Is private boat hire worth it in Mallorca?

For a group of four or more, or anyone who wants privacy and control, yes. Because private boats are priced per boat, the cost per person can match or beat a ticketed day cruise once you fill the seats, and you get the whole boat, your own route, and quiet coves. For a solo traveler or a couple on a budget, a shared cruise is cheaper.

Do you need a licence to hire a private boat in Mallorca?

Not for the self-drive rentals: the smaller boats need no licence, and you get a briefing on driving the boat and dropping anchor before you set off. For the skippered charters you need nothing at all, as a professional captain drives and takes you to the best spots.

What is included in a private boat charter in Mallorca?

It varies by boat. Most skippered charters include the captain, fuel, and some drinks and water toys, and the premium boats add lunch and a full kit of toys. Self-drive rentals add petrol and a deposit, and one south-coast llaüt charges a captain supplement. Always check the inclusions and the all-in price before booking.

Where do private boats leave from in Mallorca?

Most private charters leave from Palma and the bay, including Club de Mar, Palma Bay, and Puerto Portals just west of the city. Others depart from Club Nàutic Sa Ràpita on the south coast for the Es Trenc beaches, and from Port de Bonaire and Port d'Alcúdia in the north for the bays of Pollença and Alcúdia.

How many people can a private boat in Mallorca hold?

The boats here hold from 4 up to 12 people depending on the charter. Because you pay per boat rather than per person, the best value comes from matching the boat to your group size, so a bigger group spreads the cost while a small group can pick a smaller, cheaper boat.

Can you hire a private boat for a full day in Mallorca?

Yes. Durations range from 2 hours up to a full 8-hour day. The flexible Palma Bay charter lets you choose a 4, 6, or 8 hour day, the watersports and water-toys boats run about 4 hours, and the self-drive rental offers 2, 3, 4, or 6 hour blocks, so you can build a half or full day around your plans.

Private boat hire or a boat party: which is better?

Private hire is better if you want your own group, your own route, and quiet coves, and it works out well per head for a group of four or more. A shared boat party is the better choice for a cheaper, livelier day or night with a crowd, a DJ, and a party atmosphere, especially for solo travelers and couples.

Private Boat Hire Mallorca 2026: 8 Best Charters Compared

Private Charter	Per Boat	Online Rating	Duration	Departure	Boat & Capacity	Best For
Most Booked El Arenal: Private Boat Rental (No License) Book Now	€179	⭐ 4.8 (434 reviews) Read Reviews	2–6 hrs	El Arenal	Self-drive motorboat, up to 8	Cheapest, self-drive (no licence)
Southern Beaches Private Llaut Boat Tour Book Now	€310	⭐ 4.5 (97 reviews) Read Reviews	2–4 hrs	Club Nàutic Sa Ràpita (south)	Wooden llaüt, up to 6	A traditional boat on the south coast
Top Rated Private Boat Tour with Snorkel & Paddle Book Now	€390	⭐ 5.0 (125 reviews) Read Reviews	2–4 hrs	Club de Mar, Palma	Motorboat, up to 6	A flawless skippered half-day
Palma Bay: All-Inclusive & Water Activities Book Now	€450	⭐ 4.6 (55 reviews) Read Reviews	2.5–8 hrs	Palma Bay	Speedboat or sailboat, up to 7	Flexible half or full day, your choice
Palma: Water Toys & 25 Coves Private Trip Book Now	€690	⭐ 4.8 (46 reviews) Read Reviews	4 hrs	Puerto Portals	Capelli fast boat, up to 12	Water toys and lots of coves
Alcudia Private Boat Tour Book Now	€740	⭐ 4.8 (68 reviews) Read Reviews	2.5 hrs	Port de Bonaire (Alcúdia)	Traditional llaüt, up to 4	A small group in the north
Private Watersports Boat: Lunch, SUP, Tubing Book Now	€749	⭐ 4.7 (60 reviews) Read Reviews	4 hrs	Puerto Portals	Capelli speedboat, up to 12	A full day with lunch and toys
Exclusive Sailing Tour with Training, Tapas & Wine Book Now	€990	⭐ 4.5 (240 reviews) Read Reviews	4 hrs	Port d'Alcúdia	14m sailing yacht, up to 9	A premium sailing day with wine

Best Private Boat Charters in Mallorca

1

El Arenal Private Boat Rental (No License Needed)

Our top pick and the cheapest way into private boat hire, at €179. This is a self-drive motorboat rental from El Arenal for up to 8 people, with no licence needed: you check in, get a briefing on driving the boat and dropping anchor, and then the day is yours to explore the bay and its coves. The boat comes with snorkel gear, a sun shade, a swim ladder, life jackets, and a Bluetooth speaker. Petrol (€30 to €40) and a refundable €300 deposit are extra, and you are the captain, so it suits confident groups who want freedom and the lowest price rather than a crewed day out. With 434 reviews at 4.8, it is by far the most-booked private boat here. The standard boat has a small 15hp engine that keeps you close to shore, so the 4-hour slot is the sweet spot, and bringing your own boat licence unlocks a faster boat and a wider range. Everyone on board needs to be able to swim. First-timers find the boat easy to handle and the anchoring briefing straightforward, so no boating experience is needed. Best for: confident groups of up to 8 who want the lowest price and do not mind driving themselves.

2

Southern Beaches Private Llaut Boat Tour

A traditional wooden llaüt charter on the quieter south coast, from €310 for up to 6. This 2 to 4 hour trip leaves Club Nàutic Sa Ràpita and cruises the southern beaches around Es Trenc and Colònia de Sant Jordi, some of the most beautiful water on the island. Soft drinks, appetizers, and fuel are included. Note the captain is an optional €60 supplement, so add that if you would rather not drive yourself. It is the pick for a classic, low-key Mallorcan boat on the south coast, away from the Palma crowds. Best for: a small group that wants a traditional Mallorcan boat and the quieter south-coast beaches.

3

Private Boat Tour with Snorkel & Paddle

The highest-rated charter here, with a perfect 5.0 from 125 reviews, from €390 for up to 6. This 2 to 4 hour skippered trip leaves Club de Mar in Palma on a comfortable motorboat, with the captain taking you to quiet spots like Cala Blava, Illetas, and Cala Vinyes to swim, snorkel, and paddleboard, with cold drinks included. It is all-inclusive and entirely your group, and reviewers single out the friendly, accommodating skipper. Our pick for a flawless, fuss-free private half-day from Palma. An underwater camera is provided too, so someone can film the snorkelling. Best for: couples and small groups of up to 6 who want a flawless, skippered half-day from Palma.

4

Palma Bay: All-Inclusive & Water Activities

The most flexible option, from €450, where you choose the boat and the length. You can take a Flyer 7 speedboat (up to 7) or step up to a Beneteau Oceanis sailboat (up to 11 or 12), and pick a 4, 6, or 8 hour day or a 2.5 hour sunset slot from Palma Bay. All come with a professional skipper, fuel, an onboard appetizer, two drinks per person, and water toys (paddleboard, snorkel gear, sea scooter, and more). It is the one to choose if you want to tailor the boat and the hours to your group and your day. Best for: groups that want to choose the boat, the length, and the day to suit them.

5

Palma: Water Toys & 25 Coves Private Trip

A fast, toy-packed day from Puerto Portals, from €690 for up to 12. The boat is a Capelli 900WA, one of the quickest in the bay, and the 4 hour trip visits ten or more coves like Portals Vells and Cap Falcó with a skipper, plus a full kit of water toys (SUP, subwing, sea scooter, snorkel gear). It has a cabin with a WC and a big fridge for your own food and drinks. Fuel and the port fee (around €160) are paid after the trip. Best for a group that wants speed, lots of coves, and all the toys. Best for: an active group of up to 12 chasing speed, coves, and every water toy.

6

Alcudia Private Boat Tour

A small-group traditional llaüt in the north, €740 for up to 4. This 2.5 hour trip leaves Port de Bonaire near Alcúdia on a stable, comfortable Mallorcan llaüt with a captain, stopping to swim, snorkel, and taste local products in the scenic bays of Pollença and Alcúdia. It is the most expensive per head here given the small group and short duration, but it is a relaxed, authentic option for a couple or small family wanting the north coast to themselves. Best for: a couple or small family wanting a relaxed, authentic trip in the north.

7

Private Watersports Boat: Lunch, SUP, Tubing

A full-day watersports charter with lunch, from €749 for up to 12. This 4 hour trip from Puerto Portals runs on a Capelli 900WA speedboat with a skipper, a homemade pasta lunch, and 24 drinks included, plus a donut, SUP, sea scooter, and snorkel gear. It anchors at Palma Bay favourites like Portals Vells across more than 12 coves. With food, drinks, and toys all bundled in, it is the most all-inclusive day here and a strong pick for a bigger group that wants everything sorted. The boat has a marine WC and a changing area for a full day's comfort, and very large groups of 13 to 18 are split across a second support boat. Families and groups consistently rate it, and the donut ride is the children's favourite. Best for: a bigger group or celebration wanting a full day with lunch, drinks, and toys sorted.

8

Exclusive Sailing Tour with Training, Tapas & Wine

The premium sailing day, €990 for up to 9. This 4 hour trip from Port d'Alcúdia is on a 14-metre sailing yacht with a skipper, and you can take the wheel and learn to sail, swim and snorkel in the bays, and enjoy local tapas and wine on board. With 240 reviews it is the most-reviewed sailing option here. It is the one for a group that wants a proper yacht, a hands-on sailing experience, and a more refined day than a motorboat blast. Best for: a group wanting hands-on sailing and a refined day with tapas and wine.

Best Private Boat in Mallorca for Your Group

Not sure which to pick? Here is the best private boat in Mallorca for the most common needs, at a glance.

If you want...	Our pick	From
The cheapest option	El Arenal self-drive rental	€179
The best value	Private snorkel & paddle charter	€390
A family day	Skippered snorkel & paddle tour	€390
A couple or small group	Traditional llaüt (south or Alcúdia)	€310
A large group	Water-toys speedboat (up to 12)	€690
A full day with lunch	Private watersports boat	€749
Luxury and sailing	14-metre sailing yacht	€990

Skippered Charter, Self-Drive, or Crewed Day Trip?

Private boat hire in Mallorca comes in three formats, and the first thing to decide is who drives and how much is done for you.

Self-drive rental (no licence)

You pilot the boat yourself after a short briefing, with no licence needed on the smaller boats. It is the cheapest way to get a private boat (from €179), and you set your own route, but petrol and a deposit are usually extra and you are responsible for the boat. Best for confident, budget-minded groups who want freedom.

Skippered charter

A captain drives and takes you to the best spots, so you just relax. These start around €310 to €450 and are the sweet spot we'd steer most groups to: no licence, no stress, and local knowledge of the quiet coves. The captain is included on most, though on a couple it is an optional supplement, so check before booking.

Crewed day trip with extras

The premium boats add a full day, food, drinks, and water toys to the skipper, from around €690 to €990. You get lunch, a stocked bar or included drinks, and kit like SUPs, sea scooters, and donuts. Best for a bigger group or a special occasion where you want everything bundled in.

Where to Hire a Private Boat in Mallorca

Private charters leave from a few areas around the island, so base your choice on where you are staying and the coast you want to see.

Palma and the bay

Most private boats leave from Palma, with departures from Club de Mar, Palma Bay, and nearby Puerto Portals just west of the city. This is the widest choice, from the El Arenal self-drive rental and the 5.0-rated snorkel and paddle charter to the fast Capelli water-toys boats, and it suits anyone staying in or near the city.

The south coast

For the turquoise water around Es Trenc and Colònia de Sant Jordi, the traditional llaüt from Club Nàutic Sa Ràpita explores the southern beaches, away from the Palma crowds. It is the pick if you are staying in the south or want the island's most famous sandy coves.

Alcúdia and the north

In the north, charters leave from Port de Bonaire and Port d'Alcúdia to explore the bays of Pollença and Alcúdia and the Formentor coast. The options here range from a small traditional llaüt to a premium 14-metre sailing yacht, so it covers both a relaxed couple's trip and a full sailing day.

Private Boat Hire vs a Shared Boat Tour

Is a private boat worth it over a shared cruise? It comes down to your group size and what you want from the day.

The privacy: A private charter is just your group, so you set the pace, the music, and the swim stops, with no strangers and no fixed timetable. A shared tour is cheaper per person but you share the boat and the schedule.
The cost math: Private boats are priced per boat, so the more people you bring, the cheaper it gets per head. A €390 charter split among 6 is €65 each, which can match or beat a ticketed day cruise once you fill the boat. The hinge is group size: below about four people a shared ticket is usually cheaper, but from six up, private hire is often the better deal and a far nicer day.
The experience: Private hire lets you pick quiet coves a big party boat cannot reach, and tailor the day to families, a couple, or a group. For a livelier, cheaper night out with a crowd and a DJ, a shared boat party is the better fit.

If you have a group of four or more, or you want privacy and control, we think private hire is usually worth it. If you are solo, a couple on a budget, or you want the party atmosphere, look at a shared Mallorca boat party instead. To get in the water, see our Mallorca scuba diving guide.

How Much Does Private Boat Hire in Mallorca Cost?

Private boat hire in Mallorca costs from about €179 to €990 per boat for a half or full day, depending on the boat, the duration, and what is included. Because you pay per boat, the cost per person drops as your group grows, which is the whole appeal. Remember to check for extras like fuel, a deposit, or a captain supplement on top of the headline price.

Self-drive rentalFrom €179

The cheapest entry: a self-drive motorboat for up to 8, with petrol (€30 to €40) and a refundable €300 deposit on top. Split among a group, it is the lowest per-head price on the island.

Skippered charter€310–450

A captain, fuel, and usually drinks and water toys included, for a half day. The sweet spot for most groups; on the south-coast llaüt the captain is a €60 extra.

Premium day & sailing€690–990

Fast water-toys speedboats and a 14-metre sailing yacht, with lunch, drinks, and a full kit of toys. Some add a fuel and port fee (around €160) paid after the trip.

The headline price is per boat, so do the per-head math for your group: a €390 to €450 skippered charter split among six or seven people is often €60 to €75 each, comparable to a ticketed day cruise but with the whole boat to yourselves. Always confirm fuel, deposit, and captain costs before you book.

Best Time for Private Boat Hire in Mallorca

Private charters run mainly from spring to autumn, with the warm, calm seas of June to September the prime time for swimming and water toys. The shoulder months on either side are quieter and often cheaper, while winter sees few boats running. A few seasonal details worth planning around: the sea warms from around 15°C in winter to about 26°C in August, so July to September is best for long swims. Mornings are usually the calmest, while summer afternoons often bring a sea breeze (the local embat) that picks up the chop in the bay, and winter can bring stronger northerly winds. The marinas, especially Puerto Portals and Palma, are busiest at midday in July and August and on weekends, so an early start beats the crowds. Sunset runs as late as around 9:30pm in June and July, near 8pm in spring and autumn, and as early as 5:30pm in midwinter, which matters if you want a sunset cruise.

Peak seasonJun–Sep

Warm water for swimming and water toys, long days, and every boat running. Book ahead, especially for weekends and the popular skippered charters, as the best boats fill up.

ShoulderApr–May, Oct

Calmer crowds, pleasant weather, and often better prices and availability. The sea is cooler for swimming early and late in the season, but it is a lovely time to cruise.

Time of dayMorning or sunset

Mornings have the calmest water and the quietest coves; sunset slots trade swim time for golden light. Pick by whether you want to swim or to cruise.

For swimming and water toys, aim for June to September and book a few weeks ahead. For a calmer, cheaper trip, the shoulder months are ideal, and a morning departure gets you the quietest coves whatever the season.

From Our Experience

We've found private boat hire is almost always about the per-head math: priced per boat, a charter that looks pricey becomes good value once you split it across a group of six or more, and you get the whole boat, the route, and the coves to yourselves.

Tips for Private Boat Hire in Mallorca

Do the per-head math: Private boats are priced per boat, so divide by your group. Bigger groups get the best value, and a full boat can match a ticketed cruise per person.
Check the extras: Fuel, a deposit, or a captain supplement can add to the headline price, so confirm the all-in cost for your date and group.
Decide who drives: A self-drive rental is cheapest but you pilot the boat; a skippered charter costs more but the captain does everything, including finding the best coves.
Pick your departure: Most boats leave from Palma, with others from the south coast and Alcúdia, so choose by where you are staying.
Book ahead in summer: The best boats and the five-star skippers fill up on peak-season weekends, so reserve a few weeks out.
Watch the weather: Private charters are weather-dependent and can be rescheduled or refunded if the sea is rough, so keep your plans flexible and aim for a calm-looking day.
Look out for the meeting-point message: Several operators confirm the exact marina or pier by WhatsApp after you book, so check your messages the day before.
Bring what is not included: On some boats you bring your own food and drinks, so check the inclusions and pack a cooler if needed.
Pack for the water: Bring swimwear, towels, and sun cream, as the day is built around swim and snorkel stops in the coves.
Match the boat to your numbers: Each boat has a maximum, from 4 up to 12, so pick one that fits your group without paying for space you will not use.

Why You Can Trust This Guide

We compared the bookable private boat charters in Mallorca across GetYourGuide, Viator, and operator websites to build this guide, weighing the per-boat price, the boat and capacity, the duration, the departure point, whether a skipper is included, and what comes with the trip, rather than marketing claims. We focus on what actually shapes a private charter: whether you drive or a captain does, the real all-in cost once you add fuel or a deposit, the group size limit, and what food, drinks, and water toys are included. We are careful to flag where a captain or fuel is an extra rather than included, and where a boat suits a small group versus a big one. Where details were thin, we checked across multiple platforms and recent reviews to confirm the real picture. Our recommendations are independent. We are not paid to feature any operator, and the comparison reflects the pricing, ratings, and traveler feedback as we found them, so you can charter the boat that fits your group, your budget, and the day you want on the water.

How We Selected These Tours

The Spain Travel Insider team built this list around what matters most for private boat hire: a genuine whole-boat charter, clear per-boat pricing, honest information on the skipper and the extras, and a range of boats and group sizes to suit different travelers. Every charter here is a verified, bookable experience with a real volume of recent reviews. We left out boats with thin feedback, vague inclusions, or unclear pricing, which matter most when the difference between a self-drive rental and a crewed yacht day is so large. We also spread the picks across the kinds of private hire on the island: a self-drive rental, traditional llaüts, skippered motorboats, fast water-toys speedboats, and a sailing yacht, from Palma, the south coast, and Alcúdia, so there is a fit whatever your group, budget, and the coast you want to explore.

Private Boat Hire Mallorca: The 8 Best Private Charters Compared 2026

What You Should Know

Private Boat Hire in Mallorca

El Arenal Private Boat Rental (No License Needed)

Best Private Boat Charters in Mallorca: Side-by-Side Comparison

Compare the Most Popular Private Charters in Mallorca

Book the Most Popular Option Directly

What to Expect on a Private Boat Charter

Check in at the marina

Out into the bay

Swim and snorkel stops

Water toys and lunch

Sunbathe and cruise

Back to the marina

Check in at the marina

Out into the bay

Swim and snorkel stops

Water toys and lunch

Sunbathe and cruise

Back to the marina

Best Private Boat Charters in Mallorca

El Arenal Private Boat Rental (No License Needed)

Southern Beaches Private Llaut Boat Tour

Private Boat Tour with Snorkel & Paddle

Palma Bay: All-Inclusive & Water Activities

Palma: Water Toys & 25 Coves Private Trip

Alcudia Private Boat Tour

Private Watersports Boat: Lunch, SUP, Tubing

Exclusive Sailing Tour with Training, Tapas & Wine

Best Private Boat in Mallorca for Your Group

Skippered Charter, Self-Drive, or Crewed Day Trip?

Self-drive rental (no licence)

Skippered charter

Crewed day trip with extras

Where to Hire a Private Boat in Mallorca

Palma and the bay

The south coast

Alcúdia and the north

Private Boat Hire vs a Shared Boat Tour

How Much Does Private Boat Hire in Mallorca Cost?

Best Time for Private Boat Hire in Mallorca

From Our Experience

Tips for Private Boat Hire in Mallorca

Why You Can Trust This Guide

How We Selected These Tours

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Popular Tours in the Area

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