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

The best part is the small boat. This 2.5-hour outing pairs a scenic cruise around Palma Bay with a swim stop at Punta Negra, where you can snorkel, paddleboard, and use the included water scooter. I especially like the maximum nine passengers, which keeps the trip personal instead of turning it into a crowded boat party. I also like that water, soft drinks, and beers are provided.

The main point to consider is that this is an active sea outing, not a sightseeing cruise with a long list of shore visits. You need to reach the port yourself, and the official guidance says the tour is not suitable for non-swimmers or people with mobility impairments. Snorkeling can also be modest in some spots, with the focus falling more on swimming and water toys than on seeing large amounts of marine life.

The cruise leaves from Club de Mar-Mallorca, near MercaNautic New Palma, and heads toward Ses Illetes and Punta Negra. Captains including Enrique and Francesca have been praised for friendly service, clear safety instructions, and a relaxed approach that works well for families, couples, and small groups of friends.

Key points to know before booking

• Nine people maximum: The small boat makes it easier to get personal attention and plenty of time with the equipment.
• About 25 minutes to the swim area: The ride itself is part of the fun, with open views of Palma’s coast and time to settle into the sea breeze.
• Punta Negra is the main activity stop: Expect clear water for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and water-scooter use.
• Drinks are included: Water, soft drinks, and beers are available, while meals and substantial snacks are not part of the price.
• The captain shapes the experience: Enrique, Francesca, and the wider SaltyTours crew are frequently praised for safety, friendliness, and helpful instructions.
• Bring the basics: You need your own towel and sunscreen, and arriving 30 minutes early is sensible.

Leaving from Club de Mar-Mallorca

The meeting point is at the entrance to the port of Club de Mar-Mallorca, in front of MercaNautic New Palma. Be careful with the wording. The instructions specify Club de Mar-Mallorca, not simply Club de Mar.

You are responsible for getting to the port, though it is accessible by public transport from the main areas of Palma de Mallorca. Plan to arrive about 30 minutes before departure. That gives you time to find the correct entrance, meet the guide, and walk to the boat without starting the trip in a rush.

This is not a large harbor excursion with a check-in desk and a crowd waiting on the quay. The guide meets you at the port entrance and accompanies you to the boat. That personal handoff is useful, especially if you are visiting Palma for only a short time or arriving from a cruise ship.

The operator offers several departure times, and some people have particularly enjoyed morning trips or later outings around 5 p.m. A late departure can mean softer sunlight and a cooler feel, although the exact conditions depend on the day.

The boat ride across Palma Bay

Once aboard, the first part of the experience is a cruise along the coast. The ride to the swimming area has been described as roughly 25 minutes, though the exact timing can vary with the route and sea conditions.

You get a different view of Palma from the water. Instead of looking out from a beach or city street, you see the coastline from the bay, with room to enjoy the views and the movement of the boat. The captain may point out landmarks and coastal features along the way, adding a useful sense of place without turning the trip into a formal lecture.

The ride can be smooth, but the sea is not guaranteed to be flat. On choppier days, the captain may adjust the route and move between coves. That flexibility matters. A good boat outing is not just about reaching a scheduled stop. It is also about finding a comfortable place to swim when the conditions change.

Music adds to the easygoing mood. The crew may allow you to connect through Bluetooth, so your group can choose the soundtrack. This is a nice touch for a private or semi-private charter, though you should remember that not everyone aboard may have the same musical taste.

Ses Illetes and the coastal views

Ses Illetes is included as a photo stop rather than a long shore visit. Think of this part as a chance to take in the scenery, capture a few pictures, and enjoy the boat’s position along the coast.

The appeal is visual rather than activity-based. If you want to spend most of your time in the water, the photo stop will be brief. If you appreciate a slower cruise between swims, it breaks up the action and gives you a moment to look around.

Because this is a boat trip, you do not need to manage beach access, find a place for your belongings, or compete for a patch of sand. The tradeoff is that you remain on the boat, so Ses Illetes is not a beach stop where you can walk ashore and explore.

Punta Negra: the main swim and activity stop

Punta Negra is where the trip earns its price. The boat stops near clear water, and you can choose how active you want to be.

You can swim directly from the boat, use the supplied mask and snorkel, paddle across the bay, or try the water scooter. The operator describes the machine as a jet ski, while people on the trip often refer to it as a sea scooter or underwater scooter. In practical terms, it is a small motorized water toy that adds speed and silliness to the swim stop.

Paddleboards are included, and they give you a quieter option. You can kneel or stand, move at your own pace, and look back at the boat and coastline from the water. For families, this helps spread out the activities. One person can swim, another can snorkel, and someone else can take a turn on a board or scooter.

The equipment is included rather than offered as an expensive extra. That is important because a short boat trip can become poor value when every activity carries another charge. Here, the price covers the core water activities, so you can try several without constantly checking your wallet.

Snorkeling conditions will vary. The water is often clear, and fish may be visible, but this is not presented as a specialist marine-life tour. Some outings may offer plenty to see, while others may be better for a refreshing swim and a little underwater exploring. If your main goal is to spot abundant fish, keep expectations measured.

You should also note the swimming requirement. The activity is officially not suitable for non-swimmers, and minors must remain with an adult. The crew provides instructions and keeps an eye on safety, but this is still an open-water experience rather than a supervised pool session.

A small group makes the equipment easier to use

The limit of nine people is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. With a full-size sightseeing boat, paddleboards and water scooters can become a queueing exercise. On this charter, the smaller group gives you a better chance to use everything without spending most of the stop waiting.

It also lets the captain respond to the group. If several people want to snorkel, the crew can explain the equipment. If children prefer the scooters, the adults can use the boards or simply relax on deck. The mood is more personal than a standard boat excursion with dozens of passengers.

The boat has received praise for being clean and well kept. There is also fresh water onboard for rinsing off salt, which is a useful detail if you have children who dislike seawater or if you want to return to Palma feeling less sticky.

The small capacity does not mean unlimited space. You are still sharing a compact boat with up to eight other people, and storage for personal items may be limited. Bring only what you need, especially since towels and sunscreen are not supplied.

Drinks, snacks, and what to pack

Water, soft drinks, and beers are included. This is a welcome perk after swimming, and several outings have also included simple snacks such as crisps. Still, meals are not included, so bring food if you expect to be hungry.

Do not treat the included drinks as a replacement for your own water planning. Bring what you need for the full day, especially if you are sensitive to heat or traveling with children. Alcohol may be available, but use common sense before swimming or using the water equipment.

Pack:

• A towel
• Sunscreen
• Swimwear
• A hat or other sun protection
• Food if you want more than light snacks
• Minimal personal belongings

Sunscreen is especially important because you will be exposed both during the cruise and at the swim stop. Apply it before boarding, and reapply as needed. The boat provides the Mediterranean setting, but not a shaded indoor escape.

How good is the value at $77?

At $77 per person, this trip is priced above a basic harbor cruise but offers much more than a ride and a view. You receive a two-and-a-half-hour boat outing, a small group capped at nine, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, a water scooter, and drinks.

The strongest value comes from the combination of privacy and included activities. If you use only the boat ride and take a quick swim, the price may feel high compared with a simple public cruise. If you try the boards, snorkeling gear, and scooter, the cost makes more sense.

Families should also consider the convenience. You do not need to rent separate water equipment, and the captain can explain how to use it. Couples and groups of friends may appreciate the private-feeling setting more than they would appreciate a large excursion boat.

The tour is also a practical choice for a short visit. It does not consume a full day, yet it gives you a proper taste of Palma from the water. That makes it useful for a morning before sightseeing or a later departure after the hottest part of the day.

The crew and the feel onboard

The crew receives unusually consistent praise for friendliness and care. Enrique is noted for explaining the route, pointing out sights, and keeping the mood light. Francesca is described as warm, attentive, and especially good at checking that people are comfortable.

That personal attention matters more at sea than it does on a standard city tour. You need clear instructions before using the equipment, and families want to know that the captain is watching conditions. The crew also helps create the relaxed atmosphere that makes a small charter feel different from a scheduled group boat.

The tone is informal. You can enjoy music, talk with the captain, take pictures, or simply sit back during the cruise. You are not locked into a rigid program, though the main structure remains the same: depart from the port, enjoy the coastal views, stop for water activities, and return.

Who should book this Palma boat trip?

I would recommend it to confident swimmers, families with older children, couples, and groups of friends who want a mix of cruising and active time in the sea. It is especially well suited to people who prefer a small, friendly boat over a large commercial excursion.

It can work for mixed-age families, too. A 75-year-old parent and children can enjoy the ride and views while others use the boards and scooters. The important question is mobility and comfort around open water, not athletic ability alone.

I would be more cautious if you want a serious snorkeling experience, a full meal, a long coastal sightseeing route, or a quiet luxury cruise. You may also want another activity if you cannot swim, use a boat ladder comfortably, or need wheelchair access. Baby carriages, pets, and baby seats are not permitted or available.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available departure time before booking, since the schedule may shape how the outing fits with the rest of your Palma plans.

Should you book SaltyTours?

Book it if you want a compact, active morning or afternoon on Palma Bay, with clear water, a friendly captain, and several water activities included in one price. The nine-person limit is the key advantage, and the crew’s personal service adds real value.

Skip it if you are seeking a specialist snorkeling trip, need full accessibility, or are uncomfortable in open water. For everyone else, $77 is a fair price for a small-group charter that gives you a scenic boat ride, a beautiful swim stop, drinks, and enough equipment to keep the whole group busy.

FAQ

Where does the SaltyTours boat trip start?

It starts at the entrance to the port of Club de Mar-Mallorca, in front of MercaNautic New Palma. The meeting point is not simply Club de Mar.

How long does the activity last?

The boat trip lasts 2.5 hours. Departure times vary, so check availability when choosing your date.

How many people can join the boat?

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

What activities are included?

The outing includes swimming, snorkeling with mask and snorkel equipment, paddle surfing, and use of the included jet ski or water scooter.

Are drinks provided?

Yes. Water, soft drinks, and beers are included. Meals are not included, and you may want to bring food if needed.

Do I need to bring a towel and sunscreen?

Yes. Towels and sunscreen are not provided, so bring both.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers or wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users. Baby carriages and pets are also not allowed, and minors must be accompanied by an adult.