Mallorca Catamaran Tour in the Bay of Pollensa

For a fine look at northern Mallorca, get out on the water. This half-day catamaran trip takes you from Port de Pollença past quiet coves and the Formentor coast, with time to swim and stretch your legs on the beach. The island’s cliffs and pine-covered shore make better sense from the sea than from a car window.

I like two things in particular: the mix of swimming stops and Formentor beach time, and a filling lunch with drinks included. Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards are also available on board, so you can do more than sit in the sun.

The main caveat is crowding. The boat can carry up to 78 people, and space on the front nets and benches may feel tight when it is busy. The route and swim stops can also change with weather and wind, so come ready to enjoy the day as it unfolds.

• A 4.5-hour sail from Port de Pollença gives you a relaxed way to see the bay and Formentor coast.
• Formentor is the scenic payoff, with clear water, a pine forest, beach time, and a historic watchtower above the shore.
• Lunch is served on board and includes pasta salad, chicken, salami, cheese, Mallorcan bread, and fruit, with drinks.
• Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards are provided, though access to paddleboards may vary.
• The boat’s maximum capacity is 78, so the amount of room to lounge can depend on the day’s numbers.
• Weather can change the route, and the non-refundable booking terms make it worth checking your plans before you commit.

Setting sail from Port de Pollença

The meeting point is Stay Restaurant at Moll Nou in Port de Pollença. If you are staying in Alcudia or Can Picafort, coach pickup is part of the excursion before you reach the port. The boat is the Robinson Catamaran, with seating on benches and netting at the front where you can stretch out when there is room.

This is a boat trip built around the coast, not a sailing lesson or a fast-paced sightseeing circuit. You spend most of the outing aboard, watching the shoreline change as the catamaran moves around Pollensa Bay. Bring a camera, but keep it handy rather than glued to your face. The best moments may be a cove sliding into view or the first look at Formentor’s pine-covered shoreline.

The listed duration is about four and a half hours. That is a substantial chunk of the day, but not so long that you need to plan a full-day excursion around it. Still, departures can run late and the outing may take longer than expected, so avoid scheduling a tight dinner reservation or another activity immediately afterward.

Coves, S’Illot, and the northern shore

The boat passes Ses Caletes, a small cove known for clear water, and the beach of S’Illot near La Victoria. S’Illot sits below the hill where Ermita de la Victoria stands. From the water, the attraction is less about getting ashore and more about seeing the secluded coastline and its sheltered-looking coves from a different angle.

The catamaran also sails by a centuries-old watchtower above Formentor Beach. It was built to watch for pirates, and its position gives it broad views toward the northern tip of Mallorca and across the bay. You see it from the boat rather than as a dedicated walking stop, so treat this as a glimpse of the coast’s past, not a visit to the tower itself.

These early views are part of the pleasure of the trip, but they are not all swimming stops. The route description includes several places the boat passes, while the amount of time spent anchored for swimming can vary. If you are booking mainly to spend hours in the water, keep that distinction in mind.

Formentor beach, the day’s scenic pause

Formentor is the natural highlight. Its beach combines clear water with a thick pine forest, and the setting feels a world apart from a day spent in town. The boat gives you time to explore the beach, swim, take in the views, or stop at one of the beach restaurants. Shops are also available there.

This shore break is valuable because it gives the day a change of pace. You are not confined to the boat for the whole excursion, and you can choose between a swim, a drink, or simply a quiet stretch on the sand. Bring a towel if you plan to get in the water or relax on the beach.

There is no need to treat the beach stop as a complicated expedition. Use the time to enjoy the setting, then return to the boat when asked. The precise timing can shift, so listen for the crew’s instructions rather than assuming you can stay ashore as long as you like.

Swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboards

After sailing through the bay, the catamaran anchors for a swim stop. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the clear water can make it rewarding to look below the surface. Some people have enjoyed swimming among small colorful fish, though marine life is never something a tour can guarantee.

Stand-up paddleboards are also listed as an onboard feature. In practice, availability may be limited: paddleboards were not offered to everyone on some trips. If using one is a priority, ask the operator before booking and check with the crew once aboard. The same goes for snorkeling gear if you have a particular fit or type in mind.

Expect the time in the water to be refreshing rather than endless. Swim stops have been described as relatively short, and their length depends on the day’s route and conditions. Pack your swimsuit where you can reach it easily, and don’t assume you will have time to dry off fully before the next activity.

Lunch on board, simple and generous

Lunch is served during the stop near Formentor. The meal includes pasta salad, chicken, salami, cheese, Mallorcan bread, and fruit. Drinks are included with lunch, and extra drinks can be bought on board. The meal is practical boat food, not a restaurant experience, but it provides a proper pause and enough variety to suit many appetites.

Food quality is a matter of expectation. Some people find the lunch tasty and plentiful; others describe it as basic. I would book for the scenery, swimming, and sailing, and count lunch as a useful inclusion rather than the main attraction. Vegetarian needs may be manageable, but the listed menu includes meat and there is no firm promise of a specific alternative, so contact the operator if you need a particular meal.

The overall value improves when you consider that lunch and drinks are included, along with the use of water gear. On a boat day, having food on board saves you from arranging a separate meal while the trip is underway. It also means you can spend the shore stop enjoying Formentor instead of rushing to find lunch.

What the boat feels like when it is busy

The Robinson Catamaran has benches and front nets, but comfort depends on how many people are aboard and where they settle. The maximum group size is 78. Some departures feel spacious, with room to sit or lie out; others can feel crowded, especially if everyone wants a place on the nets or a seat in the shade.

That difference matters if you are choosing this trip for lounging. Arrive at the meeting point on time and follow the crew’s directions, but don’t count on claiming a favorite spot for the whole cruise. Reviews of the experience also praise the crew’s friendliness and humor, with Captain Antonio singled out by name. A good crew helps keep a busy boat pleasant, though it cannot create extra deck space.

Onboard bathrooms have been praised for being clean. That is a useful comfort on a four-and-a-half-hour outing, particularly for families. The boat is not a private charter, so expect a shared experience and the normal bustle of a popular summer excursion.

Is $82.24 good value?

At $82.24 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning or afternoon, but it bundles several parts of a coastal day: a catamaran cruise, Formentor beach time, swimming opportunities, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, lunch, and drinks. You are also reaching coves and coastal views that are more naturally explored by boat than by road.

The value is strongest if you plan to swim, appreciate the scenery, and make use of the included meal and equipment. It is less compelling if you want a quiet, uncrowded boat, long stretches of paddleboarding, or a gourmet lunch. The capacity of 78 is worth weighing, particularly during busy periods.

The experience is offered in English and has an average booking lead time of about 15 days. That is a planning clue, not a guarantee of availability. The tour requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund; if the minimum is not met, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund. Otherwise, the booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed, so make sure the location and timing suit your plans before paying.

Who will enjoy this catamaran trip

This outing suits couples, families, and groups who want an easy way to see the northern coast without organizing transport between several beaches. It is especially appealing if your ideal day includes a boat ride, a swim, a beach stop, and lunch without needing to plan each piece separately. Children and teens may enjoy the combination of swimming and time on the beach, though the boat’s shared space is a consideration for anyone who needs room to spread out.

It is also a good choice if you are staying near Alcudia or Can Picafort, where coach pickup is available. If you are staying elsewhere, the stated meeting point is in Port de Pollença, so factor in getting there yourself. The experience begins and ends at the meeting point.

I would look elsewhere if your top priority is a small-group cruise, guaranteed paddleboard time, or a long, quiet swim. This is a popular outing with a set route that can change for safety and weather. Go for the coastline and the full half-day mix, not a promise of perfect conditions or an empty deck.

Should you book the Pollensa Bay catamaran?

Book it if you want a well-rounded sea day: scenic sailing, time at Formentor, a swim, and lunch in one outing. The strongest reasons to go are the views from the water, the chance to visit a beautiful beach, and the friendly crew that helps make the trip feel relaxed.

Think twice if crowding would spoil the day, if you need firm details about vegetarian food or paddleboard access, or if your plans may change. Check the forecast and the non-refundable terms before booking. If those points suit you, this is a practical way to spend a half-day seeing Mallorca’s northern coast.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour?

The trip lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. The timing can vary with weather, wind, and other safety considerations.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and ends at Stay Restaurant, Moll Nou, s/n, in Port de Pollença.

Is transport to Port de Pollença included?

Coach pickup is described for Alcudia and Can Picafort. The meeting point for the tour is in Port de Pollença.

What food is served on board?

Lunch includes pasta salad, chicken, salami, cheese, Mallorcan bread, and fruit. Drinks are served with lunch.

Are drinks included?

Drinks are included with lunch. Other drinks can be purchased on board.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided on board.

Are stand-up paddleboards provided?

Stand-up paddleboards are listed as an onboard feature. Access may vary, so ask the operator if using one is important to you.

Can the route change?

Yes. The route may change because of wind, timing, weather, or safety reasons.