Cape Formentor Boat Trip in Mallorca

Cape Formentor is Mallorca at its most rugged: steep cliffs drop to the Mediterranean, and the historic lighthouse marks the island’s far northern point. This half-day boat trip gives you a sea-level view of that coast, then leaves you about an hour at Formentor Beach.

I like two things in particular: the route shows you coast that is difficult to reach by land, including Es Coll Baix, and the beach stop gives you time to swim or simply take in the view. At $49.27, the price includes the boat ride and taxes, so the basic cost is clear.

The trade-off is that this is a shared boat trip, not a private cruise, and the beach stop may feel short if you want a long swim or leisurely lunch. Also, the published start time is 11 a.m., while the route description gives a 12:15 p.m. departure from Port d’Alcúdia. Confirm the exact boarding time before you set out.

• The coast is the main event: See Aucanada, Es Coll Baix, Pollensa Bay and the cliffs around Cape Formentor from the water.
• One hour ashore: Formentor Beach is the only scheduled stop for exploring on your own.
• A lighthouse with a dramatic approach: The 1863 Formentor Lighthouse was once reached by sea or a difficult track.
• A group outing: The boat can carry up to 100 people, so expect a shared experience rather than a quiet private trip.
• Bring spending money: Snacks and drinks are not included, and onboard purchases may be cash-only.
• Check the time: The stated start and departure times do not match, so verify the schedule when booking.

The North Coast Is Best Seen From the Water

Mallorca’s north coast changes character as you leave the sheltered Bay of Alcúdia. The route passes the area around Aucanada and its lighthouse, then moves toward steeper, rougher shoreline, where cliffs and pale rock formations meet open water. From a boat, you get a view of the coast that is hard to assemble from roads and viewpoints alone.

That change of scenery is the strongest reason to book. You are not just being ferried to a beach. The crossing itself is a large part of the outing, with the island’s northern edge unfolding along the way.

The boat continues past Es Coll Baix, a small, secluded beach that is difficult to reach by foot or car. You may only see it from the water, but that is part of its appeal: the boat lets you appreciate a remote stretch of coast without tackling the access route yourself.

After that, the trip crosses Pollensa Bay toward Cape Formentor. The headland’s limestone cliffs and the Formentor Lighthouse make this the most striking stretch of the ride. Keep your camera ready, but don’t spend the entire crossing looking through a screen. The shape of the coast is easier to appreciate when you watch it change in real time.

Aucanada, Es Coll Baix and the Cape

The first part of the route follows the Bay of Alcúdia, passing the upscale Aucanada area and its lighthouse. The bay is a gentler introduction than the exposed coast ahead, and it helps you see how quickly Mallorca’s shoreline shifts from settled resort areas to steep, rocky terrain.

Es Coll Baix is worth watching for, even though the boat does not schedule a stop there. Its isolation is what makes it notable. Since access by land is difficult, a boat provides a useful look at the beach and surrounding cliffs without asking you to spend half a day hiking or driving to reach it.

The passage across Pollensa Bay leads toward Cape Formentor, the northern point that gives the trip its name. The itinerary describes passing the cape and lighthouse, not circling all the way around the headland. If you picture a full circuit of the peninsula, adjust that expectation: the appeal is the approach and the views, rather than a complete lap.

One account of the trip describes several passenger pickups before reaching the cape. That can add time before the most dramatic section begins, and it is worth keeping in mind if you are expecting a nonstop cruise. The trip is about four and a half hours overall, so the shoreline sightseeing and beach stop share that time.

Formentor Lighthouse, Seen From Below

The Formentor Lighthouse was inaugurated in 1863. In its early years, access was possible only by sea or along a long, rough track. Today, a 13.5-kilometre road runs from Port de Pollença to the cape, built in 1925 by Italian engineer Antonio Parietti and now known as one of the island’s famous drives.

From the boat, you get a different perspective from the one offered by the road. You see the lighthouse set above the cliffs, with the sea and rock formations in the foreground. It is a good reminder that reaching a landmark by road and seeing it from the water are two distinct experiences.

There is no listed landing at the lighthouse, so think of this as a scenic pass, not a lighthouse visit. You will not have time to walk around the site or explore the headland on foot during this excursion. If visiting the lighthouse itself is important to you, plan a separate trip by road.

One Hour at Formentor Beach

Formentor Beach is the tour’s main stop on land. You get about an hour to swim, snorkel, relax on the white sand or enjoy the view. The water is described as clear, and the beach’s setting is one of the most appealing parts of the outing.

An hour is enough for a refreshing swim and a short break, but not much more. You will need to account for getting off the boat, finding a spot and returning on time. If you like to settle in with a book, eat a proper meal or explore a beach at an unhurried pace, this stop may feel brief.

Bring what you need for the beach, including swimwear and a towel, since the trip’s included items are the round-trip boat ride and taxes. Food and drinks cost extra. A practical note: onboard food and drink purchases may require cash, so don’t assume you can pay by card.

The beach stop is also the best reason to choose this tour over a simple coastal cruise. You get a chance to enter the water rather than admire it from the deck. Still, the schedule includes just this one hour for an independent stop, and there is no promised second swim break on the return.

What the Price Buys You

At $49.27 per person, the fare covers the round-trip boat trip and all fees and taxes. That makes the main price straightforward, with no listed extra charge for the ride itself. Snacks and drinks are not included, so budget separately if you want refreshments.

The value depends on what you want from the day. If you are interested in seeing the north coast from the water and having a swim at Formentor Beach, the price buys a convenient combination of transport and sightseeing. You avoid having to reach every viewpoint by road, and you see remote sections such as Es Coll Baix from the sea.

If you mainly want a long beach day, this is less compelling. You spend much of the 4.5-hour outing aboard the boat, and the beach visit lasts around an hour. You are paying for the coastal route as much as for time on the sand.

The tour is operated by Nofrills Excursions and can have up to 100 passengers. That maximum matters if you value space or quiet. A boat with a large group can still offer excellent views, but it will not feel like a small, intimate sailing trip.

Timing, Boarding and Weather

The stated meeting point is Port d’Alcúdia 2, at Port d’Alcúdia, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. The booking information gives an 11 a.m. start, while the route description says the boat leaves Port d’Alcúdia at 12:15 p.m. Since those times conflict, confirm the actual departure and boarding details directly before travel.

The route may change because of wind, weather, timing or safety. That is sensible on an exposed coast, where conditions can affect whether a planned passage is suitable. The trip requires good weather; if poor weather forces a cancellation, you can be offered another date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund, and the cutoff follows local time. Confirmation is provided at booking, service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

Who Will Enjoy This Boat Trip Most

I’d consider this a good fit if you want a broad look at Mallorca’s northern coast without organizing several separate drives. It suits families and other visitors who like a shared outing, scenic cruising and the chance to swim, but do not need a full day at the beach.

It is also a useful choice if you are staying around Alcúdia or Playa de Muro and want to spend part of a day seeing a different side of the island. The trip offers a mix of bay views, cliffs, a lighthouse and beach time, rather than focusing on one attraction.

You may want another option if you prefer small-group trips, expect a quiet boat or want to circle the entire cape. The boat can carry up to 100 people, and the route passes Cape Formentor rather than promising a complete circuit. Likewise, anyone hoping for multiple swim stops should know that only the one-hour Formentor Beach stop is specified.

Should You Book the Cape Formentor Boat Trip?

Book it if the coast is as important to you as the beach. The strongest part is the changing view from the Bay of Alcúdia to the cliffs and lighthouse at Formentor, with a worthwhile swim break at the end. For $49.27, that is a practical half-day outing, provided you are comfortable sharing the boat and keeping your beach time short.

Skip it if you want a full day on the sand, a small private boat or a guaranteed route around the cape. Before paying, confirm whether your departure is at 11 a.m. or 12:15 p.m., and bring cash for any food or drinks you may want onboard.

FAQ

How long is the Cape Formentor boat trip?

The trip lasts approximately four hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the boat trip start and end?

It starts at Port d’Alcúdia 2 in Port d’Alcúdia and returns to the same meeting point.

How much time do I get at Formentor Beach?

The scheduled stop at Formentor Beach is about one hour.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Snacks, food and drinks are not included in the price.

What is included in the ticket price?

The ticket includes the round-trip boat ride and all fees and taxes.

Can the route change because of weather?

Yes. The itinerary may change because of wind, timing, weather or safety needs. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can be offered another date or a full refund.