Yachts & Young Ones
With Courtesy of Erica Lay & The Mallorca Bulletin. #25/1041.
Erica Lay owner of EL CREW International Yacht Crew Agency http://www.elcrewco.com/ erica@elcrewco.com
Yachts & Young Ones: Is Mallorca Really Family-Friendly for Superyacht Guests?
By Erica Lay
There’s no shortage of sun-kissed glamour when it comes to Mallorca, but how does it fare when your charter guests are swapping champagne flutes for sippy cups? In other words: is Mallorca actually family-friendly when the guests come with toddlers, teenagers, or both?
Surprisingly (and to the relief of many a stew and deckhand), the answer is a resounding yes.
Running a successful family charter isn’t just about hauling out the inflatable flamingo and hoping for the best. It’s a team effort involving careful itinerary planning, clever toy storage, and a crew that can pivot from silver service to babysitting mode faster than you can say “where’s the kiddy sunscreen?”
“We always breathe a little sigh of relief when we see families on the preference sheet,” says Zoe, a chief stewardess with over a decade of charter experience. “It means there’s less pressure on the party front and more focus on fun. But it also means you need to be switched on 24/7. Kids don’t care if you’ve had three hours’ sleep.”
Mallorca’s calm, shallow bays and sheltered anchorages are perfect for family cruising. Places like Port de Pollença, Cala d’Or, and Sant Elm offer safe swimming spots, gentle beach landings, and easy access to shore.
“We always anchor off Es Trenc at least once during the week,” says Jake, a first mate on a 40m charter yacht. “The water’s shallow, there’s loads of space for water toys, and it’s one of the few beaches where kids can run wild without worrying about beach clubs or jet skis.”
Water toys, of course, are key. Stand-up paddleboards, inflatable slides, jellyfish nets, and even floating trampolines can turn a good day into a brilliant one. And for older kids? Think Seabobs, e-foils, and towables that guarantee a nap later (for everyone involved – except the crew, obvs).
“We did a treasure hunt once using the tender and a laminated pirate map,” recalls Lily, a stewardess who regularly runs theme days for junior guests. “They were absolutely beside themselves with excitement. And yes, we made the captain wear an eye patch.”
On the food front, chefs often work overtime to keep everyone happy.
“I’ve learned to make dinosaur-shaped pancakes, cater to three different allergies at once, and still get the beef Wellington out for the adults on time,” says James, a charter chef based out of Palma. “The key is having fun with it. If the kids are happy, the parents are relaxed, and that makes for a great charter.”
Back on land, Mallorca delivers in spades. Many of the top beach clubs now offer kids’ menus and shaded play areas. Meanwhile, excursions to places like waterparks, Palma Aquarium, or a ride on the vintage wooden train to Sóller are firm favourites for crew planning shore days.
And let’s not forget the grown-ups: while the kids are building sandcastles or spotting turtles, there’s always a chilled glass of verdejo on standby.
One big asset? Nannies.
Some yachts have dedicated childcare staff, while others work with onshore agencies like Mallorca Nannies or Angels Nursing & Babysitting Agency, who provide vetted professionals for onboard or onshore support.
“Having an experienced nanny onboard for the week changes everything,” says Zoe. “It means parents can enjoy their holiday without feeling guilty, and we can make sure everyone’s getting the attention they need.”
Of course, every family is different. Some come with strict routines and bedtime alarms, while others are wonderfully chaotic. The best crews, says Lily, learn to roll with it.
“You can plan your heart out, but toddlers will always surprise you. You just have to smile and adapt. And never, ever run out of baby wipes.”
So is Mallorca family-friendly for superyacht charters?
Absolutely. With the right mindset, a stash of snacks, and a crew who aren’t afraid to wear pirate costumes, it might just be the ultimate destination for young families afloat.
Because while it might not be the holiday the parents had pre-kids, it can still be the holiday they didn’t realise they needed.