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A white sailing catamaran anchored in a turquoise cove in the Bay of Palma, Mallorca, with swimmers in the water
Water Activities

Catamaran Mallorca: The 12 Best Catamaran Tours & Cruises Compared 2026

Written by: Spain Travel Insider Team Content Last Updated June 2026 13 min read
Price Range
€20–99
Per person
Duration
1.5–5.5 hrs
Most are 4–5 hrs
Best Time
May–Oct
Warm sea, sunset sails
Top Pick
From €59
Magic Catamaran 5-hr

Compare Mallorca's best catamaran tours and cruises side by side: cheap €20 sunset sails, half-day cruises with a BBQ lunch and swim stops, open-bar sailing trips, and private hire, with real prices, durations, and ratings.

What You Should Know

  • Most Mallorca catamaran trips fall into two camps: short 1.5 to 2-hour sunset sails from Palma at around €20 to €99, and half-day 4 to 5.5-hour cruises at €59 to €99 that add a BBQ or tapas lunch and two swim and snorkel stops in the island's coves.
  • Almost everything sails out of Palma and the Bay of Palma, with two useful alternatives elsewhere on the island: Port d'Alcúdia on the north coast and Colònia de Sant Jordi in the south, the gateway to the Es Trenc nature reserve.
  • The cheapest sunset sail is just €20, while the most-booked trip on the island is the €59 five-hour Magic Catamaran cruise with lunch, with more than 10,000 reviews; private-feeling small-group boats capped at 10 to 12 cost more, around €95 to €99, for far fewer people on board.
  • The biggest choice is food and crowd size, not the route: the coves and views are broadly similar across boats, so what you pay extra for is a smaller group, an open bar or full BBQ, and a sunset slot rather than a midday one.

Catamaran Tours in Mallorca

Looking for the best catamaran in Mallorca? The island's turquoise coves and the wide, sheltered Bay of Palma make it one of the Mediterranean's great sailing playgrounds, and a Mallorca catamaran trip is the easiest way to swap the crowded beaches for an anchor spot of your own. A catamaran tour, or boat excursion, takes you out on a big, stable sailing cat for a few hours of cruising, swimming, and snorkeling, usually with food and a bar on board. This guide compares the 12 most popular catamaran tours and cruises in Mallorca side by side on price, reviews, duration, and what is included, from a €20 sunset sail to a full-day cruise with a BBQ lunch and two swim stops, so you can match the right boat to your day.

Almost every catamaran in Mallorca sails from Palma and the Bay of Palma, with two scenic exceptions: the north-coast cruise from Port d'Alcúdia and the southern run from Colònia de Sant Jordi to the protected Es Trenc beaches. The biggest difference between them, in our view, is rarely the route: it comes down to length, the food and drinks on board, and how many people share the boat. If you would rather have the deck to yourselves, several of these operators also offer private catamaran hire in Mallorca for small groups and couples. To plan the rest of your trip, browse our full set of Mallorca travel guides, and if your route also takes in the mainland, see our Seville river cruise guide for another easy day on the water.

Our Top Pick

Magic Catamarans: 5-Hour Bay of Palma Cruise

From €59  ·  4.6 ⭐ (10,768 reviews)

By far the most-booked catamaran on the island: a 5-hour Bay of Palma cruise with a BBQ buffet, wine and sangria, and two swim and snorkel stops, from €59.

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Best Mallorca Catamaran Tours: Side-by-Side Comparison

Catamaran TourFromOnline RatingDurationDeparture PortFood & DrinksBest For
Most Booked
5-Hour Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Swim
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€59 ⭐ 4.6 (10,768 reviews)
Read Reviews
5 hrs Palma (Port of Palma) BBQ buffet, wine, sangria, soft drinks The best-value all-rounder, by far the most booked
Top Rated
Cueva Verde & Cala Vella Cruise with BBQ
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€93 ⭐ 4.7 (1,421 reviews)
Read Reviews
5.5 hrs Palma (Port of Palma) BBQ + dessert; bar (extra); paddleboards The longest day, with two coves and a green cave
Cheapest
Sunset Sailing Catamaran Trip with Drink
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€20 ⭐ 4.6 (721 reviews)
Read Reviews
1.5 hrs Palma 1 drink (cava, sangria, or soft drink) A quick, cheap sunset sail over the bay
Midday or Sunset Sailing with Open Bar
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€95 ⭐ 4.7 (856 reviews)
Read Reviews
4 hrs Palma (Club de Mar) Open bar + Mallorcan snacks; paddleboard An all-inclusive sail, midday or sunset
Deluxe Catamaran Tour with BBQ or Tapas
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€82 ⭐ 4.7 (465 reviews)
Read Reviews
4–4.5 hrs Palma BBQ (day) or tapas (sunset); bar (extra); SUP Choosing between a BBQ day or a tapas sunset
Luxury Catamaran Tour with Tapas & Welcome Drink
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€99 ⭐ 4.7 (441 reviews)
Read Reviews
4 hrs Palma (La Lonja Marina) Welcome drink + homemade tapas; SUP, snorkel A small-group sail capped at 10 to 12
2-Hour Sunset Cruise with Appetizers & Canapés
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€99 ⭐ 4.7 (233 reviews)
Read Reviews
2 hrs Palma Welcome drink + appetizers & canapés An intimate small-group sunset (max 12)
Luxury Catamaran Tour with Meal & DJ
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€85 ⭐ 4.5 (3,251 reviews)
Read Reviews
4–5 hrs Palma Gourmet buffet (veg/vegan) + premium bar; DJ A polished buffet cruise with a DJ on board
Daytime Fun Cruise with Swim Stop & Music
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€60 ⭐ 4.5 (925 reviews)
Read Reviews
4 hrs Palma (Barca Samba) Buffet lunch + 2 drinks; live DJ A young, lively party-boat atmosphere
Catamaran Cruise with Swimming & Snorkelling
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€40 ⭐ 4.3 (2,944 reviews)
Read Reviews
2 hrs S'Arenal, Palma Snorkel gear + vests; optional BBQ + 1 drink A short, cheap swim and snorkel cruise
Port d'Alcúdia: North Coast Cruise with Meal
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€68 ⭐ 4.5 (3,021 reviews)
Read Reviews
5 hrs Port d'Alcúdia (north) BBQ lunch or dinner on board The best cruise from the north of the island
Colònia de Sant Jordi: Cruise to Es Trenc
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€59 ⭐ 4.5 (1,801 reviews)
Read Reviews
5 hrs Colònia de Sant Jordi (south) BBQ lunch, cocktail, wine, sangria; snorkel The south coast and the Es Trenc nature reserve

ℹ️ All tours and information were personally reviewed by our team on June 22, 2026. Prices are shown in euros as listed by the operator and may change, so always confirm with the operator before booking.

Option 1 · Compare

Compare the Most Popular Catamaran Tours in Mallorca

From a €20 one-hour sunset sail to a €93 full-day BBQ cruise, three of Mallorca's most-booked catamaran trips compared side by side. Click any to see full details.

Option 2 · Book

Book the Most Popular Option Directly

Live availability for the most-booked trip, the 5-Hour Magic Catamaran Bay of Palma Cruise (4.6 from 10,768+ reviews). Pick your date below.

  • Free cancellation 24h
  • Reserve now & pay later
  • BBQ buffet lunch included
  • Two swim & snorkel stops
  • Wine, sangria & soft drinks included
  • Large shared catamaran, not a private boat

We may earn a commission on bookings made through this widget — at no extra cost to you.

What to Expect on a Mallorca Catamaran Tour

Whether you pick a €20 sunset sail or a full-day BBQ cruise, a Mallorca catamaran trip follows a simple, low-effort shape. Here is how a typical half-day cruise unfolds.

  1. 01At the pier

    Check-in and boarding

    You go directly to the marina rather than getting picked up. Find your operator's pier in Palma, Alcúdia, or Colònia de Sant Jordi, show your ticket on your phone, and board a few minutes before departure. Seating is open, so arriving early helps you grab a spot in the shade or on the nets.

  2. 02Departure

    Setting sail into the bay

    The catamaran motors or sails out of the marina and along the coast, with the Palma cathedral and the bay opening up behind you. This is the time for photos and a first drink as the crew points out the landmarks.

  3. 03Mid-trip

    First anchor stop: swim & snorkel

    The boat anchors in a sheltered cove such as Cala Vella, Portals Vells, or Es Trenc. This is the heart of the day: you jump in to swim, snorkel with the provided gear, or try the paddleboards. Most people don't realise the coves are similar across operators, so what you really pay extra for is a smaller crowd in the water with you.

  4. 04On board

    Lunch and the bar

    Back on deck, the crew serves the food: a BBQ buffet, tapas, or canapés depending on the trip, with wine, sangria, soft drinks, or a full open bar. The cheapest sunset sails skip the meal and include just one drink.

  5. 05Late afternoon

    Second cove or sunset cruise

    Longer cruises move to a second swim stop, while sunset trips turn back toward Palma for the golden hour, often with music or a DJ as the light drops over the bay.

  6. 06Back at the marina

    Return to port

    You return to the same pier, salty and sun-warmed, usually four to five and a half hours after you set off (or about 1.5 to 2 hours on the short sunset sails).

Our experience (book the sunset slot): The same route is transformed by timing. A late-afternoon or sunset departure gives you warm light over the Bay of Palma, a cooler deck, and far calmer water than a midday sail, for little or no extra cost on most boats.

Our experience (the value cruise covers the essentials): The €59 five-hour Magic Catamaran cruise is busy, but it includes the lunch, the drinks, and two swim stops that the pricier boats charge a premium for. We'd save the small-group and private sails for when a quiet deck matters as much as the coves.

Best Catamaran Tours in Mallorca

1

5-Hour Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Swim

The default Mallorca catamaran trip and by far the most booked, with more than 10,000 reviews at €59. Run by Magic Catamarans, it is a 5-hour Bay of Palma cruise leaving the Port of Palma at 10:00 or 15:30, with a BBQ buffet lunch, Mallorcan wine and sangria, and soft drinks all included, plus two anchor stops to swim and snorkel at coves like Cala Vella and Portals Vells. For a big, easy day on the water that covers food, swimming, and sailing without a premium price, this is the one most visitors take.

2

Cueva Verde & Cala Vella Cruise with BBQ

The highest-rated full-day trip here at 4.7, a 5.5-hour cruise on the Oasis catamaran from the Port of Palma at €93. You swim and snorkel at the Cueva Verde (Green Cave) and the Cala Vella nature reserve, paddleboard in the clear water, and eat a freshly prepared barbecue with appetizers and dessert. The boat is capped well below capacity for comfort, with a bar on board for extra drinks. We'd shortlist this if you want the longest day and the most coves rather than the cheapest seat.

3

Sunset Sailing Catamaran Trip with Drink

The cheapest way onto a catamaran in Mallorca at just €20, a 1.5-hour sunset sail into the Bay of Palma with one drink included, your choice of cava, a sangria cocktail, or a soft drink. You see Palma and its cathedral from the sea as the light drops, with music on board. There is no food and no swim stop, so it is a short, low-commitment evening sail rather than a full excursion, but at this price it is the easiest yes on the list.

4

Midday or Sunset Sailing with Open Bar

A 4-hour all-inclusive sail from Club de Mar at €95, with an open bar of cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks paired with Mallorcan snacks like ham, cheese, and olives. You choose a morning, midday, or sunset slot, and the boat carries a paddleboard, snorkel gear, and a swim platform for easy access to the sea. Best if you want the drinks and snacks flowing freely rather than a sit-down meal.

5

Deluxe Catamaran Tour with BBQ or Tapas

A flexible 4 to 4.5-hour cruise from Palma to Cala Vella at €82, where you pick the format: a daytime trip with an onboard BBQ and free paddle-surf gear, or a sunset version with a dinner of tapas and canapés as the sun goes down. The catamaran is kept to a maximum of 36 for comfort, with a bar running throughout. A good middle ground between the big party boats and the small private sails.

6

Luxury Catamaran Tour with Tapas & Welcome Drink

A small-group sail from La Lonja Marina at €99, capped at just 10 to 12 people on board, with a welcome drink and homemade tapas to share. You anchor in a quiet bay to swim, snorkel, and use the stand-up paddleboards, with extra wine, cocktails, or cava available to buy. We'd pick this when the calm of a near-private boat matters more than the price.

7

2-Hour Sunset Cruise with Appetizers & Canapés

A short, intimate sunset cruise at €99, kept to a maximum of 12 guests with a skipper and a dedicated hostess. You get a welcome drink of cava, wine, or a soft drink plus home-made appetizers and canapés, with unobstructed views of the Palma skyline and the cathedral (La Seu) from calm water. Best for couples or small groups who want the sunset and the service without a long day at sea.

8

Luxury Catamaran Tour with Meal & DJ

A polished 4 to 5-hour cruise from Palma to Cala Vella at €85, with a generous gourmet buffet (including vegetarian and vegan options), a premium bar, and a DJ setting the mood on board. You stop twice to swim and snorkel at Cala Vella and the Green Cave, and the afternoon departure folds in a Bay of Palma sunset. A step up in food and atmosphere from the standard lunch cruise.

9

Daytime Fun Cruise with Swim Stop & Music

The party option at €60, a 4-hour daytime cruise from Palma on Barca Samba with a live DJ, a buffet lunch, and two drinks included. After about an hour the anchor drops so you can jump straight off the boat into the Mediterranean to swim, then carry on dancing along the coast. A young, vibrant atmosphere, best for groups and travelers who want music and a swim more than a quiet sail.

10

Catamaran Cruise with Swimming & Snorkelling

The cheapest swim-and-snorkel cruise at €40, a 2-hour trip from the Arenal Nautical Club toward the protected Cap Enderrocat and Cala Vella areas, with about 90 minutes anchored for swimming and snorkeling (gear and life vests provided). A freshly cooked BBQ with one drink can be added if you want it. Its 4.3 rating is the lowest here and reflects a no-frills, high-volume operation, but for a short, inexpensive dip and snorkel it does the job.

11

Port d'Alcúdia: North Coast Cruise with Meal

The best catamaran cruise from the north of the island at €68, a 5-hour trip from Port d'Alcúdia along the dramatic north coast with a BBQ lunch on the morning sailing or a BBQ dinner on the afternoon one. The boat is large and wheelchair accessible with an English and Spanish-speaking crew. Ideal if you are staying around Alcúdia, Pollença, or the northeast and don't want to drive to Palma.

12

Colònia de Sant Jordi: Cruise to Es Trenc

A 5-hour Magic Catamaran cruise from Colònia de Sant Jordi in the south at €59, sailing to the Caribbean-like Es Trenc and Es Cargol beaches in the island's protected nature reserve. It includes a BBQ lunch, a welcome cocktail, regional wine and sangria, plus snorkel gear and a giant floating mat. The best choice if you are based in the south and want the island's clearest, most pristine water.

Where Mallorca Catamarans Sail: Ports and Coves

Most catamaran excursions in Mallorca cover one of three coastlines, depending on where they depart. Knowing the launch points helps you pick a boat close to where you are staying. Most people don't realize how much the cross-island drive matters: a north-coast or southern departure can save a long transfer if you are not based near Palma.

  • Bay of Palma (Palma): The busiest hub by far, with boats leaving from the Port of Palma, La Lonja Marina, Club de Mar, and the Arenal Nautical Club. Cruises head along the bay to sheltered coves like Cala Vella, Portals Vells, and the Cueva Verde (Green Cave), with the Palma cathedral as a backdrop on the way out.
  • North coast (Port d'Alcúdia): The cruise from Alcúdia sails the rugged north coast, a good base if you are staying around Alcúdia, Pollença, or the northeast and want to avoid the drive to Palma.
  • South coast (Colònia de Sant Jordi): The southern departure runs to the protected Es Trenc and Es Cargol beaches, often called the most Caribbean-like water on the island, inside a marine nature reserve.

Wherever you sail, the day follows the same rhythm: a stretch of cruising under sail or motor, one or two anchor stops to swim and snorkel in a cove, and food and drinks served on board. From what we've seen in reviews, the scenery differs more by coast than by operator, so if a specific stretch of coastline appeals to you, we'd choose your departure port first and the boat second.

Catamaran Tours from Palma de Mallorca

If you only look in one place for a catamaran in Mallorca, make it Palma. The vast majority of catamaran tours in Mallorca depart from Palma de Mallorca, and for good reason: the city sits at the head of the wide, sheltered Bay of Palma, it is a short hop from the airport and the main resort strip, and its marinas pack in more daily sailings than anywhere else on the island. For most visitors, a Palma catamaran tour is the obvious starting point, and the choice of boats here is far wider than at any other port.

Catamarans leave from several points along the Palma waterfront, so it helps to know which marina your boat uses before the day arrives:

  • Port of Palma (Auditorium pier): The main departure point, on the Passeig Marítim in front of the Auditorium. The most-booked 5-hour cruise and several BBQ day trips sail from here.
  • La Lonja Marina: A central old-town marina used by the small-group luxury tapas sail, a few minutes' walk from the cathedral.
  • Club de Mar: The marina just west of the commercial port, home to the open-bar sailing trips.
  • Arenal Nautical Club: Further east toward S'Arenal, the launch point for the cheaper short swim-and-snorkel cruises.

The best catamaran tours from Palma cover every style of day. For value and sheer popularity, the 5-hour Bay of Palma cruise with a BBQ buffet and two swim stops is the one most people book, and it is our overall pick. For a calmer, near-private feel, the small-group tapas sail from La Lonja is capped at 10 to 12 people, while the open-bar sailing trip from Club de Mar leans all-inclusive. All of them run the same sheltered bay out toward coves like Cala Vella, Portals Vells, and the Cueva Verde, so the difference between a Palma catamaran tour and its neighbour is the boat and the inclusions, not the scenery.

Palma is also the best base for a sunset sail. The short 1.5-hour sunset trip with a drink is the cheapest way onto the water at €20, and the small-group 2-hour sunset cruise with canapés is the more polished option, both leaving from the Palma waterfront with the cathedral lit up behind you. We'd book a Palma sunset slot over a midday one whenever the schedule allows: the light over the bay is better and the deck is cooler. For the full rundown of evening options, see the sunset section below.

Best Sunset Catamaran Cruises in Mallorca

A sunset catamaran cruise in Mallorca is the most popular way to sail the island, when the heat of the day drops, the Bay of Palma turns gold, and the cathedral lights up from the water. Most operators run an evening sailing, but a few are built specifically around the sunset, and they range from a cheap short sail to an upscale small-group cruise. Here are the sunset catamaran cruises we'd shortlist, from least to most expensive.

  • Sunset Sailing Trip with Drink (€20, 1.5 hrs): The cheapest way to catch the sunset from a catamaran, a short sail into the Bay of Palma with one drink included, your choice of cava, a sangria cocktail, or a soft drink. There is no food and no swim stop, but at this price it is the easiest sunset on the island, best for a quick, low-commitment evening sail.
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise with Appetizers and Canapés (€99, 2 hrs): The polished pick, an intimate cruise capped at 12 guests with a skipper and a hostess, a welcome drink, and home-made appetizers and canapés served as the light fades. The small group and the personal service are what you pay the premium for, with unobstructed views of the Palma skyline. Best for couples and small groups who want the sunset and the service without a long day.
  • Midday or Sunset Sailing with Open Bar (€95, 4 hrs): The all-inclusive option, a 4-hour sail from Club de Mar with an open bar of cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks plus Mallorcan snacks, bookable as a sunset slot. A swim platform, paddleboard, and snorkel gear come too, so this is the sunset cruise that doubles as a full afternoon on the water. Best if you want unlimited drinks and a swim with your sunset.
  • Deluxe and DJ sunset options: Two day cruises also run an afternoon-into-sunset version. The Deluxe Catamaran Tour (€82) swaps its daytime BBQ for a sunset dinner of tapas and canapés, and the Luxury Catamaran Tour with a DJ (€85) folds a Bay of Palma sunset into its afternoon departure. Both suit a longer, livelier evening than the short sails.

Whichever you pick, the sunset slots fill up first in July and August, so book a day or two ahead for a weekend evening. In our experience the sunset sail is worth choosing even in peak season: the light, the temperature on deck, and the overall atmosphere are meaningfully better than a midday departure, usually for little or no extra cost on the boats that offer both.

Best Time for a Catamaran Tour in Mallorca

Catamaran season in Mallorca runs roughly from May to October, when the sea is warm enough to swim and the boats sail daily, often several times a day. What typically happens is the boats sail all summer, so timing is mostly about heat, water temperature, and how busy the island is rather than whether the boats run at all.

PeakJun–Aug

The warmest sea and the most reliable sunshine, but also the busiest and priciest time on the island. Boats sell out on popular sunset slots, so book a day or two ahead, and favour an early or sunset departure to dodge the midday heat.

ShoulderMay, Sep–Oct

Our pick: still-warm water, comfortable deck temperatures, smaller crowds, and easier last-minute availability. Late September and early October keep the sea warm from the summer while the island quiets down.

Off-seasonNov–Apr

Many catamaran trips pause or run a reduced winter schedule, and the sea is cold for swimming. A short sightseeing or sunset sail is still possible on mild days, but the full swim-and-BBQ cruises are a summer experience.

Whatever the month, we'd aim for a late-afternoon or sunset departure: it is the best light over the Bay of Palma and the coolest, calmest time to be on deck.

How Much Does a Catamaran Tour in Mallorca Cost?

A catamaran tour in Mallorca costs about €20 to €40 per person for a short sunset or swim cruise, €59 to €85 for a half-day trip with a BBQ or buffet lunch and swim stops, and €93 to €99 for the longest or most exclusive small-group sails. The price climbs mainly with the food, the open bar, and how few people share the boat, not with the route. Most people don't realize the jump from the €59 cruise to the €95 boats mainly buys a smaller group and an open bar, not better coves or views.

Budget€20–40

A short sail with little or no food. The 1.5-hour sunset trip with one drink is €20, and the 2-hour swim-and-snorkel cruise is €40. Great for a quick taste of the bay without committing to a full day.

Mid-range€59–85

The sweet spot: a half-day cruise with lunch. The most-booked 5-hour Magic Catamaran cruise with a BBQ buffet is €59, the north-coast and Es Trenc cruises are €59 to €68, and the luxury DJ buffet cruise is €85.

Premium€93–99

The longest day or the smallest boat. The 5.5-hour Cueva Verde BBQ cruise is €93, the open-bar sail is €95, and the small-group tapas sails capped at 10 to 12 are €99.

For most travelers, the €59 five-hour cruise with lunch and two swim stops delivers the best mix of sailing, food, and value, with the €95 to €99 small-group and open-bar boats worth the step up only if a quieter deck or unlimited drinks matter to you. What changes the price most is food and crowd size, since the coves and views are similar across boats.

Private Catamaran Hire and Charter in Mallorca

If you would rather not share the deck with strangers, private catamaran hire in Mallorca is straightforward and increasingly popular. A private catamaran charter means the whole boat is yours: your group, your pace, your music, and your choice of which coves to anchor in, with a skipper and usually a hostess or crew running the day for you. Private sailing in Mallorca is the natural step up from the shared cruises for families, groups of friends, couples celebrating something, or anyone who simply wants room to breathe on the water rather than competing for a spot on the nets.

You do not have to look far to find it. Several of the operators in our comparison already run small-group or fully private sails, so a private catamaran in Palma is easy to arrange. The 10-to-12-person luxury tapas sail from La Lonja and the 12-guest sunset cruise both feel close to private even on a shared booking, and many of the same operators will quote exclusive use of the boat for a half or full day on request. When you enquire, ask specifically about a private charter rather than per-seat tickets, since the two are priced very differently.

What a private charter includes

Catamaran charter in Mallorca is normally priced per boat rather than per person, for a set window such as a half day of around three to four hours or a full day of around six to eight hours. A typical charter includes the skipper and fuel, soft drinks and water, and the use of snorkel gear, paddleboards, and a swim platform. Food and alcohol are sometimes included and sometimes added on, so it is worth confirming exactly what the headline price covers before you book. Boats range from large, stable sailing catamarans to faster motor cats, and the bigger the boat, the larger the group it can comfortably carry, so match the vessel to your numbers.

Because you are paying for the whole boat, private hire makes the most sense for a group. Split between six or eight people, a half-day charter can land close to the per-person cost of a premium shared cruise, but with none of the crowding and all of the flexibility. For two people, the maths rarely works as well, and a shared small-group sail is usually the better value.

Where private catamarans sail from

Most private charters leave from Palma and the Bay of Palma, the same sheltered water as the shared trips, anchoring in coves like Cala Vella, Portals Vells, and the Cueva Verde. Charters also run from Port d'Alcúdia in the north and from Colònia de Sant Jordi in the south toward the protected Es Trenc beaches, so you can match a private boat to whichever coast you are based on and skip a long cross-island drive. A private sunset charter is the most requested of all, pairing the golden hour over Palma with a boat to yourselves.

Who private hire suits best

We'd choose a private charter over a shared cruise when the group is the whole point. A family with young children gets space, shade, and a flexible schedule that the busy day boats cannot offer. A milestone birthday, hen party, or work group gets its own bar, music, and route. A couple after a genuinely quiet, romantic sail gets the deck and the sunset without thirty other passengers. In each case, the value is not just exclusivity but control: you decide how long to swim, where to anchor, and when to head back.

Is private catamaran hire worth it?

The main tradeoff is cost and a little extra planning. You pay for the whole boat and usually need to book further ahead, especially for weekend and sunset slots in July and August. In return you gain a calmer day, your own itinerary, and far more time on the paddleboards and in the water than a shared boat allows. Our take: for a group of six or more, a private catamaran charter in Mallorca is often the smarter buy, while solo travelers and couples on a budget are better served by the small-group sails in our comparison above.

A catamaran trip also pairs well with the rest of a Mallorca day. Most Palma departures finish back in the marina by mid or late afternoon, leaving the evening for tapas in the old town or a stroll around the cathedral and La Lonja. To plan the rest of your stay, browse our Mallorca travel guides, from a sea-cave kayak tour and a dolphin watching trip to a Mallorca wine tour, and if your trip also takes in southern Spain, compare a relaxed Seville river cruise for another easy day on the water.

From Our Experience

In our experience the single biggest factor in how much you enjoy a Mallorca catamaran day is boat size, not the route or the food: the small-group boats capped at 10 to 12 feel calm and uncrowded, while the big high-capacity cruises can feel packed, so if comfort matters, it is worth paying up for fewer people on board.

Tips for Your Mallorca Catamaran Tour

  • Pick your departure port first: Sail from Palma for the most choice, from Port d'Alcúdia if you are in the north, or from Colònia de Sant Jordi for the clear water at Es Trenc. Choosing the coast before the boat saves a long cross-island drive.
  • The value cruise covers the essentials: The €59 five-hour cruise includes lunch, drinks, and two swim stops. Step up to the €95 to €99 boats only if a smaller group or an open bar matters as much as the coves.
  • Aim for the sunset slot: The last couple of hours before sunset give the best light, the coolest deck, and the calmest sea, especially in the July and August heat.
  • Bring the basics: The decks are open, so pack sun protection, a hat, and a light layer for an evening sail. Most boats provide snorkel gear, but a reef-safe sunscreen and a towel are worth bringing.
  • Confirm what the meal and bar include: Some trips include a full BBQ and drinks, others a single welcome drink with the bar charging extra. Check the inclusions before you book so the price reflects what you actually get.
  • Book ahead in peak season: From June to August the popular sunset and lunch cruises fill up, so reserve a day or two in advance, especially for weekend departures.
  • Choose a small boat for calm, a party boat for energy: The 10-to-12-person sails are quiet and personal; the DJ and daytime-party cruises are lively and social. Match the boat to the mood you want. On the big high-capacity boats, the shaded seats, the bow nets, and the shared paddleboards go fast, so board early if you want a good spot.
  • Bring your own snorkel mask if you care about it: Most boats lend snorkel gear, but the loaner masks are basic and some fit or seal poorly, so pack your own if snorkeling is a priority.
  • Check what "drinks included" actually covers: The lunch cruises usually include wine, sangria, and soft drinks with the meal, but the bar charges extra for cocktails on many boats. Confirm the inclusions so the price reflects what you'll actually drink.
  • Flag dietary needs before you book: The onboard BBQ buffets are meat-led, and vegetarian, vegan, or allergy options can be thin. Most operators can accommodate special diets if you tell them in advance, so confirm rather than assume.
  • Mind the kids and the swell: The big stable catamarans handle the bay's light chop well, but if anyone is prone to seasickness, a shorter sunset sail or a calm-morning departure is the gentler choice.

Why You Can Trust This Guide

We reviewed more than 50 Mallorca catamaran and boat excursions across GetYourGuide, Viator, and operator websites to build this guide, analyzing review volume, star ratings, inclusions, departure ports, group sizes, and value for money rather than marketing claims. We focus on the factors that actually shape your day on the water: how crowded the boat gets, what the meal and drinks really include, where it departs from, and whether the price matches the experience. Where the picture was mixed, we read across multiple platforms and recent reviews to find the real pattern instead of relying on a single source or a single glowing testimonial. Our recommendations are independent. We are not paid to feature any individual operator, and the comparison reflects the pricing, ratings, and traveler feedback as we found them, so you can book the boat that fits your group and budget with confidence.

How We Selected These Tours

The Spain Travel Insider team built this list around what actually matters on a Mallorca catamaran day: a reliable departure near where you are staying, clear coves for swimming and snorkeling, and honest inclusions for the price, whether that is a single sunset drink or a full BBQ with an open bar. Every catamaran here is a verified, bookable listing with a strong rating and a real volume of recent reviews. We left out boats with thin feedback, vague departure points, or unclear food and drink inclusions, which matter most on the cruises that charge for a meal. We also spread the picks across the ways people sail in Mallorca: cheap short sunset trips, half-day cruises with lunch and swim stops, open-bar and DJ boats, small-group and near-private sails, and departures from the north and south coasts as well as Palma, so there is a fit whatever your base and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best catamaran tour in Mallorca?+

For most visitors, the 5-Hour Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Swim is the best all-round choice and by far the most booked, with over 10,000 reviews at €59, including a BBQ buffet, drinks, and two swim stops. For a higher rating and a longer day, the 4.7-rated Cueva Verde & Cala Vella BBQ cruise is the best-reviewed full-day option.

How much does a catamaran trip in Mallorca cost?+

A Mallorca catamaran tour costs about €20 to €40 per person for a short sunset or swim cruise, €59 to €85 for a half-day trip with a BBQ or buffet lunch and swim stops, and €93 to €99 for the longest cruises or small-group sails. The price rises mainly with the food, the open bar, and how few people share the boat.

Where do catamaran tours in Mallorca depart from?+

Most catamarans sail from Palma and the Bay of Palma, leaving from the Port of Palma, La Lonja Marina, Club de Mar, and the Arenal Nautical Club. Two trips depart elsewhere on the island: a north-coast cruise from Port d'Alcúdia and a southern cruise to Es Trenc from Colònia de Sant Jordi.

How long is a catamaran cruise in Mallorca?+

Most half-day catamaran cruises in Mallorca last about 4 to 5.5 hours, including the sailing, one or two swim and snorkel stops, and a meal on board. Short sunset sails and swim-only cruises run about 1.5 to 2 hours. Several operators let you choose a midday or sunset departure.

Can you hire a private catamaran in Mallorca?+

Yes. Several operators offer private catamaran hire in Mallorca for couples and small groups, and a few of the tours here are already small-group sails capped at 10 to 12 people, which feel close to private. Many crews will quote a fully private half or full-day charter on request, with your own pace and anchor stops.

Is there a sunset catamaran cruise in Mallorca?+

Yes. Most operators run late-afternoon and sunset sailings, which are the most scenic and the coolest time on deck. The cheapest is a 1.5-hour sunset sail with one drink at €20, while small-group sunset cruises with tapas or canapés and an open-bar option offer a more upscale evening.

What should I bring on a Mallorca catamaran tour?+

Bring sun protection, a hat, sunglasses, a towel, and a light layer for an evening sail, since the decks are open. Most boats provide snorkel gear, paddleboards, and life vests. Check whether your trip includes a meal and drinks or just a welcome drink, so you can plan accordingly.

When is the best time of year for a catamaran in Mallorca?+

Catamaran season runs from May to October, when the sea is warm enough to swim. June to August has the warmest water but the biggest crowds, while May, September, and early October offer warm water with smaller crowds and easier booking. Many trips pause or run a reduced schedule from November to April.

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