Club Nàutic Cala Gamba

Club Nàutic Cala Gamba is a compact, welcoming yacht club and marina on the southern outskirts of Palma, offering around 210–275 berths in a sheltered fishing‑harbour setting just minutes from the airport and the Playa de Palma beaches. Known for its friendly community atmosphere, famous seafood restaurants and practical services for smaller boats, it is a popular base for local boat owners, day sailors and visitors who appreciate an authentic, unpretentious harbour environment.

​

Location and access

Cala Gamba is situated on Palma’s south coast, roughly halfway between Palma city centre and El Arenal, at the address Carrer del Vicari Joaquim Fuster 2 / Paseo Cala Gamba, 07006–07007 Palma. The marina lies in a small, naturally sheltered inlet originally used by fishermen, which gives it a more intimate character than the larger commercial ports along the bay.

​One of the main advantages is its proximity to Palma de Mallorca Airport, located only a few minutes away by car, making it highly accessible for owners and crews arriving by plane. Palma city centre, with its shops, cultural attractions and services, is about 5–10 minutes by taxi, while the long sandy beach of Playa de Palma starts just east of the harbour.

​

Berths and harbour characteristics

Club Nàutic Cala Gamba offers between approximately 210 and 275 moorings, depending on the source, for boats with a maximum length of around 10–12 metres and a maximum draft of about 1.4–1.5 metres. The relatively shallow depth means the harbour is best suited for smaller motorboats, RIBs, fishing boats and light sailing craft rather than deep‑keeled yachts or larger cruisers.

​Berths are arranged on floating pontoons with stern‑to or alongside mooring, and the harbour is guarded 24 hours a day with security and staff available to assist with docking. Mooring rights and berths occasionally come up for sale or rent, attracting local owners who want a convenient, affordable base close to Palma.

​

Marina facilities and services

Despite its modest size, Club Nàutic Cala Gamba provides a full range of marina services designed for day‑boats and smaller yachts. Available amenities include:

• ​Fresh water and shore power at berths
• Showers, changing rooms and toilets
• Fuel station (petrol and diesel)
• Wi‑Fi access
• Laundry facilities
• Ice for sale
• Sewage pump‑out and waste‑oil disposal
• Weather information
• Car rental and parking

​Technical services include a slipway for launching and hauling, a crane with a capacity of around 12.5–14 tons, and on‑site support for engine repairs and general boat maintenance. This makes the club practical for owners who want to lift their boats for antifouling, hull cleaning or minor repairs without travelling to a larger yard.

​

Yacht club activities and sailing school

Club Nàutic Cala Gamba has its origins in a local association founded in 1934, and it continues to function as an active social and sporting club. The club organises sailing courses and diving instruction, hosts nautical events and provides a community meeting point for members and visiting sailors.

​The clubhouse and bar area serve as a gathering place where boat owners, locals and guests can relax after time on the water, contributing to a friendly, neighbourhood feel rather than a purely commercial marina atmosphere.

​

Gastronomy: Seafood restaurants at the harbour

One of the most distinctive features of Cala Gamba is its reputation as a destination for high‑quality seafood dining, with several well‑known restaurants directly overlooking the harbour. The Restaurante Marisquería Cala Gamba is frequently described as one of the best seafood restaurants in Mallorca, offering a wide selection of Mediterranean fish and shellfish, with guests able to choose their own fish from the display.

​Another popular venue is Dalt de Cala Gamba, a port restaurant specialising in fresh fish dishes such as sea bass, grilled sole and paella, with views over the coast and a relaxed, upbeat atmosphere. The combination of fresh catches, harbour views and open‑air terraces makes Cala Gamba a draw for food‑loving visitors from Palma and beyond, even those who do not own boats.

​The yacht club itself also has a bar and restaurant where members and visiting sailors can eat and drink in a more casual club setting.

​

Surrounding area and beaches

From Cala Gamba, the long stretch of Playa de Palma and its promenade begins just a short distance to the east, offering sandy beaches, beach bars, hotels and typical resort infrastructure. Towards Palma, the coastal road passes through Can Pastilla and other urbanised beach areas, providing easy access to watersports, cycling paths and seaside leisure.

​For day trips on the water, boats departing from Cala Gamba can quickly reach the open Bay of Palma and explore the coastline towards Cala Blava, Cap Blanc, the beaches near Es Trenc or the southwest towards Portals and Palmanova.

​

Who Cala Gamba is ideal for

Club Nàutic Cala Gamba suits several groups particularly well:

• Owners of smaller motorboats, RIBs and fishing boats who need a secure, affordable mooring close to Palma with all essential services.
• ​Local day sailors and families who value a community‑oriented yacht club with sailing courses and social activities.
• ​Visitors seeking a characterful harbour with outstanding seafood restaurants, away from the larger, more commercial marinas.
• ​Crews and guests who want quick access to the airport and the option to combine boating with beach days on Playa de Palma.

​Because of its shallow draft limitations and focus on smaller vessels, Cala Gamba is less suited for larger cruising yachts or deep‑keeled sailing boats, which typically choose deeper harbours like Real Club Náutico de Palma or Club Nàutic S’Arenal nearby. For those with appropriate boats, however, it offers an authentic, relaxed and gastronomically rewarding alternative to Mallorca’s bigger marinas.

​