Day Sailing from Palma: Routes, Boats, Prices & How to Plan
Quick Start for First-Timers
Palma is the island’s easiest launchpad for a one-day charter. Short transfers, flexible itineraries and a choice of skippers make it simple to swim in turquoise coves before sunset back in the city.
- Departures from the central waterfront marinas
- West to Illetas/Portals Vells (calm coves) or east to Cala Gamba/Cala Blava (clear shelves)
- Morning slots = glassier water; afternoons = reliable sea breeze
- Skippered trips suit families and casual crews; bareboat suits qualified sailors
- Pair your sail with tapas in the Old Town after docking
🧭 Where You’ll Depart (Palma Marinas)
Most day trips leave from one of these central marinas—10–15 minutes from Palma Cathedral. Arrive 15–20 minutes early for briefings and boarding.
At a Glance Table
| Marina | Vibe | Why It Works |
| Real Club Náutico de Palma (RCNP) | Classic yacht club by the city walls | Central, pro crews, quick exit to the bay |
| Moll Vell (Cathedral side) | Boutique pier with views of La Seu | Photogenic departures, easy taxi drop |
| Marina Port de Mallorca | Modern marina on Paseo Marítimo | Good charter stock, straightforward parking |
Map (zoom for all three pins)
🌊 Best Day Routes from Palma (West & East)
Choose based on wind, swell and how much sailing vs swimming you want. West usually means sandy coves and pine-backed beaches; east gives rocky shelves and clear snorkel water.
West: Illetas & Portals Vells (Sheltered Coves)
Calm anchorages, sandy bottoms and beach landings. Great for first timers and families.
Mini Plan (5–7 hours)
- Outbound reach along the Bay of Palma
- Swim stop at Cala Comtessa or Illetas (sand + ladders)
- Late lunch and second swim at Portals Vells caves
- Broad reach home with the afternoon breeze
Pin to Scan These Coves
East: Cala Gamba & Cala Blava (Rocky Clarity)
Rocky shelves and clear water, fewer boats than the southwest on peak days.
Mini Plan (4–6 hours)
- Easy sail past Portixol
- Snorkel loops at Cala Gamba
- Second stop at Cala Blava for deeper blue water
- Sunset line back past the cathedral
Pin to Scan These Spots
💶 Prices You Can Expect
Guide ranges for common day-sail setups (boat + skipper unless noted). Fuel, cleaning and catering vary by operator and season.
| Boat Type | Guests (typ.) | Low Season (approx.) | Summer (approx.) | Notes |
| 35–40 ft monohull (skippered) | 6–8 | €550–€750 | €750–€1,100 | Classic day sail, shade + swim ladder |
| 40–45 ft monohull (skippered) | 8–10 | €700–€950 | €900–€1,300 | More space, 2–3 cabins |
| 38–42 ft catamaran (skippered) | 10–12 | €950–€1,300 | €1,300–€1,900 | Best deck space for groups |
| Sunset (2–3 h, mono/cat) | 6–12 | €300–€650 | €450–€850 | Prime golden hour photos |
| Bareboat 35–40 ft (qualified) | 6–8 | €350–€600 | €600–€900 | Add deposit; skipper optional add-on |
Pro tip: Weekday departures outside July–August often bring better value and quieter coves.
🧳 What to Bring (Pack Light)
- Soft bag, reef-safe sunscreen, hat/rash vest
- Swim kit + microfibre towel
- Non-marking shoes or bare feet
- Water & light snacks (ask about cool box/tableware)
- Optional: short fins, action cam, tow float for confident kids
🕒 Timing & Wind (Embat 101)
The island’s summer embat seabreeze builds through late morning.
- Morning departures = calmer water, easier swim anchorage.
- Afternoon sails = more reliable wind for actual sailing time.
- Sunset runs = soft light and usually a gentle return leg.
🛥️ Skippered vs Bareboat
Skippered day sail
- Relaxed pace, local route choices, stress-free anchoring
- Good for families and mixed-ability groups
Bareboat (with licence/experience)
- Freedom to set the plan, lower base rate
- Add a local guide skipper if you’re new to the bay or want swim-spot intel
🧒 Families & First-Timers
- Pick west-side coves (sand + ladders).
- Aim for 5–6 hour days with one long swim stop.
- Shade: ask for a bimini and extra towels for deck naps.
🛟 Safety & Etiquette on the Bay
- Lifejackets sized for kids; quick briefing before casting off
- Keep well outside swim-buoy lines when approaching coves
- Float over posidonia (seagrass) and anchor only in permitted sand patches
- Glass and loose plastics are risky underway—stow before tacking/gybing
🗺️ Useful Pins (Save Before You Go)
Palma Departure Zone (RCNP/Moll Vell/Marina Port de Mallorca)
Classic West Coves (Illetas & Portals Vells)
Clear-Water East (Cala Gamba & Cala Blava)
❓ FAQ
Do I need sailing experience for a day trip?
No—book a skippered charter and enjoy the swim stops while the skipper handles the boat.
Morning or afternoon—what’s better?
For flat water and easy swimming, go morning. For more sailing breeze, choose afternoon. Sunset trips are short and photogenic.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
Usually yes. Check what’s included (cool box, plates, glasses) and avoid glass underway.
How many people fit on a day boat?
Most monohulls take 6–10; popular cats take 10–12. Your operator will confirm the legal maximum.
Where do boats depart in Palma?
Typically Real Club Náutico, Moll Vell or Marina Port de Mallorca—all close to the Old Town.
🔒 Related Guides
