Palma Town Hall's proposed ban on party boats by the Paseo Marítimo has been welcomed by residents and businesses. Antonio Ruiz of the residents association says: "We are happy, although it remains to be seen whether this will become a reality." The ban, intended to be in place for the 2026 tourism season, needs to get approval at a full meeting of Palma's council.
For Ruiz, party boats represent one of the most serious problems in the area: "Horrible boats with DJs operating from 11am to 8pm. People in an horrendous state." The town hall points out that boats are operated by companies that were expelled from Calvia (Magaluf most obviously) and that coaches pull up with loads of tourists. When they come ashore, "they vomit and urinate".
Boat hire companies in the area also welcome the town hall's announcement, but they can see a need for clarification. One owner says: "We need to define what a party boat is and what it isn't. It's unacceptable that a boat with music used for weddings or birthday celebrations be called that." For him, a party boat "is an organised mass excursion aimed at mass alcohol consumption".
"The problem arises when there's an open bar with 25-year-olds." Boats are like discos, and noise is one of the issues that causes the most disturbance.
"It's important to clearly define who can participate in excursions that include catering and family celebrations (such as a wedding) and differentiate this from those that have a DJ with an open bar and hundreds of people."