The Best Boat Rentals in Palma

Prices vary by season, boat size, and whether you hire a skipper. As a simple guide, license‑free runabouts and small motorboats usually start around €300–€600 per day, mid‑size RIBs and speedboats range about €500–€1,000 per day, sailing boats and catamarans often run €900–€2,500 per day, and motor yachts for groups can range from about €2,000 to €8,000+ per day. Many day charters include basic safety gear, insurance, a cooler with ice and water, and snorkel sets; fuel is commonly extra and paid based on actual use. If you choose a captained charter, expect skipper fees of roughly €200–€350 per day, and some boats add a cleaning or docking fee. Booking well ahead for summer dates keeps rates predictable and options open.

You’ll find a wide mix suited to different plans. For relaxed swimming stops and quick hops between coves, RIBs and sleek day boats are popular. For sailing enthusiasts and families, monohull sailboats and spacious sailing catamarans are common in the Bay of Palma. If you’re planning a celebration or want maximum comfort, motor yachts with shaded decks, cabins, and powerful sound systems are easy to arrange. Tell your operator your group size and vibe, and they’ll steer you to the best fit.

Most trip planners find a captained charter the easiest path: the skipper handles navigation, anchoring, and local hotspots while you relax. It also removes license checks and makes weather calls stress‑free. If you’re licensed and want to skipper yourself, bareboat options are available in a range of sizes. For first‑timers to Mallorca or groups celebrating a special event, a captain generally delivers the smoothest experience.

Spain allows small, low‑powered boats to be rented without a license within near‑shore limits, but anything larger or faster requires a valid boating license. As a rule of thumb, no license is needed for motorboats up to 5 meters with engines up to 15 hp, and for sailboats up to 6 meters, provided you stay close to the coast in daylight. For bigger boats, bring a recognized license (many international certificates are accepted), or simply book a captained charter and skip the paperwork. The rental operator will advise what’s valid for your specific boat.

Common meeting points include the main Port of Palma along the Paseo Marítimo, with marinas such as Real Club Náutico de Palma, Club de Mar Mallorca, Marina Port de Mallorca, Marina Moll Vell, and Marina Palma Cuarentena. You’ll also see departures from Port Calanova in Cala Major and from Club Náutico Portixol to the east. For trips heading toward the western coves, some charters also start near Puerto Portals just outside the city.

Soon after casting off, you’ll cruise past Palma’s Gothic skyline with La Seu Cathedral and the Royal Palace of La Almudaina front and center, and you can spot round Bellver Castle perched above the harbor. South and west along the coast, favorite swim stops include the turquoise coves of Illetas, Portals Vells, Cap Enderrocat, and Cala Vella, where water clarity is excellent on calm days. Wildlife sightings do happen, and while dolphin tours are more common from the island’s north, early‑morning cruises in summer sometimes enjoy a surprise visit in Palma Bay.

Yes—families are welcome on both private charters and shared outings. Every legal rental carries a life jacket for each person on board, with properly sized vests available for children and babies. Captains will brief you on safe seating, shaded areas, and swim‑stop rules, and many boats provide ladders, freshwater showers, and snorkeling masks that fit older kids. If you’re traveling with infants or toddlers, mention ages and weights in advance so the correct gear is ready at boarding.

Most private charters allow you to bring snacks, picnic fare, and beverages, and many supply a cooler with ice. Glass is often discouraged underway, and red wine may be restricted due to staining. If you prefer hands‑off hosting, ask for catering or pre‑stocked provisions; simple tapas, fruit, and beverages are easy to arrange. Shared group cruises may limit outside food, so check your specific trip details.

Some boats welcome well‑behaved dogs with prior approval and a modest cleaning fee, while others prefer pet‑free decks. If you’re bringing a pup, pack a non‑slip mat, fresh water bowl, and a pet life jacket, and plan shore breaks as many marinas restrict pet relief on docks. On hot days, an early sailing with plenty of shade keeps everyone comfortable.

Summer in Mallorca is famously sunny and sea‑breeze driven. A local thermal wind called the “embat” usually builds late morning and eases near sunset, which makes mornings smoothest for families and first‑timers, with livelier breezes later in the day. If conditions are deemed unsafe, your captain will typically offer to reschedule or provide a refund according to the trip policy. To minimize wind and crowding, consider an early departure or a weekday.

Absolutely. Boats here host everything from low‑key family birthdays to bachelor and bachelorette cruises and team offsites. Tell the operator your headcount, music preferences, and any extras like decorations, cake, or a drinks package. For seamless timing, many celebratory charters do a late‑morning or mid‑afternoon sail with a swim stop near Illetas or Cala Vella, then return to the city in time for dinner in Old Town.

The main boating season runs April through October, with peak crowds and the warmest water in July and August. Shoulder months—May, June, and September—often bring ideal conditions with fewer boats and easier anchoring. Palma also hosts big nautical events that draw visitors and fill marinas, including the Trofeo Princesa Sofía (late March to early April), the Palma International Boat Show (around late April/early May), and the Copa del Rey MAPFRE regatta (late July to early August). If you’re traveling from the United States, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends are popular dates to book early. For calmer seas and easier parking, choose weekdays and morning departures.

Classic half‑day and full‑day routes from Palma include the coves of Illetas, Portals Vells, Cap Enderrocat, Cala Vella, and Cala Blava, all close enough for relaxed swimming and snorkeling. Longer private charters sometimes aim for protected areas like Sa Dragonera off the west coast or the Cabrera Archipelago to the south; note that Cabrera is a national park with limited mooring buoys and advance permits required, so your captain will handle clearances and advise timing. If your group loves unhurried swim stops, plan a full day so you can enjoy two or three coves without rushing.