Alcudia: Boat Trip to Coll Baix

The best part of this Alcúdia boat trip is the chance to swim straight from the boat in clear water near the rugged north coast. You cruise past Alcanada and its lighthouse, then head toward the secluded cove at Coll Baix, where cliffs frame the sea.

I like the coastal views and the simple swim stop, a welcome change from a day on the beach. One thing to know before booking: the glass-bottom windows are small, and the boat may spend around 40 minutes collecting passengers at several jetties before heading out.

At a glance

• A swim without a beach landing: The boat stops offshore, so you get into the water from the vessel rather than walking onto Coll Baix.
• Alcanada and its lighthouse: The coastal route includes views of the beach and lighthouse, an appealing stretch even if you are not focused on the glass-bottom windows.
• Small glass-bottom viewing panels: Expect a few modest windows, not a broad viewing floor.
• Several pickup points: The boat may collect passengers at jetties along the bay, which can use up part of the trip.
• A short, affordable outing: At $34 per person, this is a compact sea trip with a swim, not a long cruise or full beach excursion.
• Bring your own swim kit: Swimwear, a towel, and a camera are recommended. Food and drinks cost extra.

A short cruise with a proper swim break

For a modest price, this trip gives you a fresh perspective on Alcúdia Bay. From the boat, you can take in the north coast, get a look at Alcanada and its lighthouse, and reach the waters near Coll Baix without hiking to the cove. The swim is the main event for many people, especially if you want a quick dip in a quieter, more dramatic setting than the resort waterfront.

The trip is sold as two hours, though the time on the water can run closer to two and a half hours on some departures. The route and timing can vary with pickups and sea conditions. Think of it as a relaxed outing with a few moving parts, rather than a tightly scheduled sightseeing cruise.

The provider is Transportes Marítimos Brisa. There is no guide name or narration information supplied, so I would not book expecting a detailed commentary about the coast. The appeal is the scenery, fresh air, and chance to swim.

From Port d’Alcúdia, the bay comes into view

You meet at the Alcudia Sea Trips kiosk on Passeig Marítim in Puerto Alcúdia. The activity also offers different departure points around the bay, so check which one applies to your booking. This can save you an unnecessary taxi ride: a pickup at a nearer jetty may be available, but do not assume it is automatic.

The boat may make several coastal pickups after leaving the port. These stops are useful if you are staying elsewhere around the bay, but they can make the opening stretch feel slow. One passenger estimated about 40 minutes spent collecting people. If you are eager to get to the coastline, keep that in mind when setting expectations for a two-hour trip.

Once the boat is underway, settle in and watch the shoreline change. The bay looks different from the water, with beaches and headlands arranged in a broad sweep that is easy to miss from a resort street. The ride itself is part of the experience, though you should not expect constant narration or a formal guided tour.

Alcanada and its lighthouse make the route

Alcanada beach and its lighthouse are among the named sights on the route. The lighthouse sits on a small island just offshore, giving you a clear coastal landmark and a good subject for photos. You will see the coast from the water rather than stop to explore the beach or lighthouse on foot.

The boat’s glass-bottom feature can add a glimpse of the water below, but keep your expectations in check. The viewing panels are small, and several passengers found them less impressive than the phrase glass-bottom boat might suggest. The glass may also be harder to see through when windows are dirty or glare and heat get in the way.

I would treat the windows as a small extra, not the reason to book. If your children are curious about what is beneath the boat, they may still enjoy peering through them. But if you want a broad underwater view or a dedicated marine-life experience, this is not the right trip to choose.

The tour mentions marine flora and fauna, but there is no promise of a naturalist guide or a narrated wildlife tour. Bring a mask or snorkel if you already own one and want to look around during the swim. You may spot activity in the water, but the supplied details do not guarantee particular fish or marine life.

Coll Baix is a swim stop, not a beach visit

The boat heads toward Platja del Coll Baix, a secluded cove sheltered by mountainous terrain. Its appeal is the contrast between steep coastal scenery and bright, clear water. You reach the area by boat, avoiding the effort of getting to the cove overland.

The key distinction is that the boat stops offshore. You should not expect to step onto the beach, stretch out on the sand, or spend an hour exploring the cove. The usual plan is to swim from the boat, with about 15 minutes listed for the swim stop. Actual time can vary: some departures have allowed closer to 20 or 30 minutes, while other passengers felt their swim was brief.

Getting into the water is part of the fun, but it can be a little crowded. People use a ladder to climb in and out, and a line can form, especially when several children are unsure about jumping or swimming. If you want to make the most of the stop, have your swimwear on before boarding and keep your towel and belongings organized.

Swimming conditions matter. When currents are strong, the crew may choose another stop, including an area near the lighthouse or Formentor, rather than risk a swim at Coll Baix. That is a sensible safety call, but it means the exact location is not guaranteed. If swimming is your main reason for booking, understand that the captain may adapt the route to conditions.

The boat ride is easygoing, with a few practical limits

This is a straightforward excursion, not a luxury cruise. There are seats on board, and food and drinks are available to purchase. The crew has been described as friendly, and onboard snacks and drinks have been found reasonably priced. Bring your own food only if you prefer, but remember that food and drinks are not part of the ticket.

Some departures use a boat with a bar on the boarding level, and passengers have found the upper floor useful for panoramic views. Seating and boat arrangements can vary, so do not count on a particular spot. If you are prone to seasickness, one practical tip is to sit where you can look out toward the horizon. An earlier departure, such as 10 a.m., may also feel more comfortable in the heat, though availability depends on the schedule.

The ride is exposed to sea conditions. One departure continued in rough waves, while another changed its swim location because of a strong current. The crew can adjust the trip, but the sea may still feel uncomfortable if you are sensitive to motion. Consider your own tolerance and bring any motion-sickness remedy you normally use. The activity information does not list one as provided.

Is $34 good value for two hours?

At $34 per person, the trip offers a reasonably priced way to see more of the bay and take a swim without arranging your own boat. The value is strongest if you want a short, low-effort outing, enjoy being on the water, and are happy with a swim from the boat rather than time ashore.

It is less compelling if you are booking mainly for an impressive glass-bottom viewing area, a long swim, or a detailed guided tour. The panels are small, the swim can feel short, and the pickup stops may take a noticeable share of the ride. A longer boat trip may suit you better if you want more time at sea or a slower pace.

The ticket covers the scenic boat trip from Port d’Alcúdia to Coll Baix. Food, drinks, and transfer to the port are not included. With multiple departure points around the bay, check your closest option before paying for a taxi or other transport.

What to bring and who should go

Pack swimwear, a towel, and beachwear, and bring a camera for the coastline and lighthouse. A snorkel mask is a useful extra if you have one, though it is not listed as an included item. Leave large bags and luggage behind, as they are not allowed.

This outing suits families whose children are comfortable around boats and water, couples wanting a short sea break, and solo visitors looking for an affordable activity. Children can enjoy the ride and the windows even if they do not swim. But if anyone in your party has mobility impairments, note that the activity is listed as unsuitable for them. Getting on and off the boat and using the swim ladder may be difficult.

Should you book the Coll Baix boat trip?

Book it if you want a short coastal cruise with a swim, and you value the views more than a polished glass-bottom experience. At $34, it is a sensible way to see Alcúdia Bay from the water and reach the Coll Baix area without making a land journey to the cove.

Look elsewhere if you need a long swim, a guaranteed stop at the beach, extensive underwater viewing, or a commentary-led tour. Before booking, check which departure point works for you, allow for coastal pickups, and pack for getting straight into the sea. If conditions are suitable, the combination of cliffs, clear water, and a swim from the boat makes for a satisfying couple of hours.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

The stated duration is two hours. Some departures have lasted closer to two and a half hours, depending on the route and pickups.

How much does the trip cost?

The listed price is $34 per person.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is the Alcudia Sea Trips kiosk at Passeig Marítim, 07410 Puerto Alcúdia. Different departure points around the bay may be offered, so check your selected option.

Does the boat stop at the beach?

No beach landing is promised. The boat stops offshore for swimming, so you enter the water from the boat.

How long is the swimming stop?

The itinerary lists about 15 minutes. The time can vary, and some trips have allowed longer.

Is the boat really glass-bottomed?

It has small glass viewing windows, rather than a large glass floor. The windows are a minor feature, so book for the boat ride and swim rather than expecting extensive underwater views.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though snacks and drinks may be available to buy on board.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a camera, and beachwear. A snorkel mask is an optional extra if you have one.

Can the swimming stop change?

Yes. The crew may adapt the route when conditions such as strong currents make a planned swim stop unsuitable.

Is the trip suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments.