Palma: Small Group Sailing Cruise with Tapas & Drinks

Sailing palma bay small group cruise with tapas swim stops

You’ll sail Palma Bay with a small group or private crew, feeling the breeze as you glide past hidden coves. Swim in crystal water, snack on local tapas and drinks, and share laughs with your hosts. The relaxed pace lets you soak up every moment, whether you join in hoisting sails or just lean back under the sun.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sailing adventure with swim and snacks

• Meet professional captain and host
• Set sail around Palma's blue waters
• Explore nearby bays using wind power
• Stop for swim and snorkel
• Enjoy included beverages and snacks
• Relax or join crew to hoist sail
• Sail back to home port

The experience

I’ll be honest. I almost skipped the Palma sailing cruise because I get weirdly nervous around boats. But my friend convinced me (“it’s just four hours, what could go wrong?”), and now I’m glad she did. The morning started with that salty air you only get near the Med (not fishy, just clean), and our captain, Marta, waving us over like we were old friends. There were only seven of us on board (plus Marta and her co-host Li), so it felt more like joining someone’s day out than a tour.

We set off from Palma’s marina and right away I noticed how quiet it got once the engine cut and we caught the wind. You could hear the water slapping against the hull and Li humming something under his breath. At one point Marta asked if anyone wanted to help hoist a sail. I tried, nearly lost my sunglasses in the process, but everyone laughed (including me). We drifted past these rocky coves where locals waved from their paddleboards. The sun was sharp but not too hot yet. I kept thinking how different this was from those big tourist boats packed with speakers and plastic cups.

About halfway through, we anchored in a little bay that smelled faintly of pine trees mixed with sunscreen. Swimming here felt unreal: clear water, tiny silver fish darting around my toes. Back on deck, Li handed out plates of jamón and olives (I still think about those olives) while topping up drinks without making a fuss. Someone tried to pronounce “sobrasada” properly. Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin, probably butchered it.

The afternoon blurred into easy conversation and sun-warmed skin. It didn’t feel rushed at all. Nobody cared about schedules or Instagram shots (well, except maybe one guy). Heading back toward Palma, Marta pointed out a lighthouse on the headland: apparently her grandfather used to work there. That stuck with me for some reason. If you’re looking for a day trip sailing Palma Bay that doesn’t feel like a checklist, this is probably it.

What’s included

Your day includes all snacks, think Spanish tapas, plus unlimited soft drinks and alcoholic beverages served by your hosts as you sail around Palma Bay. Snorkeling gear is provided for swimming stops so you can jump right in before relaxing back on deck with another plate of olives or a cold drink.

Options for this experience

4 options

Sunset PRIVATEGuide in English, Spanish or German · 16:30Private boat, lasting 3 hours

Sunset Sailing OPENGuide in English, Spanish or German · 16:30Lasts 3 hours, snacks included

Private option, morning or middayGuide in English, Spanish or German · 11:00Private boat, lasting 4 hours, with tapas and drinks

Open sail, morning or mid-dayGuide in English, Spanish or German · 11:00Lasts about 4 hours, with snacks and drinks

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday to SaturdayDepartures at 11:00 and 16:30Last departure this season: 12 Nov

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Under 13: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and German

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by The Sailing Adventure

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and German.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Is this sailing cruise in Palma adults only?

Yes, shared cruises are adults only (ages 13+ at parents’ discretion). Private tours allow children under 12.

How long does the Palma sailing cruise last?

The standard morning or afternoon cruise lasts 4 hours. Sunset cruises are 3 hours.

Are food and drinks included on this Palma sailing tour?

Yes, snacks (like tapas), alcoholic beverages, soda/pop, and bottled water are included.

Do they provide snorkeling equipment?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included during swimming stops.

How many people are on board for this sailing experience?

The maximum group size is 8–10 people for an intimate experience.

Is pickup included for this Palma sailing trip?

No hotel pickup is mentioned. Departure is from Palma marina.

Can service animals join the cruise?

Yes, service animals are allowed on board.

Is public transport available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the departure point.