Palma Bay: Boat Tour with BBQ, Snorkelling, & Sunset Option

The best part of this Palma Bay cruise is the combination of a proper swim stop and an easy meal on board. You sail from Can Pastilla toward the Palma Marine Nature Reserve, stop in clear Mediterranean water near places such as Cala Vella, then eat BBQ, fruit, and a simple catered lunch while the coast slips past.

I like the friendly crew and the way the three-hour trip packs in swimming, food, music, and views without costing a fortune. I also like the choice between a bright daytime outing and a more romantic sunset sail. The main catch is that the boat makes only one swimming stop, and snorkelling conditions can be poor if the water is cloudy.

Key points to know before booking

• One main swimming stop: You get time to jump in, sunbathe, and use the included snorkelling equipment, but this is not a bay-hopping cruise.
• The meal is included: Expect a BBQ hamburger, tomato and mozzarella skewer, spring roll, potato salad, fruit, and one water, beer, or sangria.
• Music is part of the experience: The mood can turn lively, with crew members such as Roger encouraging dancing on some departures.
• Sunset is the special option: The evening sail adds warm coastal light and a relaxed finish, though music may feel loud if you want a quiet cruise.
• Good value at $69: The price covers the boat, food, one drink, snorkelling gear, insurance, and fees, but bar drinks cost extra.
• Plan your arrival carefully: Boarding closes 20 minutes before departure, and the meeting point can change with the option you book.

Setting out across Palma Bay

You board the Super Delfin Verde for a three-hour cruise from the Palma Bay area. The exact meeting point depends on your booking, so check the details carefully rather than assuming every departure leaves from the same dock. The tour information refers to Can Pastilla, while some routes also describe sailing toward Palmanova and views back toward Palma.

This is an open-air boat outing, not a quiet sailing lesson or a private yacht charter. You are paying for a social day on the water, with catering, music, and a crew that keeps the schedule moving. That makes it a good choice if you want several holiday pleasures in one booking.

The boat heads toward the Palma Marine Nature Reserve. From the water, Mallorca looks different from the beach: sandy stretches such as Illetas and Cala Mayor sit below the Mediterranean vegetation, while Palma’s waterfront opens out behind you. The views are a major part of the trip, especially from the upper or outer areas of the boat.

I would arrive early. Boarding closes 20 minutes before the listed start time, and finding parking can be difficult. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals because the route and return time depend on the schedule.

The swimming stop near Cala Vella

The cruise includes one swimming stop, normally chosen according to weather and sea conditions. Cala Vella is given as an example of the kind of sheltered, attractive place you might visit, with clear water suited to a quick swim and time in the sun.

This stop is the heart of the outing. You can jump from the boat, cool off, float beside the hull, or try the included snorkelling equipment. Some departures allow a generous stretch of time in the water, with one account describing about an hour spent swimming and snorkelling.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. This is not a dedicated marine-life trip. One recent departure had water so cloudy that it was difficult to see even a hand below the surface. The location may look perfect from above, but visibility changes with weather, wind, boat traffic, and sea conditions.

If you care more about swimming than fish spotting, this limitation will matter less. Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, and a towel, since towels are not included. You might also want your own mask if you have one that fits well, although snorkelling equipment is supplied.

Cliff jumping has also been part of the fun on some outings, but it is not listed as a guaranteed activity. Do not assume it will be available or safe on your departure. Follow the crew’s instructions and use only the areas they approve.

BBQ, fruit, and a drink on the boat

The food is more substantial than a token snack. The included meal features a BBQ hamburger, a tomato and mozzarella skewer with basil and balsamic cream, a spring roll, potato salad, and cut watermelon and pineapple for dessert. You also receive one water, beer, or sangria.

For $69, that package gives the tour solid value. A separate boat trip, lunch, drink, and snorkelling rental could easily add up in Palma, while here they are folded into one three-hour activity. The food is served in a practical holiday style rather than as a restaurant meal, but the combination works well after swimming.

Dietary needs deserve attention before you book. One passenger reported that the burger contained both beef and pork, with chicken sausages as the other option. If you do not eat pork, ask the operator what can be provided before departure. The supplied information does not promise vegetarian, vegan, halal, or allergy-specific meals.

The onboard bar sells extra food and drinks beyond the included serving. Sangria receives repeated praise, and some people find the bar prices reasonable. Remember that only one drink is included, so a few rounds will raise the final cost.

The meal also helps break up the cruise. You are not expected to spend all three hours sitting quietly and watching the shore. There is time for swimming, eating, chatting, listening to music, and moving around the boat.

Daytime energy or a sunset finish

The daytime option gives you the clearest practical conditions for swimming and viewing the coastline. The sun brings out the color of the water, and you have a better chance of seeing the bottom if visibility is good. This is the sensible choice if swimming is your main reason for booking.

The sunset option changes the mood. You sail along the coast in softer light, stop for a swim before the evening cools, then watch the sky change as the boat returns. A sunset departure can feel more special for couples, birthdays, or a proposal, and the crew has helped passengers mark occasions before.

Do not expect silence at sunset. Music remains part of the product, and the crew may turn the return journey into a small dance party. That is a plus if you like a social atmosphere. It is less appealing if you want a calm, low-volume sail.

The music has drawn mixed reactions. Many people enjoy the playlists and the dancing, with Roger often praised for getting the group involved. Others find the volume too high at times. You can usually move away from the main action, but this is not a music-free boat tour.

The evening also brings a social mix. One recent account described most people as roughly 20 to 40 years old, though families and solo passengers have also enjoyed the outing. A six-year-old passenger was welcomed by the crew, but the activity is not designed specifically for children.

The crew makes the difference

The crew is one of the strongest reasons to choose this boat. Staff members are frequently described as attentive, cheerful, and helpful with safety, photos, food, and the general flow of the day.

Names that come up in connection with individual departures include Roger, Juan Diego, Marc, Leandro, Santi, Bellnatt, Diego, and Arantxa. Crew assignments can change, so treat these as examples rather than a promise that a particular person will be on your boat.

Roger is especially associated with the lively side of the experience, including getting people dancing on the way back. Juan Diego has been praised for helping passengers feel safe and comfortable, while Marc is noted for being friendly. Several crew members have also taken photos for passengers, which is useful when everyone wants a picture in the water or at sunset.

The service style is informal and active. You are not left to work out the swim stop, meal, and boarding routine by yourself. At the same time, the boat atmosphere depends partly on the crew and the people aboard. One outing may feel relaxed, while another may become a full party with dancing.

How crowded and comfortable is the boat?

The boat has enough room for passengers to walk around, eat, and enjoy the views, but comfort depends on the departure. One account described it as not feeling packed, while another found it somewhat crowded for the size of the boat.

That difference is normal on a shared cruise. The boat can handle its passenger load, but you are not buying a private space. If you want the best choice of seat or a quieter corner, arrive early and move around during the cruise rather than expecting one perfect spot.

The boat has been described as clean and in good condition. Outdoor seating gives you the best views, though the sun can be strong. Shade and seating arrangements may vary, so pack sun protection and do not count on the boat providing every comfort you would have at a beach club.

People with mobility impairments and wheelchair users should not book this activity. The boat and boarding setup are not suitable for them. If you have another physical limitation, ask the operator before paying.

What the $69 price really buys you

At $69 per person, this is a good-value package for someone who wants a full activity rather than a simple sightseeing cruise. You receive three hours on the water, a BBQ meal, side dishes, fruit, one drink, snorkelling equipment, insurance, and fees.

The value is strongest if you plan to eat and swim anyway. The boat saves you the trouble of arranging transport between a beach, a restaurant, and a separate water activity. You also get a changing view of Palma Bay instead of spending the whole afternoon in one place.

The value drops if you do not drink, dislike group entertainment, or want several swimming locations. There is only one planned stop, and extra drinks cost more. A person seeking a quiet, private, or highly flexible boat trip should compare this with a smaller charter.

There is some conflicting booking information about cancellation. The activity details describe cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, while the important information also calls the ticket non-refundable. Check the terms attached to your exact option before paying, and do not rely on a general promise if your voucher says otherwise. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also shown, but the final payment conditions should be checked at booking.

Who will enjoy this Palma Bay cruise?

I would recommend it to couples who want a sunset outing, friends looking for a social afternoon, solo visitors who enjoy meeting people, and families comfortable with swimming from a boat. The crew-led atmosphere makes it easier to enjoy the day without planning every detail.

It suits first-time visitors who want to see Palma from the water while still having time for a swim. The included food also makes it practical for a holiday schedule, since you do not need to leave the boat to find lunch.

I would hesitate if your main goal is serious snorkelling. The equipment is included, but clear water is not guaranteed, and the itinerary has one stop rather than a series of carefully chosen snorkelling sites.

I would also skip it if you want a quiet sail. Music is central to the experience, and the return trip may include dancing. That energy is a strength for many people, but it is not an accidental side effect.

Practical tips for a smoother trip

• Check the exact meeting point for your selected daytime or sunset option.
• Arrive well before boarding closes 20 minutes before departure.
• Allow time to find parking if you are driving to the port.
• Bring a towel, since one is not supplied.
• Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring strong sun protection.
• Ask about the hamburger ingredients if you avoid pork.
• Bring your own mask if snorkelling fit matters to you.
• Keep valuables secure when you enter the water.
• Expect extra charges if you want more than the included drink.
• Choose daytime for swimming priority and sunset for atmosphere.

Should you book the Super Delfin Verde?

Book this Palma Bay boat tour if you want good-value fun on the water, a real meal, one attractive swimming stop, and a friendly crew that may turn the ride home into a dance party. At $69, it offers more than a basic coastal cruise.

Skip it if you want private-yacht calm, several snorkelling bays, guaranteed underwater wildlife, or a quiet sunset. For everyone else, especially first-time visitors to Mallorca, this is an easy way to combine swimming, food, music, and Palma’s coastline in one compact outing.

FAQ

How long is the Palma Bay boat tour?

The cruise lasts three hours. Starting times depend on availability and on the daytime or sunset option you choose.

What food is included?

The meal includes a BBQ hamburger, a tomato and mozzarella skewer with basil and balsamic cream, a spring roll, potato salad, watermelon, and pineapple.

What drink is included?

You receive one drink, choosing from water, beer, or sangria. Additional drinks and food can be purchased from the onboard bar.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included, but underwater visibility depends on sea conditions and is not guaranteed.

How many swimming stops are there?

The itinerary includes one swimming stop, if weather conditions are suitable. The stop may be in an attractive area such as Cala Vella.

Are towels included?

No. You need to bring your own towel.

Is the boat suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.