Snorkelling in Mallorca: Clear Coves Near Palma
Near Palma: Distance & How to Get There
From the heart of Palma to the soul of Mallorca. The clearest snorkelling sits around rocky headlands and small coves within 15–60 minutes of Palma Cathedral. To the southwest, Illetas and Portals Vells deliver easy entries close to town; to the southeast, Mondragó shines on calm days; in the Tramuntana, Cala Tuent feels wild and blue.
A car is the most flexible option for early swims before the sea breeze; buses work to major beaches but add walking time from stops to rocky entries.
🤿 Best Snorkelling Spots Near Palma (By Direction)
Use these as day plans from Palma; arrive before 10:00 in July–August for easy parking and calmer water.
| Area from Palma | Travel time | Spot | Entry style | What you’ll see |
| Southwest | 15–25 min (Ma-1) | Illetas & Cala Comtessa | Beach + rocky ledges | Clear sand–rock mix, bream, wrasse |
| Southwest | 25–35 min (Ma-1) | Portals Vells (Three Fingers) | Rocky shelves | Caves/arches near shore, posidonia meadows |
| Northwest (Tramuntana) | 45–65 min (Ma-11) | Port de Sóller coves / Sa Illeta | Steps/rock | Deep blue water, walls, shoals on corners |
| North | 55–70 min (Ma-13) | Mal Pas & Bonaire | Rock platforms | Very clear days, reef fish, sandy patches |
| Southeast | 50–70 min (Ma-19) | Mondragó (S’Amarador / Cala Mondragó) | Beach + rock | Protected coves, gentle slopes |
Palma perspective: For quick pre-lunch swims, the southwest is unbeatable. For the bluest feel, the Tramuntana wins on settled mornings.
🧭 Getting There from Palma
- Drive:
- Illetas / Comtessa / Portals Vells: Ma-1 → Calvià coast (15–35 min).
- Mondragó: Ma-19 → Santanyí (50–70 min).
- Port de Sóller / Cala Tuent: Ma-11 (35–65 min; Tuent further along the mountain road).
- Without a car: Buses reach Illetas and Portals areas; for Mondragó and Cala Tuent, expect changes/walks.
- Helpful reads: Public Transport in Mallorca, Driving in Mallorca, Car Rental in Mallorca.
🥽 What to Bring
Pack light: a well-fitting mask & snorkel, short fins, reef-safe sunscreen (apply early), and water shoes for rocky entries. A rash vest or thin suit extends your time on cooler mornings.
Pack smart
- Label your mask box; rocky ledges look alike.
- Bring a dry bag for phone/ID and a small rubbish bag — we pack everything out.
- In summer, plan shade (hat/UV top) instead of long sun breaks.
🌊 Conditions & Seasons (When It’s Clearest)
| Season | Water temp (≈) | Typical conditions | Notes |
| May–June | 20–23 °C | Settling seas, improving viz | Morning swims best |
| July–Aug | 24–27 °C | Warmest; busier bays | Arrive early; watch wind chop |
| Sep–Oct | 23–25 °C | Warm water, fewer crowds | Often the sweet spot |
| Nov–Apr | 14–19 °C | Quiet coves, cool water | Short sessions or thin suit |
Pro tip: If the afternoon Embat sea breeze picks up, move to a leeward cove or call it for the day.
🦺 Safety & Marine Care
Keep it simple and respectful: snorkel inside swim buoys, give boats a wide berth, and float above posidonia meadows without standing or kicking the seabed. Scan shoreline for jellyfish before committing to a long swim.
Three golden rules
- Don’t touch or feed marine life.
- Enter/exit on calm sets; avoid slippery algae plates.
- Take only photos; pack out all rubbish (including food wraps).
🧭 Spot Notes
Southwest Picks (Fast from Palma)
Illetas & Cala Comtessa — Soft-sand coves with rocky shoulders; easy for families with a mask and short fins.
Portals Vells — Light cave arches close to shore and shelves with good fish life; choose the calmest of the “three fingers.”
Tramuntana Blue (Northwest)
Port de Sóller coves / Sa Illeta — Boat wake early, then quiet; work the rocky points for the best viz.
Cala Tuent — Mountain-backed, pebbly entry and deep blue water when seas are settled.
Southeast Natural Park
Mondragó (S’Amarador / Cala Mondragó) — Two beaches separated by a headland; snorkel the rocky sides and avoid boat channels.
❓ FAQ
Do I need fins to snorkel in Mallorca?
Not essential, but short fins help you move safely around rocky corners and light current.
Is snorkelling good right in Palma?
Close-in options exist, but short drives to Illetas or Portals Vells are far clearer and more enjoyable.
Can kids snorkel these spots?
Where can I rent gear?
What about jellyfish?
They appear on some days in summer. Ask lifeguards where present and scan the water before long swims.
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