Small-Group Catamaran Trip with Tapas and Swim Stop from Palma

Muelle de La Lonja and the Palma waterfront

The trip starts at Muelle de La Lonja, the quay in front of the old fishermen's and merchants' district of Palma. It takes its name from Sa Llotja, the 15th-century Gothic exchange building a few steps away, where merchants once traded goods from across the Mediterranean; its slender twisted columns and corner towers make it one of the finest civil Gothic buildings in Spain.

Arrive 15 minutes before the 11:30 departure and meet the skipper and host at the marina gate. The quay is easy to reach on foot from the old town, along the palm-lined Passeig Marítim, and there are public car parks at Parc de la Mar and on Avinguda d'Antoni Maura for those coming by car. Before leaving the marina the crew show you around the catamaran and explain the safety rules.

Palma Cathedral and the skyline from the sea

As the catamaran leaves the harbour, the whole skyline of Palma opens up behind you. Dominating the waterfront is the Cathedral of Santa María, known locally as La Seu, a vast Gothic church begun after the Christian conquest of 1229, with buttresses rising directly above the old sea walls and the Parc de la Mar lake.

Next to it stands the Almudaina Palace, a former Moorish fortress turned royal residence, and on a wooded hill to the west rises Bellver Castle, a rare circular Gothic castle from the 14th century. Seeing these landmarks from the water is one of the best reasons to take a Palma catamaran tour: the views of the old town are the classic postcard image of Mallorca, and the light on the stone is beautiful late in the morning.

Along the Bay of Palma

The Bay of Palma stretches from the cliffs of Cap Enderrocat in the east to the headlands of Calvià in the west, with the city and its beaches in between. Under sail the catamaran moves smoothly and steadily, and its wide, stable deck makes it comfortable even for those who rarely go to sea.

The skipper chooses the route along the coast according to the wind of the day, heading away from the busy city beaches to quieter stretches backed by pine-covered hills, villas and small coves. Along the way you can relax on the nets at the bow, watch the water for fish and seabirds, or take photographs of the coastline with the Tramuntana mountains on the horizon.

The swim stop: snorkelling and paddle boarding

The highlight of the trip is the anchor stop in a sheltered bay where the water turns turquoise over a sandy seabed. Everyone can jump into the cool Mediterranean, explore the rocks with a snorkel and mask, try the stand-up paddle boards or simply float on the inflatables provided.

The water around Mallorca is famous for its clarity, and on calm days you can see the seabed and the meadows of Posidonia seagrass several metres below the surface. If you prefer to stay dry, the trampoline nets and the shaded seating under the sun sails are ideal for sunbathing or reading. Swimming and paddle boarding depend on the conditions of the day, and the crew keep an eye on everyone in the water.

Tapas on board and the relaxed small-group atmosphere

During the stop the host serves freshly made tapas to share, together with a welcome soft drink and water; other drinks can be bought on board. It is a light and sociable way to enjoy a Mediterranean lunch at anchor, with the sound of the sea all around.

Because the group is limited to about 10 to 12 guests, there is room for everyone, and the crew can tell you about the coast and suggest other places to visit in Mallorca. If you are celebrating a special occasion, let us know when you book and we will pass your request to the crew. Bring a light jacket, as it can be windy and cool on the water in the late afternoon.