Boat Transfer between Puerto Andratx and Sant Elmo

The useful thing here is the short sea crossing between Puerto de Andratx and Sant Elm, two ports in southwest Mallorca that are not linked by a simple direct road journey. At about 35 minutes, this transfer can save you a longer trip around the coast and gives you a pleasant change from the bus.

I like the modest $14.51 price, which includes fees and taxes, and I like the easy mobile ticket. The main caution is scheduling: one passenger was given the wrong ferry time and lost hours waiting, then had to return without staying in Sant Elm. Confirm the timetable directly before you set out.

Key points

• About 35 minutes on the water: A practical port-to-port connection rather than a full sightseeing cruise.
• $14.51 per person: Fees and taxes are included, but soda is not.
• Mobile ticket: You can carry your booking on your phone.
• Boarding closes 10 minutes early: Do not treat the listed start time as your arrival time.
• Up to 60 passengers: This is a shared boat service, not a private charter.
• Schedule checking matters: A wrong departure time can spoil the day, so verify it before leaving Puerto de Andratx.

A 35-minute link across southwest Mallorca

This is best understood as transport with a scenic side benefit, not as a sightseeing tour packed with commentary or planned stops. Sa Calma Boats carries you between Puerto de Andratx and Sant Elm, with the trip taking approximately 35 minutes.

That length is long enough to make the boat a useful part of your day, but short enough that you are not committing to a major excursion. If you are already near one port and want to reach the other, the transfer can be a sensible alternative to arranging a longer overland journey.

The service is listed at $14.51 per person. I consider that fair for a direct boat connection, especially since all fees and taxes are included. The value depends heavily on the timetable, though. If the departure time fits your plans, the transfer is efficient. If the schedule is unclear or incorrect, the low fare quickly loses its appeal.

Setting out from Puerto de Andratx

The departure point is given as the Autobus 102 station Richtung Palma at Avinguda de Gabriel Roca i Garcías, 5, 07157 Andratx. This places you in the port area, where you should allow time to identify the correct boarding point rather than arriving at the last moment.

Your phone is your ticket, so keep the mobile confirmation ready. A paper ticket is not listed as necessary. Still, a charged phone is wise, since the booking confirmation is central to checking your departure details and showing your reservation.

The most important practical rule is that boarding closes 10 minutes before departure. That is stricter than simply arriving at the scheduled start time. I would aim to reach the port well before that cutoff, particularly if you are coming by bus, walking from another part of Andratx, or carrying beach equipment.

The available information does not name a guide or describe live commentary. Expect a transfer operated by Sa Calma Boats, not a guided historical tour. You are paying to cross the water, not for a narrated visit to Mallorca.

What the crossing offers

The boat ride takes approximately 35 minutes. The central experience is the change of pace: you leave the port at Andratx and arrive by water at Sant Elm instead of spending more time on the road.

No specific route commentary, refreshments, or planned stops are listed. Soda is not included, and the service is not described as a meal or drinks cruise. Bring your own expectations accordingly. This is a straightforward crossing, with the value found in the connection and the time saved.

The capacity is listed as a maximum of 60 passengers. That gives you a useful idea of the scale. You should expect a shared service rather than an intimate private boat. On a busy departure, space and boarding may feel more structured than leisurely.

The supplied information does not guarantee a particular boat layout, seat, or viewing position. I would avoid booking this if you need a specific kind of vessel or a fully private experience. For a simple transfer, the group size is still manageable enough to keep the service practical.

Arriving at Sant Elm and finding the pier

The destination is listed as Excursions a la Dragonera amb Ferri Margalida, at Av. Jaume I, 29, 07159 Sant Elm. The meeting instructions place the port in the southwest part of the village, beside the restaurant Es Raor.

At that spot, stairs lead down to the pier. In season, straw umbrellas are usually placed there, which can help you identify the area. This is a useful landmark, but do not assume the umbrellas will always be present outside the main season.

There is an important wrinkle in the meeting information. The stated start point is in Puerto de Andratx, while the detailed instructions say that the group meets in Sant Elm. Since the advertised direction is Puerto de Andratx to Sant Elm, the information is not perfectly clear about which instructions apply to your exact departure.

I would confirm the precise port, departure time, and boarding location before setting off. This is especially important if you are using the service as a same-day connection or planning a separate activity in Sant Elm. A few minutes spent checking can prevent a long wait at the wrong harbor.

The schedule is the main thing to verify

The strongest warning comes from a scheduling problem. One passenger was given the wrong ferry schedule, waited for hours, and then had to remain on the ferry for an immediate return instead of spending time in Sant Elm.

That account does not suggest that the boat itself was poor. In fact, the ferry was described as great. The failure was practical: the timing information did not support the intended visit. For you, that means the departure and return times matter more than the low ticket price.

If you are booking a one-way transfer, confirm the one-way details. If you expect to stay in Sant Elm and later return, confirm both directions and the time available between them. Do not rely only on a timetable shown during the original booking process if your day depends on a precise connection.

I would also check the local time used for the departure. The cancellation rules use local time, and the ferry timetable should be treated the same way. Keep a screenshot of the confirmed schedule on your phone, along with the booking confirmation.

How the price works for your day

At $14.51 per person, the transfer is aimed at people who need a practical connection. The fee includes all taxes and charges, so the listed price is close to the amount you should expect for the ticket itself.

Soda or pop is not included. That is a minor point on a 35-minute crossing, but it tells you not to expect a drink service as part of the fare. If you want refreshments, plan them before boarding or after arrival, since no onboard beverage arrangement is listed.

The low price makes this appealing for solo visitors, couples, and families who simply need to move between the two ports. It is less compelling if you are considering it as a stand-alone boat excursion. No guide, commentary, meal, or special activity is described, so the price is paying for transport rather than entertainment.

For a family, the per-person cost can add up, but the time saved may still make it useful. For a larger party, remember that the boat accepts a maximum of 60 passengers, so availability may matter during popular periods.

Who will find this transfer useful

I would consider booking this if you are already planning time in both Puerto de Andratx and Sant Elm. It suits you best when the boat route fits your itinerary and you value a direct connection over a longer road journey.

It can also work well for anyone who prefers a boat to a bus. The mobile ticket keeps the process simple, and most people can participate. Service animals are allowed, and the departure area is near public transportation.

This is not the right choice if you want a fully planned day with a guide, several stops, or a guaranteed sightseeing narrative. The available details support a transfer only. You should also think twice if your plans are built around an exact arrival time and you cannot independently confirm the schedule.

People with limited mobility should check the pier and stairs in advance. The Sant Elm instructions specifically mention stairs down to the pier, but no detailed accessibility information is provided. The service allows most people to participate, yet that does not answer every question about boarding assistance or pier access.

Booking, cancellation, and timing advice

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and the ticket is mobile. Save the confirmation before you leave, then compare the departure information with the latest details available from Sa Calma Boats.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience begins. If you cancel within the final 24 hours, you will not receive a refund, and changes during that period are not accepted.

The cutoff uses the local time in Mallorca. This matters if you are arranging the transfer from another time zone or changing your schedule close to departure.

I would book with a little flexibility if possible. The cancellation terms are reasonable when your plans are settled, but strict during the final day. Most of all, leave a cushion before the 10-minute boarding cutoff. Missing the boat is a much bigger problem than arriving early.

Should you book the Puerto de Andratx to Sant Elm boat?

Book it if you need a simple 35-minute port connection and the confirmed timetable gives you enough time in Sant Elm. The $14.51 fare is reasonable, the mobile ticket is convenient, and the boat itself appears to be the useful part of the experience.

I would not book it blindly for a tightly timed day. The scheduling problem described above is serious, and the unclear meeting instructions deserve attention. Confirm the exact departure port, time, return options, and boarding point before you pay or before you leave your accommodation.

My call: this is a practical buy for flexible plans, but only after you verify the schedule. Treat it as transportation with a pleasant sea crossing, not as a guided cruise or complete Sant Elm excursion.

FAQ

How long does the boat transfer take?

The crossing takes approximately 35 minutes.

What is the price per person?

The listed price is $14.51 per person.

Are fees and taxes included?

Yes. All fees and taxes are included in the price.

Is a drink included?

No. Soda or pop is not included.

Where does the transfer start?

The listed start point is the Autobus 102 station Richtung Palma at Avinguda de Gabriel Roca i Garcías, 5, 07157 Andratx, Spain.

Where does the transfer end?

The listed end point is Excursions a la Dragonera amb Ferri Margalida at Av. Jaume I, 29, 07159 Sant Elm, Spain. The meeting instructions identify the port in the southwest part of Sant Elm, beside the restaurant Es Raor, with stairs leading down to the pier.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations and changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.