Charter Tour: By Boat in the Bay of Palma with Snorkeling and Paddle Surfing

The best part of this Palma outing is the mix of a scenic boat ride and proper water time. You cruise past the coast to Ses Illetes and Punta Negra, then stop where the sea is clear enough for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and the included jet ski or sea scooter.

I like two things right away: the nine-person limit keeps the boat personal, and the equipment is included rather than sold as a string of extras. The captains, including Enrique and Francesca, also seem to make safety and comfort a real part of the trip.

The main consideration is simple: this is an active sea outing, not a sightseeing cruise with a long list of landmarks. Snorkeling conditions can vary, and one stop may have plenty of fish while another has less to see. Non-swimmers, wheelchair users, and anyone with mobility limits should choose another activity.

Quick Reasons to Consider This Boat Trip

• A small boat for up to nine people: You get more room and more direct attention than on a large excursion boat.
• Several water activities in one stop: Snorkel, swim, paddleboard, and use the included jet ski or sea scooter.
• A scenic 2.5-hour plan: The ride out and back gives you coastal views without taking up an entire day.
• Cold drinks included: Water, soft drinks, and beers are available onboard.
• Helpful local captains: Enrique, Francesca, and other crew members explain the route, equipment, and safety rules.
• Good value at $77: The boat, captain, gear, water toys, and refreshments are included in one price.

Leaving Club de Mar for Palma Bay

You meet the SaltyTours team at the entrance to the port of Club de Mar-Mallorca, in front of MercaNautic New Palma. Take care here: the meeting point is not simply the Club de Mar name shown on a map. The instructions specifically point to the port entrance and MercaNautic New Palma, so allow time to get your bearings.

Arrive about 30 minutes before departure. You need to reach the port on your own, but the area is served by public transport from the main parts of Palma. The guide meets you there and walks you to the boat.

The boat holds no more than nine participants. That number matters. You are not fighting for space at the rail, waiting through a long boarding line, or sharing a swim stop with a full coachload of people. A small boat also gives the captain more room to adjust the pace and answer questions.

The exact boat layout is not described in detail, so do not expect a formal yacht charter with a private cabin or a full meal service. Think of it as a clean, practical day boat set up for swimming and water sports. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and anything you want to eat, since meals and snacks are not included in the stated package.

The Ride Past Ses Illetes

The first scenic point is Ses Illetes, listed as a photo stop. This is your chance to settle into the ride and take in the coastline from the water rather than from a busy road or beach.

The trip out is part of the experience, not just transport to the swimming area. Several people especially enjoyed the coastal views, music, and smooth ride. The boat has Bluetooth, so the captain may let you connect your own music. That small touch can make the ride feel more like a relaxed private outing than a standard scripted excursion.

The timing of the ride also helps shape the day. The full activity lasts 2.5 hours, and the cruise to the swimming area has been described as roughly 25 minutes each way in some outings. That leaves a useful block of time at the cove, but not an unlimited one. You will want to try the activities instead of spending the whole stop taking photographs from the boat.

If you are sensitive to motion, ask about sea conditions before setting off. One outing had choppy water, though the skipper changed course among coves to keep the ride comfortable. The crew can make sensible route choices, but a boat trip is still a boat trip. Calm water is never guaranteed.

Swimming and Water Sports at Punta Negra

The main stop is Punta Negra, where the group has time for swimming, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and the included jet ski or sea scooter. This is the heart of the outing.

The water is described as turquoise and clear, with several people enjoying the warm sea and calm cove. You can jump in for a straightforward swim, or spread your time among the equipment. The paddleboards are a good choice if you want a slower, steadier activity. They let you look back at the boat and coastline while moving at your own pace.

The underwater scooter is the big hit for many families and teenagers. The supplied information calls it a jet ski, while several comments describe a small sea scooter or underwater scooter. Those are not always the same thing, so I would confirm the exact equipment if that distinction matters to you. Either way, the motorized water toy adds a more playful option than ordinary snorkeling.

Snorkeling gear, including mask and snorkel, is provided. The marine life can be worthwhile, but conditions are not fixed. One outing produced plenty of fish, while another had less to see. That is normal for a short coastal stop. Go expecting a pleasant look beneath the surface, not a guaranteed wildlife spectacle.

The boat also has fresh water for rinsing off in some outings. This is useful after saltwater swimming, especially for children who dislike the feel of seawater. It also means you can make the ride home more comfortable, though you should still bring a towel.

How the Small Group Changes the Experience

A maximum of nine people is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. On a crowded boat, water equipment quickly becomes a queue. Here, the group size gives you a better chance to use the paddleboards and sea scooter without spending the whole stop waiting.

The captain can also keep an eye on the group more easily. Enrique is frequently praised for explaining the route, pointing out coastal sights, and checking that everyone is comfortable. Francesca is also singled out for being warm, attentive, and helpful, including with families and solo participants.

That personal approach is especially useful if you are nervous around open water. One person who could not swim still felt supported because the guide checked in regularly and helped with photos. This does not turn the activity into a learn-to-swim class, and the experience is officially not suitable for non-swimmers, but it does show the crew pays attention to individual comfort.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Baby seats are not available, and baby carriages cannot come aboard. One family enjoyed the trip with a very young child, but you should judge your own child’s comfort around boats and open water carefully.

What Is Included for $77

At $77 per person, the price is reasonable if you plan to use the equipment. You are paying for a 2.5-hour exclusive boat outing, a captain, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, the stated jet ski or sea scooter, and drinks. Water, soft drinks, and beers are included, and several outings also had crisps or other simple snacks available.

The value is strongest for an active group. If two or three people in your party want to snorkel, paddleboard, and use the scooter, the package replaces several separate rental costs. You also avoid the feel of a large group cruise.

The calculation is less favorable if you only want to sit on a boat and look at the coast. A large sightseeing cruise may offer a lower basic fare, and this trip gives only 2.5 hours on the water. You are paying for access to the small group and water activities, so use them.

Food is not part of the formal inclusions. Bring a small snack if you need one, but do not assume a full lunch is available. Drinks help, especially in the sun, though sunscreen and towels are your responsibility.

Choosing the Best Departure Time

The activity offers different starting times, subject to availability. Morning departures are useful if you want cooler conditions and a fresh start to the day. One group found that a morning trip left enough time for everyone to use the equipment.

A late afternoon departure can be smart in hot weather. A 5 p.m. outing was praised for avoiding the strongest midday sun while still allowing time to swim and paddleboard. The light may also be pleasant for the return ride, but the exact feel depends on the season and weather.

You should choose based on your plans in Palma. This trip begins and ends at Club de Mar, so it works well as a focused half-day activity. If you are arriving from a cruise ship, leave plenty of time for the port transfer and return. The team has helped people make a timely return to their ship, but you should not build a tight connection around a weather-dependent boat trip.

Safety, Comfort, and Who Should Book

The captain gives basic instructions before the activities begin and keeps an eye on safety while you are in the water. The crew also explains how to use the snorkeling gear, boards, and scooter. That is important because the boat includes several activities with different levels of effort.

This is a strong fit for:

• Families with older children and teenagers
• Couples wanting a relaxed but active outing
• Friends who want a private-feeling boat experience
• Solo visitors who like small groups and direct help
• Cruise passengers with a limited window in Palma
• Swimmers who want several ways to enjoy a cove

It is not a good fit for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. The boat has no baby seats, and baby carriages and pets are not allowed. The activity is also not suitable for non-swimmers, even though the crew is attentive and supportive.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a snack if you want one. A waterproof phone pouch would be sensible, though it is not listed as provided. Expect sun, salt water, and an active stop, not a polished indoor-style excursion.

A Balanced Look at the Snorkeling

The snorkeling is pleasant, but I would keep expectations realistic. Clear water does not guarantee a busy reef or a large variety of fish. Some outings have seen fish clearly through the supplied masks, while another found the underwater life limited.

That makes the snorkeling best viewed as one part of a broader package. If the fish are quiet, you can paddle, swim, or use the scooter. The activity does not depend on one fragile highlight.

The location itself is the bigger draw. You get to swim in a cove without a discernible beach, surrounded by open water and views of the Mallorcan coast. For many people, the combination of warm water, music, cold drinks, and a clean boat matters more than counting fish.

Cancellation and Practical Booking Notes

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option keeps the booking flexible, which helps when you are still arranging Palma plans.

English and Spanish are offered. Some activity information may appear in its original language, so ask the captain to repeat any safety instruction you do not understand.

The meeting point deserves one final reminder: go to the entrance of Club de Mar-Mallorca, in front of MercaNautic New Palma. Do not simply search for Club de Mar and assume you have arrived at the right spot. Getting there 30 minutes early removes the most avoidable stress from the day.

Should You Book the SaltyTours Charter?

I would book this if you want a compact, active boat trip with real water time, rather than a long cruise spent mostly looking at the shore. The nine-person limit, helpful captains, included equipment, and drinks make $77 a fair price for a family or small group that will use the activities.

I would skip it if you do not swim, need step-free access, dislike open-water motion, or mainly want a quiet sightseeing ride. The snorkeling may be modest, the sea can be choppy, and there is no meal included.

For most swimmers who have half a day in Palma, this is a well-balanced way to get out of the city and into the Mediterranean. Choose a morning trip for cooler conditions or a late afternoon departure to avoid the strongest sun, arrive early, and make sure you try more than one water activity.

FAQ

How long is the SaltyTours boat trip?

The activity lasts 2.5 hours, including the boat ride through Palma Bay, the photo stop at Ses Illetes, and the water activities at Punta Negra.

Where does the boat trip start?

You meet the guide at the entrance to the port of Club de Mar-Mallorca, in front of MercaNautic New Palma. The meeting point is not simply the Club de Mar location.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive about 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

How many people can join the boat?

The boat accepts a maximum of nine participants, keeping the group small and personal.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. A mask and snorkel are provided for the swimming stop at Punta Negra.

Are paddleboards and the jet ski included?

Yes. Paddleboarding and a jet ski are listed as included. Several activity descriptions refer to the motorized equipment as sea scooters or water scooters, so confirm the exact type if that matters to you.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, soft drinks, and beers are included. Meals and snacks are not formally included, so bring food if you need something more substantial.

Is the activity suitable for children?

Children may join, but minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Baby seats are not available, and baby carriages are not allowed on board.

Can wheelchair users or non-swimmers join?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or non-swimmers. Pets are also not allowed.