Palma Bay Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Swim Stop Mallorca

Palma harbour and the Paseo Marítimo

Your Palma catamaran cruise begins on the Paseo Marítimo, the long palm-lined seafront of Palma de Mallorca, where yachts, ferries and fishing boats share one of the busiest harbours in the Mediterranean. Boarding is at the pier known as Muelle de Golondrinas, a short taxi ride or a pleasant seafront walk from the old town.

As the catamaran leaves the port, turn back for the classic view of the city: the Gothic cathedral, La Seu, rising above the old walls and the sea, and the round towers of Bellver Castle on its wooded hill to the west. This view from the water is one of the best photo moments of any Palma boat trip, and it shows why the city has been a key port since Roman and Moorish times.

The coast of the Bay of Palma

Sailing west, the catamaran follows the shoreline of the Bay of Palma past Cala Major, the rocky points of Illetes and the marina of Puerto Portals. Small coves, pine-covered cliffs and villas line the coast, and the water changes from deep blue to bright turquoise over the sandy shallows. The crew points out landmarks along the way.

The relaxed pace of a catamaran makes it easy to enjoy the journey: you can sunbathe on the deck nets at the bow, sit in the shade at the stern or simply watch the coast slide by. On calm summer days, dolphins are sometimes seen in the bay, although sightings are never guaranteed. This stretch is why the trip is one of the most popular boat tours from Palma de Mallorca.

Portals Vells and Cala Vella swim stop

The highlight of the cruise is the anchor stop at Portals Vells or nearby Cala Vella, on the wild headland at the south-western end of the bay. Portals Vells is a group of small coves backed by pine forest and golden sandstone cliffs, with water so clear you can see the sandy seabed from the boat. Along the rocks are natural caves and an old quarry, including a sea cave with a small altar carved into the stone by sailors long ago.

Here you can jump from the catamaran, swim, or use the snorkelling equipment to look for colourful fish around the rocks and sea grass. Life vests are available for children and less confident swimmers. The skipper chooses Portals Vells or Cala Vella on the day according to the wind, so you always swim in the calmest, most sheltered spot.

Barbecue lunch on board and the return to Palma

While you swim, the crew fires up the barbecue and prepares a buffet meal served on deck, usually grilled meat or chicken with salads, rice or pasta, bread and fruit. Water, soft drinks, juice and coffee are included throughout the whole trip, so you can stay refreshed in the Mallorca sun. Let us know about any dietary needs when booking so we can pass them on.

After lunch, the catamaran turns back along the coast towards Palma, giving you another chance to admire the bay in the afternoon light. The best time to visit Mallorca for a catamaran cruise is from May to October, when the sea is warm enough for swimming. Back on the Paseo Marítimo, you are close to the old town for an afternoon of sightseeing.