Mallorca essential information

Plan

Before you go

Address
Sunsail Spain 
S.L. Avinguda Gabriel Roca
15 Entresuelo 
07014 Palma de Mallorca

Base hours
The base is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  (evening staff to cover until all flights have arrived).

Season: This charter destination is closed from early November to early April.

Time zone
UTC/GMT +1 hours

Tourist information centre
Mallorca Tourist Information Service (OIT - Oficines d'Informacio Turistica de Mallorca) has its head office at Parc de les Estacions in Palma de Mallorca; phone: +34 902 102 365; email: [email protected]

There is also a tourist information office at the airport - Aeropuerto Palma de Mallorca; phone: +34 971 789 556; email: [email protected]

These tourist offices can point you in the right direction and have free maps and information on attractions and public transport on the island.

What to bring

Customs + immigration
Entry, exit, and visa requirements depend on the locations you are departing from and traveling to. You are responsible for having the correct documents so make sure to check with the embassy of the countries you plan to visit before you travel. Visit gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for the latest information.

Sailing licences
This destination has mandatory sailing requirements. Please visit here to learn more. 

The skipper and first mate will be required to fill in a sailing cv prior to arrival at the base to confirm that they have the necessary skills to sail in this region.

Luggage + packing list
Please pack using soft-sided bags, as these are easier to store on your yacht. The base has no facilities for holding luggage. Pack lightly and review our suggested packing list below for required and necessary items to bring.

• Pack essential prescription medicine and change of clothing in a carry-on bag*
• Passport and other travel documentation
• Tickets and paper confirmations for pre-planned activities
• Light-coloured, light-weight clothing
• Formal wear for upscale dining establishments
• Swim wear and cover up
• Hats and sunglasses
• Sandals and flip-flops
• Athletic shoes and hiking boots
• Travel-sized toiletries and hygiene products
• Bug spray and OTC pain relievers/creams
• 12V DC to 110V AC power inverter (for boats without generators**)
• 12V to USB power adapter for charging mobile devices

*We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do.
**All boats include a 12V DC outlet (a "car" outlet). Boats with generators have 110V outlets in the Caribbean and 220V in the Mediterranean and Exotic locations.

Drones
The use of flying drones may be restricted in some areas. For current drone regulations in this destination, please visit https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-in-spain/

Currency
Local currency – Euro (EUR €).

Currency exchange is available at the airports, banks and exchange shops in most coastal resorts, but commission rates can be high especially in the airport and exchange shops where the commission varies according to the amount exchanged.

We recommend, as it is often cheaper, to exchange money at the departure airport, i.e. Gatwick. Spanish airport banks close on Bank holidays. Money can be changed at hotels but the commission is again often high or rates are poor.

Credit card facilities are widely available and Visa, Mastercard, and American Express cards are accepted in most shops, restaurants and base

Please note: base is unable to accept cash or personal cheques, and cannot give cash back on credit or debit (Switch/Delta) cards.

Banks are open Mon-Fri, 9.00-14.00 and Sat 9.00 - 13.00. In summer they may close slightly earlier. Most banks have English speaking staff and all can cope with International transactions. Commissions may be charged on foreign transactions and passports will be required for most.

Credit Card Information
Most major credit cards are accepted all over Spain although some establishments may put a limit on the amounts you can withdraw or spend and sometimes there may be a surcharge. Most places now have ATM's for withdrawing cash, at which most cards will work. Most machines have the instructions in several languages and even the smallest of towns are now getting the machines. They can be a godsend at evenings and weekends and on holidays when banks can often close for several days at a time. Make sure you keep a separate record of your credit card numbers.

Gratuity
Tipping is standard and Hotel and restaurant bills usually include a 7% tax and an additional tip of about 10-15% is preferred.  Restaurants, Bars & Nightclubs: 10-15% of the bill is generally acceptable if it has not already been added to your bill. Taxi drivers: 10-15% of the fare and usually charge baggage by the piece. Tour guides: 5-10% tip.

Security deposit
A security deposit must be paid at the base by Visa or Master Card and is refundable at the end of your charter subject to there being no loss or damage. To significantly decrease your security deposit, purchase our Yacht Damage Waiver insurance ahead of time.

What's on board

Coolers
Coolers are available at the base on a first come first served basis at no additional charge, only one per boat. Please sign for these and return them clean and undamaged otherwise they will be charged for replacement.

Mobile phones
Check with your service provider for information about mobile coverage in this region.

Music + iPods
While most of our newer boats have Bluetooth capability, we cannot guarantee all boats are outfitted with this equipment. For your convenience, we highly recommend you bring an AUX line so you can listen to music from your mobile devices.

Electricity
Mains power is 220V 50 Hz. Two pin round plugs as in the rest of continental Europe are standard on board all yachts in the Balearics. Customers are advised to obtain an adaptor before leaving as they are very hard to find.

For more information on what's included on your yacht, please view the full list here.

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Sail

About the marina

Marina facilities
The base is just a short walk from the city centre, with quick access to the supermarket, restuarants, banks, post office, laundry, shopping and much more. On site marina facilities include: showers, toilets, fuel, and water. Ice can be purchased at the base.

Sailing grounds

Experience level
Level 2

Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area. View here for more information.

Sailing area
The cruising area encompasses the islands of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera and Cabrera in the Mediterranean off the eastern coast of Spain.

Sailing area restrictions
It is strictly forbidden to sail alone, we require two persons minimum on board.

Crew change
Please be aware that we cannot do crew changes during weekends as there is no space here.

So kindly inform your guests that they will have to go to another port to change the crew . If they wish to come here in the middle week we can try our best and accommodate the request, however the marina charges 90Euros per night and depends on availability ( we will require to know in advance).

Night sailing
You must be moored at least one hour before sunset. Night Sailing is not allowed without permission from the base manager. The decision to allow night sailing is based on your skill level and can be requested in advance.
You will need to fill out the sailing cv for the base to review but we cannot guarantee approval.

Charts + pilot books
All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are issued at your chart briefing.

Sailing permits + taxes
No reservation is possible in marinas in the Balearics. A passing-through berth is generally available for the night. In August, especially in Ibiza some Marinas are already full by early afternoon.    

Announce yourself on VHF channel 9.

The prices for one night are between:

70 – 100 € for a 41’ Monohull
90 – 130 € for a 44’ Catamaran
Guests slips are often free at local Yacht Clubs                                                                             

Below are suggested parks accessible along the cruising itinerary.

All park entry fees are paid upon arrival.

La Rapita
Founded by CharlesIII of Spain as a port to serve trade with the Spanish colonies, and constructed in the neoclassical style of the period: The town has two large marinas, a beach, a market and many shops and fish restaurants –shellfish or prawns are excellent here as this is a major fishing port.

Porto Cristo
Porto Cristo is a typical Spanish fishing village, a quiet resort, perfect if you want to retreat and get away from it all. Porto Cristo beach is well protected from the wind and seaborne storms. The situation of the beach means that it is an ideal spot for swimming right from the start of summer.

Porto Petro
A small port with wonderful coves for swimming such as Cala Barca

Cabrera
A natural reserve since 1991. Just over an hour sailing from Majorca, this group of islands and rocky isles, fantastic wildlife flora and fauna and a 14th century Castle make it well worth a visit.

Formentera
Formentera lies a few miles to the south of Ibiza. With its palm-fringed sandy beaches and clear, turquoise waters, this island is reminiscent of the Caribbean when the temperatures really rise in the summer. The long sandy spit of Illetas on the north side of the island is a favourite anchorage with magnificent views across the straits.

Ibiza
A fifty-mile sail southwest of Mallorca, Ibiza is blessed with excellent harbours and marinas, beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters over a sandy floor. Offering superb opportunities for swimming and snorkelling, there are also great facilities ashore, with restaurants, many shops and non-stop action and nightlife in old Ibiza.

Mallorca
Our base in the islands is at the Real Club Nautico de Palma (Royal Palma Yacht Club), framed by the gothic cathedral and citadel. Mallorca (Majorca) is an island of contrasts offering a blend of bustling fishing ports, such as Andraitx, Sóller and Pollença, where some of the finest restaurants and shops are to be found, while the rugged west coast offers fascinating landscapes, with lofty mountains dropping steeply into the sea.

Menorca
Just a half day’s sail from Cala Ratada on Mallorca will bring you to the least populated of the main islands, Menorca. On the west coast lies the historic town of Ciudadela with a delightful harbour and fishing boats. The dockside cafés and restaurants of the natural harbour on Mahon on the southeast coast buzz with activity, while you’ll find total tranquillity in the sheltered inlet at Addaya or in one of the many coves within the Bah’a de Fornells.

The internal sales tax in Spain is known as IVA and varies between 7% and 33% depending on the item bought. Food, wine, and basic requirements are taxed at 7%, most goods and services are charged at 16% and luxury items such as jewellery and cigarettes attract 33% tax. Hotels have a special 7% rate.

Moorings fees + taxes
There are very few mooring balls. Generally you will be anchoring or mooring “Med Style”, which consists of dropping anchor and backing onto a village quay. There are some marinas, where you’ll be able to pay a fee based on boat length for a berth for the night. Your onboard cruising guide will give you complete details of each anchorage.

Health + safety

Travel advice
Mallorca is generally risk-free of contagious disease. Current travel, health, and safety information can be obtained by visiting gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

Travel insurance
Sunsail offers comprehensive travel insurance for your complete peace of mind. If you have your own travel insurance, please make sure that it covers all of the destinations and activities of your Sunsail holiday. Visit here for more details.

*Please note country entry/exit and vaccination/immunisation requirements can and do change. Sunsail is not accountable for these requirement changes and we advise visiting the destination's authority website to receive the latest updates.

Safety
All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets and harnesses, we leave it up to you to decide when personal safety equipment should be worn.

Your health and safety come first. Please review our travel aware information before beginning your holiday.

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Shop

Around the base

Accommodations
Hotel Tryp Bellver 4-Star - directly across from the Sunsail base 
The Melia Palas Atenea 4-star - 5 minute walk away from the Sunsail base 
Hotel Puro 4-Star - stylish hotel in the old town 
Hotel Portixo 4-Star - small hotel at the harbor of Portixol

Banks
Bank charges in Spain are quite high and free banking is very rare. It's quite common to be charged for everything, including withdrawing money from ATMs. When using ATMs you are advised to check what the charges are as they vary between systems.

Post office
Regular mail (carta ordinaria) sent within Spain and Andorra takes approximately three working days for delivery. Mail sent to European destinations takes two to four working days.

Stamps (sellos) may be purchased at post offices and tobacconists (estancos) as well as some stationery shops. Stamped mail can be posted at a post office or a public post box (which are yellow).

For more information visit www.correos.es

Shopping
Palma - The Plaza Juan Carlos I, next to the Cathedral, and the streets around are probably the best shopping areas. Shops usually open from 10.00 in the morning and close at 01.30, to open in the evening from 17.00 to 20.00. However, big shops usually do not close for lunch and are open all day. On Sundays, all shops are closed. Keep in mind on Sundays only the bars and restaurants are open.

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