Mallorca: 3.5-Hour Boat Trip with Swimming and Snorkeling

Clear water, open sea, easy fun. Mallorca’s 3.5-hour catamaran trip takes you along the southwest coast toward protected marine areas, where you can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and enjoy the views without arranging a boat yourself. I like the two swimming stops and the chance to visit waters connected with two Natural Marine Reserves. I also like the generous deck space, onboard restroom, and two bars for drinks and snacks.

The main catch is that this is a popular shared cruise, not a quiet private outing. Some departures can feel crowded, and outside seating may not cover every passenger. The water at the swimming points can also be deep, so this suits confident swimmers more than anyone hoping to inspect a shallow reef.

At a glance: the details that matter

• Two swimming and snorkeling stops: You may have around 80 minutes in the water in total, depending on the route and sea conditions.
• Southwest Mallorca views: The boat travels along the coast toward protected waters and marine reserves, with coves and island scenery along the way.
• $40 price point: The fare covers the cruise, restroom, and use of masks and snorkels with a €20 deposit. Food and drinks cost extra.
• Two onboard bars: Beer, sangria, and other refreshments are available for purchase during the trip.
• Route depends on the sea: The captain can change the plan because of wind, waves, or other conditions.
• Not fully accessible: The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

Leaving Mallorca’s southwest coast by catamaran

The trip begins at a meeting point that depends on the option you book. Check the exact departure location carefully, since it may not be the same for every booking choice. The boat returns to that same meeting point at the end.

Once aboard, you can settle into a long, relaxed stretch at sea. The catamaran has a sundeck for sunbathing, indoor and outdoor areas, a restroom, and two bars. You can buy drinks and food onboard, but they are not part of the $40 ticket.

The atmosphere is casual and social. This is not a small sailing boat where every passenger gets a quiet corner. It is a larger shared cruise, and the most popular outdoor spots can fill quickly. If sitting outside matters to you, arrive ready to claim a place rather than assuming the whole boat will have open deck seating.

The ride itself is part of the appeal. You get a broad view of Mallorca’s southwest shore, and the slow pace gives you time to relax between swims. One departure may include coach transport to the port, and that can add roughly two hours to the total outing because of pickup and drop-off stops. The advertised boat activity lasts 3.5 hours, but check the exact option if transportation is included.

The first swim: clear water, but not a shallow reef

The captain takes the boat toward protected waters and marine reserve areas. These zones are valuable because boat access and marine activity receive more care than in an ordinary open-water stop, though the precise location can change with conditions.

When the boat reaches a swimming point, you can enter the sea for a swim or use the provided mask and snorkel. The water is described as clear, and you may see fish below the surface. Still, do not picture a shallow coral garden. The swimming areas can be quite deep, and the seabed is not always close enough for detailed viewing.

That distinction matters. If your main goal is to examine colorful fish at close range, bring realistic expectations. The gear provided is sufficient for a quick look, but some equipment may not fit or seal perfectly. Bringing your own mask and snorkel can improve the experience if underwater viewing is important to you.

For a confident swimmer, the deep water is no problem. You can enjoy the freedom of swimming from a boat, with open sea all around. If you are uneasy in deep water, ask about the conditions before jumping in and remain close to the boat.

Bring your own towel and swimwear. Biodegradable sunscreen is requested, a sensible rule in protected coastal waters. Apply it before boarding and reapply after swimming, since three and a half hours in the Mallorcan sun can catch you off guard.

The second stop and the value of the marine reserves

Many departures include two snorkeling or swimming stops. That gives you a better chance of finding water you enjoy, especially since wind and waves can affect visibility at the first location.

The second stop may be the highlight for anyone who simply loves being in the sea. Several people have enjoyed about 80 minutes of total swimming time, which is a fair amount for a half-day cruise. You are not rushed back aboard after a quick five-minute dip.

The stops also break up the boat ride. Without them, the trip would be mostly a coastal cruise with time on deck. With them, you get two different ways to use the afternoon: look for fish with the snorkel, or forget the equipment and just swim.

The marine reserve setting adds interest, but the experience remains a simple recreational outing. You are not taking a guided marine biology tour, and the guide does not promise a certain species or underwater sight. The captain chooses the route according to the sea, so one departure may reach a different cove or reserve area than another.

That flexibility is necessary in Mallorca. Wind can make one anchorage unpleasant while another remains calm. A changed route is not automatically a problem, but it does mean you should treat the listed stops as a plan rather than a guarantee.

Views, sangria, and a practical onboard setup

The boat’s two bars make the trip easy. You can buy cold beer, sangria, soft drinks, and snacks without packing a full picnic. Prices for the food and drinks are not supplied, but the onboard food and drink have been described as good value on some departures.

The bars are useful for another reason: they let you stay comfortable after swimming. You can dry off on deck, order a drink, and watch Mallorca pass by instead of rushing through the next activity.

Sangria is a popular choice on this cruise, but alcohol is optional. Do not bring your own alcohol, since alcohol and drugs are not allowed as personal items. Glass objects are also prohibited, so pack drinks in plastic or leave them at home.

The catamaran has a restroom, which is a small but important comfort on a 3.5-hour trip. You will not need to wait for the next port if you need a break from the sun or sea.

Views are one of the strongest reasons to book. You see parts of the southwest coast from a different angle, including coves and open stretches of water that are difficult to appreciate from a road. If you are staying near Palma or one of the southwest resorts, this provides a low-effort way to reach the coast without renting a car.

Is $40 a fair price?

At $40 per person, this is a reasonably priced half-day activity if you want several things in one outing: a boat ride, coastal views, two water stops, snorkeling equipment, and access to onboard facilities.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise need to arrange a boat rental, find swimming coves, and organize snorkeling gear separately. Here, the transport on the water, basic equipment, and route planning are handled for you.

The ticket does not cover drinks or food, so leave room in your budget for the bar. There is also a €20 deposit for the mask and snorkel. That deposit is separate from the ticket and should be planned for when you collect the equipment.

The value is weaker if you want a small group, guaranteed outdoor seating, or a long, guided snorkeling session. A private boat would offer more control, but it would cost much more. This cruise is best seen as an affordable shared sea outing, not a luxury yacht charter.

Some departures include coach pickup and drop-off. That can make the day easier, especially if you do not have a car, but the extra stops can stretch the total outing. One reported schedule included a long bus ride and several passenger drop-offs. Check your chosen option so you know if the 3.5 hours refers only to the boat portion.

Crowds, seating, and the points that may frustrate you

The boat is spacious, but spacious does not mean unlimited outdoor seating. On a busy sailing, not everyone may find a seat outside with a clear view. You could spend part of the trip in a less desirable position, especially if you board after a pickup or take your time getting settled.

The cruise can also feel longer than expected. Three and a half hours is pleasant for someone who likes a slow afternoon at sea. It may feel excessive if you are ready to return after the second swim. One option that includes transportation can reach five hours overall, with coach travel taking a notable part of the day.

Snorkeling equipment is another mixed point. Masks and snorkels are supplied, but you pay a €20 deposit, and not every mask or snorkel will necessarily work perfectly for every face. If you own reliable gear and have luggage space, bring it.

Jellyfish are a normal possibility in Mediterranean water. One particularly unfortunate swim included a jellyfish sting. The lesson is simple: pay attention before entering, and ask the crew about current conditions. Do not let the possibility ruin the swim, but do not assume the sea is completely free of surprises.

The crew receives strong praise for being friendly, helpful, and organized. That matters on a shared boat, where clear instructions and a good attitude can make the difference between a relaxed trip and a confusing one. A souvenir photo may also be offered for purchase, but it is optional and not included.

Who will enjoy this Mallorca boat trip most?

I would recommend it to you if you want an easy way to spend half a day on the sea and care more about swimming, views, and relaxation than specialist snorkeling.

It works especially well for:

• Couples who want a simple coastal outing
• Families with confident swimmers
• Friends looking for a social boat day
• Visitors without a rental car
• Anyone who likes sunbathing mixed with short active breaks
• People who want to see the southwest coast from offshore

You should think twice if you need step-free access, use a wheelchair, or have limited mobility. The activity is specifically not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

It is also a poor match if you dislike crowds or need a quiet, private setting. The boat may be busy, and outside seats are not guaranteed for everyone.

For snorkel fans, I would book it only if you are happy with open-water viewing. The water can be clear, but the stops may be deep and may not offer much to see below the surface. This is a swim-first cruise with snorkeling added, not a dedicated reef excursion.

Languages, weather, and what to pack

The live guide service is offered in Spanish, English, French, and German. That makes the basic instructions and safety information accessible to a wide range of passengers.

The captain can change the route because of weather and sea conditions. Keep this in mind when planning your day. The exact cove, swimming point, and views are not fully fixed, and the captain’s choice should favor safe water over a promised photo opportunity.

Pack lightly but sensibly:

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Personal snorkeling gear, if you prefer your own
• Sun protection for time on deck
• A small amount of money or payment method for the bar and optional photo

Do not bring glass, alcohol, or drugs. The boat has a restroom, but you should still use facilities before boarding if you are prone to seasickness or discomfort on the water.

The catamaran is modern and roomy enough for a comfortable shared cruise, but you are still exposed to sun, wind, and movement. If you are sensitive to motion, choose a seat near the center of the boat when possible and keep your first drink modest until you know how the sea feels.

Booking flexibility and meeting point checks

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also helps if your Mallorca schedule is still moving around.

The most important booking task is checking the meeting point attached to your exact option. Locations may vary, and some choices include bus service to the port. Do not assume that every departure begins directly beside the boat.

The activity ends back at the meeting point. If you have an evening dinner booking, airport transfer, or another timed activity, allow extra room after the listed duration, especially when coach transport is included.

Should you book the Cruise Cormoran catamaran?

Book this trip if you want good-value sea time with two chances to swim, a roomy catamaran, coastal views, and easy access to drinks. The strongest parts are the friendly crew, relaxed pace, two water stops, and the chance to visit protected marine areas for about $40.

Skip it if your priority is a quiet private boat, guaranteed seating on the open deck, shallow reef snorkeling, or fully accessible boarding. Bring your own snorkeling gear if you care about underwater viewing, and confirm the transport time before you pay.

For most visitors who simply want to get out on Mallorca’s water without spending private-charter money, this is a sensible choice. Think of it as a sunny shared cruise with swimming built in, not as a serious snorkeling expedition.

FAQ

How long is the Mallorca boat trip?

The boat activity lasts 3.5 hours. Some booking options may include transportation to and from the port, which can make the total outing longer.

What is included in the ticket?

The ticket includes the boat trip, masks and snorkels with a €20 deposit, and access to a restroom.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase from the two onboard bars.

How many swimming stops are included?

The trip commonly includes two swimming or snorkeling stops, although the captain can change the route because of weather and sea conditions.

Can beginners use the snorkeling equipment?

Masks and snorkels are provided, but the swimming areas can be deep. The activity is better suited to people who are comfortable swimming in open water.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen. You may also bring your own snorkeling equipment if you prefer it.

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.