- Departs from the port of Colònia; the crossing is about 40 minutes.
- Express (~3 h) or full day with landing (~6 h) to set foot on the island.
- It almost always stops at the Blue Cave (Cova Blava), with its incredible blue light.
- Guide price: express from ~€45 and full day from ~€58 per adult (child price on request).
- Daily park quota: it fills up in summer, so book ahead.
Boat crossing
Express / full day (adult)
The highlight
Book in summer
Cabrera National Park sits right opposite Colònia de Sant Jordi, and the boat trip to this pristine archipelago is, arguably, the best day out in southern Mallorca. This is the honest guide: what you’ll see, the two options (express or full day with landing), the Blue Cave, guide prices, and how to book so you don’t miss out — because in summer it sells out.
Data: Open-Meteo.
What Cabrera is
Cabrera is a land-and-sea National Park: a small archipelago of islands and islets south of Mallorca, a marine reserve and one of the most pristine corners of the Mediterranean, with almost no buildings. A natural harbour and a 14th-century castle on the rock guard the entrance. The water is crystal-clear and the marine life spectacular — which is why visits are limited by a daily quota.
The two options: express or full day
There are two ways to do it:
- Express (~3 hours): ideal if you’re short on time. You sail to the archipelago, enjoy the coves from the water and the Blue Cave, and head back. Less time ashore.
- Full day with landing (~6 hours): our recommendation if you can. You land on the island, climb to the castle, swim in transparent water and have plenty of time for the Blue Cave. This is how you really experience Cabrera.
| Option | Duration | Landing | Guide price (adult) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express | ~3 h | No (sailing + Blue Cave) | from ~€45 |
| Full day | ~6 h | Yes (island, castle, swim) | from ~€58 |
The Blue Cave (Cova Blava)
The star moment is the Blue Cave: a sea cave where the light comes in from below the water and turns everything an unreal, luminous blue. Most trips go in or stop here for a swim. Wear your swimsuit and bring a snorkel mask — it’s one of those things you don’t forget.
How to book (and why in advance)
You can book online (for example on GetYourGuide) or directly with the local operator Excursions a Cabrera (tel. +34 971 649 034). In summer, booking a few days ahead is essential: the park has a daily visitor quota and places go fast. The early-morning boats tend to be less crowded.
What to do on the island
On the full-day trip you can climb to the castle (views over the whole archipelago), swim in the harbour and turquoise coves, snorkel over Posidonia meadows full of fish, and walk a marked trail. Facilities are minimal (a small bar at the port in season), so bring water and something to eat.
Note: not by rental boat
Cabrera can be visited on authorised excursions or by private vessels with the required CAIB permits. Navigation, mooring and visits have their own conditions. This does not authorise a licence-free boat trip from Colònia: the limits of the boat, skipper and rental agreement still apply.
Book your apartment in the centre of Colònia de Sant Jordi with 5% off, direct — see availability and prices →
The operator, live
“What an amazing trip!! The RIB boat was fast and exhilarating! We did the round the island trip with a couple of stops to swim and an…”Eva Kawafi · 4 years agoOpen nowFrom our apartments: 5 min walk · 3 min driveGet directions (from where you are) →
“Classic cabrera trip. One of the best experiences I've ever had and I've travelled quite a bit. Island is absolutely stunning. If…”Chris Mooney · 3 years agoOpen nowFrom our apartments: 3 min walk · 3 min driveGet directions (from where you are) →
Sorted by Google rating (updates automatically).
Where to stay? See where to stay in Colònia de Sant Jordi: hotels and apartments compared.
The crossing on satellite
FAQ
How long is the Cabrera trip?
It depends: the express lasts about 3 hours and the full day with landing about 6. The boat crossing is around 40 minutes.
How much does it cost?
As a guide, the express (about 3 h) from ~€45 and the full day with landing (about 6 h) from ~€58 per adult; child price on request. Guide prices: they vary by operator and type of trip, and change with the season; confirm when you book (checked August 2026).
Can you land on the island?
Yes, on the full-day trip. The express focuses on sailing the archipelago and the Blue Cave, with less time ashore.
Do I need to book in advance?
In summer, yes: Cabrera has a daily visitor quota and sells out. Book a few days ahead, online or with Excursions a Cabrera (+34 971 649 034).
Can I go to Cabrera on a rental boat?
Cabrera can be visited on authorised excursions or by private vessels with the required CAIB permits. Navigation, mooring and visits have their own conditions. This does not authorise a licence-free boat trip from Colònia: the limits of the boat, skipper and rental agreement still apply.
Sources: verified local operators; locations from Google Maps; indicative prices and times, to confirm with the provider. Reviewed August 2026.
Who it’s for (and who it isn’t)
Great if you want the south’s best nature day: a national park and the Blue Cave.
Skip it if you get seasick easily or are very short on time (half or full day).
Local tip: book ahead in summer —spots sell out— and bring water, a cap and comfy shoes for the landing.
Cabrera permits and visits · CAIB
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