Santa Ponsa & Cala Fornells: Self-Drive Boat Rental No License

Summary

Santa Ponsa boat rental for exploring bays and hidden coves

You’ll set off from Santa Ponsa behind your own wheel—no license needed—and trace the coast past Costa de la Calma and Paguera’s lively beaches. Swim or snorkel in Cala Fornells’ clear blue water and spot quiet corners only visible from the sea. With petrol included and an ice cooler for your drinks, you can just focus on drifting along—and maybe getting a little sunburnt.

What’s the experience like?

I’d never actually steered a boat before, so when we showed up at the little dock in Santa Ponsa and saw the Bayliner bobbing there, I was half-nervous, half-grinning. The guy handing us the keys (I think his name was Markus?) gave us a quick run-through—super patient with my questions about the engine and where not to beach it. The sea had that salty, mineral smell that gets into your hair. We shoved off with our own playlist crackling from a tiny speaker, cooler packed with ice (they had some left), and the sun already warming up my shoulders.

It’s funny how different everything looks from the water. The cliffs near Costa de la Calma are pale and kind of crumbly up close—nothing like what you see from the road. We drifted past Paguera’s busy beaches, waving at a couple of kids who yelled something in German. When we reached Cala Fornells, the water turned this impossible shade of turquoise. I jumped in first (cold shock!) while my friend tried to fit her snorkel mask over her sunglasses—don’t ask me why. There were tiny fish everywhere; I lost track of time just floating there.

We kept going as far as Camp de Mar before turning back, passing a few locals fishing quietly from rocks—they nodded but didn’t say much. Steering wasn’t hard after all; you don’t need a license for this boat anyway, which still surprises me. Heading home with wet hair and salt on my skin, I realized I’d forgotten about my phone for hours. That almost never happens anymore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour of Mallorca's coastal bays

• See Santa Ponsa beach from sea
• Explore Paguera beaches by boat
• Swim and snorkel at Cala Fornells
• Discover Camp de Mar from sea

Top questions

Do I need a boating license to rent this boat?

No, you don’t need a license to drive this 15 HP Bayliner Element E5.

How many people can go on the boat?

The boat fits up to 5 people per rental.

Is petrol included in the price?

Yes, petrol is included with your booking.

What areas can we visit during our rental?

You can explore Santa Ponsa, Costa de la Calma, Paguera, Cala Fornells, and Camp de Mar by sea.

Is there somewhere to keep drinks cold?

A cooler with ice cubes is provided if available—bring your own drinks.

What do I need to bring on the day?

Please bring your ID or passport for check-in.

Is there a deposit required?

A deposit of 250 euros is paid on the day of your excursion.

Can weather affect our booking?

The operator may cancel due to weather; you’ll be offered rebooking or refund if that happens.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a Bayliner Element E5 boat (no license needed), all fuel costs covered, final cleaning after your trip, plus an ice-filled cooler for your own drinks if available—just bring ID and enjoy exploring Mallorca’s coast at your own pace.