Who Swims With Us?

A Guide to Marine Wildlife You Can Spot from the Boat

Who Swims With Us? Sailing along the coast of Mallorca is not only a treat for the eyes — it’s a journey into a living, breathing marine world. Because beyond hidden coves, turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs, every boat trip with Sa Calma Boats offers the chance to meet some unexpected sea companions.

Curious to know who they are? Curiours to know who swims with us? Here’s a friendly guide to the marine wildlife you might see while cruising with us.

🐬 Dolphins: Everyone’s Favorites

Few things are as exciting as spotting a group of dolphins swimming near the boat. While we can’t promise a sighting (this isn’t a theme park!), at certain times of the year, especially farther from the shore, you might see playful pods leaping and gliding alongside us.

If you do… stay quiet, soak it in, and get your camera ready!
👉 Mornings and sunsets are your best chance to see them.

🐦 Cormorants & Seagulls: The Sea Watchers

As we cruise, you’ll spot many seabirds perched on rocks or gliding low over the water. One of the stars is the cormorant, a sleek black bird that dives deep to fish, then returns to dry its wings in the sun — a truly iconic sight.

Of course, our ever-present companions, the seagulls, often follow us curiously or swoop by hoping for a snack.

🐠 Colorful Fish Beneath the Surface

Especially in crystal-clear spots where we pause for swimming, you’ll likely see schools of fish darting around the boat.

Some of the usual suspects:

• Oblada: silver and fast.
• Sargo (Seabream): striped and curious.
• Wild Gilthead bream (Dorada): common but beautiful.
• Parrotfish: not common, but dazzling if you’re lucky.

👉 Bring a snorkel — the underwater show is even better from below.

🌊 Jellyfish: The Floating Flowers of the Sea

Not always present, but during certain seasons, jellyfish drift gracefully beneath the surface — beautiful, delicate, and to be admired from a distance.

Most common species:

• Pelagia noctiluca: small, pinkish, and with long tentacles.
• Cotylorhiza tuberculata (a.k.a. fried egg jellyfish): harmless and amazing to see.

⚠️ If we spot jellyfish nearby, we’ll always let you know before swimming time!

🐙 Octopus & Starfish: The Hidden Wonders

Among rocks and on sandy bottoms live shy octopuses and starfish resting quietly. They’re not always visible from the surface, but if you take a peek with your goggles or snorkel, you might spot these marine treasures.

👉 Just watch, don’t touch. They’re fragile and important to the ecosystem.

🌿 Posidonia (Yes, It’s There… and It’s Vital!)

It might go unnoticed, but Posidonia oceanica is one of the Mediterranean’s greatest natural treasures. This underwater plant (yes, it’s a plant — not algae!) forms vast meadows that oxygenate the water, protect the coastline, and host thousands of marine species.

If the water looks especially clear and turquoise, there’s probably posidonia below.

👉 Respect it: we never anchor on it, and we’ll be happy to tell you why it’s so essential to Mallorca’s marine life.

🐚 Bonus: Small Creatures, Big Magic

With a careful eye, you might also catch a glimpse of:

• Sea urchins.
• Colorful anemones.
• Tiny shrimp and crabs.
• Even seahorses in calm, quiet areas!

What If I Don’t See Anything?

Nature doesn’t follow a schedule — and that’s what makes it magical.
Every boat trip is unique, and you never know what you’ll encounter. Even without dolphins or turtles, the sea always offers something special: shimmering fish, a soaring gull, or a lizard sunbathing on the coast.

🛥️Who Swims With Us? Sail With Us, See With New Eyes

At Sa Calma Boats, we don’t just offer boat trips — we invite you to connect with the sea, to look closer, and to slow down.

So next time you’re aboard… keep your eyes open!
You never know who might be swimming with you.