Cala Varques Tours (Mallorca)

Cala Varques is located in the municipality of Manacor, on the east coast of Mallorca, between Cala Romántica (s’Estany d’en Mas) and Calas de Mallorca, about 60 km from Palma airport.

There is no road or parking leading to the cove. It can be accessed in two ways: by sea (kayak, boat, or catamaran) or on foot, along the coastal path that starts at Cala Romántica, which takes between 40 minutes and a good hour depending on your pace.

The classic dirt road crosses private estates and its gates have been closed for years, meaning you cannot access it by car, and walking through that path has been a source of conflict between the owners, the City Council, and users.

That is why guided excursions always depart from Cala Romántica: by kayak and boat you arrive directly from the sea, and on the hiking route you follow the coastal itinerary with a guide. It is the best way to visit without jumping fences or worrying if the gate is open that day.

If you are looking for the most complete experience, the kayak tour with snorkeling and caves is the most popular: it combines paddling, sea caves, the natural arch, and swimming in just three hours.

If you are traveling with young children, seniors, or simply don’t feel like exerting yourself, the boat tour with a snorkeling stop or the glass-bottom catamaran let you see the same sights from the water without paddling. And if you love walking, the hiking and caves route is the most immersive option.

No. The tours are designed for beginners: there is an initial safety briefing, the guide accompanies the group at all times, and the pace is relaxed, with about 40 minutes of paddling each way and frequent stops.

It is advisable to know how to swim and feel comfortable in the water, as you will swim inside the caves and snorkel. Kayaks are double or single depending on the group, and wetsuits are provided during the colder months.

It depends on the activity and sea conditions. From the water, you enter sea caves like Cova des Coloms (next to Cala Falcó) and other cavities that only have a sea entrance. On the hiking routes, you explore terrestrial caves of the local karst system, such as Cova des Pirata or Cova des Pont, featuring stalactites and stalagmites.

On catamaran tours, the boat makes brief incursions into open caves without disembarking.

The swimming season runs from May to October, with the warmest water between July and September. If you can choose, June and September offer the best combination: good sea conditions, fewer crowds, and excellent light for photos.

As for the time of day, morning departures usually enjoy flatter seas—which is key for entering the caves—and a much quieter cove. Afternoon departures compensate with spectacular lighting on the cliffs.

Wear your swimsuit, and bring a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and water. For kayaking and hiking, wear water shoes or closed sneakers (no flip-flops on the hiking route, as the rocky terrain is uneven).

If you want to bring your phone or camera, use a waterproof case. The rest of the technical gear—kayak, life jacket, helmet, headlamp, and snorkeling equipment—is included in the guided tours.

Yes, with some nuances. Kayak tours accept participants from 6 years old (with an adult in the kayak) and have a maximum weight limit of 110 kg per person. The hiking route requires walking for about four hours over uneven terrain, so it is better suited for older children.

For families with small children, the boat tours and the glass-bottom catamaran are the best choice: no effort required, with a swimming stop and underwater views from the deck.

No. Cala Varques is part of a protected natural area and has no facilities whatsoever: no permanent beach bars, no showers, no restrooms, no lifeguards, and no trash bins. Shade is limited to the pine trees at the edges and disappears during the central hours of the day.

Bring enough water and take all your trash back with you. It is the only way to ensure it remains the beautiful cove you’ve seen in the photos.

Some tours include an optional jump from a low rock, always supervised by the guide and only if sea conditions and current regulations allow it. It is never mandatory and should never be done on your own.

Jumping from high cliffs (cliff jumping) and free solo climbing over water (psicobloc) have caused severe accidents in this area and are restricted by the Manacor City Council. Listen to your guide: they know the depth and currents at each spot.

Most excursions offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, with instant email confirmation and a digital ticket on your phone.

If sea conditions are unsafe, the operator will reschedule or cancel the departure for safety reasons. The exact conditions for each tour are displayed when you select a date on the booking platform.