First-time charter in Mallorca — what to expect

Chartering
1

Had a few people ask me about chartering in Mallorca so thought I’d share some general advice for anyone considering it for the first time.

The charter season runs roughly April to October, with July-August being the busiest (and most expensive). Shoulder season — May/June and September/October — offers better value and less crowded anchorages. You’ll need at least an RYA Day Skipper or ICC to charter bareboat.

Most charter boats are based in Palma, though you can find them in Alcúdia and a few other marinas. Standard fleet is mostly 35-45ft monohulls — Bavaria, Jeanneau, Beneteau. Catamarans are available but limited and pricey.

Top tip: don’t try to do too much. Mallorca is 100nm around the coast, and trying to circumnavigate in a week means you’ll spend all your time motoring. Pick a section — south coast and east coast is a lovely week, or base yourself around the Bay of Palma and explore the Cabrera archipelago.

Questions? Happy to help.

2

Great overview, thanks Katrin! We’re thinking of doing a charter week in September to practise before our Coastal Skipper. Any boat recommendations for a couple? We don’t need anything huge — something easy to handle would be ideal.

3

I’d second the advice about not over-planning the itinerary. When I first came to Mallorca I tried to see everything in a week and spent more time motoring than sailing. Now I pick 3-4 anchorages and just enjoy them properly. Cabrera is an absolute must though — the national park is stunning. Remember you need to book a mooring buoy in advance through the park website.

4

Is it possible to charter with just a Day Skipper theory? Or do you need the practical as well? I’ve done my practical but have a friend visiting who only has the theory certificate and we were thinking of getting a small boat for a weekend.