Your First Sailing Trip in Mallorca — What to Expect

Before You Board: What to Pack

Packing for a sailing trip is simpler than you think. Here is everything you need — and a few things you should leave behind.

• Swimwear and a towel: You will spend a lot of time in the water. Bring a spare set if you like.
• Sun protection: Sunscreen (SPF 50 reef-safe is ideal), sunglasses with a strap, and a hat. The Mediterranean sun reflects off the water and you will burn faster than on land.
• Soft-soled shoes: Deck shoes, clean trainers, or bare feet. No hard soles, high heels, or dark-soled shoes that mark the deck.
• A light layer: Even in summer, the breeze can feel cool when you are wet. A light hoodie or windbreaker is perfect.
• Waterproof phone case: Highly recommended. The best photos happen near the water.

Leave behind: Heavy luggage, large hard bags (space is limited on a yacht), and excessive valuables. There is a dry storage area aboard, but simple is better.

Arriving at Port d'Andratx

When you book with Alegria Sailing, we send you precise meeting instructions including a Google Maps pin. You will meet your skipper at the dinghy point in Port d'Andratx harbour. Since our yacht is anchored in the bay rather than in a marina berth, the adventure begins with a short dinghy ride out to the yacht — most guests love this part.

Arrive 10 minutes before your departure time. This gives you time to settle in, choose your spot on deck, and get the safety briefing before we cast off.

The Safety Briefing

Before we leave, your skipper will give a short, friendly safety briefing. This covers:

• Where life jackets are stored (and how to wear them)
• How to move safely around the deck
• Where to sit when we are sailing (and where not to sit)
• How the boom works — the horizontal bar that holds the mainsail — and why you need to duck when we turn
• The location of the toilet (yes, the yacht has one), first aid kit, and fire extinguisher

This takes about five minutes and is nothing to worry about. Sailing yachts are very safe vessels, and your skipper handles everything technical.

What Happens Once We Set Sail

Once the sails go up and the engine goes off, there is a moment of magic. The only sounds are the wind in the sails, the water against the hull, and perhaps some music from the onboard speaker. This is what makes sailing different from any motorboat experience.

You can be as involved or as relaxed as you want. Some guests love to help trim the sails, take the helm, and learn about wind angles. Others prefer to lie on the foredeck with a drink and let the skipper handle everything. Both are completely fine.

A typical Alegria Sailing trip includes:

• Sailing along the coast with views of cliffs, coves, and the Tramuntana mountains
• One or more swimming stops in crystal-clear water (snorkelling gear provided)
• Drinks and snacks or a full meal depending on your trip type
• Plenty of time to relax, swim, photograph, and simply enjoy

Worried About Seasickness?

This is the most common concern, and the good news is that most people are absolutely fine. Here is why:

• We sail in sheltered waters along the coast, not in open ocean
• Summer conditions in Mallorca are typically calm, with gentle swells
• A 40-foot sailing yacht is very stable compared to smaller boats
• If conditions are rough, we reschedule — we never sail in uncomfortable weather

Tips if you are sensitive: Take seasickness medication (Dramamine or similar) 30 minutes before boarding. Eat a light meal beforehand — neither too full nor empty. Stay on deck in the fresh air and look at the horizon. Ginger sweets can help. And tell your skipper — they know all the tricks.

Swimming and Snorkelling

The water temperature in Mallorca from June to September ranges from 23 to 27 degrees Celsius — warm enough to stay in for extended periods. We anchor in coves with excellent visibility where you can see fish, sea stars, octopus, and the beautiful posidonia seagrass meadows from the surface.

We provide snorkelling masks and fins. Entry is easy via the yacht's swimming ladder at the stern. If you are not a confident swimmer, let your skipper know — we always have flotation aids available.

Photos and Memories

Some tips from experience:

• The best photos are taken during the golden hours — the first hour after departure and the hour before sunset
• Use a waterproof phone case for swimming shots
• Ask your skipper to take group photos — they know the best angles aboard
• Video the moment when the sails go up and the engine goes silent — it captures the feeling perfectly

What Is Included

With Alegria Sailing, every trip is all-inclusive:

• Private yacht — no strangers, no shared boat
• Experienced English and Spanish speaking skipper
• Drinks: cava, beer, soft drinks, water
• Snacks or full Mediterranean meal (depending on trip type)
• Snorkelling equipment
• Bluetooth speaker for your music
• Towels on request

There are no hidden costs. The price you see is the price you pay. Book your sailing trip here and discover why this is the highlight of every Mallorca holiday.