Sunset boat trips in Mallorca: catamaran, yacht, llaüt or kayak, port by port

If you want to see the sun sink into the water, the west coast is the safe bet: Port d'Andratx and Sant Elm face west, with the outline of Sa Dragonera in front. In Palma Bay the sun drops behind the hills to the west and the star view is the Cathedral lit by the evening light. From Port de Sóller, the Tramuntana cliffs turn orange.

In the north and east the sun sets over land: in Pollença Bay, behind the mountains; in Cala Ratjada or Alcúdia the appeal is the golden light on the coves and the return under a glowing sky. It is not worse, just different, and there are usually fewer boats.

Sunset time varies a lot with the season: in June the sun sets at around half past nine in the evening and by late October, once winter time starts, before seven. Departures are adjusted accordingly, so confirm the boarding time when you book.

Palma has the widest choice. Sail Palma runs a two-hour catamaran trip from La Lonja Marina with skipper and host, a welcome drink, starters and canapés, for up to 12 people, from 109 euros; according to the listings there is no swim or snorkelling, and alcohol is only served to over-21s. Oasis Catamarán, from Palma harbour, does anchor in a cove (the listings mention the Cueva Verde) for a swim, with canapés and cava, for about three and a half hours from 78 euros; according to our listing it is adults only (18+).

Mercanautic leaves Pelaires quay on a sailing yacht for a maximum of 10 people for four hours, with an open bar, snacks, snorkelling and paddleboards. On a tighter budget, Sa Calma Boats runs three hours with a barbecue on board, several swim stops and a drink from 59 euros (on Fridays it leaves from Palma and on other days from Can Pastilla, according to Viator), and Life & Sea departs from El Arenal on a catamaran with a barbecue for three hours from 38 euros, from May to October.

Sa Calma Boats leaves Port d'Andratx for Sa Dragonera with a stop in Sant Elm to pick up handmade pizzas and drinks, eaten on board; it then anchors for about 40 minutes in a cove for swimming and snorkelling and returns in the sunset light. It lasts three and a half hours, from 49 euros, from April to October. You see the island from the sea without landing, and you need to be able to swim to snorkel.

If you would rather paddle, Keida enjoy Mallorca runs a guided kayak trip of about three and a half hours from Sant Elm, with a swim, snorkelling and a picnic in a secluded cove as the sun goes down, from 69 euros. No experience is needed: there is a safety briefing and all the gear, including water shoes and a dry bag, is provided.

In Port de Sóller, Perfect Charter offers two private hours on a Hanse 495 sailing yacht with cava, from the Es Traves promenade. It is a premium option for couples and celebrations; the listing prices are in dollars, so ask for a quote in euros for your group.

Robinson Boat Trips leaves Port de Pollença in the late afternoon on its sailing catamaran: it visits coves and Formentor beach with swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding, serves dinner on board with drinks and you watch the sun set over the Tramuntana. It lasts about five hours, suits all ages and runs from April to October; the website does not publish the price. In Port d'Alcúdia, Coral Boats spends three hours on a restored wooden boat with a local crew, a swim in the bay, Mallorcan tapas, snorkelling, paddleboards and one drink, from 65 euros; in season it leaves at 18:00 and in autumn the time follows the sunset.

Boat Tours Tirant runs a private two-hour sunset trip from Cala Ratjada harbour with a skipper, one or two bottles of cava depending on group size, snorkelling gear and pool noodles. A minimum of 3 people is needed and up to 10 fit. It is the only private trip in this guide priced per person: according to its website, 165 euros per person for up to four and 120 from five upwards, fuel extra.

Closer to the shore and more active, SUP Center Cala Ratjada leaves Cala Agulla (or Cala Gat if the wind is against you) to paddle for half an hour to 45 minutes to a spot for watching the sunset, swimming or snorkelling, and back in the last light or after dark. It takes an hour and a half and includes board, paddle and an optional life jacket.

Corb Marí Sea Experience cruises the south coast on a traditional Mallorcan llaüt as the sun goes down, from 19:30 to 22:00, for a single group of up to 7; the captain tells stories about the island and life at sea. An aperitif of local produce, drinks, paddleboards, snorkelling gear and insurance are included. According to its website, the boat costs 420 euros from 15 June to 1 November and 380 euros from 15 April to 14 June.

Excursions a Cabrera runs a three-hour trip leaving at 18:30: a direct crossing of about 35 minutes, some 45 minutes to stroll around Cabrera harbour, a swim at sa Cova Blava if the sea allows and the return at sunset with an aperitif of cava, juice and water. According to its website it costs 49 euros per adult and 34 per child. Bring a light jacket: it gets cooler on the way back.

Before booking, check four things. Whether there is a swim: some two-hour trips do not stop. Whether food is served: some include canapés or tapas, others a barbecue or dinner, and private trips sometimes only an aperitif. The atmosphere: an open bar with music is not the same as a quiet dinner with children. And the minimum age: Oasis is adults only (18+) and on Sail Palma alcohol is served from 21.

For families, the most comfortable are the Robinson Boat catamaran in Pollença, suitable for all ages, and the Sa Calma boat in Andratx. For couples, the private trips in Sóller, Cala Ratjada and Colònia de Sant Jordi. And on a small budget, the Life & Sea barbecue cruise from El Arenal is the cheapest in our listings.