Alcudia Boat Rentals

Author: dam

  • The 7 most beautiful coves you can reach by boat from Alcudia

    The 7 most beautiful coves you can reach by boat from Alcudia

    The north of Mallorca has some of the clearest water on the island, and most of its best coves can only be reached comfortably by sea. From Port d’Alcúdia you can be anchored in a quiet bay within an hour. This guide helps you pick where to go.

    How to choose a cove

    Three things matter more than the name of the place: the wind, the time of day and the size of your group.

    • Wind. Check the forecast the evening before. A cove that is calm in a light breeze from one direction can be uncomfortable when the wind turns. Ask the crew at the port which side is sheltered that day.
    • Time of day. Morning is usually calmer and quieter. By early afternoon the popular bays fill up, so go early or arrive late.
    • Group size. A small boat can slip into shallow corners that a large one cannot. Bigger boats give more shade and more room to move.

    Seven coves worth the trip

    Distances depend on your boat and the sea state, so treat the notes below as a starting point, not a promise.

    1. Alcanada

    Close to the port, with a small island and lighthouse. A good first stop for a short rental.

    2. Coll Baix

    A pebble beach under steep cliffs on the north coast, easiest to enjoy from the water.

    3. Cala Murta

    A sheltered bay on the Formentor peninsula, popular with swimmers and paddle boarders.

    4. Formentor beach

    A long, shallow beach with pale sand. It gets busy at midday.

    5. Cala Figuera

    A rocky inlet with deep, clear water, good for snorkelling near the edges.

    6. Cala Sant Vicenç

    Four small coves side by side near Pollença, each with its own character.

    7. Bay of Pollença

    Calm, wide and easy for a relaxed day with children.

    Before you go

    Every rental boat in Mallorca needs a valid boating licence or a skipper, so decide which suits you before you book. Bring water, sun protection and something to eat. Anchor away from swimmers and from seagrass meadows, which protect the seabed and are easy to damage. Leave the cove as you found it.

    If you are unsure which boat fits your group, ask us. We will suggest a route that matches the wind and the length of your rental.

    One last tip: plan one main stop and one spare. If the first cove is crowded or the wind is wrong, you can move on without losing the day.

    What is the best time of day to visit a cove?

    Early morning is usually calmer and quieter. Popular bays fill up around midday.

    Can I anchor anywhere?

    Not everywhere. Avoid seagrass meadows and keep clear of swimmers. Your crew will brief you before you leave.

  • Do you need a licence to rent a boat in Mallorca?

    Do you need a licence to rent a boat in Mallorca?

    Short answer: yes. In Mallorca every rental boat needs either a valid licence held by the person driving, or a professional skipper. This page explains the two options so you can plan before you arrive.

    Option 1: drive it yourself with a licence

    If you already hold a boating qualification, you may be able to use it. What counts depends on the boat and on where your licence was issued. Rules are set by the Spanish authorities and can change, so always check the current requirements with the rental company before you travel.

    Bring these with you on the day:

    • Your original licence or certificate, not just a photo.
    • A photo ID or passport.
    • Any translation or international certificate that applies to your licence.

    If the company cannot confirm that your licence is valid for the boat you chose, you will not be able to take the helm. That is why it is worth sending a picture of your licence at the time of booking.

    Option 2: book a skipper

    A skipper is a qualified professional who drives the boat for you. You choose the route, the swimming stops and the pace. Everyone else on board can relax, including the person who would otherwise be the driver.

    A skipper is a good choice when:

    • nobody in your group holds a licence;
    • you are visiting for the first time and do not know the coast;
    • you would like to spend the day swimming and eating, not navigating;
    • the forecast is uncertain and you prefer local judgement.

    Not every boat in our fleet is offered with a skipper, so check the boat page when you compare options.

    What if my licence is not accepted?

    Do not worry. You can usually add a skipper to the same booking. Contact us before the day, and we will tell you what is possible for your date and boat.

    Safety basics for everyone

    • Listen to the briefing at the pontoon, even if you have driven before.
    • Keep a lifejacket within reach for each person on board.
    • Stay clear of swimmers and of other boats when you anchor.
    • Head back early if the wind rises.

    With the right paperwork or a skipper, renting a boat in Alcúdia is simple and relaxed.

    One last tip: decide early. Booking with the right option already chosen means less to sort out at the pontoon and more time on the water.

    Can I rent a boat without a licence?

    Not to drive it yourself. Every rental boat needs a valid licence held by the driver, or a skipper.

  • Seeing dolphins in Alcudia bay: when and how

    Seeing dolphins in Alcudia bay: when and how

    Dolphins live in the waters around the Balearic Islands, and people sometimes see them in the Bay of Alcúdia. They are wild animals, though. Nobody can promise a sighting, and an honest guide will tell you so.

    When are sightings most likely?

    Early morning is usually the best time to look. The sea is often flat, there is less boat traffic and the light makes fins and splashes easy to spot. Sightings also depend on the season, the food available in the bay and the weather, so some mornings show nothing at all.

    A calm sea helps you as well as the animals. On a windy day, waves hide the small signs that show something is nearby.

    How to look for them

    • Scan the horizon slowly, then the water closer to the boat.
    • Watch for groups of birds working the surface, which can mean fish are nearby.
    • Look for a curved back or a small splash rather than a large jump.
    • Keep the boat quiet and let the skipper choose where to stop.

    How to behave around wild dolphins

    The goal is to watch without disturbing them. A responsible trip follows a few simple rules:

    • Keep a safe distance and never chase the animals.
    • Approach slowly, from the side, and never cut through a group.
    • Reduce speed and avoid sudden changes of direction.
    • Do not feed them, and do not enter the water to swim with them.
    • Leave if the animals seem stressed or move away.

    If the dolphins choose to come closer to the boat, that is their decision, and we simply enjoy it.

    What if we do not see any?

    It happens, and it is part of watching wildlife. A sunrise on the bay is still worth the early start: the colours change quickly, the water is calm and the coast looks its best. Many guests remember the light as much as the animals.

    Bring a light jacket, because it can feel cool at sea early in the morning, and a bottle of water. Wear sun protection even at sunrise, since the sun climbs quickly.

    One last tip: treat any sighting as a bonus. Go for the calm, the light and the early start, and anything more is a gift.