REVIEW · MALLORCA
Half day on a private sailboat in Mallorca (port d’andratx)
Book on Viator →Operated by Pura Vida Sailing Mallorca · Bookable on Viator
A day on a private sailboat in Mallorca feels made for people who want more than a beach chair. This half-day cruise off Port d’Andratx focuses on getting you into hidden sea-only coves along the Andratx coast, with a local captain mindset and time to swim, snorkel, and relax on deck. It’s built for groups up to 8, so you’re not squeezed into a big crowd.
I especially like the practical mix of sailing time plus real water time: snorkeling equipment and a paddle surf board are included, and you also get food and drinks that keep the whole thing from feeling like a rushed excursion. One thing to budget for up front: the skipper fee is not included—you pay 250€ at boarding.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll actually care about
- Port d’Andratx start: getting on the water fast
- The IDEFIX sailboat: a half-day format that feels like a real trip
- Two sea-cove stops on the Andratx coast (Cala Llamp to Cala d’Egos)
- Snorkeling and paddle surf: included gear, no planning stress
- Tapas, soda, and wine: eating like you’re on a local day out
- Captain David and the Majorca touch: why people rave about the vibe
- Price and value: 483.94 plus the 250€ skipper fee
- Weather, timing, and who this tour fits best
- Should you book this private 4-hour sail from Port d’Andratx?
- FAQ
- How long is the private sailing tour?
- What group size is this private tour for?
- Where is the meeting point?
- What’s included in the price?
- What is not included?
- How many swimming stops are there?
- What coves might you visit?
- Is the tour in English?
- Do I need good weather?
Key highlights you’ll actually care about

- Up to 8 people, private sail: you set the vibe for your own group.
- Two cove stops along the Andratx coast: the itinerary flexes based on weather.
- Snorkeling + paddle surf included: gear is on board, ready when you are.
- Local tapas and drinks: snack smart, not just bread-and-chips tourist style.
- Majorca captain experience: you get thoughtful stops instead of generic sightseeing.
- 5-star track record: 172 reviews with a 5 rating and 99% recommended.
Port d’Andratx start: getting on the water fast

Your sail day begins at Carrer Zorrilla, 24, 07157 Port d’Andratx. The experience runs about 4 hours, and it returns back to the same meeting point, so you don’t lose your whole day figuring out transfers.
This is a private outing, so you won’t be sharing the boat with strangers. That matters here because the captain can adjust the plan to the group’s pace—more swim time if you’re keen, more cruising if you’d rather take it easy.
You’ll also have a mobile ticket, and you get booking confirmation at the time of reservation. If you’re staying nearby, it helps that the meeting spot is near public transportation too.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Mallorca
The IDEFIX sailboat: a half-day format that feels like a real trip

This is a private sailing tour on the IDEFIX sailboat, and the design choice is smart for a half-day. You get enough time to enjoy the Andratx coastline without the long, tiring sweep that can turn a “quick stop” into a full-day commitment.
On board, you’re set up for the water: life jackets are provided, and there are speakers so the atmosphere is more than just engine noise. The big practical win is how the tour balances movement and breaks—sail, stop, swim, repeat.
Reviews tend to mention comfort and the captain’s attention to small details, which is exactly what you want when the whole point is enjoying the water and the views rather than managing logistics.
Two sea-cove stops on the Andratx coast (Cala Llamp to Cala d’Egos)
Here’s the heart of the experience: during the sail, you make two stops in different coves along the Andratx coastline. The exact coves can vary with weather conditions, but the tour commonly includes options like Cala Llamp, Cala Marmasset, Cala en Tio, and Cala d’Egos.
Each stop is about switching from sailing mode to beach-less swimming mode. You’ll jump in at spots that are only accessible by sea, which is the whole reason people book this area by boat in the first place.
If you like a more active stop, some groups enjoy harder-edged fun such as cliff-jumping when the conditions allow. If you prefer calm, you can stick to snorkeling, floating, and sun time. Either way, the stopping pattern keeps the trip from feeling like one long drift with no payoff.
Quick reality check: since the coves depend on the weather, don’t expect a rigid guarantee on every named location. The upside is that the captain can choose the safer, nicer-water option for that day.
Snorkeling and paddle surf: included gear, no planning stress

The tour includes snorkeling equipment and a paddle surf board (SUP). That’s huge value in Mallorca, where boat trips often leave you doing the “bring your own gear” dance. Here, you can just show up, get the basics handled, and start enjoying the water right away.
I like that the plan doesn’t force you into one activity. You can snorkel for the visual stuff, try SUP for the workout, or just lounge and let the boat drift into the next swim spot.
What to think about before you go: snorkeling and SUP are easier when you’re comfortable in open water and basic balance. If you’re traveling with kids, this kind of included gear tends to be a hit because everyone can rotate activities instead of one person snorkeling while everyone else watches.
Life jackets being available also helps you feel steadier about letting people try things in a controlled way. Just follow what the captain suggests for the spot you’re at.
Tapas, soda, and wine: eating like you’re on a local day out

This isn’t a “ration snacks” situation. You’ll taste local tapas, served with soft drinks or a glass of wine, depending on what’s offered during your sailing. There’s also one soda/pop per person included.
For adults, alcoholic beverages included are 1 bottle of wine or a bottle of cava. That setup is practical for groups: you’re covered without turning the trip into a pay-at-every-stop experience.
I also like that the food is framed as part of the journey, not a rushed lunch break. When you’re rotating between swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing, simple tapas make sense. You eat, you cool off, you go again.
A small detail, but important: several reviews mention how attentive the hosts are about keeping everyone comfortable and fed. On a boat, that translates into fewer awkward moments and more smooth time on the water.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Mallorca
Captain David and the Majorca touch: why people rave about the vibe

A lot of sailboat tours in Mallorca feel like they’re running a script. This one leans into the human side: an experienced captain who’s a native of Majorca guides you to the best options around Andratx.
From the reviews, David and Patricia come up again and again as hosts who are personable and detail-oriented. You also see mentions of a fun onboard feel, including a good music setup, and the captain adjusting the outing to what the group wants.
One very specific detail that pops in the feedback: Percy, a canine companion, is mentioned as part of the experience on multiple occasions. That’s not something you should treat like a guaranteed schedule item, but if Percy is there, it’s the kind of extra warmth that makes the trip feel personal.
If you care about authenticity—boat access to coves, local knowledge, and a day run with care—this is the sort of operation that tends to deliver. The 5-star rating and 99% recommendation rate (from 172 reviews) lines up with that.
Price and value: 483.94 plus the 250€ skipper fee

The listed price is $483.94 per group (up to 8) for about 4 hours. But there’s one key cost to remember: the skipper fee is not included. You pay 250€ at boarding.
So, your total group cost will typically be:
- $483.94 + 250€ (paid on the day)
Because your group can be up to 8, the value depends on how many people you bring. If you fill all 8 spots, the cost per person is lower than if you’re just a couple. If you’re a family or two couples, this often pencils out nicely because everyone gets their own water time, gear access, and that private-cove access.
What you do get included is meaningful: snorkeling equipment, a SUP board, life jackets, fuel, speakers, snacks/appetizers, and drinks (plus local tapas). When you add the practical benefit of a private boat and sea-only coves, the price starts to make sense fast.
Weather, timing, and who this tour fits best

This sail needs good weather. If it’s canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Also, since the two coves you visit depend on conditions, you’re basically buying flexibility and safety as part of the deal.
Timing-wise, plan around the fact that it’s about 4 hours. This works well when you want your Mallorca day to have a highlight without burning your whole schedule. It’s also a good fit for people who don’t want the stress of juggling multiple stops on land.
Who I’d book this for:
- Couples and small groups who want privacy and a real swim-focused outing.
- Families who like activity rotation (snorkel, SUP, swim, relax).
- Anyone who wants Andratx coast coves that are harder to reach on foot or by car.
The one consideration is the day-of skipper payment. If that surprises you, it feels like a bummer. If you plan for it, the whole day turns into what it should be: a fun, well-run sail with actual payoff.
Should you book this private 4-hour sail from Port d’Andratx?
Book it if you want two sea-cove swim stops, included gear, and a private vibe for up to 8 people. The combination of snorkeling/SUP access plus tapas and drinks on the water is exactly the kind of practical value that turns a half-day into a memory.
Skip (or at least double-check your budget) if you dislike any extra on-the-day payments, because the 250€ skipper fee is real and paid at boarding. Also, if you’re traveling when the forecast is unstable, know the coves and schedule can shift based on weather.
If your goal is simple—get out on the Andratx coast, swim in cleaner water, and do it with a captain who knows the spots—this is an easy recommendation.
FAQ
How long is the private sailing tour?
It’s about 4 hours.
What group size is this private tour for?
It’s a private experience for up to 8 people.
Where is the meeting point?
You meet at Carrer Zorrilla, 24, 07157 Port d’Andratx, Illes Balears, Spain.
What’s included in the price?
The included items are snorkeling equipment, paddle surf board (SUP), life jackets, speakers, fuel, complimentary appetizers/snacks, one soda or pop per person, and local tapas with soft drinks or wine. Alcoholic drinks for adults include 1 bottle of wine or 1 bottle of cava.
What is not included?
The skipper/captain fee is not included and is 250€ paid at boarding.
How many swimming stops are there?
You make two stops in different coves along the coast of Andratx, depending on weather conditions.
What coves might you visit?
Possible coves mentioned include Cala Llamp, Cala Marmasset, Cala en Tio, and Cala d’Egos (exact choices depend on the day’s conditions).
Is the tour in English?
Yes, it’s offered in English.
Do I need good weather?
Yes. The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Service animals are allowed.































