Boat Charter to Sant Elm from Portals – 4 Things Making St Elm a Cruise to Tranquillity

The Western Route – Cruising Towards Sant Elm

Setting off from Portals, one of Mallorca’s most refined marinas, Sant Elm may feel like a remote village — but it’s perfectly accessible on a leisurely cruise along the island’s dramatic south-western coastline. The route from Portals Nous takes you past rocky outcrops, sea caves, and iconic anchorages like Cala Fornells, Cala Llamp, and the coastline near Andratx. The further west you travel, the more the rugged landscape reveals itself.

On a Portals Nous boat charter, Sant Elm represents one of the furthest navigable day-trip destinations before rounding the island’s tip. Yet the journey is every bit as enjoyable as the destination, and if you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins along the way or stop in a neighbouring bay for a morning swim before continuing on to Sant Elm.

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Anchoring Beside Dragonera, a Magnificent, Protected Natural Backdrop

One of the defining features of any boat charter to Sant Elm from Portals is the proximity to Sa Dragonera — the long, dragon-shaped island that sits just offshore, shielding Sant Elm’s bay from the open sea. Now a protected nature reserve, Dragonera adds both ecological value and cinematic beauty to your stop here. Its wild silhouette dominates the view from Sant Elm, providing a dramatic and unique backdrop for swimming, relaxing onboard, or simply enjoying lunch with a view.

Yachts and day boats often anchor in the deeper turquoise channel between Dragonera and the mainland. The water is calm and ideal for jumping in — with snorkelling and paddle boarding among the popular pastimes in this spot. It’s also the perfect photo opportunity: your yacht, Dragonera Island, and the terracotta-toned buildings of Sant Elm glowing in the background.

Life On Land – The Charm of Sant Elm Town

Unlike some secluded coves around the island, Sant Elm is more than just a beach — it’s a functioning, laid-back village with year-round life and a definite character. As you step ashore from your tender (especially if you’re headed to the well-loved Es Raor restaurant), the village unfolds with just the right amount of atmosphere. Its beach promenade is dotted with low-key restaurants, ice cream parlours, cafés, and small artisan shops, offering a distinctly local vibe that contrasts with the more polished destinations closer to Palma.

If you’re interested in browsing for gifts or just fancy a stroll in flip-flops and sun-kissed skin, Sant Elm makes it easy. It’s compact and friendly, with a pedestrian seafront, and has managed to retain a traditional Balearic spirit despite its growing popularity among in-the-know travellers.

 

One of the most appealing reasons to include Sant Elm in your South Mallorca boat charter itinerary is its relaxed food scene. It’s the kind of place where lunch slowly rolls into late afternoon, especially when taken on a shaded terrace overlooking the water.

Several restaurants in Sant Elm are popular among yacht visitors, particularly for seafood and grilled fish. You’ll also find traditional Mallorcan cuisine, Mediterranean favourites, and refreshing drinks served with no fuss and genuine warmth. Whether you’re coming ashore to dine or opting to enjoy a catered meal back on deck, this is a place that encourages long, easygoing meals under the sun or stars.

With Dragonera forming a horizon of rugged cliffs and nesting seabirds, lunch here feels unusually peaceful and visually memorable — another example of how a luxury yacht charter from Portals can effortlessly blend indulgence with nature.

Off the Beaten Path – Serenity and Adventure

While Sant Elm is relatively quiet, there’s no shortage of ways to spend your time here. For the adventurous, the surrounding coastline offers rocky outcrops and snorkelling opportunities, and some guests opt to paddle closer to shore or even hike briefly inland from the tender landing area to gain a better vantage of the island and coast.

It’s also a great choice for those simply looking to escape the buzz of the central coast. While many parts of Mallorca hum with summer crowds, Sant Elm is often quieter, especially midweek or in shoulder seasons. The atmosphere is serene, yet never desolate — it’s the perfect midpoint between a deserted anchorage and a full-blown beach resort.

Yachting here offers that rare sense of discovery without having to go far — a trait that makes it especially prized on more tailored, private charters. Some of our other packages where we pay a visit here include our stargazing boat charter and our Mallorca film set location boat charter.