Palma’s waterfront is pretty, but the real payoff is when you leave it behind and hit open water. This Deluxe Oasis catamaran tour takes you from Palma to Cala Vella for swimming in a protected area, with plenty of space to relax because they cap the experience at 36 guests on a 57-person boat. I love that it feels premium without turning into a cattle call, and I also love the built-in swim-and-activity flow that makes the hours on the water feel full.

One thing to plan around is snorkeling gear. You cannot rent snorkeling masks and tubes, so if you want to snorkel you’ll need to bring your own, or buy a snorkeling set on board for €25.

Key things I’d circle on your planning list

• Max 36 guests, even though the boat holds 57, so it stays calmer and easier to move around
• Cala Vella swim stop in a natural reserve, built for jump-ins, floating, and photos
• SUP included (paddle boards), plus snorkeling time right from the boat
• Food is onboard and timed to the trip, with a BBQ on day tours or tapas and canapés on sunsets
• Unlimited bottled water on board, so you can cool off without thinking about it
• Cocktails and drinks cost extra, so decide in advance how much you want to spend

Oasis catamaran comfort in Palma, small-guest feel on a real sailing boat

The Oasis is a catamaran designed for comfort, with a layout that makes it easier to find shade, stretch out, and still move to the water when it’s time to swim. The biggest practical advantage is crowd control: the boat’s capacity is 57, but they only admit up to 36 guests for your comfort and safety. That small difference shows up fast, from deck space to how quickly you can get a turn on paddle boards.

The ride style matters too. Catamarans can feel smooth, and when conditions are good you may actually get sailing, not just motoring. On one trip I’d expect you to notice a calmer, more scenic pace when the sails go up, especially on the return route where you’ll see Palma’s old town and the Cathedral from the water.

You should also know the boat has modern basics dialed in, including clean toilets, and it stays maintained and orderly. If you hate standing in long lines for food or bathroom breaks on tours, this one’s built to feel more grown-up and less chaotic.

The heart of the trip: Palma to Cala Vella and that swimming stop

The itinerary centers on one star moment: reaching Cala Vella, a natural reserve with calm, clear water and sheltered coves. From the Port of Palma, you sail out, then you’re given time for swimming, jump-offs, and water play. This is where the tour earns its money, because the whole afternoon or evening is structured around being in the sea, not just passing viewpoints from a distance.

Here’s how the water time typically works in practice:

• You’ll get a swim stop at Cala Vella.
• You’ll have paddle boards available (SUP equipment is included).
• You can snorkel if you have your own mask and tube, or you purchase a set onboard for €25.
• The crew manages turns and timing, because multiple people will want the equipment and water access.

The big drawback for some people is gear. Because snorkeling masks and tubes cannot be rented, you’ll either need to bring your own or plan to buy a set. I’d bring your own if you’re picky about fit or comfort. If you’re a casual snorkeler, buying on board can be an easy backup.

If you’re prone to sea sickness, the boat ride can get a bit choppy at times. I’d pack motion-sickness tablets if you know you’re sensitive. It’s a short-to-medium outing, but it’s still time on open water.

Day tour flow: BBQ lunch on board with SUP and snorkeling time

On the daytime option, you sail from Palma toward Cala Vella and get your swim stop in the morning or early afternoon window (exact timing depends on the start time). Then the tour shifts into food mode, with a BBQ prepared directly on board.

The food setup is one reason this tour feels like a cut above standard boat trips. You’re not stuck with sad packaged snacks and then left to fend for yourself. You get appetizers and BBQ at lunchtime, plus time to cool off again with paddle boards and snorkeling after eating. That rhythm matters because it means you’re not forced to choose between food and water play.

What to expect at the table:

• Appetizers, then BBQ
• Enough variety to satisfy most diets (a number of passengers note vegetarian options)
• A relaxed, casual atmosphere, even though the boat is styled as deluxe

For drinks, the onboard bar is open throughout the excursion, but only water is unlimited. Cocktails and other drinks are available for purchase. Prices can vary by drink type, but plan on paying extra if you want cocktails. On multiple trips, passengers have mentioned cocktails in the roughly €10 to €20 range depending on the drink.

Pro tip: if you care about a specific drink, don’t wait too long after the meal. Service can be smooth, but it’s not always set up like a pre-meal cocktail cart.

Sunset tour flow: tapas and canapés while Palma turns gold

If you choose the sunset excursion, the structure stays similar, with sailing from Palma to Cala Vella and a swim stop. The key swap is dinner style. Instead of the BBQ, the meal becomes tapas and canapés served onboard while you enjoy the sunset.

This is also the option that leans more romantic and scenic, because your return route is timed for views back toward Palma. As the light drops, you’ll see the old town and the Cathedral from the water, which is exactly the kind of angle you can’t really recreate from shore.

A few practical notes so you don’t get surprised:

• The sunset option is adults only, age 18+
• Some departures bring extra entertainment. Live music like a saxophone has been reported on certain trips, and the vibe can turn more playful when the music starts
• Food is part of the onboard plan, not something you have to worry about finding on your own later

As with the day tour, unlimited water is included, while cocktails and other drinks are paid on board. If you want to keep costs under control, set a budget for drinks before you board.

Sailing views from the water: the part you can’t get from a bus

Mallorca looks good from the road, but the sea changes what you notice. On this tour you get open-water views out toward the coastline, then the payoff return when Palma comes into view from the bay.

What’s special here is pacing. The tour isn’t just a single photo moment. You’ll spend hours moving through the area at a comfortable tempo, with sailing time that can feel calmer than a speedboat style outing. When the sails are used, the trip feels more like a true sailing experience, not a short cruise.

You also get that practical advantage: instead of chasing buses between sights, you’re doing one cohesive loop. Swim, snack or dinner, water activities, then a scenic sail back.

And because the tour is short enough to stay relaxed, it fits easily into a Mallorca itinerary. You can do it on a day you don’t want to think about rentals, long transfers, or changing plans every hour.

What’s included, what costs extra, and how to judge the value

This tour is priced around $97 per person for a 4 to 4.5 hour experience, depending on the option and start time. At first glance, boat tours can feel pricey. The value here is that multiple elements are bundled, not sprinkled.

Included highlights:

• Cruise on the luxury Oasis catamaran
• Appetizers and BBQ on the daytime option, or tapas and canapés on the sunset option
• Unlimited water
• SUP equipment
• Insurance

Not included:

• Drinks other than the unlimited water
• Snorkeling mask and tube (not rentable). You can buy a set on board for €25
• Any hotel pickup

So where’s the value really coming from? For me, it’s the combination of:

1) a small guest count that keeps the boat from feeling cramped, and

2) a swim spot that’s actually the main event, and

3) real food onboard rather than minor snacks.

If you’re the type who would otherwise spend money on a separate beach day, then pay extra for paddle boards or a snorkel rental, this bundle makes more sense.

To manage costs, go in knowing the bar is paid. Beer has been mentioned around €3.50 on board, while cocktails can land around €10 to €20 each. If you want a couple drinks, you’ll likely still feel like the day was worth it. If you want cocktails all night, it will add up fast.

Meeting point, timing, and what to bring so it goes smoothly

Meeting point details can vary by option, so confirm where to go for your exact departure. A common issue is that the meeting spot isn’t heavily marked. The good news is the map pin for the pier area has been described as accurate, and crew members handle check-in and boarding from that area.

To avoid scrambling, I’d arrive early and be ready to identify the boat or crew. If you’re traveling during busy hours at Palma’s port, extra time is your friend.

Bring this:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen and sun protection you can manage around their onboard rules

Important rule to keep in mind: the tour’s onboard restrictions list sunscreen as not allowed. That’s unusual compared to what you’d expect on a beach day. To stay safe, plan to use a hat, cover-up, and protective clothing, and if you want to use sunscreen, follow the crew instructions on the day.

Also note what’s not allowed:

• High-heeled shoes
• Pets
• Food and drinks you bring yourself
• Drones
• Fishing
• Intoxication, alcohol and drugs
• Coolers
• Shoes indoors
• Explosives
• Wearing a costume
• Party groups, including bachelor and bachelorette groups

These rules are there for a reason: better safety, better hygiene, and a better vibe for everyone on board.

Language support is solid, with instructors speaking English, French, German, and Spanish. If you’re worried about communication, you should be fine.

Who this catamaran tour suits best, and who should choose another option

This tour is best for you if you want:

• A relaxed half-day at sea with real swim time
• A boat that doesn’t feel overcrowded, thanks to the 36-guest cap
• Included water toys, especially SUP
• Food that feels like part of the trip, not an add-on

It can also be a great fit for couples or anniversaries because the sunset option has a more romantic pacing. Some departures include extra entertainment that can turn into a memorable moment rather than just a standard ride.

You might want to skip this tour if:

• You absolutely must have snorkel gear provided for you. Masks and tubes are not included and cannot be rented.
• You’re traveling with people who won’t follow basic onboard conduct rules. This is not the right match for party groups or heavy drinking.
• You need hotel pickup. This tour does not include it, so you’ll handle your own port arrival.

If you’re flexible on day versus sunset, you can also pick the option that matches your comfort level. Day tours are more forgiving if you prefer daylight swimming. Sunset tours are adults-only at age 18+.

Should you book the Oasis deluxe sailing tour from Palma?

I’d book this when you want a half-day that feels like a proper ocean experience, not a crowded sightseeing cruise. The small guest limit, the Cala Vella swim stop, and the included water time with SUP are the big reasons it sells. Add onboard food and unlimited bottled water, and you get a lot of value for a single $97 booking.

I would hesitate only if you plan to snorkel but don’t want to bring a mask, and you don’t want to buy one onboard. If you’re okay handling that small gear detail, this is the kind of Palma activity that makes the coastline feel personal, one calm cove at a time.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Palma Oasis catamaran tour?

The tour lasts about 4 to 4.5 hours, depending on the option and start time.

Are SUP and snorkeling included?

SUP equipment is included. Snorkeling mask and tube are not included, and they cannot be rented.

Can I rent snorkeling gear on board?

No. Snorkeling equipment cannot be rented for hygienic reasons. You can bring your own or buy a snorkeling set on the boat for €25.

What food is included, and does it differ by day and sunset?

Yes. The daytime option includes appetizers and BBQ at lunchtime. The sunset option includes tapas and canapés.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited water is included. The onboard bar is available throughout the trip, but drinks beyond the mentioned water are not included in the price.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup is not included. Your meeting point can vary depending on the option booked.