Boat rental in Mallorca: anchoring over posidonia and the permit for Cabrera

Mallorca is one of the most varied areas in the Mediterranean: the sheltered Bay of Palma, the steep west coast below the Serra de Tramuntana, bays in the south-east and, half a day's sail south, Cabrera National Park. Two things are worth knowing before you set off: the rules protecting the seagrass and the permit for Cabrera.

Since 2018 the Balearic Islands have had their own decree protecting the posidonia meadows (Decreto 25/2018 of the Balearic government). The principle is clear: anchoring on posidonia is forbidden. It is allowed on sand or on approved moorings such as single buoys or buoy fields. Where there are buoy fields, you must use the buoys and may not anchor.

In practice: look at the seabed before you drop anchor. Light patches are sand, dark patches usually seagrass. There are checks, including from the water. Your provider shows you at check-in where buoys are in your area and how to book them.

The Archipiélago de Cabrera National Park lies south of Mallorca. To sail, anchor or dive there you need a permit, applied for online from the Balearic government; the navigation permit is valid for twelve months. Overnight stays are only on buoys booked in advance. The number of boats per night is limited, and in July and August only short stays are allowed. Fees and details are on the government's page (link under «Sources»).

Our four-day route idea from Palma goes via Cabrera; book the buoy as soon as your dates are fixed.

In the Bay of Palma an afternoon sea breeze, known locally as the «embat», often shapes the summer day. Mornings are calmer and it freshens in the afternoon. The tramuntana from the north can blow hard on the north-west coast; then the south of the island is the better choice. The steep west coast has few sheltered bays – a stretch for calm days.

Spain recently changed the rules for driving boats without a licence. Whether you may drive a particular boat yourself, which documents the provider asks for and whether a skipper is needed is shown on the boat or explained by the provider before booking.

A day by motorboat from Palma is enough for the bays west of the city; our day-trip idea shows route and times. Four days allow the detour to Cabrera. In a week you can sail round a good part of the island; our week-long idea describes the legs.