Private Boat Rental with Guide from El Arenal Mallorca

El Arenal and its nautical club

El Arenal is the lively resort at the eastern end of Playa de Palma, the long sandy beach that curves for several kilometres around the southern side of the Bay of Palma, about 15 kilometres from the centre of Palma and close to the airport. Behind the beach, the resort is all promenades, cafés and holiday apartments; at its eastern edge lies a small yacht harbour where the boat rental begins.

Your boat leaves from the nautical club next to the port. Before departure the guide gives a safety briefing, shows how the engine, anchor, ladder and sunshade work, and recommends a route for the length of your rental. The briefing and preparation are part of the booked time, so arriving a few minutes early means more time on the water. Please bring an ID document for the person named on the booking.

Along the Playa de Palma coastline

Leaving the harbour, the first views are back across Playa de Palma: the long golden beach, the palm-lined promenade and, on clear days, the cathedral of Palma and the Tramuntana mountains on the far side of the bay. The sea here is shallow and sheltered, ideal for getting used to the boat.

With the guide beside you, you can take the helm and steer along the coast whenever sea conditions and safety rules allow. The boats are compact and easy to handle, which is why this kind of boat hire in Mallorca does not require a licence; the guide is compulsory and stays on board throughout, so beginners and families can relax and simply enjoy the ride, the sun deck and their own music via Bluetooth.

Cala Blava and the marine reserve

South of El Arenal the beach gives way to low cliffs and the residential area of Cala Blava, whose name means blue cove. The coast from here towards Cap Enderrocat is part of the Bay of Palma marine reserve, one of the first marine reserves created in the Balearic Islands, where fishing is restricted to protect the seabed.

The result is some of the clearest water near Palma, with meadows of Posidonia seagrass, rocky reefs and shoals of small fish that are easy to see with the snorkelling gear included in your rental. Your guide chooses a sheltered spot to anchor, and the swim ladder at the stern makes it easy to slip into the sea and climb back aboard. For many guests, the swim at Cala Blava is the highlight of the trip.

Cala Vella, sea caves and the wild south coast

Further along, the coast becomes wilder, with small coves such as Cala Vella, sea caves known locally as pirate caves and stretches of cliff without a single building in sight. These spots are only reachable by sea, which is the real joy of a private boat rental: you decide where to stop, how long to swim and when to move on.

Where conditions allow, guests can try cliff jumping from low rocks chosen by the guide, or simply rest under the sunshade on the solarium while the boat sways at anchor. With the six-hour rental there is time to reach the furthest coves and enjoy several long stops; shorter rentals focus on the nearer coast around Cala Blava. The guide always has the final word on safety.

Choosing your rental and the best time to go

Four durations are available: two hours for a short trip and swim near El Arenal, three hours for the coast with a longer swim stop, four hours for a relaxed half day, and six hours to explore the whole stretch to the quieter coves. The boat is private for your group, and the price shown in the booking panel covers the whole boat.

Morning departures usually enjoy the calmest water, while afternoon trips offer warm sea and golden light on the return. The season runs from spring to autumn, with June and September ideal for warm water without the peak crowds. Bring water, snacks, swimwear, a towel and sunscreen; drinks, ice and a cool box can be bought at the base.