About this tour
When Sarah from our BugBitten team boarded this catamaran at Cala Ratjada, we were heading into Mallorca's quieter eastern waters—past limestone cliffs and into the Llevant Natural Park where the crowds thin out fast. Four hours aboard meant anchor time for swimming and snorkelling in clear shallow spots, plus a proper lunch cooked fresh on deck with local Mallorcan dishes. It's the kind of trip that feels less touristy than the packed boats heading to famous spots, and the crew kept things relaxed and unhurried.
Highlights
- Dramatic coastal cliffs and hidden coves without the heaving crowds
- Snorkelling gear included—we spotted decent fish and sea grasses
- Lunch cooked aboard: Trempó salad, tumbet, grilled chicken, bread
- Generous anchor time for swimming or just floating and reading
- Professional crew who knew the marine reserves and tidal spots well
- Water and soft drinks included; no sneaky upsell on basics
- Peaceful vibe—mixed ages and nationalities, small-group feel
What to expect
You'll start at Cala Ratjada, a busy beach town, but once the catamaran pushes off the coast opens up quickly. The sailing itself is smooth and scenic—no rough chop on the day Sarah went—and the crew will point out geological features and marine protected zones as you move along. About halfway through, the boat drops anchor in a sheltered bay where you get a solid chunk of free time: swim, snorkel, or simply lie on deck and zone out.
Lunch arrives mid-tour and is genuinely cooked fresh on a small galley. The Trempó (tomato, pepper, onion salad) and tumbet (baked vegetable layers) are authentic Mallorcan comfort food, not fancy but well-seasoned. The grilled chicken is plain but fills you up. Water and soft drinks flow freely; if you want beer or wine, you'll need to pay extra. The pace is unhurried, which suits people after a proper rest rather than a tick-box sightseeing blitz.
What travellers say
- Peaceful anchorages away from Mallorca's packed tourist bays
- Lunch cooked fresh aboard—genuinely local Mallorcan dishes
- Snorkelling gear included; marine habitat knowledge from crew
- Unhurried pacing suits swimmers and lazy sunbathers equally
- Family-friendly with infants welcome; no hidden drink costs
- Snorkelling time is brief, not the focus of the day
- Swell and choppy seas can limit swimming comfort
- No pick-up from resort; self-transport to Cala Ratjada required
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This works brilliantly if you want sea time without adrenaline—swimming, light snorkelling, good food, no hard sell. Suitable for families (prams and infants welcome, though lap-sitting for little ones is mandatory), older couples, and solo travellers alike. The crew know the marine reserves genuinely, not just the patter. Lunch inclusion is solid value and cuts out the "where do we eat?" stress.
You're reliant on calm seas; if the swell picks up, the comfort drops. The snorkelling is decent but not a muck-around-all-day deep-dive situation—expect perhaps 30–45 minutes in the water, not eight. The boat operates year-round, but winter can be chilly and less swimable. Cala Ratjada itself is a tourist beach with limited charm; you'll need your own transport there (public options exist, but a taxi or car is easier). Early arrivals recommended—departure is tight. If you're prone to seasickness, scout a spot amidships and take tablets beforehand.
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.