Palma de Mallorca: Small Group Tour by Locals in Hidden Coves

Reviewed · HIDDEN COVES & CALAS

Palma de Mallorca: Small Group Tour by Locals in Hidden Coves

5.0 · 82 reviews 4 hours (approx.) From $53 Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

Cliff jumps and chapel views in one outing. This Palma de Mallorca small-group tour trades big crowds for a tight crew (up to 8), then strings together hidden coves with real-time snorkeling and coastal walking. You’ll also pick up local culture and history from your guide while you hop between sea viewpoints and old landmarks.

I especially like the pacing: long enough stretches in the water at Platja de Ses Illetes, plus a separate rocky cove stop for those who want another swim or an optional jump. One thing to consider is practical but important: you should know how to swim, and you’ll want comfortable shoes (and water-shoe sizing) because this is not a sit-and-watch tour.

Key moments that make this tour worth your time

Palma de Mallorca: Small Group Tour by Locals in Hidden Coves - Key moments that make this tour worth your time

  • Up to 8 people max keeps the day personal, not chaotic
  • Snorkeling gear and water shoes included so you can focus on the water
  • Optional cliff jumping at the spots you’ll reach on foot
  • Local landmarks like Fortín Militar de Bendinat and Ermita de Portals Nous
  • English guide with stops that mix history and coastline views

Why this 8-person Palma de Mallorca tour works (and feels different)

Palma de Mallorca: Small Group Tour by Locals in Hidden Coves - Why this 8-person Palma de Mallorca tour works (and feels different)
Palma de Mallorca has plenty of sea tours, but most either feel rushed or packed. This one caps the group at 8, so the guide can actually keep an eye on timing, check in with everyone, and adjust the flow when people want to swim longer or take more photo breaks.

The other big value is that the day is built around the water. You’re not just looking at beaches from a distance. You’ll use snorkeling equipment, you’ll get time near the underwater world around Ses Illetes, and you’ll have another coastline stop where the water looks made for a quick swim.

The price feels fair when you count what’s included

Palma de Mallorca: Small Group Tour by Locals in Hidden Coves - The price feels fair when you count what’s included
At $53.10 per person for about 4 hours, this tour can look low compared to “snorkel + transport” style offerings. The reason it can be good value is that snorkeling equipment is included, and so are water shoes (you just need to provide your shoe size when booking).

You should also plan for the stuff that is not included. Transportation, bottled water, and snacks are on you. If you already know how you’ll get there and you bring your own water and a bite, the cost-to-time ratio makes sense.

Meet-up and end point: easy to start, simple to finish

Palma de Mallorca: Small Group Tour by Locals in Hidden Coves - Meet-up and end point: easy to start, simple to finish
You start at Av. República, 15, 07181 Bendinat at 9:30 am. The meeting point is close to public transit—about a 5-minute walk from a bus/taxi stop—so you don’t need a car to make this work.

The tour ends at Ermita de Portals Nous, Carrer Oratori, 1, 07181 Portals Nous. That finish matters: you’re ending in a viewpoint area near the chapel, not back at a parking lot.

Stop 1: Fortín Militar de Bendinat gives context fast

Early on, you head to Carrer 830, 3 and visit the Fortín Militar de Bendinat. This is an old military structure in the Calvià area, and it sets the stage for how people once watched this coastline and managed what was happening out at sea.

This stop is short—around 10 minutes—but it’s the kind of pause that makes later sea views feel more grounded. You’re not only seeing pretty water. You’re learning why this stretch mattered historically.

Stop 2: Platja de Ses Illetes turns into your main swim session

Palma de Mallorca: Small Group Tour by Locals in Hidden Coves - Stop 2: Platja de Ses Illetes turns into your main swim session
Next up is Platja de Ses Illetes. This is where the day really shifts into adventure mode.

You’ll spend about 1 hour 30 minutes swimming around the coast, exploring small caves and the underwater world. Expect the guide to steer you toward viewpoints and water areas where the snorkeling experience is worthwhile, and you’ll also have places where cliff-jumping is possible for those who want to do it.

Practical reality check: this is the stop that will test your comfort level. You need to be able to swim, and you’ll benefit from bringing a calm mindset. If you’re nervous around open water, you can still participate—you just need to pick your limits.

Stop 3: Mirador de Rafael is the camera moment

After the water time, you get a breather at Mirador de Rafael, near Carrer 830, 830. This viewpoint stop lasts about 15 minutes and it’s all about the sea-and-skyline angle.

Bring your camera. The reason people love this spot is simple: it gives you a wide sense of where you’ve been—Ses Illetes in view—so you can connect the morning swims with what the coast looks like from above.

Stop 4: the rocky cove walk in Bendinat adds the thrill

Then you move toward a hidden rocky cove in Bendinat, starting around Carrer Andreu Ferret, 8. You’ll walk along the coast for about 1 hour, and once you reach the water, the clear sea invites a swim.

This is another place where optional cliff jumping can happen, depending on what’s available and what feels right for your group that day. Even if you skip jumping, the “reach a cove by foot” part is what makes the stop feel special. You’re getting to a shoreline edge that most people never bother to hike to.

A detail worth planning for: you’ll want comfortable shoes because the day includes walking along uneven coastal paths. Wear something you trust.

Stop 5: Ermita de Portals Nous ends with a quiet view

You finish at Ermita de Portals Nous, a small chapel at a high vantage point. The stop is about 30 minutes, and it’s a nice change from the saltwater chaos.

This is where you can slow down, take in the view, and let the day settle. It also works as a natural end point: you’ve got a landmark, you’re not wandering around looking for where to exit.

What it’s like with the guide (names you might hear)

The tour’s best ingredient is the guide. You’ll get island history and local culture context tied directly to what you’re seeing and doing.

In past groups, guides have included people named Marc and Joan, both praised for making the day feel personal—like adjusting pace to the group and keeping the experience moving without feeling rushed. One fun human detail that pops up in the stories: you may even make a friend with a local dog near the coves.

Who this tour suits best

This is a strong fit if you want:

  • Snorkeling time in a classic Mallorca swimming area (Ses Illetes)
  • A more active day than a basic beach hop
  • Small-group energy with room to breathe
  • A mix of sea adventure and quick history stops

It’s less ideal if:

  • You don’t swim or you’re uncomfortable in open water
  • You hate walking on coastal paths
  • You want a day focused only on sitting and sightseeing

What to bring so the day stays easy

Since bottled water and snacks aren’t included, I’d treat this like an active outing. Bring water, plus something small to eat so you’re not running on hunger after the main swim.

Also:

  • Wear or pack your swimwear under clothing you can manage on the walk
  • Bring a towel if you like to dry off comfortably (not listed as included)
  • Use the water-shoes sizing option when booking so the fit is right

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Palma de Mallorca small group tour?

It runs about 4 hours (approx.).

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Where do we meet for the tour?

Meet at Av. República, 15, 07181 Bendinat, Illes Balears, Spain.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends at Ermita de Portals Nous, Carrer Oratori, 1, 07181 Portals Nous, Illes Balears, Spain.

What’s included in the price?

Snorkeling equipment is included, as well as water shoes. Optional cliff jumping is also part of the experience where available.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. The tour notes that travelers should know how to swim.

Is transportation included?

No. Transportation is not included.

Is bottled water or snacks included?

No. Bottled water and snacks are not included.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time.

Should you book this hidden coves tour?

If you’re aiming for a Mallorca day that mixes snorkeling, coves you reach on foot, and real local stops, I think this is an easy yes—especially because the group size stays small. The price also works well once you factor in snorkeling gear and water shoes, and the route hits both sea-time and viewpoint-time.

Just be honest with yourself about swimming and walking. If you’re comfortable in the water and can handle a bit of coastal terrain, this is the kind of day you’ll remember long after the photos fade.