Blue Ocean Club
Blue Ocean Club cruising guide

Yacht charter in the Balearic Islands

The Balearic Islands—comprising Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera—offer varied cruising grounds in the western Mediterranean. Short passages separate sheltered calas, sandy anchorages, and full-service marinas. Mallorca features dramatic cliffs along the Serra de Tramuntana, Menorca provides quieter natural coves, while Ibiza and Formentera offer turquoise waters and vibrant coastlines. This cruising area suits families, groups of friends, and sailors seeking a balance between secluded anchorages and cosmopolitan port towns, supported by reliable summer weather and straightforward navigation.

Best time to charter

The charter season runs from May to October. July and August bring warm temperatures, calm seas, and high demand with crowded anchorages. May, June, September, and October offer comfortable weather, warm sea temperatures, and significantly reduced maritime traffic. Predominant summer winds are light to moderate thermal breezes, though the northern coasts can experience the strong northerly Tramontana, particularly around Menorca and northern Mallorca.

Anchorages and harbours to know

Cala Saona (Formentera)

A wide, sandy bay on Formentera's west coast providing turquoise water, good holding, and reliable protection from easterly winds.

Cabrera Archipelago National Park

An uninhabited island reserve south of Mallorca offering strictly managed buoy-only moorings within a deep, well-sheltered natural harbour.

Cala Macarella (Menorca)

A deep, pine-fringed inlet on Menorca's south coast with clear water, a sandy seabed, and good shelter from northerly breezes.

Port de Sóller (Mallorca)

A horseshoe-shaped natural harbour on Mallorca's rugged northwest coast, offering marina berths and sheltered anchoring beneath the Serra de Tramuntana.

Cala d'Hort (Ibiza)

An open anchorage on Ibiza's southwest coast positioned opposite the high limestone islet of Es Vedrà, sheltered from northerly winds.

Practical tips

  • Getting there: Palma de Mallorca (PMI), Ibiza (IBZ) and Menorca (MAH). Palma's marinas are about 15 minutes from Palma airport; Ibiza Town's marinas are about 15 minutes from Ibiza airport.
  • Charter tax: Spanish VAT of about 21% is usually added to the charter fee.
  • Palma's marinas are about 15 minutes from Palma airport; Ibiza Town's marinas are about 15 minutes from Ibiza airport. Menorca is served by Menorca airport (MAH).
  • Anchoring on protected Posidonia oceanica seagrass is strictly illegal across the archipelago, with spot inspections and heavy fines enforced by maritime patrols.
  • Visiting the Cabrera National Park requires securing a cruising permit and an allocated mooring buoy well in advance, as anchoring is entirely prohibited.
  • Marina berths in high-demand harbours book out months in advance for July and August, requiring early reservation if nights ashore are planned.

Yachts listed for the Balearic Islands

All cruising area guides · Charter cost and APA guide