear questions at the start and confirm what help looks like.

One caution from the overall experience data: in at least one instance, advice during water time did not go well for a novice swimmer. That is not something you can predict before you step onboard, so your best move is to ask for guidance early and keep your comfort level front and center.

What to bring helps too. I’d bring a towel and a light jacket or layer for the return. People specifically recommended that because the deck can feel cooler, especially if there’s wind.

Space, comfort, and where to sit on a catamaran

This catamaran experience is built around comfort. People mention lots of indoor seating plus exterior lounging space, which matters on a trip that has both sailing time and anchored swim time. You do not want to feel like you’re stuck in a narrow corner while others are out in the water.

Cleanliness and comfort come up often, including comments about newer catamarans and a relaxed, calm ride. When the boat is comfortable and not crowded, you can actually enjoy the sea motion instead of just enduring it.

If you want to catch the action while the crew is working, one simple tip is to sit where you get a good view of the deck and the sailing maneuvers. People even advised sitting up front to catch what is happening, which makes sense for a ship with open sightlines.

For photos, take advantage of the photo opportunities the crew highlights during coastal sightseeing. Since you are moving along Mallorca’s shoreline, light changes quickly, so snap early and snap often.

Who should book this cruise, and who should think twice

This is a strong choice if you want a relaxing Mallorca sail that includes real time in the water, with equipment provided and tapas served onboard. It also fits group dynamics that are small and social, since the max size keeps everyone from feeling separated.

It is also a good pick for:

• Couples and small friend groups who want a calm day without complicated planning
• People who like snorkeling and want gear included
• Anyone who values a friendly crew and a smooth, well-run experience

Think twice if:

• You expect an open bar. You only get the welcome drink included, and additional drinks cost extra
• You want a long beach day or a very secluded shore for hours, because this format emphasizes sailing and anchoring in bays, not a full land stay
• You want lots of separate stops. Most of your time is sailing and one main water break

One more reality check: the experience depends on good weather. The operator notes the activity requires good weather, and cancellations due to poor conditions mean you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Should you book? If your top priorities are small-group sailing, tapas onboard, and included water toys, then yes, this is an easy “worth it” style day out. Just budget for drinks beyond the welcome drink and keep your expectations aligned with a short cruise that centers on one excellent swim stop.

FAQ

What is included in the catamaran sailing ticket?

You get the catamaran trip with an onboard music system and captain on board, freshly made tapas served onboard, a welcome drink, water, and use of snorkeling equipment and water toys like SUP, floats, and snorkels. The skipper and host are included, along with all fees and taxes, a fuel surcharge, coastal sightseeing, photography opportunities, and insurance for visitors.

Are drinks other than the welcome drink included?

No. A welcome drink is included, and additional drinks such as wine, soft drinks, cocktails, long drinks, cava, or champagne are available to buy for an extra cost.

Which option allows swimming and snorkeling?

The 4-hour day option includes swimming and snorkeling possible. The 2-hour sunset option includes drinks but not swimming.

How many people are on board?

The trip runs with a maximum of 10 travelers, and the onboard experience is described as private for up to 10 to 12 people.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at La Lonja Marina Charter, Muelle de la lonja, s/n, 07012 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain. It ends back at the same meeting point.

Do I need to provide passport details?

Yes. You are asked to submit passport details after booking confirmation so it matches boat laws.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.