Four hours, two swims, one BBQ.

This catamaran cruise in Mallorca is built around easy fun at sea: sunbaths and hammocks on deck, then swim stops with snorkeling gear while you sail toward a nature reserve. It’s also a clear value play at $78.09 since the ticket covers the BBQ (and drinks), not just the boat ride.

My favorite part is how the trip balances “party energy” with plenty of down time in the Mediterranean water. The one main thing to watch is crowding: the boat can pack up to 146 people, and some onboard areas (especially shade) can get tight.

Key things that make this catamaran trip worth your time

• BBQ plus drinks included, so you don’t have to plan a food stop mid-day
• Multiple swimming moments rather than one quick dip
• Snorkeling gear provided, with simple setup for an easy underwater look
• Hammocks, sunbaths, and music for a relaxed, social vibe
• Sailing toward a nature reserve, so the stops feel more than just a hop off the dock

Boarding at S’Arenal: what your morning logistics actually look like

This tour runs out of S’Arenal, starting at 10:00 am and returning to the same meeting point at the end. If you’re staying in or near Palma’s beach strip, that’s good news: you’re not trying to cross the island at the end of a sail.

The meeting point is listed as GP2X+RJ S’Arenal, Spain. My practical advice: if you’re coming via phone navigation, don’t just trust memory—use the exact pin name so you don’t end up stuck hunting when your check-in window closes. One unhappy experience shared that a map mismatch can lead to missing the excursion entirely, so take 2 minutes to confirm the location before you’re running late.

Also note the tour is offered in English, and it’s close to public transportation. That matters if you’re avoiding taxis, or if you’re splitting from friends who are using a bus.

The 4-hour plan on the water: sun, music, and swim timing

The rhythm here is straightforward: you board, settle in, sail out with the sea breeze and music going, and then you move through swimming options before heading back after about four hours. There’s no long tour lecture, and the experience is designed around being comfortable on deck.

Once you set off, you’re sailing toward a nature reserve, which is what helps the day feel like more than a basic “cruise around.” Then you get a chance to cool off with multiple stops for swimming. The boat is set up so people can get into the water using stairs or ladders, and the operator mentions easy accessibility for everyone on board.

Two small realities to keep in mind:

• If you want quiet, you should expect a social atmosphere. The vibe is not meant to be silent and contemplative.
• The schedule can feel like “more time at the first spot vs the second spot” depending on the day. A few people suggested that one stop felt quicker than another, which is worth knowing if snorkeling is your priority.

Swim spots and snorkeling gear: easy entry, realistic expectations

This is not the kind of snorkeling excursion where you’re searching for a textbook checklist of fish species. It’s more like: jump in, look around, have fun, repeat.

You’ll have snorkeling equipment available, and the stops are described as beautiful and clear—exactly the kind of conditions that make even casual snorkeling more enjoyable. One downside that comes up is that the snorkeling setup may feel a bit basic or limited on some days. So if you’re hoping for a gear-heavy, gear-upgraded underwater experience, you might be slightly less impressed.

Here’s how I’d approach it so you get the most out of it:

• Treat snorkeling as a bonus, not the main event.
• Spend your best energy on the water time itself—use the gear you have, then switch to just swimming and exploring with your eyes.

Also, jumping off the catamaran is part of the fun. People liked having space to stretch out and use the deck, and they described plenty of time to frolic in the water.

The BBQ and drinks: why this is good value, not just a marketing line

The heart of this trip is the onboard BBQ. It’s prepared while you’re out at sea, and that turns the day into a real half-day outing instead of a “ride-and-leave” situation.

From the food descriptions people shared, the BBQ menu can include things like pasta, chicken skewers, burgers, and hot dogs—the kind of straightforward, beach-friendly meal that works for groups and families without much fuss. A key value detail: the ticket price is meant to cover the meal plus drinks, and several people specifically praised the BBQ and sangria-type drinks.

A few practical notes:

• If you’re a picky eater, you still usually find something familiar on a BBQ spread like this.
• If you want a lighter day, plan to snack before you go—then the BBQ becomes the satisfying finish instead of the only meal you eat.

And yes, the boat is described as clean and well-maintained, which matters when you’re going to be lounging, changing out of swimsuits, and eating onboard.

Deck comfort on a catamaran: hammocks, space, and shade reality

Catamarans are great for this style of trip because you can actually move around. With sunbaths, hammocks, and space on deck, you can choose your mood: relax, socialize, or get yourself ready for the next swim.

The most common praise in the experience is that the atmosphere is fun and the crew keeps things moving. People also pointed out that the staff can be very accommodating, including for kids and families.

Here’s the fair caution: because the boat can hold up to 146 travelers, the “comfort distribution” can vary. Some people felt there was plenty of room, while others said the shaded area got crowded and not everyone could stay under cover. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s a real factor if you burn easily or you prefer shade.

If you’re shade-dependent, I’d think in terms of tactics:

• Aim for shade earlier in the ride, then plan sun breaks between swims.
• Bring a hat and sunscreen even if shade exists—you’ll still spend time in direct sun.

Crew and onboard vibe: friendly service with party-leaning energy

Most of the positive energy centers on the crew: people described them as professional, friendly, helpful, and fun. If you’ve ever been on a boat where the staff seems annoyed by the basic chaos of day-trippers, this one seems to go the other direction.

Music is part of the onboard setup, and some people described a party atmosphere on board. That’s great if you’re traveling with friends or planning a hen/stag type day. But it can be a mismatch for travelers who want a calm family day with minimal noise.

One negative experience mentioned underage drinking and general party behavior not fitting for younger families. I can’t treat that as the norm from the data you’ve provided, but I’d file it mentally as a “talk to your group and set expectations” point—especially if you’re traveling with teens.

Who this trip suits best (and who should choose something else)

This is one of those tours that works best when your priorities are simple:

• you want a scenic half-day at sea
• you want swimming time built in
• you want lunch (BBQ) handled
• you want a crew that’s engaged

It tends to suit:

• couples who like water time but don’t want to plan snorkeling logistics
• friend groups looking for a social day with drinks and music
• families where kids enjoy swimming and jumping off the boat

It might not be ideal if:

• you hate crowds or need lots of personal space
• you’re expecting a long, quiet nature experience rather than a lively boat day
• you want heavy-duty snorkeling (equipment is provided, but it’s described as basic)

Price and value: why $78.09 can make sense on Mallorca

At $78.09 per person for roughly four hours, the value depends on what you’d otherwise pay for yourself.

If you were to DIY this day, you’d probably be paying separately for:

• a boat or private charter
• your food
• drinks
• the transportation to the departure point

Here, the ticket bundles the BBQ plus drinks and includes snorkeling gear. That’s why people keep calling it a good deal. And the time on the water—plus the repeated swim chances—adds to the worth more than a quick harbor cruise.

One more “value” factor: if you’re coming from a cruise ship, plan extra transport costs. A shared note said it can be around 25 minutes by cab and can run 30+ euros each way. So your real total might be higher than the tour price suggests. If you’re staying in S’Arenal or near it, you’ll likely get more bang for your buck.

Practical checklist: what to bring for a smoother sail

Even when a boat trip is all-inclusive, you still want to show up ready.

Bring:

• swimwear and a towel
• sunscreen and a hat (shade is not guaranteed for everyone)
• water shoes or anything with grip for slippery ladder/stair moments
• a light layer for after swimming, since sea air can cool you down

Also, wear something you can rinse off quickly. Catamaran days are wet, even when the water is calm.

And if you’re booking from a cruise day, give yourself buffer time. The meeting point is in S’Arenal, and missing it seems more common than you’d think when port maps don’t match reality.

Should you book the Catamaran with BBQ in the Bay of Palma?

If your idea of a great Mallorca day is: sail out, hang in the sun, swim a couple times, eat a solid BBQ, and have drinks waiting—then yes, this is a strong choice. The included food/drinks and the repeated water time are what make the price feel fair.

I’d hesitate if you’re very sensitive to crowds, need guaranteed shade, or you want snorkeling gear and instruction that feels like a guided marine expedition. This is more “fun on the water” than “nature classroom.”

Best fit: groups, couples, and families who are happy to keep the plan flexible once you’re on the sea.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the catamaran trip with BBQ?

The tour lasts about 4 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

Where is the meeting point?

The start location is listed as GP2X+RJ S’Arenal, Spain.

Does the tour return to the same place?

Yes. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

What food is included?

A BBQ is included, and the experience includes an onboard lunch.

Are drinks included?

Yes, drinks are included with the BBQ.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is swimming possible for everyone on board?

The experience notes easy accessibility so that everyone on board can swim and cool off.

How many people can be on the boat at once?

The maximum group size is 146 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.