The Hotels Viva Blog

Tips for traveling to Mallorca by boat | Hotels VIVA

Written by Elisabeth Blue | Mar 3, 2023 11:31:57 AM

One of the best ways to travel to Mallorca is to take a boat from the Spanish ports of Denia, Valencia, or Barcelona

Getting around the Balearic Islands using this means of transport is also easy because there are regular connections from Ibiza, Ciutadella, Formentera and Mahón to the ports of Palma and Alcúdia. 

At present, several companies operate these routes, and there are many different connections.

 Tips to organize your trip to Mallorca by boat 

These 8 tips will help you to organise your trip to Mallorca by boat:

  • Book in advance. Boats and ferries have a limited number of places and it's important to get your tickets well in advance, especially if you're travelling in a group or on special dates such as Bank Holiday weekends.

  • Choose fixed or flexible return dates. You can choose either closed or open tickets. The latter are usually valid for several days.

  • Try to be on time. Breakdowns or traffic jams on the way to the port can easily put a spanner in the works, so it's advisable to leave plenty of time to get there. Moreover, boat companies have a check-in deadline, especially if you're travelling with pets or if you're going to board with your car.

  • Check your documentation. Remember to carry the necessary documentation (ID card, passport, driving licence, etc.), as you'll need it to enter the port. Minors must also carry theirs, and, if they aren't accompanied by adults, they'll need the relevant authorisation. 

  • Follow the boarding procedures. The staff will brief you on how to board and the procedure at the pre-boarding platform. Normally, when you purchase your ticket you'll receive an e-ticket to check in. If you book with an agency and don't have an e-ticket, you can go to the company's ticket office to request your boarding pass.  

  • Plan the car boarding. If you're travelling to Mallorca by boat and you're taking your car, check the dimensions of the vehicle before buying the ticket. Some companies have an application where you can specify the make and model to find out the exact dimensions and the boarding fare. Don't forget that if your car is one of the first on the ferry, it'll be one of the last to leave, and vice versa. 

  • Take the essentials onto the boat/ferry. During your boat trip to Mallorca you won't be able to go down to the parking area to get anything you may have forgotten from your car. We recommend that you take everything you might need onboard - medicines, nappies, feeding bottles or toys for the children, as well as phones, chargers, gadgets, etc. If you're not travelling with your car, you'll want to move around freely without having to haul your luggage about, so leave your bags in the designated areas. It's a good idea to bring a jacket or blanket in case it gets cold. 

  • An orderly disembarkation. During disembarkation, the crew will ask you to respect some rules to ensure an efficient and safe exit from the boat. To avoid any potential problems, be prepared in good time and check to make sure you haven't forgotten anything on the boat.

Advantages of travelling by boat 

There are a number of advantages to travelling to Mallorca by boat, such as:

  • Being in close contact with the sea. Travelling by boat will bring you into contact with the sea and, if it's good weather, you'll be able to enjoy the refreshing sea breeze on deck. 

  • Relaxation. It can be so relaxing and soothing to be in the middle of nowhere, away from traffic jams and noise pollution, listening to the gentle lapping of the waves.

  • Incredible views. It's no surprise that you'll get the urge to take photos from the boat - the vast expanse of blue water around you can be truly inspiring. 

  • Speed.  Going by boat is a fast way to travel. As long as there's no bad weather, the journeys between the Spanish mainland and the island of Mallorca are usually smooth, and there's no "traffic congestion" to make us change speed or carry out abrupt manoeuvres.

  • Comfort. Your trip to Mallorca by boat should be very pleasant and comfortable. As well as enjoying the views and the sea breeze, you can read a good book, listen to music, watch films or series, or even play some board games.


You'll arrive at your destination in the blink of an eye, and your room at your VIVA Hotel will be ready to welcome you. We can't wait to see you!