The Balearics Yacht Charters
The Balearic Islands glitter with a sapphire brilliance that's upstaged only by the celestial calm of its many beaches, silhouetted by brooding cliffs. And its yacht charter appeal is as clear as the translucent waters that hug the four main islands. These alluring isles' undeniably distinct characters and topography entices guests on board for a Mediterranean luxury yacht charter that certainly lingers long in the memory.
Mallorca promises endless bays lapped by tranquil waves of unearthly blue, ultra-exclusive superyacht marinas and Michelin-starred seafood. Understated Menorca impresses with a quiet beauty: shoulders of limestone stippled with pastel-shaded houses and tiny tapas bars; and myriad coves that are a journey in vivid color, prime for exploring on tenders.
Ibiza fascinates with its seamless fusion of hedonism and barefoot bohemia, boasting roaring sunsets that cast a radiant glow upon its crowd-filled beaches. Whilst Formentera — the smallest island— delights with its isolated, flamingo-pink sands and otherworldly subaquatic views.
BALEARICS YACHT BOOKING GUIDE:
- Balearic Islands: At a Glance
- Popular Destinations for Yacht Rentals in the Balearic Islands
- Highlights of a Balearics Yacht Charter
- Who Goes on a Balearics Yacht Charter?
- History and Culture
- Types of Yacht Charters in the Balearic Islands
- How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Yacht in the Balearics?
- VAT for Yacht Charters in the Balearic Islands
- When is the Best Time for Balearics Yacht Charters?
- Where Should I Begin My Yacht Charter in the Balearic Islands?
- Popular Marinas in the Balearic Islands
- Popular Anchorages in the Balearic Islands
- Local Insight
- Most Popular Superyacht Hotspots in the Balearic Islands
- Neighboring Regions for Balearic Islands Yacht Charters
- How to Book Your Yacht Charter in the Balearics
Attracting a discerning clientele that spans from jet-setters to zen-seekers, combined with superb international airport connections, the lure of a Balearics yacht charter is evergreen.
- Balmy summertimes
With more than 300 days of sunshine and waters caressed by the warm, gentle Mediterranean, these islands are a perennial yacht charter favorite. - Astounding beach selection
Mallorca alone has over 262 of them: from deserted calas to rocky, pine-covered inlets and breathtaking bays. Combined with the innumerable beaches found on Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera, the Balearics are simply a bronzing paradise. - Island-hop with ease
The geography of the Balearics ensures island-hopping is utter bliss on your yacht charter. Relish the natural splendor of the main islands and their undiscovered islets to drop anchor at, but don't forget to explore the uninhabited Cabrera archipelago whilst cruising too. - Strong international links
Reaching these resplendent isles is a breeze with direct flights from numerous European destinations, and easy connections from Madrid or London if flying from the US. - World-renowned nightlife
So iconic that Ibiza barely needs an introduction as its reputation proceeds it, having attracted elite party-goers for decades. - Excellent superyacht marinas
Hip, well-provisioned marinas surrounded by mesmerizing scenery, designer boutiques, and world-class fine-dining options are aplenty.
Comprising a huddle of islands garlanded by tiny islets, the four main destinations for yacht charters in the paradisical Balearics are all within easy reach of one another:
Mallorca (Majorca)
Best for: secluded coves, heavenly golden beaches, subaquatic adventures, world-renowned yacht shows and regattas, designer boutiques, a burgeoning art scene, high-end gastronomy, vineyards, and hiking trails
Menorca (Minorca)
Best for: families looking for a more serene pace of life, lesser-frequented bays, pristine beaches with superfine sand, magical diving spots and fascinating historical ruins
Ibiza
Best for: glamorous beachside hotspots, exquisite wine bars, cool restaurants, iconic nightclubs, substantially beautiful natural parks, bustling markets, hidden caves, dreamy beaches, and bountiful picturesque fishing villages
Formentera
Best for: its Caribbean-like inlets made up of vastly untouched beaches and lapped by a turquoise sea, ethereal snorkeling sites, and incredible natural park
A Balearics yacht charter vacation offers a mesmerizing selection of things to see and do. Here is our small selection of some of the most outstanding:
- Dragon Caves: this myriad of magical caves intrigues with its underground lake.
- Museu Fundación Juan March: magnificent 17th-century mansions that houses works by some of the pioneers of contemporary Spanish art, including Miró, Picasso, and Dalí.
- Tren de Sóller: a journey amid sleepy villages and lemon groves through the verdant Tramuntana Mountains on a vintage wooden train, jumping on in Palma.
- Placa Llotja: an enchanting tree-lined square in Palma filled with tapas bars, chic cafes, and historical monuments.
- Ànima Negra Vineyard: sample some of the Balearic's finest wines high in the rolling hills.
- Fort Marlborough: climb to the top of this ancient fortress in Menorca for spellbinding views.
- Dalt Vila: meander through the serpentine lanes around Ibiza's medieval Old Town, steeped in history.
- Punta Arabi Hippy Market: find souvenirs to remind you of your vacation in this bustling market in Ibiza.
- Las Salinas Natural Park: sporting UNESCO World Heritage Status preserving the Formentera's incredible biodiversity, come for stunningly diverse wildlife, which might include seeing a flamingo or two.
- S'Espalmador: cruise towards this uninhabited islet near Formentera, and delve into secluded coves that elude the crowds.
The Balearics are one of the most popular destinations for West Mediterranean yacht charters, as famed for their abundance of glorious beaches as they are for their hedonistic lifestyle. The islands' bright turquoise waters also appeal to water lovers, whilst balmy evenings can be spent enjoying fine dining in the glamorous marinas, with an array of some of the hottest nightclubs in the Med acting as a siren call to many yacht charter guests keen to continue their revelries well into the night
The islands' allure lies not only in the numerous 5-star resorts, wellness spas, golf clubs and exclusive night clubs – which routinely attracts A-listers and the SuperyachtSet – but also for its veritable medley of idyllic sanctuaries, hidden coves and bohemian spirit which has its roots in the islands' mysterious, almost alchemic, seduction.
Tracing their cultural roots as far back as the bronze age, the islands’ have certainly had a rich and chequered history. True recordings begin with the Romans, with subsequent conquests from the likes of the Vandals, Byzantine Empire, Moors and various minor royals all leaving their indelible mark on the islands. In the late 13th Century a Spanish descendant of James I captured Menorca and the islands came under Spanish rule until 1738 when Menorca was ceded to the British under the Treaty of Utrecht. However, this was fairly short-lived and in 1833 it became a Spanish province. 150 years later, the island group became an autonomous community of Spain.
Despite the Balearics’ rich and varied history, the greatest change to the islands' fortunes came through heavy promotion of the islands as a tourist destination in the 1950s, leading to a massive influx of immigrants, including Bohemians who were drawn to the mythical allure of the islands, along with massive urban developments, notably luxury hotels peppered along the coast.
Today, the islands’ each have their own individual personalities, garnered over centuries of isolation from the mainland. However, they all boast myriad idyllic beaches and clear blue waters, not to mention their myth-strewn past, that have drawn tourists and creatives to the Balearic shores in their droves for decades.
Crewed motor yacht charters and sailing yacht charters are undoubtedly the best cruising options for uncovering the riveting isles of the Balearics.
As a popular yacht charter in Spain, guests have an abundance of fleet options when it comes to a Balearics crewed charter. If you are unsure whether to opt for a motor yacht or sailing yacht to cruise Spain's Mediterranean coast, here are some main points to consider beforehand:
Pure luxury awaits if you opt for a crewed motor yacht charter in the Balearics: with excellent amenities, toys on board, and larger interior volumes enabling you to cruise in total comfort. Nurture your soul on one of the Balearic' calas and many invitingly secluded beaches only accessible by boat: where you'll find Champagne-colored sand and water that dazzles with flawless clarity. After a long sunkissed day spent coastal lounging or exploring the subaquatic world that lies below, jump back on-board and be whisked away for shimmying and sundowners as the horizon turns a fiery orange.
The clement temperature of the Balearics from May till October provides the ideal climes for a sailing yacht charter. Typified by long, balmy summertimes with gentle winds blowing from the north, you can rest assured of peaceful navigation, and expect boundless opportunities to bask in the sun. Take pleasure in the slow-paced rhythms of daily life here with your sailing yacht: feel the water's warm embrace and drop anchor amid fragrant, pine-forested coves, or stop by teetering chiringuitos (beach shacks) perched among pebbled shores.
There’s something to suit every type of budget for a yacht charter in the glittering Balearics. Below, you will find the average prices for motor and sailing yacht charters in this region are as follows;
With so many options available, there’s something to suit every type of budget. For convenience we have listed the average prices for motor yacht and sailing yacht charters in the Balearics below;
For motor yacht rentals in the Balearics, prices can range from $36,856 to $2.4m per week, plus expenses
For luxury sailing yacht rentals in Balearics, prices can go from $37,253 to $568,718 weekly, plus expenses
On top of your charter fee (as well as any delivery or redelivery fees that are incurred), you will need to pay VAT. But how much does VAT cost for Balearic yacht charters? Below are the main points you need to consider before chartering:
- VAT is charged at 21% in the Balearic Islands for yachts with a Spanish charter license. This applies if you begin or end your charter here
- EU-flagged yachts can charter anywhere in Spain
- For non-EU flagged yachts, charters can only take place in the Balearic Islands and Barcelona
- A 24% Non-Resident Income Tax may apply if the owning company has fiscal residency in a country that does not currently have in force a dual taxation treaty with Spain
Depending on your chosen route, it may be possible to receive a VAT reduction on your yacht charter. For additional information on VAT and tax concerning your yacht charter in the Balearic Islands, please consult your chosen yacht charter broker.
The yacht chartering season in the Balearic Islands is lengthy, thanks to its pleasant climes with precious few showers from May till the end of October. Expect up to 23 degrees in May soaring to 31 degrees in July and August — which is also the Balearics peak season. If soaking up the rays is at the forefront of your charter experience, Mallorca tends to be the warmest out of the islands, peaking at 31.5 degrees in August.
And don't worry, you can float in the Balearic's satisfyingly warm waters: with its sparkling shores reaching a peak of 26 degrees in August.
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Mallorca, the largest island of the Balearics, is the preferred location for many to begin or end a Balearic Islands yacht charter. Idyllically situated, with excellent international connections in Palma (whose airport has a private jet terminal) Mallorca is within easy reach of world-renowned, well-provisioned superyacht marinas such as the illustrious, Phillipe Starck designed, Port Adriano. Its cosmopolitan capital is also home to the longest-running superyacht regatta in Europe, The Superyacht Cup Palma, as well as the celebrated Palma Superyacht Show,
Alternatively, the obvious yacht charter starting point for guests looking to cruise straight into a hedonistic haze is Ibiza.
Itineraries
Ritzy marinas bordering waters with a pale aqua glow largely characterizes the Balearic's dazzling offering, giving them considerable superyacht appeal. And none the more so than on the Balearics largest island, the vibrant Mallorca. But for guests seeking respite, Menorca, and Formentera both have marinas with substantial restorative allure.
Below, you'll find some of the most popular marinas in the Balearic Islands:
- Club de Mar Marina (Mallorca): sophisticated private marina with exclusive nightclub situated in the buzzing metropolis of Palma. 667 berths are available with a maximum length of 110m.
- Port Adriano Marina (Mallorca): glitzy, state-of-the-art superyacht marina designed by the revered architect Phillipe Starck. Complete with designer boutiques, top-end cuisine, and much more. Has 488 berths for vessels between 6 and 80m, 87 of which cater to superyachts up to 110m.
- Puerto Portals Marina (Mallorca): prestigious, well-provisioned facility with over 650 berth capacity for yachts up to 60m in length.
- Ibiza Magna Marina (Ibiza): located in the foothills of the historic Old Town, competition for superyacht berth is fierce here. Features 85 berths for yachts up to 60m.
- Sovren Marina (Ibiza): ultra-exclusive superyacht marina in the heart of Ibiza, with 16 berths for superyachts between 60m to 185m.
- Mahón Marina (Menorca): picturesque and quaint location on vast, natural harbor, it can accommodate up to 165 berths up to 50m.
- Formentera Marina (Formentera): tranquil marina that can accommodate yachts up to 38m with a 4m depth.
Serene anchorages trickle all the way down the indented coastlines of the Balearic Islands, giving way to labyrinthine coves and perfectly scalloped bays that provide a thrilling experience for yacht charter guests.
In Mallorca, cruise towards the intimate Cala Pi, whose gin-clear waters are cradled between pine-draped cliffs and a sliver of sand on this mellow south-east coast inlet. But it's best avoided at the weekends when tourists arrive en masse. Admire the drama of Sa Calobra and wander ashore where a soaring, cascading gorge entrance (the Torrent de Pareis) awaits, leading you to two isolated beaches crowned in a deliciously golden light.
Lapped by waters tinged with an iridescent cerulean hue, the perfumed pines that frame the rocky Ibizan bay of Cala Jondal entices the superyacht crew each year. Think ultra-exclusive beach clubs and dancing till you can't feel your toes. Further afield, Cala d'Hort makes for a restful anchorage and an incredible spot for gazing from your sundeck Jacuzzi, watching the psychedelic skies fall within view of the tiny islet of Es Vedrá, a limestone cliff that surges almost preternaturally from the sea.
Elsewhere in Menorca, make good use of your tender to explore the abundance of seldom-visited but substantially beautiful coves. Santa Galdana provides one of the best-protected anchorages, with calm waters ideal for kayaking or paddleboarding. At the head of the bay, golden sands form a perfect crescent around its viridian shallows which are perfect for children.
In Formentera, drink up the herb-scented air and drop anchor at the sheltered Racó de sa Pujada to take the toys out undisturbed on its cyan waters. For the more adventurous, go onshore for a rambling uphill climb and be richly rewarded with jaw-dropping hilltop panoramas.
- If you are looking to cruise with fewer people but still benefit from warm weather, consider chartering a yacht on either side of the shoulder season. This is either April to May or September to October, before temperatures soar and crowds descend
- Anchoring directly above Posidonia (type of seagrass) preservation areas is prohibited, with fines for breaking the rules. Protected anchorage zones in the Balearics include: Cabrera, Sa Dragonera, Cala Blava, Portopetro, Punta de L’Avançada and Cala d’Or
- Some bays are equipped with color-coded buoys according to boat length to ensure the adequate protection of underwater flora
- When visiting smaller, independent businesses you may find a number of them do not accept cards (currency is the Euro), so ensuring you have cash whilst onshore is key. Many cashpoints are available around the marinas
- For US citizens looking to cruise the Balearic Islands, a passport issued within the past 10 years, valid for three months beyond the duration of your charter is necessary
- Over 10,000 euros (€) or the currency equivalent must be declared if taken in or out of Spain
Its elegant capital Palma — the epicenter of yachting activities — charms the well-to-do with its sophisticated offering of designer shops, high-end cuisine, and galleries as it does its Moorish architectural gems. In the Old Town, check out the impressive cathedral La Seu that frames the capital's viewpoints. Whilst you are here, stop by for a mid-afternoon gelato at a dulceria after shopping on one of Palma's many sun-drenched squares, lined by the desaturated hues of Art Nouveau buildings.
Yacht charters in Mallorca must venture to the northern spots popular with hip creatives such as Deià. You'll be seduced by the serenade of cicadas that circle this caramel-colored, jade-green shuttered village high in the Tramuntana mountains. It's home to natural mud-baths in Llucalcari, a secluded cove beach, Cala Deià, and flanked by the quaint, picturesque towns of Valldemossa and Sóller on either side. In the south, you'll find Cala Llombards, a must-see cove that's all honeycombed cliffs and sandy beaches fringed by an impossibly blue sea. For a spot of golf, you also have the Vall d'Or 18-hole course with a backdrop that provides a riot of color.
Ibiza yacht charters attract a glamorous clientele, where time dissolves in a halcyon haze. It's an island that beckons with its exclusive beach clubs (such as the famed Blue Marlin), its iconic clubbing scene in San Antonio, and the endless sandy arcs surrounded by terracotta-colored cliffs. Las Salinas beach is where the hedonists convene, and bronzed limbs frolic till dawn at one of its buzzing beach bars. For a change of scene, cruise away from San Antonio towards the buzzing bays of Cala Conta and Cala Bassa. Claim a spot and dig your toes into the comfortingly fine sand as you await your mojito.
For those seeking unbridled escapism, the Aguas Blancas beach in the north-east promises solitude, where jade-green blanketed cliffs stare out into an expanse of twinkling sea. Linger till sunset, taking the opportunity to scuba dive through fronds of coral, before devouring a bocadillo from the much-loved chiringuito here. Elsewhere, seek refuge at the quaint Cala Mastella —the crystalline waters are a snorkeler's dream — and dig into platters of steaming paella at the seafood tavern.
Read more: The 10 Best Beach Clubs in Ibiza for 2021
Quieter, a Menorca yacht charter is full of barely-frequented coves for claiming, with waters painted in a palette of eye-popping electric blue to a mesmerizing teal. Bask in the late-summer heat at Cala Macarelleta, Cala Coves, or Cala Trebaluger: all fine sand, burnished rocks and enclosed by toothy, emerald-covered cliffs. For aquamarine shallows ideal for young children, opt for the beaches of Son Bou, Cala’n Forcat, or Cala de Algaiarens — you'll spot turtles in the river close by if you pick the last one.
But whilst tamer than its wilder sibling Ibiza, Menorca does have a few spectacular nightclubs, such as Covas d’en Xoroi: a warren of caves etched into towering cliffs that are high above the azure sea. Closeby, admire the grandeur of the old Roman city of Ciutadella, traipsing its crayon-colored streets, and enjoy a romantic candlelit meal ashore as an apricot light falls upon the harbor.
The untamed wonder of tiny Formentera has whispers of the Caribbean about it, and it's ripe for exploration onboard your luxury yacht. Glassy waters are seemingly painted in big bold brushstrokes of vivid turquoise all along its narrow, powdery-sanded coastline — plus, there is little footfall here. You must spend a leisurely day at the iconic beach Playa de Ses Illetes: strolling barefoot along its extensive stretch of coral-colored sands. Discovering the abundant underwater life in Formentera is also a must: you have remarkable UNESCO-listed diving sites to take your pick from.
Due to these exceedingly beautiful islands in close proximity to mainland Spain, yacht charters that incorporate hotspots there are certainly in-demand. Visitors flock to artfully extravagant Barcelona, where architecture bounces from Gothic to Gaudí in seemingly a flash of prismatic light, and culinary thrills seep out of every cobblestoned lane or blossoming maple-lined boulevard.
Valencia, a mere 50 miles from the Balearics, is home to some of the hippest barrios Spain has to offer and bursts with Mediterranean exuberance; epitomized through its vivacious party scene. The discreetly beautiful Dénia in the Costa Blanca stuns with its shores a shimmering topaz, and seafood plucked straight from the water.
To find out more about possible yacht charter routes for the Balearic Islands and beyond (including France and Italy), please contact your yacht charter broker.
For yacht charters in the Balearics, we strongly advise booking well in advance of your trip to ensure you get the perfect vessel for your chosen dates. We recommend booking at least 3 months ahead to give your broker the time to organize the ultimate charter experience. This is particularly pertinent in the Balearic Islands, where fewer yachts tend to be in the region during peak season.
If left too late, the selection of yachts at your disposal will be reduced. Plus, finding dates when everyone in your charter party is available can be tricky; the longer you leave it, the more challenging it will be.
Your yacht charter broker will also need plenty of time to craft a personalized itinerary and enough time to book ahead for the nights you wish to spend in marinas.
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Explore The Balearics
The Balearics Yacht Charter Itineraries
Lap up the natural splendor of the Balearics Islands and island-hop in style with our luxury yacht charter itineraries, carefully curated just for you by yachting experts.
From the heavenly stretches of goldens sands in Mallorca to the pared-back beauty of Menorca; to the high-end clubbing scene of Ibiza and the Caribbean-like shores of Formentera, our itineraries have something for everyone.
Discover The Balearics
BEST FOR:
Idyllic bays, blissful island-hopping, silky soft beaches, roaring sunsets, exclusive superyacht marinas, barefoot bohemia, internationally renowned nightlife.
When to Go:
May - October
Airports:
- Palma de Mallorca Airport
- Ibiza Airport
- Menorca Airport
Book with Ease - Speak with a Charter Expert
Our charter experts will:
- Discuss your vacation plans
- Check availability & shortlist suitable yachts
- Negotiate booking & prepare your itinerary
Top 'Things To Do' in The Balearics
The Balearics Yacht Charter Q&A
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Q.Which yachts can legally charter in the Balearic Islands?A.
Yachts will need to obtain a Spanish charter licence in order to cruise its waters, this is applicable if you are beginning or ending your charter in Spain.
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Q.What do I need to know before booking a Balearic Islands yacht charter?A.
If you are looking to elude the crowds but still benefit from balmy weather, it is well worth considering a yacht charter in the Balearics on either side of the shoulder season. On these glistening isles, this is from April to May or September to October.
As the largest island home to world-famous superyacht marinas, Mallorca has the largest charter fleet available, followed by Ibiza, so keep this in mind when selecting your yacht.
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Q.How much does it cost to charter a yacht in the Balearic Islands?A.
There is a yacht to suit almost every budget in the Balearic Islands, so rest assured that you will find a vessel suitable to your requirements.
Remember when booking the costs that aren't included in the base rate, namely VAT and the APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance). The APA is usually paid in advance of the charter and commonly set at 30% of the charter fee. This allowance covers expenses such as fuel, berthing, food and drinks, as well as any special requests.
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Q.How do I find the right yacht for the Balearic Islands?A.
Find the perfect yacht with ease by browsing on our website the wide-ranging selection of luxury motor yachts and sailing yachts available to charter in the Balearics. All you need to do is select your chosen dates, number of guests, yacht type, features, and desired onboard toys and we'll show you what's available.
If you make a booking enquiry, a yacht charter broker will then contact you and craft a bespoke charter proposal for you to consider.
Alternatively, you can contact your yacht charter broker directly to conduct research on your behalf as to the best available yacht charter in the Balearics for you.
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Q.Is it possible to visit mainland Spain during a Balearic Islands yacht charter?A.
Yes, it is certainly possible to cruise towards mainland Spain. Popular hotspots include Barcelona, home to a world-renowned superyacht marina, vibrant Valencia, a mere 50 miles from the Balearics, and the quietly beautiful Dénia in the Costa Blanca.
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Q.Which island is the most popular yacht charter destination in the Balearics?A.
Mallorca is the most popular superyacht destination thanks to its exceptional array of beaches (over 262 in total) and a mesmerizing array of deserted calas, pine-covered bays, and idyllic inlets. Coupled with leading superyacht marinas like the ultra-luxe Port Adriano and strong international connections, Mallorca is the perfect place for yacht-goers.
Alternatively, Ibiza is a favorite starting point for yacht charter guests looking for an iconic clubbing scene.
