What the Cabrera National Park is
Cabrera is a small archipelago south of Mallorca, off Colònia de Sant Jordi, protected as a Maritime-Terrestrial National Park since 1991. The main island, uninhabited except for park staff, preserves an almost untouched landscape: cliffs, Mediterranean scrubland, a 14th-century castle, and waters of a clarity rarely found in the western Mediterranean. There is no bridge or regular ferry: it can only be visited on an organised day trip, and that's the charm of the place — it still feels remote.
How to get there: the only way is by boat from Colònia de Sant Jordi
The usual starting point is the port of Colònia de Sant Jordi, in the southeast of Mallorca, about 10 kilometres from the island. Several companies authorised by the park operate the crossing, which takes between 40 minutes and an hour depending on the type of boat. There is no regular public transport, nor the option of arriving independently: you need to book a spot on one of the official excursions, which run mainly between April and October.
Visit to Cabrera Island by speedboat from Colonia Sant JordiCheck availability →Cabrera excursion prices and what's included
Prices vary depending on duration and operator, but as a 2026 reference departing from Colònia de Sant Jordi:
- Short excursion (about 3 hours): from €45-56 per person
- Full-day excursion (about 6 hours): between €58 and €69 per person
- Cabrera 360º (panoramic loop around the archipelago + free time on the island + swim in the Cueva Azul, 6 hours): €71 adults / €38 children aged 3 to 12, with departures at 9:00 am and 12:15 pm
If Colònia de Sant Jordi isn't nearby: departure from El Arenal or Can Pastilla
Anyone staying in the Palma, El Arenal or Can Pastilla area can also reach Cabrera without travelling to the south of the island: there are speedboat excursions that depart directly from these areas and sail to the national park, with less road transfer time, though somewhat more time at sea.
Cabrera National Park Speedboat Tour from El Arenal and Can PastillaCheck availability →What to see once on the island
- Cabrera Castle: a fortress from the late 14th century that watched for the arrival of pirates and corsairs; today it's the most photographed viewpoint on the archipelago, with views over the whole harbour
- Es Celler Ethnographic Museum: a former wine cellar converted into an interpretation centre on the relationship between people and the natural environment on Cabrera; admission is free, and in season (from Easter to the end of October) guided visits are offered, with the schedule announced daily at the information office
- Sa Cova Blava (Cueva Azul): a sea cave where the light creates spectacular turquoise reflections underwater; many excursions stop here for a swim and rent snorkelling gear on board
- Marked trails: short, easy routes such as the climb up to the Castle, the n'Ensiola lighthouse, or Sa Cova Blava, ideal for free time on land
- Birdwatching: the cliffs on the north and east of the island, and the area around the castle, are a good spot for seeing seabirds
How many people can visit Cabrera per day
Access to the main island is limited to a maximum of 300 people a day, split between the different authorised companies, to protect an ecosystem with hundreds of marine and plant species in just 13 km². That quota fills up easily in July and August, so it's worth booking the excursion several days in advance if travelling in high season.
If you're arriving by your own boat: sailing and anchoring permits
Anyone with their own boat can also approach Cabrera, but must first apply for a sailing permit (and an anchoring permit too, if planning to stay overnight), always online through the park's administration. Anchoring is only allowed at the port buoys or in the Es Burrí bay, with a maximum of 50 boats per day.
Practical tips for your day in Cabrera
- Bring water and some food: there's barely any dining available on the island, so don't count on buying anything once there
- Comfortable, closed shoes if you plan to climb up to the castle or walk any of the trails, which run over stony, shadeless terrain
- Sun protection, a cap, and swimwear on: the swim in the Cueva Azul or around the harbour is one of the best parts of the day
- Your own snorkelling gear if you want to skip the on-board rental
- In high season, book the excursion in advance: the daily visitor quota fills up
- Confirm the exact boarding point and departure time the day before, as it can vary depending on sea conditions