El Arenal, Mallorca: Bay of Palma Boat Tour with Snorkeling

If you’re dreaming of a relaxing day on the water in Mallorca, this Bay of Palma boat tour from El Arenal might just be what you’re looking for. Designed for those who want to enjoy stunning coastal views, a splash of adventure, and a laid-back atmosphere, this relatively short trip offers a taste of Mallorca’s natural beauty without the hefty price tag.

What we love about this tour: first, the beautiful scenery of Mallorca’s southern coastline is truly worth seeing. Second, the opportunity to swim or snorkel in crystal-clear waters, which adds a fun, active element to the experience. One thing to keep in mind: the music volume can be quite loud for some. This trip is best suited for travelers seeking a casual, social outing that combines sightseeing, swimming, and a bit of sunbathing.

It’s a straightforward experience, but one that offers genuine value, especially for families or friends wanting an easy, scenic escape. If you’re after a relaxed, scenic day out that won’t break the bank, this might be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Stunning coastline views are the highlight, with plenty of photo opportunities.
• Swim and snorkel in clear waters, with equipment provided.
• Relax on the boat, enjoying music, sunbathing, and cocktails.
• The two-hour duration makes it a manageable, not overly long activity.
• Good value for money, with friendly staff and a well-maintained boat.
• Not suitable for wheelchair users, so plan accordingly if needed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Mallorca Bay of Palma Boat Tour

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour includes some key comforts: freshwater showers, a WC, snorkeling goggles, and life jackets—all designed to keep your experience comfortable and safe. You can also enjoy drinks from the onboard bar, which adds a touch of leisure. However, food isn’t included, though drinks are available for purchase, making it easy to sip a cocktail while you lounge in the sun.

One important practical note: snorkeling gear is provided, but some reviews mention that there’s a limited number of goggles, and a deposit might be required. Bringing your own gear could save some hassle. Also, this tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan to meet at Playa del Arenal — a convenient spot on the beach with clear signage.

Duration and Scheduling

At just two hours, this tour is perfect for a quick getaway or a break between your Mallorca adventures. The actual start times vary, so it’s best to check availability ahead of time. The short duration means you get plenty of scenic views and swimming opportunities without feeling overwhelmed or rushed.

Meeting Point and End

Your day begins at the Playa del Arenal, where a staff member will meet you with a sign. The trip ends right back at the same spot, making logistics simple. Since there’s no hotel transfer, it’s ideal if you’re staying nearby or already on the beach.

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The Boat Experience

The vessel itself is described as traditional, likely evoking a classic Mallorcan style. It’s clean and well-presented, with a high-quality sound system for music—though, as some reviews mention, the volume can be quite loud, creating a lively, party-like atmosphere. The friendly staff make the experience even more enjoyable, helping with gear, keeping an eye on safety, and creating a relaxed vibe.

Scenic Highlights

From the boat, you’ll have the chance to gaze at Palma’s skyline in the distance and see the coastline dotted with beaches like Cala Vella and Cap Rocat. The water in the nature reserve area is crystal clear, making it ideal for snorkeling and swimming. One reviewer praised the stunning views, noting that even on a windy day, the scenery was worth the trip.

Snorkeling and Swimming

This is a major draw of the tour. The water is described as calm, clear, and inviting. You can snorkel around, exploring the underwater world with the equipment provided. Some guests, like Amanda, found swimming to be the highlight, while others appreciated the opportunity to just relax and float.

Music and Atmosphere

Music adds a lively touch, transforming the boat into a sort of floating party. Several reviews mention that the music was loud, which can be a pro or con depending on your preference. If you’re looking for a peaceful, quiet cruise, this might not be ideal, but if you want a fun, upbeat vibe, you’ll enjoy it.

Food and Drinks

While no food is included, you can purchase cocktails and drinks on board. Reviewers mention that the drinks are enjoyable, and sitting on the boat with a cold beverage in the sun is a pleasant way to spend the time. If you’re feeling hungry, it’s worth bringing snacks, as there’s no meal service.

Authentic Experiences from Real Travelers

Many travelers highlight the friendly staff and the value for money. For example, one review mentions, “The staff is fantastic, the cocktails were great, and the views are amazing,” emphasizing the overall positive vibe. Another reviewer noted that despite some minor maintenance issues with the boat, the staff’s helpfulness and the experience itself made it worthwhile.

Swimmers and snorkelers loved the crystal-clear waters and the chance to see fish and marine life. The opportunity to jump off the boat into the water was a favorite, especially since the water temperature was comfortable enough to cool off in.

Some guests commented on the music volume, with a few suggesting a slightly lower level would make conversations easier. Still, the lively atmosphere seems to be part of the charm for many.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for families, groups of friends, or couples seeking a laid-back day on the water. It’s especially appealing if you value scenic views, swimming, and socializing. However, those with mobility issues or needing wheelchair access should note that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying

• Book in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak season.
• Arrive at Playa del Arenal a few minutes early to find the meeting point easily.
• Bring sunscreen — the sun can be intense, and the boat offers little shade.
• If you prefer quieter snorkeling, consider bringing your own gear or asking about goggles availability.
• Pack a towel and some snacks, as there’s no food service on board.
• Be aware that alcohol and drugs are not allowed onboard for safety reasons.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Experience Best For?

In sum, this bay of Palma boat tour offers a relaxed, scenic, and reasonably priced way to enjoy Mallorca’s southern coast. The combination of beautiful vistas, swimming opportunities, and a lively atmosphere makes it an attractive option for those looking for a fun, social day out. It’s especially suitable for families, young groups, or anyone wanting to combine sightseeing with swimming.

If you’re after a peaceful, quiet cruise, this might not be your best choice due to the loud music and social vibe. But if you enjoy a bit of fun, good company, and scenic splashes, this tour delivers plenty of value and memorable moments.

FAQs

Is there hotel pickup and drop-off? No, the tour starts and ends at Playa del Arenal, so you’ll need to make your own way to the meeting point.

How long is the tour? It lasts approximately two hours, making it a perfect short activity that fits well into a busy day.

Are snorkeling masks and goggles provided? Yes, snorkeling goggles are included, but some reviews mention limited availability and deposit requirements. You might prefer to bring your own gear.

Can I bring my own drinks? No, outside alcohol and drugs are not allowed onboard, but you can purchase drinks from the bar during the tour.

Is this suitable for children or people with mobility issues? It’s suitable for most children, but not for wheelchair users or those with mobility challenges, as the tour isn’t designed with accessibility in mind.

What should I bring on the tour? Sunscreen, a towel, and possibly some snacks. Be sure to arrive early and dress comfortably for a day in the sun.

To sum it up, this Mallorca boat tour offers an enjoyable blend of scenic coastline, playful swimming, and a fun atmosphere on a traditional vessel. It’s an excellent choice for travelers seeking an affordable, relaxed way to experience the beauty of Mallorca’s southern coast—perfect for families, friends, or anyone looking to add a splash of adventure to their holiday.

You can check availability for your dates here: