Sailing at sunset in Mallorca: the best coves and routes for watching the sunset from a boat
There’s a time of day when Mallorca is completely transformed. The hustle and bustle of the coves subsides, the light turns golden and the sea falls silent. It’s sunset, and experiencing it from the water is one of the most beautiful experiences this island has to offer.
Sailing at sunset in Mallorca isn’t just about watching the sun go down: it’s about switching off, raising a glass against an orange horizon and enjoying the sea at a leisurely pace – exactly how we like to think of sailing. In this guide, we’ll tell you when to set sail, which spots in the south-west offer the best sunsets and how to make the most of that magical hour.
Why sunset is the best time to go out on a boat
As evening falls, the light of the ‘golden hour’ softens the colours of the sea and the cliffs; the wind dies down and the water becomes calm – perfect for dropping anchor and taking one last swim. What’s more, many boats have already returned to port, so the coves offer a sense of privacy that is impossible at midday, and the temperature is much more pleasant than the midday heat.
If you’ve already read our guide on the best time to go out on a boat in Mallorca, you’ll know that we advocate taking it easy. Sunset is the natural culmination of that philosophy.
What time does the sun set in Mallorca?
Ideally, you should set off between an hour and a half and two hours before sunset, so you have time to sail, drop anchor, go for a swim and then enjoy the moment without rushing.
| MONTH | Sunset (approx.) | Recommended departure time |
|---|---|---|
| May | 21:00 | 19:00 – 19:30 |
| June | 21:20 | 19:15 – 19:45 |
| July | 21:15 | 19:15 – 19:45 |
| August | 20:40 | 18:45 – 19:15 |
| September | 19:55 | 18:00 – 18:30 |
| October | 19:00 | 17:15 – 17:45 |
Approximate times for the Bay of Palma. The longest day of the year is the summer solstice, around 21 June, when Mallorca enjoys around 15 hours of daylight.
The best coves for watching the sunset from a boat
The south-west of Mallorca faces west, so the sun sets straight into the sea right in front of you. These are our favourite spots, all accessible on a day trip from the Puerto Portals area:
- Palma Bay: sweeping, open sunsets, with the cathedral’s silhouette in the background. Ideal for a relaxed outing without straying too far.
- Portals Vells: turquoise waters and caves carved into the rock, which look stunning in the warm light of late afternoon. The perfect spot to drop anchor and wait for the sunset.
- Malgrats Islands: a protected area off the coast of Santa Ponça, with crystal-clear water and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for watching the sunset.
- Sant Elm and Dragonera Island: at the south-western tip, its silhouette silhouetted against the sun is one of the most photographed sunsets in Mallorca.
To discover more hidden gems in the area, take a look at our guides to the best coves near Puerto Portals and the route from Puerto Portals to Andratx.
Tips for making the most of it
Even though it’s summer, do take a warm jacket with you: as the sun goes down and the breeze picks up, the temperature drops. Raise a glass to mark the occasion, take a photo… and then put your mobile away and really savour the moment. And look after your skin and the sea: on board, we don’t use sun creams with chemical filters, but instead opt for physical filters that are kind to the marine ecosystem (you can find out what else to pack in our guide to what to take on a boat trip).
Because we believe that true luxury lies in enjoying the sea… whilst looking after it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do you need to set off to watch the sunset from a boat? Between an hour and a half and two hours before sunset. In summer, that’s usually between 7.00 pm and 7.45 pm, depending on the month.
How long does a sunset trip last? Our trips usually last between 2 and 3 hours: time to sail, drop anchor, go for a swim and enjoy the sunset at a leisurely pace.
Do you need to know how to sail? No. We have experienced, qualified skippers, so all you have to do is relax and enjoy the sea.
Experience the sunset in Mallorca with us
At Sail & Protect, we offer premium sunset experiences, designed for small groups to enjoy the sea in a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, whilst respecting the environment.
