REVIEW · MALLORCA
Half day on a private sailboat in Mallorca (port d’andratx)
Book on Viator →Operated by Pura Vida Sailing Mallorca · Bookable on Viator
Mallorca looks different from a private deck. This half-day private sailboat experience from Port d’Andratx puts you right on the Andratx coast, where you can reach beaches and coves that are tough (or impossible) to get to by land. You also get the kind of on-the-spot decision-making a good captain does well, since the exact stops can shift with the weather.
Two things I really like here are the focused route and the sea time. You’re not doing a long loop for the sake of distance; instead you get to enjoy two cove stops for swimming and snorkeling, with optional extras like SUP from the included gear. The other big win is the people factor: the Pura Vida Sailing Mallorca team runs the day with warmth and attention to detail, and even the four-legged “first mate” (Percy) shows up in the stories, which tells you the vibe tends to be personal.
One consideration: the price you book doesn’t include the skipper. You’ll pay 250€ at boarding, so budget for that when you’re comparing costs. If you’re traveling as a small group, that extra amount can swing the value fast—do the math before you lock it in.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You’ll Feel Right Away
- Private Half-Day Sailing From Port d’Andratx
- The Andratx Coast Game Plan: Two Cove Stops, Weather Sets the Menu
- Stop One: Port d’Andratx and the Start-to-Swim Flow
- Stop Two: More Time in the Water, Not Just More Sailing
- Onboard Comfort, Included Gear, and the Little Touches That Matter
- Tapas, Drinks, and How the Meal Fits Into a Sailing Day
- Price and Logistics: What You’re Really Paying For
- Who This 4-Hour Private Sailboat Day Is Best For
- Quick Checklist Before You Go
- Should You Book This Private Sail in Port d’Andratx?
- FAQ
- How long is the private sailboat tour?
- How many people can go on the private tour?
- What’s included in the tour price?
- Is the skipper included in the price?
- Where do we meet for the tour?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
Key Highlights You’ll Feel Right Away

- Private boat time (up to 8 people) so the experience stays flexible for your group
- Two swim-focused cove stops along the Andratx coast, depending on conditions
- Snorkeling gear + paddleboard (SUP) included, plus life jackets
- Local tapas with drinks (soft drinks for everyone; adults get a bottle of wine or cava)
- Captains and hosts who personalize the day, including music and “small details” attention
- Weather-sensitive route planning to keep the sail and stops enjoyable
Private Half-Day Sailing From Port d’Andratx

If your Mallorca plan includes beaches, I’d seriously consider doing them from the water once. Starting in Port d’Andratx is smart because it’s a working harbor area with real access to boats, and you’re positioned to make quick choices about direction and coves. This tour is designed as a true half-day: about 4 hours, not an all-day slog where the “best parts” get diluted.
This is a private experience, meaning only your group is on board. The group size is capped at up to 8, which matters more than most people think. Smaller groups move faster during boarding, you get more back-and-forth with the captain, and you’re less likely to feel like you’re waiting your turn for the good swim spot.
The boat itself is the IDEFIX sailboat. The best part of sailing isn’t just the motion—it’s that slow, readable pace. You feel the wind, you see the coastline change minute by minute, and you can settle into a rhythm: sail, stop, swim, snorkel, snack, repeat.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Mallorca
The Andratx Coast Game Plan: Two Cove Stops, Weather Sets the Menu

Here’s how the day works in a practical, don’t-overthink-it way: you’ll sail along the Andratx shoreline and make two stops in different coves. The specific locations can include Cala Llamp, Cala Marmasset, Cala en Tio, or Cala d’Egos—and which ones you get depends on the weather.
That weather dependency isn’t a downside if you understand the logic. Mallorca’s conditions can change quickly, and sea access depends on what’s safe and comfortable. When a captain plans based on real conditions, the day usually feels better than sticking to a fixed schedule that ignores wind or sea state.
At each stop, the goal is simple: get you into the water. You’ll have snorkeling equipment available, plus SUP boards if you want to paddle around and look from a different angle. If you just want to relax, you can also do that—sun time on deck is part of the experience, not a “free time filler.”
One small drawback to keep in mind: because the exact coves depend on conditions, you shouldn’t book expecting a guaranteed checklist of specific names. If Cala Llamp is your must-see, treat this as a “best available” itinerary along the Andratx coast rather than a promised route.
Stop One: Port d’Andratx and the Start-to-Swim Flow

Your day kicks off at Carrer Zorrilla, 24, 07157 Port d’Andratx. Starting there keeps things straightforward: you’re close to the water, and you’ll spend less time in transit and more time actually sailing and swimming.
Port d’Andratx is also a good “tempo setter.” Once you’re on board, the pace shifts quickly from dock life to coastal exploration. That’s important for a half-day tour—when the first sailing moments arrive fast, the whole day feels smoother.
From there, you’ll head out toward the first cove. Even if you’re not a strong swimmer, this itinerary tends to work well because the plan is built around short, targeted water time with equipment ready at the stops. The boat also provides life jackets, so you’re not scrambling for basic safety gear.
Stop Two: More Time in the Water, Not Just More Sailing

The second stop is where the half-day really pays off. By the time you reach stop two, you’ve already figured out the boat rhythm: where to store your stuff, how the deck area works, and how long it makes sense to snorkel before taking a breather.
This second cove isn’t just “round two.” It’s chosen as another area along the coast, giving you a different feel—different shoreline shape, different water entry, and a new stretch of coastline to look at from the deck. In a tour like this, variety is the point.
What you do at stop two is up to your group. You can:
- snorkel for a while and then switch to just floating
- paddle on the included SUP if conditions allow
- climb back up, dry off, and enjoy the view while the day keeps moving
I also like that the captain keeps the day flexible. Reviews describe a captain who knows the area and adjusts to the group’s pace. For you, that translates into less rigid “you must do this at this moment” pressure.
Onboard Comfort, Included Gear, and the Little Touches That Matter

The practical value here is in what’s already included. You get snorkeling equipment, SUP boards, life jackets, and speakers. That’s not just convenience—it’s peace of mind. You’re not searching for gear rental, and you’re not stuck on deck because you forgot something important.
There’s also a comfort side to sailing that people sometimes forget. In the reviews, the boat is described as comfortable, and that matters for a 4-hour experience. If the seating and deck layout feel good, you’ll actually enjoy the time between swim stops.
And then there’s the human side. The captain is described as entertaining and attentive, with a sense for music and atmosphere. Several stories mention hosts like David and Patricia, and another name that comes up is Tony, especially around answering questions and helping with photos and sailing basics. Percy the dog shows up in the highlights too. That combination signals a day that feels run by real people, not a script.
If you’re traveling as a couple, this kind of vibe often feels romantic without being stiff. If you’re traveling with kids, the pacing and repeated water breaks can be a big win because the day doesn’t rely on long stretches of sitting still.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Mallorca
Tapas, Drinks, and How the Meal Fits Into a Sailing Day

Food on a boat can go one of two ways: either it’s an afterthought or it actually feels like part of the experience. Here, the plan includes local tapas, with soft drinks plus wine or cava for adults. The alcohol offer is listed as: 1 bottle of wine or a bottle of cava for adults.
I like this approach because it matches the activity level. You’re not expected to do a full restaurant meal right after a swim. Instead, you get a practical snack-and-sip setup that keeps the mood relaxed.
There’s also snacks/appetizers described as included, and fuel is covered too. Translation for you: the tour is set up so you can focus on the water and the coves rather than tracking extra add-ons mid-day.
One more detail I appreciate: the captain’s attention to the flow of the day. Reviews mention people being fed and hydrated comfortably, with hosts who bring things out and check in. On a private boat, that kind of service can make the whole day feel smoother.
Price and Logistics: What You’re Really Paying For

The listed price is $483.94 per group (up to 8) for about 4 hours. That’s for the private sail experience with the included gear, snacks/tapas, and drinks. Then there’s the extra piece: the skipper fee.
The tour specifically notes that the skipper costs 250€ and is paid at time of boarding. This is the big budgeting line item, so don’t ignore it when comparing to other boat options in Mallorca.
Here’s how I’d think about value as a traveler:
- If you split the cost across a full group of 8, you’re paying a lot less per person for boat time and included water gear.
- If you’re only 2–4 people, the skipper fee will weigh more, but you still benefit from private pacing, sea-only coves, and included snorkeling/SUP.
- You’re also paying for local knowledge and real-time decision-making. A good captain choosing the best coves based on weather is part of what you’re paying for, not just the sailboat itself.
And there’s a weather reality to note: the experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s a fair approach for a sea-based half-day.
Finally, it’s offered in English, and you’ll receive a mobile ticket. That’s helpful if you’re planning on the move.
Who This 4-Hour Private Sailboat Day Is Best For

This tour fits best if you want a Mallorca day that feels active but not exhausting. Because you get two swim/snorkel stops plus included gear, it works well for people who want water time without booking extra excursions.
It’s especially strong for:
- Couples who want a private, calm way to see the coast
- Families that want a mix of sailing and repeated swim breaks
- Friends groups who care about comfort, drinks, and a flexible captain-led day
Based on the way the experience is described—attention to details, tailoring the day to the group’s taste, and a comfortable boat layout—it also seems like a good choice for birthdays and celebrations. If your group likes photos and “special moment” energy, this format has the right ingredients.
If, on the other hand, you only want to step onto land for a beach day and don’t care about snorkeling or SUP, then you might find a simpler boat ride elsewhere more efficient. But if you want coves you can reach by sea and you want the water activities built in, this is a strong match.
Quick Checklist Before You Go
To make your half-day feel smooth, I’d plan like this:
- Bring swimwear you’re comfortable using right away
- Use sunscreen before boarding since you’ll likely be in and out of the water
- Bring a light layer for after swims if you run hot or cold with sea wind
- Budget for the 250€ skipper fee paid at boarding
- Expect the exact coves to change with weather, and treat that as part of the sailing logic
Small preparation turns into big comfort on the day.
Should You Book This Private Sail in Port d’Andratx?
Book it if you want a private Mallorca experience that focuses on sea access, real swimming time, and a captain-led day that adapts to conditions. The included package is practical—snorkeling gear, SUP, life jackets, tapas, and drinks—and the service style described in reviews (hosts like David and Patricia, plus Percy the dog) suggests you’ll feel looked after from start to stop.
Skip it or reconsider if you’re strict about a specific cove name, since the route can change. Also, make sure you’re okay with the skipper payment on arrival. Once you factor in the 250€ at boarding, decide whether the per-person cost still feels right for your group size.
For most people deciding between a standard boat trip and a private sailing half-day, I’d choose this format when your priority is water time plus the Andratx coast view from the best seat in the house.
FAQ
How long is the private sailboat tour?
It’s about 4 hours.
How many people can go on the private tour?
The price is listed per group for up to 8 people, and it’s private for your group only.
What’s included in the tour price?
Included are snorkeling equipment, paddle surf (SUP), life jackets, snacks/appetizers, one soda/soft drink per person, fuel, and speakers. Adults also get 1 bottle of wine or a bottle of cava.
Is the skipper included in the price?
No. The skipper (250€) is not included and must be paid at the time of boarding.
Where do we meet for the tour?
The meeting point is Carrer Zorrilla, 24, 07157 Port d’Andratx, Illes Balears, Spain.
What happens if the weather is poor?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.































