Mallorca: Charming boat ride with tapas and Mallorcan wines

Planning a boat trip in Mallorca? This tour offers a taste of the Mediterranean with a private boat experience, Spanish tapas, and local wines. It’s an ideal escape for those wanting a mix of relaxation, scenic views, and authentic flavors without the crowds.

What we love about this experience includes the exclusivity of a small group, the chance to swim and paddleboard in crystal-clear waters, and the delicious regional food and drinks. The stunning coastline views and the relaxed pace of a half-day trip make it perfect for a laid-back day out.

One thing to keep in mind is that some guests have found the boat’s equipment and food options to be more basic than expected, so it might not match the more luxurious images some promotional photos suggest.

This tour would suit travelers who enjoy comfortable, intimate boat adventures, with a focus on local cuisine and scenery, rather than luxury amenities. It’s especially good for small groups or families wanting a personalized experience.

Good To Know

• Small-group experience: Limited to 9-11 people, offering intimacy and personalized service
• Includes local food and drinks: Tapas, wines, Sangria, and beers are all part of the package
• Multiple activities: Swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and sunbathing
• Scenic routes: Covering highlights like Punta Negra and Portals Vells
• Convenient location: Departure from La Lonja Marina in Palma, right across from the cathedral
• Value for money: All soft drinks, food, equipment, and towels included in the price

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Adventure Begins at La Lonja Marina

Starting from Palma’s best port, La Lonja, the boat departs with a backdrop of Palma Cathedral—a spectacular sight to see as you walk to the dock. The boat itself, Vera, is a sizable vessel at 13.5 meters, designed to maximize comfort with open stern areas, sun decks, and a large sofa. The captain, known for being friendly and hospitable, is a Mallorcan local with considerable sailing experience.

The trip kicks off with a 30-minute cruise to Punta Negra, a sought-after swimming spot. The boat’s refurbishment, with an integrated swim platform and open stern, makes dipping into the water easy and safe. You’ll have around 45 minutes here to take a refreshing swim or snorkel in the clear waters, with paddleboards also available for a bit of fun on the water.

Guests like the guide’s friendly attitude and the relaxed vibe. One reviewer from Germany appreciated the captain’s humor and kindness, noting that it made the experience enjoyable even if some expectations around the boat’s luxury level were not met.

Exploring Mallorca’s Coveted Spots

The main highlight of the tour is the visit to Punta Negra and Portals Vells, two of Mallorca’s more picturesque coastal locations.

Punta Negra is renowned for its rugged beauty, crystal waters, and quieter atmosphere. The 45-minute swim stop here is perfect for cooling down and soaking in the scenery. Though some guests have noted the actual experience differed slightly from expectations—specifically, the boat did not go into Punta Negra for swimming, and the anchoring was among many other boats—it remains a beautiful spot for a quick dip.

Next, the boat heads to Cova de Portals Vells. Here, the experience shifts to enjoying regional food and drinks. The onboard meal includes Spanish omelette, ham, cheese, sausage, canapés, pâté, salads, and fresh fruit. Drinks such as Spanish wines, Cava, Sangria, and beers complement the food. The atmosphere tends to be relaxed, with some guests mentioning the food was simple, like bread, ham, and ready-made tortillas—though the host does emphasize authentic Spanish flavors.

One guest from Hungary found the hospitality excellent, praising the captain for his helpfulness and flexibility, which added to the enjoyment despite some minor issues with the food presentation.

Activities and Comfort on Board

The boat is well-equipped with paddle surf, snorkels, floaters, and towels—making it easier for you to enjoy the waters without needing to bring your own gear. The sun decks are perfect spots for lounging, soaking up the sun, or simply taking in the scenery.

Music and the gentle rocking of the boat add to a laid-back ambiance, making it perfect for unwinding after a swim or just gazing at the coastline.

Guests consistently appreciate the convenience of being able to swim or paddle in clear waters and the privacy of a small group, which fosters a more personal experience.

However, some reviews highlight that the boat’s amenities and food were more basic than promotional images, and that the itinerary was sometimes shorter or different from what was advertised. One guest expressed disappointment that they didn’t visit Punta Negra for swimming and found the anchoring among many other boats not as idyllic as hoped.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour typically starts at La Lonja Marina, with a 30-minute cruise to Punta Negra. Here, you’ll have about 45 minutes to swim or snorkel, depending on the conditions and the captain’s discretion. While some guests mention the boat didn’t go into Punta Negra for swimming, others still enjoyed the chance to cool off in that scenic area.

Next, a short 15-minute cruise takes you to the Cova de Portals Vells. It’s the perfect spot for the onboard buffet and tasting session. The regional food is straightforward but flavorful, with emphasis on authentic Spanish flavors. Guests can enjoy the local wines or Sangria while relaxing in the shaded areas or on sundecks.

The cruise then continues for around 45 minutes, giving you more time to relax, take photos, or paddleboard before heading back to the port. The whole experience lasts around 4 hours, making it a manageable half-day trip.

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What’s Included and What You Should Know

Included in the price ($100 per person) are the 4-hour boat trip, swimming stop, and the use of paddleboards, snorkels, and floaters. You’ll also get towels and a full onboard menu with Spanish tapas, regional salads, and fresh fruit, plus drinks like local wines, Sangria, Cava, and beers.

Extras include hard alcoholic drinks like whiskey or rum, which are available for purchase on board at an economical price. It’s worth noting that you don’t need to bring towels or swim gear, as everything is provided.

Departure is from La Lonja Marina, right across from Palma Cathedral, with easy access by foot or car parking nearby. The boat departs at scheduled times, and the small group size (up to 9 participants) ensures a more personalized experience, though some bookings might be combined with other groups if your size is smaller than six.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring your beachwear, and consider a hat or sunglasses for sun protection.
• Sign up for the morning or sunset excursion depending on your preference—both are offered.
• If you’re less than six people, you might be merged with others, so be flexible.
• Alcoholic drinks like spirits aren’t included, but they can be purchased onboard.
• No need to bring a towel for swimming—one is provided.
• The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments due to boat access.
• The languages spoken onboard include English, German, Italian, and Spanish, making communication easy for most travelers.

The Bottom Line

This Mallorca boat tour provides a relaxed and intimate way to enjoy some of the island’s most beautiful waters and coastlines. It’s designed for those who value good value, small-group comfort, and authentic regional food and drink. The scenic routes, combined with activities like swimming and paddleboarding, ensure a fun and memorable day at sea.

While some guests found the amenities and itinerary slightly different from what was promised, many still appreciated the friendly guides and stunning views. It’s a good choice for travelers seeking a casual, authentic experience rather than luxury.

If you’re after a laid-back day with a local touch, this tour hits the right notes. Just be prepared for a more straightforward meal and less luxurious boat features than some might hope.

FAQ

Is this a private boat experience?
The boat typically accommodates up to 9 guests, but if your group is smaller than six, you may be combined with others. It’s not fully private but maintains a small, intimate atmosphere.

What’s the departure point?
The tour departs from La Lonja Marina, located right in front of Palma Cathedral, with easy access by foot or car parking.

What is included in the price?
All soft drinks, the full meal of regional tapas, towels, paddleboards, snorkels, and floaters are included. The tour lasts four hours.

Can I bring my own alcohol?
Hard alcoholic drinks like whiskey or rum are not included but can be purchased onboard at a reasonable price.

Is swimming possible at all stops?
Yes, there’s a swimming stop at Punta Negra, but some reviews mention the boat didn’t always go into Punta Negra for swimming, opting instead for other nearby beaches.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 4 hours, including stops, cruising, and meal time.

Is it suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s best suited for those without mobility impairments, as boat access might be limited for some.

To sum it up, this tour offers a friendly, authentic way to enjoy Mallorca’s waters, with a focus on good food, local wine, and scenic coastal views. It suits travelers who prefer small groups, relaxed activities, and a taste of true Mallorcan hospitality. For those seeking a straightforward, enjoyable day at sea with the chance to swim, snack, and sip, it’s a solid choice that balances fun and value.

You can check if your dates are available here: