Motor Yacht, Sailing Yacht, or Catamaran: Which Should You Charter?
Choosing the right type of yacht is one of the most important decisions when planning a charter in Mallorca. Each vessel type offers a fundamentally different experience — and the best choice depends on your priorities, group size, and what you want from your day on the water.
The Three Options at a Glance
FeatureMotor YachtSailing YachtCatamaranSpeed20–35 knots5–8 knots8–12 knots StabilityGoodModerate (heels)Excellent Deck spaceLargeLimitedVery large Range150+ nm/day60–80 nm/day80–100 nm/day Fuel costHigherMinimalModerate NoiseEngine noiseQuiet under sailModerate Luxury levelHighestModerateHigh Best forSpeed, comfort, luxurySailing experienceFamilies, stabilityMotor Yachts: Speed, Comfort, and Luxury
Motor yachts are the most popular choice for day charters in Mallorca, and for good reason. They offer the best combination of speed, comfort, and onboard amenities.
Why Choose a Motor Yacht?
Speed and range: A motor yacht cruising at 20–25 knots can cover Mallorca's entire south coast in a single day — from Palma to Cabrera and back. This means more time at anchor and less time in transit.
Comfort: Motor yachts offer spacious salons, sun decks, swim platforms, and — on larger vessels — multiple cabins, air conditioning, and full galleys. The ride is smooth and stable, even in moderate seas.
Amenities: Our motor yacht fleet includes jet skis, paddleboards, seabobs, snorkelling gear, and premium sound systems. Larger yachts have dedicated water sport garages.
All-inclusive packages: Motor yachts are the foundation of our all-inclusive day charter model — captain, crew, fuel, catering, beverages, and water sports all included in one price.
Who Should Choose a Motor Yacht?
- Groups wanting to cover maximum distance
- Luxury seekers who prioritise comfort and amenities
- Corporate events and celebrations
- Guests who want water sports included
- Anyone prone to seasickness (stable platform)
- Speed: Sailing yachts are significantly slower than motor yachts. A day charter will cover less distance, meaning fewer stops.
- Heel: Under sail, the boat tilts (heels). This is part of the experience for sailors but can be uncomfortable for non-sailors.
- Wind dependency: If there's no wind, you'll need to motor — which somewhat defeats the purpose.
- Space: Sailing yachts have less deck space than motor yachts of the same length, due to the cockpit, rigging, and boom.
- Experienced sailors who love the craft
- Couples seeking a romantic, quiet experience
- Budget-conscious charterers
- Environmentally conscious guests
- Speed: Slower than motor yachts, though faster than sailing yachts under power
- Marina access: Some marinas charge double berth fees for catamarans due to their width
- Luxury level: While comfortable, catamarans typically don't match the luxury finishes of premium motor yachts
- Families with young children
- Large groups wanting maximum deck space
- Guests prone to seasickness
- Those who want stability above all else
Our Motor Yacht Fleet
Our managed fleet of 20+ motor yachts ranges from 12m to 50m, all based in Mallorca. Browse the full fleet to find your perfect vessel.
Sailing Yachts: The Purist's Choice
For those who love the art of sailing, nothing compares to the experience of cutting through the Mediterranean under canvas. The silence, the connection with the sea, the satisfaction of harnessing the wind — it's a fundamentally different experience from motor yachting.
Why Choose a Sailing Yacht?
The experience: There's a meditative quality to sailing that motor yachting simply can't replicate. The sound of water against the hull, the gentle heel of the boat, the satisfaction of a well-trimmed sail.
Eco-friendly: Under sail, you're using zero fuel. For environmentally conscious guests, sailing is the most sustainable way to explore Mallorca's coast.
Cost: Sailing yachts are generally less expensive to charter than equivalent-sized motor yachts, as fuel costs are minimal.
Considerations
Who Should Choose a Sailing Yacht?
Catamarans: Stability and Space
Catamarans have surged in popularity in recent years, and it's easy to see why. Their twin-hull design offers exceptional stability, enormous deck space, and a comfortable ride — making them the ideal family charter vessel.
Why Choose a Catamaran?
Stability: Catamarans don't heel (tilt) like sailing yachts. The twin-hull design provides a flat, stable platform — perfect for children, elderly guests, or anyone prone to seasickness.
Space: A 12m catamaran offers more usable deck space than a 15m motor yacht. The wide beam creates expansive lounging areas, and the trampolene nets at the bow are a favourite with children.
Shallow draft: Catamarans can access shallow anchorages that deeper-keeled vessels cannot. This opens up some of Mallorca's most beautiful coves.
Considerations
Who Should Choose a Catamaran?
Our Recommendation
For most guests visiting Mallorca for a day charter, we recommend a motor yacht. The combination of speed (see more of the coastline), comfort (smooth ride, air conditioning), and all-inclusive amenities (water sports, catering, crew) makes it the most versatile and enjoyable option.
However, every group is different. Contact us to discuss your preferences, and we'll recommend the perfect vessel for your day on the water. Or browse our fleet to compare options directly.
