We Took the Mar Menor Ferry to Isla Mayor for a Day in October

Straight answer first: you can't walk onto Isla Mayor. It's also called Isla del Barón, it's the biggest island in the Mar Menor, and it's private. The boat trips from the Mar Menor ports sail round it and past its neighbours, but they don't land you on it. If you're expecting a beach day with a picnic, you'll be disappointed. If you want a few easy hours on the water, read on.

What the boat does and doesn't do

Think of it as a scenic loop, not a ferry in the commuter sense. You board at one of the ports on the inner coast (Santiago de la Ribera and Lo Pagán are the usual starting points, and La Manga has its own departures), sail out across the shallow lagoon, and get a decent look at the islands from the water.

Isla Mayor looks low and scrubby from the deck, with a few buildings tucked into the trees. Nearby you'll also see Isla Perdiguera and Isla del Ciervo. They're all closed to the public, so the boat is the only way to see them up close.

Departure times, prices and which days it runs change by operator and season. Out of high summer, sailings get thinner and weather can cancel them. Check at the quayside kiosk or phone the day before. Don't trust an old listing.

Getting there and timing your day

From Roda Golf

It's a short drive to Santiago de la Ribera, so you don't need to plan around traffic. Park near the front, then walk the paseo to the pier. In October the spaces are easy to find. In August they aren't.

Which sailing to pick

Go for the late-morning or mid-afternoon boat if there's a choice. The water is calmest before the afternoon breeze picks up, and the light on the islands is better away from midday. Sunset sailings are worth it if they're running, because October evenings over the Mar Menor are some of the best of the year.

Staying in the area for the week? Our area guide to Roda Golf and the Mar Menor shows how close everything is, and holiday rentals near Roda Golf put you within easy reach of the ports.

What to bring in October

It's mild, but it's open water. Pack for the boat, not for the town.

• A windproof layer. It's often 10 degrees cooler on deck than on the quay.
• Sun cream and a hat. October sun still burns on the water.
• Flat, non-slip shoes. Gangways get slick.
• Cash for the ticket kiosk, in case the card machine is down.
• A camera or phone with a good zoom. You'll want it for the birds.

Flamingos and waders use the lagoon edges, especially near the salt flats at San Pedro del Pinatar. The boat won't take you there, but you'll often spot birds from the water.

Leave swimming plans at home unless the operator says otherwise. Not every sailing has a swim stop, and the October water is cooler than you'd think.

Making a half day of it

The boat itself only takes a couple of hours, so build the rest around it.

Before you board, grab a coffee and a tostada at one of the cafés on the Santiago paseo. After the boat, head to a chiringuito or a proper restaurant for a caldero, the local rice dish cooked in fish stock. Order it for two and expect to wait. It's cooked fresh, and it's worth it.

If you've got energy left, walk the front towards Lo Pagán and look at the mud-bath area. Locals still smear themselves in the grey clay on warm days, though I'd skip it in late October. Or drive back and finish with a late round. Our Roda Golf course guide has the details if you're planning tee times around the trip.

More ideas for days out nearby are in our sightseeing guides.

Is it worth it?

Yes, if you go in with the right expectations. It's a pleasant, low-effort morning or afternoon and a different way to see the Mar Menor. It's not a destination day. If you want to set foot on an island, you're better off heading to Calblanque or the coastal paths near Cabo de Palos.

Check the weather, check the timetable, and bring a jumper. That covers most of it.