Palma looks its best from the sea, with the cathedral and Bellver Castle rising above the long sweep of the bay and the mountains behind. A boat trip is the easiest way to see that view and to reach the coves along the coast west of the city, where the water turns clear and turquoise. Tiqets sells a range of trips under its Mallorca boat trips page, and the ones departing from Palma include a two-hour catamaran cruise with a swimming and snorkelling stop, a four-hour small-group sailing trip with snacks and an open bar, a four-hour luxury catamaran tour with tapas and lunch, and private sailing charters. From Santa Ponsa, a boat trip runs to the nature reserve island of Dragonera off the west tip. In the low season many trips still sail, but schedules are thinner, swimming depends on the weather and the dolphin-watching cruises from Paguera are paused.
How it works: choose a trip on the Tiqets page and book a dated departure. Palma trips leave from the port along the Paseo Marítimo, a short taxi ride or a long seafront walk from the old town. Shorter cruises suit a half morning; the four-hour sailing trips take a relaxed half day. As of early November several Palma catamaran and sailing departures and the Dragonera trip were bookable, while some catamaran dinner cruises and dolphin trips were listed as temporarily unavailable.
What to expect: in November the sea is still mild and some brave swimmers take the plunge, but the air can be cool on deck, so bring a layer. Trips can be cancelled for wind or rough seas, and operators usually offer another date or a refund.
Making the most of it: in the low season choose a midday departure for the warmest sun, and sit on the side facing the city for the cathedral view on the way back. In summer book early, especially for small-group sailing, and bring swimwear, a towel and reef-safe sun cream.
What to expect
The experience
A shared catamaran cruise or small-group sailing trip from Palma port along the bay and the coves to the west, with optional swims in season.
Best time
Midday in the low season for the warmest sun; morning or late afternoon in summer.
How long
Two hours for a short cruise, four hours for a sailing trip.
Tips
Check which trips are running in the low season, bring a layer and swimwear, and expect weather cancellations.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants to see Palma’s skyline and coast from the sea.
- Families
- The two-hour catamaran with a swim stop is the right length for children.
- Couples
- A four-hour sailing trip with snacks and drinks, or splash out on a private charter.
- Pair with
- Bellver Castle for the view from above, or Palma Cathedral before you sail.
- Time needed
- Two to four hours.
Good questions
Do boat trips from Palma run in November?+
Some do. In early November several Palma catamaran and sailing trips were bookable on Tiqets, while dolphin trips from Paguera were paused.
Where do Palma boat trips leave from?+
Most leave from the port along the Paseo Marítimo. It is a short taxi ride from the old town.
Can you swim on a boat trip in Mallorca?+
Many trips include a swimming and snorkelling stop. In the low season it depends on the weather and the water temperature.
What happens if the weather is bad?+
Trips can be cancelled for wind or rough seas. Operators usually offer another date or a refund.
Is there a trip to Dragonera?+
Yes, a boat trip to the nature reserve island of Dragonera departs from Santa Ponsa. Check its schedule in winter, since departures are fewer.
