Mallorca is one of the most sailed destinations in the Mediterranean — and for good reason. The island offers something that is increasingly rare in Europe: extraordinary natural beauty, crystal-clear water, and a coastline that still has corners that feel entirely your own.
But Mallorca by land and Mallorca by sea are two completely different experiences. This guide is about the second one.
Why Charter a Yacht in Mallorca?
The Mallorcan coastline stretches for over 550 kilometres. Most of it is inaccessible by road. The hidden coves — caletas — that define the island at its best can only be reached by boat. That is the single most important reason to charter a yacht here: it opens up a version of the island that the vast majority of visitors never see.
Beyond access, there is the quality of the water itself. The Mediterranean around Mallorca is remarkably clear — visibility of 15 to 20 metres is common in summer — and the colour shifts from turquoise in the shallows to a deep cobalt blue offshore. It is the kind of water that makes you want to be in it, not just looking at it from a beach.
The Best Areas to Sail in Mallorca
The Southwest Coast
This is the most popular sailing area on the island, and for good reason. The stretch between Palma and Andratx offers calm water, reliable anchorages, and some of Mallorca’s most dramatic scenery. The cliffs around Sant Elm drop straight into the sea, and the offshore island of Sa Dragonera — a protected nature reserve — is one of the most striking natural landmarks in the western Mediterranean.
Best anchorages: Cala en Basset, Cala Conills, Sant Elm bay.
The Northwest — Serra de Tramuntana
The UNESCO-listed Tramuntana mountain range runs along the northwest coast and tumbles almost directly into the sea. Sailing here feels like moving through a landscape painting. The coves are narrow and dramatic, the water is deep close to shore, and the lack of road access keeps them quiet even in high season.
Sa Calobra is the standout — a narrow inlet backed by towering limestone cliffs where the Torrent de Pareis gorge meets the sea. Arriving by boat, with the cliffs rising on either side, is one of those experiences that stays with you.
Best anchorages: Sa Calobra, Cala Tuent, Cala de Deià.
The Northeast — Cap de Formentor and Beyond
Cap de Formentor is the northernmost point of Mallorca and one of the most photographed spots on the island. From the sea, the cape looks different from any postcard — a long spine of rock reaching into open water, with the island of Menorca visible on clear days to the north.
The northeast coast around Alcúdia offers a different character: longer beaches, shallower water, and a more relaxed pace. Ideal for a full-day charter with swimming as the priority.
Best anchorages: Cala en Gossalba, Cala Matzoc, Cala Agulla.
The Southeast — Hidden Coves and Quiet Bays
The southeast is Mallorca’s best-kept secret. The coastline between Cala Mondragó and Cala Figuera is dotted with small coves that rarely appear in travel guides. The water is shallow, warm, and extraordinarily clear. This is where locals go when they want to escape.
Best anchorages: Cala Figuera (Santanyí), Cala Mondragó, Cala Llombards.
When to Charter in Mallorca
May and June
The shoulder season is ideal for those who want warm weather without the summer crowds. The sea is calmer, the anchorages are quieter, and the island feels more like itself. Water temperatures reach around 20–22°C by late May — comfortable for swimming, especially in sheltered coves.
July and August
Peak season. The weather is reliably hot and sunny, the water is at its warmest (24–26°C), and the long days mean maximum time on the water. The trade-off is crowds — popular anchorages fill up quickly, especially at weekends. A local crew who knows where to go makes a significant difference in high season.
September and October
The best-kept secret in Mediterranean sailing. The crowds thin out after mid-September, but the sea stays warm well into October. Water temperatures in September are often higher than in July. The light is extraordinary. This is our personal favourite time of year to be on the water in Mallorca.
What to Expect on a Private Charter in Mallorca
A private yacht charter means the boat is exclusively yours — no other guests, no shared itinerary. You decide where to go, how long to stay, and what the day looks like. The crew handles the navigation, the safety, and the local knowledge.
A typical full-day charter from Palma might look something like this: depart in the morning, sail west along the coast to a quiet cove for swimming and snorkelling, anchor for lunch, move to a second spot in the afternoon, and return to port in time for sunset. But that is just one version. Every charter is different, because every group is different.
Practical Information
How far in advance should I book? In July and August, two to three weeks ahead is advisable. In shoulder season, you often have more flexibility — but the best dates go quickly regardless.
What should I bring? Light clothing, sun protection, non-marking shoes (or go barefoot), a towel, and a change of clothes for the return. We provide snorkelling equipment on board.
Is previous sailing experience required? None at all. The crew handles everything. Your job is simply to enjoy the experience.
Can we customise the route? Absolutely. We design every charter around what you want to see and do. Tell us your priorities — swimming, scenery, a particular cove — and we build the day around that.
Book a Charter in Mallorca with BlauYachts
BlauYachts offers private yacht charters in Mallorca for those who want to experience the island properly — from the water, at their own pace, without compromise.
We are based in Mallorca and we know these waters well. If you want to explore the coastline, find the quiet coves, and have a day on the sea that you will actually remember, get in touch. We will take care of everything else.