It's 10 at night and you're sitting at your computer. You depart tomorrow for Mallorca. The villa's reserved, the flights are reserved, but there's that one nagging question - yes, you need a boat. Everyone says you have to rent a boat in Mallorca. The photos look stunning: blue water, empty coves, your family beaming on deck. But then you start to look into it and things get complicated in a big way. Motorboats, catamarans, RIBs (what's that?), €200 to €2,000, companies you've never seen. Which do you actually need?
That is what nobody tells you before: a rubbish boat costs not just money - it ruins the day. I am Mark Sorensen, and I worked on these waters for 12 years. Started out as a deckhand for charter yachts and have worked my way up to captain, spent thousands of hours helping families and groups of friends figure out what they need. Not what's photogenic, but what functions. This guide cuts through the marketing fluff and gives you the real deal - the things I wish I'd learned prior to my inaugural charter disaster in 2013 (spoiler: we chartered way too much boat and spent the day fretting over mooring it).
Getting to Know Mallorca's Four Coastlines
Before we talk about boats, you have to know where you are headed with them. Mallorca is not a single monolithic coasting - it's four distinct regions with totally different atmospheres and conditions.
Southwest (Palma to Port d'Andratx): Where everybody rented out, and for good reason. Sheltered bays, reliable weather, easy access to celebrity hotspots such as Portals Vells and Illetes. The water is pretty smooth even when there is chop elsewhere. Marina amenities are excellent - Puerto Portals alone has over 600 berths. If you are a first-time renter, this is your domain. The coastline is forgiving.
Northwest (Deià, Sóller, Sa Calobra): Spectacular Tramuntana coast. Limestone cliffs plunge vertically into the deep water, creating one of the Mediterranean's most stunning seascapes. But here's the reality: fewer protected refuges, and when the north wind is blowing, things move quickly. This is where veteran salts go, not novices.
The Northeast (Alcúdia, Pollença, Formentor): Wide bays, longer beaches, generally quieter water. Good for families who enjoy swimming more than adventure. Alcúdia Bay stretches for around 25 kilometers - enough space, but not nearly as much of that hidden-cove charm you see in photos.
The Southeast (Portocolom, Cala d'Or, Cala Mondragó): Timeless Mallorcan cove country. A seemingly endless string of tiny calas (bays) with crystal-clear water and rocks as backdrops. Postcard Mallorca. The negative? Coves are busy in July and August, and you've got to watch it - your eyes are looking for swimmers and sounding for depths all the time.
My recommendation for novices: start southwest or southeast. Variety, beauty, and conditions not penalizing ineptness are yours.
The Boats: What You're Actually Renting
Below are the four types without the spin. Each has real strengths and real weaknesses.
Motorboats (Bowriders)
Think of these as the SUVs of the sea. They're typically 6 to 8 meters long, with an open bow section in front (ideal for sunbathing), a center console upon which the driver stands, and back bench seating. Most have a small bimini (canvas top shade) that's helpful but not roomy. The hull is made for speed more than stability - you'll feel the waves more intensely than on a catamaran.
Best suited for: Efficient distance covering. In case your itinerary includes going to three or four coves in one day, covering beach clubs, perhaps some wakeboarding or tubing for the children, this is your boat. They are easy to operate and practical to use.
Not for: Long stays at anchor or awful weather. The shade situation is poor - by 2 PM in July, everyone's fighting to get on the small shaded spot. And if the sea picks up to even moderate chop, the ride becomes horrible fast.
Real costs: Floor rental fees €280 to €450 per day depending on size and engine horsepower. But wait, there's more. Fuel is typically extra - €80 to €150 for a full day depending on how far you've gone and the hardness of your right foot. A 150hp outboard cruising speed goes through 15-20 liters an hour. Calculate beforehand before you sign.
What the captains know: The fuel gauge on the rental motorboats is always optimistic. I always tell clients to budget for a full tank and some extra as a bonus treat. I had one crew last summer who decided to defy this and let the tank get low trying to reach one more cove, and we lost an hour drifting until the fuel boat came. Cost them €200 for emergency fueling and two hours of their time.
RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats)
These have a solid fiberglass hull and inflatable tubes as sides. They originally were for the military and rescue work, but they've found extensive use in recreational applications due to the fact that they're fast, responsive, and even very well-behaved in nasty water. The inflatable collar provides both floatation and cushioning - you can beach these without damaging the hull.
Best used for: Access and exploration. RIBs excel at entering places big boats can't, e.g., shallow bays, rocky areas, beaches without proper anchoring locations. They're also surprisingly easy to handle, with positive response steering that helps differentiate between swimmers and rocks. Fuel economy is usually superior to similarly-sized motorboats.
Not ideal for: Shade or comfort. Most RIBs provide minimal or no shade protection. You're sitting on tube seats, which are fine for a few hours but exhausting by lunchtime. Chopping water also means a bouncy ride - great for teens, less great for anyone over 50 or anyone prone to seasickness.
Real costs: The 5-6 meter RIBs start at €250 for a day. The 7-8 meters are between €350 and €500. Fuel extra but typically less than motorboats - perhaps €60 to €100 for the entire day.
What captains know: RIBs are my hidden choice for reaching spots like Cala Varques or Es Caló des Moro - small, unspoiled coves that fill up fast because they're difficult to reach. The shallow draft (waterline to boat bottom) lets me fit into spots where deeper-hulled boats have to anchor 50 meters off and swim in. If deserted beaches are your number one priority, take a RIB seriously.
Catamarans
Double-hulled boats that rest wide and extremely stable on the water. The area between the hulls is typically rigged with a big net or trampoline - which becomes the boat's most sought-after location instantly. Most catamarans also have interior cabin space, a real bathroom (head, nautical speak), and much more deck space than an equal-length monohull.
Best suited for: Groups and families, especially those with children or anyone concerned about seasickness. The stability is amazing - even on rough seas, catamarans barely rock. The beam (width) is so broad that it leaves lounging space that just can't be achieved on narrower boats. I've seen families spread out full lunch spreads on the forward nets while the children play safely in the covered areas.
Not well used for: Agility or close cruising. Catamarans move more slowly than motorboats - cruise speed is typically 6-8 knots versus 15-20 for a planing motorboat. And all that beam keeps you from fitting into the tightest coves. And be realistic about finances - catamarans are expensive.
Actual prices: Pay between €500 to €900 per day for a sailing catamaran (10-12 meters), or €700 to €1,400 for a motor catamaran. Additional skipper fees (a necessity on most charters) of €150 to €250, and diesel if you're taking a motor cat. You're in the €900 to €1,600 range for an average day charter.
What captains understand: Stability is not just about being cozy - it's about safety and functionality. Seasickness ruins more boat days than any other single variable. I've had families who were on the verge of giving up boats completely until they tried a catamaran. Now children can move around comfortably, lunch doesn't get swept off plates, and no one's green. If anyone in your party is even a little motion-sick, the added cost is worth it.
Sailboats (Monohull Sailing Yachts)
Traditional single-hulled sailing vessels with masts, rigging, and the capacity to move under wind power alone. Typical charter sailboats nowadays are 10-14 meters in length, equipped with air-conditioned cabins, bathroom amenities, and small galleys (kitchens). If there is no wind, they can be motorized, but the experience is actually all about sailing when possible.
Best suited for: Those who really want to sail, as opposed to those who are making it a practical convenience. There is something inherently romantic about turning off the engine and traveling exclusively by wind—it's quiet, sophisticated, and somehow connected to nautical tradition in a way that powerboats never are. Sunset sails along the Tramuntana coast are pure enchantment.
Not so ideal for: Impulsive personalities or cramped itineraries. You're weather-bound, so you can motor for an hour to get to sailing conditions, then motor an hour to return. If the goal is to tick off five swimming spots, this boat isn't your best bet. Sailboats also heel (lean) when under sail - some like it, some don't.
Real costs: Skipper day charters start at €400 for small vessels (10-11 meters), up to €800 for bigger, newer vessels. The plus point: fuel costs are minimal since you are mainly sailing.
What captains understand: Mallorca's wind is reliable but not inevitable. Summer brings gentle afternoons sea breeze (5-12 knots) - lovely for sailing but uneventful. You'll still motor to a nice anchor spot if you charter a sailing boat and the wind doesn't go as planned. Which is okay - it's still a lovely day on the water - but set expectations accordingly. You're paying for possible sailing and definite scenery.
Matching Boat to Purpose: Five Real Scenarios
Don't worry about which boat is the coolest-looking on camera. Start with your real goal.
Scenario 1: Day with swimming focus
You have kids ages 7-13, would like to visit 2-3 coves for snorkeling and swimming, have lunch anchored, maybe paddleboard. Charter a catamaran. The stability is great for everyone's comfort, there is enough space for kids to spread their legs without continually colliding with adults, and the shallow draft allows you to anchor close to swimming spots. Cost €900-1,100 all-in for 8 people.
Scenario 2: Beach club tour with group of friends
Six boys, like going to Illetes beach clubs, cliff jump at Portals Vells, maybe wakeboard. Motorboat, 7-8 meters, skipper. Need the speed to make the circuit, and wakeboarding requires a planing hull. Will cost €600-800 plus skipper and fuel.
Scenario 3: Couple romantic break
Just the pair of you, rather have an experience than miles. Classic sailboat with skipper for a sunset cruise. Leave Port de Sóller, sail along the Tramuntana coast, drop anchor off Sa Foradada at sunset. Spend €500-650.
Scenario 4: Cost-cutting find
You have some boating experience and a license, want to go to the southeast coves at your own pace. Take an unskippered 5-6 meter RIB. You will save on skipper expense and have the greatest freedom. Cost €350-450 inc fuel.
Scenario 5: Family celebration
12 people including the grandparents and little grandchildren, want a full day that's comfortable for all ages. Large catamaran (12+ meters) with skipper and catering arranged. Yes, it's expensive - €1,400-1,800 in total - but divided between 12 people that's €120-150 per person for a private charter. Compare that to piling 12 people onto a commercial group tour.
The Skipper Question: When You Need One and What You're Actually Paying For
This is where newbies second-guess. Do you necessarily need to hire a captain, or can you handle the boat yourself?
We'll start with the legislative reality: in Spanish waters, you need either a Spanish recreational boat license (Titulín, PNB, or PER depending on boat size and offshore distance) or an internationally recognized certificate like the ICC or RYA Day Skipper. For 15hp or less motorboats, or less than 5 meters, you don't require a license. For everything else—and that's most rental boats—you either possess the proper certification or charter a skipper. No exceptions from respectable rental operators.
How much hiring a skipper will cost you: €150 to €250 for the day, paid to the captain himself or included with your charter package.
What you actually get for that investment:
The Real Cost Breakdown: What You'll Actually Spend
The price you see advertised is rarely the full picture. Here's what actually comes out of your wallet:
Base rental: The day rate of the boat itself. Our example being a 7-meter motorboat for €350.
Fuel: Essentially never included. For our example boat on a typical southwest itinerary (Puerto Portals → Portals Vells → Illetes → back to Puerto Portals), budget for €100 for fuel.
Skipper: €200 per day.
Mooring fees: Only if you stay overnight in another marina. Day charters, you're anchoring in coves - no fees.
Extras: paddleboards (€15-25), underwater scooters (€40), other water toys. Basic snorkeling gear is normally included with most boats.
Food and drinks: Bring your own, or arrange for catering delivery (€80-150 for good quality lunch delivery to the boat).
Our example full cost:
Total: €790 for 6 people = €132 per person
That compared to group commercial boat tours at €65-75 per head (€390-450 for 6). Charter private is roughly double the cost but gives a completely different experience - private boat, customized route, no stress, your timing.
Money-saving alternative without lowering standards: Book during May, June, or September instead of peak July-August. 20-30% cheaper prices, better weather (less blistering heat), and far fewer tourists in the bays are yours. I like these shoulder seasons myself - water's still warm (22-24°C), but you can actually find yourself having deserted beaches.
Seven Practical Tips That Actually Matter
Three Common Mistakes and Their Real Consequences
Mistake 1: Underestimating sun exposure Sea water reflects back UV rays, essentially doubling your exposure than on land. Ocean breeze makes you cool, tricking you into thinking that you won't burn. You will. I had a four-guy crew last summer who laughed at my sunscreen tips - they were "seasoned outdoorsmen" who "never burn." By 2 PM, two of them had severe burns on their backs and shoulders. They were at the cabin the rest of the charter wearing t-shirts and complaining, while their friends were in the water. It killed their whole day and probably the next three days of vacation. Bring SPF 50. Use it. Reapply.
Mistake 2: Booking based on boat capacity rather than comfortable capacity Rental listings post maximum capacity - the number of people legally allowed to occupy a boat. But maximum is not comfortable. An 8-meter motor vessel can carry 12. Don't put more than 8 on it for a day cruise. It gets crowded, not enough shade area for the group, coolers will obstruct walking, and half the crew will spend the day squirming. Right-size your boat - you'll have a better time and probably save money.
Mistake 3: Skipping the safety briefing When your captain or rental agent is explaining to you where life jackets are stored, how the radio works, and what to do if someone falls overboard, pay attention. This isn't bureaucratic theatrics - it's actually important stuff. We had an incident last season when a client's child fell off the swim platform (the child was fine - it happens). As the group had overheard from the briefing, they knew to immediately turn off the engine and jettison the life ring. What could have been a chaotic crisis was handled in a methodical manner. Listen to the briefing.
Quick Reference: Boat Recommendations by Group Profile
Family with young children (6-12 years), first charter: 40-foot sailing catamaran with skipper. Southwest coast itinerary from Palma. 3-4 hour charter. Budget €700-850 total.
Group of 6 friends, beach club setting: 25-foot motorboat skippered. Home base at Puerto Portals. Day trip. Budget €750-950 total.
Couple, sunset cruise: 35-foot sailing yacht skippered. Home base at Port de Sóller. Tramuntana sunset cruise. 3 hours. Budget €500-650 total.
Large family (10-12 adults, kids), multi-generational: Large motor catamaran skippered and catered. Southeast coast coves. Daytrip. Budget €1,400-1,700 total, or €120-145 per person.
Seasoned boater, couple or solo: 6-meter RIB, bareboat charter. Southeast discovery. Half or full day. Budget €300-450 total.
