Best Anchorages Around Palma Bay - A Skipper's Guide
Introduction
The Bay of Palma is the jewel of the Mediterranean, a sprawling expanse of turquoise water that has captivated sailors for centuries. As the heart of yachting in the Balearic Islands, it offers a spectacular blend of natural beauty, vibrant city life, and world-class sailing infrastructure. For skippers navigating these waters, the bay is a playground of sheltered coves, pristine beaches, and exclusive anchorages, all within a short cruise of the historic city of Palma de Mallorca.
This guide is designed for the discerning skipper. It’s a curated selection of the finest anchorages the Bay of Palma has to offer, compiled with insider knowledge from the expert team at Bluebnc Yachting, Mallorca's leading yacht charter company. We’ll go beyond the obvious, providing practical details on seabed conditions, wind protection, and the unique character of each location. Whether you are planning a day trip from the marina or a week-long exploration of the southwest coast, this guide will help you discover the perfect spot to drop anchor and immerse yourself in the magic of Mallorca.
From the celebrity-frequented waters of Illetas to the secluded, pine-fringed coves of Portals Vells, we invite you to explore the best anchorages around Palma Bay. Let this be your starting point for an unforgettable charter experience with Bluebnc Yachting.
The Allure of Palma Bay for Yacht Charters
Palma Bay isn’t just a location; it’s an experience. Its unique geography, with the majestic Serra de Tramuntana mountains to the north and a wide, open expanse to the south, creates a microclimate that provides excellent sailing conditions for much of the year. The bay is large enough to offer a sense of open-water freedom, yet dotted with enough coves and landmarks to ensure a new view is always just around the headland.
Why Skippers Choose Palma Bay:
- Proximity to Palma: The historic capital is a destination in itself. Anchor off the coast and tender in to explore the stunning La Seu Cathedral, wander the labyrinthine streets of the Old Town, or indulge in world-class dining and shopping. The convenience of having a major European city on your doorstep is unparalleled.
- Variety of Anchorages: The bay offers a remarkable diversity of options. You can choose the lively atmosphere of a beach club anchorage, the tranquil seclusion of a rocky cala, or the iconic backdrop of Palma’s historic waterfront. There is an anchorage to suit every mood and occasion.
- Excellent Infrastructure: The bay is home to some of the Mediterranean’s most prestigious marinas, including the state-of-the-art Port Adriano and the exclusive Puerto Portals. This means provisioning, refuelling, and accessing technical support is always straightforward. For charter clients of Bluebnc Yachting, this network ensures a seamless and worry-free experience.
- Shelter and Safety: While open to the south, the bay provides good protection from the prevailing northerly and westerly winds. Many of the calas along its shores offer excellent shelter, creating calm, safe havens for swimming, watersports, or simply relaxing on deck.
Top Anchorages in Palma Bay: A Skipper’s Deep Dive
Here is our selection of the must-visit anchorages for any skipper exploring the Bay of Palma. We’ve included key details to help you plan your perfect itinerary.
1. Cala Portals Vells: The Triple Cove Paradise
Location: Southwest of Palma Bay, approximately 12 nautical miles from the city.
Coordinates (approximate): 39°28'N, 2°32'E
The Anchorage: Cala Portals Vells is not a single cove but a stunning trio of small, sandy beaches nestled within a larger, sheltered inlet. The water here is exceptionally clear, with a beautiful turquoise hue over a sandy bottom, making for excellent holding at depths of 4 to 8 meters. The three beaches are known as Platja de Portals Vells, Platja del Mago (famous for being one of Mallorca’s first official nudist beaches), and Platja del Rei.
Skipper’s Notes: The bay is well-protected from all but strong easterly winds. Its popularity means it can get crowded in July and August, so an early arrival is recommended to secure a prime spot. The sandy bottom provides reliable anchoring, but be mindful of the designated swimming areas marked by buoys. For a truly memorable experience, anchor in the central part of the bay and use your tender to explore each of the three coves. The clarity of the water makes this a superb spot for snorkeling, with rocky outcrops framing the sandy beaches.
Ashore: The restaurant Es Repòs (+34 971 180 492) on Platja de Portals Vells is a local institution, famous for its fresh seafood and paellas. You can anchor and tender ashore for lunch, but booking is essential in high season. The vibe is relaxed and authentically Mallorcan.
2. Illetas: Glamour and Crystal Waters
Location: Just west of Palma, easily accessible from the city’s main marinas.
Coordinates (approximate): 39°32'N, 2°35'E
The Anchorage: Illetas is the epitome of Mediterranean chic. It comprises several small coves, the main one being Platja d'Illetas. The water is a startlingly clear azure, and the anchorage is over a sandy bottom at a depth of 3 to 6 meters. This is the place to see and be seen, with superyachts often dropping anchor for the day.
Skipper’s Notes: The anchorage is well-protected from westerly and northerly winds but is exposed to the south and east. It can be busy, so careful maneuvering is required. The holding is generally good, but watch for patches of seagrass. The proximity to Palma makes it an ideal first or last stop on a charter itinerary. A day spent here, swimming in the crystalline water and enjoying lunch on the aft deck, is a quintessential Mallorcan experience.
Ashore: Illetas is home to some of Mallorca’s most famous beach clubs. Purobeach Illetas and Balneario Illetas offer sunbeds, cocktails, and a sophisticated atmosphere. Many offer a tender service to ferry guests from their yachts. For a more formal dining experience, the restaurants in the nearby town of Illetas provide excellent options.
3. Cala Blava: The Blue Cove
Location: On the eastern side of Palma Bay, south of the Arenal area.
Coordinates (approximate): 39°28'N, 2°44'E
The Anchorage: True to its name, Cala Blava is a beautiful “blue cove” framed by low, pine-covered cliffs. It’s a quieter, more natural alternative to the bustling beaches closer to Palma. The anchorage is on a sandy bottom at a depth of 3 to 5 meters. The water is incredibly clear and inviting.
Skipper’s Notes: This anchorage offers good protection from easterly and northerly winds. It’s a much more tranquil spot than the anchorages on the western side of the bay, making it perfect for families or those seeking a peaceful escape. The lack of commercial development ashore means you need to be self-sufficient, which is precisely the appeal for many charter guests. It’s an excellent spot for paddleboarding and kayaking along the cliffs.
Ashore: There are no restaurants or facilities directly on the beach, preserving its natural charm. The small village of Cala Blava is a short walk away and has a few local amenities. The real attraction here is the unspoiled nature of the cove itself.
4. Anchorage off Palma Cathedral: A Historic Backdrop
Location: Directly in front of the city of Palma.
Coordinates (approximate): 39°33'N, 2°38'E
The Anchorage: For a truly unique and unforgettable experience, anchoring with Palma’s magnificent La Seu Cathedral as your backdrop is unbeatable. The designated anchorage area is to the east of the main port entrance, offering spectacular views of the city skyline, the cathedral, and the Almudaina Palace. The bottom is mostly sand and mud, with depths ranging from 5 to 10 meters.
Skipper’s Notes: This is an urban anchorage, so expect some swell from passing ferries and other traffic. However, the holding is generally good. The best shelter in stronger winds is found closer to the shore, near the “Varadero” bar. At night, the view of the illuminated cathedral is simply breathtaking. It’s the perfect spot for a final evening cocktail party on board before disembarking. When anchoring, be aware of the underwater pipes that run from the shore.
Ashore: The entire city of Palma is at your feet. Use your tender to head to the marina and from there, you can explore everything the city has to offer. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden tapas bars, designer boutiques to historic monuments, Palma is a city that begs to be explored. A private tour can be arranged by your Bluebnc Yachting charter broker.
Planning Your Palma Bay Charter with Bluebnc Yachting
Exploring the anchorages of Palma Bay is an experience that defines a Mediterranean yacht charter. The freedom to move from a secluded, natural cove to a glamorous beach club, all within a few nautical miles, is a luxury that only a private yacht can offer.
At Bluebnc Yachting, we specialize in creating bespoke charter itineraries that match your exact preferences. Our fleet of meticulously maintained yachts, based in the heart of Palma, provides the perfect platform for your adventure. Our experienced crew and local knowledge ensure you’ll discover the hidden gems and iconic hotspots of Palma Bay in unparalleled style and comfort.
Ready to drop anchor in paradise? Contact our team of charter experts to start planning your dream yacht charter in Mallorca.