Mallorca Sailing from Palma: Charters, Routes & Prices
Day Sailing from Palma – What to Expect
The Bay of Palma is the island’s easiest launchpad, with marinas 5–12 minutes from the Cathedral and southwest options 15–25 minutes via Ma-1. Most days run 4–8 hours with a swim stop in a cala, snacks on deck, and a breezy reach back to port.
Want an easy win? Skip the planning and book a Palma sunset sailing cruise for golden-hour views of the Bay of Palma.
⛵ Skippered vs Bareboat – Choosing the Right Charter
A skipper keeps the day smooth and local; bareboat suits confident sailors happy with anchoring, traffic, and wind calls.
| Option | Experience needed | Pros | Watch-outs |
| Skippered day charter | None | Stress-free, local knowledge, safer | Less hands-on for sailors |
| Bareboat day | Strong skippering + local familiarity | Full control, sailor’s day out | Deposit, paperwork, weather margins |
| Crewed multi-day | None | Comfort, cabins, catering | Higher budget, plan ahead |
Palma note: Mixed-ability groups are happiest skippered — you can still take the helm.
If you’re after a full day on the water, compare sailing day trips to Cabrera and pick a route with snorkel stops.
🗺️ Classic Routes from Palma – West, East and “Stretch”
- West to Illetas / Portals Vells: short hops, turquoise coves, lunch at anchor, easy to return if wind builds.
- East along the bay edge: Ciudad Jardín to Cala Gamba for mellow water and sandy pauses.
- Stretch legs on settled days: west to Santa Ponça or east to Cala Blava for cliffy blue shelves.
We usually go west for the most varied swim stops within a short sail.
Traveling with friends or family? Reserve a private yacht charter from Palma and tailor the itinerary to your crew.
💶 Sailing Prices in Mallorca – What You’ll Pay
| Trip type | Duration | Typical inclusions | Guide price |
| Shared sailing | 3–4 hrs | Skipper, boat, soft drinks | €65–€120 per person |
| Private day sail | 6–8 hrs | Skipper, fuel allowance | €650–€1,400 total |
| Sunset private | 2–3 hrs | Skipper, drinks | €300–€700 total |
| Bareboat day | 6–8 hrs | Boat only (no skipper) | €300–€900 + deposit |
Add-ons: catering, paddleboards, snorkel sets, extra fuel if you roam far.
New to sailing? Start with skills and confidence—join a beginner-friendly sailing lesson in Palma with a certified skipper.
🧭 Departure Marinas Near Palma Cathedral
(Arrive 30–45 minutes early for check-in and a route/wind briefing.)
Real Club Náutico de Palma
Closest to Old Town; perfect for half-day sails and easy post-cruise tapas.
| From Cathedral | Access | Parking | Good for |
| 5–10 min | Paseo Marítimo | On-site/nearby paid | Half-days, families |
Puerto Portals (Calvià)
Chic marina with cafés and quick access to Illetas / Portals Vells.
| From Cathedral | Access | Parking | Good for |
| 15–20 min (Ma-1) | Exit Portals Nous | Free/paid marina | West-coast calas, lunch ashore |
For a laid-back beach-hop, browse top-rated Palma catamaran tours that anchor at Illetas and other turquoise coves.
🎒 What to Bring for a Great Day Under Sail
- Reef-safe sunscreen (apply before boarding), hat, sunglasses with strap
- Swimsuit, towel, light windbreaker for the seabreeze return
- Soft bag (not a suitcase), water, snacks if catering isn’t arranged
- Optional: snorkel set, phone dry bag, motion tabs if you’re sensitive
Quick tip: Decks are usually barefoot or clean, light soles — ask your skipper.
🌬️ Wind, Weather & When to Go
Mornings tend to be calmer; the afternoon Embat seabreeze builds a pleasant return reach. May–June and September–October are the sweet spots for warm water and quieter anchorages; midsummer brings the most departures and busier calas.
🦺 Safety & Etiquette on the Water
- Listen to the skipper’s swim/anchor rules; stay inside swim zones in calas.
- Keep lines tidy and fingers clear of winches/cleats.
- Slow approaches near swimmers and other boats; no litter overboard.
❓ FAQ
Do I need experience to book a sailing day?
No. Choose skippered and enjoy — you can still take the helm.
Can kids come aboard?
Yes. Pack shade layers and pick morning departures for calmer seas.
Will we stop to swim?
Almost always. Your skipper targets a sheltered cala.
Are drinks or food included?
Sometimes. Many boats offer simple catering or allow you to bring your own.
Can we sail if it’s windy?
Often yes, but routes may change. Skippers balance comfort, safety and fun.
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