Six people, one quiet bay. A private boat outing from Club de Mar is a clean way to enjoy Palma’s most scenic sea coves without sharing deck space. You’re pointed toward turquoise water areas like Cala Blava and Illetas, then you anchor long enough to actually swim and explore.

I love the built-in water combo: you get snorkeling gear plus a stand-up paddle-board, so you can choose your pace—float and look for fish, or hop on SUP when the water calms. I also like the memory-maker details, like the underwater/submersible camera and the onboard Bluetooth music system for an easy day at sea.

One consideration: weather can change things. If conditions are rough, the excursion can be affected, so plan this as a flexible highlight and don’t build your whole day around it.

Key points at a glance

• Private boat from Club de Mar with a new, spacious vessel for your group up to 6
• Coves in the Bay of Palma including Cala Blava, Illetas, and Cala Viñas
• Included snorkel and SUP time while anchored, not just a quick stop
• Underwater camera included so you can save the best moments
• Cold drinks plus aperitif options to keep the day feeling like a vacation
• Skipper-led experience with a safety briefing and on-the-water guidance

Club de Mar Start: Find the Hat, Board a Boat Just for Your Group

Your day begins at Club de Mar, the main marina near Palma. The meeting point is right at the entrance area, near the Maritime Station, and the host waits by the access checkpoint wearing a striking hat—an easy visual cue when the marina gets busy.

This matters more than you’d think. If you’re arriving by taxi, walking in from the city, or driving with a GPS, marinas can be a little confusing, especially with construction or lane changes. I’d give yourself extra time to park and walk. One helpful habit: scout the right access area before you assume you’re at the boat.

Once you board, the vibe is calm and organized. You’re on a private cruise, not a crowded shared boat, and the boat is described as new and spacious. That alone makes it feel like Mallorca on your terms: you can move around, find shade, and spend longer periods floating and swimming instead of squeezing in.

Bay of Palma Routing: Cala Blava, Illetas, and Cala Viñas by Sea

The real point of this tour is access. These coves sit in the Bay of Palma, and many of the best-water spots are the type you can only reach properly from the sea. From the marina, the boat navigates toward areas around Cala Blava, Illetas, and Cala Viñas.

The itinerary also points to both the east and southwest of the Bay of Palma, which gives you variety in one trip. On the water, that’s huge: you don’t just see one scenic anchorage and then rush back. Instead, you’re set up for multiple anchored moments where swimming and snorkeling are actually practical.

A small detail I like: the tour isn’t just about driving past views. It’s built around photo stops, sightseeing, and guided time on the water, so you’re not wondering what you’re looking at. And if you’re the type who enjoys how places work, there’s even mention that you can learn basic notions of navigation as part of the experience—more “real maritime talk” than “lecture,” if you’re lucky.

One thing to keep your expectations grounded: you’ll be at the mercy of sea conditions. If the water is choppy or breezy, the skipper will likely adjust where you anchor. That’s exactly when the private format pays off—you’re not stuck with a one-size-fits-all route.

Aperitif to Picnic-Style Food: Keeping It Fun, Not Fancy

This is the part that turns a boat trip from scenic to satisfying. You’ll get cold drinks included, and the experience is set up like a laid-back coastal outing rather than a stiff tour.

On the “food” side, you might see options like an aperitif and even picnic-style upgrades. The listing also notes local food upon request for 25€ per person, which is a good fallback if you want something more substantial.

Here’s the practical way to think about it: with a private group, you don’t have to coordinate meal schedules with strangers. If you’re celebrating a birthday or planning something special for a group, this format makes it easier to ask for small touches in advance (and the skipper is described as attentive in the reviews). Still, treat any special add-ons as request-based, not guaranteed.

If you’re the “bring my own snacks” type, you can do that too—just remember you’re on a boat with limited storage and sun exposure. Pack simply, keep things sealed, and plan to eat lightly so you stay comfortable while snorkeling and swimming.

Snorkeling + SUP While Anchored: The Water Time That Makes the Tour Worth It

Most boat tours are mostly boat. This one spends real time in the water.

While anchored, you get to snorkel and swim in transparent turquoise water with marine life (the experience is explicitly framed around seeing sea life and enjoying that quiet underwater feeling). You also get a stand-up paddle-board, which is a fun switch-up if snorkeling isn’t your thing that day—or if you want a break between swims.

The equipment is included:

• Snorkelling equipment
• Stand-up paddle-board
• Bluetooth music system for a soundtrack while you chill on board
• A GoPro camera / underwater camera concept to help you record memories

A practical tip: snorkel time is best when you’re not rushing. Because the boat anchors and gives you time, you can do short sessions: float, look, surface, adjust, repeat. If you’re new to snorkeling, this is the way to learn without pressure—everything is right there, and you can go at your pace.

If you’re bringing kids, pay attention to safety gear and buoyancy. Reviews specifically mention child-sized life vests being available for younger kids in at least one family’s experience, which is a reassuring sign that families can be set up well. Still, follow the skipper’s safety guidance and make sure everyone understands the swim rules before the water starts.

The Underwater Camera Angle: You Don’t Have to Rely on Your Own Steady Hands

One of the most valuable features here is that you’re not limited to “hold your phone and hope.” You’ll have access to a GoPro/submersible camera setup for recording underwater moments.

This is a big deal because underwater shots are hard. Phones fog, grips slip, and timing is everything. Having a dedicated camera approach means you spend your attention on the water, not on fighting with gear. It also helps you actually capture the marine-life experience—the variety and color in the water is described as part of what makes the day memorable.

If you’re photo-focused, here’s what I’d do: spend your first minutes getting comfortable. Then snap underwater and let the rest of the trip be about swimming, SUP, and just relaxing.

And yes, you’ll still want your own photos from the boat deck. But the underwater camera is the difference between “nice views” and “proof you were really there.”

Onboard Comfort and Flow: Cold Drinks, Bluetooth Music, and Safety Briefings

The onboard setup is simple, but it’s aimed at comfort.

You’ll have:

• Cold drinks included
• Bottled water
• A Bluetooth music system (so you can connect your phone)
• A professional skipper
• A safety indication before every trip, with the crew asking everyone to pay full attention

Safety briefings can feel like a formality—until the sea gets a little messy. This is the kind of tour where the skipper’s job is to keep everything smooth while you’re in and out of the water. Reviews repeatedly highlight that the skipper feels attentive and professional, including handling tougher conditions safely.

Small details make the day feel less stressful:

• The boat is described as modern and clean.
• You get to choose your rhythm—snorkel, SUP, or just chill on board between stops.
• You can play your own music, which helps keep the mood relaxed instead of silent and awkward.

Also note the limitations:

• No wheelchair access on the boat.
• Smoking is prohibited for security reasons.
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Stop-by-Stop: What Each Portion Feels Like

This trip is built around a starting point, then a water-focused block, then a return.

Stop 1: Club de Mar (start)

You meet at the entrance near the Maritime Station. Expect a short orientation, then a quick setup and departure.

Stop 2: Bay of Palma coves (the main block)

This is where the tour spends its energy: navigation toward the coastal coves, then photo stops and anchoring for swimming, snorkeling, SUP, and relaxing. You’ll also have cold drinks and aperitif-style moments, with picnic-style meal options depending on how you choose to upgrade.

If you care about the “best” swimming moments, the key is staying flexible. The skipper can likely adjust anchorage based on wind and sea state. In breezy conditions, the group still gets water time—just in calmer spots.

Stop 3: Club de Mar (return)

You return back to the meeting point at Club de Mar. The experience ends where it began, which keeps logistics easy.

One more timing note: the duration can be 2 to 4 hours, depending on the start time you select. If you want more water time, pick the longer option when available.

Price and Value: When $420 Makes Sense for a Small Group

The price is listed as $420 per group up to 6 people. That’s not cheap if you’re traveling solo. It’s also not trying to be a bargain bus tour.

The value comes from what you get for the whole group:

• A private boat (space and attention)
• A professional skipper
• Fuel included
• Snorkeling equipment and a SUP board included
• Bottled water and cold drinks included
• A GoPro/underwater camera included
• Bluetooth music system aboard

Break it down your way: if you split $420 across 6 people, you’re effectively paying for your own guided sea day rather than buying individual access to a crowded boat. And because this is anchored swimming time—where the gear matters and the stops matter—you’re paying for convenience plus actual time in the water, not just scenic cruising.

Local food is extra (25€ per person upon request), but the base offering already includes drinks and aperitif-style options. If you want a more “meal-like” experience, think of the local food add-on as a controlled upgrade, not a surprise cost.

Who This Boat Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Be Happier Elsewhere)

This tour is a strong match for:

• Couples or friends who want quiet, private sea time
• Families who want snorkeling and SUP without negotiating gear rentals
• Anyone celebrating something and wanting an easy, low-stress plan
• People who care about swimming in specific coastal coves rather than doing only a drive-by

It may be less suitable if:

• You need wheelchair access (the boat has no wheelchair access)
• You’re pregnant (not recommended)
• You want a “land-heavy” itinerary with lots of walking and ruins (this is a sea-first experience)

If you’re worried about getting bored on a boat: you probably won’t. The mix of activities—snorkel, SUP, swim, relax, then maybe another swim session—helps keep the day moving.

Tips to Get More Out of Your Time on the Water

A few small, practical moves will help:

• Bring sunscreen (it’s the only specific item listed, and it’s the one you’ll regret forgetting).
• If you’re new to snorkeling or SUP, go slow first. Use the first minutes to get comfortable, then spend longer where you feel steady.
• Arrive with enough buffer to find the boat parking/access area at Club de Mar.
• If you’re picky about swim conditions, understand you’re still going to be at the mercy of weather, but the skipper’s job is to make the best of it.

Should You Book This Private Palma Boat Tour?

I’d book it if you want a small-group, private water day where the focus is time in the coves—snorkeling, SUP, and relaxing—with drinks and an underwater camera included. The biggest value is the combination of private access plus included gear, so you’re not assembling your day from five separate rentals.

I’d skip it if your schedule is rigid and you can’t handle the possibility that conditions might affect the outing. Also skip if you need wheelchair access or are in a situation where the tour’s “not recommended” guidance applies.

If you’re on the fence, here’s the deciding question: do you want to spend your Mallorca hours on the water, anchored and swimming, rather than just looking from shore? If yes, this is the kind of tour that tends to feel worth it fast.

FAQ

How many people are in the private boat group?

It’s a private group for up to 6 people.

How long is the Palma boat tour?

The duration is listed as 2 to 4 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Where do you meet the skipper?

You meet at the entrance of Club de Mar, near the Maritime Station, and the host waits near the access checkpoint wearing a striking hat.

What activities are included while the boat is anchored?

You can swim, snorkel, and use the stand-up paddle-board, with equipment provided.

Is the underwater camera included?

Yes. A GoPro/camera is included as part of the experience to capture underwater memories.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are the private cruise, professional skipper, bottled water, GoPro camera, stand-up paddle-board, snorkeling equipment, Bluetooth music system, and fuel. Cold drinks are also included.

What should I bring, and is smoking allowed?

Bring sunscreen. Smoking is prohibited for security reasons.

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