Malgrats Islands Marine Reserve Kayak Tour Santa Ponsa Mallorca

Santa Ponsa and its marina

Santa Ponsa is a resort in the municipality of Calvià on the southwest coast of Mallorca, set around a deep, sheltered bay with a sandy beach and pine-covered headlands. History runs deep here: in 1229 the Catalan-Aragonese fleet landed in this bay to begin the conquest of Mallorca, an event remembered by a stone cross on the headland above the marina.

Your kayak tour starts at the dive centre inside the Santa Ponsa yacht club marina, a quiet harbour reached on foot along the waterfront. Here the guide hands out kayaks, paddles and life jackets, shows the route on a map and explains basic paddling strokes and safety rules in about 30 minutes. Lockers let you leave your belongings safely, so you only take what you need onto the water.

Along the cliffs of the southwest coast

From the marina the route heads out of the bay and follows the rocky coastline towards the Malgrats Islands. This stretch of coast is made of pale limestone shaped by waves and wind into overhangs, arches and small coves, with Aleppo pines growing right to the cliff edge. In calm conditions the water is so clear that you can see the seabed several metres below your kayak.

Kayaking is the best way to appreciate this coast, because you glide silently at water level and can reach corners that larger boats cannot enter. The kayaks are very stable and easy to steer, and the seats have backrests, so even first-timers settle into a steady rhythm. Your guide sets a relaxed pace and points out the details of the cliffs and the marine life along the way.

The Malgrats Islands marine reserve

The Malgrats Islands are a pair of small rocky islets lying just off the coast between Santa Ponsa and Cala Blanca, surrounded by a protected marine reserve. Fishing is tightly limited inside the reserve, which allows meadows of Posidonia seagrass and the fish that shelter in them to thrive; the islets themselves are also a nesting place for seabirds.

Paddling around the reserve, you may see shoals of small fish over the sandy patches, seagulls and shags resting on the rocks, and the bright colours of the seabed in the sunlight. Landing on the islets themselves is not allowed, which helps keep them wild. For many travellers this Malgrats Islands kayak tour is the highlight of a stay in Calvià, combining gentle exercise with one of the cleanest stretches of sea on the island.

Sea caves, a small beach and a natural pool

Along the way the guide leads the group into low sea caves where the light reflects off the turquoise water onto the rock ceiling, a magical moment when the sea is calm. The route also includes a short landing on a small beach, where you can stretch your legs and look back at the cliffs you have paddled past.

The best part for many is the natural pool, a sheltered basin of crystal-clear water where you stop to swim, float and cool off before turning back. You must be able to swim to join this tour, and life jackets are worn on the water. After about two and a half hours of paddling you return to the Santa Ponsa marina for a 20-minute break, and if you booked hotel transfers the van takes you back to your accommodation.

Choosing your option and the best time to kayak in Mallorca

There are two options with the same route and equipment: meet the guide at the Santa Ponsa marina, or choose the default option with hotel pickup and drop-off by van from Santa Ponsa, Magaluf, Palmanova, Son Caliu, Peguera, Fornells, Calvià, Cala Vinyes, Ses Illetes, Cas Català or Portals Nous. The transfer takes about 30 minutes each way.

The tour starts at 10:00, when the sea on this coast is usually at its calmest. The best time for kayaking in Mallorca is from late spring to early autumn, when the water is warm enough for a long swim; June and September are especially pleasant, with fewer crowds than midsummer. Wear swimwear under light clothes and bring a towel and a change of clothes for the ride back.