Balearics catamaran cruise
For a vacation with great weather and bursting with the footprints of ancient civilizations, head to the most alluring archipelago in the western Mediterranean, the Balearic Islands, off Spain’s Iberian Peninsula. Kick back and relax on board an all-inclusive luxury yacht and let your attentive crew guide you around Palma de Mallorca, the largest of the islands.With 300 days of sun each year and more than 300 beaches to discover, you’ll be spoiled for choice with by the cabin cruising. Explore the Cabrera Archipelago Maritime-Terrestrial National Park’s island chain to spot a bounty of marine life, including whales and dolphins. Or, marvel at the renowned Dragon Caves with its underground lake and stalagmites and stalactites.
Day 1: Palma
Arrive early and visit the old city of Palma. Walk along its cobblestone streets. Visit one of the most famous gothic cathedrals in Europe: the Palma Cathedral, known as “La Seu,” which roughly translates as “the seat” and probably refers to the bishop’s seat. And take in Palma’s historic atmosphere and charm before boarding at 18:00 / 06:00 pm. Installation on board, security briefing. Set sails for a short navigation (1h30 max.) to Cala Portals Vells, a beautiful cove with pristine waters. Diner and night on board.
Day 2: Cala Portals vells – Cala Pi – Colonia Sant Jordi (25NM – 2h30 + stop at Cala Pi, 1h30) After breakfast, departure to Cala Pi. Its lovely beach and clear, calm turquoise waters are suitable for swimming and snorkeling and for children. There is a beach bar and three restaurants in the area. Centuries ago, pirates were a problem in this area, and the remnants of a medieval watchtower still remain. Lunch on board in this popular anchorage. If wind or weather conditions are too rough, we will continue on to the port of Sa Rapita (approximately 3 nm to the east) where there is a marina.
After lunch we set sail for Colonia Sant Jordi (15MN – 2h30). Colonia is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches, including Es Carbo, frequented by the Spanish royal family, and Es Trenc, a 2-mile-long (3.2 km) natural and more isolated beach with lovely golden sand and crystal clear waters. Swimming, beachcombing and snorkeling. In town, there are many popular restaurants and tapas bars along Avinguda de la Primavera (Primavera Avenue). We will anchor for the night between the islets of Gabina and Redona. Diner and night on board.
Day 3: Colonia Sant Jordi–Cala Figuera – Porto Petro (19 NM – 3 h)
We will sail north after breakfast and enjoy the scenic coastline on the way to Cala Figuera. Known to the locals as “Little Venice,” Cala Figuera is a quaint and more secluded anchorage along the southeast coast of Majorca. The port is still primarily a traditional fishing community with picturesque whitewashed cottages and boathouses that stretch down to the water’s edge. After lunch on board, you will enjoy the quiet, natural setting. Then we will sail to Porto Petro, a former fishing port which became a very nice seaside resort with a beautiful sheltered bay. Dinner and night on board.
Day 4: Porto Petro – Cala Santanyi (7 NM – 1h30)
After breakfast, departure to Cala Santany It’s a nice cove with a fine white sandy beach and crystal clear waters, perfect to swin in. It’s surrounded by rocky cliffs and forests filled with pine trees.
Built on the headland and overlooking the bay, stand the Torre Nova de la Roca Fesa, a lookout tower that was built in 1663 to protect this part of the coast from pirates. After lunch, snorkeling or kayaking to the nearby gorgeous cave. Dinner and night on board.
Day 5 : Cala Santanyi – Cabrera National Park (15NM -2h30)
In the morning we set sails to Cabrera National Park.
The Cabrera Archipelago is a maritime-terrestrial national park which lies 10km off the south east coast of Mallorca. It consists of a main island (Cabrera), 6 smaller islands and a dozen of rocky islets. This archipelago is known for its birdlife and rich marine environment. You’ll enjoy a wonderful snorkeling within a pristine underwater world.
Later in the afternoon, take a walk to the castle which overlooks the harbour. It was built at the end of the 14th century in response to the number of pirate attacks that Majorca was suffering. From there, enjoy the beautiful sunset. Diner and night on board.
Day 6: Cabrera – Es Trenc Beach, Sa Rapita (12NM – 2h)
After breakfast, departure to Es Trenc Beach. This beautiful beach extends over two and a half kilometres along a protected, and therefore undeveloped dune landscape in the south of the island. The vast natural landscape, the soft white sand and the breathtaking clear blue of the water makes the hearts of nature lovers, photographers and snorkelers. The unique, turquoise shades of the sea give the beach a tropical flair.
There are a few « chiringuitos » (bars with small shops) that offer a wide range of meals, snacks, drinks and beach accessories, and play Latin American music from 6pm onwards.
You’ll spend a relaxing day there, snorkeling and beachcombing. Diner and night on board.
Day 7: Es Trenc Beach – Palma (23NM – 4h)
After lunch, departure to Palma. On the return trip to Palma, you’ll see the beautiful, steep cliffs of Cap Blanc with its lighthouse. Much of the coastline in this area is protected and has not fallen prey to development. Rocky inlets and secluded coves dot the landscape. Calo des Cap d’Alt and Cala de Cap Falco are two good examples. Both offer crystal clear waters that are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Diner and night on board.
Day 8: Palma
Disembarkation at 09:00
Note: This itinerary is subject to change depending on meteorological and technical conditions. The above-mentioned navigation times are based on an average speed of 6 knots. Navigation times may vary depending on sea and weather conditions.
The ship owner reserves the right to allocate another type of catamaran offering the same conditions of comfort and service.
