Top adventure sports to do in Mallorca

Road cyclists discovered the allure of Mallorca's winding mountain roads a long time ago and, nowadays, even professionals flock to the island to train in the Serra de Tramuntana. However, it's also a great place for mountain bikers, thanks to the hundreds of kilometres of rocky trails that will take you through some of the most beautiful mountain and countryside landscapes. Mallorca's well-stocked cycling shops and knowledgeable local guides are a bonus.

The island of Mallorca is home to some of the most diverse marine habitats in Europe, mainly thanks to the extensive Posidonia Oceanica prairies that hide under its turquoise waters. These are best explored with scuba diving equipment, which can be provided by the many diving centres dotted along the island's coastline. Diving instructors are available to take you to Mallorca's protected marine areas so you can discover the beautiful underwater worlds that surround the island.

Jump on a jet ski and cruise across the sea at whatever speed you feel comfortable with. Jet skiing allows you access to hidden white sandy coves around Mallorca and provides a different perspective from which to admire the island's coastline. For a great way to enjoy a day out in the sun, contact one of the watersports companies offering jet skiing in the summer months.

Mallorca has an international reputation as a rock climbing hotspot, and the sport is well established on the island with plenty of routes spread all around its mountainous and cliffy terrain. There is something for everyone, from slabby walls to challenging overhangs but it's probably deep water soloing that brings most of the climbers to Mallorca. Considered one of the purest forms of rock climbing, tackling the island's limestone cliffs with only the Mediterranean sea to break your fall is a guaranteed thrilling experience.

Feel the Mediterranean breeze on your hair and the splash of cool water on your face while you sail around Mallorca's coastline. Windsurfing is a challenging but rewarding watersport that will give you a good adrenaline rush. And, when you get tired, you can always stop at one of the island's sandy beaches for a well-deserved break.

Wading through fast flowing rivers, sliding over rocks into waterfalls and leaping off terrifyingly high ledges into deep plunge pools are all part of the canyoning adventure. You’ll get kitted out with a wetsuit and boots before following your guide into the waterways of the Serra de Tramuntana, where there are world famous gorges such as Sa Fosca or Gorg Blau. You can make it as thrilling or as tame as you like, with all jumps and slides being optional.

We finish our list with one of the all-around watersports out there. Coasteering involves swimming, jumping, climbing, scrambling, diving and can even include paddling. A great way to explore all the nooks and crannies of Mallorca's spectacular coastal cliffs, coasteering is offered by local activity companies on the island and can be practised by the whole family.

Wakeboarding is always fun for both family and friends to enjoy as a group activity – you are guaranteed to get some laughs along the way! Palma Nova is a particularly popular spot for wakeboarding. Whichever company you choose, you just need to turn up and they will provide all the equipment you need. Mallorca Wakepark, near Alcúdia, is the only wakeboarding cable system on the Balearics, and being on a lake provides those reliable placid water conditions all-day-long.

Kitesurfing needs a little bit more dedication to learn than some other watersports but, once you get the hang of it, it’s really rewarding. You can’t miss the kitesurfers on the coastline (off the road) between Port de Pollença and Alcúdia. It’s usually windy here so it provides superb conditions for kitesurfers, not to mention there’s a highly regarded kitesurfing school offering lessons and summer camps for kids. It’s also popular in the south-west of the island, along Playa de Palma, home to a couple of kitesurfing schools.