Boat hire in Mallorca
Seeing the coves from the sea is another way to get to know Mallorca: you reach the ones with no path, drop anchor on sand and swim away from the crowds. Here is what you need to know before you book.
Can you hire a boat without a licence in Mallorca?
Since 1 October 2026, no. The Spanish rule that let you skipper boats up to 5 metres and 15 hp without a licence now only applies to private use, meaning your own boat. To hire a boat and skipper it yourself you need a recreational boating licence.
Without a licence you have two options: hire the boat with a skipper, who drives it for you, or join a boat trip. Some booking sites still advertise “no licence” boats: ask before you pay.
Source: Spanish Royal Decree 875/2014, article 10, as worded from 1 October 2026 (BOE).
Hire a boat by port
Boats from private owners and hire companies on Click&Boat. If you have no licence, pick one with a skipper.
Private boats with a skipper
Just for your group and no licence needed: the skipper drives and stops at the coves so you can swim.
Cala Blava
El Arenal: private boat hire
Private boat from s'Arenal with a snorkelling stop in the Cala Blava marine reserve.
Check dates and pricesBook on GetYourGuide
Cala Falcó
Mallorca: private boat with water toys, lunch and drinks
Private speedboat from Puerto Portals that stops at Cala Vinyes and Cap Falcó, right by the cove.
Check dates and pricesBook on GetYourGuide
Cala Figuera (Santanyí)
Private boat tour to Caló des Moro
Private llaüt that leaves from Cala Figuera and follows the coast to Caló des Moro.
Check dates and pricesBook on GetYourGuide
Cala Mago
Palma de Mallorca: private boat trip with water toys and 25 coves
Private boat from Puerto Portals; one of the routes goes as far as the Mago coves.
Check dates and pricesBook on GetYourGuide
Platja d'Alcanada
Alcúdia: private boat tour with snorkelling
Private skippered boat with snorkel gear around the Bay of Alcúdia.
Check dates and pricesBook on GetYourGuide
Platja d'Alcúdia
Alcúdia: private boat tour
Private skippered boat around the Bay of Alcúdia, at your own pace.
Check dates and pricesBook on GetYourGuide
Coves to reach by boat and anchor
Where to anchor, what the seabed is like and which boats pass by. Drop anchor on sand, never on the seagrass.
CalmSome swellRoughCala Bóquer
Pollença
Tramuntana · opens to the
CalmSome swellRoughCala Figuera (Formentor)
Pollença
Tramuntana · opens to the
CalmSome swellRoughCala Sant Vicenç
Pollença
Tramuntana · opens to the
CalmSome swellRoughCala Tuent
Escorca
Tramuntana · opens to the
CalmSome swellRoughSa Calobra y Torrent de Pareis
Escorca
Tramuntana · opens to the
CalmSome swellRoughCala en Basset
Andratx
Ponent · opens to the
CalmSome swellRoughCala Llamp
Andratx
Ponent · opens to the
CalmSome swellRoughCala Marmassen
Andratx
Ponent · opens to the
CalmSome swellRoughPlatja de Sant Elm
Andratx
Ponent · opens to the
Rather join a boat trip?
Boat trips, catamarans, kayaking and snorkelling that pass by the coves, sorted by area.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to hire a boat in Mallorca?
Yes, if you are going to skipper it yourself. Since 1 October 2026 the exemption for boats up to 5 metres and 15 hp only covers private use of your own boat, not hired ones. Without a licence, hire with a skipper or join a boat trip.
Which licence do I need?
A recreational boating licence that covers the size of the boat and how far you plan to go. The hire company will tell you which one it asks for each boat.
What if I don't have a licence?
You can hire a private boat with a skipper, who drives it and stops at the coves, or book a shared boat trip. Both options are on this page.
Can I anchor in any cove?
No. Keep out of the buoyed swimming areas and drop anchor on sand, never on the protected seagrass. Some coves don't allow anchoring at all. Each cove guide tells you where to anchor.
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