Catamaran or sailboat cruises in Mallorca
Mallorca, along with Menorca and Cabrera, forms part of the Gimnesic Islands. This archipelago is perfect for a family cruise in a catamaran or sailboat, during which you can enjoy nature and the paradisiacal coves of this idyllic island. Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands and it is also where the capital of this archipelago, Palma, is located. Whether you want to visit the archipelago’s most populated city or the hidden coves and secret smugglers caves, Mallorca is the perfect destination, no matter who you’re traveling with. You can also start your journey either in Mallorca, or extend your holiday and set sail from Barcelona. The possibilities are endless!
Cruises in Mallorca: a favored family destination
To spend the holidays in Mallorca is a dream for many people. This island has beaches for everyone, and catamarans and sailboats are both perfectly capable of accommodating the whole family during a long trip. Such boats have equipment that will allow children to enjoy their cruise in Mallorca to the fullest, with an inflatable donut being a firm favorite. They also have security measures in place that ensure a safe journey, even if you are traveling with young kids. The island, despite being hot during the day, receives a cool night breeze, so that you can sleep comfortably without overheating. Book your boat in Mallorca now and create memories that will last a lifetime, full of relaxation at the best beaches and discovering the island’s hidden secrets.
Relax on board with the help of a skipper and crew
Book your Mallorcan cruise in a catamaran or sailboat with a skipper and crew so you don't worry about anything other than enjoying its picturesque landscapes and working on your tan. The advantage of booking your holidays with a skipper is that they have an intimate knowledge of all the best places in Mallorca and can take you to coves that only local people know. In addition, they can also give you recommendations if you decide you want to spend a couple of nights on dry land. For an enhanced level of comfort, you can even charter with a full crew, complete with a chef, maid, and a couple of deckhands! The price of a skipper and crew is usually paid separately and does not vary according to the season. Prices generally depend on the boat, but you can hire the skipper service for about €200 per day, each member of the crew for €150 per day and the chef service for €180 per day. With all this, you will not have to worry about anything during your Mallorcan cruise.
You should take into account that on this island there are extra services that are generally not included in the price, such as fuel, food and moorings.
Fuel when setting sail on a Mallorcan cruise in either a sailboat or catamaran is usually not very expensive compared to a motor boat (about €150 per week). Some catamarans have air conditioning or a generator, which can double the price of fuel, but you can check this with the owner before booking.
Except when otherwise specified in the APA, food and drink are not usually included in the base charter price. For this aspect, you will have 3 options:
• You can make the purchase online in a supermarket that the owner suggests.
• You can make the purchase in a nearby supermarket and have it delivered directly to the boat.
• Pay an extra and ask the owner to take care of this.
The owner must decide whether drinks should be brought by the clients or ordered in advance. There are no restrictions regarding alcoholic drinks on board in Spain.
In some cases, when chartering with a skipper and crew, there is the possibility of paying an APA, a provision of funds that is usually up to 35% of the reservation price, with which the captain will cover these extra expenses, thus making for an even more relaxing trip, as you don’t have to worry about additional charges occurring.
If you want to sail without a skipper, and you have the appropriate license, it is best to go on a cruise in a sailboat, as they are easier to handle in adverse conditions and the owners are usually more flexible. There is the option of sailing without a skipper but hiring a chef or crew service anyway.
How much does a Mallorcan cruise in a catamaran or sailboat cost?
The price of a cruise in Mallorca will depend on various factors. The model of the sailboat or catamaran, as well as the year it was manufactured, will raise or lower the price, as everything depends on the level of comfort you are looking for and different vessels are more appropriate for different purposes. In general, though, the season in which you want to sail will probably have the biggest influence over the price. The months of July and August are usually the most expensive since this is high season in the Balearic Islands. If you want a holiday in the sun but are looking for a lower price, you should travel in the months of May, June, September or October. Something to keep in mind is that in October there is no longer a large supply of boats in the Balearic Islands, so it may be more difficult to find the ideal boat. In general, the average price of a Mallorcan cruise in a sailboat is €1000 per week in low season and € 2800 per week in high season, while the average price of a Mallorcan cruise in a catamaran is €2500 per week in low season and €6500 per week in high season.
A key advantage of embarking on a nautical adventure in Mallorca is that being the largest island in the Balearics, we have the most boats on offer there, and also the best prices. This means that even if you plan on travelling to one of the other Balearic islands, you may still want to start your journey here, where prices are typically lower.
To have even more fun on your Mallorcan sailing holiday, you can add some extras into your charter package, such as paddle surfboards or kayaks. Such equipment will usually cost around €100 per week.
Is it better to go on a cruise in a sailboat or catamaran?
It is clear that the best boating options for a vacation in Mallorca are sailboats and catamarans, but which is best for you? Both boats are very different and thus offer very different experiences.
Perhaps the best known of the two boat types is the sailboat, and this is also the one we recommend to get a more authentic sailing experience. The sailboat is usually cheaper to rent than the catamaran and being smaller than the catamaran it is easier and cheaper to get a mooring in the Balearic Islands (something which can be complicated). It is also faster, so if your plan is to sail to Mallorca from Barcelona, this is your best option. If you are not sailing experts, we recommend that you choose a larger sailboat because, in the smaller ones, the waves are more noticeable, meaning that there is a greater chance that you will suffer from seasickness.
On the other hand, while a catamaran is not that fast, it could be like a second home. Catamarans are characterised by their stability and spaciousness. It is the perfect boat for travelling with children since you will have all the comfort and security that a hotel-based holiday offers and you are less likely to suffer from seasickness. In addition, with this type of boat, you can reach the shallower coves since it is not as deep as a sailboat.
What experiences can you have during a Mallorcan cruise on a catamaran or sailboat?
Mallorca is a paradise, not only because of its natural parks and beaches, complete with white sands and sparkling turquoise seas but also for its gastronomy. In the land of ensaimadas (Mallorcan spiral pastries) and sobrasada (a type of raw, cured sausage), you will not be able to resist disembarking to taste their local specialities while you navigate through the best beaches on the island. An extra that you cannot miss on your boat holiday in Mallorca is setting sail on a motorised dinghy to reach the shallower coves. This facilitates a trip to the mainland, as moorings in the Balearics can be expensive and difficult to find.
With a Mediterranean climate and landscape, the temperatures in Mallorca are pleasant and the winds, which are not very strong, allow for a pleasant cruise on either a sailboat or catamaran. Here you can see one of the best sailing routes to take during a sailing trip in Mallorca:
1-week cruise in Mallorca:
Day 1 Palma to Portals Vells - 9 nautical miles
Start your trip in the capital of the island, Palma de Mallorca, and be sure to make a brief stop off at the cathedral of Santa Maria de Mallorca before setting sail. Once on board, navigate until you reach Portals Vells, a cove
Day 2 Portals Vells to Andratx - 16 nautical miles
On day 2, continue to the north of the island, sailing towards Andratx. Along this route, you will find several coves of transparent, turquoise water mixed with rocky areas and pine trees. You should be careful when anchoring in this region, though, with the protected posidonia plants.
Day 3 Port d’Andratx to Cabrera - 42 nautical miles
On the third day, you should change course and sail down to Cabrera to the south. This idyllic island is considered a natural park, so you will need to request a permit months in advance to be able to navigate there. Thanks to its isolation throughout history, it has a great untouched natural beauty and can only be visited by boat, so it is definitely worth a stop.
Day 4 Cabrera to Es Carbó - 12 nautical miles
Es Carbó is an isolated beach with white sand and turquoise waters where you can avoid the summer crowds and also take the opportunity to observe the Ses Salines lighthouse from the sea. You cannot miss the chance to bathe in the crystal clear waters!
Day 5 Es Carbó to Sa Ràpita - 5 nautical miles
From Es Carbó you can sail to Sa Ràpita, a coastal town near the natural beach of Es Trenc. This area is often compared to the Caribbean for its crystalline waters and lush vegetation.
Day 6 Sa Ràpita to Cala Pi - 6 nautical miles
The last stop before returning is at Cala Pi, a secluded beach located in a town with which it shares its name. It is a small, golden sand beach, protected from the wind, and located near the Talayotic town of Capocorb.
Day 7 Cala Pi to Palma - 20 nautical miles
The last day marks the end of your Mallorcan cruise in a sailboat or catamaran and so you must return to Palma where you can take the opportunity to eat some ensaimada or an ice cream in Ca'n Joan de s'Aigo. If you have time, you can also try some fresh local fish and seafood.
Plan your Mallorcan cruise in a catamaran or sailboat and enjoy a sailing holiday that you will definitely want to repeat. Choose your preferred departure date on our platform to see updated information on prices and availability. Consult with the boat owners and our advisors, who can answer any questions you have. Your nautical adventure awaits!