Mallorca Catamaran Cruise with Scenic Views and BBQ Lunch

Mallorca’s northern coast is at its best from the water, where the cliffs and coves come into view without a steep walk or a parking search. I like this trip for two reasons: you get several chances to swim, and the long stop pairs time in the water with a barbecue cooked on board.

One thing to weigh before booking: this is a shared catamaran excursion, not a quiet private sailing. The route can change with weather and timing, and you should not count on reaching or stopping at Formentor.

• A half-day at sea: The trip lasts about five hours and starts and ends at Port d’Alcúdia.
• Swim stops: The planned route includes Coll Baix, a longer cove stop, and a possible final dip near Aucanada.
• A barbecue on board: Expect grilled meat, pasta salad, bread, fruit, and two drinks with the meal.
• Water gear: Kayaks and snorkel equipment are described as available, with paddleboards and floats also noted in accounts of the trip.
• A shared outing: The stated maximum is 110 people, so the feel of the boat can depend on the day’s turnout.
• A flexible route: Wind, weather, time, and safety can change where the catamaran goes.

Setting out from Port d’Alcúdia

The meeting point is Passeig Marítim, 18, in Alcúdia, and the trip returns there. The boat is the Anacaona catamaran, and the aim is to spend the day moving along the coast, anchoring for swims, and taking in views of the bay.

Allow time to find the correct boat at the marina. Several excursions operate nearby, and the meeting point can be confusing if your map pin leads you to the general harbor rather than the right vessel. Ask staff to confirm the boat name before boarding.

The trip is offered in English, and the ticket is mobile. It is listed at about five hours, making it a substantial half-day on the water rather than a quick harbor cruise. You’ll spend part of that time under way, with the rest divided among stops and lunch.

Coll Baix, a cove best reached by water

The first planned swim stop is Platja des Coll Baix, a small cove described as difficult to reach by road or on foot. Arriving by catamaran gives you a simple way to see this stretch of coast without planning a hike or figuring out a route down to the beach.

The planned stop is about 20 minutes. That is enough for a quick swim and a look around, but not a long beach visit. If swimming is a priority, bring your swimsuit under your clothes so you can get ready quickly, and keep your expectations in line with a short stop.

Water conditions and the captain’s judgment matter. The crew may adjust the route or where the boat anchors for safety, and not every cove will be suitable for swimming on every day. Bring suncream and a camera, but protect both from splashes.

The long cove stop: swimming first, barbecue after

The longest planned stop is listed at about an hour and a half. The route description names Cala Murta, while also referring to Cala d’Engossalba in the Bay of Pollença. Since the stated itinerary itself uses both names, it is sensible to treat this as a flexible anchorage in the area rather than expect a precisely fixed beach stop.

This is the heart of the excursion. While the crew prepares lunch or dinner on the catamaran’s barbecue, you can swim near the boat, sunbathe on the benches or nets, or use the water gear. Kayaks are included in the described experience, and paddleboards and floats are also mentioned. Snorkel equipment is described as available, though accounts of the trip differ on whether it is free or costs extra. Check with the crew before you rely on it.

The meal is a practical barbecue rather than a restaurant lunch: chicken, pork, sausages, pasta salad made with Mallorcan tomatoes and vegetables, bread, and seasonal fruit. Two drinks with the meal are included, with orange, water, and sangria among the stated choices. The boat also has a bar for additional drinks.

If you are vegetarian, plan ahead. The food described is centered on meat, and the listed alternatives are bread and pasta salad. You can bring your own food and drinks, so do that if you need a more substantial meat-free meal or have particular dietary needs.

Views, sailing, and the Formentor question

There is plenty to see from the boat: the bay of Alcúdia, the northern coast, and views in the direction of Formentor are part of the appeal. But a view from the water is not the same as a stop at Formentor beach or a cruise all the way around Cap de Formentor.

The route is subject to wind, weather, time, and safety. Some people have expected a closer Formentor visit and been disappointed when the boat turned back or followed a different course. If reaching Formentor is the main reason you want to book, choose a trip that explicitly guarantees that route. Here, treat it as a possible view, not a promise.

Nor should you assume the crew will sail under raised canvas for the whole trip. The catamaran may use its motor, and whether the sails are raised can depend on conditions and the route. If sailing under wind power is essential to you, ask the operator before booking.

Aucanada and the ride back

A brief final stop near Aucanada’s lighthouse may be made if time allows. It is planned as another chance to cool off or take photographs, but it is not guaranteed. The boat then returns to Port d’Alcúdia.

One part of the route description gives Port d’Alcúdia a long time allocation, though the full excursion is described as about five hours. The useful point is that you should expect a mix of cruising and anchored stops, not five hours of uninterrupted swimming. The crew sets the actual pace on the day.

What the boat feels like

This is a social, shared boat trip. The stated maximum is 110 people, and the experience can feel roomy on a less full departure or busy when many people are on board. You’ll have other people moving around the deck, getting in and out of the water, and queuing for food or facilities.

The catamaran has benches and nets for relaxing, and basic toilets are available on board. Pack light, keep your valuables secure, and don’t expect the facilities to be luxurious. The crew has been described as friendly and helpful, including when passengers need a hand getting into or out of the water.

The atmosphere is better suited to an easygoing day than a hushed sailing outing. Music may be playing, and the bar sells extra drinks. If you want quiet, a small boat, or a private experience, look for a smaller charter. If you’re happy sharing the deck and want several swim chances without arranging transport to remote coves, the format makes sense.

Is $86.51 good value?

At $86.51 per person, you are paying for about five hours on the water, a cooked meal, two drinks with that meal, and access to water activities described as part of the trip. That can be good value if you make use of the swim stops and want an easy way to see coves that may be awkward to reach on land.

The value is less compelling if you mainly want a quiet sail, a guaranteed Formentor visit, or a special meal. Extra drinks cost more, and the barbecue menu has limited appeal if you don’t eat meat. A larger group can also make the boat feel less relaxing than the promotional idea of a sunlit catamaran suggests.

The trip is booked, on average, about 22 days ahead, so it is worth planning rather than assuming you can arrange it at the last minute. It requires good weather and a minimum number of people; if the operator cancels for either reason, you are offered another date or a refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure.

Who should book this catamaran trip?

I’d choose this excursion if I wanted a simple, active day at sea from Alcúdia: a few beautiful coastal stops, time to swim, a barbecue, and no need to organize kayaks or a route to hard-to-reach coves. It can suit couples, families, solo visitors, and groups celebrating together, provided everyone is comfortable sharing the boat.

I’d look elsewhere if you need a vegetarian meal provided, want a quiet or small-group trip, or are booking specifically to stop at Formentor. And if you’re arriving by cruise ship, check the distance and timing carefully before paying. The departure point is in Alcúdia, and getting there from another part of Mallorca can take longer than expected.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The trip lasts about five hours. It starts and ends at the meeting point in Port d’Alcúdia.

What food is included?

The barbecue meal includes chicken, pork, sausages, pasta salad, bread, and seasonal fruit. The meal is served on board.

Are drinks included?

Two drinks during the meal are included. The listed choices include orange, water, and sangria. Extra drinks are available to buy at the bar.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes. You can bring your own food and drinks on board.

Is snorkeling or kayaking available?

Snorkel equipment and kayaks are described as available, and paddleboards and floats are also mentioned. The information about whether snorkel equipment costs extra is inconsistent, so confirm with the crew before relying on it.

Can I cancel if the weather is poor?

The excursion requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered another date or a full refund.