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
Two coves, one perfect Mallorca afternoon. This private sail around the Andratx coast is built for real beach time by sea, with hidden coves that many people only see from a boat.
I like the hands-on feel: snorkeling gear and a paddle sup board are included, plus life jackets and speakers on board. One thing to plan for though: the skipper fee (€250) is paid at boarding and isn’t included in the tour price.
In This Review
- Key Highlights I’d Prioritize
- Port d’Andratx: Why This Start Point Works So Well
- IDEFIX Private Sail in 4 Hours: The Pace You’ll Actually Like
- The Cove Routine: Snorkel, Paddle, Swim (Then Relax Like You Mean It)
- Choosing Between Cala Llamp, Marmasset, en Tio, and d’Egos
- From Port to First Stop: What Happens After You Meet
- Tapas on Board: The Meal That Makes a Half Day Feel Worth It
- Captain David and Patricia: Service That Feels Personal
- Price and Value: How Much Is This Sailboat Day, Really?
- Weather Matters: When the Sea Calls the Shots
- Who This Private Sailboat Day Suits Best
- Should You Book This Mallorca Private Sail from Port d’Andratx?
- FAQ
- How long is the private sailboat tour?
- What’s the group size limit?
- Where does the tour start and end?
- Is this tour private?
- What language is the tour offered in?
- What’s included for water activities?
- What food and drinks are included?
- Is the skipper included in the price?
- Which coves might you visit?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
Key Highlights I’d Prioritize

- Private group up to 8: you’re not sharing the day with strangers.
- IDEFIX sailboat in Port d’Andratx: a classic Mallorca departure point for sea-only coves.
- Two cove stops around Andratx: like Cala Llamp, Cala Marmasset, Cala en Tio, and Cala d’Egos, depending on weather.
- Included water time: snorkeling equipment and a paddle sup board, with life jackets provided.
- On-board local food and drinks: complimentary appetizers, soft drinks (one per person), and adults get a bottle of wine or cava.
- Skipper cost is separate: you pay €250 at boarding for the skipper.
Port d’Andratx: Why This Start Point Works So Well
Port d’Andratx is a smart base if your goal is quick access to coastline that feels private. From here, you can slide straight into the rhythm of sailing: leave the harbor, spot the coves along the shore, then anchor where the water looks calm and swim-friendly.
In a half-day format, that matters. You don’t want a long transfer day or a late start. This tour keeps things focused on time on the water, with your meeting point at Carrer Zorrilla, 24, 07157 Port d’Andratx.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Mallorca.
IDEFIX Private Sail in 4 Hours: The Pace You’ll Actually Like

This is designed as a true private tour, for up to 8 people. That’s a big deal in Mallorca, where boat “excursions” can feel crowded. With a smaller group, the captain can steer the day toward what you care about most: swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, or simply lounging.
The schedule is roughly 4 hours. During that time, you’re not just getting “a view from the deck.” You get to stop in different coves along the Andratx coastline for hands-on water time, then move on again. And because the exact coves depend on conditions, you’re not stuck with one plan no matter what the sea is doing.
The Cove Routine: Snorkel, Paddle, Swim (Then Relax Like You Mean It)

Here’s what I like about how the day is structured. You get multiple chances to get in the water, and you also get breaks that keep it relaxing instead of exhausting.
You’ll have:
- Snorkeling equipment included
- A paddle sup board
- Life jackets provided
- Speakers on board, so the mood stays fun
- Snacks and refreshments throughout the sail
A practical note: bring swimwear you can live in for a few hours, plus something for shade. Even on a sunny day, the deck can go from warm to breezy fast.
And if you’re the type who wants one extra thrill beyond snorkeling, you might hear about people adding their own gear or rentals after they arrive at the port. One group mentioned renting a water scooter for extra water fun. That part isn’t part of the listed inclusions, so treat it as optional add-on planning around the marina area.
Choosing Between Cala Llamp, Marmasset, en Tio, and d’Egos

You don’t control which cove you land in. The captain chooses based on weather, because the goal is simple: safer anchoring and better water conditions for swimming.
That said, you’ll see the same type of payoff from the Andratx coves, whether you end up at:
- Cala Llamp
- Cala Marmasset
- Cala en Tio
- Cala d’Egos
In real terms, here’s what to expect at these stops:
- A chance to swim where the shoreline and sea feel sheltered
- Time for snorkeling with calmer water conditions (when the captain selects them well)
- A spot to paddle a short loop and then hop back into relaxation mode
The drawback is also clear: if the weather pushes things around, the exact cove names can change. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it is something to accept up front. This day is run by sea conditions, not by a fixed checklist.
From Port to First Stop: What Happens After You Meet

The day starts in Port d’Andratx. Think of this as your launch moment: get on board, get briefed, settle in, then head out along the coast toward the first anchoring cove.
Even though Port d’Andratx is listed as the first stop, the more important part of the itinerary is what comes next: two swim-and-snorkel stops in different coves of the Andratx area. The captain times those stops to make the day feel balanced—enough action to stay excited, enough downtime to actually enjoy the water and sun.
Tapas on Board: The Meal That Makes a Half Day Feel Worth It

Boat days can be light on food. This one is not. You’ll taste local tapas with soft drinks or wine, and it’s built into the experience instead of being an afterthought.
Included food and drink details:
- Complimentary appetizers/snacks
- One soda/pop per person
- For adults: one bottle of wine or a bottle of cava (shared for the group)
- Fuel is included, which matters for the overall cost fairness
In plain terms, that means you won’t spend the afternoon hungry or constantly thinking about finding a café later. It’s the kind of comfort that’s especially nice for families and groups who want the day to stay easy.
Captain David and Patricia: Service That Feels Personal

The most consistently praised part of this sailing day is how it’s hosted. David and Patricia are repeatedly described as attentive, energetic, and detail-focused. You’ll see it in the way they guide the day and make sure everyone feels taken care of.
A few specific things that show up in the feedback:
- They help you find the best spots for swimming.
- The day can be tailored to what your group wants.
- There’s a friendly, playful vibe on board, with mention of a great music playlist.
- They also help with small moments that matter, like connecting someone with a diver when a ring was lost.
There’s also canine company. Many reviews mention Percy as a kind of onboard first mate, and he tends to add warmth to the experience. If you like that kind of personal touch—rather than a stiff, formal tour style—you’ll probably enjoy this aspect a lot.
Price and Value: How Much Is This Sailboat Day, Really?

The listed price is $483.94 per group (up to 8), for about 4 hours on a private sailboat.
But there’s an important add-on:
- The skipper (€250) is not included and is paid at boarding.
So the real budgeting equation looks like:
- Tour price + skipper fee
The good part is that a lot of the “cost drivers” are already covered in what you pay:
- Fuel is included
- Snorkeling equipment is included
- Paddle sup board is included
- Life jackets are included
- Drinks and tapas are included (with specific per-person/per-adult structure)
If your group fills close to the 8-person limit, the skipper fee becomes easier to swallow because it’s divided across the group. If you have fewer people, the €250 has more weight per person. That doesn’t make the tour bad; it just helps you decide whether you should invite extra friends or keep it strictly small.
Also, this tour tends to book ahead (on average, about 61 days). If your dates are fixed around peak season or a specific weekend, I’d treat early booking as part of getting good availability.
Weather Matters: When the Sea Calls the Shots
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
In real life, that means you should plan this as a core activity, not a last-minute gamble. If you’re traveling in a season where storms or strong winds pop up, keep your expectations flexible. The captain is choosing coves based on what the sea is doing, and that’s usually when the day goes from good to great.
Who This Private Sailboat Day Suits Best
This is a strong fit if you want:
- A private boat experience on Mallorca without crowds
- Two cove stops for swimming and snorkeling
- A half-day schedule that feels active but not exhausting
- A hosted day with food and drinks included
It also works well for families. Reviews mention parents with children and families enjoying paddle boarding, snorkeling, and plenty of time in the water. The pacing and included gear make it simpler to manage than DIY boat rentals, where you still have to figure out safety, equipment, and where to go.
If you’re someone who hates group tours, this is where private value shows up fast.
Should You Book This Mallorca Private Sail from Port d’Andratx?
Yes, if your ideal day is sea-access beach time, and you’re okay budgeting for the skipper fee (€250) at boarding. The combination of private group size (up to 8), included snorkeling and paddle sup, and the food-and-drink setup makes this feel like more than just a ride. It’s a planned half-day with real stops and real downtime.
I would especially book it when:
- You want to prioritize coves along the Andratx coast (not just one stop)
- You have a group size that can make the skipper fee feel fair
- You want a captain like David and Patricia style-wise: friendly, attentive, and focused on making the day run smoothly
Skip it if:
- You’re looking for a fixed itinerary that never changes. Here, coves shift with weather.
- You want every cost included in one number up front. The skipper fee is separate, and you’ll plan for it.
FAQ
How long is the private sailboat tour?
The duration is about 4 hours.
What’s the group size limit?
It’s a private tour for up to 8 people per group.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Carrer Zorrilla, 24, 07157 Port d’Andratx, Illes Balears, Spain, and returns to the same meeting point.
Is this tour private?
Yes. Only your group participates.
What language is the tour offered in?
The tour is offered in English.
What’s included for water activities?
Snorkeling equipment and a paddle sup board are included, along with life jackets.
What food and drinks are included?
You get complimentary appetizers/snacks, one soda/pop per person, and for adults a bottle of wine or a bottle of cava.
Is the skipper included in the price?
No. The skipper cost is €250 and is paid at boarding.
Which coves might you visit?
Stops are in different coves of the Andratx coast depending on weather, such as Cala Llamp, Cala Marmasset, Cala en Tio, or Cala d’Egos.
What happens if the weather is poor?
The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

























