A private sail with tapas beats the usual cruise. I like how this trip stays small and private with a pro skipper at Real Club Nautico, and I also love the built-in swim and snorkel breaks in the Bay of Palma. One consideration: this isn’t for people who get seasick, and the boat does move—so plan accordingly.

You get an easy mix of cruising, lounging, and Spanish food, with the kind of schedule that leaves room for wind and weather. Depending on whether you book a half-day or full-day charter, you might head toward Cala Vella or Magaluf/Illetas, or go farther to the Bay of Portals Vells. The vibe is relaxed, and the hosts keep things friendly without turning it into a loud party.

The boat itself matters here. You’ll be on a Beneteau Oceanis 390—known for comfortable deck space and a practical interior layout for a group up to eight.

Quick, useful highlights

• Up to 8 people in a private group means you actually feel like the day is yours.
• Beneteau Oceanis 390 gives you room to move around between sailing and swim stops.
• All-inclusive drinks (beer, wine, cava, soft drinks, plus water all day) keep the day flowing.
• Swim kit is provided: snorkel mask and tube, plus SUP/stand-up paddle.
• Skipper-led routes change with wind, so your day fits real conditions, not a rigid script.

Getting to Real Club Nautico de Palma and starting on the right foot

Your day begins at Real Club Nautico de Palma, inside the harbor, in front of Corb Marí Terraza. The meeting pin is HJ8M+95 in Palma, Illes Balears, Spain—so don’t expect a hotel shuttle. Plan to arrive a little early, especially if you’re navigating busy harbor streets or parking.

Once you meet up, you get a short safety briefing (about 10 minutes). It’s not the kind of lecture that kills the mood. It’s more like the basics: how the boat works, where things are, and what to do at swim and snorkel stops.

This “no fuss” start matters because it sets the tone for what follows: sailing that feels calm and controlled, even though you’re out on open water. I’d call it the difference between a charter that’s run for fun and one run like a checklist.

The Beneteau Oceanis 390: why this boat fits a real day on the water

The Beneteau Oceanis 390 is the star of the experience. The boat is designed and equipped for group excursions, with generous deck space and a cleverly planned interior. Translation: you won’t feel crowded when people are moving between seating areas, the swim stop, and the table where snacks show up.

For a private charter, deck comfort is everything. Too many sailing trips are technically “nice,” but the layout turns into constant shoulder checks. Here, you have space to relax during sailing, then shift gears when it’s time to swim or snorkel.

You also get a toilet on board. That sounds like a small detail until you’re out long enough for everyone to stop pretending they don’t need it.

And yes—there’s room for toys. You’ll have snorkel mask and tube, and stand-up paddle (SUP) is included as well. A couple of recent groups specifically called out the extra water options and how helpful the hosts were with getting kids (and adults) comfortable in the water.

Half-day sailing: Cala Vella or Magaluf/Illetas, plus a swim anchor stop

Half-day charters from Palma are built around flexibility. Based on wind and weather, your route may go in the direction of Cala Vella or toward Magaluf/Illetas. Either way, you’ll get scenic sailing around the Bay of Palma, plus an anchor stop for swimming and relaxing.

Here’s the rhythm you can expect:

• You sail and enjoy scenic views while the day warms into sunset time.
• You get an aperitif-style portion with beer, wine, local snacks, and the drinks keep coming.
• At the anchor stop, you switch from “watching the coast” to “being in the water.”

This is also where the provided gear pays off. Diving goggles and paddles are available on board, and snorkel mask and tube are included. In practical terms, you don’t have to bring everything from home or buy a snorkel kit that will spend the rest of your trip in a closet.

What’s a smart drawback to consider? Half-day trips are great for a taste, but they’re not for people who want nonstop sailing hours. You’re sharing the day with anchor time and food time, so if your goal is maximum movement, you may prefer a full day.

Full-day charter: the Bay of Portals Vells for a longer, more scenic run

If you book the day charter, you get enough time to sail to the Bay of Portals Vells, in the far southwest of the Bay of Palma. Portals Vells is known as one of the 20 most beautiful bays of Mallorca, and that reputation makes sense once you’re out there and not just looking from shore.

You still get the anchor stop for swimming and relaxing. The main difference is pacing. On a longer charter, the scenery has more time to sink in. You also get more of that true sailing feeling—less “we arrived, we ate, we left,” and more “we’re actually spending the day on the sea.”

In real-world terms, the full day is often the best value if your group is traveling together and you’d rather pay once for more time rather than squeeze everything into a shorter window. If you’re tight on schedule, half-day works well. If you want the full Mallorca water experience, day charter is the better fit.

Onboard flow: safety briefing, sailing time, sunset, and the tapas moments

The onboard timeline feels structured, but not stiff. After the briefing, the day typically moves into Bay of Palma sailing with an aperitif portion—beer, wine, cava, soft drinks, and local snacks. You’ll also enjoy sunset sailing and scenic views along the way.

Then comes the “secret stop,” which is the heart of the swim-and-snorkel experience. At that stage, you’ll have:

• Beer and wine
• Swimming and snorkeling
• Marine life viewing (within what you can reasonably expect from open-water stops)
• Sailing back with more scenic views
• Tapas during that longer portion

There’s also a second stretch back in the Bay of Palma, again with drinks, local snacks, sunset sailing, and tapas timing.

One small note that matters: tapas are included, but the exact menu depends on the tour type. On the sunset tour, the tapas format shifts to fruits, seeds, baguette with alioli, and chips. That’s still tasty and Mallorca-appropriate, just different from the full lunch-style spread you might get later.

Secret swim stops: snorkeling gear, SUP, and how to enjoy the water time

Swimming is a real part of this trip, not an afterthought. You’ll have anchor stops designed for relaxing and going in the water. Snorkel mask and tube are provided, and you can use what’s available on board like goggles and paddles.

SUP is included too. Even if you’re not an expert, it’s usually a fun activity for a calm bay moment. The key is to treat it like part of the experience, not a test. If you’re traveling with mixed experience levels, this shared-water setup often becomes the thing everyone remembers.

Some groups also highlighted dolphins and excellent conditions for swimming and snorkeling. You should still expect normal Mediterranean reality—water and marine life can vary by day. But the plan is there: you get real time to get in the water and see things close up.

If you’re planning gear, don’t overpack. You’re not paying for the experience and then carting snorkel equipment around. The essentials for snorkel time are already part of the deal.

Tapas and drinks: what all-inclusive really means on a boat

“All-inclusive” on land can be messy. On a boat, it’s more straightforward. You get beer, wine, cava, soft drinks, and water all day. Welcome drinks are included as well, with one soft drink per person.

Tapas are included, except for the sunset tour where the food is fruits, seeds, baguette with alioli, and chips. For other tour timings, lunch-style tapas appear during the longer stops.

From recent experiences, I’ve learned that the food can be very Spanish and very filling. One group described a lunch that included Spanish omelette plus cold meats, alongside the broader tapas spread. Another group asked for vegetarian tapas and was able to get it, which is a good sign for anyone traveling with dietary needs.

One more helpful detail: there’s flexibility for special diets on request. Gluten-free, lactose-free, sugar-free, and vegetarian options are available if you ask ahead of time. That matters because boat food can be harder to adjust at the last minute, so this is a real plus if you have restrictions.

Hosts who steer the day: Jorge and Ildi’s practical approach

This trip is run by Velas de Palma S.L., and the people on board can make a big difference in how easy the day feels. Many groups specifically mentioned Jorge and his mother Ildi as friendly, attentive, and quick to help.

What stood out in the feedback you should pay attention to:

• They adapt when weather changes. One group said Jorge suggested taking the trip another day after bad forecasts. That kind of call is worth trusting.
• They handle seasickness with care. Multiple reviews mentioned that when someone felt seasick, the hosts did what they could to help everyone stay comfortable.
• The day stays relaxed. People brought up that it didn’t feel rushed, and hosts set the tone fast.

There’s also a little social fun baked in. One group mentioned being able to play their own music through the boat speaker. That’s not a guarantee you should plan your whole playlist around, but it gives you an idea of the vibe: you’re not stuck listening to someone else’s playlist all day.

Price and value: $677 per group up to 8

At $677 per group (up to 8 people), this charter is priced for private sailing—not cheap, but not crazy when you split it the right way.

Here’s the value math I’d use:

• If you’re a couple, you’re basically paying for privacy and a skipper-led day, which makes it more of a splurge.
• If you’re 6 to 8 people in one group, it becomes a solid way to turn an expensive Mallorca activity into a manageable day.
• You also get real inclusions: drinks all day, snorkel gear (mask and tube), SUP, and tapas, plus the boat cleanup and passenger/third-party insurance.

Also, the boat time is the product. You’re not buying a ticket to a generic viewpoint. You’re paying for the ability to actually sail, anchor, and swim.

So the best value is simple: book this when you can fill the boat with friends or family. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple and you have your heart set on sailing, it can still be worth it—but go in knowing it’s a private experience premium.

Logistics and what to bring (and what to skip)

There’s no hotel pickup, so you need to handle your own ride to Real Club Nautico de Palma. Comfortable clothes are the only explicit packing advice, and that’s all you really need. On deck time can mean sun and salt air, so dress for comfort first.

You should also know what’s not allowed: baby carriages, electric wheelchairs, and explosive substances. Not allowed items are basic safety rules, but they’re important if you’re traveling with gear or special situations.

And if you’re wondering who this is not suitable for: people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, people with epilepsy, people prone to seasickness, and people over 95 years. If any of those apply, you’ll want to look for a different format of tour.

Who this private sailing trip is best for

This is a strong choice for:

• Friends or families who want a private boat with real stops for swimming and snorkeling.
• People who want Spanish food on the water: tapas, local snacks, and drinks without needing to plan meals.
• Travelers who like an adult pace. It’s relaxed and more about the day than about being “entertained.”
• Groups where a mix of swimmers and non-swimmers can still enjoy the trip, since you can watch from the boat while others swim.

It’s not a great fit if you:

• Get seasick easily.
• Need wheelchair access or mobility support (and the trip isn’t designed for that).
• Prefer a large party vibe. This is private and small by design, so it’s intentionally not that.

Should you book this Palma sailing-and-tapas trip?

Book it if you’re spending time in Palma and you want a private sailing day that actually includes swimming, snorkeling options, and a proper tapas-and-drinks setup. It’s a particularly good fit if you can fill a group toward the eight-person limit and you want to trade crowded sightseeing for a calm bay experience.

Skip it if seasickness is a real issue for you, if mobility needs require accessibility features not offered here, or if you only want a strict, unchanging schedule.

If you’re unsure, the best sign is how the hosts act when conditions don’t look right—adapting for safety is part of the culture here. For many people, that’s the difference between a good tour and a day you feel genuinely satisfied with.

FAQ

How many people can be on the sailboat?

The private sailing yacht can host up to 8 people.

What boat are you sailing on?

You’ll sail on a Beneteau Oceanis 390.

What’s included for food and drinks?

Drinks are all-inclusive, including beer, wine, cava, and soft drinks, plus water all day. Tapas are included as part of the experience (with a different food format on the sunset tour).

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel mask and tube are included, and diving goggles and paddles are available on board.

Where do we meet for the trip?

The meeting point is Real Club Nautico de Palma, inside the harbor in front of Corb Marí Terraza (HJ8M+95).

How does half-day routing differ from full-day routing?

Half-day charters go in the direction of Cala Vella or Magaluf/Illetas depending on wind and weather, with an anchor stop for swimming. Full-day charters have time to sail to the Bay of Portals Vells, plus an anchor swimming stop.

You Might Also Enjoy

Alicante Wine Tasting and Tapas ClubLisbon: Romantic Cruise with Wine & Portuguese TapasBarcelona: Unique Sunset Sailing Tour with Tapas & Open BarBarcelona: Market, Tasty Tapas/Food and Gothic History Tour