The cruises compared here
The two boat trips on Palma Bay that are sold in English are quite different. One is a short swim and snorkel trip from El Arenal; the other leaves from the Golondrinas pier in Palma and is built around lunch and music.
The catamaran with lunch is the Es Trenc one, on the south coast. Scores and prices are those on the listings on 29 October 2026.
1What each trip does
The El Arenal trip lasts two hours on a typical Balearic boat, with a stop in calm water for swimming and snorkelling. It leaves from next to the El Arenal yacht club, not from the port of Palma.
The music and lunch cruise lasts four hours from the Golondrinas pier, with music on board, a buffet-style meal and a swim stop near Son Veri and Majoris. The listing explains that a Balearic rule bans boat parties, so the dance floor is filled with tables. The Es Trenc catamaran lasts about five hours and goes to the beaches of Es Trenc and Es Caragol, with snorkelling and lunch.
2Price, food and cancellation
El Arenal is the cheapest at €33 and includes snorkelling equipment and a life jacket, with no food. The Palma cruise is from €59.90 with a buffet-style meal and water. The Es Trenc catamaran is from €59 with food, an open bar of wine and sangria during lunch, and water and soft drinks.
El Arenal and the Palma cruise can be cancelled free up to 24 hours before; Es Trenc asks for 3 days. The Palma cruise has a minimum age of 18.
3Which one to book
Book El Arenal if you are staying nearby, want a short trip and do not need food. Book the Palma cruise if you want to leave from the port with a meal on board and no children in the group. Book Es Trenc if you want a beach day on a catamaran and accept travelling to Colonia de Sant Jordi.
None of them is a party boat. Check the booking page for the times on your date.