Southeast Mallorca Snorkelling Guide from Palma
Orientation for Palma-Based Snorkellers
The southeast is all about pocket coves, pine shade and bright, calm mornings. From Palma Cathedral, plan ~55–75 minutes via Ma-19 toward Santanyí. Aim for 09:00–11:30 windows for the clearest water, then swap to lunch or beach time when the sea breeze picks up.
- Showpiece clarity: Cala Sa Nau & S’Amarador
- Nature feel: Mondragó Park trails link two coves
- Hidden gem vibe: Cala Mitjana (small, rocky entry)
- Easy amenities: Cala d’Or’s town coves (Esmeralda, Gran)
Drive Snapshot from Palma
| Area | Typical Drive | Why Go | Who It Suits |
| Cala Sa Nau | 60–70 min | Rocky headlands, vivid turquoise | All levels, confident beginners |
| Mondragó & S’Amarador | 55–65 min | Protected park, twin coves | Families, photographers |
| Cala Mitjana (Santanyí) | 60–70 min | Small, clear, quiet feel | Intermediate, rock entries |
| Cala d’Or coves | 60–70 min | Cafés + easy top-ups between dips | Families, mixed groups |
🗺️ Map: Southeast Pins to Save
Tip: If your first cove has chop or jellyfish, hop one pin over—most are 10–20 minutes apart.
🐠 Best Spots and How to Swim Them
Cala Sa Nau – Reef Tongues & Headland Circuits
Work the north and south headlands for fish life, staying well inside swim buoys. Sandy centre for starts with kids; ladders/rocks on edges.
From Palma: ~60–70 min via Ma-19 → Felanitx → Cala Sa Nau
| Entry | Best Window | Family Factor | Watch For |
| Sand → rock shelves | 09:00–11:00 | Medium–High | Boat lanes near mouth, midday heat |
Mondragó & S’Amarador – Twin Park Coves
A protected area with linked trails. Snorkel the outer corners for reef structure, then stroll the pine path between coves for a second dip.
From Palma: ~55–65 min via Ma-19 → Santanyí → park car parks
| Entry | Best Window | Family Factor | Watch For |
| Sand + rocky points | Morning / late | High | Summer crowds; choose the leeward cove |
Cala Mitjana (Santanyí) – Small, Clear, Rocky
A petite cove with a rocky step-down entry and quick depth—great visibility on calm days. Bring water shoes and pack light.
From Palma: ~60–70 min via Ma-19 → local lanes (narrow)
| Entry | Best Window | Family Factor | Watch For |
| Rock steps/shelves | Early | Medium | Slippery algae, limited sand/shade |
Cala d’Or Coves – Esmeralda & Gran
Urban convenience meets clear corners. Do short loops along the rocky sides, then reset with cafés and shade.
From Palma: ~60–70 min via Ma-19 → Cala d’Or
| Entry | Best Window | Family Factor | Watch For |
| Sand → rocky edges | 09:00–11:00 | High | Boat traffic near entrances, afternoon chop |
🚗 Getting There from Palma
| From Palma Cathedral → | Route | Drive Time | Parking Notes |
| Cala Sa Nau | Ma-19 → Felanitx → local signs | ~60–70 min | Small lots/lanes; arrive early |
| Mondragó / S’Amarador | Ma-19 → Santanyí → park | ~55–65 min | Park car parks (fees in season) |
| Cala Mitjana | Ma-19 → local lanes | ~60–70 min | Limited roadside; pack light |
| Cala d’Or | Ma-19 → town | ~60–70 min | Street + public lots near coves |
Bus note: Seasonal services reach Santanyí/Mondragó; expect a 10–20 minute walk to coves.
🧳 What to Pack for the Southeast
- Trusted mask + short fins, reef-safe sunscreen, hat/rash vest
- Water shoes for rocky shelves, microfibre towel
- 1–1.5 L water pp, light snacks, small dry bag
- Optional: tow float for visibility, compact shade where permitted
🛟 Safety, Etiquette & Clarity Tips
- Stay inside swim buoys, especially at Sa Nau and Cala d’Or entrances.
- Pick the leeward cove on breezy days (Mondragó vs S’Amarador).
- Float over posidonia—don’t stand on seagrass meadows.
- If jellyfish show up, switch coves rather than waiting.
- Snorkel with a buddy; teach kids mask clears before deeper edges.
📅 When to Go
| Months | Sea Temp | Crowds | Our Take |
| May–Jun | 18–22 °C | Moderate | Green pines, bright viz |
| Jul–Aug | 24–27 °C | High | Go early or late; bring shade |
| Sep–Oct | 22–24 °C | Softer | Warm water + golden light |
| Nov–Apr | 14–17 °C | Low | Short dips with neoprene layers |
👟 Easy Day Plans from Palma
Park & dip duo: Palma → S’Amarador morning loop → pine-path stroll to Mondragó → picnic → back to Palma.
Headland day: Palma → Cala Sa Nau early swim → coffee in Cala d’Or → second loop at Esmeralda.
❓ FAQ
Best spot for small kids?
Mondragó/S’Amarador for sand entries and facilities; Cala d’Or coves are also easy.
Can I snorkel without fins?
Yes on calm mornings, but short fins make gentle currents easier and more fun.
Is Cala Mitjana suitable for beginners?
It’s better for confident beginners/intermediates due to rock entries and quicker depth.
What about weekends in summer?
Arrive before 10:00, start with your primary cove, and keep a backup pin ready.
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