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

Palma Bay is best enjoyed from the water, and this small-group boat charter gives you plenty of room to do more than sit and watch the coast go by. You sail past Ses Illetes, stop near Punta Negra, then spend time swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and riding the included sea scooter. I especially like the nine-person maximum and the friendly, attentive guiding from captains such as Enrique and Francesca.

The $77 price is strong for a 2.5-hour outing that includes the boat, gear, drinks, and several water activities. I also like the freedom to choose your pace: paddle across the cove, snorkel below the boat, or simply sit in the sun. The main consideration is that this is an active sea trip, not a sightseeing cruise. The official guidance says it is not suitable for non-swimmers or people with mobility impairments, and the snorkeling can be modest in some spots.

Quick takeaways before you book

• Nine people maximum: The small boat keeps the outing personal and gives you a better chance to use the water equipment without a long wait.
• Punta Negra swim stop: The main water stop has clear water for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and sea scooters.
• Ses Illetes photo views: The route includes a scenic look at this attractive part of Mallorca before the swim stop.
• Captain-led experience: Enrique, Francesca, and the SaltyTours team provide safety instructions, local details, equipment help, and a relaxed onboard atmosphere.
• Drinks included: Water, soft drinks, and beer are provided, while food and snacks are not guaranteed.
• Best for active groups: Families with older children, couples, and friends who want several ways to enjoy the sea will get the most from this trip.

A small boat makes Palma Bay feel more personal

The biggest selling point is simple: you are not packed onto a large excursion boat. SaltyTours limits each boat to nine participants, which changes the feel of the outing. You can ask questions, get help with the equipment, and move between activities without the usual crowd around you.

That size also helps if your group has different ideas about fun. One person can snorkel while another uses a paddleboard. Someone else can stay aboard with a cold drink. You are not forced into one group activity every minute.

The captains receive especially strong praise for being warm, careful, and involved. Enrique is described as friendly and entertaining, while Francesca is noted for making people feel looked after. The crew explains how to use the equipment, checks on comfort and safety, and points out sights along the coast.

Music is part of the atmosphere, too. The boat has Bluetooth, so the captain may let you connect your own music. That gives the trip a casual, holiday feel, though you should not expect a quiet sailing excursion.

From Club de Mar to the open bay

You meet the guide at the entrance to the port of Club de Mar-Mallorca, in front of MercaNautic New Palma. Take care with the wording here: the meeting point is at the port entrance, not simply the Club de Mar name on a map. The guide walks you to the boat and helps get everyone settled.

Arrive about 30 minutes early. You need to make your own way to the port, although the area is reachable by public transport from the main parts of Palma. There is no included hotel or cruise-port transfer, so allow extra time if you are coming from elsewhere in the city.

The boat ride itself is part of the attraction. You get broad views across Palma Bay and along the Mallorcan coast, with the captain pointing out landmarks and coastal features. The crossing to the swimming area takes about 25 minutes according to several detailed accounts, leaving roughly two hours for the stop and the return trip within the total 2.5-hour outing.

If the sea is choppy, the ride can feel lively. One captain was praised for handling rougher water and choosing more sheltered coves. Still, if you are prone to seasickness, consider booking a calmer time of day and bringing any usual remedy.

Ses Illetes offers the first postcard view

Ses Illetes is listed as a photo stop rather than a long shore visit. That distinction matters. You will see the coast from the boat, take pictures, and continue on the water. You should not expect time to walk ashore or explore a beach there.

The view gives the trip a useful change of pace. After leaving the marina, you have time to settle into the boat and enjoy the coastline before the more active part begins. Keep your phone or camera secure, since the boat may be moving and spray is possible.

The route is not built around a long list of monuments. Its appeal is the combination of open-water views, clear swimming spots, and time outside. If you want a detailed historical tour of Palma, this is not the right choice. If you want to see the city and coast from a different angle, it works well.

Punta Negra is the main event

The boat stops at Punta Negra for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. This is where the trip shifts from scenic cruise to hands-on water outing. The cove is described as calm and striking, with warm, clear water and no obvious beach at the swimming spot.

You can enter the water to snorkel with the provided mask and snorkel. Fish are visible, but conditions vary. Some outings have produced good views of marine life, while one family found the fish less impressive than expected. I would treat the snorkeling as a pleasant extra rather than a specialist marine-life trip.

The paddleboards give you another way to explore the cove. They are suitable for people who want movement without going fully underwater, and they can be fun for adults and older children. The small group helps here because you have a better chance of getting time on a board instead of standing in line.

The sea scooter, sometimes described as a waterscooter or sea scooter, is the most playful feature. It pulls you through the water and lets you move below the surface with less effort. It was a major hit with children and teenagers, but adults also use it. Listen carefully to the captain’s instructions before using it, and stay aware of the other people in the water.

You do not have to use every piece of equipment. The boat is also a good place to relax, enjoy the views, or sit with a drink while the more energetic members of your group play in the cove.

What the equipment and onboard service are really like

The package includes snorkeling masks and snorkels, paddleboards, and the sea scooter. The equipment is reported to be clean and in good condition, with enough available for the small group in many departures. A freshwater rinse is also available, which is useful after swimming in salt water, especially if children are sensitive to it.

Water, soft drinks, and beer are included. The crew may offer drinks during the trip, and several detailed accounts describe chips or light snacks being available. Still, the formal inclusions do not promise meals or snacks, so bring something small if you need food. Do not plan this as a lunch outing.

Bring your own towel and sunscreen. Neither is supplied. Sunscreen is especially important because you will be surrounded by reflected light on the boat and may spend a long period in the water. Apply it before boarding and reapply after swimming, using a reef-conscious product if possible.

There is no baby seat on board. Baby carriages are not allowed, and pets are not allowed. Children must stay with an adult at all times. One family enjoyed the outing with a young child, but the official advice still makes clear that this is not a baby-focused boat service.

Is $77 a fair price?

At $77 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Palma Bay, but it offers more than a basic boat ride. You are paying for 2.5 hours, a boat limited to nine people, a captain, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, a sea scooter, and drinks.

The small group is the key value. On a larger excursion, equipment time can be short and personal help can be limited. Here, the captain can explain the gear and adjust the outing to the group’s comfort. If you plan to swim and use several activities, the price compares well with booking separate water activities.

The value is weaker if you only want to sit on a boat and take pictures. You may find a simple sightseeing cruise for less. This experience makes sense when you intend to use the water equipment and want the flexibility of a small charter.

The reserve-now-pay-later option also helps if your plans are still changing. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Starting times vary, so check the available schedule when booking.

Choosing the right time of day

Morning trips can offer a fresh start and plenty of time for the water activities. Late afternoon departures have their own appeal. One outing at 5 p.m. avoided the strongest midday heat and still allowed enough time to swim, snorkel, and use the boards.

Your best choice depends on what you want. Choose earlier if you prefer a full day around Palma after the boat ride. Choose later if you dislike intense sun or like the idea of a softer, more relaxed end to the day.

Weather and sea conditions matter more than the calendar. Even in warm months, cloud cover or choppy water can change the feel of the trip. The captain may use local knowledge to seek calmer areas, but this remains an outdoor activity subject to the sea.

Who will enjoy this charter most?

I would recommend it most strongly to families with older children, couples, and groups of friends who want several activities in one short outing. Teenagers have the sea scooter and paddleboards, while adults can swim, snorkel, or relax with a drink.

It can also work well for a family group with mixed ages. One outing included a 75-year-old parent and children, with the paddleboards appealing across generations. That said, comfort depends on each person’s mobility and confidence around water.

You do not need to be an athletic swimmer to enjoy being on the boat, but the official guidance says the activity is not suitable for non-swimmers. A person who is nervous in the water should discuss that with the operator before booking rather than assume the crew can provide a flotation-based experience.

The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. There are no baby seats, and baby carriages cannot come aboard. If your group needs step-free access or specialist support, choose another activity.

A few practical details that make the day easier

Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, and a dry change of clothes. You may want a waterproof case for your phone, but keep valuables secure while swimming.

Bring food if you need more than drinks. Light snacks may be offered, but meals are not included. The included beer is best saved for after you have finished the active water activities.

Minors must remain with an adult. The guide speaks English and Spanish, so ask questions before entering the water if you are unsure about the equipment or the safety rules.

The boat returns to SaltyTours after the Punta Negra stop. This is a compact outing, not a full-day sailing trip, which makes it useful if you have limited time in Palma or are visiting from a cruise ship. If you are returning to a ship, leave generous time for the journey back to port and any transport connection.

Should you book the SaltyTours boat trip?

Book it if you want an active, social half-day on clear Mediterranean water, especially if your group values personal attention and several choices at the swim stop. The nine-person limit, strong captain service, included equipment, and drinks make $77 a reasonable price.

Think twice if your priority is serious snorkeling, a long sailing route, a beach visit, or a quiet cruise. Marine life can be light at the chosen stop, food is not guaranteed, and the activity requires comfort around water.

For most families, couples, and small groups who want to swim, paddle, and play without joining a crowded boat, this is a well-balanced Palma outing. Arrive early, bring the basics, and treat the snorkeling as one part of a broader sea day rather than the sole reason to go.

FAQ

How long does the SaltyTours boat trip last?

The trip lasts 2.5 hours, including the boat ride through Palma Bay, the stops along the coast, time at Punta Negra, and the return to SaltyTours.

How many people can join the boat?

Each boat can accommodate a maximum of nine participants. This keeps the outing smaller and gives you more room for the included water equipment.

What activities are included?

Swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and use of the included sea scooter are part of the experience. Snorkeling masks and snorkels are provided.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, soft drinks, and beers are included. Meals and snacks are not included, so bring food if you think you will need it.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet the guide at the entrance to the port of Club de Mar-Mallorca, in front of MercaNautic New Palma. The guide will accompany you to the boat.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. You must arrange your own transport to the port.

What languages do the guides speak?

The activity is operated in English and Spanish. Captains named in the available information include Enrique and Francesca.

Can children join the activity?

Children can join, but minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Baby seats are not available, and baby carriages are not allowed on board.

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

The official guidance says it is not suitable for non-swimmers, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users. Pets are also not allowed.