Passage to Cabrera: moorings, anchoring and checklist

2026-08-17 · Marine Point

Cabrera is one of the most special passages you can make from Mallorca, but it also demands more careful planning than an ordinary coastal outing. When sailing to the Cabrera Archipelago Maritime-Terrestrial National Park, it is not enough to look at the forecast and load provisions: you need to know the access rules, arrange the authorised mooring in advance and prepare the boat for a safe return. In high season, availability can be limited, so we recommend organising it with time to spare.

Buoy booking and park rules

Anchoring and staying at Cabrera are regulated to protect an especially sensitive marine environment. Before setting out, consult the current official procedure to request a mooring buoy and confirm the conditions of your authorisation: assigned zone, times, required documentation and possible changes due to weather or park management.

Don't assume there will be a free buoy on arrival, and don't improvise anchoring outside the permitted areas. The posidonia and the archipelago's seabeds deserve particular respect; beyond avoiding environmental damage, following the rules helps preserve the very place you have come to enjoy. If you have doubts about the mooring, the rangers' instructions or the situation of a specific area, the sensible thing is to check directly with the authorised staff.

The mooring gear worth checking

Even if you will spend the night on a buoy, the mooring system deserves a check beforehand. Look over the condition of lines, eye splices, thimbles, shackles and the mooring points on board, watching for wear, corrosion, damaged stitching or chafe. A line that looks fine can fail under repeated snatching if it is already fatigued.

It is also worth carrying enough well-placed fenders for the manoeuvres, plus a boat hook to pick up the line without exposing yourself unnecessarily. In our anchoring, fenders, boat hooks and ropes category you will find the basic material to check or complete this part of your equipment. We don't recommend choosing on price alone: the rope and fittings must suit the boat, its displacement and the intended use.

Checklist before letting go

The review starts with the marine forecast and the state of the boat. In the Balearics, during the busiest months, a shift in wind or sea can complicate a passage that looked simple. Check fuel with a comfortable margin, battery charge, and that lights, communications and navigation equipment all work. Also carry water, food, sun protection, light warm clothing and the means to manage rubbish without leaving anything in the park.

Before departure, verify the boat's papers, the corresponding booking or authorisation, the crew list and the required safety equipment. It matters that everyone knows where the lifejackets are, how to use the radio and what the plan is if someone feels unwell or the weather changes. If you find a fault in the engine, steering, electrical installation or safety gear, postpone the trip and see a professional.

Sail with margin, return unhurried

Good planning leaves margin to depart, arrive, manoeuvre and return without rushing. Don't push the fuel, the daylight or the crew's limits. Once at Cabrera, slow down, respect the marked zones and avoid any discharge or litter into the sea.

At Marine Point, S.L. we have been helping boaters and professionals prepare their boats for the Balearic season since 2006. If you want to go over your equipment list or have doubts about what material fits your boat, you can write to us from contact.