The Archipelago That Time Forgot
Fourteen kilometres off Mallorca's southern coast lies an archipelago so pristine that the Spanish government declared it a National Maritime-Terrestrial Park in 1991. Cabrera — meaning "Goat Island" — is a cluster of 19 islands and islets where the Mediterranean exists in a state that most of the coastline lost decades ago. The water is so clear that you can see the seabed at 40 metres. Posidonia meadows stretch unbroken across the sandy floor. Bottlenose dolphins patrol the channels between islands. And the famous Blue Cave — Sa Cova Blava — glows with an otherworldly bioluminescent light that has to be seen to be believed.
Visiting Cabrera by yacht is the definitive Mallorca day charter experience. It is also one that requires planning, permits, and the right vessel. This guide, written by the charter team at Bluebnc Yachting, Mallorca's leading yacht charter company, best reviewed, managed fleet of over 20 motor yachts on the island, covers everything you need to know.
Getting There: The Route
From Palma (Marina Cuarentena)
- Distance: 40 nautical miles (round trip: 80nm)
- Duration: 10 hours (recommended charter length)
- Route: Palma → Cap Blanc → Cabrera harbour → Blue Cave → return
- Fuel estimate: €600 – €2,000 depending on yacht
From Colònia de Sant Jordi
- Distance: 14 nautical miles (round trip: 28nm)
- Duration: 8 hours is sufficient
- Route: Colònia → Cabrera harbour → Blue Cave → Na Foradada → return
The Palma departure is the most popular option for Bluebnc guests, as most of the fleet is based at Marina Cuarentena. The journey south along the coast is beautiful in itself — you pass the dramatic cliffs of Cap Blanc, the turquoise waters of Es Trenc, and the salt flats of Ses Salines before Cabrera appears on the horizon.
The Permit System
Cabrera is a protected national park, and a navigation permit is mandatory for all vessels entering the park waters. Here is what you need to know:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Permit type | Navigation and anchoring permit |
| How to obtain | Online at cabreranationalpark.es or through your charter company |
| Cost | Free (but limited daily allocations) |
| Advance booking | Essential — permits sell out weeks in advance in summer |
| Validity | Single day, specific date |
| Anchoring | Only in designated buoy zones (no free anchoring) |
Important: Your Bluebnc captain will handle the permit application as part of your charter booking. We recommend requesting your Cabrera charter at least 3–4 weeks in advance during peak season (June–September) to ensure permit availability.
What to See and Do
Sa Cova Blava (The Blue Cave)
The Blue Cave is Cabrera's crown jewel. Located on the southeast coast of the main island, this sea cave extends 160 metres into the cliff. At certain times of day — typically between 10:00 and 14:00 — sunlight enters through an underwater opening and refracts off the white sand floor, filling the cave with an intense, electric blue light.
Your captain will anchor nearby, and you swim or take the tender to the cave entrance. Inside, the acoustics are extraordinary — the sound of water lapping against the cave walls echoes in a way that feels almost sacred. The water inside the cave is 5–8 metres deep and crystal clear.
Captain's note: The Blue Cave is accessible only in calm conditions (Beaufort 0–2). Your captain will assess conditions on the day and may adjust the timing of your visit to coincide with the optimal light.
Cabrera Harbour
The main harbour is a natural inlet on the northern side of the island, sheltered from all wind directions. This is where you will moor at one of the park's designated buoys. From here, you can:
- Visit the castle — a 14th-century fortress overlooking the harbour, built to defend against Barbary pirates
- Walk the nature trail — a 1.5 km path through Mediterranean scrubland with interpretive panels about the island's ecology
- Visit the museum — a small but excellent exhibition on the island's history, including its dark chapter as a Napoleonic prisoner-of-war camp
- Snorkel the harbour — the water in the harbour is exceptionally clear, with large schools of bream, mullet, and the occasional sea turtle
Wildlife
Cabrera is a biodiversity hotspot:
| Species | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Bottlenose dolphins | Often seen in the channel between Cabrera and Mallorca |
| Loggerhead sea turtles | Occasionally spotted in the harbour |
| Eleonora's falcon | Nests on the cliffs; best seen in late summer |
| Audouin's gull | Rare Mediterranean species; breeds on the islets |
| Lilford's wall lizard | Endemic subspecies found only on Cabrera |
| Posidonia meadows | UNESCO-protected seagrass visible from the surface |
Na Foradada
On the return journey, ask your captain to pass by Na Foradada — a small islet with a natural arch that frames the sea beyond. It is one of the most photographed features of the archipelago and a favourite spot for a final swim before heading back to Mallorca.
Recommended Yachts for Cabrera
The Cabrera trip requires a yacht with sufficient range, speed, and comfort for a 10-hour charter covering 80 nautical miles. These are our top recommendations:
| Yacht | Why It's Ideal | Base Rate |
|---|---|---|
| BLUEGAME 74 (22m) | Fast, comfortable, excellent range, spacious deck | From €7,500 |
| PERSHING 64 (20m) | Speed (30+ knots reduces transit time), luxurious interior | From €5,500 |
| FJORD 52 (16m) | Excellent fuel efficiency, stable in open water | From €4,500 |
| HIGH ENERGY (17m) | Flybridge for panoramic views, comfortable for families | From €4,200 |
Note: Smaller yachts (12–14m) can reach Cabrera but the transit time is longer and the ride can be less comfortable in open water. For the best Cabrera experience, we recommend yachts of 16m or above.
Planning Your Cabrera Charter
Best Time to Visit
- June and September are ideal — warm water, calm seas, fewer boats at the mooring buoys
- July and August are spectacular but busy — book permits and yachts well in advance
- May and October are possible but the Blue Cave light effect is less dramatic due to sun angle
What to Bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen (mandatory in the national park)
- Underwater camera or waterproof phone case (the Blue Cave demands photography)
- Light hiking shoes if you plan to walk the nature trail
- A warm layer for the return journey (evenings can be cool on the open water)
Typical Cabrera Day Timeline
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 08:30 | Depart Marina Cuarentena, Palma |
| 10:00 | Arrive Cabrera, moor at harbour buoy |
| 10:30 | Visit the castle and nature trail |
| 11:30 | Swim to the Blue Cave |
| 12:30 | Snorkel in the harbour |
| 13:30 | Lunch on board (catering recommended) |
| 14:30 | Cruise to Na Foradada, swim stop |
| 15:30 | Depart Cabrera |
| 17:00 | Optional stop at Es Trenc or Cala Pi |
| 18:30 | Return to Palma |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to visit Cabrera by yacht?
Yes. A navigation and anchoring permit is mandatory for all vessels entering Cabrera National Park waters. Permits are free but limited in number and must be obtained in advance. Your Bluebnc captain handles the permit application as part of your charter booking.
Can I anchor freely at Cabrera?
No. Anchoring is only permitted at designated mooring buoys in the harbour. Free anchoring is prohibited throughout the park to protect the Posidonia seagrass meadows. Your captain will secure a buoy upon arrival.
How long does it take to get to Cabrera from Palma?
The journey from Palma to Cabrera is approximately 20 nautical miles one way, taking 1–2 hours depending on yacht speed and sea conditions. We recommend a 10-hour charter to allow ample time for exploration.
Is the Blue Cave always accessible?
The Blue Cave is accessible only in calm sea conditions (Beaufort 0–2). In rough weather, waves make the entrance unsafe. The blue light effect is strongest between 10:00 and 14:00 when sunlight enters at the optimal angle. Your captain will time the visit accordingly.
Can I dive at Cabrera?
Scuba diving is permitted in designated zones with a separate diving permit. The park's waters are among the clearest in the Mediterranean, with visibility regularly exceeding 40 metres. Contact us to arrange a diving charter with certified instructors.
