Alcudia: 2-Hour Sightseeing Speedboat Tour with Snorkeling

The thrill here is the contrast: one minute you’re skimming across Mallorca’s waves at up to 40 knots, the next you’re bobbing in a quiet cove with time to swim and snorkel. The route takes in Aucanada, Coll Baix, Cape Formentor and Cala En Gossalba, all from a low, open boat.

I like the fast, close-to-the-water ride and the generous 40-minute swimming stop. I also like that the skipper handles the route and safety briefing, while music helps keep the mood lively between sights.

One thing to weigh: this is a speedboat ride, not a slow coastal cruise. It can be windy and bumpy, and although the trip is described as one where you stay dry, waves can splash aboard. If you want a quiet, narrated sightseeing tour, this may not be your boat.

Key points before you book

• The boat reaches up to 40 knots: Expect speed, wind and a lively ride rather than a leisurely cruise.
• The swim stop lasts 40 minutes: You’ll have time to swim and use the included snorkeling gear at Cala En Gossalba.
• The route links several coastal highlights: Look for Aucanada, Coll Baix, Cape Formentor and coves, cliffs and caves along the way.
• Music is part of the atmosphere: The soundtrack adds to the fun, though it can be loud.
• You meet at Gate 5: Wait in front of Gate 5 at Alcudiamar Marina, where staff collect passengers five to ten minutes before departure.
• The ride has some limits: It is not suitable for children under eight, pregnant women, people with back problems or mobility impairments, or anyone over 275 pounds (125 kilograms).

From Alcudiamar Marina to open water

The tour starts at Gate 5 of Alcudiamar Marina. Staff pick you up there five to ten minutes before departure, so arrive ready to wait by the gate rather than wandering around the marina looking for the boat. You can store bags and backpacks before boarding, but oversized luggage and large bags are not allowed.

Before setting off, you put on an included life vest and receive safety guidance from the skipper. That briefing matters on a small, fast boat: listen closely, follow instructions, and keep your belongings stowed. The boat is built for speed and navigation, which lets it get closer to coves and rocky stretches than a larger vessel might.

Once you leave the marina, the ride quickly shifts from harbor views to open water. Yachts in port give way to coastline, and the low position of a RIB makes the sea feel close. That is part of the appeal, but it also means you feel the wind and the motion of the waves more than you would on a larger sightseeing boat.

The advertised top speed is 40 knots. You should expect bursts of speed and turns, not two hours at one steady pace. Some people find that exhilarating; others may find the bumps tiring. If you’re prone to motion discomfort or have back problems, consider the physical demands carefully. The activity is specifically listed as unsuitable for people with back problems.

Aucanada and the northern coast at speed

Aucanada is one of the first named sights on the route. From the water, the coast becomes a string of beaches, coves and headlands rather than a map of roads and resort streets. You get a different view of Mallorca than you would from shore, and the speed lets the boat cover a good stretch of coastline in a short time.

The trip also passes Coll Baix, a beach and coastal area that helps show why a small boat suits this route. The skipper can navigate closer to places that larger boats cannot reach as easily. You won’t be getting off at every landmark, though. The sightseeing is from the boat, with brief views as you pass.

Expect music during the ride. It is a defining part of the outing, not background noise in a formal guided cruise. The soundtrack contributes to the party-like mood, and some passengers have been able to choose music, though you should not count on that being offered every time. If you prefer quiet or want detailed commentary about each place, ask the guide what to expect before departure. The emphasis is on speed, scenery and fun, not a running history lesson.

The guide speaks English, Spanish or German. The skipper’s job is also to manage the boat and keep the group safe, so the amount of explanation at each landmark may be brief. A useful tip is to ask the guide to identify the area when the boat slows down. That can help you connect a view with a place name, especially if the music and wind make it hard to hear.

The 40-minute stop at Cala En Gossalba

The main break comes at Cala En Gossalba, where the boat stops for a 40-minute swim. The cove’s turquoise water is a welcome change from the fast ride, and you can swim or use the snorkeling equipment provided. A cold beverage is included, too, so you don’t have to bring one for the stop, though carrying water for before or after is sensible.

Forty minutes is a meaningful pause on a two-hour outing. You have time to get into the water rather than simply take a quick dip before rushing back aboard. Still, this is a shared stop within a timed tour, not a long beach visit. There is no mention of a beach landing or time to explore on shore, so plan on enjoying the cove from the water.

Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen and sunglasses. Water is also on the recommended packing list. Snorkeling gear is included, but the tour details do not specify exactly what equipment is provided, so don’t assume it includes every item you might want. The drink is one cold beverage, not a meal; food is not included.

The trip is described as one where you won’t get wet, but that should not be taken as a promise of perfectly dry clothes. Conditions vary, and waves can splash the boat. Wear clothing you’re comfortable getting a little damp, and secure anything that should stay dry before departure.

What the ride feels like, and who will enjoy it

The most praised elements are consistent: speed, music, friendly staff and coastal views. That combination makes the tour a strong fit if you want an active break from sunbathing or resort time. It can work especially well for friends, couples and families with children aged eight or older who enjoy a fast ride and are comfortable with open water.

The tone is energetic. Passengers describe laughing, singing and feeling the wind, while the skipper steers through waves and turns. One practical piece of advice is to ride with the waves rather than stiffening against every bump. That may make the motion easier to handle, though it does not change the fact that this is a fast boat ride.

The skipper is central to the experience. Miguel is one guide named by passengers, and his team is described as friendly and helpful. The exact skipper may vary, so don’t book on the assumption that Miguel will be driving. What you can expect is a skipper-guide responsible for both the trip and the safety instructions.

This is not the right choice for everyone. The ride is unsuitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, people with back problems and people over 275 pounds (125 kilograms). Children under eight cannot join. If any of those limits may apply to you, contact the operator before booking rather than hoping the restriction is flexible.

Weather also matters. If conditions are poor, the operator will contact you and offer the choice to proceed or cancel free of charge. The trip requires at least four passengers; if that minimum is not met, you’ll be contacted with other options. Those conditions are worth keeping in mind if your schedule is tight.

Is $67 good value for two hours?

At $67 per person, this is not simply a short boat transfer. The price includes a skipper-guide, the RIB ride, life vest, snorkeling equipment, storage for bags and backpacks, one cold drink, and a 40-minute swim stop. For someone who wants speed, scenery and time in the water in one outing, those elements make the fare reasonable.

The value depends on what you want from the coast. If your priority is a long swim, a quiet boat and detailed information about local history, you may prefer to spend the money on a different kind of outing. If you want a compact dose of speed and sightseeing with a proper swim break, the mix is appealing. The two-hour duration also makes it easier to fit around other plans than a full-day excursion.

Food and pickup are not included. Pickup is temporarily unavailable, so you’ll need to make your own way to the marina. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available starting times when choosing a date, since the schedule varies.

Getting ready for Gate 5

Keep your packing simple: sunglasses, towel, sunscreen and water. Store your bag before boarding, and leave oversized luggage and large bags behind. Since the boat is fast and the soundtrack can be loud, bring only what you can stow safely and don’t count on using your phone freely while underway.

The tour runs in English, Spanish and German. Check that your preferred language is available for your chosen departure if that matters to you. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you won’t need to arrange a return from a different part of the coast.

Should you book the Alcudia speedboat tour?

Book it if you want an energetic way to see Mallorca’s north coast, enjoy a proper swim stop and don’t mind wind, speed and waves. The combination of a 40-knot RIB, music and 40 minutes at Cala En Gossalba gives the two-hour trip a clear purpose, and the included gear and drink add practical value.

Skip it if you’re looking for a quiet narrated cruise, dislike bumpy rides, or need a more accessible boat experience. If you’re comfortable with the physical demands, arrive at Gate 5 with a towel and sunscreen, and treat the ride as part sightseeing tour, part water adventure.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat tour?

The tour lasts two hours, including a 40-minute swimming stop.

Where is the meeting point?

Wait in front of Gate 5 at Alcudiamar Marina. Staff collect passengers five to ten minutes before departure.

Which places does the boat pass?

The route passes Aucanada, Coll Baix, Cape Formentor and Cala En Gossalba, along with coastal coves, cliffs and caves.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with a life vest and one cold beverage.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a towel, sunscreen and water. Food is not included.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide is available in English, Spanish and German.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for children under eight, pregnant women, people with back problems or mobility impairments, or people over 275 pounds (125 kilograms).