Why Mallorca is the perfect destination for a boat trip
Mallorca has more than 550 kilometres of coastline, and many of its best spots — hidden coves, sea caves, protected islets — can only really be seen from the water. You don't need to be an expert sailor: most routes depart on a catamaran, llaüt or speedboat with a professional skipper, last between 2 and 5 hours, and include stops for swimming, snorkelling and, in many cases, food on board. The key to choosing well isn't the lowest price, but the area: each stretch of coast offers a different experience, from the lively atmosphere of the Bahía de Palma to the almost untouched silence of the Cabrera National Park.
Bahía de Palma: catamarans, sunsets and Cala Vella
This is the most classic route and the easiest to fit into any stay, since most departures leave from the Palma marina itself or from El Arenal. The typical route skirts the city's seafront, with the Cathedral and Bellver Castle as a backdrop, and heads towards Cala Vella or the coves in the southern part of the bay to anchor, swim and eat on board. At sunset, these same routes turn into cruises with live music and a welcome drink, very popular for hen and stag parties or simply for watching the sun set over the sea from the water.
Experience the magic of Palma Bay on a catamaran cruiseCheck availability →Southwest: the Malgrats Islands and the Sa Dragonera Natural Park
Off Santa Ponça, the Malgrat-Olla-Conills archipelago forms one of the richest marine reserves on the island, with posidonia meadows and seabeds home to sizeable groupers and sea bass. It was declared a Marine Reserve in 2004 together with the neighbouring Illa del Toro and covers around 138 hectares, making it a highly sought-after spot for half-day snorkelling boat trips. Further west, the Sa Dragonera Natural Park — 908 hectares of cliffs, lighthouses and seabird colonies — is visited on excursions departing from Sant Elm, Santa Ponça, Peguera or Puerto de Andratx, many of them by catamaran with a swimming stop in the island's own bay.
Heaven Tour: Sail around Sa Dragonera Natural Park (Adults Only)"Check availability →Wild south: Es Trenc and the Cabrera National Park
The south coast brings together two of Mallorca's most photographed postcard views. Es Trenc, with its white sand and Caribbean-looking turquoise water, can be reached by catamaran or speedboat from Colònia de Sant Jordi, avoiding the traffic jams on the road access during high season. A little further on, the Cabrera archipelago — a Maritime-Terrestrial National Park since 1991 — remains the most unspoiled stretch of coast in the western Mediterranean thanks to tightly regulated access: only a limited number of authorised shipping companies can carry passengers collectively, and anyone wanting to go with their own boat needs to apply for a specific navigation permit, valid for 12 months.
Visit to Cabrera Island by speedboat from Colonia Sant JordiCheck availability →East: Cala Ratjada, the Llevant Marine Reserve and the coves of Cala d'Or
The east coast hides some of the island's most photogenic coves, many only accessible on foot along a trail or directly from the sea. From Cala Ratjada, catamarans and vintage boats sail to the Llevant Marine Reserve, with cliffs and sea caves explored by speedboat with stops for swimming. Further south, from Portocolom, Cala Marçal, Portopetro and the Cala d'Or area, more relaxed excursions depart towards Cala Figuera and Cala d'Or, two coves of whitewashed houses and clear water that pair well with dolphin watching, common along this stretch of coast at dawn.
North: the Bay of Alcúdia, Cape Formentor and the dolphins
The Bay of Alcúdia and Pollença, with calmer, deeper waters, is one of the areas where dolphins are most frequently spotted early in the morning, especially when rounding Cape Formentor towards open sea. Excursions departing from the port of Alcúdia usually combine a visit to a nearby cove with a search for cetaceans and, on the longer routes, a catamaran approach to Formentor beach, one of the most spectacular in Mallorca thanks to the contrast between the pine forest, white sand and the cliffs of the Serra de Tramuntana dropping straight into the sea.
Discover Formentor by catamaran: Beach and sceneryCheck availability →Caves and speedboat adventures
For those looking for more than an afternoon of swimming, Mallorca offers speedboat routes to sea caves and stretches of coast only visible from the water, such as the cliffs of Es Cap Blanc or the coast around Cala Ratjada, with snorkelling options included. Elsewhere, in Porto Cristo, the Cuevas del Drach are a must-see and also have their own moment on the water: at the end of the walking tour, a short classical music concert is held on the shores of Lake Martel, one of the largest underground lakes in the world, and the exit is made by crossing the lake by boat.
Practical tips for choosing your boat trip
- Book in advance in July and August: the most popular departures (Cala Vella, Formentor, Cabrera) sell out several days ahead.
- If you're travelling with children, choose family-friendly catamarans rather than "adults-only" routes like some of those to Sa Dragonera or by speedboat.
- Morning departures usually have calmer seas and better visibility for snorkelling; sunset ones offer better light and less heat.
- Bring biodegradable sunscreen, a towel and water shoes; almost no excursion includes these extras.
- For Cabrera and Sa Dragonera, check that the company is authorised by the relevant National Park or Natural Park.
- In high season, departing from smaller ports (Portocolom, Cala Ratjada, Colònia de Sant Jordi) usually means fewer people on board than from Palma or El Arenal.