Mallorca: Sailing, Snorkeling & Tapas in Palma Bay

Summary

Sail palma bay taste mallorcan tapas snorkel hidden coves relax

You’ll feel Mallorca’s rhythm as you sail Palma Bay with a local captain, snorkeling in quiet coves and sharing Mallorcan tapas right on deck. Paddleboarding is there if you want it (no pressure), plus drinks and laughter drifting over the water. It’s not just about seeing new places — it’s how relaxed you’ll feel long after stepping back on land.

What’s the experience like?

There’s this split-second right after you step barefoot onto the deck at Club Maritimo San Antonio de la Playa — the wood is warm from the sun, and you can smell salt and sunscreen in the air. Our captain, Toni (who grinned like he’d been waiting for summer all year), waved us aboard with a “vamos!” I was still fumbling with my backpack and sunglasses when he pointed out the best spot to sit for catching the breeze. We pushed off exactly on time — Toni doesn’t mess around with latecomers, so yeah, don’t risk it if you’re parking.

The water in Palma Bay really is that clear blue you see in postcards. It almost feels fake until you lean over and see tiny fish darting under the hull. We drifted past rocky coves where locals were already swimming by 10am — one woman waved from her paddleboard, balancing better than I ever could. When we anchored, Toni handed out snorkeling gear and told us which cove had the calmest water that day. I’m no expert swimmer but floating there felt easy, even with my heart pounding a little from excitement or maybe just cold water shock. The sunlight flickered through the waves — I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck on the subway.

Back on board, someone popped open a bottle of cava (the sound echoed across the bay) and we passed around plates of potato omelet and jamón with cheese. There was pizza too, which honestly surprised me but tasted perfect after swimming. We traded stories while nibbling hummus with carrot sticks — Toni laughed when I tried to pronounce “sobrasada” in Spanish (I probably butchered it). He told us about growing up nearby; said he never gets tired of these waters.

I lost track of time somewhere between second helpings and trying paddleboarding for about five wobbly minutes before giving up. The sun started dipping lower but nobody seemed in a rush to head back. There’s something about being out there — salt drying on your skin, hair tangled by wind — that makes you forget whatever else is waiting on shore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sailing and snorkeling in Mallorca

• Meet captain at Club Maritimo San Antonio
• Board boat before departure time
• Navigate beautiful coves in Bay of Palma
• Stop for swimming and snorkeling
• Enjoy paddle surfing
• Eat snacks and drink beverages onboard

Top questions

Where does the sailing tour in Mallorca start?

The tour starts at Club Maritimo San Antonio de la Playa, near Cala Estancia car park.

How long does the Palma Bay sailing trip last?

The shared boat trip lasts 4 hours, either morning or afternoon slots.

Are drinks included on this Mallorca sailing tour?

Yes, each person gets two drinks—beer, wine, cava or soft drinks are available.

Is snorkeling equipment provided during the sailing adventure?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included for all guests onboard.

What kind of food is served during the tour?

You’ll get Mallorcan snacks like potato omelet, ham with cheese, hummus with veggies and pizza.

Can I try paddleboarding on this sailing trip?

Paddle surf boards are provided for anyone who wants to try paddleboarding during stops.

Will there be a guide or captain onboard?

A local captain leads every sailing trip around Palma Bay.

Is hotel pickup included for this Mallorca boat tour?

No hotel pickup; guests meet at the marina meeting point before departure.

What happens if I'm late to board?

The boat leaves exactly on time; late arrivals may miss departure as boarding closes 5 minutes before start time.

What’s included

Your day includes four hours sailing Palma Bay with a local captain at the helm, use of snorkeling gear and paddleboards at each cove stop, plus plenty of Mallorcan tapas—think potato omelet, jamón with cheese—and two drinks per person like beer or cava before returning to port together.