Alcudia: Formentor Beach, Lighthouse Cruise, and Small Group

The best thing about this Alcudia cruise is its small boat and small group. With no more than 12 people aboard, you can reach quiet coves, sea caves, and swimming spots that are harder to reach from land. The ride is lively, sometimes bumpy, and much closer to the coast than a large sightseeing vessel.

I like the mix of fast open-water cruising and long stops for swimming and snorkeling. I also like the captains, especially Andy and Cesar, who are often praised for keeping the ride social, explaining the coast, and adjusting the pace to the group. The main catch is simple: this is a speedboat trip, not a gentle floating lounge. If you get seasick or dislike wind and bouncing waves, plan carefully.

Key points to know before booking

• Maximum 12 people: The small boat keeps the outing personal and makes it easier to stop in narrow coves.
• Four hours on the water: You visit several points along Mallorca’s north coast without giving up a full day.
• Swimming and snorkeling stops: Cap Pinar, Es Coll Baix, Cala Murta, and other coves offer time in clear coastal water.
• Fast, energetic ride: The boat can bounce over waves, which many people find fun but which may trouble anyone prone to seasickness.
• Formentor Lighthouse by sea: You see the lighthouse and Cap de Formentor’s cliffs from a striking offshore angle.
• Optional hotel pickup: Pickup can be arranged from Can Picafort, Playa de Muro, and Puerto Pollensa.

Why this Alcudia boat trip feels different

Mallorca has plenty of boat outings, but the group size changes the character of this one. A maximum of 12 people means less waiting, less crowding around the swim ladder, and a better chance of hearing the guide when the engine is off. It also lets the captain make the trip feel more like a coastal outing with friends than a standard sightseeing run.

The route covers the north coast from Port of Alcudia toward the Formentor peninsula. You are not simply sailing to one beach, taking a few photos, and returning. The four hours combine scenery, short explanations, swimming, snorkeling, caves, and a lively ride across the bay.

Captains named in the feedback include Andy, Cesar, and Caesar, with passengers especially appreciating Andy’s humor and Cesar’s ability to keep the group involved. The exact captain will depend on the departure, but expect an English or Spanish-speaking guide who points out beaches, cliffs, caves, and local sights along the way.

The boat ride itself matters here. It has been described as a zodiac-style or speedboat experience, with a bit of bounce and occasional bursts of speed. Sitting near the front gives you the strongest sense of the ride, while a position farther back may feel calmer. You can have a lot of fun on the waves, but this is not the right pick if you want a silent, steady cruise.

Leaving Port of Alcudia and passing Alcanada

The trip begins at the Sea Alcudia Explorer office near the Port of Alcudia. Arrive 15 minutes before departure so you can check in without rushing. The activity returns to the same meeting point unless your selected option includes transport.

As the boat leaves the port, it heads toward the north coast and the island lighthouse of Alcanada. This early section helps you shift from resort Mallorca to the wilder shoreline beyond the port. Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray. A spare change of clothes is sensible because swimming stops, wind, and sea spray can leave you wetter than planned.

The guide uses the ride to explain the coast and set the rhythm for the day. You may get music, informal conversation, and a few jokes along with the sightseeing. On some outings, water and beer have been available on board, but these are not listed among the formal inclusions, so confirm what is supplied for your departure.

Es Coll Baix and the first swim

The first major destination is Es Coll Baix, one of the north coast’s most appealing beaches. Seen from the water, the beach has a remote feel because the surrounding shore is reached less easily than Mallorca’s main resort beaches.

This is a good place for your first swim. The stop breaks up the ride early and gives you a chance to get comfortable with the boat. You may swim near the vessel or, depending on conditions and the captain’s plan, spend time closer to shore.

The appeal of Es Coll Baix is the contrast between the open sea and the quiet beach. You are seeing the coast from the angle that makes its cliffs and small inlets feel most dramatic. The drawback is that the stop depends on sea and weather conditions, as does every open-water part of this trip. The exact time at each point can change.

Snorkeling around the coves of Cap Pinar

After Es Coll Baix, the boat continues toward Cap Pinar and its less developed coves. This is one of the strongest parts of the route if you want time in the water rather than a sightseeing ride with only quick photo stops.

The coves are described as untouched, with clear water suitable for snorkeling. You can look around the rocky edges and see the coast from water level, where small caves and underwater areas become part of the experience. Snorkeling masks and tubes have been available on outings, but ask the captain directly at the start if you need equipment.

Several stops may be made for swimming and snorkeling. Some departures have included four swimming points, along with cave visits. The captain may also allow jumping from the boat where conditions make it safe. Follow the guide’s instructions, since the shoreline is rocky and the water entry points are not the same as a sandy beach.

This part suits active people who want to move around. It is less suitable if you need easy access in and out of the water. One practical point matters: getting back onto a small boat can require a firm grip and some upper-body strength. The captain can help, but you should be comfortable with that movement before booking.

Across the Bay of Pollença to Es Caló

The route then crosses toward the Bay of Pollença and the small beach of Es Caló. This secluded cove is known for its quiet setting and its connection with La Fortaleza, one of Mallorca’s most expensive private homes.

From the boat, the point is not to tour the house. You see how private property, rocky shore, and small beach meet in a part of the bay that feels removed from the larger resort areas. The captain gives background about the places you pass, so this section adds context to the scenery rather than being only a transfer between swim stops.

Es Caló is also a reminder that not every stop is a long shore visit. Depending on conditions and the schedule, you may view the cove from the boat, swim nearby, or spend a shorter period there. The route includes many sights, so the pace stays active.

Formentor Beach and Cala Murta

Formentor Beach is one of the main goals of the outing. It gives you a proper beach stop after the smaller coves and offers time to swim, relax, or take in the setting before the boat turns toward the peninsula.

Some departures allow time for lunch at Formentor Beach, but lunch is not included in the listed price. Bring money or food if you expect to eat there, and do not assume the stop will function like a full beach day. This is a short boat tour with several points to cover, not a resort transfer with unlimited time ashore.

Near Formentor, the boat continues to Cala Murta, a small cove that is more secluded than the famous beach. The attraction is its scale and quiet character. From the water, you can appreciate the shape of the cove and the sense of distance from Mallorca’s busier shore.

You may also see sea caves during this section. Cave visits are weather-dependent, and the boat’s ability to enter a particular opening depends on water conditions and safety. Still, this is one of the parts that makes the trip feel more exploratory than a standard beach cruise.

Cap de Formentor and the lighthouse

The final major stretch heads toward Cap de Formentor, where the Serra de Tramuntana reaches the sea in tall cliffs. This is the most dramatic scenery of the day, especially when viewed from below rather than from the road or a lookout.

The cliffs show the rugged side of Mallorca. From the boat, you can look up at the rock walls, small inlets, and sea caves while the guide explains what you are seeing. The area is part of the UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana, which adds wider cultural and natural importance to the visit.

Formentor Lighthouse is the visual finish. Built at the far end of the peninsula, it appears in a setting of exposed cliffs and open sea. Seeing it by boat gives you a different perspective from a land visit, where the focus is usually the road, lookout points, and the lighthouse itself.

The lighthouse stop may not mean stepping ashore. The main value is the offshore view and the journey along the cliffs. If you want an extended visit inside or around the lighthouse, this cruise is not designed for that. It is a coastal viewing experience with swimming and snorkeling built into the route.

Is $85 a fair price?

At $85 per person, the value depends on how much you want from four hours on the water. You are paying for boat transport, a live guide, access to the swimming areas, a small group, and a route that connects several hard-to-reach coastal points.

The price compares well if you would otherwise need separate transport, beach time, and a private boat outing to see the same stretch of coast. A large boat may cost less, but it will not offer the same small-group feel. A private charter would provide more control, but usually at a much higher total price.

The value is strongest for an active half-day. You get multiple swim opportunities, snorkeling, caves, beaches, and the Formentor Lighthouse without committing an entire day. The price is less attractive if you do not plan to swim or if you prefer a quiet, slow boat ride.

Hotel pickup and drop-off can be selected from Can Picafort, Playa de Muro, and Puerto Pollensa. Pickup takes place 30 to 45 minutes before the tour, depending on your location, and the supplier confirms the exact time. This option can improve the value if you are staying outside Alcudia and would otherwise need a taxi.

What to bring and how to prepare

Wear swimwear under clothes that dry fairly quickly. Bring a towel, sun protection, a secure bag, and a spare set of clothes. The boat can be wet from spray even if you do not plan to swim at every stop.

If you are prone to seasickness, take the issue seriously. The ride can be fast and bumpy, and several people have found seasickness medicine or acupressure wristbands useful. Sit where you feel most stable, look toward the horizon when possible, and tell the captain if you begin to feel unwell.

The boat requires some mobility. You need to board at the port, move around a small deck, and get in and out of the water at swim stops. A captain can assist, but the experience is not presented as an accessible boat outing with step-free water access.

For photography, a waterproof phone case is more useful than a large camera. The best views come during movement, at the caves, and near the cliffs, so keep your equipment protected and easy to reach.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would choose this cruise for couples, friends, and families with older children who want a mix of scenery and activity. It is especially good for people who see a beach day as better when it includes snorkeling, short swims, and a bit of speed.

The small group also works well for solo participants. The guide can speak with people individually, and the shared boat setup makes conversation easy. The outing has a social feel, but it is not a party boat in the usual large-group sense.

You should think twice if you dislike wind, fast turns, or bouncing waves. One passenger described the ride as not for the faint-hearted, while another found it exciting without feeling unsafe. That difference says a lot: your enjoyment will depend on your comfort with a lively boat.

The tour also suits repeat visitors to Mallorca who have already seen the main beaches by road. Cap Pinar, Cala Murta, sea caves, and the cliffs near Formentor are best understood from the water. You get access to a side of the north coast that a road trip cannot provide.

Booking details in plain English

The tour lasts four hours and starts at times shown during the booking process. Meet at the Sea Alcudia Explorer office 15 minutes before departure. The boat returns to the meeting point at the end.

Guiding is available in English and Spanish. Hotel pickup is optional from Can Picafort, Playa de Muro, and Puerto Pollensa, with the pickup time confirmed before the outing.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying at once, which is useful if your Mallorca plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Formentor cruise?

Book it if you want to see Mallorca’s north coast from the water and you value swimming, snorkeling, and a small group more than a calm sightseeing cruise. The route packs a lot into four hours, and the combination of Es Coll Baix, Cap Pinar, Es Caló, Cala Murta, Formentor Beach, and the lighthouse gives you strong variety for the price.

I would skip it if you are easily seasick, need a gentle ride, or want a long, relaxed stay at one beach. For everyone else, this is a lively and well-priced way to reach coves and cliffs that are awkward to visit by land. Choose a day with good weather, bring a spare outfit, and be ready for Mallorca at its most rugged and active.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

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

How long does the experience last?

The boat trip lasts four hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

Where does the cruise finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Alcudia.

Is hotel pickup available?

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

Which languages are offered?

The live guide service is available in English and Spanish.

How many people are on the boat?

The experience is limited to 12 people on board.

Does the tour visit Formentor Lighthouse?

Yes. The route heads along the cliffs of Cap de Formentor and includes views of the lighthouse from the sea.

Will there be time to swim?

Yes. The itinerary includes swimming stops, including around Es Coll Baix and other coves along the route.

Is snorkeling part of the tour?

Yes. You can snorkel in the coves around Cap Pinar. Snorkeling equipment has been available on outings, but ask the captain about equipment when you board.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.