Cala Figuera Boat Trip to Calo des Moro and Cala Marmols Mallorca

Cala Figuera, the fishing harbour

Cala Figuera is one of the most charming fishing villages in Mallorca, set on a narrow, fjord-like inlet in the municipality of Santanyí. Traditional boat houses with green and blue doors line the water, fishermen still mend their nets on the quays, and the small harbour has kept its authentic character despite its popularity with visitors.

Your boat trip begins at the pier in the heart of the harbour. Arrive early to stroll along the waterfront paths, which offer some of the prettiest photo spots on the island. If you are wondering how to get to Cala Figuera, it is about an hour's drive from Palma and 10 minutes from the town of Santanyí; parking is limited in summer, so come in good time.

Cala Santanyí and the Es Pontàs arch

Leaving the harbour, the RIB boat heads south along a coast of golden cliffs and pine trees. The first stop is Cala Santanyí, a sandy beach at the end of a deep inlet, popular with families for its shallow, clear water. The boat then slows near Es Pontàs, a huge natural arch standing in the sea, which is all that remains of the entrance to an ancient cave.

Es Pontàs is one of the most photographed rock formations in Mallorca, and seeing it from sea level shows its true size. The skipper explains how the waves shaped it over thousands of years. Continuing south, you pass Cala Llombards, with its fishing huts and white sand, the small cove of Caló des Macs and the cave of Sa Cova des Fum.

Caló des Moro and S'Almunia

Caló des Moro is often called the most beautiful cove in Mallorca: a tiny beach squeezed between high cliffs, with water of an almost unreal turquoise. On land it is reached by a steep path and becomes very crowded in summer, so seeing it from a boat is one of the best ways to enjoy it. Next door, S'Almunia is a rocky inlet with traditional fishermen's huts and boat ramps, a picture of old Mallorca.

Along these cliffs are small caves that smugglers once used to hide their goods. With the shorter option, you swim here for about 40 minutes at Caló des Moro or S'Almunia, depending on the wind. With our default option, you pass this coast and continue further south to Cala Màrmols. Is Caló des Moro worth visiting? From the sea, without the crowds, it truly is.

Es Bauç sea quarries and Cala Màrmols

Beyond S'Almunia, the coastline becomes completely wild. You pass the old sea quarries of Es Bauç, where workers once cut blocks of sandstone directly from the cliffs and loaded them onto boats, leaving square steps and walls in the rock. It is a fascinating piece of the island's history, visible only from the water.

The trip reaches Cala Màrmols, one of the most unspoilt beaches in Mallorca, with no buildings and no road, accessible only by boat or on a long hiking trail. Here the boat anchors for about 45 minutes, and you can swim from the boat or snorkel over the sandy seabed and rocks with the equipment provided. It is the perfect reward before the ride back to Cala Figuera.

Planning your boat trip

The default trip lasts about 2 hours 50 minutes, with departures at 9:00, 12:00 and 15:00; the shorter Caló des Moro trip runs four times a day. The RIB is a fast, open boat, so expect sun, wind and some spray. The best time to visit Caló des Moro and Cala Màrmols by boat is from May to October, with June and September offering warm water and fewer crowds.

Departures may be delayed or cancelled if the wind or sea make the trip unsafe, as the skipper is responsible for passenger safety. One soft drink is included on board; bring water and a snack if you wish. Combine the trip with lunch in Cala Figuera or a visit to the Saturday market in Santanyí for a complete day in south-east Mallorca.