Snorkeling Tour to the Malgrats Islands by boat

Exploring Mallorca’s Malgrats Islands by Boat and Snorkel: A Practical Review

If you’re looking to combine a bit of adventure with the chance to see Mallorca’s marine life up close, the Snorkeling Tour to the Malgrats Islands from Santa Ponça might be just what you need. This 3-hour experience offered by Tour2b takes you on a boat trip into the Malgrats Islands Marine Reserve, with plenty of opportunities to splash around in the crystal-clear waters. Priced at around $74.52 per person, it’s a reasonably priced way to enjoy Mallorca’s natural beauty, especially if you love being in or near the water.

What stands out immediately about this tour is the guided aspect and the informative commentary your guides provide, making the experience more engaging and educational. Many travelers appreciate the friendly atmosphere, especially those with families, as it’s suitable for children aged 8 and up. A couple of features that stand out are the included snorkeling equipment—fins, masks, and wetsuits—and the convenient pickup service within Calvia, easing the logistics of your day. However, some reviews mention unpredictable sea conditions or minor delays, so flexibility might be necessary.

I really like how this trip balances guided safety with personal exploration. The half-hour boat cruise into the reserve gives you great views of the sheltered bays and hidden coves, setting the scene for the underwater adventure. The water quality and visibility seem generally excellent, with many noting the abundance of brightly colored fish and caves to explore. On top of that, the opportunity to soak up sunshine on the boat deck is a perk, especially if you’re craving a relaxing afternoon out of the sun but still in the sea.

One consideration is the tour’s group size, which is capped at 12 travelers. This generally means more personal attention, but it might fill up quickly—most travelers tend to book about 13 days in advance. Also, keep in mind that the transfer is only included within Calvia, so if you’re staying elsewhere, you’ll need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point.

Key Points

• Guided marine reserve visit ensures safety and local insights.
• Flexible snorkeling in crystal-clear waters with equipment provided.
• Small group size enhances personal attention and safety.
• Convenient pickup within Calvia makes logistics straightforward.
• Approximate 3-hour duration balances adventure and relaxation.
• Suitable for water lovers aged 8 and above with swimming skills.

The Experience in Detail

The tour begins at the ZOEA Mallorca | Scuba Diving Center in Calvia, ideally 15 minutes early at 3:45 pm. From there, a half-hour boat cruise takes you toward the Malgrats Islands Marine Reserve, an area known for its protected waters and rich marine life. This cruise itself offers beautiful views over the bays and coves around Mallorca, giving you a chance to enjoy the scenery while preparing for your snorkeling adventure.

Once at the snorkeling site, the guide—whose knowledge and friendliness get frequent praise—supervises as everyone dons snorkel gear, fins, and wetsuits. Many reviews mention how well-trained guides like Aldi kept everyone safe and informed, creating a relaxed environment that’s ideal for both beginners and experienced swimmers. For example, one traveler raved about how the staff was “super friendly and helpful,” making the underwater experience even more enjoyable.

The underwater landscape in these calm, sheltered waters includes caves and a variety of fish, with some reviewers mentioning “gorgeous underwater views” and “swimming through caves.” The visibility tends to be quite good, and the water temperature generally comfortable, thanks to the wetsuits. Watching colorful fish dart around and exploring underwater caves is a highlight for many.

One of the insights from reviews is the importance of being prepared for jellyfish, so packing a little extra protection or awareness might be wise. A reviewer named Laura noted, “Watch out for jellyfish,” so keep an eye out while swimming. Also, if you’re lucky, you might spot different fish at each stop, as one traveler mentioned visiting “3 different stops, each with its own views.”

The tour includes insurance and all the snorkel gear, which minimizes your stress about logistics or equipment. After swimming and splashing around, you’re free to relax aboard or soak up the sun on the deck before heading back to the meeting point.

What Travelers Love

Many reviewers highlight how friendly and attentive the guides are, making safety and fun their top priorities. Mara and her team, as one reviewer said, “made it just great diving and snorkeling in hidden places,” emphasizing the personalized touch. Others are especially fond of the stunning views over Mallorca’s bays and coves, with multiple stops providing fresh scenery and underwater sights.

The quality of snorkeling equipment gets high marks—fins, masks, wetsuits—all provided, which adds tremendous value for the price. A traveler named Sara recommended, “Highly recommend!” after enjoying the varied scenery and the ease of equipment.

On the whole, travelers enjoy the relaxed pace and the chance to soak up sunshine while floating in clear waters, making it a relaxing yet invigorating experience. Many describe it as “fantastic,” especially when paired with the friendly staff and well-organized logistics.

What Could Be Better

Some reviews point out minor drawbacks. A few travelers experienced delays or felt the boat spent too long sitting at the dock before departure—sometimes about 45 minutes. If you’re on a tight schedule or expecting a long adventure, it’s worth arriving early and being prepared for a slightly flexible timetable.

Another consideration is the fish and marine life visibility—while many say it’s superb, others have noted a lack of fish on certain days or that trash in the water might be present, which can detract from the experience. For example, one review mentioned that their boat had “an issue in the sea,” indicating that weather or technical issues can occasionally impact the trip.

Plus, transfer only within Calvia means if you’re staying outside this zone, you’ll need to organize your own way to reach the meeting point, which could add to your planning.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for families with kids aged 8 and over who want a safe and guided introduction to snorkeling in Mallorca’s marine protected areas. It’s also suitable for beginners or casual snorkelers who appreciate the safety and equipment provided. Adventure seekers looking for varied scenery and a relaxed pace will find this tour rewarding, especially those interested in bays and coves that aren’t crowded with other boats.

On the flip side, if you’re a die-hard marine enthusiast or seeking customized dive experiences, this might not be enough. The short duration and focus on leisure mean it’s more about enjoying a pleasant afternoon than an in-depth exploration.

Final Thoughts

This Malgrats Islands snorkeling trip offers a solid blend of guided marine exploration and relaxing boat ride, perfect for travelers who want to see Mallorca’s underwater world without too much fuss. With friendly guides, quality equipment, and lovely scenery, many find it a good value for the price. Just be prepared for weather-dependent conditions and possible delays.

If your goal is a fun, family-friendly aquatic adventure close to Calvia with the chance to see colorful fish and explore caves, this tour delivers. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate a balance of structure and free time—time to splash, swim, and soak up the sunshine.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours, including the boat ride and snorkeling time.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers guide and insurance, snorkeling equipment (fins, masks, wetsuits), and pickup within Calvia.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for children aged 8 and over who know how to swim and are comfortable in the water.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring a bath towel, swimsuit, and perhaps some sun protection. All snorkeling gear is provided.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews frequently mention friendly, helpful guides like Aldi who ensure safety while sharing interesting facts.

What are the main highlights?
You’ll enjoy panoramic views, snorkeling in crystal waters, and visiting the protected marine reserve.

What if the weather isn’t good?
The tour’s success depends on good weather; in case of cancellation, you can reschedule or get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Can I book this last minute?
Most travelers book about 13 days in advance, so booking early is recommended to secure your spot.

What should I expect in terms of marine life?
While many see lots of colorful fish, some reviews note less marine life or trash, which can vary daily.

This snorkeling trip to the Malgrats Islands can be a highlight of your Mallorca holiday if you want a straightforward, enjoyable way to explore the waters around the island. With friendly guides, well-organized logistics, and scenery that’s worth a photograph or two, it’s a tour that caters well to families and casual snorkelers seeking a day in the sun and sea.