REVIEW · MALLORCA
Luxury Catamaran sailing with welcome Drinks Tapas Max10-12Person
Book on Viator →Operated by Sail palma · Bookable on Viator
A catamaran day off Palma, minus the crowd. This small-group luxury sail pairs fresh onboard tapas with real time in the water, plus calm cruising with a friendly crew. One thing to plan for: drinks beyond the welcome drink cost extra.
I like how the boat setup makes it feel relaxed, not packed—space to lounge indoors and outside, and a smooth ride along Mallorca’s coast. I also love that you’re not just watching scenery; you get SUP and snorkeling gear once you’re anchored. The main drawback is that the tour title can sound like an open bar, but it’s not—expect to pay for wine, cocktails, and more after the welcome drink.
In This Review
- Key Points Before You Go
- Luxury on the Water, in a Small Group
- Getting Started at La Lonja Marina Charter
- On Board: Captain, Music, and a Crew That Keeps Things Smooth
- Welcome Drink and Fresh Tapas: The Meal That Makes the Trip Feel Complete
- The 4-Hour Day Trip: What You’re Really Doing With Your Time
- Your Anchor Moment: Swimming, Snorkeling, SUP, and Floating Time
- The Sunset Option: Shorter Ride, Drinks Included, No Swimming
- How the Drinks Work (and How to Avoid Sticker Shock)
- Stops and Sightseeing: The Charm Is the Coastal Cruise
- Value for Money: Why This Can Be a Good Deal
- When This Tour Fits Best (and When It Might Not)
- Should You Book This Catamaran Sail in Mallorca?
- FAQ
- Where is the meeting point for this catamaran tour?
- How many people are on board?
- What’s included in the price?
- Are drinks included beyond the welcome drink?
- Can I swim and snorkel on the 4-hour tour?
- Is swimming included on the sunset option?
- What water equipment is available?
- Is smoking allowed on the boat?
- What should I bring?
- What do I need to provide after booking?
Key Points Before You Go
- Max 10–12 people means you actually hear the crew and move around the deck without shoulder-checking strangers.
- Fresh tapas onboard with a welcome drink sets the tone early, before you even drop anchor.
- Water toys included: SUP, snorkels, and floats, plus time to swim in clear coves.
- Two tour options: a 4-hour day trip with swimming/snorkeling, or a 2-hour sunset trip with drinks included but no swimming.
- Newer feel: multiple reviews mention a very clean, comfortable catamaran (one cited a 2025 boat), with lots of seating.
- Budget for drinks: only the welcome drink is included; everything beyond that is pay-as-you-go.
Luxury on the Water, in a Small Group
This is the kind of Mallorca sailing you book for the feeling, not for checklists. You leave from Palma, get out along the coast, then settle into a bay where the water looks like it was Photoshopped—clear enough that snorkeling gear actually makes sense.
The small-group size matters more than you might think. With a max of 10–12 people, the crew can spend time helping you with the equipment and keeping the vibe easy, like a private outing rather than a floating party bus.
The tradeoff is that this isn’t an unlimited-included-drinks situation. The tour includes a welcome drink, plus water, but if you want wine, cava/champagne, cocktails, or similar, you’ll pay extra.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Mallorca.
Getting Started at La Lonja Marina Charter
You meet at La Lonja Marina Charter, Muelle de la lonja, s/n, 07012 Palma. It’s right back at the marina end too, so you don’t have to worry about transportation on the return—walk, hop a taxi, or keep rolling with your day.
One practical thing: the operator asks you to submit passport details after booking confirmation, due to boat rules. Do that promptly so you’re not scrambling right before sailing day.
You’ll also want to show up knowing you’ll be on a boat in open air. Reviews repeatedly mention comfort things like bringing a towel (and even a jacket) so you’re not miserable if the breeze cools down.
On Board: Captain, Music, and a Crew That Keeps Things Smooth
The experience runs with a captain on board plus an on-board music system. That means you’re not just hearing engine noise and wind; there’s a soundtrack while you cruise and hang out at anchor.
The crew gets strong marks for friendliness and flexibility. In multiple comments, I saw names like Isaac (captain), Linda (host/steward), Stefan and Federico (hosts), Valentina (host), Rosie (crew), and Christiane (captain). Whether you hear their names on your day or not, the consistent theme is service that doesn’t feel scripted.
That matters if you’re nervous about swimming or snorkeling. One review praised the team’s help with water toys; another flagged that you should confirm what the skipper recommends if you’re a novice swimmer. My advice: speak up early on what you’re comfortable with, and ask for guidance before getting in.
Welcome Drink and Fresh Tapas: The Meal That Makes the Trip Feel Complete
This is one of the better “food onboard” setups I’ve seen described in Mallorca sailing reviews. You get freshly made tapas served on board, plus a welcome drink. Water is included too, which is a nice touch on a sunny day.
A few reviews call out the tapas as delicious, and some mention there was plenty. That said, at least one person felt the food wasn’t plentiful for the price, and a few people also noticed the drinks situation clearly: included is basically the welcome drink, then it’s pay for what you order after.
If you want to eat as much as you would on land, adjust your expectations. Think of it as a solid snack-style meal that pairs with the swim and the sailing—then top up with extra drinks and small add-ons if your budget allows.
The 4-Hour Day Trip: What You’re Really Doing With Your Time
The day option is about 4 hours (approx.) and is the one where swimming and snorkeling are possible. The overall flow is straightforward: you leave Palma, sail along the coast, then anchor in a bay with turquoise/blue water for swimming and snorkeling.
In theory, you’re getting a chunk of sailing plus a swim stop. In practice, a couple reviews mention that the time on the water can feel tighter than expected—one person reported being on the boat closer to 3.5 hours once departure/return time was counted. Translation: the trip is fun, but don’t schedule a tight dinner right after unless you’re flexible.
Also note that the “how far out you go” can vary by conditions. One review felt it wasn’t that secluded and that the anchor area was fairly close. Another described gorgeous coves and even fish while snorkeling. The best move is to treat it like: you’re paying for a comfortable boat + included water time + good tapas, and the exact bay view will depend on weather and route.
Your Anchor Moment: Swimming, Snorkeling, SUP, and Floating Time
Once you’re anchored, this is where the day earns its keep. You can swim, snorkel, and use the included gear. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, and also SUP boards plus floats and other fun water toys.
The water sounds like a big selling point. Multiple reviews mention crystal-clear water, and at least one specifically highlighted snorkeling with visible fish. If you’ve never snorkeled from a boat before, it’s a different vibe than beach snorkeling—less crowded, better access from the water toys, and a more relaxed pace.
Some reviews mention two different swim opportunities during the overall sailing day. I wouldn’t promise that for every departure, since the trip is described as anchoring in a bay, but it suggests some crews may add an extra water moment when conditions allow. Either way, you should plan around at least one real swim session.
Practical tip: even if it’s warm, you’ll be wet and then exposed. Bring a towel and consider a light layer so you’re not freezing on the way back when the breeze picks up.
The Sunset Option: Shorter Ride, Drinks Included, No Swimming
If you want the “see Mallorca glow in the evening” version, pick the 2-hour sunset tour. Drinks are included on this option, but swimming is not part of it.
This is a good choice if:
- you want a calmer itinerary with less time in the water,
- your schedule is tight,
- or you’re traveling with someone who prefers sitting back and watching the sky change.
One nice detail: the cruise experience includes the whole sail-and-anchor rhythm, so even without swimming, you’re still getting coastal views plus the catamaran feel.
How the Drinks Work (and How to Avoid Sticker Shock)
Here’s the clearest heads-up from the experience info and reviews: there’s no unlimited open bar. You get a welcome drink and water included, and after that you can buy additional drinks such as wine, soft drinks, cocktails, long drinks, cava, or champagne—but at extra cost.
A couple reviews complained about drink pricing once they ordered. One mentioned a high price for a margarita and colas. Another noted they expected more than the welcome drink.
So I’d plan like this:
- If you’re happy with the included drink and just one or two extras, the trip stays great value.
- If you want constant cocktails for four hours, budget up front.
If you do order, keep an eye on what’s included versus pay-as-you-go. It’s easy to get surprised when you assume luxury automatically means free everything.
Stops and Sightseeing: The Charm Is the Coastal Cruise
This sail starts near La Lonja Marina Charter and focuses on coastal sightseeing—getting you away from Palma’s hustle for a while. You’ll cruise along the coast, then anchor for swimming.
In the real world, “sightseeing” here is less about monuments and more about being on the water while the coastline slides by. Think of it like this: you’re buying a moving viewpoint with a comfortable platform for when the best water shows up.
Also, when everyone is on board, they hoist the sails. The trip description even notes that sometimes there’s an extra dose of wind—sometimes with an Arabian wind vibe. Translation: the sailing can feel lively enough to be fun, but it’s still framed as a relaxing day out.
Value for Money: Why This Can Be a Good Deal
At $119.72 per person for about four hours, you’re paying for a package: boat comfort, small-group size, a crew, onboard music, fresh tapas, water toys, and insurance/fees/fuel included.
The value depends on how you use the included parts:
- If you’ll actually swim and snorkel and you like the idea of SUP and floats, the included gear makes the price feel more reasonable.
- If you mainly want to sit and drink (and you end up buying lots of alcohol), the pay-for-drinks model can change the math fast.
You’re also getting a newer, cleaner boat feel in the reviews—someone described a newer catamaran with lots of seating indoors and outside. That comfort isn’t free on the water, and it shows up in how many reviews mention space and calm.
My bottom line: this is best value if you treat it as a water day with food, not an all-you-can-drink cruise.
When This Tour Fits Best (and When It Might Not)
This tour is ideal for:
- Couples, small friend groups, and families who want small-group attention.
- People who love water activities but don’t want to organize gear or logistics themselves.
- Travelers who want a stylish catamaran with real downtime—sun sails, shaded lounge areas, and multiple places to sit.
It might not fit as well if:
- You need a fully included bar experience (only the welcome drink is included).
- You expect a lot of time in remote areas every single time; the anchor spot and sailing distance can vary with conditions.
- You’re a beginner swimmer who relies on perfect coaching. Most skippers seem helpful, but one review warned about poor advice for a novice swimmer—so talk to the captain before you get in.
Should You Book This Catamaran Sail in Mallorca?
I’d book it if you want a relaxed, small-group catamaran day that includes food and serious water time. The combination of fresh tapas, a welcome drink, and included snorkeling/SUP gear makes it more than just a scenic ride. Add in the consistent praise for friendly crews—names like Isaac and Linda show up often—and it sounds like you’ll be cared for once you’re on board.
Skip or reconsider if you’re the type who assumes luxury means everything is free. Plan for paid drinks after the welcome drink, and aim to choose the day trip if swimming matters to you—sunset tours include drinks but not swimming.
If you want the easiest “good day on the water” plan in Palma, this checks a lot of boxes. Bring a towel, ask questions about swimming if you need support, and then let the bay time do what it’s designed to do: make the whole trip feel slower, cleaner, and more fun.
FAQ
Where is the meeting point for this catamaran tour?
The tour starts at La Lonja Marina Charter, Muelle de la lonja, s/n, 07012 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain, and it ends back at the same meeting point.
How many people are on board?
The maximum group size is 10 travelers, with the experience described as typically up to 10–12 people on board.
What’s included in the price?
Included: catamaran trip with onboard music system and captain on board, freshly made tapas served on board, welcome drink, water, snorkeling equipment, and water toys (including SUP, floats, and snorkels/paddle boarding items). It also includes skipper/host, fees/taxes, fuel surcharge, photography opportunities, coastal sightseeing, and insurance.
Are drinks included beyond the welcome drink?
Only the welcome drink is included. You can purchase additional drinks like wine, soft drinks, cocktails, long drinks, cava, or champagne for an extra cost.
Can I swim and snorkel on the 4-hour tour?
Yes, the 4-hour day option allows swimming and snorkeling.
Is swimming included on the sunset option?
No. The 2-hour sunset option includes drinks, but it does not include swimming.
What water equipment is available?
The tour provides water toys and snorkeling gear, including SUP, floats, and snorkels, plus snorkeling equipment.
Is smoking allowed on the boat?
No, smoking is not allowed.
What should I bring?
Bring a towel and a jacket/light layer can help, especially if you get cool after swimming. You’ll also want swim gear since swimming and snorkeling are part of the day option.
What do I need to provide after booking?
You may be asked to submit passport details after booking confirmation so the operator can comply with boat laws.
