Mallorca’s coastline is ideal for snorkelling with kids. The water’s clear almost everywhere, many of the best coves are calm and shallow enough to wade straight in, and there’s no need to swim far before the fish life starts. You won’t find coral here, but you will find rocky coves full of fish, octopus tucked into crevices, and plenty of calm, shallow water where a first-timer can stand up, clear their mask, and try again.
Most of the coves of the southeast are ideal for beginners snorkelling – Cala Llombards, the beaches around Cala d’Or, and all those dotted along the protected coastline around Porto Cristo. In the southwest, the small coves at Portals Vells are ideal if you arrive before the boats, as are the rocks near Santa Ponsa and the beaches of Sant Elm.
The six below are the ones we love best specifically for underwater adventures, with more marine life than most, or for underwater scenery that’s a step up from the rest.
1.
Cala Sant Vicenç
Picturesque coves with a dramatic mountain setting
Cala Sant Vicenç is one of Mallorca’s best family snorkelling spots, with three beaches, Cala Molins, Cala Barques and Cala Clara, sitting side by side in the same sheltered bay. Cala Molins is the easiest option, with a sandy entry and shallower water that suits all ages. Cala Barques has a mix of sand and rocks, while Cala Clara is smaller and more rugged, with rock pools and crevices that are great for exploring.
2.
Cala Santanyí
South coast cove, great for beginners with Es Pontas adventures nearby
A narrow cove on the southeast coast, closed in by rocky headlands that keep the water calm even when it’s choppy further along the coast. Cala Santanyí Diving has operated here for over twenty years and rents masks, snorkels and fins if you haven’t brought your own. Around the headland to the west is the Es Pontàs rock arch, a special spot for snorkelling with older kids but you’ll need a boat, SUP or kayak to reach it safely. Check with the dive centre for suitable options.
3.
S’Illot
Island adventures for all ages near Alcúdia
A rocky beach that feels remote and away from the sun-seeking crowds, but is popular with kids for rock jumping as well as snorkelling. A small island sits just offshore, and it’s perfect for snorkelling around. There’s a seasonal chiringuito up on the rocks, plus picnic spots if you want to make a morning of it, or head up to the Victoria Península mirador for an ice cream with a view.
4.
Caló d’en Monjo
A forest hike to an escapist rocky cove
A quiet cove on the southwest coast, near Cala Fornells but only reached by a 1.5km walk through pine forest, there’s no road access or parking nearby. It’s a rockier spot than most beaches on this stretch, with very little sand (and what’s there is dark and coarse), small caves near the shore on one side, and crystal clear water full of fish. There are no facilities anywhere along the path or at the cove, so bring water, snacks, shade and rock shoes.
5.
Cala Deià
Big rocks, turquoise water and a fish lunch to finish
Skip this one in summer! Cala Deià is a rather well known (understatement) cove with no sand and big rocks – water shoes are essential, the water gets deep quickly, and there’s no lifeguard, very little shade and no public toilets. Best for confident swimmers rather than younger children and always best outside summer when access is easier and the beach is quieter.
For more info, parking and eating tips: Cala Deià guide.
6.
Cala Varques
Crystal clear water and caves, best visited by boat
A top spot, but only if you’re arriving by boat, the coastal hike is too long to manage with kids in summer. Instead rent a boat or join a guided snorkelling tour from nearby Porto Cristo. Come the shoulder season, the hike itself becomes manageable for older kids, though it’s at least 50 minutes each way, so it’s worth treating as a proper hike with a snorkel stop midway, rather than a quick walk to the beach.
Image courtesy of Skualo
Mallorca’s top Snorkelling spots
If you’re happy to venture beyond Mallorca’s coastline, the island’s offshore marine reserves offer some of the best snorkelling in the Balearics. The protected waters around Cabrera, Sa Dragonera and the Malgrats Islands are home to healthy Posidonia seagrass meadows, rocky reefs and a wide variety of marine life. Fishing is banned or heavily restricted around all three, which is why fish populations here are noticeably richer than at many mainland beaches.
These aren’t places you can simply drive to with a mask and snorkel. You’ll need to join a boat trip or guided excursion, but the water clarity and visibility make it worth the effort. Conditions are usually calmest in the morning.
- Cabrera: the protected national park off the south coast. Excursions a Cabrera run day trips from Colònia de Sant Jordi, including a snorkelling stop at the Blue Cave (Sa Cova Blava) as standard on their Classic Tour. No personal permit needed, the operator handles that, but book ahead as numbers are limited. Best for families with older children who can manage a full day out.
- Malgrats Islands: a small marine reserve just ten minutes offshore from Santa Ponsa. Zoea Mallorca run a guided family snorkelling trip here, all gear provided, suitable from around age 8, and the fishing restrictions mean noticeably better marine life than the open coast nearby.
- Sa Dragonera: Sa Calma Boats run trips from Sant Elm and Port d’Andratx. Around a 30-minute walk from the landing point to the best spots, so best for older children and teenagers rather than a typical family beach day. No facilities on the island, so take plenty of water and snacks.
Protecting Posidonia
The clear water Mallorca’s known for is largely down to Posidonia oceanica, a seagrass found only in the Mediterranean and a true flowering plant, not algae. Its grassy meadows shelter juvenile fish, keep the water clear, and help hold the coastline in place. It’s protected under EU law, and it’s slow-growing, a damaged meadow can take decades to recover. Never stand on it, and keep boats and equipment clear of it. Swim or float over it instead.
Family Snorkelling Tips
- Snorkel in the morning when the sea is usually calmest and visibility is best.
- Water shoes are highly recommended for rocky entries and protection from sea urchins.
- Stay close to the shoreline and explore around rocks, where marine life is most abundant.
- Check our jellyfish guide before you go, they do turn up, especially after stormy weather, and it’s worth knowing what to do if the kids get stung.
Planning a trip to Mallorca? I create personalised itineraries and experiences for families who want to go beyond the beach and experience the best of the island. Get in touch.
