Would you like to book a catamaran trip in Mallorca? The choice is great and it is sometimes difficult to navigate among the many possible offers. In this article, we will try to see more clearly in this wide choice of possible catamaran excursions in Mallorca.
During my stay on the island, I had the chance to go on a catamaran trip from Palma to watch the sunset at sea. An excursion that I tell you about in this article and of which I have very good memories.
To find out more about "What to do in Mallorca?" I invite you to read my dedicated article.
Summary:
- Mallorca Catamaran Trip: Many Choices
- Zoom in on the Sunset Catamaran Tour from Palma
- Some tips for your catamaran trip in Mallorca
- My opinion on the catamaran trip from Palma
This link allows you to book a catamaran cruise directly from Palma. Book your cruise
Mallorca Catamaran Trip: Many Choices
If you go to one of the many sites where it is possible to book a catamaran trip in Mallorca, you will see that the choice available to you is impressive. There are countless combinations of catamaran excursions in Mallorca which differ in many respects: place of departure, type of cruise, time of departure, meals included or not, possible activities on the boat, etc.
Departure points for catamaran excursions in Mallorca:
- Palma :
Majorca's capital and the island's largest city, many catamaran cruises depart from Palma. Cruises in the bay of Palma are offered. - Tora Paguera / Santa Ponsa:
Two seaside resorts located about twenty kilometers west of Palma. Dolphin-watching cruises depart from these locations. - Port Alcudia / Port Pollensa :
Located in the North-East of Majorca, these cruises are in the direction of the Formentor peninsula.
Catamaran cruise from Palma
First of all, let's start with the catamaran cruises from the port of Palma.
All catamaran cruises from Palma depart from the “Estación Marítima De Tráfico”, located on Avinguda de Gabriel Roca. You can type in your GPS: Paseo Maritimo.
There are different companies offering catamaran excursions:
- Catamaran attraction (which we will talk about below)
- Magic Catamaran
- Oasis Catamaran
There are four types of cruises from Palma
- The most popular catamaran cruise from Palma is the cruise to Cala Vella or Portals Vells. The first of these places is located west of Palma, the other to the east.
The direction of the cruise will depend on the wind direction on the day of the cruise.
These catamaran cruises last approximately 4 to 5 hours. They include the trip to one of the two places mentioned above, a swimming and snorkeling stop, then a meal, before returning to Palma. The cruises take place aboard a large catamaran that can carry around 80 people.
Two companies offer this type of cruise, Magic Catamarans and Attraction Catamaran.
There is a variant to these cruises: the cruise at the end of the day to watch the sunset in the Bay of Palma. We will talk about this last cruise in more detail below since I had the chance to test it.
The prices for these cruises are around 55€. You can book these catamaran excursions online by clicking here.
- Another catamaran cruise is carried out by Oasis Catamaran, a more "upscale" cruise than the previous ones.
This cruise takes place in small numbers, aboard a smaller catamaran and lasts about 5 hours. Different stops are made in Cueva Verde or Illetas. Swimming stops are planned, then different meals will be offered. Iberian charcuterie accompanied by cheese followed by a barbecue accompanied by wine.
During the cruise various activities are planned such as snorkeling, Paddle or Kayaking. - Another possibility is a cruise in a small boat (not a catamaran) which will allow you to discover, during a short one-hour cruise, the surroundings of Palma, its port, the bay of Palma with its cathedral, its castle and the Fort San Carlos. The price for this small cruise from Palma is much more attractive, around 12€, but also much shorter. The cruise does not include a swim stop or meal.
If you want to know more about this cruise in the Bay of Palma, it's here! - If you are more of a fan of sailboats, know that it is also possible to take a cruise, not by catamaran, but aboard a 12m long sailboat off the bay of Palma. An excursion of about 4 hours that will take you to Cala Vella to enjoy a swim / snorkel stop and then a picnic. The sailboat cruise costs around €90 and can be booked online.
Catamaran cruise from Tora Paguera or Santa Ponsa
Besides Palma, many catamaran cruises are offered from two places close to each other: Tora Paguera and Santa Ponsa. The proximity of these places means that the vast majority of catamaran excursions make a stop in these two ports in order to embark. These places are seaside resorts located about 20 kilometers west of Palma. These cruises are very popular since they take tourists to contemplate some of the most beautiful coves and beaches of the island but also to discover the marine fauna of the region.
- Dolphin Watching Cruise:
The marine fauna around Mallorca is incredible. Fish but also dolphins are visible around Majorca. If you want to know more about this marine fauna, you can take an observation cruise aboard a glass-bottom boat. You will be able to observe common dolphins, Risso's dolphins, beaked dolphins or even white dolphins. - Cruise to discover the nature reserve of the Malgrats Islands:
If you are passionate about marine wildlife, then a catamaran cruise in the Malgrats Islands nature reserve might be of interest to you. A cruise of about 3 hours that will allow you to swim in the crystal clear waters of Mallorca and to do snorkeling sessions. - Cruise to Sa Dragonera Island:
Take the sea towards the island of Sa Dragonera and its nature reserve. An excursion of about 5 hours with meals included that will allow you to enjoy the fauna and flora of the natural park. Discover the island's beaches and caves and enjoy the turquoise water surrounding the island. - Cruise to discover the caves, cliffs and beaches of the South West coast of the island:
Go on an excursion of about 2 hours to discover the southwest coast of Majorca, its natural caves, its beaches and its coves. Swimming and snorkeling possible during the cruise.
Catamaran cruise from Port Alcudia or Port Pollensa
Located on the other side of Majorca, the region of Formentor, Alcudia and Pollensa is also ideal for catamaran cruises. Indeed, activities in the direction of the Formentor peninsula are organized but also to meet the dolphins and the caves of the region. Most cruises depart from the port of Alcudia or that of Pollensa.
- Sunrise cruise and dolphin watching:
One of the proposed cruises will have the objective of observing dolphins at sunrise. 2 hours of cruising to contemplate the magnificent landscapes of the North-East coast of Majorca and its marine fauna. - Cruise + bus tour to the Formentor peninsula:
If you want to discover the highlights of the Formentor peninsula, then it is possible to combine a cruise from the port of Pollensa to Formentor and a bus tour that will take you to the famous Mirador Es Colomer, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the region. Also enjoy a relaxing break on the beautiful beach of Formentor. - Cruise to discover the coasts of the Llevant Natural Park:
Embark on a cruise of about 3 hours to discover the coast of the Llevant Natural Park, its cliffs, coves and caves. You can also take the opportunity to go swimming and snorkeling.
Zoom in on the Sunset Catamaran Tour from Palma
I will now tell you more about the cruise I did: the catamaran cruise, departing from Palma, to watch the sunset in the bay.
The excursion begins at the end of the afternoon, around 17 p.m., not far from the Estación Marítima De Tráfico.
On arrival on the catamaran, we discover that an area of the boat (the most interesting), the nets at the front of the boat, is not accessible with basic tickets, you have to add a supplement to have it access. The place is limited in place to 8 people (on each side).
The catamaran is impressive in size and can accommodate nearly 100 people.
Departure around 17:30 p.m. towards Cala Vella where we will drop anchor for a one-hour break. The place is magnificent, it is possible to swim, snorkel but also climb the cliffs for a short coastering session (cliff jumping).
Masks and snorkels are provided by the crew.
After an hour, return to the boat. A meal is served to us: a buffet with a relatively wide choice of dishes: chicken wings, potatoes, salad, etc.
The beginning of the meal sounds the time to resume the direction of Palma, the sun begins to set. We will witness the sunset, truly magnificent, during our return journey.
The arrival in Palma is at nightfall. The excursion lasts approximately 4 hours in total.
Some tips for your catamaran trip in Mallorca
Here are some tips to make the most of your catamaran cruise. First of all, find out where your catamaran, sailboat or boat is starting from.
As for things to take away, don't forget, of course, your swimsuit, your sunglasses or even sunscreen. It is possible to bring food and drink, although most cruises offer a snack or even a full meal with drinks.
If you have one, take your mask and snorkel. Again, most cruises allow you to rent this equipment, or even enjoy it for free.
Don't forget your towel either, so you can dry off once your swim is over.
If you are sensitive to seasickness, I advise you to take (about 1 hour before departure) medicine against seasickness. The catamaran does not move particularly but depending on the weather and the swell, it may be that this is the case.
My opinion on the catamaran trip from Palma
During my trip to Majorca, I opted for this catamaran excursion from Palma and more precisely the cruise leaving from Palma at the end of the afternoon in order to watch the sunset in the bay of Palma. My overall opinion for this cruise is quite positive. The landscapes are beautiful, the sunset really breathtaking and the possibility of swimming, snorkeling or even jumping from the top of the nearby cliffs is a plus.
However, I did not like the activities on the catamaran less. The buffet, the extra to pay to be able to enjoy the front of the catamaran (nets) and the size of the catamaran (with nearly 80 people) are a bit frustrating.
An ideal activity to do with friends or with children, a little less as a couple.
