Mallorca : Speedboat, Snorkelling and Swimming Adventure

Formentor is especially striking from the water: the speedboat gives you a quick, open-air look at its pale beach, handsome villas and clear coves, then slips into a cave where stalactites hang above the sea. The trip lasts 90 minutes and returns to Port de Pollença.

I like the mix of fast boat ride and unhurried swim, and the included snorkel set means you can explore the water without arranging gear yourself. One consideration: the cave may be a brief, less impressive stop than the coastline and swim, and the sea can affect whether the trip runs as planned.

At a glance

• Formentor from the water: Take in the white-sand beach, surrounding villas, old hotel and coastal landmarks from a speedboat.
• A cave stop: Enter a cave on Formentor island to see stalactites and take photos.
• Time to swim: Cool off in a sheltered cove, with snorkelling gear available if you want to look below the surface.
• 90 minutes, round trip: Depart from and return to Port de Pollença.
• A practical price: At $40 per person, the fare covers the boat, skipper, fuel and snorkelling set.
• Weather matters: If sea conditions are unsuitable, the operator offers another date.

The coast comes into view from Port de Pollença

This is a short trip with a clear purpose: get you out on the water and show you Formentor’s coastline at speed. The boat leaves from Port de Pollença, and the ride itself is part of the attraction. You trade a road-side view for one that opens across the turquoise water toward the beach, villas and rocky coastline.

Formentor is best known for its striking shoreline, and from a boat you can appreciate how the coast fits together. You see the white sand and the buildings set around the bay, including the old hotel and impressive villas. The tour is not a land visit, so you should not expect time to walk the beach or explore the buildings up close. The reward is the broad view and the sense of moving through the bay rather than looking at it from one fixed point.

The speedboat makes this a lively outing, not a gentle sightseeing cruise. You will feel the wind and the motion of the boat, and the scenery passes by quickly. If you want a quiet, slow-paced ride, this may not be your ideal way to see the coast. If you enjoy a brisk boat trip with a swim built in, the pace is a big part of the appeal.

A quick ride, then a proper swim

The outing lasts 1.5 hours, so the schedule has to balance the ride, cave visit and time in the water. One trip included about 30 to 40 minutes for swimming, a useful amount of time to cool off and try the snorkel set. Exact timing can vary, so treat that as a guide rather than a guaranteed swim duration.

The swim stop is likely to be the most satisfying part for anyone keen to get into the water. The cove’s clear blue water makes it appealing for a refreshing dip, and the snorkelling set lets you take a look below the surface. You do not need to be an expert snorkeller to get value from the stop; even a short swim can make the speedboat ride feel more like a full coastal experience than a sightseeing loop.

Conditions can change what is comfortable. In spring, the water may still feel cold, and jellyfish have been present at times. The skipper can look for a suitable place to swim, but you should bring a towel and sunscreen, and be ready to skip or shorten the swim if conditions are not right. The operator may offer another date if the sea does not allow the tour to go ahead.

Inside the Formentor cave

The cave gives the trip a change of scene. The boat enters a cave on Formentor island, where you can see stalactites and take photos. It is a distinctive detail in an outing otherwise focused on open water, beach views and swimming.

Keep your expectations sensible. The cave is a short stop within a 90-minute tour, not a long guided visit or a major caving excursion. The low light and the view of the formations from the boat can make for an interesting photo, but the cave may not be the highlight for everyone. The coastline and swim are stronger reasons to book.

Bring a camera, but be mindful around water. A phone is convenient for quick shots, yet you will want to keep it secure while boarding and swimming. There is no promise of a dry place for your belongings in the details provided, so use a waterproof case or leave anything you cannot risk getting wet behind.

What you see along the way

The main draw is the Formentor coastline seen from the sea. The white-sand beach is the obvious landmark, but the surrounding villas and old hotel add a human note to the scenery. You also pass the lighthouse and other points of interest on some routes, giving the ride a little more to look at than the bay alone.

The skipper can point out local landmarks and marine life. Miguel has been named as an attentive guide who helped find a suitable swimming spot when conditions included jellyfish. The crew speaks Spanish and English, which is useful if you want basic explanations while underway. This is not described as a long, formal narration, so think of the commentary as a helpful layer on a boat outing rather than a deep history lesson.

Sea views also depend on the day. A bright, calm day can bring out the colour of the water, while wind or rougher seas may alter the route or swimming conditions. The operator’s policy is to offer another date if the sea makes the tour unsuitable. Build that possibility into plans if you are booking around a tight schedule.

What the $40 fare covers

At $40 per person, this is a good-value option if you want a fast boat ride, a cave visit and time for a swim in one compact outing. The listed inclusions are the boat, skipper, fuel and snorkelling set. Those essentials matter: you are not paying separately for the equipment needed to try snorkelling, and the fare covers the boat’s basic operating costs.

Food and pickup or drop-off are not included. You need to reach Port de Pollença yourself, and it is sensible to eat beforehand or bring a snack. Cold drinks have been provided on some outings, but they are not listed as a standard inclusion, so do not plan on them being available. Bring water or another drink if you want to be certain you have one.

The price makes the most sense if you are eager to be on the water and swim. If you mainly want to spend a long stretch at Formentor beach, this trip is not a substitute for a beach day: much of your time is spent moving between points, and the stop is limited by the 90-minute schedule. If you value a quick, varied outing, the combination is more compelling than a simple boat transfer.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would consider this for couples, families with older children and anyone who likes a little speed with their scenery. One family found it a good fit for two teenage daughters, which makes sense: the boat ride has energy, the cove offers a chance to swim, and the snorkel set gives teenagers something to do beyond taking photos.

It can also suit you if you have limited time in Mallorca and want a compact way to see Formentor’s shore from the water. The trip takes only 90 minutes and returns to the same port, so it is easier to fit into a day than a longer excursion. Just remember that you still need to make your own way to the meeting point.

This is not suitable for pregnant women, and intoxication is not allowed. It may also be a poor fit if you are uncomfortable on a speedboat, do not want to get wet, or need a guaranteed swim regardless of sea conditions. Snorkelling is optional, but the outing’s best value comes from enjoying the water as well as the ride.

Before you set off

Pack a towel, sunscreen, camera and snacks. There is no food included, and the trip is short enough that you may not want a full meal beforehand, but a snack can be useful before or after swimming. Apply sunscreen before boarding, since you will be exposed on the boat and may not want to interrupt the ride to reapply.

Wear something suitable for getting wet and keep valuables protected. The tour includes snorkelling equipment, but the details do not specify additional items such as fins or wetsuits. If you are sensitive to cool water, remember that spring swims can feel chilly. You can still enjoy the ride and cave even if you choose to stay aboard during the swim stop.

Check availability for the departure times, as they vary. The activity begins and ends at Port de Pollença. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation up to 24 hours before departure qualifies for a full refund. Those terms offer flexibility, but they do not remove the need to account for changing sea conditions.

Should you book the Formentor speedboat trip?

Book it if you want a short, active outing that combines a brisk coastal ride, a cave stop and time for a swim or snorkel. For $40, the included boat, skipper, fuel and snorkelling set make the price fair, especially if you plan to use the water stop. The coastline, cave and swimming give the trip more variety than a simple ride to the beach.

Skip it if your priority is a long, relaxed beach visit, a guaranteed warm-water swim or a slow cruise with extensive commentary. The cave may be a modest highlight, and sea conditions can affect the plan. For the right visitor, though, this is an easy way to see Formentor from a different angle and add a memorable splash of speed to a Mallorca day.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Port de Pollença and ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the speedboat trip?

The activity lasts 1.5 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when choosing a date.

What is included in the price?

The fare includes the boat, skipper, fuel and a snorkelling set. Food and pickup or drop-off are not included.

Can I swim and snorkel during the tour?

Yes. The trip includes time for a swim, and a snorkelling set is provided if you want to use it. Sea and water conditions may affect the stop.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, camera, snacks and sunscreen. Food is not included.

What languages does the instructor speak?

The instructor speaks Spanish and English.

What happens if the sea is too rough?

If sea conditions do not allow the tour to run, you will be offered another date.