Southwest Mallorca Snorkelling
Orientation for Palma-Based Swimmers
The southwest is your fastest route to clear, sheltered coves from the city. From Palma Cathedral, most spots sit 15–30 minutes along the Ma-1 toward Calvià. Aim for early mornings (09:00–11:30) for glassy water, then retreat to café shade when the sea breeze lifts afternoon chop.
- Quick wins from Palma: Illetas, Cala Comtessa
- Multiple coves in one stop: Portals Vells (Three Fingers)
- Pretty headlands: Cala Fornells
- Family boardwalk vibe: Camp de Mar
Drive Snapshot from Palma
| Area | Typical Drive | Why Go | Who It Suits |
| Illetas / Cala Comtessa | 15–20 min | Pocket beaches with rocky edges | Families, first-timers |
| Portals Vells | 25–30 min | Three coves, choose leeward side | All levels, explore-y types |
| Cala Fornells | 25–30 min | Piney headland, clear shelves | Confident beginners |
| Camp de Mar | 25–30 min | Calm mornings, easy amenities | Families, mixed groups |
📍 Map: Southwest Coves at a Glance
Tip: Tap “Directions” to route from your current location. If your first choice looks choppy or busy, swap to another pin 10–15 minutes away.
🐠 Best Spots and How to Swim Them
Illetas – Pocket Beaches, Fishy Edges
A pair of sandy coves with rocky headlands on each side. Start on sand with kids, then fin the edges for bream and wrasse.
From Palma: ~15–20 min via Ma-1 • Parking: Street + paid, fills late mornings
Mini Guide
| Entry | Best Window | Family Factor | Watch For |
| Sand → rock edges | 09:00–11:00 | High (kiosks, lifeguards in season) | Afternoon chop, limited shade |
Cala Comtessa – Small, Sheltered & Simple
Tiny bay beside Illetas with a natural feel. Swim clockwise along the rocks; stay inside swim buoys.
From Palma: ~15–20 min • Parking: Street; arrive early in summer
Mini Guide
| Entry | Best Window | Family Factor | Watch For |
| Sand → rocks | Early morning | High | Weekend crowding, sea breeze later |
Portals Vells – Three Fingers, Three Options
Three coves separated by low headlands. Pick the leeward one for the day’s wind and work the reef tongues near the cove mouths.
From Palma: ~25–30 min • Parking: Small cove lots, narrow approach road
Mini Guide
| Entry | Best Window | Family Factor | Watch For |
| Rock shelves & small sands | Early / late | Medium | Boat lanes near entrances, midday heat |
Cala Fornells – Pine Shade & Clear Ledges
Stone steps and rocky shelves slide into clear water; lovely snorkel circuits along the headland.
From Palma: ~25–30 min • Parking: Street bays; bring water
Mini Guide
| Entry | Best Window | Family Factor | Watch For |
| Steps/rocks | Morning light | Medium | Slippery algae on steps, limited sand |
Camp de Mar – Boardwalk Access, Calm Mornings
Shallow, sandy middle with rocky corners for fish life. Great post-swim coffee plan.
From Palma: ~25–30 min • Parking: Public lot + street
Mini Guide
| Entry | Best Window | Family Factor | Watch For |
| Sand → rocky edges | 09:00–11:00 | High | Afternoon breeze, busier in July–Aug |
🚗 Getting There from Palma
| From Palma Cathedral → | Route | Drive Time | Notes |
| Illetas / Comtessa | Ma-1 → local signs | ~15–20 min | Arrive before 10:00 in peak months |
| Portals Vells | Ma-1 → local road | ~25–30 min | Narrow approach; small lots |
| Cala Fornells | Ma-1 → Peguera | ~25–30 min | Street parking; carry water/shade |
| Camp de Mar | Ma-1 → Andratx | ~25–30 min | Family facilities behind the beach |
Bus options: Lines to Illetas, Peguera (for Cala Fornells) and Camp de Mar run regularly; add 5–15 minutes’ walk to reach the best rocky edges.
🧳 What to Pack for the Southwest
- Low-volume mask + short fins for easy shore entries
- Reef-safe sunscreen, hat or rash vest, microfibre towel
- Thin water shoes for rock shelves
- 1–1.5 L water pp, light snacks, small dry bag
- Optional: tow float for visibility, compact shade where permitted
🛟 Safety, Etiquette & Water Clarity Tips
- Stay inside swim buoys, especially at Portals Vells and Camp de Mar where boats transit.
- Choose leeward coves when it’s breezy; the three at Portals Vells give you options.
- Float over posidonia seagrass — don’t stand on it; it keeps the water clear.
- If jellyfish cluster, switch cove rather than “waiting it out.”
- With kids, stick to morning windows and edges with easy exits (steps/ladders).
📅 When to Go
| Months | Sea Temp | Crowds | Our Take |
| May–Jun | 18–22 °C | Moderate | Shoulder-season clarity, cool air |
| Jul–Aug | 24–27 °C | High | Go early or late; bring shade |
| Sep–Oct | 22–24 °C | Softer | Dreamy light, warm swims |
| Nov–Apr | 14–17 °C | Low | Short dips with neoprene layers |
❓ FAQ
Is Portals Vells good for beginners?
Yes, if you stick to the sheltered cove and swim inside the buoys. Avoid the cove mouths when boats are active.
Which spot is best for small children?
Illetas and Cala Comtessa for sandy entries, lifeguards in season and nearby facilities.
Can I snorkel on windy days?
Choose the leeward side of the headland (often one of the Portals Vells coves). If whitecaps cover the cove, pick a different pin.
Do I need fins?
Not strictly, but short fins make gentle currents easier and extend your loop comfortably.
Where can I get a post-swim coffee or lunch?
Camp de Mar’s boardwalk and Illetas’ beach bars are reliable. Fornells has options a short stroll away.
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