Total solar eclipse on 12 August: why the sea is the best place in Mallorca to watch it

On 12 August 2026, something will happen that hasn’t been seen on the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands for over a century: a total solar eclipse. The Moon’s shadow will sweep across Spain from west to east, coming to an end precisely over the Balearic Islands, just as the sun sets. This makes Mallorca one of the last — and most special — places in Europe where this phenomenon can be witnessed.

And if there’s one island where the sky and the sea blend into a single landscape, it’s ours. That’s why, at Sail & Protect, we believe this eclipse deserves to be viewed as important things should be: out on the water, with plenty of space, and without the hustle and bustle of a crowded viewing point.

An eclipse that sets with the sun

By the time the eclipse reaches its final phase in the Balearic Islands, the sun will already be very low, close to the horizon. This means one very specific thing for anyone who wants to see it properly: you need a clear horizon to the west, with no buildings, mountains or crowds of people blocking the view. On land, that’s hard to find in the middle of August. At sea, that’s exactly what you always have.

Watching the sun set over the Mediterranean, with the water reflecting that shift in light, is not just a practical matter of visibility. It’s the sort of moment you’ll remember for years to come.

Why experience it on board, rather than from the shore?

Our approach to sailing hasn’t changed because of the eclipse: small groups of up to 8 people, with an experienced skipper and a route designed around what really matters on that day. For 12 August, that means:

• Unobstructed views to the west, with no obstacles or crowds jostling for the best vantage point.
• A skipper who knows the coast, and can position the boat in exactly the right place at exactly the right time, adjusting the route according to the day’s conditions.
• Peace and quiet, and space all to yourself, a far cry from the tourist viewpoint atmosphere expected on land that day.
• A tailor-made experience, with the timetable and route adapted so you don’t miss out on either the eclipse or the tranquillity of being at sea.

It is, at heart, the same philosophy that defines us all year round: looking after the environment, sailing with respect for the sea, and offering authentic moments rather than mass-market experiences. The eclipse simply gives that philosophy an even more special reason.

How to prepare to view it safely

However spectacular it may be, a solar eclipse — even during its partial phases — can damage your eyesight if you look directly at it without proper protection. Before setting out to sail that day, it’s worth bearing in mind:

• Always use approved solar viewing glasses, certified to the ISO 12312-2 standard.
• Never substitute them for ordinary sunglasses, tinted lenses or other makeshift solutions.
• Prepare your equipment in advance: there will be high demand for approved glasses and equipment throughout Spain on the day.

We take care of the route, the timetable and navigation. Ensuring a safe experience also depends on coming prepared.

A day you can already look forward to

Our trip on 12 August is already fully booked, which comes as no surprise: there are few days in the year when the sky and sea of Mallorca offer the best vantage point in the whole of Europe for witnessing such a phenomenon. And that very same night, those who stay out on the water a little longer will also be able to enjoy the Perseids at their peak under a clear sky.

If you’re still keen to experience it, there’s no need to wait until 2053 — the next time Spain will see a total eclipse — to experience the Mediterranean in this way. Every trip with Sail & Protect, whether or not it’s an eclipse day, is organised with the same philosophy in mind: small groups, an experienced skipper and an itinerary designed to focus on what really matters. If you’d like to book your next trip this summer, now’s a good time to get in touch.