About this tour
When Noah from our BugBitten team sailed out of Puerto de Andratx on a private boat, we had the whole thing to ourselves—captain included, up to five of us aboard. The run is 8 hours of dropping anchor at coves you'd only otherwise spot from a clifftop: Cala en Tió, Cala d'Egos, Cala en Basset and a few others tucked into Mallorca's southwestern coast. The water's genuinely clear, the pace is yours to set, and the captain knows the spots and the tides. It's the kind of day where you swim, snorkel, paddleboard between lunch stops, and mostly just watch the coastline shift. Families do this regularly, and it shows—the whole operation feels low-stress.
Highlights
- Coves only reachable by boat—no crowds, no road noise
- Paddleboard and snorkel gear thrown in; gear actually works
- Captain handles sail, route, and pacing—you steer only if keen
- Anchor in gin-clear water; jump straight in from deck
- Small group means no queuing or sharing deck space
- Flexibility to detour if weather or mood shifts
- Infants, toddlers, small dogs all welcome aboard
What to expect
You'll arrive at the boat 10–15 minutes before departure, stow bags, and get a safety rundown. The captain will size up the wind and conditions, then sail toward the first cove—roughly 20–30 minutes of smooth-ish sailing, depending on the day. Once anchored, it's swim, snorkel, or paddleboard time for 45 minutes to an hour. Then he weighs anchor and moves to the next spot, perhaps two to four coves over the full day. Between swims, you get bottled water and light snacks—think bread, local cheese, fruit—enough to keep you going but not a full meal. Many groups bring a packed lunch or arrange a shore stop at a restaurant. The vibe is unhurried; the captain isn't rushing you through a checklist. Water stays calm in summer, though the boat does rock gently under sail.
Our read: it's less "action-packed day trip" and more "your own floating base for exploring a quiet bit of coast." Kids don't get bored because there's always something to do—snorkeling, jumping off the side, or just lying on deck watching the horizon. The inclusion of snorkel kit and paddleboard is genuine; you're not renting extras. The not-so-sweet part is that the included food is genuinely light. If you're a big eater or have teenagers with hollow legs, bring a proper lunch or budget for a restaurant stop.
What travellers say
- Private boat for your group only—no strangers sharing the deck
- Anchor at four pristine coves in a single day
- Snorkel kit and paddleboard included, genuinely usable
- Captain adjusts route and pace to your mood
- Family-friendly and welcoming to young kids and pets
- Clear water, safe anchoring, relaxed atmosphere
- Included snacks and water only—bring your own lunch
- Early-morning departure not ideal for slow starters
- Boat rocks noticeably in choppy or windy conditions
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
this hits the sweet spot for families and small groups who want privacy without a strict itinerary. The captain's job is to get you to the best coves and keep you safe; everything else is negotiable. You're not packed in with 30 other tourists. The water's warm in summer, and the snorkeling is legit—you'll see small fish, clear sand, maybe a sea urchin or two. Paddleboards work well for non-swimmers or nervous swimmers. Infants, toddlers, and small pets are fine; service animals welcome.
the included "refreshments" and "light snacks" are exactly that—enough for a mid-morning coffee and a handful of bites, not lunch. You'll need to either pack your own substantial food or arrange a restaurant stop (which the captain can help with). The boat does rock in anything beyond a breeze, which might affect wobbly stomachs. If you're expecting endless prosecco and platters, manage that expectation—this is a sailing trip, not a booze cruise. Early mornings are typical for getting the best wind and avoiding afternoon heat; not ideal if you're a late riser.
bring your own lunch or budget €15–25 per head for a shore restaurant. Swimwear, towel, sun cream, and hat are essential. Water shoes help on rocky entries. The boat holds up to five people comfortably; groups of two or three get the most relaxed feel. Summer (June–September) is warmest and calmest. Life jackets, snorkel gear, and paddleboards are provided.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.