Sailing Holidays in a catamaran or sailboat in Mallorca
Mallorca, along with Menorca and Cabrera, forms one part of the Gimnesic Islands. Enjoy a family cruise in a catamaran or sailboat in this awe-inspiring archipelago, discovering an area of true natural beauty and captivating coves. Being the largest of the Balearic Islands, you can visit the archipelago’s capital, Palma, here. Whether you want to visit the most populated cities or the secluded coves and secret smugglers caves, Mallorca is one island paradise you won’t want to miss, no matter who your fellow passengers are. For a sailing holiday in Mallorca, you also have many options with regard to your starting point. Of course, you can start your journey in Mallorca, but if you want to extend your trip further, you can also set sail from Barcelona or one of the other Balearic Islands. The possibilities are endless!
Sailing holidays in Mallorca: a family favourite
A holiday in Mallorca truly is a dream come true. With a wealth of beaches that are the envy of every other island in the Mediterranean and a wide selection of catamarans and sailboats that are easily able to accommodate the entire family for long journeys, sailing holidays have never been so luxurious. Both catamarans and sailboats have plenty of equipment and extra features that aid the enjoyment of people of all ages, but the inflatable doughnut is a favourite, especially with children. There are also security measures in place that make the boats a safe space, even if you’re travelling with young children. Although the temperatures can be uncomfortably hot during the day, at night there is a cool breeze that allows you to sleep comfortably, and during the day, you can always drop your anchor for a quick swim if you feel yourself overheating. Book your boat in Mallorca now for an unforgettable cruise in a sailboat or catamaran, full of relaxation at some of the most breathtaking beaches in the Mediterranean and discovering some of Mallorca’s best-kept secrets.
Relax to the max with the aid of a skipper and crew
Book your cruise in a catamaran or sailboat in Mallorca with a skipper and crew so that you don’t have to lift a finger during your trip, and can concentrate on enjoying picturesque coastal panoramas, as well as working on your tan. If you book your sailing holiday with a skipper, you will be privy to their intimate knowledge of all the best places to visit in Mallorca and the surrounding islands, and they will also take you to coves that only the locals really know of. Furthermore, if you don’t want to spend your whole trip at sea, they can give you recommendations of things to do further inland. If you decide to go for a cruise in a sailboat or catamaran with a full crew, you are promised the next level of comfort, with a cook, maid and deckhands who will work their hardest to ensure that you have the best trip possible. The price of a skipper and crew is paid separately from the base hire price and doesn’t typically vary according to the season. Prices will depend on the boat, but a skipper service is usually available for around £170 per day, each member of the crew for around £130 per day, and a cook for around £155 per day. With all of these services available, you will want for nothing during your Mallorcan cruise.
You should always remember when renting a boat in Mallorca, that many of the services are not included in the original price, such as fuel, food, and moorings at marinas other than the port of origin.
The cost of fuel during a cruise on a sailboat or catamaran is not usually expensive in comparison to a sailing holiday in a motorboat (about £130 per week). Some catamarans do have air conditioning or a generator, though, which can double the fuel costs, so be sure to check this with the owner before booking.
Unless otherwise specified in the APA, food and drink aren’t normally included in the base hire price. With regards to this aspect, there are 3 options:
• You can purchase online before departure in a supermarket suggested by the boat owner.
• You can make the purchase in a nearby supermarket and have it delivered directly to the boat.
• You can pay an additional fee for the owner to sort this out for you.
The owner must decide whether the passengers should bring drinks or if they need to be ordered in advance. Currently, there aren’t any restrictions regarding alcoholic drinks on board boats in Spain.
Sometimes, when hiring a boat with a skipper and crew, you will be able to pay an APA. This is a provision of funds that can be anywhere up to 35% of the reservation price, with which the skipper will cover any extra expenses that come up. This makes for an even more relaxing trip, as you don’t have to worry about any unforeseen charges cropping up.
If you want to sail without a skipper and are in possession of the appropriate licence, you should go on a cruise in a sailboat, as they are easier to handle should the weather conditions turn sour, and the owners are usually more flexible. There is also the option of sailing without a skipper but hiring a chef or crew service for those who want to sail themselves without worrying about cooking and cleaning.
How much does a sailing holiday in Mallorca cost?
The price of your nautical tour of Mallorca will vary greatly depending on a multitude of different factors. The age and make of the boat are always big influencers in the price, as well as the season when you want your cruise in a sailboat or catamaran to take place. High season in the Balearic Islands runs from July until August and it is during this summer period that prices are at their highest. If you’re after a holiday with nice weather but a lower price, you should travel in the shoulder season (May-June and September-October). However, do remember that in October, there isn’t a large supply of boats in the Balearics, so you may struggle to find your dream boat. Generally speaking, the average price of a cruise in a sailboat in Mallorca is about £840 per week in low season, or £2345 per week in high season, while the average price of a cruise in a catamaran is around £2095 per week in low season or £5435 per week in high season.
One of the main advantages of setting sail on a nautical adventure in Mallorca is that, as it is the largest of the Balearics, we have the most boats available for hire here and thus also the best prices. This means that even if Mallorca isn’t where you want to spend the majority of your sailing holiday, you can start your journey here, where prices are usually lower, and then sail to your main destination.
Be sure to also check out the available extras that you can add to your charter package, such as paddle surfboards or kayaks, as these can really add an extra fun element to your experience. This sort of equipment will typically cost around £85 per week.
Should you go on a cruise in a sailboat or catamaran?
It is easy to see that the best options for a sailing holiday in Mallorca are sailboats and catamarans, but which type of boat will best accommodate your needs? Both boats offer very different experiences on account of their different features.
A sailboat is probably the boat that people know best and is definitely the recommended boat if you want the most authentic sailing experience possible. Sailboats are usually cheaper than catamarans, as well as being easier and cheaper to find moorings for on account of the smaller size. This is good as finding moorings in the Balearics can be complicated at the best of times, and is more difficult the bigger the boat. If you are not a frequent sailor, we suggest choosing a larger sailboat for increased stability and reduced chance of seasickness.
However, while catamarans aren’t very fast, they are also more like a second home on the water. Catamarans are synonymous with luxury, due to their stability and spaciousness. They are the best boats if you want to travel with children, as they are as comfortable and secure as a hotel, and you also have a lower chance of suffering from seasickness. Catamarans also offer access to more areas, as they can reach shallower coves that sailboats can't.
What are the best experiences available during a cruise on a catamaran or sailboat?
Mallorca is a paradisiacal island for many reasons, from the natural parks and beaches of white sand and turquoise seas to its rich gastronomical diversity. In Mallorca, it will be impossible to resist disembarking to taste the local delicacies, from ensaimadas (Mallorcan spiral pastries) to sobrasada (a type of raw, cured sausage). You should also be sure to explore the shallower coves using a motorised dinghy, which can make trips to the mainland easier and help negate the cost of moorings, which can be very expensive and hard to find in the Balearics.
With a Mediterranean climate and landscape, you will encounter very pleasant temperatures and winds that lend themselves perfectly to a pleasant cruise in either a sailboat or a catamaran. Here, we have detailed one of the best sailing routes to take during a boating holiday in Mallorca.
1-week cruise in Mallorca:
Day 1 Palma to Portals Vells - 9 nautical miles
Begin your trip in the island’s capital, Palma de Mallorca, stopping off at the cathedral of Santa Maria de Mallorca before setting sail. Once onboard, navigate until you reach Portals Vells, a cove of exquisite beauty.
Day 2 Portals Vells to Andratx - 16 nautical miles
On the second day, keep heading 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. Make sure when anchoring in this region, though, that you don’t harm the protected posidonia plants.
Day 3 Port d’Andratx to Cabrera - 42 nautical miles
On day 3, start sailing south to Cabrera. This idyllic island is considered a natural park, so make sure you request a permit months in advance to be able to navigate there. Due to its isolation throughout history, it has a great untouched natural beauty and is only accessible by boat, so it is definitely worth a stop.
Day 4 Cabrera to Es Carbó - 12 nautical miles
Es Carbó is a secluded beach with white sand and turquoise waters where you can avoid the hordes of tourists in the summer, and also take the opportunity to visit the Ses Salines lighthouse from the sea. Don’t 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 Es Trenc beach. People often compare this area to the Caribbean due to its crystal clear waters and lush vegetation.
Day 6 Sa Ràpita to Cala Pi - 6 nautical miles
Your final stop before returning is at Cala Pi, an isolated beach located in a town of the same name. This beach, with its golden sand, is protected from the wind and located near the Talayotic town of Capocorb.
Day 7 Cala Pi to Palma - 20 nautical miles
The last day is the end of your sailing holiday and marks your return to Palma where you can take the opportunity to eat some ensaimada or ice cream in Ca'n Joan de s'Aigo. If you have time, you should also make sure you try some fresh local fish and seafood.
Plan your Mallorcan cruise in a catamaran or sailboat for a nautical adventure that you will want to repeat over and over again. Pick your ideal departure date on our website to see the latest information on prices and availability. Consult with the boat owners and our specialised consultants, who can resolve any questions you may have. Mallorca awaits!