Charter Tour: By Boat in the Bay of Palma with Snorkeling and Paddle Surfing

The best part of this Palma boat trip is its small scale. With no more than nine people aboard, you get a real chance to use the paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and included sea scooter instead of waiting behind a crowd. The ride from Club de Mar out toward Ses Illetes and Punta Negra also gives you fine views of Palma Bay from the water.

I like the mix of quiet swimming time and playful gear. I also like the attentive guiding from captains such as Enrique and Francesca, who explain the route, help with equipment, and keep an eye on comfort and safety. The main drawback is simple: transport, towels, sunscreen, and food are not included, and the snorkeling can be modest if you are hoping for a huge variety of fish.

Key points to know before booking

• Only nine people per boat: The small group makes this feel more like a private outing than a standard excursion.
• Punta Negra is the main water stop: You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, and use the included sea scooter there.
• Drinks are provided: Water, soft drinks, and beers are available onboard, with some outings also offering simple snacks.
• The boat ride matters: The crossing takes you past Palma’s coast and gives you roughly 25 minutes of scenic cruising in each direction.
• Late departures can be pleasant: A 5 p.m. outing may mean softer sun and cooler temperatures than a midday trip.
• Swimming ability matters: This is not suitable for non-swimmers, wheelchair users, or people with major mobility limitations.

A small boat makes Palma Bay feel more personal

At $77 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Mallorca. But the price includes more than a sightseeing cruise. You get an exclusive boat limited to nine people, a captain, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, a sea scooter, and drinks for 2.5 hours.

That combination gives the outing good value for families and groups who plan to use the water equipment. If you only want to sit on a boat and look at the coast, a simpler harbor cruise may cost less. Here, the point is active time in the sea, with a boat ride wrapped around it.

The limited capacity is the feature I would pay attention to first. On a large excursion boat, the water stop can become a scramble for masks and boards. Here, the group is small enough that you can take turns without losing most of your swimming time.

The mood is relaxed rather than formal. Music may be played through Bluetooth, and the captain can point out coastal sights as you leave Palma. You get a mix of conversation, sun, views, and water sports without the feel of an organized beach camp.

Finding the boat at Club de Mar

You meet the guide at the entrance to the port of Club de Mar-Mallorca, in front of MercaNautic New Palma. Be careful with the wording: the meeting point is at the entrance to the port, not simply anywhere labeled Club de Mar.

Arrive about 30 minutes before departure. The guide walks you to the boat and helps make sure you are ready before leaving. You arrange your own way to the port, but the area can be reached by public transport from the main parts of Palma.

This is worth planning carefully if you are coming from a cruise ship, hotel, or another part of the city. The boat cannot wait for a late arrival, and a port meeting point is less forgiving than a central plaza.

Wear swimwear under light clothing and bring a towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof way to protect your phone. Food is not included, so bring a small snack if you will want more than drinks during the trip.

Cruising from Palma toward Ses Illetes

The first part of the outing is a coastal boat ride. Rather than rushing directly to the swim stop, the route gives you time to enjoy Palma Bay and see the coast from a different angle.

Ses Illetes is listed as a photo stop. Treat it as a scenic pause rather than a long beach visit. The appeal is the view, the open water, and the change from city port to the clearer, quieter parts of the bay.

Some outings have taken about 25 minutes to reach the swimming area, with a similar ride back. Conditions can affect the feel of the crossing. One account describes a choppy sea that the captain handled well by changing course among coves, while other trips had a smoother ride.

That variation is normal on the Mediterranean. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the motion feels easiest, keep your eyes on the horizon, and avoid arriving on an empty stomach. The boat ride is part of the experience, but it is also the portion most affected by wind and waves.

Captains Enrique and Francesca are among the crew members praised for being friendly, attentive, and clear with instructions. Their role is not just to steer. They explain the equipment, point out sights, and adjust the outing so people of different ages and confidence levels can take part.

Swimming and water sports at Punta Negra

Punta Negra is where the trip becomes an active water outing. The stop is chosen for swimming and water access, with clear water, a scenic cove, and enough room for several activities.

You can start with a swim, then move between the provided equipment. The snorkeling masks and snorkels let you look for fish close to the boat. You should keep expectations reasonable: several outings found fish and clear water, but one family noted that the snorkeling area did not offer a huge amount to see.

That is common in a short bay excursion. This is not a specialist marine-life trip, and the exact underwater scene changes with conditions and location. Think of snorkeling as one enjoyable option during a broader swim stop, not the sole reason to book.

The paddleboards are a better fit if you want a calm activity above the water. You can paddle at your own pace, look back toward the cove, and spend time away from the boat without needing advanced skill. The small group helps here because you are less likely to spend the whole stop waiting for a board.

The sea scooter adds the most playful element. It lets you move through the water with less effort than swimming and has been especially popular with children and teenagers. The equipment is included, but you still need to follow the captain’s instructions and use it within the area and conditions set for the group.

The advertised experience describes this equipment as a jet ski, while people who have used it often call it a sea scooter or water scooter. In practical terms, expect a handheld underwater propulsion device rather than a full-size, high-speed jet ski ride.

You can also simply swim or sit on the boat. That matters for mixed groups. Some people may want to use every piece of equipment, while others may prefer a quiet float and a cold drink.

What the captain adds to the outing

The strongest part of this experience is the human scale. Captains have been described as warm, funny, careful, and willing to check on each person. One guest who could not swim said the guide kept checking in and helped with photographs, though the activity is officially not suitable for non-swimmers.

That distinction is important. Kind assistance does not turn this into a beginner swimming lesson. You should be comfortable in open water, and minors must stay with an adult at all times.

The captain also gives a basic safety briefing and instructions for the equipment. This is especially useful when you have never used a sea scooter or paddleboard. You do not need to arrive as an expert, but you do need to listen and respect the limits set onboard.

The crew has also helped families with children and older relatives enjoy the trip. One group included a 75-year-old family member and young children, and appreciated the freshwater rinse afterward. Still, the boat is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with significant mobility impairments, or baby carriages. Baby seats are not available.

Drinks, rinsing, and the practical comforts

Water, soft drinks, and beers are included. Some outings also have simple snacks such as crisps available, though you should not count on a full meal. The drinks are a useful part of the value, especially after swimming in the sun.

A freshwater tank or onboard rinse has also been available for washing off salt water. This is a small but welcome detail if you have children, sensitive skin, or a long journey back to your hotel.

There are no towels or sunscreen onboard, so pack both. The Mediterranean sun can feel mild during the boat ride and strong once you are standing or swimming in open water. A hat and a dry change of clothes are also sensible, though only towels and sunscreen are specifically highlighted as things to bring.

The boat is described as clean and well kept. You should expect a compact vessel rather than a large yacht with separate rooms and extensive shade. The limited capacity gives you space, but the experience remains an outdoor activity, so check the day’s weather and sea conditions before you go.

Choosing the best departure time

Starting times vary, and the 2.5-hour length makes this easy to fit into a Palma visit. A morning departure can leave the rest of the day open. It may also give you fresh energy for the swimming and paddleboarding.

A late afternoon departure, such as 5 p.m., can be a smart choice in hot weather. The sun is less harsh, temperatures may feel more comfortable, and you avoid giving up the middle of the day. The tradeoff is that cloud or changing light can affect the color of the water and the views.

You should choose based on your priorities. Pick morning if you want maximum flexibility afterward. Pick late afternoon if you dislike midday heat or want a slower end to the day.

The trip runs in English and Spanish. Some information may appear in its original language, so ask the captain if you miss an instruction or need help understanding the equipment.

Who will enjoy this Palma boat charter most

I would recommend this for families, couples, and small groups who want more than a passive cruise. Teenagers tend to have plenty to do, while adults can alternate between water sports and relaxing on deck.

It also works well for a short stay in Palma. You get a coastal ride, a swim in clear water, several activities, and a return to the port within half a day. If your time is limited, this gives you a strong taste of the bay without committing to a full-day sailing trip.

The experience is less suitable for anyone who dislikes open water, wants a quiet luxury cruise, or needs guaranteed beach access. Punta Negra is a water stop, not a conventional sandy beach visit. Caroline’s description of swimming in a bay with no obvious beach is useful here: you enter the sea from the boat.

Non-swimmers should not book this activity. Minors need an adult with them, and the boat cannot accommodate wheelchairs, baby carriages, or baby seats. Pets are not allowed.

Should you book the $77 experience?

Book it if you will actually use the equipment. The small group, sea scooter, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, drinks, and captain-led route make the $77 price reasonable for an active afternoon on Palma Bay.

I would be more cautious if your main goal is serious snorkeling. The water can be clear and fish may be visible, but this is a general boat outing with several activities, not a dedicated marine-life tour. I would also avoid it if you need a beach, a large amount of shade, or fully accessible boarding.

For most visitors who want a friendly, compact, and flexible way to get into the Mediterranean, this is a good pick. Arrive early, bring a towel and sunscreen, pack a snack, and choose a time that suits the heat. If Enrique, Francesca, or another attentive captain is guiding your boat, expect plenty of help without losing the easygoing feel of a small day on the bay.

FAQ

How long is the Bay of Palma boat tour?

The activity lasts 2.5 hours, including the boat ride, photo stop, swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and sea scooter time.

Where does the tour meet?

You meet at the entrance to the port of Club de Mar-Mallorca, in front of MercaNautic New Palma. The guide accompanies you from there to the boat.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

How many people can join the boat?

Each boat can accommodate a maximum of nine participants, creating a small-group experience.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards included?

Yes. Snorkeling masks and snorkels, paddleboards, and the sea scooter are included.

Is a jet ski included?

The activity includes a jet ski or sea scooter, described in the experience as equipment for use on and under the water.

Are drinks included?

Water, soft drinks, and beers are included. Meals and snacks are not included, so bring food if you need something substantial.

Should I bring a towel and sunscreen?

Yes. Towels and sunscreen are not provided and are strongly recommended.

Is the tour suitable for children and people with limited mobility?

Minors may join when accompanied by an adult. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, non-swimmers, baby carriages, or pets. Baby seats are not available.