When planning a day on the water off the coast of the Balearic Islands, many people forget the basics and end up regretting it. It might seem simple enough: hop on a boat, set off, and enjoy the sun. But experience shows otherwise. If you’ve decided to rent a boat in Mallorca for a day trip, preparation will take no more than half an hour, but it will save you stress, health, and money. This article is based on several seasons of experience and dozens of trips out to sea from various marinas on the island. I hope it helps those planning their first independent day at sea.
Clothing and sun protection
The Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Mallorca can be deceptive. In the morning, the wind brings a pleasant chill; by noon, the sun is scorching everything in sight; and by evening, the wind picks up again. Experienced skippers dress in layers and always keep a spare set of clothes on hand. Here’s what you should pack:
- A lightweight windbreaker or hoodie. At high speeds, even at 30°C, the wind blows right through it.
- A swimsuit and quick-dry shorts. Cotton clothing gets wet and takes hours to dry.
- A cap or a panama hat with ties. Without ties, your hat will fly off at the first gust of wind.
- SPF 50 sunscreen and a face stick. On the water, UV rays reflect off the surface and burn twice as intensely.
- Polarized sunglasses with an elastic strap. Glare is blinding, and regular sunglasses fall into the water with every turn.
Many people skimp on the quality of their sunscreen and sunglasses, only to return to the hotel with sunburn and a headache. Good sun protection while on the water is worth every euro spent, especially if you have kids with you. Be sure to pack some after-sun lotion in your bag as well.
Food, Beverages, and Storage
When you rent a boat for the whole day, lunch on board is a must. The restaurants along the coast have their own schedules, and it’s much nicer to moor in a cove you like and have a bite to eat under the awning. That said, yacht rentals in Mallorca often don’t include provisions, so you’ll need to stock up on your own. The local supermarkets, Eroski and Mercadona, open at 8 a.m., so you can stock up on your way to the marina.
What to bring to eat and drink:
- ham, cheese, and bread for quick sandwiches;
- fruits that don’t get squashed: apples, grapes, cherries;
- nuts and dried fruit as a snack between swims;
- at least 1.5 liters of water per person;
- a thermos of coffee or tea to start the morning.
It’s best to pack food in plastic containers rather than plastic bags: everything gets jostled around on the boat. A cooler bag with ice packs will keep food fresh until evening. Leave glass containers on shore, as they are prohibited on most charter boats for safety reasons.
Safety and Navigation
Even when chartering a boat privately in Mallorca without a skipper, the person at the helm is responsible for safety. The basic rules are simple, but breaking them can ruin your entire vacation. The sea does not forgive carelessness, especially in July and August, when traffic along the coast is very heavy.
In Mallorca, a license is required to operate a motorboat with an engine power exceeding 15 horsepower. Tourists may use an international license or an IYT/RYA certificate. Without the proper documentation, you will only be allowed to operate a boat with a low-powered engine, or a captain will be provided.
The essential kit for a safe evacuation includes several categories:
- Navigation: Download an offline map from Navionics or iSailor in advance, as mobile data disappears just a mile from shore.
- Communication: a fully charged phone in a waterproof case and a power bank with at least 10,000 mAh capacity.
- First aid kit: band-aids, motion sickness medication, antiseptic, and pain reliever.
- Documents: a copy of the rental agreement, your boat license, and insurance policy.
Most boats already have life jackets on board, but be sure to check their quantity and condition before setting out. If you’re renting a crewed yacht in Mallorca, the captain will conduct the safety briefing himself, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bring your own first-aid kit and a phone in a waterproof case. Every passenger should know where the life jackets are stored and how to use the radio.
Recreational equipment
Spending half a day out at sea with nothing to do turns the trip into a boring session of lounging on deck. Mallorca is famous for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque coves, so it would be a shame not to take advantage of them. Boat charters usually don’t include snorkeling gear, so bring your own. Fins and masks are available for rent at marinas, but the prices are steep, and the sizes might not fit.
What you’ll need for outdoor activities:
- Diving mask and snorkel. Off the coasts of Cala Varques and Cala Mondragó, the underwater world rivals that of the Red Sea.
- Underwater camera or action camera. Shots taken from a depth of three meters get more likes than any selfie on deck.
- Inflatable paddleboard or SUP board. Ideal for calm bays with a gentle slope.
- Fishing rod or spinning rod. Barracuda, sea bream, and octopus can be caught right by the rocks.
If you have young children on board, bring along some inflatable arm floats and a net for catching jellyfish. Little things like these can turn an ordinary boat trip into a real adventure. The main rule is that all your gear should be compact and lightweight, since space on the boat is limited.
Useful little things that people tend to forget
There are certain items that don’t fit into any standard category, but it’s their absence that ruins the experience. According to those who have been out at sea before, the most common oversights involve everyday essentials.
Be sure to pack some cash: many coastal gas stations and small ports don’t accept cards. Bring trash bags, because the bins on the boat are small, and throwing anything overboard is prohibited and subject to a fine. A microfiber towel will come in handy: it takes up little space and dries in ten minutes. A change of dry clothes for the return to the marina won’t go amiss either: walking around Palma de Mallorca in the evening in a wet swimsuit is hardly a pleasant experience.
A day trip on a rented boat around Mallorca will be a memorable experience if you prepare for it. It doesn’t take much effort. Just pack your bag according to the checklist, check the boat before setting out, and don’t forget your sunscreen. The turquoise waters, rocky coves, and Balearic breeze will do the rest.
