Alcudia: Formentor Beach, Lighthouse Cruise, and Small Group

The best thing about this Alcudia boat trip is its size: only 12 people share the boat, so you get close to Mallorca’s north coast without joining a floating crowd. The four-hour route packs in beaches, sea caves, swimming stops, snorkeling, and the dramatic cliffs around Formentor Lighthouse.

I like the mix of active and scenic time, especially the clear coves at Cap Pinar and the chance to stop at places that are difficult to reach by land. I also like the lively guides, including captains named Andy and Cesar, who are known for keeping the ride social and explaining the coastline. The main caution is simple: this is a fast, open speedboat, not a gentle cruise ship. If you get seasick or dislike bouncing over waves, take that seriously.

Key things to know before you book

• A small boat makes the difference: With a maximum of 12 people, swimming stops feel more personal and getting a good view is easier.
• The ride can be thrilling: Expect wind, spray, and occasional bouncing, especially at the front of the boat.
• Several swim stops are built in: Es Coll Baix, Cap Pinar, Cala Murta, and other coastal points may be used for swimming or snorkeling.
• Formentor is the grand finale: The route finishes with the beach, cliffs, and lighthouse that make this corner of Mallorca famous.
• Plan for wet clothes: Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a change of clothes. You may be back on the boat several times.
• Hotel pickup is limited: Optional pickup is available from hotels in Can Picafort, Playa de Muro, and Puerto Pollensa.

Why this four-hour Alcudia trip feels different

Mallorca has plenty of boat outings, but this one is shaped around movement. You are not simply sitting offshore and looking at the coast. The boat runs between coves, beaches, caves, and headlands, with time to get into the water along the way.

That makes the trip a good choice if you want several experiences in one half-day. You see the coast from the sea, swim in clear water, try snorkeling, and reach Formentor without spending the day on a large vessel.

The small group matters more than it might at first seem. Twelve people is still enough for a friendly atmosphere, but it is small enough that you can usually hear the guide and avoid the packed-deck feeling common on larger cruises. It also gives the captain more room to adjust the pace and stops to the conditions and the group.

The route is led in English or Spanish. Andy and Cesar are among the captains praised for their humor, explanations, and ability to make people feel at ease. The exact guide depends on the departure, but you can expect a hands-on skipper rather than a distant narrator.

Leaving Port d’Alcudia and passing Alcanada

You begin at the Sea Alcudia Explorer office near the port. Arrive 15 minutes before departure, since the boat does not leave from a hotel lobby or a general beach meeting point.

The first part of the journey carries you past the lighthouse on the island of Alcanada. It is a useful early reminder that this is a coastal sightseeing trip as much as a swimming excursion. The view changes quickly once the boat leaves the port, with open water, rocky shoreline, and small inlets replacing the built-up harbor.

From here, the boat heads toward Es Coll Baix. The ride itself is part of the attraction. Several people describe the speedboat as exhilarating, with a feel closer to a small roller coaster than a standard sightseeing boat. That can be fun, but it also explains why this trip is not ideal for anyone prone to motion sickness.

If you usually feel unwell at sea, take appropriate medication before boarding and consider sitting where you feel most stable. The front can be the most exciting place to sit, but it also takes more spray and movement. If you prefer a calmer ride, ask the crew where to sit.

Es Coll Baix, a beach reached best from the water

Es Coll Baix is one of the early highlights. Seen from the water, the beach feels more remote than Mallorca’s better-known resort beaches. The boat gives you a close view without requiring a long approach from shore.

The stop is designed for a refreshing swim. Depending on sea conditions and the captain’s plan, you may get into the water near the beach or another suitable point. This is a good time to get comfortable with the boat ladder and the pace of the trip.

Do not expect a long beach afternoon here. The four-hour schedule covers a lot of coastline, so stops are intended to give you time in the water rather than hours on one beach. That is a fair trade if you want variety, but less appealing if your ideal outing is simply lying on the sand.

Snorkeling around the coves of Cap Pinar

Next comes Cap Pinar, where the boat reaches quiet coves with clear water and less direct access from land. This is one of the strongest parts of the outing for anyone who enjoys swimming and snorkeling.

The appeal is the setting. Instead of snorkeling from a crowded resort beach, you are surrounded by rocky shoreline and open sea. You may see marine life beneath the surface, although the trip does not promise particular species or underwater conditions.

Snorkeling equipment has been available on departures, but it is sensible to confirm with the captain when you board. The official inclusions list boat transport and access to the water, not a guaranteed equipment rental, so bringing your own mask is worthwhile if snorkeling matters to you.

You will need a reasonable level of mobility here. Getting from a small speedboat into the water and back aboard can require balance and upper-body effort. The crew can assist, and captains have helped people back into the boat, but this is not a fully step-free swimming setup.

Es Caló and the bay of Pollença

The route continues into the bay of Pollença and toward Es Caló, a small, untouched beach beside the large estate known as La Fortaleza. This section gives you a look at a quieter side of the bay, far removed from the broad resort beaches.

From the boat, the setting is best appreciated as a coastal scene rather than a formal stop with facilities. You should not expect shops, changing rooms, or a full beach service here. The attraction is the cove itself and the contrast between the rugged shore and the grand private property nearby.

The guide’s commentary adds value at this point. A good skipper does more than steer. Cesar and Andy have been praised for pointing out beaches, caves, cliffs, and background details as the boat travels. The information is informal and easy to follow, which suits the relaxed mood of the outing.

Formentor Beach and Cala Murta

Formentor Beach is one of the main reasons to choose this tour. It is a famous stretch of Mallorca’s north coast, and arriving by boat gives you a different angle from the road approach.

You may have time to swim or spend a short period ashore, depending on the day’s timing and sea conditions. Several departures have included a stop at Formentor Beach long enough for swimming and a break, but the exact length can vary. The schedule has to account for the many other coastal stops.

Cala Murta adds another layer to the route. It is a small cove near Formentor, surrounded by rocky shore and clear water. The setting feels more secluded than the main beach and is especially appealing when the boat pauses for another swim.

This sequence is where the trip’s value becomes clear. A standard visit to Formentor may involve a beach stop and a viewpoint. This boat outing lets you see the area from the water, approach coves that are difficult to reach by road, and connect the beach with the cliffs and lighthouse in one continuous route.

The cliffs of Cap de Formentor and its lighthouse

The final coastal section brings you toward the cliffs of Cap de Formentor, part of the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the sea, the cliffs look especially imposing because you see their full height rising directly from the water.

The lighthouse is the visual finish to the route. It sits at the tip of the cape, where the coast becomes more exposed and dramatic. You will admire it from the boat rather than visit the lighthouse interior, so choose this tour for the sea-level view and the journey along the cliffs.

This is also one of the best moments for photographs, but keep your phone secure. The boat is moving, the wind can be strong, and spray is possible. A waterproof phone pouch is a practical item to bring.

The coastal scenery is the star here, but the captain’s handling adds to the experience. The boat may pick up speed between stops, then slow near coves and rock formations. Some people love the bursts of movement. Others find the ride too lively. There is no way to remove that part of the experience, so be honest about your comfort on small boats.

What the $85 price includes

At about $85 per person, this is a strong value if you want an active half-day on the water rather than a simple transfer. Your fare covers the boat trip, the guide, access to the water, and the full coastal route from Alcudia and back.

The value comes from the number of sights covered in four hours. You see Alcanada, Es Coll Baix, Cap Pinar, Es Caló, Formentor Beach, Cala Murta, Cap de Formentor, and the lighthouse. You also get multiple opportunities to swim and possibly snorkel.

Hotel pickup and return are not included in the standard price. Pickup can be added for hotels in Can Picafort, Playa de Muro, and Puerto Pollensa. The pickup time is usually 30 to 45 minutes before the boat departure, with the exact time confirmed by the operator.

Some departures have included water and beer on board. Since refreshments are not listed among the official inclusions, do not book on the assumption that drinks are guaranteed. Ask the crew at the start, and bring anything else you need for four hours in the sun.

The price is less attractive if you want a slow, quiet cruise with lots of time on one beach. It is much better value if you want a packed route, several swims, and a small group.

Comfort, safety, and the practical details

The boat is described as a zodiac-style speedboat, not a large vessel with a broad deck, indoor seating, or a steady cruise-ship ride. You should expect wind, sun, spray, and movement throughout the trip.

Wear swimwear under light clothing and bring a towel, sunscreen, water, and a dry change of clothes. A waterproof bag for phones and wallets is sensible. Secure hats and loose items before the boat accelerates.

The activity requires enough mobility to board the boat and move in and out of the water at the swimming stops. If you have concerns about climbing a short ladder or balancing on a moving boat, contact the operator before booking.

The tour returns to its original meeting point. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Mallorca plans are still shifting.

Weather and sea conditions can affect the route, timing, and comfort. One departure had its start time moved from morning to afternoon on short notice, so keep some flexibility in your day. The change did not prevent the trip from running, but it could affect other plans.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would choose this outing if you:

• Want to see the north coast from the water in a single half-day
• Prefer a small group to a large sightseeing boat
• Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and short active stops
• Like a fast ride with a playful captain
• Want to reach the Formentor area without making the whole day about road travel
• Are comfortable getting into and out of a small boat

I would think twice if you:

• Get seasick easily
• Want a quiet, slow cruise
• Need easy, step-free access
• Prefer long stretches of time on a beach
• Dislike wind, spray, or a bumpy ride

The guides are a major part of the atmosphere. Andy and Cesar have both been praised for being funny, attentive, and willing to adapt the outing to the group while still following the planned route. That personal touch matters more on a 12-person boat than it would on a large vessel.

Should you book the Alcudia Formentor cruise?

Book it if you want an energetic look at Mallorca’s north coast, with plenty of water time and a real sense of movement. The small group, multiple swim stops, and close views of Formentor give you more variety than a basic harbor cruise.

Skip it if the words speedboat, spray, or snorkeling ladder already sound tiring. For everyone else, $85 is a fair price for four hours of beaches, coves, cliffs, and swimming, especially if you value a lively guide and a boat small enough to feel personal.

FAQ

Where does the Formentor boat trip start?

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

How long does the experience last?

The boat trip lasts four hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Does the boat return to Alcudia?

Yes. The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Optional pickup is available from hotels in Can Picafort, Playa de Muro, and Puerto Pollensa. Pickup usually takes place 30 to 45 minutes before departure, depending on your location.

Which languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and Spanish.

Is snorkeling part of the route?

Yes. The boat heads to the coves of Cap Pinar, where you can snorkel. Water access is included, while snorkeling equipment should be confirmed with the supplier.

What beaches and coves does the boat visit?

The route includes Es Coll Baix, the coves of Cap Pinar, Es Caló, Formentor Beach, and Cala Murta. The boat also passes Alcanada and travels along Cap de Formentor.

Is the ride suitable for people who get seasick?

The trip uses a small speedboat and can be bumpy, windy, and fast. If you are prone to seasickness, this may not be the best choice.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.