Water Sports on Mallorca: SUP, Kitesurfing, and Sailing
Sandor Farkas
Mallorca expert and author
Anyone who wants to try water sports on Mallorca is spoilt for choice. With over 550 kilometres of coastline, steady wind on the east side, and calm bays in the southwest, the island offers perfect conditions for practically every sport on the water. Whether you want to glide along the coast on a stand-up paddleboard, fly over the waves with a kite, or sail around the island, Mallorca has the right spot.
In this guide you will learn which water sports on Mallorca are especially popular, where to find the best conditions, and what you need to know as a beginner or an experienced enthusiast.
Stand-Up Paddling (SUP) - the Relaxed Way In
SUP has become the most popular water sport on Mallorca in recent years, and for good reason. You need no prior experience, the gear is easy to transport, and the island's shallow bays offer ideal conditions.
The best spots for SUP on Mallorca:
- Playa de Muro in the north - shallow water and barely any waves, ideal for beginners
- Cala Agulla near Cala Rajada - turquoise water with views of the rocky coastline
- Port de Sóller - sheltered bay with rental stations right on the beach
- Cala Pi - a narrow bay with calm water and impressive cliffs
- Es Trenc - a long sandy beach with a shallow entry
You can rent a SUP board at most tourist beaches for 15 to 25 EUR per hour. Guided SUP tours along the coast cost between 35 and 60 EUR and usually last two to three hours. Sunset tours from Port de Sóller or Alcúdia are especially popular.
Tip: get on the water early in the morning
You will have the best SUP conditions before 10 a.m. The water is usually mirror-smooth then, the view beneath the board crystal clear, and the beaches still quiet. Many rental shops offer reduced prices for early risers.
Kitesurfing and Windsurfing - Wind and Waves on the North Coast
The bay of Alcúdia and the beach at Pollença are among the best-known kitesurfing spots in the western Mediterranean. The thermal wind (called the "Embat" on Mallorca) blows reliably in summer from early afternoon at 15 to 25 knots, perfect for kiting.
The most important kitesurf spots on Mallorca:
- Playa de Muro / Can Picafort - the main spot with kite schools, a wide standing area, and steady side-shore wind
- Pollença - a little more demanding, but less crowded
- Sa Ràpita - a good alternative in the south of the island when the wind blows from the south
For beginners, local schools offer courses from around 200 EUR for a three-day introductory course. The season runs from May to October, with July and August offering the most reliable wind. Windsurfers find good conditions at the same spots, although with fewer schools on offer than ten years ago.
Note: respect the kite zones
At some beaches such as Playa de Muro there are clearly marked kite zones. Outside these areas kiting is prohibited and fines may apply. Check the current rules with the kite schools on site.
Sailing - Mallorca's Premier Discipline on the Water
Sailing has a long tradition on Mallorca. The island hosts the Copa del Rey and counts dozens of marinas. For holidaymakers and expats there are plenty of ways to get out on the water yourself, from a taster session to a multi-day charter trip.
Popular options for sailing on Mallorca:
- Sailing courses in Palma - the Real Club Náutico and other schools offer courses for all levels, from around 300 EUR for a weekend course
- Catamaran sailing - half-day trips from Palma, Can Pastilla, or Portals Nous, including a swim stop and food (from 50 EUR per person)
- Yacht charter - sailing boats from 200 EUR per day without a skipper, or as a guided trip with crew
The sailing season runs from April to November. In spring and autumn the wind conditions are the most varied, while summer tends to bring calmer conditions. Anyone with a boat licence can charter a boat themselves from the harbours of Palma, Alcúdia, or Porto Cristo.
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Kayaking and Canoeing - the Coast Up Close
Kayaking is one of the best ways to explore Mallorca's hidden bays and caves that cannot be reached from land. The east coast in particular, with its many calas, offers spectacular routes.
Recommended kayak tours on Mallorca:
- Coves del Drac (Porto Cristo) - along the steep coast with views of cave entrances
- Cala Mondragó - in the nature park, with a snorkelling stop in crystal-clear water
- Sa Calobra - demanding, but breathtaking scenery
Guided kayak trips cost between 30 and 70 EUR depending on the length. Most providers supply the complete gear including a life jacket and a waterproof bag. You can rent single kayaks from around 10 EUR per hour.
The Best Time of Year for Water Sports on Mallorca
Not every sport works equally well at every time of year. Here is an overview:
- SUP: April to October. In high summer the popular spots can get crowded, so May, June, and September are ideal.
- Kitesurfing: May to October. The strongest and steadiest wind blows in July and August.
- Sailing: April to November. Spring and autumn offer the most varied conditions.
- Kayaking: possible year-round, nicest from May to October when the water is warm.
The water temperature in summer is between 24 and 27 degrees, and in May and October it is still a pleasant 19 to 21 degrees. You usually do not need a wetsuit in high season, except for kitesurfing on windy days.
If you would like to learn more about activities along the coast, take a look at our guide to the best beaches for families or the snorkelling guide.
Conclusion
Water sports on Mallorca are varied, easy to access, and suitable for every level. Whether you paddle leisurely along the coast on a SUP board, fly over the bay of Alcúdia with a kite, or feel the Mediterranean wind under sail, the island has the right spot for every passion. The infrastructure of rental stations, schools, and harbours is excellent, and thanks to the long season from April to October you have many months of perfect conditions each year. Pack your swimming gear and discover Mallorca from the water.