Swimming off a boat is the real show.

This Palma Bay cruise has the right mix of open-water time and “holiday easy” food and fun. You set sail from Can Pastilla toward the Palma Marine Nature Reserve, get a swim (often with a place like Cala Vella), and snorkel with provided gear, all while the crew keeps things moving. My favorite parts are the BBQ lunch and the included snorkeling equipment that lets you jump in without planning gear first. The only real consideration: it’s a 3-hour trip, and the single swim stop depends on the weather.

On board, you’re in the open air on the Super Delfin Verde, with a bar for drinks and music that often turns the ride into more of a party than a quiet sightseeing cruise. I also like that the itinerary is simple and focused on getting you to the water fast—plus the coastline views near places like Illetas and Cala Major are the kind you’ll remember.

Before you go, note two practical limits: it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and towels aren’t included. Also, boarding closes 20 minutes before departure, so plan extra time for parking at the meeting point area.

Key things to know before you book

• A single main swim/snorkel stop along the way (if conditions allow), in scenic bays like Cala Vella
• BBQ lunch plus catering and dessert included, not just a snack
• One included drink (water, beer, or sangria) with more available from the bar
• Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you can pack lighter
• Music and high-energy crew moments that can include dancing and photos
• Daytime or sunset option, depending on when you want that sea-and-sun timing

Entering Palma Bay by boat: Can Pastilla, the nature reserve, and real water time

The biggest reason this tour works is that it doesn’t waste your afternoon. You leave from Can Pastilla, then head toward the Palma Marine Nature Reserve, where the goal is simple: get you into clean water for swimming and snorkeling. From the start, you’re cruising along Mallorca’s coastline with constant visual changes—cliffs, shorelines, and the contrast between sandy beaches and the Mediterranean vegetation.

If you’re joining from Palma (some options sail this way), the route can include heading toward Palmanova, with chances to look back at Palma from the water. Either way, you’re not stuck staring at a harbor for long; you’re out in the bay where the views make sense and the trip feels like a “do something” day.

The 3-hour plan: what happens when (and why the timing feels right)

This is a tight, efficient 3-hour format. You’ll cruise out, then there’s time for your main water break—usually the moment most people care about—followed by lunch and hanging out back on board before returning.

Here’s the rhythm that matters for your planning:

• The boat gets moving early enough that you still get daylight for swimming or sunset light, depending on your option.
• There’s one swimming stop along the route (weather permitting), which keeps the tour focused.
• After the swim, you’ll eat: the included BBQ and catering are designed to feel like lunch rather than a token snack.

Several reviews mention that the trip doesn’t feel rushed in the moment, even though it’s short. That’s the trick: the schedule is built around the one thing you came for, not a long sightseeing slideshow.

The BBQ lunch and the included menu you should actually care about

This isn’t a “maybe you’ll get food” situation. The meal is part of the package, and it’s more than a burger on a plate.

Included items:

• BBQ hamburger
• Catering: tomato mozzarella skewer with basil and balsamic cream, spring roll, potato salad
• Dessert: watermelon and pineapple

I like this setup because it gives you a mix: a hot main, a couple of sides that work well after swimming, and fruit for the end. It’s also one of those details that makes the price easier to justify—you’re not paying extra for lunch plus you’re already on the water, where food options can be more expensive or harder to time.

One caution: the BBQ is described as a hamburger, and there’s a note from one guest that the burgers aren’t pork-free. If you avoid pork for religious, allergy, or personal reasons, you should clarify options with the crew before you go.

Snorkelling from the boat: what you’ll get and what to watch for

You’ll get snorkeling equipment included, which is a big deal if you don’t want to hunt down gear in Mallorca. The tour description also says the swim stop is set in idyllic and hidden places such as Cala Vella, and that you’ll have time to snorkel in Mallorca’s clear Mediterranean waters.

In practice, visibility can vary. One guest specifically said the snorkel stop wasn’t good for seeing marine life (they couldn’t see their hand underwater). That doesn’t mean your day will be the same, but it does mean you should think of snorkelling here as “try it in the bay” rather than a guaranteed marine-life tour.

My advice: if snorkel viewing matters most to you, bring realistic expectations. If your goal is cool-water swimming, floating, and grabbing a few moments of looking around, this tour still delivers.

Drinks on board: the included sangria moment and the bar option

The tour includes 1 drink: water, beer, or sangria. That’s a solid start because it covers the “first sip” after you climb back from the water.

After that, there’s a bar onboard where you can buy more. One review called out that sangria was tasty and seemed great value, and multiple people noted drinks were good during the cruise vibe.

If you’re sensitive to alcohol or plan to swim and snorkel, keep it slow on the first drink. It’s easy to overdo it when the music is on and you’re out on a warm bay.

Sunset cruise vs daytime sail: choose based on your mood, not just the clock

You can book daytime or sunset. That choice changes the whole feel of the experience.

Daytime is best if you want:

• More straightforward swimming and snorkelling time in bright light
• A classic BBQ-lunch-in-the-sun rhythm
• Coastline viewing when colors are crisp and high contrast

The sunset option is for the people who want:

• That slower, golden-hour glow over the coastline
• A romantic or mellow feel, even if the crew still keeps things fun
• A “cruise first, swim, then watch light change” kind of mood

A lot of guests talk about the sunset being amazing, and at least one described it as an unforgettable romantic moment. If you’re celebrating something (birthday, proposal, or a special meal day), sunset tends to match the occasion.

The crew energy: music, dancing, and why it can feel more personal than big tours

A boat tour can easily become a gray herd. This one usually doesn’t. The crew is described as friendly and attentive, with music playing during the ride, and people mention dancing and photo-taking.

You might get an animator-style vibe—some guests mentioned crew members such as Roger, Juan Diego, and Marc, along with others like Santi, Diego, Fabio, Luis, and Carlos. Even when the names differ by departure, the pattern stays consistent: the crew helps set the tone and keeps the mood moving.

One practical note: a couple reviews mention the music can be loud at times. If you want quiet conversation, bring earplugs or plan to keep distance from the speakers.

Views you’ll actually see: Illetas, Cala Major, and Palma from the water

The tour emphasizes the Mallorca coastline, and the descriptions line up with what you’ll notice from the deck: bays and beaches like Illetas and Cala Major, plus the broader feel of Palma’s coastline from sea level.

What makes these views worth it is the angle. From shore, it’s pretty. From a boat, you get depth: the water color shifts, the coastline curves, and you can see how the vegetation breaks up the shoreline. On a well-timed day, the light makes those details pop.

Who this boat tour suits best (and who might want an alternative)

This fits best if you want a fun Palma Bay boat tour where swimming is the main event, lunch is included, and you don’t want to spend time coordinating beach transfers.

Great fit if you:

• Want snorkelling gear included
• Like a social atmosphere (music, photos, occasional dancing)
• Prefer an easy, short excursion over a full day itinerary

Consider other options if you:

• Need wheelchair access or have mobility limitations (this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users)
• Want guaranteed, top-tier snorkel visibility (conditions can vary)
• Prefer quiet sightseeing with no party vibe (music can be loud)

Also pack for a boat day: wear swimwear under your clothes, bring sun protection, and plan to move with the sea. The tour doesn’t mention towels being provided, so plan accordingly.

Price and value: how $69 makes sense for a 3-hour Mallorca sea day

At $69 per person, you’re paying for a compact experience with real inclusions: a BBQ lunch, catering items, dessert fruit, snorkeling equipment, insurance and fees, and one included drink.

That’s the value equation:

• If you had to rent snorkel gear and pay for lunch separately, the package starts looking more fair.
• You’re also paying for the boat time and the crew’s work—getting you to the swim spot and handling the meal onboard.
• The added bonus is the entertainment factor: music and a crew that keeps people engaged, rather than just handing over food and leaving you to it.

The price is harder to justify only if you don’t care about either the water time or the meal. If you’re mainly there for scenery and will rarely get in the water, you may feel less satisfied than someone who’s there to swim.

The fine print that affects your day: timing and what you’ll need

A couple details can make or break the experience:

• Boarding closes 20 minutes before departure. The boat leaves on time and can’t wait due to logistics.
• The meeting point can vary by option, so confirm it for your booking.
• Towel isn’t included, so bring one if you don’t want to dry off the hard way.

If you’re driving, plan extra parking time. One guest noted parking can be difficult to find in the area, so don’t show up at the last minute and hope for luck.

Should you book this Palma Bay boat tour?

Book it if you want a straightforward, good-value 3-hour Mallorca boat day: swim from the boat, snorkel with gear provided, eat a real onboard BBQ with sides and fruit, and enjoy either daytime or sunset views out at sea.

Skip it or compare if you need quiet, have mobility constraints, or snorkel visibility is your top priority. And if you avoid pork for any reason, ask about the burger ingredients/options before you go.

If your ideal day is simple—water first, food included, then light changing over the bay—this is one of the most efficient ways to get it.

FAQ

How long is the Palma Bay boat tour?

It lasts about 3 hours.

Where does the tour depart from?

The departure point is listed as Can Pastilla, heading in the direction of the Palma Marine Nature Reserve. Some options also mention sailing toward Palmanova if leaving from Palma.

Is BBQ lunch included?

Yes. The included meal includes a BBQ hamburger, plus catering items and dessert (watermelon and pineapple).

What drinks are included on board?

You get 1 drink included, which can be water, beer, or sangria. Additional drinks can be purchased on board.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

How many swimming or snorkeling stops are there?

The tour includes one swimming stop (if the weather is good) along the route in scenic places such as Cala Vella.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included.

Is the boat tour wheelchair accessible?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users.

What time should I arrive at the meeting point?

Boarding time closes 20 minutes before the activity starts. You should arrive with enough time for parking, as parking can be difficult to find.

Is the ticket refundable?

The information given includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, but it also notes that the ticket is non refundable. Check the cancellation terms shown during your booking for the option you choose.

You Might Also Enjoy

Oahu’s Ultimate Tour: Dole, Turtle Snorkel, Pali Lookout & MoreTamarin: Dolphin Snorkel, CrystalRock, ile o Benitiers LunchJade Caverns Private Jeep Tour with Lunch and SnorkelingTenerife: Kayak & Snorkel with Local Fauna, Photos Included