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How to choose your boat tour in Mallorca: complete guide by area
Mallorca from the sea: why choosing the right tour makes all the difference
Mallorca has over 550 kilometres of coastline. Hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, white-sand beaches, sea caves, uninhabited islets and harbours with centuries of history. It’s all there, waiting to be discovered. And the best way to do it is, without a doubt, from the water. But not all boat tours are the same. The experience you have will depend heavily on the area you choose, the type of vessel, the duration of the route and what you’re truly looking for: adventure or relaxation? wild coves or mountain scenery? a full day or a few hours at sunset? This guide exists to help you make that decision with real, useful information. It’s not a list of companies or a price comparison. It’s a tour of every area in Mallorca where you can take a boat trip, explaining what each one offers, what kind of experience you can expect and who it’s best for. If you’re planning your trip to Mallorca and want it to include a boat excursion, keep reading. By the end of this guide you’ll know exactly which area best matches your expectations.
What to consider before choosing a boat tour
Before looking at each area, it helps to be clear on a few criteria that will allow you to filter options and avoid disappointment.
The type of boat matters. A party catamaran with music and open bar is not the same as a traditional Mallorcan llaut with limited capacity. A fast speedboat is different from a slow sailboat. Every vessel creates a different atmosphere: always ask what type of boat is used and how many people will be on board.
Duration defines the route. A two-hour tour barely allows you to leave the harbour and make a short stop. A half-day tour (3–4 hours) gives you time to explore several coves at a relaxed pace. Full-day tours (6–8 hours) are the ones that truly let you reach remote areas, stop multiple times to swim and even eat on board.
Time of day changes the experience. Morning tours usually bring calmer waters and fewer people in the coves. Midday tours coincide with the strongest heat. Sunset tours are ideal for romance, photography and spectacular colours, although swimming time is usually more limited.
Wind and sea conditions. Mallorca is exposed to several prevailing winds that affect each coast differently. Tramuntana (north wind) tends to roughen the north and west coasts. Llevant (east wind) impacts the eastern coast. Embat is the summer thermal sea breeze that often keeps the Bay of Palma and the Bay of Alcudia relatively calm. Always ask whether the tour can be cancelled or adjusted due to weather, and whether alternatives exist.
Your traveller profile. Are you travelling as a couple looking for peace and quiet? As a family with young children? With friends looking for a party? Solo and hoping to meet people? Each area and tour style attracts a different crowd. Being honest with yourself about what you want will save you surprises.
Boat tours in the Bay of Palma: the most accessible option
The Bay of Palma is the most popular starting point for boat excursions in Mallorca. Its proximity to the airport, the concentration of hotels and the port infrastructure make it the area with the widest offer.
What you can expect:
Who it’s ideal for:
The Bay of Palma is perfect if you’re short on time, staying in the south of the island, or you want a first boat experience with minimal logistics. It’s also the best option if you’re looking for a party tour with music and a lively vibe, as the highest concentration of party boats is here.
What to keep in mind:
The coves in this area are beautiful, but they’re not the most spectacular on the island. The water is clean, but the number of boats in summer can reduce the sense of charm. If you’re looking for exclusivity or wild nature, consider other areas.
To better understand the differences between boat types, you can check our comparative guide to vessels.
Boat tours around Calvià, Paguera and Andratx: the spectacular southwest
Mallorca’s southwest coast, from Santa Ponça to Sant Elm, is one of the island’s most photogenic areas. This is where you’ll find some of the most exclusive coves and the most dramatic coastal scenery.
What you can expect:
Who it’s ideal for:
This area is perfect for travellers looking for spectacular scenery, less crowded coves and a more relaxed pace. It’s highly recommended for couples, families and small groups who value quality over quantity. Tours to Sa Dragonera are especially appealing for nature lovers.
What to keep in mind:
The west-facing coast is more exposed to westerly and southwesterly winds. On stormy days, tours may be cancelled or rerouted. Port d'Andratx is one of the most beautiful ports in Mallorca, so it’s worth arriving early to enjoy a stroll before boarding.
If you decide to explore this area, make sure to choose an operator who knows the local conditions well and can adapt the itinerary based on the wind.
Boat tours to Cabrera: the protected jewel of the south
Cabrera National Park is, for many, the most special boat excursion you can take from Mallorca. This protected archipelago, located south of the island, offers a unique experience of near-untouched nature.
What you can expect:
Who it’s ideal for:
Cabrera is a must for nature lovers, snorkelling fans and those looking for pristine landscapes. It’s a full-day excursion that requires an early start, but the reward is worth it. Ideal for families with children aged 6–7+ (roughly), couples and anyone who values protected natural areas.
What to keep in mind:
As it’s a national park, places are limited and you should book in advance, especially in July and August. The crossing can be choppy if it’s windy, so take precautions if you’re prone to seasickness. There are no dining services on the island beyond what your boat provides.
It’s one of the most authentic experiences you can have in Mallorca. If you have a full day available and weather conditions cooperate, Cabrera should be on your list.
Boat tours on the east coast: Portocolom, Porto Cristo, Cala Ratjada
Mallorca’s east coast offers an appealing mix of wild coves, sea caves and charming fishing towns. It’s generally less saturated than the south and has a more varied offer.
Portocolom and surroundings:
Porto Cristo and the caves:
Cala Ratjada and the northeast:
Who it’s ideal for:
The east coast is perfect for travellers looking for authenticity, towns with character and less overdeveloped coves. It’s a good choice if you’re staying around Manacor, Felanitx or Artà. Tours from Portocolom are especially recommended for families because the waters are generally calm.
What to keep in mind:
This coast is exposed to Llevant (easterly winds), which can create significant swell. On Llevant days, tours may be cancelled or restricted to sheltered areas. Always check the forecast before booking.
Boat tours in the Bay of Alcudia and Pollença: the authentic, family-friendly north
Northern Mallorca is home to two of the most beautiful bays in the Mediterranean: the Bay of Alcudia and the Bay of Pollença. This area combines long beaches, hidden coves, mountain scenery and a calmer atmosphere than the south.
What you can expect:
At the Port of Alcudia is where we operate at Coral Boats. We’ve been sailing these waters for years and know every corner of the bay. Our boat tours take place on classic wooden boats, with small groups and a focus on calm, authentic experiences.
We offer two main options:
All tours include swim stops, snorkelling equipment, drinks and typical Mallorcan snacks. You can read more about what to expect on our excursions or check what to bring on board.
Who it’s ideal for:
The Bay of Alcudia is the best area in Mallorca for families with young children, thanks to its calm, shallow waters. It’s also perfect for travellers looking for a relaxed experience, without rush or crowds. If you value nature, snorkelling and authentic scenery over loud parties, this is your area.
What to keep in mind:
Tramuntana (north wind) can occasionally affect the area, but the bay’s orientation protects it in most cases. Check our wind and weather guide to better understand how conditions impact navigation.
Boat tours along the Serra de Tramuntana: cliffs and cinematic landscapes
Mallorca’s northwest coast, where the Serra de Tramuntana plunges into the sea, offers some of the most impressive scenery in the Mediterranean. It’s rugged, wild and breathtakingly beautiful.
What you can expect:
Who it’s ideal for:
Tramuntana is for travellers who want epic landscapes and don’t mind sacrificing convenience for beauty. It’s ideal for photographers, nature lovers and couples looking for something different. It’s not the best option for young children or people with reduced mobility, as access to the coves can be challenging.
What to keep in mind:
This coast is very exposed to wind and swell. Tours are frequently cancelled due to bad weather, especially outside the summer months. The coves are small and can fill up quickly. The water is cooler than in other areas due to currents.
If the weather cooperates, a tour along the Tramuntana coast is unforgettable — but it requires flexibility and a bit of luck with conditions.
Quick comparison: which area to choose based on what you want
To help you decide, here’s a summary of the main characteristics of each area:
If you want accessibility and a wide range of options:
→ Bay of Palma
If you want spectacular scenery and exclusivity:
→ Calvià/Andratx coast or Serra de Tramuntana
If you want protected nature and crystal-clear water:
→ Cabrera (full-day excursion)
If you want authenticity and less crowded coves:
→ East coast (Portocolom, Porto Cristo, Cala Ratjada)
If you want calm waters, a family-friendly vibe and relaxation:
→ Bay of Alcudia and Pollença
If you want dramatic cliffs and mountain landscapes:
→ Serra de Tramuntana
By traveller type:
Final tips for choosing your boat tour
After reviewing all areas, here are a few practical tips that apply to any choice:
Book in advance during high season. July and August are peak months. The best tours (small groups, morning departures) sell out weeks ahead. If you’re travelling then, don’t leave your booking for the last day.
Read real reviews. Google Reviews, TripAdvisor and reviews on booking platforms will give you a clear idea of what to expect. Look at recent comments and how operators respond to criticism.
Ask about group size. A catamaran with 80 people and a llaut with 12 offer completely different experiences. If you value tranquillity, look for operators that limit capacity.
Confirm what’s included in the price. Drinks, food, snorkelling gear, towels — each operator has different policies. Make sure you know what’s included to avoid surprises.
Have a weather plan B. The sea is in charge. If your tour is cancelled due to bad weather, do you get a refund? A reschedule? Do they offer flexibility? Ask before booking.
Consider where you’re staying. If you’re based in the north, it rarely makes sense to travel all the way to Palma for a tour. Make the most of the area you’re in and save transfer time.
Listen to your body. If you’re prone to seasickness, avoid windy days and long tours in open water. Sheltered bays (Alcudia, Pollença, Palma) are usually more stable.
Private boat hire for groups: when you want the boat to yourself
So far, we’ve focused on shared tours, but there’s another option that deserves special mention: private boat hire.
If you’re travelling as a group (extended family, friends, a work team, a special celebration), chartering a boat exclusively offers major advantages:
At Coral Boats we offer private charters in the Bay of Alcudia for groups of up to 50 people. We have an events licence, which sets us apart from most operators limited to 12 passengers.
If you’re organising a special celebration or simply want to enjoy the sea with your people without sharing space, a private charter is the best option. You can read more about this format in our article on private charters for events and celebrations.
Mallorca's sea is waiting: choose well and enjoy it
Mallorca is an island best understood from the water. Its coves, its cliffs, its colours shifting with the time of day — everything makes sense when you see it from the deck of a boat, with the breeze on your face and the sun warming your skin.
Choosing the right boat tour is not a minor detail. It's the difference between just another activity and a memory that stays with you. We hope this guide has helped you understand the options and identify which area best matches what you're looking for.
If you decide to explore the north of the island, we'd be delighted to welcome you at the Port of Alcudia. We've spent years sharing our passion for this corner of the Mediterranean, and nothing makes us happier than seeing our guests discover the magic of these waters.
But wherever you go, remember: the best boat tour is the one that fits you — not the other way around. Research, ask questions, compare and choose calmly. The sea of Mallorca deserves to be enjoyed properly.
Have a great trip. And happy sailing.
