Half day on a private sailboat in Mallorca (port d’andratx)

Port d’Andratx is the starting point for a private four-hour sail along Mallorca’s Andratx coast, where some coves are reached only from the water. You’ll visit two, chosen according to the weather, then have time to swim, snorkel, paddleboard or simply stretch out on deck.

I like two things about this trip: your group has the boat to itself, so the captain can shape the outing around your pace, and the package includes practical water gear and refreshments. Captains David and Tony are named in accounts of the trip, and Percy, a small dog described as the crew’s canine first mate, may be aboard.

The main consideration is the extra €250 skipper fee, paid when you board. Add that to the advertised $483.94 group price before deciding if the outing fits your budget. You’ll also want to remember that the coves and sailing plan depend on weather conditions.

What to know before you book

• Two Andratx coves are planned: Possible stops include Cala Llamp, Cala Marmasset, Cala en Tio and Cala d’Egos. The captain chooses based on conditions.
• Your group gets a private boat: The price covers up to eight people, making the cost easier to share with family or friends.
• The captain costs extra: Budget another €250, payable at boarding.
• Water activities are included: Snorkelling equipment and a paddleboard are provided, along with life jackets.
• Food and drink are part of the outing: Expect local tapas, one soft drink per person and one bottle of wine or cava for the adults.
• It returns to Port d’Andratx: The meeting point is Carrer Zorrilla, 24, and the tour ends there.

Leaving Port d’Andratx for the Andratx coast

The trip begins at Carrer Zorrilla, 24, in Port d’Andratx. From here, you board IDEFIX, a private sailboat, and spend about four hours with your own group and captain. That private setup changes the feel of the outing: you aren’t following a large boat’s timetable or sharing the swim stops with a crowd from your tour.

The captain is a native of Mallorca and knows the coast. David is the name most closely associated with the sailing, while Tony is also named as a captain in accounts of the experience. The crew also includes Patricia in many accounts, helping with food, drinks and general care aboard. Staff may vary, so don’t assume a particular person will be on your trip.

The coast here is best explored by boat because some coves are accessible only from the sea. Rather than promising one fixed route, the trip makes two stops selected according to conditions. That flexibility is useful, especially when weather affects which bays are comfortable and suitable for a swim.

Two coves, chosen for the day

Possible stops include Cala Llamp, Cala Marmasset, Cala en Tio and Cala d’Egos. You won’t necessarily visit all four, and the exact pair depends on the weather. The appeal is less about ticking off a set list than reaching places along the Andratx coast where you can get into the water and enjoy the shoreline from a different angle.

At each stop, you can swim, snorkel, use the paddleboard or stay aboard and relax in the sun. Snorkelling gear and life jackets are included, so you don’t need to bring your own equipment for those activities. If you’re travelling with children or anyone who prefers to take it slowly, the private format gives your group more room to set its own rhythm, though the captain still decides what is suitable on the day.

The outing can be active, but it doesn’t have to be. Some groups spend their time moving between swimming and paddleboarding; others prefer a quiet stretch on deck, a drink and a view of the coast. If you’re hoping to cover as much coastline as possible, remember that four hours and two stops make this a focused half-day outing, not a full circuit of Mallorca.

Sailing, swimming and time on deck

The boat is central to the experience, not just transport between coves. You have space to settle in between stops, and speakers are included for music. One birthday group specifically appreciated the captain’s playlist, while other accounts describe the boat as comfortable. Music is a nice touch, but the sea and the changing view are the main event.

At anchor, the included paddleboard gives you another way to explore the water near the boat. Snorkelling equipment lets you look below the surface, though no particular marine life or underwater route is promised. If you’re not keen to get wet, you can stay on deck and enjoy the sun instead. Bring any personal items you know you’ll need, since the trip’s included gear is limited to what’s specified.

A few details from the crew’s style may make the day feel more personal. David has been praised for explaining sailing and taking photos, while Patricia is often described as attentive to food, drinks and comfort. Percy, their little dog, is a memorable extra for some groups, but there’s no guarantee he’ll be aboard for your departure.

Tapas, soft drinks and a bottle to share

The food and drink help make this more than a bare-bones sailing rental. The trip includes local tapas, one soft drink per person and one bottle of wine or cava for the adults. That gives your group something to enjoy between swims without having to plan every refreshment in advance.

The inclusions are helpful, but don’t mistake them for a full meal. If you have particular dietary needs or want extra snacks and drinks, check with the operator before the trip. Some groups have brought their own food and drinks, but that detail does not establish a standard policy for every booking.

The host’s attentiveness is one of the experience’s strongest points. Accounts describe the crew checking that people are comfortable and helping bring out refreshments. That personal care matters on a private outing: you can ask for what you need rather than relying on a large group schedule.

Is $483.94 good value for your group?

The advertised price is $483.94 per group of up to eight, but the captain’s €250 fee is not included and must be paid at boarding. Make sure you factor in both costs when comparing this trip with other boat outings. Because one charge is in dollars and the other in euros, your final total will depend on the exchange rate and any payment fees.

For a group of eight, the advertised base price works out to about $60.50 per person before the skipper fee. A smaller group pays more per person, so this is most compelling if you can share the cost across a family or circle of friends. In return, you get a private four-hour sailing trip, two cove stops, snorkelling equipment, a paddleboard, life jackets, fuel, tapas and drinks.

That’s a useful bundle if you want a guided outing with activities and refreshments included. It’s less attractive if you’re travelling alone or as a couple and mainly want the cheapest possible way to get on the water. The extra skipper charge is the key budgeting detail, so include it before you decide.

Who will enjoy this private sail

This is a strong fit for families, couples travelling with friends and small groups celebrating a special occasion. The boat accommodates up to eight, and the private format lets your party enjoy the time together without strangers joining the trip. A birthday, family holiday or relaxed afternoon with friends suits the format particularly well.

It also works for mixed groups: one person can snorkel, another can paddleboard, and someone else can remain on deck. The crew’s personal approach may be especially welcome if you want help with the day rather than a simple boat hire. Most people can participate, according to the tour information, and service animals are allowed.

Think twice if you need a fixed itinerary, want to visit a particular cove at a guaranteed time or expect a full day on the water. The captain chooses the stops based on the weather, and the trip lasts around four hours. Poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund, but you should be comfortable with some flexibility.

Practical details that matter

The meeting point is Carrer Zorrilla, 24, 07157 Port d’Andratx, and the activity ends back there. The ticket is mobile, confirmation is provided at booking, and the experience is offered in English. It is a private activity for your group, with a maximum of eight people at the stated group price.

Bookings are made, on average, 61 days in advance, which is a useful sign to plan ahead if your dates are fixed. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. If poor weather cancels the trip, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Before setting out, keep the important cost distinction clear: the captain’s €250 fee is separate from the advertised price and is paid at boarding. If you have questions about extra food, drinks or other equipment, ask the operator before you go rather than counting on an unlisted item being available.

Should you book this sailing trip?

Book it if you want a private, people-focused way to swim and explore the Andratx coast, and your group can share the cost. The two cove stops, included water gear, tapas and attentive hosting make the four hours feel like a complete outing rather than just a boat ride. The option to relax instead of joining every activity is a plus for families and groups with different energy levels.

Skip it if the extra skipper charge stretches your budget, or if you’d rather follow a fixed route with guaranteed stops. For the right group, though, this is a particularly appealing half-day: private, flexible and built around time in the water.

FAQ

How long is the sailing trip?

It lasts about four hours.

How much does the trip cost?

The advertised price is $483.94 per group of up to eight. The captain’s €250 fee is extra and is paid at boarding.

How many people can join the private tour?

The group price covers up to eight people, and only your group participates.

Where does the trip start?

Meet at Carrer Zorrilla, 24, 07157 Port d’Andratx, Spain.

Where does the trip end?

It ends back at the meeting point in Port d’Andratx.

Which coves will the boat visit?

The trip makes two stops, chosen according to weather conditions. Possible coves include Cala Llamp, Cala Marmasset, Cala en Tio and Cala d’Egos.

What activities and equipment are included?

You can swim, snorkel and paddleboard. Snorkelling equipment, a paddleboard and life jackets are included.

What food and drinks are provided?

The trip includes local tapas, one soft drink per person and one bottle of wine or cava for the adults.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.