Two swim stops. One easy day. This 5-hour catamaran cruise from Colònia de Sant Jordi turns the southeast coast of Mallorca into a slow-motion postcard, with time to snorkel in Es Trenc waters and a BBQ lunch waiting onboard. I especially love the simple rhythm: cruise, anchor, swim, eat, repeat. I also like that soft drinks, mineral water, and the lunch pours keep you from doing mental math all afternoon. The main drawback to plan around is that the boat can get lively, and on busier sailings you may find limited shade spots.

You board right at the pier by the Hotel Marqués del Palmer, then spend the afternoon cruising and floating in the sun. Guides run in Spanish and English, and the whole trip is built around getting you into the water without complicated logistics.

Key points

• Pass Cap Salines en route for big coastline views along the southeast edge of Mallorca
• Multiple anchoring swim stops with snorkel masks available for a small deposit
• BBQ lunch on board with meats, salads, and cake, plus drinks included during the meal
• Es Trenc-focused timing so you get time where the water is at its most tempting
• Family-friendly vibe with lots of people chatting, dancing to music, and relaxing on deck
• Card-only on board (and AMEX isn’t accepted), so bring the right payment setup

Getting on board at the pier by Hotel Marqués del Palmer

If you’re trying to keep your Mallorca day simple, this is one of those tours that starts clean and stays that way. You meet at the pier next to Hotel Marqués del Palmer in Colònia de Sant Jordi, board the catamaran there, and also return to the same pier. No mystery transfers, no searching for a van that may or may not exist.

Once you’re onboard, you’re in the right mindset fast: set your stuff, find a spot, and let the crew handle the pace. The tour runs either a morning slot (10:00–15:00) or an afternoon slot (15:30–20:30), so you can pick based on your beach time and how much sun you want to chase. Guides operate in Spanish and English, which helps if you want the short explanations without getting pulled into long speeches.

A small practical detail: snorkel masks are available, but there’s a €10 deposit required. You’ll want to arrive with some cash ready for that deposit—even if you plan to pay for everything else by card.

Cruising the southeast coast: why the ride matters here

The real reason to do this on a catamaran (instead of just grabbing a beach club) is the view from the water. As you move along the coast, you pass Cap Salines, and you get that dramatic shoreline perspective that looks flat from land but suddenly feels dimensional at sea. Even if you’re not a boat person, this portion usually hits fast because it feels like you’re getting ahead of the crowd on the best angles.

Because the ride isn’t a long haul—this is a 5-hour experience—you’re not stuck “just traveling.” You’re traveling with an agenda: sights early, then anchoring and water time.

One more thing that pops up in the overall vibe: music. The energy is casual, and it’s not the quiet, stare-at-the-ocean-only kind of cruise. People tend to relax, play along, and settle into deck life. If you’re the type who likes your vacations with a soundtrack (not just silence), you’ll likely enjoy the atmosphere.

Swimming and snorkel stops near Cala Marmols, Es Caragol, and Es Trenc

This tour is structured around short sailing legs and time at the water. Depending on the run, you’ll anchor at places like Cala Marmols or Es Caragol, and you’ll spend time oriented around Es Trenc as well. The key idea is simple: you get multiple chances to jump in, snorkel, and float.

What it feels like in practice:

• First stop: you tend to get the best “snorkel energy.” One sailing highlighted lots of fish in the water at the first swim point, so if you care about seeing marine life, that opening window is where you’ll want to pay attention.
• Second stop: still beautiful, but the water activity can be quieter depending on conditions. In one case, there were fewer fish on the second stop, so don’t assume every anchoring point will have the same underwater show.

You’ll use the snorkel masks provided by the operator with that €10 deposit. If weather or sea conditions aren’t great, snorkeling can be hit-or-miss—one experience noted snorkeling wasn’t as good due to weather. Translation: go for the water time first, and treat snorkel sightings as a bonus.

Also, manage your expectations about access. The boat sets anchor, and you swim/snorkel near the surface where it’s shallow enough for an easy experience. A helpful mindset is to show up ready to swim rather than expecting a pristine, shore-easy beach access at every stop. If you want the easiest possible step-on-step-off beach moments, keep in mind there can be more “float and swim” than “walk up onto sand.”

If you’re traveling with kids or anyone who just wants to splash, this still works well. The tour is built around people using the water repeatedly, and the deck setup makes it easy to move between relaxing and jumping back in.

The BBQ lunch on board: what you eat and how drinks work

The lunch is one of the biggest reasons this tour feels like value. While you’re out at sea, the crew sets up a buffet BBQ meal that focuses on classic, filling items. The menu typically includes chicken breast, skewers, and sausages, plus fresh salads and cake for dessert.

This isn’t gourmet, but it’s solid. The practical win is timing: you don’t need to plan a separate lunch stop or wander into the heat looking for food. You eat on the water, then you’re already in the right place to relax again.

Drinks are handled in a way that helps your budget:

• Soft drinks and mineral water are available during the whole trip.
• Wine from Mallorca and sangria are included during the meal.

After that, extra alcohol may be available for purchase, and some people found the onboard pricing to be reasonable. One key caution: only card payments are accepted on board, and American Express isn’t accepted. If you’re coming with an AMEX only, you’ll want to swap plans before you board.

If you have dietary needs, there is a vegetarian menu option, but you have to request it at least a day in advance. If it’s not booked in advance, that option won’t be served. That’s the kind of detail that can ruin a day if you forget, so set a reminder.

Vibe check: music, group size, and space on the deck

The tone onboard tends to be friendly and fun, not stiff. People describe the crew as welcoming and helpful, with a relaxed approach that makes it easy to settle in. Music often plays a big part—one person even mentioned the playlist and dancing with the crew.

Group size can vary by season, but you should plan for it to feel social. One sailing mentioned around 65 people, which still leaves room to spread out, but other experiences noted that on busier days it can feel crowded and shade can be limited. If you’re the kind of person who always wants a protected spot, consider arriving early and staking out a good position.

One nice touch: the crew appears used to different needs onboard. There’s mention of staff helping an elderly mother on and off the boat smoothly so everyone can enjoy the day. That’s a good sign for families and multigenerational groups.

And yes, fun stuff can happen. One participant reported having a chat with the captain and even being allowed to steer briefly. That’s not something to count on, but it reflects the laid-back relationship you can sometimes build with the crew during a calm cruise.

Price and value around $69: what you get for the money

At $69 per person, the value comes from the mix of things that are hard to stack yourself in one day: boat time, food, and water access.

Here’s what’s included:

• Catamaran tour
• Buffet meal
• Soft drinks, sangria and wine during the meal, plus water
• Snorkel mask (with that €10 deposit)
• Live guided experience in Spanish and English

What’s not included:

• Pick-up/drop-off service isn’t something you can book through this page.
• Extra alcohol beyond what’s included may cost extra.
• Snorkel mask deposit is required (it’s not a fee you lose, it’s a deposit).

When you price this out against renting a boat yourself, arranging lunch, and buying drinks, the math starts to make sense. You’re paying for a package built to keep you on the water with minimal friction.

My practical advice: treat this as a half-day “sea day” rather than a full beach day. If you try to squeeze in long shore activities before and after, you can run short on time. But if you let the cruise do the heavy lifting, you’ll likely feel like you got a proper Mallorca day without turning it into a project.

Logistics that matter: timing, payment, and the vegetarian notice

Two things to watch so your day goes smoothly:

1. Timing: You have two set windows—10:00–15:00 or 15:30–20:30. Pick based on your other plans. Afternoon cruises can be more forgiving if you’re already cooked from the morning sun, but either slot works if you arrive ready.
2. Payment on board: Bring a card that can be used onboard. AMEX doesn’t work there, so don’t show up assuming any card will do.

Diet is the other big one:

• If you want the vegetarian menu, you must contact the provider at least a day before. If it isn’t requested properly, it won’t be served.

Finally, the snorkel mask detail:

• You’ll need the €10 deposit, and that deposit is noted as requiring cash. Plan for it.

Should you book this Es Trenc catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want:

• A simple, guided sea day from Colònia de Sant Jordi
• BBQ lunch and drinks included in a way that keeps the day easy
• Multiple chances to swim and snorkel without planning equipment or routes
• A fun, social onboard vibe with music and a helpful crew

Skip or rethink it if:

• You’re highly sensitive to crowds and shade availability, since busy days can feel packed
• You care only about top-tier snorkeling and expect perfect underwater conditions every time (the second stop can be less active, and weather can affect snorkeling)

My bottom line: this is a strong choice for most people doing Mallorca for the first time or anyone who just wants an efficient, high-reward day on the water. If you show up with the right payment setup, bring the €10 cash deposit for a snorkel mask, and set expectations that the stops are about swim time first, you’ll likely end the day with that rare combo of sun, food, and sea views without hassle.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the catamaran cruise?

You board and disembark at the pier next to the Hotel Marqués del Palmer in Colonia de Sant Jordi.

How long is the cruise to Es Trenc?

The tour lasts 5 hours.

What departure times are available?

There’s a morning cruise from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and an afternoon cruise from 3:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

Is lunch included, and what is it like?

Yes. A buffet meal is served on board, including a selection of meats (chicken breast, skewers, and sausages), fresh salads, and cake for dessert. Soft drinks, mineral water, and included drinks are also available.

Are drinks included in the price?

Soft drinks and mineral water are included during the whole trip. Wine from Mallorca and sangria are included during the meal.

Is snorkeling included, and do I need to pay for a mask?

Yes, snorkeling masks are available. A €10 deposit is required to borrow a mask.

Can I request a vegetarian meal?

Yes, but you must contact the provider at least a day before the activity to book the vegetarian menu. If it isn’t booked in advance, the vegetarian option will not be served.