Anyone setting out in search of a marina in Mallorca will be surprised by the high number of ports and marinas. In total, there are between 14,000 and 17,000 known mooring spots around the Mediterranean island, depending on the source and how they are counted – mind you, mooring spots, not permanent berths. The number of pure marinas is 41. The high density of jetties and ports is proof of how popular sailing is in Mallorca. However, you shouldn't be blinded by the sheer number. In addition to glamorous marinas, large municipal ports, and well-maintained sailing club harbours, there are also numerous small to very small jetties and fishing harbours, which can hardly compete with the large marinas in and around Palma de Mallorca in terms of infrastructure. Nevertheless, the high number of marinas ensures that you are very likely to secure a berth.

Some marinas in Mallorca have achieved a certain notoriety. This is mainly due to the clientele who frequent them. For example, the marina Puerto Portals by Palma de Mallorca known as a meeting point for European high society and international moneyed elites. However, this popular harbour is also available to „ordinary consumers“ – at a daily rate of €350. Equally famous are the vast Port de Palma marina (2,200 berths) and the exclusive luxury harbour Port Adriano. As a general rule, the better-known the marina, the better the infrastructure usually is. Security service, Restaurants, even art galleries and Nobel Boutiques are not uncommon. However, you can also find good sanitary facilities and showers in less well-known marinas.

Generally, anyone who owns a boat may also have a Marina in Mallorca use. However, access to exclusive private marinas is not open to everyone. A club membership or similar is often required to be allowed to use the marina. The situation is different with municipal harbours and publicly accessible sailing clubs (Club Nauticos): any boat owner may use these. Incidentally, the Mallorcan municipal harbours and sailing clubs operate a joint (Spanish-language) website for booking berths: www.portsib.es.

Mallorca's marinas are operated by three groups of owners: municipalities, sailing clubs, and companies. Mooring fees are set individually by each marina operator, with no clear regulations in this regard. Instead, the balance between supply and demand determines the price. To give you an idea of the distribution, in the island's capital Palma de Mallorca There are currently around 3,700 berths. Approximately half of these are under the municipal port authority, with the other half spread across private marinas (companies) and yacht clubs. When you book a berth in a marina in Mallorca, you will inevitably come into contact with a variety of operators – especially if you are doing a round trip and dock in several marinas.

„A berth in Mallorca is as precious as a treasure chest of gold.“ – this quote from a local already reveals why it can sometimes be very difficult to secure a berth in a marina on Mallorca. Demand, especially during the summer months, significantly exceeds supply. Those who wish to purchase a berth must be prepared for a waiting period of several years. The situation is considerably better if you only wish to rent a berth. Provided you plan well in advance, you will almost certainly find a berth at your desired time and location – although occupancy rates in all three marina categories... Club, private and municipal – is very high all year round.

A typical marina in Mallorca offers you and your companions a A variety of important infrastructural components. Water and electricity are available virtually everywhere, along with frequent petrol stations, shops and restaurants in the immediate vicinity. Important in this context: Municipal ports usually offer less developed infrastructure compared to the marinas of private marinas and yacht clubs. In return, however, you pay a lower price for a berth in a municipal port than for a spot in an exclusive sailing club. Incidentally, some sailing clubs even offer amenities such as a swimming pool, gym and sauna right next to the jetty.

You can probably guess the answer from what you've read so far: it's impossible to give a blanket answer to how much a berth in a marina in Mallorca costs. As a rough guide, you should with a fee of 50 to 100 EUR per day The price is calculated based on the following influencing factors: the port's location, the size of the boat, and the season. Additionally, the rule of thumb is: municipal ports are cheaper than yacht clubs, and yacht clubs are cheaper than private marinas. Also important: with most ports, an extra charge for water and electricity is added to the berthing fee.

Do you enjoy travelling with your dog and would like to bring them along on your sailing trip around Mallorca? Unfortunately, this is Not possible at all Mallorcan ports. Some marinas in Mallorca prohibit boats with dogs on board from docking. Other important criteria to keep in mind when planning and booking include: storm protection in bad weather (high waves), the presence and condition of the slipway, and the availability of a boat hoist.