Port d’Alcudia: North Coast Catamaran Cruise with Meal

The main appeal here is simple: you get five hours on Mallorca’s north coast, with long swim stops, a barbecue cooked aboard, and room to enjoy the views without rushing from one sight to the next. The catamaran leaves from Puerto de Alcúdia and visits quiet-looking coves near places such as Formentor and Alcanada.

I like the generous time in the water and the friendly, well-organized crew. I also like that kayaks and standup paddleboards are included, along with two drinks at the meal. The main consideration is that these water toys are limited, so you may need to take turns. Snorkel masks are not included.

Key points to know

• Three swim stops may be offered: Exact stops can vary, but the trip often spends substantial time near clear-water coves.
• Barbecue lunch or dinner is served aboard: Morning departures include lunch, while sunset departures include an evening meal.
• The catamaran has useful space: You can sit, move around, sunbathe, or find shade, though popular departures can feel busy.
• Water equipment is shared: Kayaks and paddleboards are available, but there are only a few, so do not expect unlimited use.
• Bring your own mask and goggles: Snorkel equipment is not included, and masks are available for sale rather than free use.
• The $80 price covers a full half-day: You get the boat, crew, food, two meal-time drinks, and water activities, but extra drinks cost more.

Five hours from Puerto de Alcúdia to Mallorca’s north coast

This is a relaxed sea outing rather than a sightseeing cruise packed with commentary. You board at the Alcudia Sea Trips kiosk for Transportes Marítimos BRISA on Passeig Marítim, then head out from Puerto de Alcúdia toward the north coast.

The boat gives you a different view of Mallorca. From the water, the coast opens into broad blue horizons, rocky edges, beaches, and sheltered bays. The point is not to collect a long list of landmarks. It is to spend a good part of the day outside, with time to swim and enjoy the boat.

The usual schedule runs for about five hours, though one account described a return around five and a half hours. Morning trips commonly run from about 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., but you should check the available departure time when booking.

The cruise is available as a daytime or sunset experience. Choose the daytime trip if swimming and paddleboarding are your priorities. Choose sunset if you care more about softer light, an evening meal, and a slower end to the day.

The sailing rhythm: cruise, anchor, swim, eat

The day is structured in a sensible way. You spend time moving along the coast, then the crew anchors in a sheltered location while you swim and use the available equipment. While you are in the water, the crew prepares the meal aboard.

This format works well because the boat ride and the stops balance each other. Five hours on a catamaran can feel long if you remain seated the whole time. Here, you get regular reasons to move around, cool off, and look beneath the surface.

Some trips include two main swimming locations, while others stop three times. The exact route depends on conditions and the day’s plan, so do not book this expecting a fixed list of beaches. The valuable part is the amount of time allocated for swimming, not the name of every stop.

At one stop, you may find around two hours for swimming and water activities. That is enough time for a proper swim rather than a quick photo stop. The water is often described as clear and warm during the summer months, with fish visible if you bring goggles or a mask.

There are ladders into the sea, which help if you do not want to jump from the boat. Life vests are available from the crew at no extra charge. You still need to be comfortable with open-water swimming, or use the vest and stay close to the boat.

Formentor, Alcanada, and the changing coast

The route is promoted as a tour of Mallorca’s north coast, but it does not necessarily travel evenly along the entire shoreline. On some departures, much of the time is spent near Formentor Beach, followed by a stop around Alcanada Beach.

That is useful to know if you imagined a fast coastal survey. You are more likely to spend meaningful time in a few attractive areas than to sail past every corner of the northern shore.

Formentor gives the trip its big coastal views and clear-water appeal. Alcanada offers another setting for swimming and water sports. The contrast between moving through open water and then anchoring beside a calm bay is one of the day’s pleasures.

The coast can be choppy at the start, depending on the weather. One group enjoyed getting splashed on the front nets in the sunshine, while others may prefer a steadier seat toward the middle or rear of the boat. If you are prone to seasickness, take the conditions seriously and choose your seating with care.

The crew controls the route and stops for safety and comfort. That means a particular cove cannot be guaranteed. The tradeoff is that the itinerary can respond to sea conditions rather than following a rigid plan.

Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding

The water stops are the heart of this outing. You can swim directly from the catamaran, climb back aboard by ladder, or spend time with the shared kayaks and paddleboards.

The equipment is included, which improves the value of the trip. You do not need to arrange a separate beach rental or carry a kayak to the port. Families and groups can spread their time between swimming, paddling, and relaxing on deck.

There is a catch: the supply is limited. Past use has included about three kayaks and two paddleboards, though the exact number may vary. On busy departures, you will need to take turns. Some people may not get as much time as they hoped, especially if everyone wants the same equipment at once.

Bring your own snorkeling mask if you have one. Masks are not included, and the supplied information says masks are available for sale because of health restrictions. Goggles are also useful for seeing fish in the clear water.

This is not a dedicated snorkeling expedition with an instructor or a guaranteed marine-life site. It is a general catamaran cruise with good chances to look underwater during the swimming stops. That distinction matters if snorkeling is your main reason for booking.

Barbecue lunch and the onboard bar

The morning cruise includes a barbecue lunch. The food described on different departures has included chicken, pork, sausage, pasta, bread, and fruit such as watermelon. Portions have generally been enough for a full meal, with extra servings available on some trips.

The meal is cooked while you are enjoying the water, which adds a pleasant touch. You return to the boat, dry off, and eat while looking back at the bay and the north coast.

Food quality can be a personal matter. Many people enjoy the barbecue, while a few find the vegetarian or meat-free choices limited. If you have a dietary restriction, report it to the main office before boarding. Do not wait until the meal is being served.

One particularly helpful crew response involved preparing rice and gluten-free bread for a passenger. That suggests the crew may try to help when given notice, but you should still make your needs clear in advance and consider bringing a small backup snack if your diet is strict.

The package includes two drinks with lunch or dinner. The included choices have been described as soft drinks or sangria. Other drinks, including cocktails, are available for an additional charge. The onboard bar is considered well stocked, but drinks beyond the two included ones are not part of the $80 price.

The sunset cruise replaces lunch with a barbecue dinner. It is a good choice if you want a more atmospheric boat ride, though the daytime departure gives you the strongest conditions for swimming and seeing fish.

Space, music, and the feel aboard

This is a sizeable catamaran, not a small private sailing boat. That makes the trip suitable for families, couples, and larger groups, but it also means you share the experience with other passengers.

The useful news is that the boat has several areas for sitting and moving around. Many people find that it does not feel cramped, even when carrying a substantial number of passengers. Arrive on time if you want the best choice of seating, especially if you have a preferred spot for sun or shade.

Music plays during the cruise. The style is generally described as relaxed and enjoyable rather than aggressively loud. The atmosphere can be lively, with a social holiday feel, but it is not presented as a party boat.

The crew is a major part of the experience. They serve the food, manage the bar, help with the water equipment, and keep the day moving. English and Spanish are spoken. Their friendly approach is especially useful for families and anyone who feels unsure about getting into the sea.

The boat is wheelchair accessible, though the provided information does not explain the exact facilities or how water access works. If you use a wheelchair, contact the operator before arrival to discuss boarding and the parts of the boat you wish to use.

Who will get the most from this cruise?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a simple, active half-day on the water without arranging several separate activities. The food, boat, crew, two drinks, kayaks, and paddleboards are bundled together, which makes planning easy.

Families with older children and teenagers are likely to find plenty to do. Children aged around 9 to 16 have enjoyed the swimming stops and paddleboards, and the ladders make it easier for someone who does not want to jump into the sea.

It also works well for couples and groups of friends. You can swim and paddle when you feel like it, then sit with a drink and watch the coast. The sunset option gives couples a more relaxed evening setting, while the daytime trip has more practical value for water activities.

I would hesitate to recommend it if you want a quiet, private sailing experience. You will share the boat, equipment, music, and meal area with other passengers. I would also choose another activity if your priority is a guided snorkeling lesson, a private itinerary, or a guaranteed visit to a particular beach.

Is $80 a fair price?

At $80 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Alcúdia. Still, the price covers five hours, a crewed catamaran, a cooked meal, two drinks, and use of kayaks and paddleboards.

The value improves if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride, lunch, and water-sports rental. You also avoid the work of arranging transport between different beaches. For a family, the total cost adds up quickly, but the day can replace several smaller holiday expenses.

The price feels less compelling if you do not eat the barbecue meal, do not drink the included beverages, or mainly want a short scenic cruise. People with strict dietary needs should confirm what can be provided before paying, since the standard meal is centered on grilled meat, pasta, bread, and fruit.

For a full five-hour outing in a popular part of Mallorca, I consider the package fair, provided you plan to use the swim stops and included equipment.

What to bring and what to expect

Pack swimwear, sunscreen, a camera, and clothing suited to the weather. A light extra layer is sensible for the boat ride, especially on a sunset departure or when the wind picks up.

Bring your own snorkeling mask and goggles if underwater viewing matters to you. The crew can provide life vests, and there are ladders for getting in and out of the sea.

Arrive at the boat kiosk for Alcudia Sea Trips, operated by Transportes Marítimos BRISA, at Passeig Marítim in Puerto Alcúdia. Confirm the exact meeting instructions and departure time before you go, since the activity offers different starting times.

Cancellation is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your weather plans are not settled.

Should you book the Alcúdia catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a well-organized day with swimming, food, and open-water views rather than a formal sightseeing tour. The strongest parts are the long stops, clear water, friendly crew, included barbecue, and the chance to use a kayak or paddleboard without arranging extra rentals.

Go in with realistic expectations. The boat is shared, the water equipment is limited, the route can change, and the meal may not suit every diet without advance notice. Bring your own mask, arrive early for a good seat, and choose the daytime sailing if swimming is your priority.

For most families, couples, and groups spending time in Port d’Alcúdia, the $80 cost is reasonable for a five-hour outing. It is one of the easier ways to turn a beach holiday into a full day on Mallorca’s north coast without overplanning every detail.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

Meet the greeter at the boat kiosk of Alcudia Sea Trips, Transportes Marítimos BRISA, on Passeig Marítim, 07410 Puerto Alcudia, Illes Balears.

How long does the cruise last?

The advertised duration is five hours. One departure returned after about five and a half hours, so allow a little flexibility around the stated schedule.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Daytime departures include a barbecue lunch. The sunset option includes a barbecue dinner instead.

Are drinks included?

Two drinks are included with lunch or dinner. Other drinks, including additional bar purchases and cocktails, cost extra.

Can I swim from the catamaran?

Yes. The cruise stops in suitable locations for swimming, and ladders provide access into and out of the water.

Are kayaks and paddleboards included?

Yes. Canoes and standup paddleboards are included, but the supply is limited and passengers may need to take turns.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling masks are not included. Masks may be available for sale, and you can bring your own goggles or snorkeling set.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

You must report dietary restrictions to the main office before boarding. The standard barbecue includes items such as chicken, pork, sausage, pasta, bread, and fruit.

Is the catamaran wheelchair accessible?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. The available information does not specify every boarding or onboard detail, so contact the operator before departure if you need particular assistance.