A warm breeze over Palma Bay makes this day feel effortless. I like how the cruise blends sailing time with real water time, plus the option to eat onboard.

You’ll get 90 minutes anchored for swimming or sunbathing, and you can try snorkelling with the gear provided. One downside to plan for: the meeting point setup at Playa del Arenal can be a little confusing on busy days.

Key things to know before you sail

• 90-minute swim/soak time when the boat drops anchor for swimming or sunbathing
• Snorkelling gear + life vests included, so you don’t have to hunt rentals
• Protected coves (Cap Enderrocat and Cala Vella) for scenic sailing and calmer anchor stops
• Optional BBQ with pasta salad and local bread, plus one included drink
• Music and social vibes on the water, so it’s not a silent-nature cruise
• No hotel pickup: you’ll start at Playa del Arenal and walk down to the kiosk area

Palma Bay sailing to Cap Enderrocat: the easy way to enjoy Mallorca’s water

This is a modern catamaran cruise that focuses on a simple formula: you sail, you anchor, and you swim. You leave from the Arenal Nautical Club area and head out toward Cap Enderrocat and Cala Vella, which are described as protected environmental areas. That matters because it usually means nicer-looking water and a more “cove day” feel than a port-to-port hop.

The boat ride itself is part of the pleasure. A catamaran tends to feel stable and comfortable compared to many smaller craft, and you’ll feel the warm sea air as you cruise along the coastline. It’s the kind of outing where you can do almost nothing and still have a great time—sun on your face, sea breeze in your hair, and views changing every few minutes.

What I like most is that the experience doesn’t pretend you need special skills. The cruise gives you time to relax onboard first, then it hands you the water (and gear) when you’re ready. If you want a slow day with a few good “wow” moments, this fits.

Your time in the water: 90 minutes of swimming plus snorkelling options

The big promise here is time off the boat. The cruise drops anchor and gives you about 90 minutes for swimming or sunbathing at the stop. That’s long enough to do more than one thing: a first swim to cool off, a slower float to take in the views, and then a second go if you feel like it.

There are multiple ways to get in. Expect options like stairs to walk down into the water and ledges for jumping, depending on where you’re anchored and what conditions allow. This is helpful if your confidence level changes during the day: you can start with stairs and work up to jumps.

Snorkelling: fun, but think self-guided

Snorkelling gear is included, and life vests are available, which lowers the “I hope I’m doing this right” stress. You’re not trying to follow a strict reef route for the entire stop. Instead, you can try snorkelling whenever you feel ready during the swimming time.

A useful way to plan mentally: consider snorkelling as something you can do for part of the stop, not necessarily as a long, guided program from start to finish. If you want a deeper instruction-heavy snorkeling session, you might find this format more relaxed than technical.

Small but smart tip: bring a phone strap

You’ll likely take photos from the boat, but you’ll also want to capture moments once you’re in the water. If you bring a phone holder with a strap, you can keep your hands free while you swim or pause for a shot. A lot of people naturally wait until the boat has anchored and swimmers are in the water—then it’s easier to get steadier views from above.

Cap Enderrocat and Cala Vella: protected coves for big scenery

Cap Enderrocat is one of the scenic highlights. The viewpoint from the catamaran tends to be excellent here, and you’ll have plenty of chances to look for photo angles: headlands, open water, and the way the coves curve along the coast.

Cala Vella rounds out the day with a more “cove-focused” feel. Since these are described as protected environmental areas, the cruising and anchoring rhythm often works like this: sail out for the scenery, anchor for swimming, then move on. It helps you avoid the “sit on the boat all day” problem that can happen on some short coastal trips.

Depending on the exact route and conditions, you might also catch glimpses of caves or cave-like formations near the headlands before you drop anchor. Even if you’re not hunting specific sights, the coastline here looks good from the deck.

BBQ on board: what you get with the With BBQ option

The cruise has an optional BBQ add-on. If you choose it, you’ll get a freshly cooked BBQ with pasta salad and local bread onboard. You’ll also receive one drink to sip with your meal: water, beer, or sangria.

This is where the value can swing, so think about your priorities. If you’re hungry and you like the idea of eating while staying out at sea, the BBQ option turns the trip into more of a complete “day activity” instead of just a swim-and-go.

Food expectations: good fuel, not a gourmet mission

The BBQ meal is described as pasta salad and local bread with a BBQ style lunch. Based on the overall vibe of the experience, treat it as satisfying and filling rather than food-obsessed. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, it’s smart to mentally prepare for pasta-style options rather than a fully separate menu, since the included items are fairly standard.

Also, if you don’t select the BBQ option, you should expect you’ll be choosing the cruise for the water time. The meal component is tied to selecting the BBQ option.

Crew, music, and the onboard setup that affects your comfort

The crew plays an important role in whether the day feels smooth. You’ll need help with snorkeling equipment and life vests, and you’ll benefit from staff keeping the timeline organized while everyone is getting in and out of the water.

The overall mood is relaxed, but it can also become lively. Music is part of the ride, and the vibe tends to shift when you’re heading back to port—some people enjoy the more upbeat atmosphere during that return sail. If you prefer quiet, bring that preference with you mentally and pick where you sit onboard accordingly.

How crowded can it feel?

The boat isn’t described as a tiny intimate vessel. On busier departures it can feel full, and space becomes first-come, first-served for prime lounging spots (like sun areas and net areas). This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the trip, but it’s one reason arriving early helps.

Bathrooms are included onboard, and they’re generally kept in usable condition even with lots of people moving around.

Getting to Playa del Arenal: the one logistics step that matters

No hotel pickup is included. That means your success starts with arriving at the right place at the right time.

You meet at the Playa del Arenal waiting area. As you head down toward the beach, you’ll see a sign with the local partner’s name. From there, you’ll connect with the kiosk area to find the correct check-in spot.

Because this is a beach scene with multiple kiosks and streams of people, it’s worth doing three simple things:

1) arrive a bit early,

2) take a clear look at the partner sign,

3) keep your booking confirmation handy on your phone.

If you show up late, you’re more likely to feel rushed and end up in the least convenient boarding position.

What to bring for the best swim (and the least annoyance)

Bring the basics that keep the day comfortable: swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Comfortable clothes help for the sailing time before you’re in the water.

Two extra items can make a real difference:

• A phone strap or waterproof phone pouch, especially for snorkeling moments
• Your own snorkel mask if you’re picky about fit or hygiene standards

Snorkelling gear is provided, but it’s smart to check how it looks when it’s handed to you. If you’re concerned about mask and snorkel cleanliness, don’t feel bad about using your own gear.

Finally, note the rules: alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed. If you were hoping to treat this like a BYOB day, you’ll want to adjust expectations.

How long is this cruise, and when does it make sense?

The duration is listed as 2 to 4 hours, depending on the starting time you book. That range is a big clue about who this cruise suits best.

• If you want a short Mallorca hit, pick a shorter departure and use it as your swim window.
• If you want a fuller “sea day,” aim for the longer option so you get more sailing plus more relaxed time to settle into the swim rhythm.

This is also a good choice when you don’t want a whole day devoted to transport and planning. The time out on the water is the point, and you’ll feel that during the cruise.

Price and value: why $47 can work (if you use the water time)

At $47 per person, you’re paying for a few hours on the water plus included snorkelling support and swim time. That can feel like strong value if you’ll actually get in the water and use the included gear.

Here’s the practical way to judge it:

• If you love swimming and will snorkel for at least part of the anchor stop, you’re getting what you came for.
• If you mostly want sun and views, you’ll still enjoy the sailing and the anchored swim window.
• If you only plan to watch from the deck, the value drops, because the experience is built around getting into the sea.

The optional BBQ is what can push the trip toward “great deal” territory for people who want an easy lunch without chasing restaurants. If you skip BBQ, you’re basically paying for the cruise plus water time.

One more practical bonus: you can generally cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there’s a reserve now & pay later approach that keeps your plans flexible.

Who should book this catamaran cruise, and who should skip it

Book it if you want:

• a relaxed catamaran day over a long hike
• clear time in the water with included snorkeling gear
• the option to add a BBQ lunch and one included drink

Skip it (or at least lower expectations) if you:

• need wheelchair access (it’s not suitable for wheelchair users)
• want a very quiet, low-music day with strict snorkeling guidance
• have strong hygiene concerns about shared snorkeling equipment and don’t plan to bring your own

Also, if you’re sensitive to lively onboard energy, pick your seat area with that in mind. The music and social vibe can be part of the fun, but it isn’t a silent retreat.

Should you book this Palma Bay catamaran cruise?

Yes, I’d book it if your Mallorca plan includes a swim day and you like the idea of optional BBQ rather than hunting lunch later. The mix of sailing, a long anchor stop (around 90 minutes), and included snorkelling gear makes it a straightforward, low-stress choice.

I would weigh two things first: be ready for how meeting point instructions can feel a little vague without a close look at the Playa del Arenal signage, and arrive early enough to get comfortable lounging space. If you handle those two details, this becomes one of those simple trips that makes the day feel longer and better than it is.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The duration is listed as 2 to 4 hours. You’ll want to check availability to see the specific starting times for the day you’re going.

Where is the meeting point?

You’ll meet at Playa del Arenal. You’ll see a sign with the name of the local partner as you travel down to the beach where the kiosk is.

Is hotel pick-up and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included, along with life vests.

How much time do we get to swim?

There is a stop with about 90 minutes for swimming or sunbathing.

What’s included if I choose the With BBQ option?

The With BBQ option includes a freshly cooked BBQ with pasta salad and local bread, plus one drink of water, beer, or sangria.

Are alcohol and drugs allowed on board?

No. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Is this experience suitable for wheelchair users?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users.