The 6 most common mistakes when booking catamaran trips in Mallorca

What should you know before booking a catamaran trip?

Catamaran trips have become one of the most popular experiences for visitors to Mallorca. The crystalline blue of the Mediterranean, the hidden coves and the sensation of freedom that sailing on these boats provides mean that more and more tourists are looking for this option to enjoy the island.

However, what should be an unforgettable experience can turn into a real headache if we do not pay attention to certain details when booking.

There is a wide range of catamaran trips on offer and not all of them offer the same quality or experience. In this article we reveal the most common mistakes that travellers make and how to avoid them to ensure that your trip on the Mallorcan waters is exactly as you imagine it to be.

One by one, the most common mistakes when booking a boat tour in Mallorca

Mistake #1: Choosing only by price (and not by what’s included in the tour)

Falling into the temptation of booking the cheapest catamaran trip can end up being very expensive. Many seemingly attractive offers hide significant cutbacks in the experience: shorter routes that avoid the most spectacular coves, boats with fewer amenities, lack of essential shade under the Mallorcan sun, or a catering service limited to a simple sandwich and water.

Quality catamaran trips usually include on-board food, an open bar of selected drinks, snorkelling equipment, sufficient shaded areas and stops at the most impressive coves.

Before you book, compare in detail what each option includes and think about whether you are really saving or just getting less for your money.

This article might also interest you: What it’s like to sail on a catamaran if you’ve never done it before

Mistake #2: Not checking if the tour is private or shared

One of the most unpleasant surprises when you arrive at the port is to discover that your ‘exclusive’ catamaran trip will be shared with 50 or 60 other people. Many travellers mistakenly assume that they are booking a private or small group experience, when in fact these are large capacity vessels.

The difference between sailing a catamaran with 12 people or 60 is abysmal in terms of comfort, personal attention and overall experience. Private or semi-private tours guarantee plenty of space to relax, personal attention from the crew and a much more intimate experience.

Always check the type of tour and maximum number of passengers before confirming your booking. And, in case you are joining a shared tour with many people, make sure the boat is comfortable for everyone.

Mistake #3: Not checking the departure point (and arriving late)

Mallorca has numerous ports and embarkation points, some of which are quite far from the main tourist areas. A common mistake is to assume that all catamaran trips depart from the port closest to your accommodation, only to find out, just in time, that you have to travel to the other end of the island.

Catamarans have strict departure times and do not wait for late passengers. Always confirm the exact location of the embarkation point, calculate the time needed to get there (considering the traffic in high season) and, if possible, visit the place the day before to familiarise yourself with the surroundings.

Remember that it is recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time to complete check-in without rushing.

Mistake #4: Booking on unreliable websites or with resellers without clear information

The proliferation of booking platforms and resellers has made it easier to find catamaran trips, but it has also increased the risk of falling into the hands of unreliable intermediaries.

Red flags include websites that do not show real pictures of the boats, generic descriptions of the service, lack of information about the company operating the tour, or unclear conditions and cancellation policies.

The best catamaran trips are booked directly with established local operators or through recognised platforms that offer consumer guarantees.

Always look for detailed information, specific photos of the boat (not generic images), verified reviews and clear contact details before making any payment.

Mistake #5: Not checking the cancellation or weather change policy

The Mediterranean can be unpredictable, even in summer. It is not uncommon for some days to have adverse weather conditions that prevent sailing or change the planned route. Not knowing the cancellation policy or changes due to weather conditions can mean losing the full amount of your booking.

Responsible catamaran tour operators offer alternatives such as date changes, safer alternative routes or full or partial refunds in case of cancellation due to bad weather.

Before booking, ask specifically what happens if weather conditions do not allow the tour to go ahead as planned, especially if you are travelling in seasons such as spring or autumn when the weather is more variable.

Mistake #6: Not reading reviews and not looking at current photos of the boat

In the digital age, ignoring reviews from other travellers is an unforgivable mistake. The honest opinions of those who have already taken the catamaran trip you’re interested in can reveal things that no commercial description will: whether the boat is well maintained, whether the crew is friendly and professional, whether the food is really good, or whether the stops are as idyllic as promised.

Always look for recent reviews (within the last year) and pay special attention to photos uploaded by users, not just the company’s professional ones. A catamaran may have been spectacular five years ago, but is now dilapidated. Today’s images will give you a realistic idea of what you will find on board.

So, are all catamaran trips the same? Spoiler: no.

The variety of experiences available on catamaran trips around Mallorca is immense. From small family boats that offer a friendly service and personalised routes, to luxurious catamarans with every imaginable comfort, to themed options such as snorkelling tours, sunsets with live music or gastronomic experiences on board.

The type of boat, the number of passengers, the route followed, the sailing time, the quality of the catering and the professionalism of the crew are factors that distinguish an exceptional trip from a mediocre one.

Discover: Mallorca in winter: secrets, plans and charming villages

Do you want to ensure a good catamaran experience?

Catamaran sailing in the crystal clear waters of Mallorca should be one of the most special memories of your holiday, not a source of frustration. Avoiding the mistakes we have detailed in this article will help you choose the option that really fits your expectations and needs.

Instead of taking chances with hasty bookings or decisions based solely on price, trust experts who know every corner of the Mallorcan coastline and meticulously select their partners.

Book with local experts. At Attraction Catamarans we are. Check out all our options!

Here ends the article about ‘The 6 most common mistakes when booking catamaran trips in Mallorca’, but you can still find a lot of relevant information in our Blog. Remember that you can send this post to whoever you like, come back every time you need it and contact us in case you already want to book your boat or get rid of doubts.