Balearic Islands Operational Guide
Operational notes for visiting yachts in Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera.
This guide brings together key local operational information for the Balearic Islands: anchoring rules, port-water authorisations, Posidonia protection, protected areas, jet ski / water sports rules, waste management, fuel coordination and emergency contacts.
Updated with Estela reference documents: Palma / Alcudia Zone II references, Port of Palma plan, Cabrera National Park leaflet, Sa Dragonera Marine Reserve regulations and Estela arrival notice template.
Estela Contacts
Gennai
Seri
Bloom
Office / delivery address
Estela Shipping Palma S.A.
Avenida Gabriel Roca, 37 Local C Entrada Carrer de la Pedrera 07014 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
971 722 532
638 816 803
682 622 574
619 655 955 erin.bloom@estelashipping.net
Reference / marking: Please clearly mark all parcels and deliveries with the yacht name and vessel type: M/Y or S/Y [YACHT NAME]
Storage and Logistics
Storage address:
Calle Islas Canarias núm. 31, nave núm. 2 Calvià - Islas Baleares 07180 Tel. +34 638 816 803 / +34 971 722 532
Important: all deliveries to the storage facility must be coordinated with Estela in advance. Storage is also available for yacht items for a period of time, for example during refit, between works, or for any operational need during the summer season.
Important operational note
For any anchorage inside port waters, pilotage, special authorisation, tender landing request, fuel at anchorage or Cabrera / protected-area operation, please contact Estela in advance. Unauthorised anchoring in sensitive or port-controlled areas may lead to fines or instructions to move.
General Notes for the Balearic Islands
In the Balearic Islands, yachts are generally considered pleasure / recreational vessels for port operational purposes. They are therefore not normally allowed to berth in commercial port areas unless expressly authorised by the relevant Port Authority. Berthing is usually arranged in marinas, yacht facilities or, where applicable, authorised port anchorage areas.
For yachts over 500 GT, pilotage is compulsory when entering, departing or manoeuvring within the port areas of Palma, Alcudia, Mahon and Ibiza. Marinas are generally contacted on VHF Channel 9. Pilots should normally be contacted on VHF Channel 14, unless other instructions are provided by Port Control or the pilot station.
Posidonia Protection
Posidonia oceanica is a protected Mediterranean seagrass. Anchoring over Posidonia is prohibited. Anchor and chain must be dropped only on sand or other permitted seabed.
Official Posidonia map: https://ideib.caib.es/posidonia/
Assistance by WhatsApp: +34 617 97 51 72
Operational note: in Menorca, anchoring in more than 25 metres may help avoid Posidonia, but every position must still be checked individually.
Arrival Procedures and Required Notifications
● Send ETA / ETD, intended first port or anchorage, last port and next port in advance.
● For vessels over 500 GT entering Palma, Alcudia, Mahon or Ibiza port areas, pilotage must be arranged in advance.
● Any anchorage within port waters requires prior authorisation from the relevant Port Authority or port operator.
● For marina entry, call the marina on VHF Channel 9 and follow the marina's instructions.
● If anchoring in sensitive areas or near port approaches, local VHF / Port Control / pilot notifications may be required case by case.
● For Ciutadella anchorage, contact the pilot / local authority by VHF Channel 14 or by phone, indicating intended anchoring position and schedule.
● For Cabrera, authorisation must be requested with sufficient notice before navigation, mooring, anchoring or landing ashore.
● When relevant, Estela can issue arrival notices to the Border Police / authorities with vessel name, flag, official number, last port and ETA.
Required Documentation
Please send the following documentation and operational details in advance whenever possible.
● Certificate of Registry
● Certificate of Insurance
● Crew list
● Passenger list, if applicable
● Passports, if required for formalities
● Last port and next port
● Ship Sanitation Certificate, if available
● Certificate of Incorporation / Company identification number, in the case of a company
● Garbage / waste requirements, if any
● Fuel or lube oil requirements, if any
● Voltage and amperage of the vessel (helpful for marina / berth / technical coordination)
● Any provisioning, transport, concierge or logistics requests
Port Waters - Anchorage Authorisations
Certain port-water anchorage areas require prior authorisation. Please contact Estela in advance so that we can request the corresponding scale / authorisation. Anchoring without authorisation may lead to sanctions, fines, instructions to move or operational delays.
Area
Palma - Bay of Palma / Cathedral area
Alcudia - Zone II / port waters
Ibiza - port waters / in front of the harbour
Mahon - entrance / bay / port waters
Requirement / note
Prior authorisation required for anchoring within port waters. Official Palma Zone I / Zone II and Port of Palma plans should be checked case by case.
Reference document marked "AS PER C.P." - confirm with Capitania / Port Authority before operation.
Prior authorisation required for anchoring within port waters. Pilotage applies for vessels over 500 GT entering port area.
Prior authorisation required where applicable in port waters. Pilotage applies for vessels over 500 GT entering port area.
Recommended Anchorage Areas / Reference Points
The following positions are general reference points only and must not be used as final anchoring positions. Every anchorage must be checked against nautical charts, weather, depth, swinging room, local restrictions and the official Posidonia map.
Mallorca
Area
Sa Calobra
Cala Deia
Calo d'Egos
Cala Xinxell
Cala Molto
Canyamel
Es Trenc
Bay of Palma
Menorca
Cala Pregonda
Cala del Pilar
Cala Macarella
Cala Macarelleta
Cala Galdana
Mahon port waters
Ciutadella area
Approx. reference coordinates Operational
39°51'17.61"N, 2°48'4.51"E
39°45'45.39"N, 2°38'26.59"E
39°33'9.58"N, 2°21'54.21"E
39°31'45.21"N, 2°35'1.51"E
39°43'39.06"N, 3°27'13.22"E
39°39'9.05"N, 3°26'42.65"E
39°20'11.39"N, 2°58'47.00"E
Position to be authorised
Scenic NW coast; exposed depending on weather and swell.
Scenic coastal stop; check swell, depth and swinging room.
Check seabed, depth, space and weather before confirming.
Subject to local restrictions, traffic and Posidonia check.
Check Posidonia and local restrictions.
Possible east coast reference; check swell and seabed.
Sandy areas possible but sensitive; check Posidonia, bathing areas and restrictions.
Anchoring within port waters, including Cathedral area, requires prior authorisation.
40°03'24.8"N, 4°02'26.2"E
40°03'7"N, 3°58'50"E
39°56'19"N, 3°56'14"E
39°56'11.1"N, 3°56'05.8"E
39°56'19.95"N, 3°57'44.79"E
Subject to port instructions
Position to be checked locally
North coast; check Marine Reserve restrictions and weather.
Exposed north coast; weather dependent.
Very sensitive and busy; more suitable as scenic reference / tender visit.
Sensitive and busy; check restrictions carefully.
Check local restrictions, bathing zones and traffic.
Pilotage compulsory for vessels over 500 GT entering port area.
Strong local restrictions due to channels, fishing port and Posidonia.
Recommended Anchorage Areas / Reference Points (continued)
Ibiza
Cala Bassa
Cala Conta
Cala d'Hort
Playa Ses Salines
Ibiza port waters
Formentera
38°57'43"N, 1°14'8"E
38°57'44.4"N, 1°13'12.5"E
38°53'39"N, 1°14'7"E
38°48'27"N, 1°25'1"E
Position to be authorised
Popular and busy; check Posidonia, bathing areas and traffic.
Busy area; check seabed and restrictions.
Scenic area facing Es Vedra; check weather, swell and restrictions.
Highly sensitive / restricted. Jet skis prohibited in Ses Salines.
Port anchorage / port waters require prior authorisation; pilotage for vessels over 500 GT.
Ses Illetes
S'Espalmador
Cala Saona
La Savina / marina area
Formentera note
38°45'1"N, 1°25'59"E
Position to be checked
Position to be checked
Subject to port instructions
Very sensitive; extensive Posidonia controls and seasonal traffic.
Highly sensitive protected area; check restrictions carefully.
Jet ski permitted area, but anchoring must be checked against Posidonia and local rules.
Coordinate marina / port arrival in advance.
Formentera is especially sensitive due to extensive Posidonia meadows and protected areas. All anchorage positions must be checked carefully before arrival.
Protected Areas and Restrictions
Cabrera National Park
● Prior authorisation is required to sail within the Park limits. Authorisations should be requested ahead of time.
● Cabrera Harbour has moorings to accommodate up to 50 vessels a day; authorisation must be requested in advance.
● There is a two-night limit during July and August and a seven-night limit during the rest of the year.
● Large yachts / vessels over 35 metres require case-by-case special authorisation before entering or operating in Park waters.
● The practice of nautical sports and the use of water vehicles other than authorised auxiliary craft are prohibited.
● Disembarking is only permitted at the main dock in Cabrera Harbour using an auxiliary craft.
● Dumping solid or liquid waste, cleaning bilges and sport fishing are prohibited. Visitors must take all waste to the next port of call.
● Vessels must not exceed 2 knots within Cabrera Harbour bay. Pets are not allowed on the island.
Sa Dragonera Natural Park and Marine Reserve
● Permitted visit timetable: summer 10:00-17:00; winter 10:00-15:00.
● Permitted activities include observation of flora and fauna and photography without leaving authorised paths.
● Prohibited activities include altering natural values, collecting material, feeding fauna, lighting fires, smoking, sport activities other than hiking, camping, drones, dogs and making noise.
● In internal waters, anchoring is forbidden over seagrass meadows including Posidonia oceanica. In external waters, anchoring is strictly forbidden.
● Transit vessels in external waters must respect 6-10 knot speed limits and navigate as far offshore as possible.
● No waste disposal facilities are available in the Park; vessels must take waste back to Mallorca.
● Fishing, diving and other activities may be restricted or require prior authorisation depending on zone and activity.
Other sensitive / restricted areas
● Ses Salines Natural Park
● Northern Menorca Marine Reserve
● Navigation channels and port service zones
● Bathing areas marked by yellow buoys
● Seasonal buoy fields or local no-anchoring areas
● Areas with fishing restrictions or marine reserve rules
Beach Access Channels, Tenders and Water Sports
Beaches with swimming areas may be marked with yellow buoys. These buoys delimit the area reserved for swimmers, where vessels and water toys are not permitted. Tenders, jet skis and other water vehicles may only approach the beach through designated access channels, when these are properly marked with buoys.
• Water vehicles must remain inside the marked channel when approaching or leaving the beach.
• Proceed at minimum safe speed and keep a proper lookout for swimmers, paddle boards, kayaks and other users.
• Outside the marked access channel, tenders and jet skis must remain outside bathing areas and respect the minimum distance from the beach / shoreline.
• If seasonal yellow buoys or access channel markers are not yet laid, do not assume beach approach is permitted; check locally first.
• Local beach, marina and Maritime Authority instructions must always be respected.
Jet Ski / PWC General Rules
• All users must be 16 years old or older.
• Users must hold a valid PWC licence, unless accompanied by a licensed instructor on an authorised tour.
• Life jackets must be worn at all times and kill switches must be attached while operating the PWC.
• Operation should be during daylight hours and in clear weather conditions only.
• Keep at least 200 metres from beaches / shorelines and 50 metres from other vessels.
• Speed is limited to 3 knots inside ports. Beaches should only be approached through authorised and marked channels.
• Jet skis must not be used in prohibited areas, marine reserves, natural parks or restricted navigation zones.
• In Ibiza, jet skis are permitted outside natural park areas; they are completely prohibited in Ses Salines.
• In Formentera, jet skis are only permitted in Sant Agustí, Cala Mitjorn, Es Caló and Cala Saona.
Example of a marked beach access channel for tenders and personal watercraft approaching the shore.
Waste Management, Fuel and Operational Contacts
Garbage Disposal and Waste Management
Requirement
Regular garbage
Black water
Grey water
Oily waste / bilge
Hazardous waste
Protected areas
Operational note
Delivered to marina or authorised port reception facility; certificate / receipt can be requested.
Can be organised through marinas where facilities are available; advance notice required.
Can be organised through marinas where facilities are available; advance notice required.
Requires authorised disposal facility; check availability and documentation.
Batteries, chemicals, paint, filters or other special waste require separate handling.
No waste facilities in Cabrera / Sa Dragonera; all waste must be taken to the next port / back to Mallorca.
Fuel and Lube Oil Coordination
Estela can coordinate fuel supply and lube oil requirements for visiting yachts. Fuel arrangements can be made through Estela in the Bay of Palma and Port Adriano, subject to availability, weather, berth / anchorage position, supplier confirmation and operational conditions.
• Please send quantity, product, preferred delivery window, location and any VAT / documentation requirements.
• For fuel at anchorage, final position and weather must be confirmed before delivery.
• For fuel in marina, berth instructions and marina rules must be checked in advance.
Useful VHF Channels
Channel
VHF 16 Emergency / Coast Guard / Salvamento Marítimo
VHF 14 Pilots / pilotage coordination, unless otherwise instructed
VHF 9 Marinas, unless otherwise instructed
Port Control / working channels To be confirmed according to the final port and arrival instructions
Appendix – Reference Maps
Port-water authorisation areas and protected-area maps
Palma – Zone II / Bay of Palma / Cathedral area
Official reference map. Anchoring in Palma port waters, including the Cathedral area, requires prior authorisation.
Alcudia – Zone II reference
Reference image marked “AS PER C.P.”; any operational use should be confirmed in advance with Capitanía / Port Authority.
Estela Superyacht Agency | Palma de Mallorca
Appendix - Protected Area Maps
Official visual references for Cabrera and Sa Dragonera
Cabrera National Park
Sa Dragonera Natural Park and Marine Reserve
Official regulation map showing internal / external waters and activity restrictions.
Additional Operational Notes
The following notes are included as practical reminders for visiting yachts. Requirements may change and should be checked in advance according to the exact itinerary, activity and local restrictions.
Personal Watercraft / Jet Skis
In the Balearic Islands, personal watercraft such as jet skis must be operated only by persons holding the appropriate valid licence. The driver may be required to show the licence if inspected by the authorities. Failure to comply may result in fines or other sanctions.
• Jet skis must not be used in prohibited areas, marine reserves, natural parks, bathing areas or restricted navigation zones.
• They are prohibited in certain protected areas, including Ses Salines and the highly protected zones around El Toro, Malgrats and El Sec.
Diving Permits
Certain areas of Balearic waters are protected and may require prior authorisation for scuba diving. This applies especially to marine reserves, Cabrera National Park, Sa Dragonera Marine Reserve and other protected areas.
• Please contact Estela before arranging diving activities so that the relevant permits and local restrictions can be checked in advance.
Drone Operations
Drone flights may be restricted or prohibited in protected areas, natural parks, national parks, port areas and near sensitive zones. Drone flights are not permitted in Cabrera National Park.
• Drone use should always be checked in advance according to the intended location, local restrictions and applicable aviation rules.
Cash Declaration / Cash to Master
Travellers entering or leaving the European Union carrying cash or equivalent means of payment of EUR 10,000 or more must declare it to customs. In Spain, movements of means of payment within national territory may also require declaration from EUR 100,000 or more.
• For Cash to Master operations, please inform Estela in advance so that the transfer, withdrawal and any required declaration can be coordinated properly.
Customs Allowances
Customs rules and personal allowances may apply to goods, luggage, alcohol, tobacco and other items brought on board by guests or crew. Requirements may vary depending on whether the yacht, guests or crew are arriving from within or outside the EU.
• Please contact Estela in advance if guests or crew are carrying goods, cash, alcohol, tobacco, high-value items, spare parts or supplies that may require customs advice or declaration.
Fishing Licence
A valid fishing licence is required for recreational fishing in Balearic waters. Requirements may vary depending on the type of fishing, location and whether fishing is carried out from shore, from a boat or underwater.
Fishing is restricted or prohibited in marine reserves, national parks and protected areas.
• Sport fishing is totally prohibited within Cabrera National Park.
• Please check with Estela before any fishing activity so that licence requirements, permitted areas and restrictions can be verified.
Southwest Mallorca Marine Reserve - El Toro, Malgrats and El Sec
A marine reserve has been established around the waters of El Toro, Malgrats and El Sec, off the southwest coast of Mallorca. The area includes highly protected zones with restrictions affecting navigation, diving, fishing, anchoring and personal watercraft.
Vessels transiting highly protected zones should keep speed between 3 and 6 knots, except in emergencies involving human safety.
• Jet skis / personal watercraft are prohibited within the highly protected zones.
• Diving may require prior authorisation.
• Recreational fishing from boats is restricted and may require a specific licence and compliance with local limitations.
• Anchoring near traditional fishing gear deployment areas may be restricted. Please contact Estela before entering, anchoring, diving, fishing or using water toys in this area.
Emergency and Useful Contacts
For any life-threatening emergency, call 112 immediately. For maritime distress, call VHF Channel 16. Estela should be informed as soon as practical so local support can be coordinated.
Palma / Mallorca official contacts - quick reference
Mallorca
Palma
Emergency 112. Salvamento Marítimo VHF 16. Palma / Alcudia pilots generally VHF 14. Marinas VHF 9. Estela Palma Office: +34 971 722 532.
Ibiza Emergency 112. Salvamento Marítimo VHF 16. Ibiza pilots generally VHF 14. Marinas VHF 9. Ses Salines: protected / restricted area; jet skis prohibited.
Menorca Emergency 112. Salvamento Marítimo VHF 16. Mahon pilots generally VHF 14. Ciutadella anchorage should be checked locally in advance. Marinas VHF 9.
Formentera Emergency 112. Salvamento Marítimo VHF 16. Coordinate La Savina / marina arrival in advance. Check Posidonia and Ses Salines restrictions before anchoring or tender operations.