Dolphin boat trips for the whole family, a magical excursion
Why book a dolphin tour in Mallorca?
An unforgettable adventure: dolphins in the wild off Mallorca
Mallorca is a paradise for nature lovers - not only on land, but also in the water. The island's coastal waters are home to a vibrant underwater world where dolphins regularly frolic. A boat trip to see these intelligent marine mammals is a highlight for young and old alike.
At sunbonoo, you will find a carefully curated selection of dolphin excursions that perfectly combine sustainability and adventure. Whether from lively Palma, the idyllic bay of Alcudia or lively Paguera - we'll tell you how to make the most of your encounter with the dolphins.
Why is a dolphin watching boat trip worthwhile?
Dolphins symbolise freedom and joy, and watching them in their natural habitat is a unique experience. In contrast to aquariums or shows, the tours on Mallorca focus on respectful distance and ecological responsibility. Many providers work closely with marine biologists to minimise disturbance to the animals. At the same time, the guides impart exciting knowledge about thebehaviour of the dolphins and the ecology of the Mediterranean.
Such a tour is particularly valuable for families: children learn how to interact with nature in a playful way, while adults enjoy the beauty of the coastal landscape. In addition, most boats offer comfortable facilities such as sun decks, snack bars and even underwater microphones to experience the animals' communication live.
The best departure points for dolphin watching
Mallorca's varied coastline offers numerous starting points for boat trips. Here is an overview of the most popular places - including local specialities and tips:
1 Alcudia: Nature trail in the north-east
Alcudia's harbour is the starting point for trips to the bay of Pollença, a well-known retreat for bottlenose dolphins. The waters here are particularly calm, which increases the chances of sightings. Many providers combine dolphin spotting with stops at hidden bays that can only be reached by boat. One highlight is the "sunrise tours", where you can watch dolphins against a picturesque morning sky.
Tip for families: The morning tour from Alcudia is specially designed for families. With child-friendly explanations, the trip becomes an interactive experience.
2 Palma: urban flair & modern catamarans
If you don't have a hire car, Palma offers the largest selection of boat tours. Modern catamarans with glass floors set off here daily towards the open sea. The routes often run along the west coast, where dolphins like to hang out near fishing boats. After the tour, it's worth taking a stroll through Palma's old town - a perfect day combining culture and nature.
Speciality: Some tours offer "premium tours" with gourmet menus on board, which include local products such as Mallorcan cheese or sobrasada sausages.
3 Cala Ratjada: crystal-clear water in the east
The east coast town of Cala Ratjada is known for its emerald green bays. Boats leave from the fishing harbour and often head for the uninhabited Llevant Nature Park and the Cap de Freu nature reserve, a protected marine reserve. The combination of dolphin watching and breakfast in unspoilt waters makes these tours an insider tip.
Insider tip: In spring, dolphins and rare sea turtles can be spotted here.
4 Santa Ponsa: family-friendly coastal experiences
Santa Ponsa in the south-west is a popular starting point for combined excursions. Many tours offer family-friendly options that combine dolphin watching with relaxed snorkelling stops. Thanks to the sheltered location of the bay, the waves here are often gentle, making the tour suitable for younger children.
Highlight: Some boats have shallow access ladders that make snorkelling easier for the inexperienced.
5 Paguera: A lively encounter with the marine world
Paguera in the southwest of Mallorca is a lively tourist resort that is particularly popular with holidaymakers who want to enjoy the Mediterranean flair to the full. Although the area is heavily frequented, the dolphin tours from Paguera are worthwhile thanks to the experienced crews, who deliberately choose less frequented routes. The trips depart in the morning or afternoon and are particularly reasonably priced.
Tip: You can start in Paguera as well as in Santa Ponsa. Very popular, so book early!
Environmentally conscious travelling: How we protect the dolphins
Sustainability is a key criterion when selecting our partners. Reputable providers adhere to strict rules:
- Minimum distance: boats never approach within 50 metres.
- Volume: Engines are throttled back during sightings to avoid noise pollution.
- Research: Part of the revenue is channelled into projects to protect Mediterranean marine mammals.
In addition, guests receive information material before the tour on how they can travel plastic-free - e.g. by using reusable bottles and biodegradable sun cream.
What can you expect on board?
A typical tour lasts 3-5 hours and follows this pattern:
- Introduction: the crew explains safety rules and behaviour in the event of sightings.
- Departure: The boat travels slowly to areas where dolphins are frequently sighted.
- Search: Guides use binoculars and underwater sonar to locate the animals.
- Observation: When spotted, the boat keeps its distance - dolphins often approach themselves out of curiosity.
- Return journey: The tour ends with a snack (often pa amb oli, Mallorcan bread) and drinks.
Important: The crew documents sightings with photos and reports them to local research centres. In this way, you actively contribute to species conservation!
What our guests say: "A moving moment"
"Our guide on the Can Picafort excursion knew exactly where the dolphins were. When they appeared next to the boat, my son was absolutely thrilled! " - Schneider family, Munich
"The sunrise tour from Alcudia was pure magic. The dolphins jumped in the golden light - an image I'll never forget. " - Julia, Hamburg
"I was particularly impressed by the commitment to environmental protection. You realise that it's not just profit that counts here. " - Markus & Tanja, Vienna
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
1. when is the best time to visit?
Dolphins are active off Mallorca all year round. The best chances of spotting them are from May to September when the sea is calm.
2. are the tours safe in all weathers?
Tours are postponed in the event of strong winds or storm warnings. The crew will inform you in good time by e-mail or telephone. If it rains a little but the sea is calm, most tours will still take place.
3. are there tours for people with reduced mobility?
Many boats in Palma and Alcudia are wheelchair accessible. However, the person in the wheelchair should be able to walk a few steps. Please indicate this when booking.
4. can I cancel the tour?
sunbonoo has a 24-hour cancellation policy. However, there is a 100% cancellation fee for no-shows.
5. are we guaranteed to see dolphins?
As these are wild animals, there is no guarantee. However, if the search is unsuccessful, many offer a free repeat tour.
How to book the perfect tour
- Choose a location: Decide whether you would prefer to start from a quiet fishing village (e.g. Can Picafort) or a central harbour (e.g. Palma).
- Set duration: Half-day tours (3-4 hours) are sufficient for first impressions; full-day tours often include lunch and snorkelling stops.
- Check group size: Small groups (8-12 people) offer more comfort, large boats are often cheaper.
- Additional services: Some providers sell photos of sightings or offer underwater drone videos.
Sustainability goes further: tips for responsible travelling
Avoid plastic: Use refillable drinking bottles - many boats offer free refill stations.
Respectful distance: Never try to touch or attract dolphins.
Support local providers: Small family businesses are often more committed to protecting the environment than mass organisers.
The role of marine biologists: Science meets tourism
Some providers on Mallorca co-operate closely with research institutes such as the "Delfines de Cabrera". This project is funded with €40,000 and documents the behaviour of dolphins around the nature conservation island of Cabrera in the south of Mallorca, their routes and populations. The dolphins' migration routes and underwater noise are also being recorded so that protection measures can be put in place later based on the data.
Culinary highlights on board: Mallorcan hospitality
Many boat trips offer more than just dolphin watching - they are a culinary journey. Typical snacks on board:
- Pa amb Oli: Traditional bread with olive oil, tomatoes and ham.
- Ensaïmada: Sweet puff pastry, perfect with coffee.
- Fresh fruit: Local oranges or figs, depending on the season.
- Premium option: On some catamarans, you can book a multi-course menu with Mallorcan specialities such as "Frito Mallorquín" (a frying pan with vegetables and meat).
Photograph like a pro: tips for perfect dolphin pictures
Fast shutter speed: Set your camera to at least 1/1000 of a second to freeze the fast movements.
- Continuous shooting: Use burst mode to make sure you don't miss any jumps.
- Polarising filter: Reduces reflections on the water and brings out the colours.
- Patience: Dolphins often appear several times - stay ready!
Caution: Flash is prohibited on board so as not to frighten the animals.
Our special sunbonoo tip:
Children on board: this turns the tour into a family experience
To make sure the little ones have fun too, include a few games during the tour.
- Interactive games: "Who will spot the first dolphin?" or quizzes on marine biology.
- Colouring books: In preparation, get colouring books with dolphins and underwater motifs to colour in. This will make the little ones look forward to this unique experience
- Child-friendly equipment: Take a jacket or jumper for your children for safety. It can get chilly out at sea, especially on the morning dolphin tours.
The hidden gems: The starting points for dolphin tours on Mallorca at a glance
Away from the hotspots, these places are also worth a visit:
Port de Sóller: Located in the north-west, ideal for combined tours with visits to the Tramuntana mountains.
Colònia de Sant Jordi: In the south, tours to the Cabrera nature reserve start here, where dolphins are often spotted in peace.
Port d'Andratx: A charming fishing village with exclusive small group tours.
Your next steps
- Compare: Use the filters on sunbonoo.com to sort tours by price, duration or departure point.
- Read reviews: Real testimonials reveal which provider matches your expectations.
- Stay flexible: If possible, don't book the tour on the first day of your holiday - if it is postponed due to the weather, you still have time slots to choose from.
Why sunbonoo?
Local expertise: Our team lives on Mallorca and personally checks every tour.
Transparent prices: No hidden fees - the displayed price includes all taxes and fees.
24/7 support: If you have any questions before or after booking, you can reach us by email. We will reply within 1 hour