About this tour
When Charlie from our team took this traditional Mallorcan boat out across Palma Bay, we found it a straightforward coastal cruise that hits the basics well. You're looking at two hours aboard a wooden-hulled vessel with a mixed crowd of tourists and locals, cruising past rocky coves and pine-clad hillsides. The boat stops for a swim or snorkel in clear water, there's a relaxed vibe on deck, and you get decent views of the Palma skyline receding behind you. It's the kind of tour that works best if you're after a gentle half-day on the water rather than something packed with instruction or drama.
Highlights
- Traditional wooden boat gives it more character than modern catamarans
- Snorkelling gear provided — drop straight into clear water from the boat
- Unrushed pace means time to actually soak in the bay rather than tick boxes
- Views back towards Palma's cathedral and urban sprawl frame the contrast nicely
- Small enough groups that you're not jostling for deck space constantly
- Swim stop in a sheltered cove, calm enough for casual swimmers
What to expect
You'll board at the Palma waterfront and head out past the initial harbour bustle into the open bay. The boat moves at a gentle clip, and the first 20–25 minutes are spent cruising whilst the crew points out landmarks and the coast transitions from built-up marina to quieter residential slopes and pine forest. Then you'll anchor in a sheltered spot — usually a small cove — where the crew sets out snorkelling gear and invites you in. The water is genuinely clear and calm enough for non-confident swimmers to feel safe. You'll have a solid window here (30–40 minutes) to snorkel, swim, or float around.
The return journey follows a similar rhythm. There's no hard sales pitch or heavy music; the vibe is relaxed. Wind and weather can affect comfort — if the bay is choppy, the ride back might feel a bit bumpy — but two hours isn't long enough for most people to get properly seasick. Charlie noted the boat fills up during peak summer, so mornings tend to feel less crowded than afternoon slots.
What travellers say
- Snorkelling kit provided — no need to hire or bring your own
- Traditional boat feels more authentic than generic modern cruisers
- Calm cove stop is accessible for less confident swimmers
- Short duration fits easily into a half-day itinerary
- Suitable for families, older adults, mixed fitness levels
- No included bar service — bring your own drinks and snacks
- High season crowds can diminish the relaxed atmosphere
- Sea conditions and weather heavily dictate comfort and snorkel quality
- Gangway access limits options for those needing mobility support
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is a no-fuss way to see Palma's coastline and get a swim in without arranging transport to a beach. The snorkelling gear takes the friction out of bringing your own, and the water clarity is generally solid. It suits families (prams and infants welcome), older adults, or anyone who wants a gentle water outing without fitness demands.
There's no bar service included, despite what some listings suggest — bring your own water and snacks. The boat can feel crowded in high season (June–August), and if the bay is rough, it's less pleasant. Mobility onto the boat is via a standard gangway, so accessibility is limited if you need assistance. The snorkel stop depends on weather and sea conditions — if visibility is poor, you're essentially just swimming. Two hours is short, so manage expectations around how much of the coast you'll cover.
Bring water, sun cream, and a towel. Wear swimwear under your clothes. The snorkelling kit is basic but functional. Tours run year-round; book direct to avoid online markup. Groups are small to medium (20–30 people typical). Public transport to the departure point is straightforward from central Palma.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.