Alcudia: Boat Trip to Coll Baix

Alcúdia Bay is at its best from the water, and this $34 boat trip to Coll Baix gives you a simple way to see it without committing to a full-day cruise. You’ll pass Alcanada beach and its lighthouse, follow Mallorca’s north coast, and stop in clear water for a swim.

I like the short, affordable format and the chance to swim straight from the boat. I also like that departures are available around Alcúdia Bay, which can save you a taxi ride. The main catch is the phrase glass-bottom: the viewing panels are small windows, not a broad glass floor, and several passenger pickups can use a fair part of your time.

Key points at a glance

• A two-hour coastal cruise: See Alcúdia Bay, Alcanada, its lighthouse, and the coast toward Coll Baix.
• Swimming from the boat: The main water stop usually lasts around 15 to 30 minutes, depending on conditions and timing.
• Small glass-bottom windows: Useful for a quick look at the sea, but not the main reason to book.
• Several pickup points: The boat may collect passengers from different jetties before heading out into the bay.
• Food and drinks onboard: Snacks and beverages are available for purchase, including a bar area on the boat.
• Best for a first boat outing: Families, couples, and solo visitors get scenery and a swim without spending a whole day at sea.

What this Alcúdia boat trip actually offers

This is a straightforward sightseeing cruise, not a luxury yacht outing or a serious marine-life expedition. You board at the Alcudia Sea Trips kiosk operated by Transportes Marítimos Brisa on Passeig Marítim in Puerto Alcúdia, then follow the bay by boat.

The advertised duration is two hours. In practice, you should allow a little more time if the boat is collecting passengers from several points along the coast. One schedule includes roughly 40 minutes of ferry time, 30 minutes of sightseeing, a 15-minute swim, and another 30 minutes returning. That leaves a modest amount of time for the main stop, so the trip works best when you want a pleasant taste of the coast rather than a long day on the water.

The boat has an upper level with open views and a lower area where you board and find the bar. I would choose the upper deck if you can, especially for photographs and a clearer view toward the horizon. That higher position also helps if you are prone to motion sickness.

From Port Alcúdia to Alcanada lighthouse

The first part of the outing is not a direct sprint to Coll Baix. The boat can make several short pickups along Alcúdia Bay, sometimes three or four, before heading farther along the coast.

That arrangement has two sides. It makes the service convenient if you are staying near one of the other jetties, but it can also use around 30 to 40 minutes of the outing. If you board at the main port, you may spend part of the early cruise watching other passengers come aboard rather than immediately heading toward the secluded cove.

Once the boat is moving along the coast, the views become the main event. Alcanada beach and its lighthouse provide an attractive first highlight, with the north coast opening out around you. The pace is relaxed, giving you time to photograph the shoreline instead of rushing from one landmark to another.

There is no formal narration described for the trip, so you should not expect a detailed guided talk about each cove or lighthouse. I see that as a drawback if you want context, but it also keeps the outing informal. You are free to concentrate on the views, the sea, and your own company.

Coll Baix and the swimming stop

Coll Baix is one of Mallorca’s more secluded coastal spots, backed by mountains and reached here from the water. The boat usually stops offshore, rather than taking you onto the beach itself. That distinction matters. You are not getting a beach visit with time to walk along the sand. You are getting a swim from the boat in open water near one of the island’s attractive coves.

The water is described as clear and mint-green, and swimming is the part of the trip that gives it real purpose. You can jump or climb into the sea, then use the ladder to return to the boat. Bring swimwear and a towel, even if you are unsure about getting in. The views are pleasant, but the swim is the most memorable part for many people.

The stop may last about 15 minutes on the shorter schedule, while some outings allow closer to 20 or 30 minutes. Strong currents or rough seas can change the plan. On one outing, the crew moved the swimming stop toward the lighthouse and Formentor area because conditions at Coll Baix were not safe. That is sensible seamanship, but it means the named location is not guaranteed as the exact swimming spot.

The boarding ladder can become crowded, particularly when children or less confident swimmers take their time. If you want to swim, be ready to move efficiently and follow the crew’s instructions. People who are not comfortable in deep water may prefer to watch from the deck, since the boat does not necessarily stop beside a shallow beach.

A mask or snorkel is worth packing if you have room. The boat’s glass panels offer only a limited view, while your own mask gives you a better chance to see marine life during the swim. Do not expect a guided snorkeling session, but the clear water makes a quick look below the surface worthwhile.

The glass-bottom boat reality

The glass-bottom feature needs a clear explanation. The boat does not appear to have a large viewing floor like the promotional image some people may picture. Several accounts describe a small glass section or a few modest windows on the sides and lower part of the boat.

The panels can be difficult to see through when the sun is strong, and some have found them less clean or smaller than expected. There may also be no announcement when fish are being fed or when something interesting is below the boat.

I would treat the glass bottom as a small extra, not the central attraction. If your priority is marine life, bring a mask for the swimming stop. If your priority is coastal scenery, the upper deck and open-air views will probably matter much more than the windows.

That said, children may still find the glass panels exciting. For a four-year-old or seven-year-old who simply wants a first look beneath a boat, the feature can add a bit of fun. Just set expectations before boarding so nobody expects a giant underwater viewing room.

Boat comfort, food, and sea conditions

The boat has seating on more than one level, though the space can feel busier after several pickups. The upper deck gives you the broadest view and more useful airflow. It is also the place I would choose if you suffer from seasickness, since looking toward the horizon can help.

Motion sickness remains possible, particularly when the sea is rough. One passenger found the trip manageable despite being prone to it, while another felt seasick. That difference is a reminder to choose your position carefully, keep your eyes on the horizon, and avoid treating the boat as a totally calm ride.

Sea conditions can alter the route and the swimming plan. A report of two-metre waves still ended with the crew adapting the trip, but rough water may make the ride less comfortable and can reduce the time or change the location of the swim.

Food and drinks are not included in the $34 price. You can buy snacks and beverages onboard, and the bar has been described as reasonably priced. One particularly useful detail is that you do not need to bring a packed lunch for such a short trip. Still, bring water if you prefer your own supply, and remember that large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Choosing the best departure time

The 10 a.m. departure gets the strongest practical recommendation. The air is cooler, the sun is not yet at its highest point, and the upper deck is more comfortable before the heat builds.

Morning light can also work well for photographs of the coastline and lighthouse. Later departures may still be enjoyable, but the open deck can feel hot, and glare can make the small glass windows even harder to use.

Check the exact departure point when booking. The service offers several pickup locations around Alcúdia Bay, not just the main port. If you select the wrong one, you may pay for an unnecessary taxi ride. Ask at the kiosk if you are unsure which jetty is closest to your accommodation.

Arrive at the boat kiosk for Alcudia Sea Trips, Transportes Marítimos Brisa, on Passeig Marítim in Puerto Alcúdia. You may need to exchange an electronic booking code for a paper ticket at the booth, so do not assume the QR code alone is enough to board.

What to pack for a smooth outing

Keep your bag small. Large luggage and oversized bags are not permitted, and you do not need much for two hours.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Beachwear and sun protection
• A camera or phone
• A snorkel mask if you own one
• Motion-sickness medication if you normally need it

Use a waterproof pouch for your phone if you plan to jump into the water. The boat’s swim stop is not a beach landing, so you will need to return to the boat using the ladder. Leave expensive or awkward items behind.

A camera is particularly useful for the lighthouse, coastline, and clear water. Just remember that the small glass-bottom windows may not produce the underwater photographs you expect.

Is $34 good value?

At $34 per person, this is good value if you want a short boat ride, attractive scenery, and a swim stop. You get a scenic route around Alcúdia Bay and toward Coll Baix without paying for a full-day excursion.

The value drops if you are booking mainly for the glass bottom. The limited windows do not provide a strong underwater experience, and the lack of detailed narration means you are paying for the ride and scenery rather than a marine-life lesson.

Time is the other part of the calculation. A two-hour trip can feel pleasantly compact, especially for families or anyone who tires of long cruises. But several pickups may take up a large part of the outing, leaving less time to swim than you might expect from the description.

I would compare it with the cost of arranging your own boat hire, transport, and access to the coast. At this price, the convenience is the point. You can sit back, see several coastal areas, and get into the water without organizing a private boat.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it for families wanting an easy introduction to being on a boat. Children can enjoy the ride, the glass panels, and the excitement of swimming from the vessel, even if they do not get into the water themselves.

It also suits couples and solo visitors who want a low-cost break from the beach. Going alone is not a problem because the scenery and the swim provide enough structure without requiring a large group.

This is less suitable for anyone with mobility impairments. Getting on and off the boat, using the swimming ladder, and moving around a busy vessel may be difficult. It is also not the right choice if you want a quiet private cruise, a long snorkeling session, a beach landing, or a detailed naturalist talk.

People expecting Coll Baix beach itself should read the plan carefully. The boat generally stops offshore for swimming. You will see the cove, but you may not step onto its sand.

Cancellation and simple planning details

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps you from paying immediately. Check the available starting times before booking because schedules can vary.

The experience is offered in the Balearic Islands around Alcúdia Bay, with Transportes Marítimos Brisa operating the boat. Food and drinks cost extra, and transport to the port is not included.

My verdict: book it for the swim, not the glass bottom

I would book this trip if I wanted an affordable coastal cruise with a refreshing swim and did not need a full-day adventure. The views around Alcúdia Bay, Alcanada lighthouse, and the coast toward Coll Baix make the ride worthwhile, while the short format keeps it from becoming tiring.

Book the 10 a.m. departure if possible, choose the upper deck, bring a snorkel mask, and confirm your nearest pickup point. Go in expecting small viewing windows, possible passenger pickups, and a swim from the boat rather than a visit to the beach. With those expectations, the $34 price is fair and the outing should deliver a pleasant half-day highlight without taking over your holiday.

FAQ

How long does the Alcúdia boat trip to Coll Baix last?

The advertised duration is two hours. Some outings may take about two and a half hours, depending on passenger pickups and conditions.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at the Alcudia Sea Trips kiosk operated by Transportes Marítimos Brisa on Passeig Marítim, 07410 Puerto Alcúdia, Illes Balears.

Can I swim during the trip?

Yes. The boat stops for swimming from the vessel, usually near Coll Baix or another safe location such as the lighthouse area if sea conditions require a change.

Is the boat really glass-bottom?

The boat has small glass viewing panels or windows rather than a large glass floor. Bring a mask if seeing marine life underwater is important to you.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but snacks and beverages can be purchased onboard.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, beachwear, and a camera. A snorkel mask can also be useful. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.