Sailing yacht, motorboat or party catamaran: which boat day in Palma suits you?
An honest comparison of the three main ways to spend a day on the water in the Bay of Palma, with who each one suits, what to expect and what to ask before you book.
By the Sail Mallorca team · Published · 3 min read
Also available in Deutsch
There are dozens of ways to get out on the water from Palma, and most of them fall into three groups: sailing yachts, motorboats and large catamarans, which are often run as party or excursion boats. None of them is better in general. They simply suit different days, different groups and different moods.
Note: this guide is written by the team behind Sail Mallorca, which runs private sailing trips from Palma. We have tried to be fair to all three options.
At a glance
| Sailing yacht | Motorboat | Party or excursion catamaran | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feel | Quiet, slow, hands-on | Fast, flexible | Social, lively |
| Typical group | Couples, families, small groups | Small groups who want to see a lot | Larger groups, solo travellers, parties |
| Pace | A few knots under sail | Much faster | Fixed schedule |
| Private or shared | Usually both available | Usually private | Usually shared |
| Noise | Engine off whenever the wind allows | Engine on most of the time | Music on board is common |
Sailing yacht
On a sailing yacht the journey is the point. Once out of the harbour and with enough wind, the skipper switches off the engine, and the boat heels slightly and moves with only the sound of water along the hull. Many skippers let guests take the helm or help with the sails if they want to, but nobody has to.
Good for: couples, families, small groups of friends, and anyone who wants a calm day with swimming stops in a quiet bay.
Keep in mind: a sailing yacht is slower, so you will see less coastline than on a motorboat. The route depends on the wind, and the skipper decides on the day. The boat leans when sailing, which most people enjoy, but it can surprise first-timers.
Motorboat
A motorboat, from a small open boat to a large motor yacht, can cover a lot of distance quickly. If you want to see several bays in one day, or travel further along the coast, this is the most flexible option.
Good for: groups who want to see as much as possible, people short on time, and anyone who enjoys speed.
Keep in mind: at speed it is loud and can be bumpy when there are waves. Fuel is a large part of the cost, so longer routes usually cost more.
Party or excursion catamaran
Large catamarans carrying many guests are a popular, social way to spend a few hours on the water. They often include music, a meal or drinks, and a swimming stop.
Good for: larger groups, birthdays and hen or stag parties, solo travellers who want company, and anyone on a tighter budget, since you usually pay per person on a shared boat.
Keep in mind: you share the boat with other groups, the schedule is fixed, and the popular bays where these boats stop can be busy in high season.
Questions to ask before you book
- Is the trip private or shared? This changes the price, the atmosphere and how flexible the day is.
- What exactly is included? Drinks, food, snorkelling gear, paddleboards, fuel and harbour fees vary a lot between operators.
- Where do you meet, and how do you get there? Parking near the marinas in Palma can be limited in summer.
- What happens if the weather is bad? Ask whether you get a new date or a refund if the skipper cancels for safety.
- What is the cancellation policy? Many operators offer free cancellation up to a certain time before departure.
Our view
If you want a calm, unhurried day and like the idea of real sailing, a sailing yacht is hard to beat. If you want to see as much coastline as possible, take a motorboat. If you want a party, go for a catamaran. Whichever you choose, a good skipper who knows the local winds and bays makes more difference than the boat itself.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a sailing trip slower than a motorboat trip?
- Yes. A sailing yacht typically moves at a few knots, a motorboat many times faster. On a sailing trip the sailing is part of the experience; on a motorboat the speed lets you cover more coastline in the same time.
- Which type of boat is best for families with small children?
- Usually a private trip on a sailing yacht or motorboat, because you can set the pace and the skipper can choose a sheltered bay. Large shared party boats are rarely the best fit for small children.
- Do I need a licence to go out on a boat in Mallorca?
- Not if you book a trip with a skipper. Renting a boat to drive yourself is a different thing, and the rules depend on the size and engine power of the boat, so check with the rental company.
- Private or shared trip, what is the difference?
- On a private trip the whole boat and crew are for your group only. On a shared trip you join other guests, which usually costs less per person but means a fixed route and schedule.
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