Nautical season in the Balearics: when it starts and how to prepare

After eight seasons in the Balearics, one thing is crystal clear to me: if you show up late, the best boats are already taken. Preparation starts months before most people think.

The Balearic nautical season calendar

The Balearic Islands are the epicentre of seasonal nautical employment in Spain. Every year, thousands of professionals travel to Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera to work on yachts, sailboats and charter vessels during the busiest months.

March – April: preparation

Shipyards and marinas begin fitting out vessels. This is when companies start looking for crew for the season. Mechanic and deckhand positions for maintenance are the first to be posted.

May – June: kick-off

The season officially begins. The first charters start operating. Demand for skippers, deckhands and stewardesses surges. If you're looking for seasonal work, this is the key moment: most hires are closed between April and May.

July – August: peak

Maximum activity. Ibiza and Mallorca host hundreds of yachts from around the world. Job offers reach their peak. There's urgent demand for last-minute replacements and reinforcements. Salaries also tend to be higher.

September – October: wind-down

Activity decreases progressively. Charters reduce operations and many yachts move to the eastern Mediterranean or Caribbean. Some contracts extend until late October for closing tasks and winter preparation.

When to start looking for work?

The golden rule: start looking 2-3 months before the season starts. For the Balearics, that means January-March for full-season positions, and April-May for summer jobs.

On Yemplea, you can set up alerts to receive notifications when offers are posted in your preferred area and position. That way you never miss an opportunity.

What you need to have ready

• Up-to-date certifications: PPER, basic STCW, valid ISM medical certificate
• Complete profile: professional photo, detailed experience, languages
• Clear availability: indicate in your profile when you're available and in which areas
• Documentation: ID/NIE, scanned certificates, navigation logbook

Areas with highest demand

Ibiza leads in luxury and day charters. Mallorca has the largest volume of marinas and private yachts. Menorca grows every year as a premium nautical destination. Formentera has fewer positions but they're highly valued for quality of life.