Activity · Water & boat
Catamaran trip on Mallorca
The most common boat trip on the island – and the one with the biggest differences in quality. This page explains the types of tour and the criteria you can use to choose a suitable trip.
Quick answer
What is a catamaran trip on Mallorca?
A guided trip on a twin-hulled boat along the coast, usually with swimming stops in coves that are hard to reach from land. Departure points include Palma, Port d’Alcúdia, Cala d’Or, Cala Ratjada and Port d’Andratx. Catamarans are popular because they sit more steadily in the water and offer plenty of space to lie down.
Which type of tour suits whom?
The most important difference is not the operator but the format. If you are travelling with children, a morning half-day tour is a better choice than a sunset trip. If you want to snorkel, you need a tour with at least two swimming stops, not just a coastal cruise.
| Type of tour | Duration | Suitable for | Typical content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset trip | approx. 2 hrs | Couples, groups without small children | Evening trip along the coast, usually one drink included, rarely a swimming stop |
| Half-day tour | 3–4 hrs | Families, first boat experience | One or two swimming stops in coves, snorkelling gear often on board |
| Full-day tour | 6–8 hrs | Active visitors, snorkellers | Several coves, lunch, longer distances along the coast |
| Private charter | flexible | Families, small groups, special occasions | Your own route and times, skipper included, much higher costs per boat |
| Sailing catamaran vs. motor catamaran | depends on tour type | Sailing: those who want peace and quiet; motor: those who want to see many coves | Sailing catamarans are steadier and quieter, motor catamarans reach more coves in the time |
Checklist before booking
- Departure port and travel time from your resort – a 60-minute journey puts a 2-hour tour into perspective.
- Maximum number of people on board; small groups mean more space and more time for swimming.
- Number and length of the swimming stops, not just the total duration.
- Shaded areas on board, on-board toilet, boarding ladder for children and older guests.
- Food and drink: included, bookable as an extra or bring your own.
- Cancellation and bad-weather policy – wind can lead to trips being cancelled at short notice.
- Is there actually any sailing? Some “sailing trips” run mainly on the engine.
Which port is worthwhile for what?
From Palma, tours usually head towards Illetes and Portals; from Port d’Alcúdia into the bay of Pollença and towards Formentor; from Cala d’Or along the chain of coves and towards Mondragó; from Port d’Andratx to the island of Sa Dragonera. If you want to see particular coves, choose your port accordingly.
Profile at a glance
- Season
- April to October
- Duration
- 2–8 hours
- Ports
- Palma, Alcúdia, Cala d’Or, Cala Ratjada, Andratx
- Requirements
- none; ability to swim for swimming stops
- Weather
- noticeable swell from approx. Force 4
Prices and availability
We deliberately do not give tour prices or departure times: they change with the season and from operator to operator. Tours are booked directly with the organiser, at the marina or through your accommodation – in summer ideally a few days in advance.
Next steps
Frequently asked questions about catamaran trips
How long does a catamaran trip on Mallorca take?
The usual formats are sunset trips of about two hours, half-day tours of three to four hours with one or two swimming stops, and full-day tours of six to eight hours with food included.
Is a catamaran trip suitable for children?
Generally yes: catamarans sit more steadily in the water than monohulls and have net areas and shaded areas. What matters is the group size, the duration and whether life jackets in children’s sizes are available.
Do you get seasick on a catamaran?
Less often than on narrow boats, because two hulls reduce the rocking motion. In wind from about Force 4, there can still be movement – seats amidships and looking at the horizon help.
What should you look out for when choosing?
Group size, departure port and travel time to it, route and number of swimming stops, food and drink, facilities such as shade and an on-board toilet, and whether the boat actually sails or just motors.
When is the best time for a boat trip?
May to October. In the morning the sea is usually calmer; in the afternoon the sea breeze picks up. Sunset trips are attractive for couples but often too late for small children.