Snorkeling Tour to the Malgrats Islands by boat

Snorkeling Adventure at Mallorca’s Malgrats Islands: A Clear and Accessible Experience

The Snorkeling Tour to the Malgrats Islands offers a balanced mix of marine exploration and scenic boat rides, all within a 3-hour window. For $74.52 per person, this trip departs from Santa Ponça in Mallorca, Spain, and includes guidance, snorkeling equipment, and transfers within Calvia. The tour is designed for water lovers aged eight and over, making it suitable for families and beginner snorkelers alike.

This tour stands out for its focus on marine reserve exploration and panoramic views over Mallorca’s picturesque bays and coves. A key advantage is the guided supervision throughout the snorkeling, which enhances safety and confidence for participants. While it does have some limitations—like a maximum group size of 12 travelers—those seeking a straightforward, scenic, and well-supported snorkeling trip tend to find this experience rewarding.

Key Points

• Duration: Approximately 3 hours from start to finish, with a half-hour boat cruise and guided snorkeling.
• Location: Starts at ZOEA Mallorca | Scuba Diving Center in Calvia, Mallorca.
• Inclusions: Snorkeling gear, guide, and insurance, with transfers within Calvia.
• Suitable for: Water enthusiasts aged 8 and above, with a requirement to know how to swim.
• Highlights: Marine Reserve, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful bays and coves with scenic views.
• Limitations: No transfers outside the Calvia zone; the maximum group size is 12.

Starting Point at ZOEA Mallorca in Calvia

The tour begins at ZOEA Mallorca | Scuba Diving Center in Calvia, a location that’s easy to access near public transportation. Travelers are advised to arrive 15 minutes early, around 3:45 pm, to ensure smooth check-in. The meeting point’s proximity to public transit makes organizing your arrival straightforward.

The activity includes pick-up services within Calvia, which adds convenience, especially for those staying nearby. The boat ride lasts about 30 minutes, setting a relaxing tone before jumping into the water. The on-deck sunbathing options and panoramic views of Mallorca’s bays make waiting enjoyable.

The Malgrats Islands Marine Reserve: A Prime Snorkeling Spot

The tour takes you into the Malgrats Islands Marine Reserve, known for its sheltered beaches and vibrant marine life. The guide accompanies you throughout the snorkeling session, ensuring safety and providing insights into the underwater environment. The waters are crystal clear, making it easy to spot colorful fish and swim through caves.

The marine reserve offers calm conditions perfect for beginners and those less experienced. The snorkeling equipment—including fins, masks, and snorkels—is provided, allowing everyone to enjoy the underwater scenery comfortably. The tour emphasizes leisurely swimming and splashing, rather than intense activity, making it suitable for families and casual swimmers.

Scenic Views of Cala and Coves from the Boat

Before snorkeling, the boat cruise provides panoramic views of Mallorca’s sheltered beaches, bays, and coves. These vistas give a sense of the island’s natural beauty and set the scene for the marine adventure. The relaxed boat ride allows travelers to enjoy the scenic coastline with minimal effort.

The guide shares commentary about the areas visited, enriching the experience with background on the local environment. The cruise is short enough to leave plenty of time for the main snorkeling activity but long enough to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Snorkeling in Crystal Waters: What You Can Expect

Once at the snorkeling spot, the guides supervise your underwater exploration, but you’re free to swim and splash at your own pace. The clear waters reveal vivid marine life, and the fins, mask, and snorkel equipment help you get the most from your underwater view.

Some reviews highlight the presence of jellyfish, so travelers should be cautious. The calm bay environment is generally safe and inviting, especially for those who know how to swim. The water temperature and visibility make it an accessible experience, even for beginners.

Guides and Equipment: Friendly, Knowledgeable, and Well-Prepared

The tour features guides who are praised for their friendliness and helpfulness. Many mention Aldi and other team members as being kind and supportive throughout the trip. They ensure everyone is comfortable and informed, making the snorkeling experience smooth and enjoyable.

All necessary snorkeling gear—including wetsuits, fins, and masks—is supplied. The equipment appears to be in good condition, and guides provide clear instructions for proper use. This support enhances the overall safety and confidence for participants, especially those new to snorkeling.

Pacing and Group Size: Intimate and Relaxed

With a maximum of 12 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate atmosphere. This smaller group size allows guides to give more individual attention and ensures everyone gets a chance to snorkel comfortably.

The pacing is generally relaxed, with enough time allocated for swimming, exploring caves, and soaking up the sun on deck. However, some reviews mention initial waiting times—such as sitting at the dock for about 45 minutes—which can test patience but are usually compensated by the enjoyable surroundings.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While most reviews highlight the beautiful underwater views and friendly staff, some mention limited fish sightings or small snorkeling areas. One review notes an issue with the boat in the sea, which slightly impacted their experience.

There are also some comments about the small size of the snorkeling zone and trash in the water, which are factors to consider for those seeking more extensive or pristine underwater environments. The tour does not include transfers outside the Calvia zone, so travelers from other areas should plan accordingly.

Cancellation Policy and Booking Flexibility

Booking can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for changing plans. Confirmations are received immediately upon booking, and the tour offers a mobile ticket option for convenience.

The activity has a cost of $74.52 per person and is usually booked 13 days in advance, indicating solid demand and popularity. The group size restriction helps maintain a personalized experience.

Final Thoughts on the Malgrats Islands Snorkeling Trip

The Malgrats Islands snorkeling tour offers an affordable, family-friendly, and scenic introduction to Mallorca’s marine environment. The guides’ supervision and provided equipment make it accessible for beginners and casual water lovers. The cruise delivers beautiful views, and the crystal waters reward snorkelers with opportunities to see colorful fish and underwater caves.

While the small snorkeling area and occasional waiting times are potential downsides, most participants appreciate the personalized attention, friendly staff, and overall relaxed pace. This tour is best suited for those wanting a gentle, guided, marine experience with easy logistics and scenic highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the snorkeling tour?
The tour costs $74.52 per person, including guide, snorkeling equipment, and transfers within Calvia.

How long does the tour last?
The total experience lasts about 3 hours, with a 30-minute boat cruise and snorkeling time.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at ZOEA Mallorca | Scuba Diving Center in Calvia, with convenient access by public transport.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it is suitable for children aged 8 and over who know how to swim.

What is included in the package?
The package includes guides, insurance, snorkeling equipment, and transfers within Calvia.

Are there any restrictions?
Participants should know how to swim; transfers outside Calvia are not included; groups are limited to 12 travelers.

What should I bring?
Bring a swimsuit, bath towel, and sunscreen for comfort and protection during the activity.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, offering flexibility.

Is there a guide available during the snorkeling?
Yes, guides supervise and assist throughout the snorkeling session to ensure safety and enjoyment.

What are the main highlights of this trip?
Participants enjoy scenic boat views, guided snorkeling in crystal waters, and the chance to see marine life in the protected reserve.