The best coves in Mallorca only accessible by boat from Port d’Andratx

The southwest of Mallorca hides the wildest stretch of coastline on the entire island. Cliffs dropping straight into the sea, pine forests reaching the water’s edge, and a succession of coves with no access roads. You either arrive by boat — or you don’t arrive at all.

Port d’Andratx is the perfect starting point to discover the side of Mallorca that never appears in mass-tourism guides. In less than 20 minutes of navigation, you’ll reach waters that many tourists will never see in their lifetime.

At Prima Boats, boat rental in Mallorca, we’ve been sailing from this harbor for years. This is our selection of the coves most worth visiting, with everything you need to know before setting sail.

Why Port d’Andratx is the best departure point in southwest Mallorca

Port d’Andratx is not only one of the most beautiful harbors in Mallorca. It is strategically the best departure point to explore the island’s western coastline for three specific reasons:

• Immediate access to untouched coastline: In less than 10 minutes by boat, you leave the harbor behind and find yourself surrounded by unspoiled cliffs, hidden coves with no beach bars, and water colors you wouldn’t expect to find in the Mediterranean.
• Natural protection from the wind: The harbor faces south, protecting it from the Tramuntana wind (north wind). On days when other parts of the island experience rough seas, the water here usually remains calm.Short distances, long cove days. The best coves in the area are only 15 to 45 minutes away by boat. More time enjoying the sea, less time at the helm.

The coves best (or only) reached from Port d’Andratx

Cala Beltran — the first hidden gem after leaving the harbor

Time from Port d’Andratx: approx. 15–20 min north. Land access difficulty: no land access

As soon as you leave the harbor and round Punta de Cala Llamp, the coastline begins to change. Apartments disappear, replaced by raw cliffs, pine trees, and silence.

Cala Beltran is one of the first surprises: narrow at the entrance, but opening into a small beach with fine sand and intensely turquoise water. There is no path leading down to it. The only visitors arrive by sea.

Where to anchor: The seabed is sandy in the center of the cove. Only a few boats fit here, so arriving early means you’ll almost have it to yourself.

Tip: If there are already boats anchored and the cove feels too small, Cala Sa Mola is just 5 minutes away and offers very similar conditions.

Cala en Basset — green water and red rock

Time from Port d’Andratx: approx. 20 min north. Land access difficulty: very difficult, only via mountain trail

The combination of ochre-red cliffs and green-blue water creates one of the most photogenic contrasts in Mallorca. Cala en Basset is small and sheltered, with a sandy seabed visible from the boat even before jumping into the water.

There is a hiking trail to reach it by land, but it requires more than an hour’s walk from the village of Sant Elm. Most people who know this cove discovered it from a boat.

Where to anchor: Clean sandy bottom. Watch out for the rock on the right-hand side of the entrance — give it some space when entering.

Dragonera Island — sailing around a natural park

Time from Port d’Andratx: approx. 25–30 min Type of visit: circumnavigation + anchoring in west-side coves

Dragonera Island is an uninhabited natural park located off the coast of Sant Elm. Seen from the sea, with its 4 km length and cliffs reaching up to 360 meters, it feels truly imposing.

Sailing around the island is one of the most memorable boating experiences you can have in Mallorca. The east side, facing Sant Elm, is calmer. The west side, exposed to the open sea, is more dramatic: vertical cliffs, sea caves, and the feeling of being somewhere genuinely wild.

Where to anchor: Several small coves with sandy bottoms can be found on the east side. The most famous is Cala Lladoner. Landing on the island is not allowed without permission from the natural park authorities.

Best route combination: Depart from Port d’Andratx, sail north along the coast, stop at Cala Beltran or Cala en Basset, continue to Dragonera, circumnavigate the island, and return. A perfect full-day route.

Cala d’Egos — the favorite among returning visitors

Time from Port d’Andratx: approx. 10–15 min south. Land access difficulty: no direct access

South of Port d’Andratx, the coastline is equally spectacular but less known than the Dragonera area. Cala d’Egos is a great example: a medium-sized cove with crystal-clear water and a peaceful atmosphere that makes it a regular stop for many boat renters in the area.

Since it faces south, it enjoys sunshine almost all day long. Perfect for those who want sun from the moment they anchor until they lift the anchor again.

Where to anchor: Sandy seabed in the center. Avoid the right side upon entering, where rocks and visible posidonia can be found.

Cala Llamp — close to the harbor, far from mass tourism

Time from Port d’Andratx: approx. 5–10 min. Land access difficulty: nearby residential area, but limited direct access to the cove itself

For those wanting a shorter morning trip, a first boating experience, or simply not wanting to sail too far, Cala Llamp is an excellent option. It’s literally just around the corner from Port d’Andratx, yet the atmosphere is completely different: quieter, cleaner water, and none of the harbor activity.

The seabed is clearly visible from the boat, making it ideal for snorkeling.

Where to anchor: Mixed sand-and-rock seabed. Look for the sandy patch in the center for anchoring.

Cap de Sa Mola and the Andratx caves — for the adventurous

Time from Port d’Andratx: approx. 30–40 min north. Type of visit: coastal navigation + sea cave exploration

Cap de Sa Mola marks the northernmost point of the Andratx coastline before entering the Calvià area. Along this stretch, the cliffs become more vertical and sea caves and rock formations appear that can only be explored from the water.

This is not a typical anchoring cove, but rather a navigation experience: cruising slowly along the cliffs, entering sea caves, and watching filtered light turn the water shades of blue and green. With snorkeling gear, it’s spectacular.

Required conditions: Calm sea conditions are essential. With waves, the caves become unsafe. Always check the forecast before departure.

How to organize your day from Port d’Andratx

Depending on how much time you have and the type of day you want, these are the routes we most recommend:

Half-day trip (4 hours)

Departure at 10:00 → Cala Beltran or Cala d’Egos → swimming and snorkeling → return to harbor before 14:00.

Ideal for families with children or first-time boaters.

Full-day trip (8 hours)

Departure at 10:00 → Cala en Basset → Dragonera Island (circumnavigation) → Cala Lladoner (anchoring and lunch) → Cala Beltran (afternoon stop) → return at sunset.

The most complete route from Port d’Andratx. Relaxed pace, with enough time to swim at every stop.

Exploration day

Departure at 10:00 → Cap de Sa Mola and sea caves (early morning while the sea is calm) → Cala en Basset → Dragonera → return.

Perfect for visitors who already know the area and want to discover something different.

Before you leave: what you need to know

The wind pattern. In summer, Andratx follows a fairly predictable wind pattern: calm mornings and a sea breeze in the afternoon (the Embat, a southeast Mediterranean breeze). Plan open or exposed routes for the morning and save sheltered coves for the afternoon.

Posidonia is protected by law. Anchoring on posidonia seagrass meadows is prohibited, and fines are serious (up to €6,000). If the seabed looks dark, keep moving until you find sand. The coves mentioned above already include the safest anchoring areas.

Bring more water than you think. In August, with sun and saltwater, water consumption increases dramatically. Minimum recommendation: 2 liters per person for a full-day trip.

Return before dark. Sunset from the sea in this area is spectacular, but unless you have night navigation experience, plan to return to the harbor with at least one hour of daylight remaining.

Rent your boat with Prima Boats from Port d’Andratx

We offer boat rentals from Port d’Andratx with different options depending on your experience and group size. Tell us how many people you are, what kind of day you’re looking for, and whether you have a boating license. We’ll recommend the boat and route that best fit your plans.