If you’re craving an effortless Mallorca day, this catamaran route out of Port d’Alcúdia is built for it. You sail the northern coast, then jump into calm, swimmable bays with snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddle boards when the anchor drops.

What I like most is the long mid-cruise stop with the BBQ lunch/dinner served on board, plus time to snorkel, kayak, or just float and sunbathe. The one thing to consider: the itinerary can shift with wind and safety, and a few people found expectations for specific viewpoints (like Formentor-related stops) didn’t match what they’d pictured.

Quick take: what you should know before you go

• Three swim stops plus a photo/cool-down moment near Aucanada’s lighthouse
• On-board BBQ with pasta salad, bread, fresh fruit, and two drinks during the meal
• Free-to-use gear at the long stop: snorkels, kayaks, and paddle boards
• The boat can be pretty full (maximum 110 travelers), so arrive ready for a lively day
• It’s English-guided with a mobile ticket, and the day runs about 5 hours

Alcúdia to the Mediterranean: what makes this catamaran day work

This is a “do less, see more” kind of tour. You’re not driving between beaches, not hunting parking, and not planning a hike. Instead, you get transported by boat to several coves, with frequent chances to swim.

The cruise starts at Passeig Marítim, 18, Alcúdia. From there, you head out on the Anacaona Catamaran, spending the day around the Bay of Alcúdia and the nearby northern coastline.

Because it’s about 5 hours total, it fits well when you want a beach day but you also want to keep your schedule flexible. You’ll be on the water most of the time, and when you’re not swimming, you can relax—nets and benches are part of the onboard setup.

The swim-and-sail rhythm: Coll Baix, Cala Murta area, and Aucanada

This cruise is timed around water time. The schedule is basically: short sailing + anchor in a cove + repeat, with one longer anchor window where lunch happens.

Stop 1: Departing from Alcúdia waters

Right after boarding, the trip settles into that relaxing cruising pace. You’re getting out into the bay and working your way toward secluded beaches, rather than doing a frantic itinerary.

Stop 2: Platja Des Coll Baix for a secluded cove swim

Your first real break is at Platja Des Coll Baix—a small, hard-to-reach cove. The point here is simple: you get a spot that feels more private than most roadside beaches.

The stop is about 20 minutes, so it’s ideal for a quick swim, a first snorkel attempt, or just getting into the water early. If you tend to hesitate, this is the moment where you go for it—because you’ll have another longer swim later.

Stop 3: The long anchor at Cala Murta / Cala d’Engossalba for BBQ + gear

This is the main event. The long stop is where the crew prepares the BBQ lunch/dinner on board, later served while you’re settled in for the middle of the day.

This is also the stop with the most “active” options. You can use the snorkel equipment and the kayaks the Anacaona carries, and you can also just swim near the boat or sunbathe on the nets and benches.

The meal itself is part of the experience, not just a side detail. You’re offered meats such as chicken, pork, and sausages, plus a fresh pasta salad made with Mallorca tomatoes and vegetables. Bread and seasonal fruit finish it off.

Two drinks are included during the meal: orange, water, and sangria are listed as part of what’s provided. If you want more (or you’re picky about your drink), the bar runs all day, but extra drinks are not included.

Practical tip: this is the stop where you should plan your photos. The light tends to look good when you’ve got a calm anchorage and people are out of the water for a moment.

Stop 4: Aucanada Beach for a lighthouse view + quick splash

After lunch, you ease back into cruise mode. If there’s time, you make a brief final stop near Aucanada’s lighthouse.

This is about cooling off and taking pictures of the coastline. The stop is about 20 minutes, so think “dip and shoot,” not “spend the day here.”

Formentor views and the return to Port d’Alcúdia

Even when you’re not disembarking, you get views toward Formentor beach from the catamaran. Then the day ends back at Port d’Alcúdia with a final stretch that lets you soak in the bay.

One important note for expectation-setting: some people reported that the exact Formentor/Cap de Formentor stops they expected did not happen as advertised. Because the route can change with conditions, it’s smart to book this for the coves and swimming, not as a guaranteed single-viewpoint pilgrimage.

BBQ on board: what’s included, what’s not, and vegetarian reality

Food on boat trips can be hit or miss. Here, the structure is clear: the crew cooks BBQ meats on board, then serves a meal that includes sides and dessert.

You’ll get pasta salad, bread, and fresh fruit. Drinks included during the meal are listed as two drinks, with sangria, orange, and water named. Extra drinks are available at the bar, and people do mention that it’s easier to budget a little money for ongoing purchases.

If you’re vegetarian, plan carefully. One review specifically called out that vegetarian options were limited to bread and pasta plus drinks. That doesn’t mean you won’t eat well, but it does mean you shouldn’t assume a full vegetarian menu.

If you want control, the tour allows you to bring your own food and drinks. The trade-off is that many people choose onboard convenience—so if you’re bringing extra food, it helps to do it with a light touch so you’re still able to relax.

Snorkels, kayaks, and paddle boards: the onboard “free time” that matters

The biggest value-add here is that the water activities are not treated like premium add-ons. At the long lunch stop, the catamaran carries snorkel equipment, kayaks, and paddle boards, and you can use them with no extra charge.

Even if you’re not a strong swimmer, you can still enjoy the day. You can float near the boat, swim during the anchor stops, and use the netted areas and benches to sunbathe.

For people who love being active, the kayaks and paddle boards turn the cruise into more than just sightseeing. You’re out on the water, not only looking at it.

One more practical note: the boat can feel busy depending on the day. With a maximum of 110 travelers, there may be more people than you’d prefer if you want absolute quiet. Still, most of the praise centers on the crew being around, friendly, and helpful—so the experience tends to stay manageable.

Timing, crowds, and why the crew pacing affects your day

This tour is about 5 hours, and that time is structured around anchor stops and meal timing. You’re not going to have long gaps of boredom, but you also shouldn’t expect a slow, empty, spa-like vibe.

A few people described the boat as very large and sometimes crowded. You may see everything from around 50 people in some cases to a fuller load on busy days. The max cap is 110, so if you’re extremely crowd-sensitive, you’ll want to pick a quieter travel day when possible.

Departure and unloading can create delays when lots of people are boarding at once. If you like calm mornings, arrive on time and don’t assume you’ll walk up and instantly board.

The crew matters here. Many comments highlight friendly staff, smooth organization, and a helpful presence during swimming stops. That’s huge on a catamaran, where the fun is water-based and getting in and out should feel safe.

Also, the sailing itself can be variable. One person mentioned the sails weren’t raised and the day felt more like a party atmosphere than a quiet sailing experience. If you’re booking specifically for silent sailing under sail, treat this as a swim and relax cruise first.

The value question: is $86.51 a fair deal for Mallorca?

At $86.51 per person for a roughly 5-hour catamaran cruise, the value mainly comes from three things:

1) multiple anchor swims,

2) a mid-day BBQ meal, and

3) included water activities at the long stop.

You’re not just buying transport—you’re buying time in coves. That’s the part that costs money elsewhere: boat access plus a prepared meal plus gear use.

The included meal is also not just a snack. You get BBQ meats, pasta salad, bread, fruit, and two drinks during the meal. Extra drinks are available, so you’ll pay if you drink more than that, but at least you’re not starting the day with an empty bar budget.

Where value can wobble is if you expected a very specific set of named viewpoints. Some people felt the Formentor-related parts they’d hoped for were not delivered as expected. If your priority is a broad day of swimming coves rather than a checklist of famous stops, this is easier to justify.

Who should book this catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a relaxed Mallorca day with water time as the main event. This suits couples, families with kids who can swim, and groups who enjoy shared activities like kayaking and snorkel breaks.

It also works well for solo travelers. The cruise format is social without being forced, and you’re busy enough—swimming, lunch, photos—that the day moves fast in the best way.

If you’re vegetarian, go in with eyes open. You might be limited to what the boat offers, unless you bring your own food.

If you hate crowds or want a quiet, low-music sailing experience, you may be happier choosing a smaller boat tour. This one can run full.

Should you book it? My practical decision guide

I’d book this when your goal is simple: swim in Mallorca’s coves, eat well on board, and get a fun day without logistics stress. The combo of included BBQ, swim stops, and free-to-use snorkel/kayak/paddle-board time is the strongest reason to choose it.

I’d think twice if you’re booking for a very specific Formentor/Cap de Formentor sightseeing promise, or if your ideal day is silent sailing and maximum space. Also, if you’re a strict vegetarian, consider bringing a backup snack so lunch doesn’t feel like a compromise.

If you match those expectations, this is a great way to spend a few hours of vacation doing the thing Mallorca is good at: sun, sea, and an easy rhythm.

FAQ

Is the catamaran cruise about 5 hours long?

Yes. The tour duration is listed as about 5 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Passeig Marítim, 18, 07400 Alcúdia, Illes Balears, Spain and ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the lunch or dinner?

Lunch/dinner includes BBQ (meats), pasta salad, bread, and fresh fruit. You also get two drinks during the meal (orange, water, and sangria are listed).

Are snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and paddle boards included?

The snorkel equipment and kayaks (and paddle boards) are described as available to use with no extra charge during the long stop.

Can I buy extra drinks on board?

Yes. Extra drinks are not included with the price, but the bar service is available all day.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What happens if weather is bad or the trip is canceled?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.