Cabrera National Park by Yacht: The Complete Guide
The Cabrera Archipelago Maritime-Terrestrial National Park is one of the Mediterranean's last truly pristine marine environments — and visiting by private yacht is the most exclusive way to experience it. Located just 10 nautical miles south of Mallorca, this protected archipelago offers crystal-clear waters, rare wildlife, underwater caves, and a sense of isolation that's increasingly rare in the modern Mediterranean.
Why Cabrera Is Special
Cabrera was declared a National Park in 1991, and the strict protection has allowed its marine ecosystem to recover to a state rarely seen elsewhere in the Mediterranean:
- One of the best-preserved marine ecosystems in the western Mediterranean
- Crystal-clear visibility — often exceeding 30 metres
- Rich marine life: Grouper, barracuda, octopus, moray eels, and extensive Posidonia meadows
- Endemic species: The Lilford's wall lizard (Podarcis lilfordi), found only on Cabrera and a few other Balearic islets
- Historical significance: A 14th-century castle overlooks the harbour, and the island served as a prisoner-of-war camp during the Napoleonic Wars
Permit Requirements — Essential Information
Visiting Cabrera by yacht requires advance planning. The park strictly limits the number of vessels to protect the environment:
Navigation Permit
- Required for all vessels entering the park waters
- Free of charge
- Valid for 12 months
- Applied for through the Govern Balear (Balearic Government) website
Mooring Buoy Permit
- Required for any vessel wishing to moor in the harbour
- Maximum 50 vessels per day — this fills up quickly in summer
- Booking window: 3–20 days in advance
- Stay limits:
| Period | Maximum Stay |
|---|---|
| July–August | 2 nights |
| June, September | 2 nights |
| October–May | 7 nights |
Key Rules
- No anchoring — all vessels must use mooring buoys
- No fishing without a specific permit
- No collecting marine life, shells, or plants
- No diving without a specific permit
- Day moorings available from 1 hour after dawn to 1 hour before sunset
- All waste must be taken back to Mallorca
What to See in Cabrera
The Blue Cave (Cova Blava)
The undisputed highlight of any Cabrera visit. This sea cave, accessible only by small boat or swimming, creates an extraordinary blue light effect as sunlight refracts through the underwater entrance. The interior glows with an ethereal blue luminescence that's genuinely breathtaking.
How to visit: Your yacht crew will take you by tender. Swimming into the cave is also possible for confident swimmers. The best light is typically between 10:00 and 14:00.
Cabrera Harbour
The main anchorage is a perfectly sheltered natural harbour surrounded by low hills. The water is extraordinarily clear — you can see the seabed at 10+ metres. The harbour is home to the park's information centre, the castle, and a small museum.
Castle of Cabrera
The 14th-century castle sits on a hill overlooking the harbour. A short hike (15 minutes) leads to the top, where panoramic views extend across the archipelago and back to Mallorca. The castle has served various military purposes over the centuries and is now a protected monument.
Cap de Llebeig Lighthouse
A longer hike (approximately 1 hour each way) leads to the lighthouse on the western tip of the island. The trail passes through fragrant Mediterranean scrubland with views of the surrounding islets.
Marine Life
The waters around Cabrera are a marine biologist's dream. Snorkelling from your yacht, you're likely to encounter:
- Large grouper (some over 1 metre)
- Barracuda
- Octopus
- Moray eels
- Colourful wrasse and damselfish
- Extensive Posidonia meadows teeming with life
How to Visit by Charter
From Palma / Marina Cuarentena
- Distance: Approximately 35 nautical miles
- Transit time: 2–2.5 hours by motor yacht (20–25 knots)
- Feasibility: Full day trip possible, but it's a long day
From Colònia de Sant Jordi (Closest Port)
- Distance: Approximately 10 nautical miles
- Transit time: 30–45 minutes by motor yacht
- Feasibility: Comfortable day trip with plenty of time at anchor
Recommended Itinerary (Full Day from Palma)
- 08:30 — Depart Marina Cuarentena
- 11:00 — Arrive Cabrera harbour, moor on buoy
- 11:30 — Tender to Blue Cave
- 12:30 — Swimming and snorkelling in the harbour
- 13:30 — Lunch on board
- 14:30 — Hike to the castle (optional)
- 15:30 — More swimming, water sports
- 16:00 — Depart Cabrera
- 18:30 — Return to Palma
Best Months to Visit
- May–June: Quieter, easier to get mooring permits, pleasant temperatures
- July–August: Warmest water, but permits sell out fast
- September–October: Warm water, fewer visitors, golden light
Why Charter with Us for Cabrera
When you book a Cabrera day charter with OK Yachts, we handle all the logistics:
- Permit applications — We secure your navigation and mooring permits in advance
- Route planning — Our captains know the best approach and timing for the Blue Cave
- Catering — Full gourmet lunch prepared on board (all waste returned to Mallorca)
- Snorkelling equipment — Provided for all guests
- Expert knowledge — Our crew can identify marine life and share the island's history
This is one of the most popular charters we offer, and for good reason. Browse our fleet to find the perfect yacht for your Cabrera adventure, or contact us to check permit availability for your preferred dates.
