Chasing old-school, classic luxury on boat trips in Mallorca

While you can enjoy a Mallorca boat ride at any time of the year, to fully ensure optimum safety, it is good to be aware of the seasons. The best time to enjoy boat trips in Mallorca is from late spring to early autumn, typically between May and October. During these months, the weather is warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to low 30s°C (70s to 80s°F), making it perfect for a day on the water. The sea is calm and clear, ideal for exploring hidden coves, swimming, and snorkelling. While summer is the peak season, May, June, and September offer slightly quieter conditions, allowing you to enjoy the island’s stunning coastline without the crowds.

While it is easy to get sucked into the glitz and glam of a private yacht or party boat, there are alternatives for those who want something more authentic and sustainable. Step aboard a fully electric llaut, the traditional Balearic fishing boat, reimagined for the modern traveller. Guests staying with the Barceló Hotel Group chain can discover a quieter, cleaner way to explore Mallorca’s spellbinding coastline. 

Up to seven guests can enjoy a taste of slow travel during this 6-hour-long private tour. Glide through turquoise waters, weave between secluded coves, and drop anchor to snorkel, paddleboard or simply float with the current, all while nibbling on sun-ripened fruit and salty olives. Not a sailor? Don’t worry! With a local skipper at the helm and zero engine noise to disrupt the moment, this is Mallorca as it should be: wild, serene, and entirely in tune with nature.

In the mood for a different type of serene excursion? Mallorca’s sunsets are legendary and make for a memorable and romantic plan during your holidays. Yet, to make the experience even more special, why not hop on a boat and admire the setting sun as you bob along on the gentle ocean waves? Many companies in Palma offer evening cruises around Palma Bay as the sky transforms into a kaleidoscope of oranges, pinks, and purples. Treat yourself to this relaxing experience after a long day of sightseeing and sip on a glass of local wine or a refreshing cocktail as the island’s lights twinkle in the distance. Depending on the type of boat tour in Mallorca that you choose, you may even be able to have dinner aboard, allowing you to indulge in freshly caught seafood while the sun dips below the horizon.

If a sunset cruise in Mallorca is not for you, why not head to the island’s eastern coast to discover the picturesque coves such as Cala d’Or, Cala Millor, Porto Cristo and Porto Colom. Start your Mallorca adventure with a boat trip from the stunning resort town of Cala d'Or. This area is renowned for its calm, crystal-clear waters, best admired from a glass-bottomed boat, which provides the best vantage point for viewing the vibrant marine life. Expect to be wowed by the dramatic cliffs, secluded coves and uninhabited islets. For those wishing to see the underwater wildlife up close, be sure to pack a snorkel and enjoy a swim in the refreshing water mid-cruise.

While you are in the Porto Cristo area, don’t pass up the chance to visit the natural wonder that is the Caves of Drach. Yet, before heading into this subterranean world, moor your boat and head to the Porto Cristo flagship pearl shop. Here you can witness how they manufacture pearls and even buy an authentic piece of Mallorcan jewellery as a souvenir. While the Caves of Drach are best explored on foot, many boat trips include a tour that combines the natural wonders of the caves with a cruise along the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean. Admire the vast underground lakes and, after exploring the caves, visitors can enjoy a boat ride on Lake Martel. Yet, this is not just a regular boat ride, but one where you are serenaded with live classical music to make the experience even more magical. 

If you’re longing for more beach time, a boat trip to Cala Figuera is a must. This stunning, tranquil cove on Mallorca’s south-east coast is known for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs. Whether you invest in yacht hire in Mallorca or simply book onto an organised tour, this beach, accessible only by boat, offers the perfect escape from daily life. Glide through the sun-dappled sea, past lush greenery and rocky outcrops, before dropping anchor in this secluded paradise. Make your trip even more special by packing a picnic, ready to enjoy your peaceful beach day surrounded by natural splendour.

Mallorca’s south coast is home to the island’s most famous beaches and charming coastal towns. Set sail to the Instagrammable cliffs of Cap de Salines, where turquoise waters lap against rugged stone. Explore the hidden coves of Cala Pi and Cala Blava, or anchor off Es Trenc, renowned for its long stretch of powdery white sand. This stretch of coastline from the lively port of Palma to the secluded spots near Cabrera offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re looking to swim in crystal-clear waters or enjoy a peaceful sunset, the south coast is definitely worth exploring on your boat trips in Mallorca.

While the south coast shines with its beaches, the northern coastline offers a rugged, dramatic beauty that’s equally captivating. The towering cliffs of Serra de Tramuntana rise majestically from the sea, creating a striking backdrop for a boat ride. Explore the charming bays of Cala San Vicente or venture to the wild Cala de Sa Calobra, which is only accessible by boat or a winding mountain road. 

The crystal-clear waters along this stretch are perfect for snorkelling or simply basking in the calmness of Mallorca’s unspoiled north. For those looking to combine natural beauty with a touch of history, a visit to the Alcudia Bay region to see the Roman ruins up close is a must.

Step off the world and set sail to one of Mallorca’s most remote areas, Dragonera Island, a nature reserve just off the southwestern coast. Accessible by boat from the nearby port of Sant Elm, this uninhabited island is home to rare wildlife and boasts panoramic views of the island’s rugged coastline. Perfect for those with an active soul, a boat trip to Dragonera offers more than just stunning vistas; it’s an opportunity to explore its hiking trails, spot the island's native lizards, and even take a dip in the secluded coves. There is also a lighthouse worth exploring, giving a glimpse of this island’s maritime history.

For a truly magical experience, book a dolphin-watching boat ride along Mallorca’s coast. Look for a tour that focuses on conservation and wildlife study and spend a few hours learning about the various dolphin species that inhabit the island’s waters. A dolphin trip is perfect for families, offering both excitement and education as you sail past beautiful bays, learn about marine conservation, and perhaps even get the chance to swim in the crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re cruising along the south-western coast or venturing further into the open Mediterranean, a dolphin boat ride will be a highlight of your Mallorca getaway.

Formentor is one of Mallorca’s most famous and picturesque beaches. Escape the bustling crowds at Alcudia port and set sail to this stunning peninsula. Along the way, you’ll pass dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and lush forests. Once you arrive at Formentor, you’ll have the opportunity to relax on the beach or enjoy a swim in the turquoise waters, protected from the northerly winds by the C-shaped bay. During most of the year, Formentor is a peaceful paradise, making it the perfect escape for those looking to enjoy some quiet time in nature, yet in the high summer season of July and August, it is best to arrive early to avoid the masses.