Alcudia: Formentor Beach, Lighthouse Cruise, and Small Group

The best part of this four-hour boat trip is its small size. With no more than 12 people aboard, you get close to Mallorca’s northern coast, stop in clear coves, and move between beaches and cliffs without the feel of a crowded day cruise. Captains such as Cesar and Andy are known for adding humor, local information, music, and a little lively speed to the ride.

I like the mix of swimming and sightseeing, and I like that the route reaches places that are hard to visit by land. The main caution is the boat itself: this is a fast, open speedboat rather than a calm sightseeing vessel. If you get seasick or dislike wind and bouncing over waves, prepare carefully or choose another outing.

Key points to know before booking

• Small group of 12 people: You get more room, quicker boarding, and a better chance to speak with the skipper.
• Four swimming areas: The route includes stops around Es Coll Baix, Cap Pinar, Es Caló, and Cala Murta, depending on sea and timing.
• Formentor’s dramatic finish: The trip reaches the cliffs and lighthouse at Cap de Formentor, one of Mallorca’s most striking coastal views.
• Active boat ride: The speedboat can bounce over waves, making the journey exciting but less suitable for anyone prone to seasickness.
• Snorkeling included on the trip: Equipment has been provided on departures, though you should confirm current arrangements when booking.
• Good value at $85: You get four hours on the water, several stops, and access to swimming areas that are difficult to reach by road.

Leaving Port d’Alcudia for Es Coll Baix

You meet at the Sea Alcudia Explorer office near Port d’Alcudia 15 minutes before departure. The activity returns to the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a second location at the end.

The first stretch points toward Es Coll Baix, a beautiful beach backed by rugged terrain. From the boat, you see the coast from a more useful angle than you would from a road or beach path. The water, cliffs, and narrow shoreline come together in a scene that feels far removed from the built-up parts of the resort coast.

On the way, the boat passes the lighthouse on Alcanada Island. It is a small but memorable sight, especially early in the route when you are still getting used to the open water and the shape of Mallorca’s northern shore.

Es Coll Baix is one of the first places for a swim. The stop is not just a photo pause. You can get into the water, cool off, and see how the sea changes from the deeper blue around the boat to the lighter water near shore. Bring a swimsuit under your clothes because the schedule moves quickly and there may not be a convenient place to change.

Cap Pinar and clear water for snorkeling

After Es Coll Baix, the boat heads toward the coves of Cap Pinar. This is one of the strongest parts of the trip for anyone who wants to swim or snorkel rather than simply sit and look at the coast.

The coves are described as untouched, and the attraction is their clear water and quiet setting. You are not visiting a large beach complex with rows of facilities. You are stopping in small coastal pockets where the boat itself provides your base.

Snorkeling gear has been provided on many departures, and the activity includes access to the water. Still, equipment details can change, so I would confirm this before setting off if snorkeling is central to your plans. You may also prefer to bring your own mask if you want a reliable fit.

The crew can point out attractive swimming spots and may stop near caves or areas where you can jump from the boat. Those extras depend on conditions and the skipper’s judgment. Never treat a rock jump as compulsory. You should only enter the water in a way that feels safe for you.

Es Caló and the Bay of Pollença

The route continues into the Bay of Pollença and toward Es Caló, a small, quiet beach with a more private feel than the main resort beaches. The beach is associated with La Fortaleza, one of Mallorca’s most expensive homes, which gives this stop an unusual contrast: wild coast on one side, grand private property on the other.

From the boat, you get a view that is difficult to arrange independently. The point is not to tour the mansion, and you should not expect to go ashore there. Instead, the boat gives you a chance to see the setting and the sheltered water around Es Caló.

This is also a good example of why the small group matters. A boat carrying 12 people can spend less time managing a large crowd. It is easier to get into the water, hear the guide, and move on when the timing is right.

The guide speaks English and Spanish. Cesar, Andy, and other skippers have been praised for keeping the ride social and explaining the beaches, caves, and cliffs along the way. The tone is informal rather than lecture-like, which suits a boat trip built around swimming and scenery.

Formentor Beach and Cala Murta

Formentor Beach is one of the main goals of the outing. It is a famous stretch of coast, and the trip lets you approach it from the water before continuing to Cala Murta, a smaller cove nearby.

You may have time to swim at Formentor Beach or go ashore, depending on the day’s schedule. Some departures have also allowed time for lunch or a short break. Do not assume a full meal is included. The activity price covers the boat and water access, not food.

Cala Murta gives you a quieter coastal stop after the better-known beach. The cove is small, and the boat is the practical way to reach it. You see the contrast between a famous beach that attracts many people and a narrower cove that feels more remote.

The timetable has several moving parts. Sea conditions, swimming time, and the pace of the group can affect exactly how long you spend at each location. I would book this for the overall route, not for a guaranteed number of minutes at one particular beach.

The cliffs and lighthouse of Cap de Formentor

The final section reaches the cliffs of Cap de Formentor and the lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula. This is the visual high point of the trip.

Cap de Formentor belongs to the Serra de Tramuntana, a mountain range recognized by UNESCO. From the sea, the cliffs look especially imposing. The boat lets you study their height and shape from below, where the scale is easier to appreciate than from a road viewpoint.

The lighthouse is not just a marker on the itinerary. It gives the cruise a clear destination after the earlier beaches and coves. You spend the morning or afternoon moving through small swimming spots, then finish with one of Mallorca’s most recognizable coastal structures.

The ride near the cliffs can also be the most exposed part of the trip. Wind may be stronger, and the boat may move more sharply if the sea is lively. The captain’s skill matters here. Several skippers, including Andy and Cesar, have been praised for controlling the boat confidently while keeping the ride exciting without making it feel reckless.

What the speedboat ride is really like

The word cruise can suggest a large boat with indoor seating and a steady, gentle pace. This is different. You are on a small speedboat, often described as similar to a rigid inflatable boat, with wind, spray, and periods of bouncing over the waves.

That is a major part of the fun for the right person. Sitting near the front gives you the strongest ride and the clearest view, but it also means more movement. If you prefer a smoother trip, a position farther back may feel easier.

The boat ride has been called exhilarating and, at times, like a small roller coaster. It is not described as frightening when conditions are good, but it is not ideal for anyone who dislikes speed or open water. The tour is also not a good choice if you need a highly stable platform.

Sea sickness deserves honest attention. People who regularly feel ill on boats have advised taking their usual medication before departure. Accupressure wristbands and medicine such as meclizine have also been used successfully by some passengers, but you should follow medical advice and use only what is suitable for you.

Wear swim clothes, bring a spare outfit, and expect to get wet. A towel, sun protection, and a secure way to protect your phone are sensible additions. The boat moves between stops, so loose hats and unsecured belongings can become a problem.

Group size, guides, and onboard extras

The maximum of 12 people is one of the clearest advantages of this experience. You are not lost in a large crowd, and the captain can respond to the group more easily. That can mean extra time for questions, music requests, or a change in the order of stops when conditions allow.

The guides are a visible part of the experience. Cesar is often described as funny, attentive, and good at explaining the coast. Andy has also been praised for making the trip entertaining and handling the boat with confidence. The exact skipper depends on the date.

English and Spanish are offered. The guiding style is likely to be conversational, with information about the coves, caves, beaches, and cliffs rather than a long formal talk. If you want nonstop historical commentary, this may feel light. If you want useful context without losing swimming time, the balance should suit you.

Water is part of the practical setup, and some departures have included beer at no extra charge. Because the official inclusions focus on boat transportation and water access, I would confirm current drink arrangements instead of treating beer as guaranteed.

Is $85 a fair price?

At $85 per person, I consider this a strong value if you plan to swim and want to see a large stretch of Mallorca’s north coast in half a day. The price includes four hours of boat time, a small group, several coastal stops, and access to coves that are not simple to reach by land.

The value is better than it first appears because you are combining several separate outings into one route: Es Coll Baix, Cap Pinar, the Bay of Pollença, Es Caló, Formentor Beach, Cala Murta, and the Formentor cliffs. You also avoid spending the day driving between viewpoints.

The price does not include hotel transport unless you choose that option. Pickup is available from hotels in Can Picafort, Playa de Muro, and Puerto Pollensa, usually 30 to 45 minutes before the tour. The exact time is confirmed by the supplier.

One practical issue is that departure times can change. At least one passenger had a start time moved from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the evening before. That did not ruin the outing, but it could affect lunch plans, transport, or another reservation. Leave some space in your schedule.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option helps if you are still arranging your Mallorca plans.

Who should book this Alcudia boat trip?

I would choose this trip if you want active sightseeing, clear water, small coves, and a friendly guide. It is especially well suited to couples, friends, and families with older children who can manage boarding, swimming, and a moving boat.

It also works well for anyone staying around Alcudia, Can Picafort, Playa de Muro, or Puerto Pollensa. You get a full coastal outing without committing an entire day to a large organized excursion.

I would think twice if you are seasick, have limited mobility, or want a quiet, slow cruise. Getting on and off the boat at swimming stops requires a degree of mobility, and the ride can be fast and bumpy. The crew can help, but this is still an active water experience.

Should you book it?

Book it if your idea of a good Mallorca day includes swimming from the boat, snorkeling in clear coves, sea caves, dramatic cliffs, and a little speed. The small group, skilled skippers, and broad route give you a lot for $85.

Skip it if you want guaranteed calm water, long beach time, or a formal sightseeing cruise. For the right person, this is one of the better ways to see the north coast in four hours. Just prepare for sun, spray, wind, and a speedboat that earns its name.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The tour starts at the Sea Alcudia Explorer supplier office near Port d’Alcudia. You should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled departure.

Where does the activity finish?

The boat returns to the original meeting point at the end of the four-hour trip.

How long is the cruise?

The activity lasts four hours. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for the date you want.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is optional from hotels in Can Picafort, Playa de Muro, and Puerto Pollensa. Pickup generally takes place 30 to 45 minutes before the tour, depending on your location.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is offered in English and Spanish.

Is snorkeling part of the experience?

The route includes snorkeling opportunities at the coves of Cap Pinar, and snorkeling equipment has been provided on departures. Confirm the current equipment arrangement when booking.

What places does the boat visit?

The route includes Es Coll Baix, the Alcanada lighthouse, Cap Pinar, the Bay of Pollença, Es Caló, Formentor Beach, Cala Murta, the Cap de Formentor cliffs, and Formentor Lighthouse. Exact stop times can vary.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.