Mallorca: Full day tour to the Caves of Drach and Hams

If you’re thinking about visiting Mallorca and want to see some of the island’s most breathtaking natural sights, this full-day tour to the Caves of Drach and Hams could be a great fit. It combines the magic of underground worlds with a bit of local craftsmanship, offering a well-rounded glimpse of Mallorca’s geological and cultural highlights.

What really draws us to this tour are the stunning stalactites and stalagmites inside the caves and the chance to experience one of Europe’s largest underground lakes on a boat ride. Plus, the visit to the Majorica pearl factory adds a touch of local craftsmanship that offers both insight and a fun shopping opportunity. A potential downside? The route covers over 1500 meters inside the caves and involves about 300 steps, so it’s not ideal for those with mobility issues. Still, it’s a captivating experience best suited for curious travelers who can handle some walking.

This tour is particularly good for those who love natural wonders and want a bit of adventure, but it’s also flexible enough for most ages (excluding mobility-impaired travelers). It’s a full day of discovery, providing a solid mix of impressive sights, interesting stories, and some downtime—all in one package.

Key Points

• Stunning cave formations: Marvel at stalactites, stalagmites, and unique hook-shaped formations.
• Underground lakes: Experience a boat ride on Martel Lake, one of the largest subterranean lakes in the world.
• Educational stop: Learn about the process of making Majorica pearls, with a chance to shop.
• Duration and pace: An 8-hour tour that balances sightseeing with a relaxed pace, but involves some walking and steps.
• Group size and guide: Conducted with a live guide in multiple languages, making it engaging and accessible.
• Suitability: Best for able-bodied travelers; less suitable for those with mobility limitations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Mallorca’s Underworld: What to Expect

Embarking on this full-day tour, you’ll start in Palma at around 9:30 am, with options for a complimentary pick-up if you’re staying in Calvià or Arenal. The journey begins with a bus ride through Mallorca’s scenic countryside, setting the tone for a day of natural marvels.

The Caves of Drach

Once you arrive at the Caves of Drach, you’re greeted by a spectacle of light and color. These caves are considered among the most visited in Europe—and for good reason. Millions of years of natural forces have shaped these impressive spaces, resulting in stalactites and stalagmites that resemble sculptures, often illuminated in dramatic ways. The highlight here is the Martel Lake, an enormous underground body of water where you’ll hop onto a boat for a short ride. This underground lake is not just vast but also one of the largest in the world, offering a surreal setting that’s hard to forget.

The galleries and aquifers you explore are vast, with the route stretching over 1500 meters. According to the reviews, many find this walk awe-inspiring, even if it involves about 300 steps, which can be tiring after a while. One traveler from Sweden noted, “Fick se så mycket nytt och lärde mig nytt,” meaning they learned a lot and saw many new things—an experience that’s both visually and educationally stimulating.

The Hams Caves

Next, the tour takes you to the Hams Caves, discovered in the 19th century. These caves are especially impressive because of their hook-shaped stalactites—a feature that makes them stand out from other caves. The formations here are more intimate and intricate, offering a different kind of underground wonder. The caves are smaller than Drach but no less impressive, providing a more personal and detailed view of Mallorca’s underground geology.

Visitors find the Hams Caves to be a real visual treat. One reviewer from Finland wished for more detailed information during the tour—highlighting that some might appreciate a bit more background to deepen their understanding of the formations.

Pearl Factory Visit

After the caves, there’s a stop at the Majorica pearl factory. With over a century of experience, this factory produces man-made pearls renowned worldwide. Besides learning about the process, you’ll have the opportunity to browse their collection, making it a nice blend of education and shopping.

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Practicalities and Tips

The entire tour lasts about 8 hours, including transportation, visits, and some free time. It’s led by a live guide in multiple languages, which helps keep the experience engaging. However, some travelers have suggested that more detailed itineraries shared earlier would have been helpful so they could plan their day better.

In terms of accessibility, the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, given the length of the walk and the number of steps involved. The route’s length and physical demands mean it’s best suited for active, able-bodied travelers.

Pricing and Value

While the exact price isn’t specified here, considering the inclusions—transport, guide, boat ride, and factory visit—the cost offers reasonable value for those interested in underground caves and natural wonders. It’s a full-day experience that combines sightseeing, education, and a touch of local culture, all packaged into one trip.

Real Traveler Insights

One reviewer from Sweden gave a perfect snapshot of the overall experience, calling it “a lot of new sights and learning experiences,” though they also mentioned a wish for more pre-trip information. Another from Finland expressed a desire for better timing details, noting that having the schedule accessible beforehand would make planning easier.

These comments highlight that while the experience is generally well-received, travelers value clearer communication and logistics info.

Who is this tour best suited for?

This tour is perfect for adventurous spirits who love natural scenery and are comfortable walking over uneven surfaces. It’s great for culture enthusiasts interested in local crafts, and it’s a solid choice for families with older children who can handle the physical aspects. Not ideal for those with mobility challenges or small children, given the walking and steps involved.

If you’re after a visual feast of underground formations and want to learn a little about Mallorca’s geological history, this tour delivers in spades. Plus, the boat ride on Martel Lake is a truly memorable highlight.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s generally suitable for all ages, but keep in mind the route involves over 1500 meters of walking and around 300 steps, so small children or those with mobility issues might find it challenging.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes transportation, a live guide in multiple languages, entry to the caves, a boat ride on Martel Lake, and a visit to the Majorica pearl factory.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans shift.

Is there a pickup service?
Yes, there’s a complimentary pickup in Calvià and Arenal areas, with the specific time provided when booking.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is about 8 hours from the main meeting point in Palma, including travel, visits, and free time.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to the walking distance and steps.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable walking shoes are a must, and consider bringing a light jacket for the caves, which can be cooler than outside temperatures.

Final thoughts

This Mallorca tour offers a compelling mix of natural beauty, cultural insight, and unique underground experiences. If you’re someone who appreciates stunning geological formations and doesn’t mind a bit of walking, you’ll find plenty to love here. The boat ride on the underground lake is genuinely awe-inspiring and makes the trip worth considering.

While it’s not the most accessible option, for most able-bodied travelers, it’s a full day of engaging sights that provide a deep appreciation for Mallorca’s natural treasures. If you’re after a memorable adventure that combines visual spectacle with cultural stops, this tour fits the bill nicely.

Just remember to prepare for some physical exertion and enjoy the journey into Mallorca’s volcanic soul. It’s a day you’re unlikely to forget.

You can check availability for your dates here: