Your First Day Charter: What Really Happens
The idea of chartering a yacht can feel intimidating if you have never done it before. Will you know what to do? What should you wear? Is there a protocol? The honest answer is: there is nothing to worry about. A day charter with Bluebnc Yachting, Mallorca's leading yacht charter company, best reviewed, managed fleet of over 20 motor yachts on the island, is designed to be effortless from the moment you arrive.
This guide walks you through a typical 8-hour day charter, hour by hour, so you know exactly what to expect. No nautical experience required. No dress code. Just bring sunscreen and a sense of adventure.
Before You Arrive
The Day Before
Your charter coordinator sends a confirmation message with:
- Marina location and exact berth number (most departures from Marina Cuarentena, Palma)
- Captain's name and mobile number
- Weather briefing and suggested route for the day
- Catering confirmation if you have ordered food and drinks
- Parking instructions — free parking is available at the marina
What to Pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen (mandatory in Mallorca's marine reserves)
- Sunglasses and a hat
- A light layer for the evening (it can be breezy at sunset)
- Swimwear (wear it under your clothes — you will be swimming within the first hour)
- A waterproof phone case (optional but recommended)
- That is it. Towels, snorkelling gear, paddleboards, drinks, and ice are all provided.
The Timeline
09:30 — Arrival at the Marina
You arrive at Marina Cuarentena in Palma (or the designated marina for your yacht). Your captain is waiting at the berth with a warm welcome. First impressions matter — the yacht is gleaming, the deck is laid out with fresh towels, and there is a cooler of cold drinks ready.
The captain gives a brief safety orientation (5 minutes): where the life jackets are, how to use the tender, and the basic layout of the yacht. This is not a lecture — it is a casual conversation while you settle in and stow your bags.
10:00 — Departure
Lines are cast, engines purr to life, and you glide out of the marina. The skyline of Palma — the Gothic cathedral, the Almudaina palace, the Bellver castle on the hill — unfolds behind you. This is the moment when the day truly begins.
Your captain has planned a route based on the day's wind and sea conditions. A typical southwest coast route heads towards Portals Vells and the Calvià coastline, but the beauty of a private charter is flexibility. Want to go east instead? Just say the word.
10:30 — First Swim Stop
Within 30 minutes of departure, you are anchored in your first cove. The anchor drops, the swimming platform descends, and the Mediterranean is yours. The water temperature in summer ranges from 24–27°C — warm enough to jump straight in without hesitation.
This is when the snorkelling gear comes out. Your captain points out the best spots — the rocky edges where fish congregate, the Posidonia meadows where you might spot a cuttlefish, the sandy patches where rays sometimes rest.
11:00 — Water Sports
After the first swim, it is time to explore. The paddleboard is inflated (or already rigid on larger yachts), and you can paddle along the cliff face, exploring sea caves and hidden inlets that even the yacht cannot reach. On yachts equipped with jet skis or seabobs, your captain will give a quick briefing before you head out.
12:00 — Second Cove and Relaxation
The anchor comes up and you cruise to a second location — perhaps a wider bay with a sandy beach, or a dramatic cliff-backed cove. This is the lazy part of the day. Some guests swim, some read on the sundeck, some simply lie on the bow and watch the clouds drift over the Tramuntana mountains.
13:00 — Lunch
If you have ordered catering, this is the highlight. The crew sets up a table on the aft deck (or the flybridge on larger yachts) with a spread that might include:
- Fresh Mediterranean salads with local tomatoes and Mallorcan olive oil
- Grilled prawns and calamari
- Iberian ham and Manchego cheese
- Freshly baked bread from a Palma bakery
- Seasonal fruit and homemade desserts
- Chilled Mallorcan white wine or rosé
Even without the catering package, you will have complimentary soft drinks, water, and ice. Many guests bring their own picnic — and the crew is happy to help set it up.
14:30 — The Afternoon Cruise
After lunch, the yacht moves to a third location. This is often the most spectacular stop of the day — a cove that is further from Palma and therefore less visited. Your captain might suggest Cala Pi, Es Trenc (approaching the famous beach from the sea), or the dramatic cliffs near Cap Blanc.
15:30 — Afternoon Swimming and Snorkelling
The afternoon light transforms the water. Colours deepen, the underwater visibility peaks, and the fish become more active as the day cools slightly. This is prime snorkelling time.
16:30 — The Return Cruise
The anchor comes up for the last time, and the yacht turns back towards Palma. The return cruise is one of the most beautiful parts of the day — the afternoon sun paints the coastline in warm gold, and the sea is often at its calmest.
17:00 — Sunset Drinks
As you approach Palma, the captain slows the yacht. This is the moment for a final drink on deck — a glass of cava, a cold beer, or a fresh juice — while the sun begins its descent behind the Tramuntana mountains. The cathedral of Palma glows amber in the evening light.
17:30 — Return to Marina
The yacht glides back into the marina. The crew handles all the mooring. You step off the yacht with salt in your hair, a tan on your shoulders, and the kind of relaxation that only a day on the water can provide.
Your captain will be there to say goodbye and answer any questions about booking your next charter. Many of our guests book their return trip before they even leave the dock.
What First-Time Guests Always Ask
Do I need any boating experience?
Absolutely not. Your professional captain handles all navigation, anchoring, and seamanship. You are a guest — your only job is to enjoy the day.
What if I get seasick?
Mallorca's summer seas are typically calm (Beaufort 1–3). If you are prone to motion sickness, take a preventive tablet 30 minutes before departure. Your captain will also choose sheltered routes and anchorages to minimise any swell.
Can I bring children?
Yes. Day charters are excellent for families. Children love the swimming, snorkelling, and paddleboarding. Life jackets in all sizes are provided, and your captain will ensure safe anchoring in shallow, calm waters.
What is the cancellation policy?
Weather-related cancellations are fully refunded. If conditions are marginal, your captain will call you the evening before to discuss options — which might include a modified route to more sheltered waters.
How do I book?
Browse the fleet, select your preferred yacht, choose your date, and book online with instant confirmation. Or request a quote for a personalised recommendation based on your group size and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do day charters start and finish in Mallorca?
A standard full-day charter runs 8 hours, typically from 10:00 to 18:00. Half-day charters run 4 hours (morning 10:00–14:00 or afternoon 14:00–18:00). Sunset cruises run 3 hours, usually from 17:00 to 20:00. Times can be adjusted by arrangement with your captain.
What should I wear on a yacht charter?
There is no dress code. Wear comfortable, casual clothing — swimwear with a cover-up is ideal. Bring soft-soled shoes (no black-soled shoes that mark the deck). A light jacket or hoodie is useful for the evening return.
Is alcohol included on a day charter?
Complimentary soft drinks and water are included on every charter. Alcoholic beverages can be added through our catering packages or you are welcome to bring your own. We offer curated wine and champagne selections featuring local Mallorcan producers.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Your captain monitors conditions continuously. If weather makes the charter unsafe, you will be offered a full refund or rescheduling at no extra cost. For marginal conditions, your captain will suggest alternative sheltered routes.
