Alcudia: Formentor Beach, Lighthouse Cruise, and Small Group

The appeal here is the scale: a small boat carries no more than 12 people along Mallorca’s rugged north coast, stopping at coves and beaches that are hard to reach by land. You get a mix of open-water scenery, time to swim, and close views of the Formentor cliffs and lighthouse, all in about four hours.

I like the small group, which makes the boat feel more personal, and the chance to swim at several different spots instead of simply viewing the coast from a seat. The trade-off is the ride: this is a nimble, open speedboat, not a slow, sheltered cruise, so wind, waves, and seasickness can matter.

What makes this Alcudia boat trip different

• No more than 12 people: The small group leaves more room to enjoy the ride and makes stops feel less crowded.
• Several swim stops: The route includes coves around Cap Pinar and the Pollença bay, plus time near Formentor Beach.
• A lively boat ride: The small speedboat can bounce over waves. That is part of the fun for some, but not ideal if you are prone to seasickness.
• A close look at the north coast: Expect views of Es Coll Baix, Alcanada Lighthouse, sea caves, Cap de Formentor, and the Formentor Lighthouse.
• Four hours on the water: The price is $85 per person, with boat transport and access to the water included.
• A guide who shapes the mood: Skippers including Andy and Cesar have led trips, sharing information, helping with swim stops, and keeping the atmosphere relaxed.

Leaving Port of Alcudia for Es Coll Baix

Your trip begins at the supplier’s office, Sea Alcudia Explorer, where you should arrive 15 minutes before departure. From the Port of Alcudia, the boat heads toward Es Coll Baix, a well-known beach backed by Mallorca’s rugged coast.

The journey itself is a big part of the outing. A small boat rides closer to the water than a large sightseeing vessel, so the coast feels immediate: cliffs rise beside you, and the changing color of the sea is easy to notice. The trade-off is that you feel the wind and movement more, too.

The route passes Alcanada Lighthouse on the way. It sits on a small island near the coast, giving you an early landmark and a different view of the shoreline from the water. This is not a walking tour of the lighthouse, so think of it as a scenic pass-by rather than a visit.

At Es Coll Baix, you can expect a stop for a refreshing swim. The schedule does not specify how long you spend at each place, and the captain may adjust the pace to suit the conditions and group. If swimming is a major reason you are booking, bring your own towel and swimsuit so you are ready when the boat stops.

Snorkeling at the Cap Pinar coves

After Es Coll Baix, the boat continues toward the coves of Cap Pinar. This stretch is valued for its clear water and quieter feel, and the boat makes it possible to reach places that are less convenient to visit from shore.

You can swim or snorkel here, and the experience is built around getting into the water rather than looking at it from a distance. Snorkeling equipment is available on trips, but the listed inclusions guarantee boat transport and access to water, not gear. Ask the skipper if you need a mask and snorkel, and check what is provided before you set off.

There may also be time to visit caves along the coast. The exact stops can vary, so treat caves as a possible part of the outing rather than a guaranteed stop at a particular formation. The captain is an important part of the experience here: skippers including Cesar and Andy have been praised for explaining the places along the route and helping people feel comfortable around the boat.

The water stops are a practical reason to choose this trip over a standard sightseeing cruise. They break up the ride and give you a chance to experience the coves at water level. But you should be comfortable getting in and out of a small boat, and back aboard after swimming. One passenger found the climb aboard difficult and appreciated the captain’s help, so ask for assistance if you need it.

Es Caló and the Pollença bay

The route continues into the Bay of Pollença, with a stop near Es Caló, a small, secluded beach. The beach is associated with La Fortaleza, one of Mallorca’s most expensive mansions. The contrast is striking: the approach is by water, while the shore is quiet and feels far removed from a busy resort beach.

The itinerary describes Es Caló as an untouched beach, but the experience here is still a boat stop, not a visit to a private property. You’ll see the coastline and mansion from the water or from the beach area, depending on the stop. The attraction is the combination of a sheltered bay and a more remote stretch of shore.

Several stops may include the chance to swim, and the skipper may let you jump from the boat where conditions allow. Do not assume every stop is a jump-in: the specific activity depends on the place and the day. If you would rather enter the water slowly or stay aboard, tell the captain.

Some outings have included water and beer on board. Since drinks are not listed among the formal inclusions, do not count on them as part of the $85 price. Bring what you need, or confirm with the operator before departure.

Formentor Beach, Cala Murta, and the lighthouse

The boat continues toward Formentor Beach and Cala Murta, a small cove on the Formentor peninsula. Formentor is one of Mallorca’s best-known coastal areas, and seeing it from the water gives you a different sense of its shape and scale than a visit by road.

The itinerary includes time to explore Formentor Beach, though the exact amount of shore time is not specified. If you are hoping for a long beach afternoon, this trip may feel too brief. Its strength is variety: you can combine a beach stop with swimming, coves, and scenery in a half-day outing.

From there, the boat heads along the cliffs of Cap de Formentor toward the lighthouse. The high cliffs are the dramatic finish, with the lighthouse perched above the coast. The Formentor area is part of the Serra de Tramuntana, which is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You see the wild, steep side of the peninsula from below, rather than following the road to the lighthouse.

Keep expectations realistic about the lighthouse itself. The experience is a boat trip that gives you views of the landmark, not a tour inside it. The cliffs and coastline are the main event, and the boat’s low position makes their height especially clear.

How much the $85 fare gets you

At $85 per person for four hours, this trip offers good value if you want an active outing with several stops rather than a simple transfer or a ride around the bay. You are paying for a small-group boat experience, a guide, and access to remote swimming spots, with the coast itself providing most of the day’s entertainment.

The price is easier to justify if you plan to swim or snorkel. You have multiple chances to get in the water, and the route covers a long stretch of the north coast in a single outing. For a beach-only day, however, four hours on a moving boat may be more than you need.

Boat transport and access to water are included. Hotel pickup is optional, but only for hotels in Can Picafort, Playa de Muro, and Puerto Pollensa. Pickup is scheduled 30 to 45 minutes before the tour, depending on your location, and the supplier confirms the exact time. The pickup price is not specified, so check that before you book.

The trip starts and ends at the meeting point, unless you select an available pickup option. English and Spanish are the listed tour languages. The activity lasts four hours, but starting times depend on availability.

The ride, sea sickness, and who should go

This is a small speedboat outing, and the boat can move quickly over the waves. Some people love that lively, roller-coaster feel; others find the wind and bouncing tiring or uncomfortable. If you are prone to seasickness, take that seriously. Some passengers have used seasickness medication or acupressure wristbands before the trip, but ask a medical professional what is suitable for you.

The boat’s size is part of its appeal, but it also means you should be prepared for a more active experience than a large, stable cruise ship. You may need to climb in and out of the boat at swim stops. If you have limited mobility, or are unsure about boarding after swimming, contact the supplier before booking and ask what assistance is available.

This trip suits people who like the water, enjoy a brisk ride, and want to see multiple coastal spots without arranging their own boat. It can also work well for friends or families who are happy to mix sightseeing with swimming. It is less suitable if you want a quiet, sheltered cruise, dislike speed, or prefer to spend most of your time on one beach.

Should you book the Formentor boat trip?

Book it if you want a lively half-day on the water, enjoy swimming, and would like to see Mallorca’s north coast from close range. The small group, several water stops, and views of the Formentor cliffs make the experience more varied than a simple scenic ride. The strongest reason to go is the combination of coast and water time, not the lighthouse alone.

Think twice if you are sensitive to motion, want a long beach visit, or need a boat that is easy to board. Before paying, confirm whether snorkeling gear and drinks are available on your departure, and ask about pickup if you are staying in one of the listed areas. The tour offers a lot for its four hours, but it is at its best when you are ready for a little spray, a little bouncing, and a few swims.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

The activity lasts four hours. Starting times depend on availability.

How many people are on the boat?

The experience is described as a small-group trip with no more than 12 people on board.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at the Sea Alcudia Explorer office at the Port of Alcudia and ends back at the meeting point, unless you select an available pickup option.

Which languages are available?

The live tour guide is listed as speaking English and Spanish.

Which places does the boat visit?

The route includes Es Coll Baix, Alcanada Lighthouse, coves around Cap Pinar, Es Caló, Formentor Beach, Cala Murta, the cliffs of Cap de Formentor, and views of the Formentor Lighthouse.

Can I swim or snorkel?

Yes. The route includes opportunities to swim or snorkel at coves and other stops. Snorkeling equipment is not listed among the formal inclusions, so confirm with the operator if you need gear.

What is included in the price?

Boat transportation and access to the water are included. Hotel pickup is not included unless you select that option.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.