Mallorca Kayak Tour: Sant Elm to Sa Dragonera Island
Paddle to a Pirate Island: Kayaking Mallorca's Southwest Coast
You paddle from the fishing village of Sant Elm across clear water to Sa Dragonera, a protected island with a pirate past. A local guide leads a short hike with views of the mainland and Serra de Tramuntana mountains, then you swim and snorkel in a turquoise cove before paddling back. All equipment (kayak, life jacket, snorkeling gear, waterproof bag) is provided, and no previous kayaking experience is needed.
Step-by-step itinerary
Kayak and hike to Sa Dragonera
- Start in Sant Elm village
- Paddle to Sa Dragonera island
- Join guided hike on island
- Learn about local nature and history
- Swim and snorkel at beach
- Relax and rest on island
- Paddle back to Sant Elm
The experience
The water is still when you push off from Sant Elm. The fishing village sits behind you, small and quiet, and ahead is Sa Dragonera: the former pirate island that's now a protected natural park, rising out of the sea like something you'd only see on a map. Your guide checks the kayak fit one more time, points out the route across crystal-clear water, and then you're moving. No engine noise, no crowds on a tour boat. Just the paddle, the sound of water, and the coast opening up from a perspective most people never get to see. The kayak tour from Sant Elm takes you across at a pace that feels manageable even if you've never paddled before: the guide sets the rhythm, and the water stays calm enough that you can actually look around instead of just holding on.
The paddle itself takes maybe an hour, depending on conditions. Your guide talks as you go: pointing out the Serra de Tramuntana mountains rising behind Sant Elm, explaining what you're seeing in the water and the cliffs. When you reach the small natural harbor at Sa Dragonera, there's a short guided hike waiting. It's not strenuous, but it climbs enough to give you views back across to the mainland and down into the coves below. The guide shares details about the island's history, the plants that grow here, the birds you might spot. It's the kind of information that makes the place feel less like a scenic backdrop and more like somewhere that actually exists, with its own story.
After the hike, you have time to swim and snorkel in the turquoise water at a small beach. The snorkeling gear is included (mask, fins, the works), and the water is clear enough that you can see the bottom without trying. Some people wade in shallow, others swim out a bit. There's no schedule pushing you. It's a break built into the day. Then the paddle back to Sant Elm happens in the late afternoon light, when the water often goes even calmer and the whole coast looks different than it did in the morning.
The tour includes life jackets, kayaks, snorkeling equipment, waterproof bags to keep your things dry, and water shoes. A professional guide leads the whole thing and does a safety briefing before you leave. The route can shift depending on weather and sea conditions. That's not a flaw, it's the thing that keeps it safe. Groups stay small, which means the guide actually knows who you are and can adjust the pace if someone needs it. Public transportation runs near Sant Elm if you're not driving, so getting there isn't complicated.
What’s included
Kayak, life jacket, paddle, snorkeling equipment including mask and fins, waterproof bag to protect your belongings, water shoes, professional guide, safety briefing, and a guided hike on Sa Dragonera island with insights into local history, culture, flora and fauna.
Information
Lasts 3h, from € 59 per person, with a live guide in English, Spanish and German, in groups of up to 12 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.
Prices and times updated 4 days ago
Operated by Keida Enjoy Mallorca
Is this one for you?Best for active travelers and nature lovers who want to reach an island under their own power rather than by tour boat, and who don't mind that the route shifts with weather: that flexibility is what keeps the paddle safe and the experience genuine.
Traveler reviews
Compare the 6 alternatives
- 1,307 reviews
- 4.81★
- Duration
- 3h
- 138 reviews
- 4.96★
- Duration
- 3h
- start times · Every day
- 2
- 29 reviews
- 4.45★
- Duration
- 3h
- 24 reviews
- 4.63★
- Duration
- 3h
- 24 reviews
- 4.58★
- Duration
- 4h
- Duration
- 2h
- start times · Every day
- 2
Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English, Spanish and German.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (9 to 17 years); Child (3 to 8 years): free. Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
Do I need kayaking experience?
No. The tour is beginner-friendly and designed for all fitness levels. A professional guide leads the pace and includes a safety briefing before departure.
What's included in the tour?
Kayak, life jacket, paddle, snorkeling equipment, waterproof bag, water shoes, and a guided hike on Sa Dragonera with a local expert.
How long is the paddle to Sa Dragonera?
Around one hour at a relaxed pace, depending on sea conditions and weather.
Can the route change?
Yes. The route may vary based on weather and sea conditions to ensure a safe experience.
Is there swimming and snorkeling?
Yes. After the guided hike, there's time to swim and snorkel in the turquoise waters at a small beach on the island.
How do I get to Sant Elm?
Public transportation options are available nearby. If you're driving, Sant Elm is a small fishing village on Mallorca's southwest coast.
What's the group size?
Groups stay small, allowing for personal guidance from the local guide and a more intimate experience.
What should I bring?
Sunscreen, a towel, and a change of clothes. All water equipment and safety gear are provided.
Mallorca Kayak Tour: Sant Elm to Sa Dragonera Island
3h · EN · ES · DE
from € 59 per person
≈ US$ 67 in your currency