Logistics · Destination Guide
Mediterranean walls, caves, wrecks and protected seagrass within easy reach of Palma
Updated Apr 20, 2026 • 26 sources
Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.
Most travelers fly into Palma de Mallorca Airport and stay on Mallorca. Dive centers can be reached by rental car, taxi or hotel pickup depending on base. Cabrera is reached by authorized tourist boats or dive boats from Colonia de Sant Jordi, or by private vessel with park authorization. There is no need to sleep on a boat for the core Mallorca and Cabrera experience.
Palma de Mallorca Airport
PMI • LEPA
8 km to Palma; about 50 km to Colonia de Sant Jordi • 8 km drive to Palma; longer cross-island transfer to southeast ports
Mallorca's main international airport, with extensive European service and year-round links through Spanish hubs. It is the practical gateway for all Mallorca dive bases and Cabrera day trips.
Transport: Rental car, Airport bus to Palma, Intercity buses, Taxi, Pre-booked hotel or dive-center transfer
A rental car is the most flexible option because dive sites, beaches, villages and Cabrera departure ports are spread across the island. Palma has airport buses and taxis, and intercity buses can work for simple resort stays, but they are less convenient for early dive check-ins. In peak summer, allow extra time for beach parking and return-to-airport traffic.
Spain is in the Schengen Area. Visa-exempt travelers are generally limited to 90 days in any 180-day Schengen period, while travelers from visa-required countries need a short-stay visa before arrival. Passports for short stays should be issued within the previous 10 years and remain valid for at least 3 months after planned Schengen departure. Requirements can change, so confirm with Spain's official consular guidance before ticketing.
Mallorca dive centers generally offer rental gear, cylinders, weights, guided dives, training, rinse areas and storage. Bring certification, insurance proof and a logbook for reserve or Cabrera days. A 5mm suit works for many divers in the main season, while spring, winter and repetitive divers may prefer 7mm or extra layers. Cabrera visitors should also pack water, snacks, cash, sun cover and footwear because services are limited.
Euro (EUR)
Cards are widely accepted on Mallorca, especially in Palma, resorts, restaurants and dive centers. Cabrera is different: the park has limited services and the cantina may not support card payments reliably, so carry cash for small purchases.
ATMs are common in Palma, resort towns and larger villages, but do not expect an ATM on Cabrera. Withdraw before leaving Mallorca if you are taking a park excursion.
230V • 50Hz • C, F
Most modern chargers are dual voltage, but travelers from North America and the UK need plug adapters. Bring a compact power strip if you are charging cameras, dive computers, phones and lights.
Communications
Spain has strong mobile coverage on Mallorca, and EU roaming or local eSIMs work well for most travelers. Coverage can be weaker at sea, in coves, in the mountains and around Cabrera. Download offline maps, operator meeting points and park reservations before boat days.
Language
Spanish and Catalan are official in the Balearic Islands, with Mallorcan Catalan widely used locally. English and German are common in tourism zones, dive centers and hotels, but learning basic Spanish greetings helps in smaller villages and local restaurants.
Insurance
Carry dive accident coverage that includes Spain, the Mediterranean and hyperbaric treatment. Balearic reserve authorizations can require proof of accident and liability insurance. Travel insurance should also cover trip cancellations, rental car excess, medical care and missed boat excursions due to weather.
Packing list
Pack a 5mm wetsuit for the main dive season, extra thermal layers for spring or winter, an SMB, dive computer, certification card, insurance proof, reef-safe sun protection, hat, sunglasses, water shoes and a dry bag. For Cabrera, add cash, water, snacks, walking shoes and a reusable bottle.
