Can Pastilla: Sailboat Tour with Snorkeling, Tapas & Drinks

The best part of this Can Pastilla sailing trip is its small-boat feel. You cruise Palma Bay under sail, stop at two spots for swimming and snorkeling, and eat tapas on board rather than spending four hours in a crowded motorboat. Captain Andrés is often praised for making the outing easy and personal.

I especially like the mix of real sailing and water time, plus the chance to see Mallorca from the coast instead of only from the road. The food is another strong point: expect simple Spanish fare such as tortilla de patata, sandwiches, hummus, vegetables, pizza, or other tapas, with two drinks included. The main drawback is weather. A cloudy or windy day can limit swimming, and the two-drink allowance may feel modest on a four-hour trip.

Key points to know before you book

• A genuine sailboat outing: The boat sails through Palma Bay when conditions allow, rather than simply motoring from stop to stop.
• Two water stops: You have time for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding near Cap Enderrocat and another scenic coastal point.
• Small groups matter: The boat can carry up to 12 people, and several departures have had far fewer passengers.
• Andrés is a major part of the experience: He handles the boat, prepares food, answers questions, and looks after the group.
• Food and drinks are included: You get appetizers, two drinks per person, and water throughout the trip.
• Plan for sun and sea conditions: Bring a towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes. Wheelchair users cannot take this tour.

A four-hour sail from Can Pastilla

The trip begins at one of three nearby meeting points: Club Marítim Sant Antoni de la Platja, Sailing Experiences Jaque Mate, or the parking area at Cala Estancia. Your exact point depends on the option you book, so check the confirmation carefully. Pickup and drop-off are not included, and parking can be difficult around the marina, especially later in the day.

Once aboard, you settle into a shared sailboat or a private departure. The boat has comfortable seating, according to several detailed accounts, and the group size is capped at 12. That limit makes a real difference. With only four, five, or nine people on some trips, the boat can feel much closer to a private charter than a standard group cruise.

The opening stretch takes you out through the Bay of Palma. Depending on the wind, you may spend part of this time under sail, with the boat heeling gently as it moves across the water. You also get broad views back toward Mallorca, along with rock formations and rugged stretches of coast.

I like this first part because it gives the trip a proper rhythm. You are not rushed straight into an activity. There is time to settle in, enjoy a drink, talk with the captain, and watch the shoreline change as you leave the port area.

The exact balance between sailing and engine time depends on wind and sea conditions. The published route includes about 50 minutes of water transport at the start, followed by activity time, another 30-minute boat segment, a second activity stop, and roughly an hour of return travel. Treat those figures as an outline rather than a promise of exact sailing minutes.

First stop near Cap Enderrocat

The first main stop is near Cap Enderrocat, a coastal point known for rock formations and clear water. Here the boat pauses for roughly 50 minutes, giving you time to choose how active you want to be.

You can swim from the boat, use the supplied snorkeling equipment, or try the stand-up paddleboard. If you prefer to stay dry, you can sit back with a drink and watch the water. This flexibility is useful for mixed groups, since one person can paddleboard while another swims and someone else simply enjoys the view.

The snorkeling is a pleasant extra rather than a specialist marine excursion. The water can be clear enough to see colorful fish, and one account describes spotting a stingray. Still, visibility depends on wind, light, and sea conditions. You should book this for the overall boat day, not solely for a major snorkeling site.

The stop is described as a beautiful coastal area, though not every swimming point is a sheltered cove. One account notes that some locations were more like open stretches along the shore with emerald water. That can mean a wider view and a good swim, but less protection from wind than you might expect from the word cove.

While you are in the water, the captain manages the boat and equipment. Andrés is frequently praised for being attentive and safety-conscious, and he has also been described as handling the boat, food, and hospitality by himself. That makes the experience feel personal, but it also means the captain is doing several jobs at once.

Tapas, cava, and a relaxed lunch afloat

Food is served as part of the trip, not sold as an optional extra. You receive appetizers and two drinks per person, with a choice of soft drinks, beer, wine, or cava. Water is available throughout.

The exact tapas selection can vary. Past meals have included tortilla de patata, sandwiches, hummus, carrots, vegetables, pizza, and other simple snacks. The Spanish potato and egg tortilla gets particularly strong praise, and it is the sort of filling, unfussy food that suits a day on the water.

Do not expect a formal restaurant meal or an endless drinks package. One person found the tapas good but wished for more traditional additions such as melon, ham, and olives. Another wanted the option of an extra drink or two. At $117 per person, the food and beverages add useful value, but the main purchase is the boat, captain, route, and water activities.

The timing of the food can depend on the day and the captain’s flow. You might eat while anchored, during a quieter stretch of the trip, or after one of the swims. Andrés has been praised for preparing food while also running the boat, and for offering blankets when the air turned cool. That level of care is especially helpful outside the hottest summer weeks.

If you are visiting in spring or on a cloudy day, bring an extra light layer even if you expect Mallorca to be warm. One April outing had cool weather and limited swimming, but the scenery, food, and attention from the captain still made the trip worthwhile.

The second coastal stop and water activities

After the first stop, the boat continues for around 30 minutes before reaching another viewpoint or coastal swimming area. This second stop also lasts about 50 minutes and includes time for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, drinks, and tapas.

The two-stop format is one of the trip’s best features. You get a change of setting instead of spending the entire afternoon in one bay. The route may show you several different sections of Mallorca’s coast, including cliffs, rock formations, and water that shifts between deep blue and green.

You should keep your expectations flexible about the exact location. The route is shaped by weather, wind, and safe anchoring conditions. The information provided describes a viewpoint rather than naming a specific second cove, so the attraction is the coastal setting and the chance to get in the water, not a guaranteed landmark.

Some departures have included a chance to jump from a rock formation, but this is not presented as a standard feature. Do not count on it, and never jump unless the captain says the location and conditions are safe.

The paddleboard is a good choice if you want activity without a long swim. It also gives you a different view of the sailboat, cliffs, and water. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins unless you prefer using personal gear.

Sailing back through Palma Bay

The return portion takes about an hour on the route outline. If the wind is right, this may be the most satisfying sailing of the day. Several people valued the feeling of true sailing, including the gentle tilt of the boat and the extra speed when the breeze filled the sails.

The captain’s style seems friendly but not overbearing. Andrés is often described as easygoing, attentive, and happy to answer questions. Some accounts note that he does not talk constantly, which may suit you if you want a quiet ride rather than a narrated cruise.

When you do ask questions, you can expect useful answers about sailing and the island. One captain shared stories and explained some of the boat’s technical details, while another account praises the captain for pointing out what the group was seeing along the coast. Spanish and English are spoken.

The mood is best described as calm and social. You may chat with people from different countries, but you also have space to sit quietly with a drink. The small group cap helps prevent the loud, tightly packed feel common on larger catamarans.

What $117 buys you

At $117, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water around Mallorca. You are paying more than you would for a basic sightseeing boat, but the comparison is not quite fair. This trip includes a captain, a sailboat, two water stops, snorkeling gear, a paddleboard, appetizers, two drinks, and water for four hours.

The strongest value comes when the group is small. A shared departure with only four or five people can feel much more like a private outing, without requiring your party to cover the full cost of chartering the boat. Private groups are also available if you want control over the guest list.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a long swim or a generous drinks package. Swimming time is tied to the route and conditions, and two alcoholic or soft drinks may not be enough for everyone over four hours. Food portions are designed as tapas and snacks, not a full banquet.

I would compare this with the cost of booking a private boat separately, then adding a captain, food, drinks, and water equipment. For couples, families, and small groups who want all those pieces handled in one booking, the price is reasonable. For solo visitors focused only on snorkeling, a dedicated water-activity trip may make more sense.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

This outing suits you if you want a relaxed half-day with several options. You can swim, paddleboard, snorkel, eat, sail, or simply sit in the sun. It works particularly well for couples, families with older children, small friend groups, and anyone who prefers a quiet boat to a large party cruise.

Families have used the trip with children aged 10, 12, and 15, who enjoyed the swimming, paddleboarding, and Mediterranean setting. The boat also suits older family groups because you are not required to spend the whole stop in the water.

It is a good pick for a special occasion, too. A bachelorette group had a successful outing, and several people treated the sail as the highlight of a Mallorca holiday or cruise stop. The private option gives you more control if you want the boat to yourself.

You may want another activity if you use a wheelchair, since the experience is not suitable for wheelchair users. It is also less suitable if you dislike boats, need a guaranteed sheltered cove, or want a highly structured sightseeing talk from start to finish.

Timing, weather, and what to pack

The tour lasts four hours, with starting times subject to availability. An afternoon departure can be especially appealing if you want a slower day or prefer being on the water later, while a morning departure may suit you if you want to keep the rest of the day open.

Sea conditions shape the experience. Wind can improve the sailing but make swimming less appealing. Cloud or cool temperatures may shorten your time in the water, while strong sun makes sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat essential.

Pack comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. You should also bring a light layer if the forecast is cool or windy. Snorkeling equipment and the paddleboard are supplied.

The meeting point varies with the booking choice, and transportation to the port is not included. Allow extra time to find your way to the marina. Parking has been difficult for some people, so public transportation or a taxi may be easier if you are not already nearby.

Cancellation is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.

Should you book the Can Pastilla sailing tour?

I would book this if you want a small-group Mallorca boat day that combines sailing, swimming, tapas, and an easygoing captain. The strongest reason to choose it is the balance. You get real time under sail, two chances to enter the water, food and drinks, and enough quiet time to enjoy Palma Bay.

I would think twice if your top priority is serious snorkeling, a full meal, or unlimited drinks. The route and swimming depend on conditions, and the menu is casual. But for a comfortable four-hour outing with a personal feel, $117 is fair value, especially when the group is small.

FAQ

How long does the Can Pastilla sailboat tour last?

The experience lasts four hours. Starting times depend on availability when you book.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point may be Club Marítim Sant Antoni de la Platja, Sailing Experiences Jaque Mate, or the parking area at Cala Estancia. Your exact location depends on the option selected.

Are swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. The tour includes stops for swimming and snorkeling, and snorkeling equipment is provided. Conditions can affect how long you spend in the water.

Is paddleboarding available?

Yes. A stand-up paddleboard is included, and you can use it during the water stops.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive appetizers, two drinks per person, and water throughout the trip. Drinks can include soft drinks, beer, wine, or cava.

Is the tour available as a private group?

Yes. Private group bookings are available, while shared departures can carry up to 12 people.