Responsible boating in Mallorca: how to care for the seagrass and the ocean every time you go out on a boat
At Sail & Protect, respect for the sea is in our very name. For us, going out on a boat is not at odds with caring for the environment: on the contrary, we believe that true luxury is enjoying the Mediterranean… while protecting it. And in Mallorca, that begins with getting to know and protecting the great, silent protagonist of our waters: the Posidonia seagrass.
In this guide we tell you what it is, why it is so important and what simple gestures make any outing a more responsible experience, for you and for the sea.
What is posidonia and why is it so important?
Posidonia oceanica is not an alga, but a marine plant that forms extensive meadows on the Mediterranean seabed. It’s the reason why the water in many of Mallorca’s coves is so clear and has that turquoise color we love so much.
Its role is enormous: it produces oxygen, provides refuge and a “nursery” for countless marine species, protects beaches from erosion, and captures large quantities of CO₂, making it a powerful ally in the fight against climate change. Furthermore, it grows very slowly, so any damage it sustains takes decades to repair. This is why the Balearic Islands have the largest area of these seagrass meadows in Spain and protect them by law.
How to anchor without damaging the posidonia
Anchoring directly on seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) uproots and destroys it. For this reason, anchoring on seagrass is generally prohibited in the Balearic Islands (Decree 25/2018), and a Coast Guard Service patrols our shores. Anchoring responsibly is simple if you follow these guidelines:
- It always anchors on sand. It is easily recognized because of the light patches on the bottom; the posidonia appears as dark areas.
- Use low-impact buoy fields where available they are designed for mooring without touching the bottom.
- Check before you drop anchor. The official Posidonia GOIB app tells you in real time, using geolocation, what type of seabed you have below you.
- Take care of the chain. Even if you’re anchoring in sand, make sure the anchor chain doesn’t drag on a nearby meadow.
On our trips we take care of all this for you: we always anchor in the right spots so you can enjoy swimming with the peace of mind that you are not damaging anything.
Sea-friendly sun protection
What you put on your skin also ends up in the water. Many sunscreens with chemical filters can be harmful to the marine ecosystem, and even to your own body.
That’s why we don’t allow their use on board: during the experience, we provide sun protection with physical filters (or mineral) , which care for your skin without harming ocean life. It’s a small change with a big impact, especially when swimming next to a Posidonia seagrass meadow.
If you’re planning your own trip, our guide will help you plan your own outing what to pack for a boat trip we’ll tell you what to pack in your bag (and what’s best left at home).
This is how we navigate at Sail & Protect
Our way of understanding the sea can be summed up in a few ideas: small groups to avoid crowds, anchoring always respectful of the posidonia, sustainable products on board and calm, unhurried outings in harmony with the environment.
Because every cove we take care of today is a cove that will still be just as beautiful tomorrow. And that, for us, is the best way to explore Mallorca.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you anchor in any cove in Mallorca? Not on seagrass. Anchoring is permitted on sand or in authorized low-impact buoys. Anchoring on the seagrass meadows is prohibited and punishable by law.
How can I tell if there’s seagrass or sand underneath? Sand appears as light patches, and seagrass as dark areas. To be sure, the Posidonia GOIB app shows you the type of seabed in real time.
What sun protection should I use at sea? The most environmentally friendly option is one with physical or mineral filters. We provide it on board, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Sail with us, taking care of the sea
At Sail & Protect, we offer premium experiences in Mallorca where enjoying the sea and respecting it go hand in hand. If you want to discover the island from the water in a conscious, peaceful way, and in good hands, this is the boat for you.
Book your boat trip in Mallorca and experience the Mediterranean as it deserves: enjoying it and taking care of it.
