Coves without crowds on a private sailboat. The Bay of Palma gives you classic Mallorca scenery, and this charter keeps it personal with an expert captain and an easy, comfortable boat setup.

I especially like the feel of the Beneteau Oceanis 35.1 (2018): big cockpit comfort, padded sun areas, and a shaded spot for the hottest hours. I also like the included water time—snorkeling gear and a paddle board—so you’re not scrambling for extras once you’re on the water.

One thing to think about: some of the swim spots can be near popular beaches, so you may not get full “empty cove” vibes every stop, even though the water is clear and the boat portion feels private.

Key things to know before you go

• Private charter up to 9 people with a professional skipper and fuel included, so the experience stays yours
• 2018 Beneteau Oceanis 35.1 comfort: roomy cockpit, padded sun areas, and a shaded place to cool down
• Snorkeling + paddle board included with gear provided for your swimming stops
• Captain-led route around Palma Bay, with time to relax and hop between viewpoints and water
• Cala Major swimming stop built into the plan, not just a quick dip
• Drinks included, plus an optional paella or tapas order you can arrange in advance

Private sail around Palma Bay: what you’re really paying for

This kind of charter is for people who want Mallorca’s coastline without the usual squeeze. The value here is simple: you’re not sharing a tour bus and you’re not sharing your floating “living room” with strangers. You’re on a modern sailboat, guided by an experienced captain, moving between coves and swim stops at a pace that fits your group.

The rate is listed as $812 per group up to 9, and the duration options run from shorter half-day style to a full day. That pricing structure matters. For two people, it can feel premium per head. For a family of four or a small group (up to the max), it can start to look like good value because the cost spreads across your group while you keep privacy.

The other thing you’re paying for is the captain’s know-how. This isn’t just “sit here and we’ll point you at water.” You’ll sail through the Bay of Palma with a local professional captain, who chooses where to anchor and when to pause so you can swim, float, and settle in.

The boat: Beneteau Oceanis 35.1 comfort, built for real relaxing

If you care about comfort more than “hanging on for dear life in a racing vibe,” you’ll like the boat choice. This charter uses a Beneteau Oceanis 35.1 (2018), and the design focuses on space and easy movement.

Here’s what that means in practice:

• A roomy cockpit where you can all sit without feeling cramped right away
• Padded sunbathing areas so you’re not lying on hard surfaces
• A shaded area for breaks from strong midday sun
• A layout that lets you move around without constantly bumping into people

You also get a calm, safe-feeling setup. The goal is cozy and tranquil, not chaotic. Add in full onboard insurance and final cleaning being included, and it’s the kind of charter that works well for couples and families who want a “sea day” that feels effortless.

Getting to Club de Mar fast: the easiest start to a sea day

Meeting is at the Port of Palma, Club de Mar–Mallorca, berth number 123. The big practical advantage is location. It’s close to the cruise terminal, which makes this a smart option if you’re on a ship and want to maximize your time ashore without fighting across town.

In plain terms: you can get on the boat with less hassle, which means more time floating in the Bay of Palma. Once you’re aboard, the day flows around the water stops rather than around transit.

Your captain’s route: Palma Bay to Cala Major, with time to actually swim

The plan is built around sailing, views, and water time. You’ll start from Club de Mar–Mallorca and head out into the Bay of Palma for the main cruising stretch.

Bay of Palma segment (about 4 hours)

During this part, you’re set up for scenic sailing and likely a couple of “pause points.” The schedule includes:

• Boat cruising through the Bay of Palma
• Time that can include walking or hiking, depending on the stop and what’s feasible that day
• Swimming opportunities along the way
• Time built in for sightseeing from the water

The “hop-on hop-off style” wording in the plan can be confusing, but the practical takeaway is this: you won’t just stare at the horizon. There’s time for land views and brief activity at the scheduled stop, then back to the boat for the next anchor point.

One tip: treat this as a flexible, captain-led sequence. If the conditions change (wind, boat traffic, or anchoring options), the captain can adjust where you pause to keep the day enjoyable.

Cala Major (about 1 hour swimming)

Next comes Cala Major, with a dedicated swimming window. This is the part of the day you’ll likely remember most, because it’s time-focused. You’ll have snorkeling gear available, plus you can use the paddle board if you want to glide around and get a different view of the seabed.

Even if you’re not a strong swimmer, the setup tends to work because the captain chooses swim stops and you’re anchored nearby. You’re not trekking from the shore.

Snorkeling and paddle boarding: included, and worth planning for

This charter includes snorkeling gear and a paddle board, and that’s a big deal. A lot of Mallorca boat days look good on paper but become “mainly sit and watch.” Here, the water activities are built in.

What I’d do to get the most out of it:

• Go in once early for snorkeling, before you’ve exhausted your energy with sunbathing
• Use the paddle board for quick laps near the anchored area rather than trying to cover distance

The clear payoff is variety. You’ll swim, you’ll float, you might snorkel, and you can paddle board in the calmer zones the captain selects.

Drinks and food choices: keep it simple, or order paella/tapas

You get complimentary drinks onboard—water and soft drinks. That covers the basics so you don’t have to track down beverages once you’re anchored.

Food isn’t included in the charter price. But you have options:

• Order paella or Spanish tapas in advance, and you can have it served to you comfortably once anchored
• Bring your own lunch and snacks

This matters because a sea day can turn into “why didn’t we eat earlier?” If you want a relaxed day with zero planning on the day-of, arranging food ahead is the easiest move.

If you do bring your own, pack something that’s easy to eat on a boat deck: sandwiches, fruit, and simple snacks travel better than anything messy.

When the sea is rough: the sailing part can shift

This is a sailing charter, so you’ll feel the romance. But you’re also in Mallorca waters, where wind and wave height can change quickly.

One smart detail from the crew experience: they may offer sea sickness pills if you need them. That’s exactly the kind of practical hospitality that helps a trip stay fun rather than turn into survival mode.

My advice: treat this as a sea-and-coves day first, and a sailing lesson second. If conditions don’t allow full sailing, your captain will still aim for great anchor points, swimming, and comfort on board.

Service style: friendly, professional, and focused on your time

The vibe on board is consistently described as friendly and professional, with a captain who knows how to manage the day. The names you may hear include Juan (captain/crew), and that local leadership shows in how smoothly things run from the first moment on board.

You can also expect a “disconnect” style of service. Stops are planned for swimming and relaxing, not for nonstop explanations. English and Spanish are available, so if you like quick, clear guidance, you’ll have it.

Price and value: when this charter makes sense

At $812 per group (up to 9), this isn’t the budget choice. It’s priced for privacy and comfort.

Here’s where it feels like a smart buy:

• You’re traveling as a family or small group and want to split the cost
• You care about included water gear (snorkeling gear and paddle board)
• You want a captain-led route around Palma’s coves rather than a one-size tour

Where it might not feel like the best deal:

• If you’re a couple looking for “remote desert island” solitude. Some swim areas can be near busy shoreline zones, so the water can be clear but the setting may not be completely isolated.

Also, with up to 9 people, the boat is still a sailboat. It’s comfortable, but it’s not a palace. If you’re booking with a larger group, set expectations: you’ll be close to each other in the cockpit and around the deck.

Who this sailboat charter fits best

This charter fits best if you want:

• Couples who want a private, comfortable sea day around Palma
• Families who want built-in swimming time and included gear
• Small groups that want privacy without the hassle of managing multiple boats

It’s also a good match if you value easy access—starting at Club de Mar near the cruise terminal makes timing simpler when your shore day is short.

Should you book this private charter?

Book it if your priority is a private Beneteau sail day with included snorkeling and paddle boarding, plus a captain who handles the routing so you can focus on swimming and relaxing. The comfort of the boat layout and the included basics (drinks, gear, fuel) make this feel like a “real plan” rather than a half-experience.

Hold off or adjust expectations if you’re chasing totally empty coves every time. Some swim stops can be near popular beaches, so the water quality may impress more than the isolation. And if you’re very focused on sailing under sail the entire time, remember that wind and sea conditions can shape what the captain can do that day.

FAQ

What boat is used for the charter?

It’s a Beneteau Oceanis 35.1 from 2018, designed for comfort with a spacious cockpit, padded sun areas, and a shaded space.

What’s included in the price?

A professional skipper, fuel, water and soft drinks, snorkeling gear, a paddle board, full insurance on board, and final cleaning. You’ll also have stops to swim and relax.

Do I need to arrange food?

Food isn’t included. You can order paella or Spanish tapas in advance to be served once anchored, or bring your own lunch and snacks.

How long are the charter options?

You can choose a half-day charter (about 4 hours), a full-day charter (about 8 hours), or a sunset charter (about 2.5 hours). The exact starting times depend on availability.

Where do we meet the boat?

You meet at the Port of Palma at Club de Mar–Mallorca, berth number 123.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it’s listed as wheelchair accessible.