Colonia Sant Jordi: Classic & Express Boat Tour to Cabrera

If you’re dreaming of escaping the crowds and exploring a pristine natural setting, the Cabrera Island boat tour from Colonia Sant Jordi offers an appealing option. This trip offers a chance to witness some of Mallorca’s most beautiful scenery, learn about its history, and enjoy a relaxing day on the water—all with flexible options to suit your schedule.

What makes this tour compelling? We love its breathtaking views, the opportunity to visit a protected national park, and the chance to choose between a longer exploration or a quick trip. The main catch? The tour doesn’t include meals or entrance fees, so packing snacks and water is essential. Overall, it’s ideal for travelers who want a mix of adventure, cultural insight, and plenty of time to unwind amid nature.

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Key Points

Natural beauty: Cabrera Island is a stunning part of Mallorca’s protected national park, known for crystal-clear waters and diverse flora.
Flexible options: Choose between the Classic Tour (4 hours free on island) or the Express Tour (1-hour free), depending on how much time you want to spend exploring.
Rich cultural sites: Visit historic landmarks like the 15th-century watchtower, the museum of Cabrera, and archeological remains from Roman and Byzantine periods.
Water activities: Enjoy swimming at Sa Platgeta and Espalmador, and potentially entering the famous Blue Cave if conditions permit.
Practical details: The tour lasts between 3 to 6 hours, with a friendly, multilingual crew focused on making your experience memorable.
Authentic reviews: Visitors frequently praise the friendly staff and the stunning scenery, making it clear this tour offers true value.

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The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect

The journey begins at Colonia Sant Jordi, a charming seaside town with a strong maritime vibe. From here, you’ll hop aboard a boat that takes you across the crystal waters toward the Na Foradada, the first island of the Cabrera Archipelago. This initial leg of the trip is usually smooth and scenic, giving you plenty of photo opportunities of Mallorca’s rugged coastline and turquoise sea.

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Arrival at Cabrera Island

Once you arrive at the Port of Cabrera, you’ll be welcomed by a knowledgeable park guide who provides a brief introduction to the island’s natural and cultural history. This is a good moment to ask questions or get tips on what to explore first. Keep in mind that entrance to the island is controlled, and the park’s management ensures visitor numbers stay sustainable—so you’ll be sharing this pristine environment with only a limited number of travelers.

Exploring Cabrera Island

The main attractions include a mix of historical sites and natural beauty:

The Castle: A 15th-century watchtower that offers views over the island and a glimpse into its defensive past.
The Museum of Cabrera: Housed in a former family cellar, this museum showcases local history and the island’s cultural evolution.
Archaeological sites: Remnants from Roman, Byzantine, and French times provide a fascinating insight into Cabrera’s long history. Reviewers note that the French monument is a poignant reminder of the island’s wartime past.
Beaches: Relax at Sa Platgeta and Espalmador, where the clear waters invite swimming and water-based relaxation.
The Botanic Garden: A compact but well-curated area showcasing endemic flora, perfect for a gentle walk.
The Ensiola Lighthouse: The island’s last lighthouse, offering panoramic views for those who enjoy a scenic walk.

Water-Based Activities and Relaxation

One of the tour’s highlights is a stop at Sa Cova (Blue Cave)—weather permitting, you might get to enter and even enjoy a swim inside this famous sea cave. Guests have described this as a refreshing and memorable experience. Post-cave, the boat takes you back along the coast for a relaxed swim or sunbathing session before heading back to Colonia Sant Jordi.

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Duration and Free Time

Your free time on the island varies depending on your chosen option. The Classic Tour allows for around 4 hours of exploration, which many reviewers found enough to enjoy a mix of sightseeing, relaxing, and swimming. The Express Tour, with just 1 hour of free time, is more suited to those wanting a quick taste of Cabrera, perhaps combined with a different activity later in the day.

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Practical Details and Tips for a Smooth Experience

Booking and Flexibility

This tour offers the convenience of free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, making it flexible if your plans change. You also pay only when you’re ready to confirm, which adds to the peace of mind.

What to Bring

Given there are no restaurants or water fountains on the island, packing water, snacks, and comfortable shoes is essential. A passport or ID is required, especially if you plan to walk around or visit the lighthouse. The tour crew speaks several languages (Catalan, English, German, Spanish), ensuring clear communication.

Duration and Departure Times

The tour lasts between 3 to 6 hours, with availability varying throughout the day. It’s advisable to arrive 30 minutes early at the meeting point—most notably the supplier’s office—to exchange your ticket and avoid last-minute stress.

Cost and Value

While the tour doesn’t include food or entrance tickets, its value lies in the curated experience—visiting a protected national park, exploring historic sites, and enjoying scenic boat rides. The price is reasonable considering the multiple activities packed into a single trip.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Many travelers highlight the quality of the crew, describing them as friendly and punctual. One reviewer called the experience “super beautiful,” while another appreciated the organized nature of the trip and the controlled access to protect the environment.

The Blue Cave stop consistently receives praise for being a highlight—some guests say it’s a “true pleasure” to swim inside or simply admire from the boat if entry isn’t possible. The scenery is frequently described as “stunning,” with clear waters and untouched landscapes making for memorable photos.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This boat tour is perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. If you enjoy scenic boat rides, exploring small islands, and learning about cultural sites, you’ll find this trip rewarding. It’s also well-suited for travelers wanting a relaxed day on the water with options for quick or extended exploration.

However, those seeking luxury amenities or a full-day adventure with meals might find this experience a bit basic. It’s more about authentic access to Cabrera’s natural beauty than a luxury cruise.

The Sum Up

The Colonia Sant Jordi: Classic & Express Boat Tour to Cabrera offers a balanced blend of scenic views, cultural insights, and relaxing water activities. Its flexible options mean you can tailor the experience to fit your schedule—whether you want an in-depth visit or a quick taste of the island’s charm.

You’ll love the stunning landscapes, the opportunity to explore historic sites, and the friendly crew that enhances the overall experience. The tour’s focus on preserving Cabrera’s natural environment makes it a responsible and enriching outing.

For travelers who appreciate authentic natural beauty, enjoy light outdoor activity, and want to learn a little about local history, this trip ticks all the boxes. Just remember to bring water, some snacks, and a sense of adventure for a memorable day on Mallorca’s lesser-known gem.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour duration is between 3 and 6 hours, depending on the option you select and the availability of the boat.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes the boat ride, a guide’s introduction on arrival, and access to Cabrera Island’s main sites. Food, drinks, and entrance tickets are not included.

Can I swim in the Blue Cave?
Yes, weather conditions permitting, you can enter and swim inside Sa Cova (the Blue Cave), which many find to be a highlight of the trip.

What are the differences between the classic and express options?
The main difference is the amount of free time on Cabrera: approximately 4 hours in the classic tour versus 1 hour in the express option.

Is there a dress code or specific gear I should bring?
Comfortable shoes and water-resistant clothing are recommended. Don’t forget your passport or ID, especially if you plan to walk around or visit the lighthouse.

Are there any age restrictions?
The information does not specify age restrictions, but the experience is family-friendly for those capable of walking and enjoying outdoor activities.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is advised to secure your spot and benefit from flexible payment options like “Reserve now & pay later.”

What if my plans change?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind if your schedule shifts.

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The tour’s group size is manageable, and the multilingual crew ensures a friendly environment for all.

This detailed review aims to equip you with everything you need to decide if this boat trip to Cabrera fits your Mallorca adventure. Happy exploring!