As the summer heat eases, Mallorca might just be at its most magical – fewer crowds, cooler air, and a Mediterranean that stays deliciously warm well into the first days of Autumn. September and October are the perfect months to swap land for water, and if you’re staying near Sóller, one of the most unforgettable ways to spend a Tramuntana-on-sea day with family is a boat trip from Port de Sóller to Cala Tuent.
Half the fun of course, is getting there, and this journey is spectacular from start to finish. Dramatic cliffs, hidden caves, a waterfall, and turquoise swim spots along the way. As you turn into the Cala Tuent, you feel as if you’ve stumbled across Mallorca at its most unspoilt. No hotels, no crowds, just crystal clear water and pine-fronted mountain peaks.
Boats leave from Port de Sóller and you can choose your style of travel:
A shared speedboat tour (max 12) for the thrill-seekers – kids tend to love this option. We like SollerMar for their super splash factor, swim stops and local insight along the way. Tickets include return fare and plenty of time for lunch a swim. Suitable for children aged 2yrds+ with kids prices and a resident discount available.
For those who prefer a slow day at sea, try a classic boat cruise with Bonnie Lass Charters. Book a private charter and go at your own pace, pack the paddle boards and enjoy a picnic and drinks on board.
Alternatively, try the ferry service with Barcos Azules, a no-fuss way to reach Cala Tuent (no swim stops or coastal exploring). Don’t forget to book your return journey too!
Kids will love the dark caves you can cruise right into, gorges carved deep into the Tramuntana, and swim spots so clear you’ll want to dive straight in.
Highlights include Sa Illeta – a craggy islet poking out above the water, and Torrent de Na Mora – a dramatic canyon that drops straight into the sea. Much of the year, a freshwater waterfall spills into turquoise water below. Legend has it smugglers once used this gorge to sneak goods ashore. Today, canyoneers wait for the rains to tackle it with ropes and helmets. Much easier to admire it from the boat.
Stepping onto the little jetty of Cala Tuent is like stepping back in time. Rugged, untamed, and refreshingly free from sunloungers, it’s all about pebbles, pines, and crystal clear turquoise water. There are no shops, no cars, and you’ll likely share the bay with just a few boats, a handful of hungry hikers and quite possibly a goat or two.
For lunch, clamber up the seaside path to Restaurant Es Vergeret perched just above the beach – rustic, relaxed, and the kind of place where you linger over hearty Mallorcan dishes, paella and knockout views. Book ahead for a sea-edge table. Or keep it simple and pack a picnic to enjoy under the trees. Either way, there’s plenty of safe space for kids to climb, explore, run free while you soak it all in.
After lunch stroll back to the beach for a snooze or snorkel before boarding your boat back to the Port.
Duration: Allow at least 5 hours for the return journey by speed boat, swim stops, lunch a beach swim (longer if sailing or traveling or slow cruise). Schedules are fixed so make sure to keep an eye on the time.
Lunch: Book at Es Vergeret or pack a picnic.
Extras: Some boats continue on to Sa Calobra, a spectacular setting in its own right, but with less beach and a lot more people.
What to bring: Swimwear, beach snacks, rock shoes for beach play, hats (there is little shade on the beach), picnic if not eating in the restaurant, and a light jacket for the breezy return trip.