Mallorca Catamaran Cruise with Scenic Views and BBQ Lunch

The best part of this Mallorca cruise is simple: you get a full day on the sea without arranging a car, hiking to remote coves, or packing your own picnic. From Port d’Alcúdia, the Anacaona carries you along the northern coast for swimming, sunbathing, and broad views of the Bay of Alcúdia and Bay of Pollença. The secluded Coll Baix stop and the long swim break at Cala d’Engossalba are the real draws.

I like two things here. First, the crew provides kayaks, paddleboards, and floating gear at no extra charge, giving you more to do than sit on a deck chair. Second, lunch is cooked aboard the boat: grilled chicken, pork, sausages, pasta salad, bread, fruit, and two drinks. The main caution is that this is a large, social catamaran, not a quiet private sailing trip. The boat may feel crowded, and the sails may not always be raised.

Key points to know before you book

• Coll Baix is the first swim stop: This hard-to-reach cove is best seen from the water, with about 20 minutes to swim or sunbathe.
• Cala d’Engossalba gets the longest stop: You have roughly 90 minutes for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and lunch.
• The barbecue is served on board: Expect chicken, pork, sausages, pasta salad, bread, fresh fruit, and two included drinks.
• The advertised maximum is 110 people: Some departures may feel lively and busy, especially around the water equipment.
• Formentor is mainly a passing view: Do not book this expecting a guaranteed stop at Formentor Beach or Cap de Formentor.
• The route depends on conditions: Wind, weather, timing, and safety can change the order or location of the stops.

Five hours on Mallorca’s northern coast

This is a water day rather than a sightseeing cruise with a long list of shore visits. You board near Passeig Marítim 18 in Port d’Alcúdia, then spend most of the outing offshore, looking back at Mallorca’s coast and stopping in coves for swims.

The pace is nicely divided. You get a short opening cruise, a brief first swim, a much longer stop for water activities and lunch, and possibly another quick swim near Aucanada. The exact timing can shift, but the central idea stays the same: sail, stop, swim, eat, and sail again.

That makes the trip a good fit if you want Mallorca’s scenery without spending the day driving between beaches. It also works well for families and mixed groups. Strong swimmers can use the kayaks and paddleboards, while anyone wanting a slower day can remain on the nets or benches and watch the coast pass by.

If you dislike group outings, loud music, or repeated swim stops, think carefully. Some departures feel relaxed, while others can have the energy of a casual party boat. The boat is large enough for a substantial group, but that does not guarantee a peaceful ride.

Leaving Port d’Alcúdia on the Anacaona

The meeting point is in Port d’Alcúdia, and the activity ends back there. This matters if you are staying in Palma or arriving by cruise ship. Port d’Alcúdia is not Palma, and reaching it from the opposite side of the island takes planning. A few people have arrived late after underestimating the distance, so check your transport before paying.

Once aboard, the opening stretch gives you time to settle in and find a comfortable spot. You can sit on the benches, spread out on the nets, or move around the deck for photographs. The views include Port d’Alcúdia, the bay, and the northern coast.

The boat’s size is both a strength and a weakness. A large catamaran offers more room than a small motorboat and makes getting in and out of the water easier. It also has toilets and a bar. The toilets are basic but described as clean, so set your expectations accordingly.

The advertised maximum is 110 people. Actual group size can vary by departure, and a full boat will naturally mean more competition for kayaks, paddleboards, and the best seating. If having lots of personal space is your top priority, a smaller charter would be a better choice.

Coll Baix, a short stop at a hard-to-reach cove

The first planned stop is Platja des Coll Baix, a striking cove that is difficult to reach by road or on foot. Seeing it from a catamaran gives you a simple way to enjoy the setting without committing to a demanding land route.

The stop lasts about 20 minutes, so treat it as a quick swim and not a long beach visit. You will be able to cool off in the clear Mediterranean water and take in the steep coastal setting from the boat. If you want photographs, have your camera ready before the anchor goes down.

This stop can feel short, especially if you need time to change, find a float, and get into the water. Still, it gives the day a strong start. You are quickly out of the marina routine and into the main purpose of the trip: swimming in places that are awkward to reach on your own.

Bring suncream and protect your phone or camera from spray. There is plenty of sunshine in Mallorca, and the glare off the water can be strong even when the air feels comfortable.

Cala d’Engossalba brings the main event

The longest stop takes place in the Bay of Pollença, at a cove described in the tour details as Cala Murta and also as Cala d’Engossalba. That difference in naming is worth noting, since the exact cove may matter to you if you are comparing routes. The practical promise is clear: a long anchor stop in a scenic bay with time to swim and use the onboard equipment.

You get about an hour and a half here. While the crew prepares lunch, you can swim beside the catamaran, use a kayak, try a paddleboard, or relax on the deck. Floating equipment is also available. The water activities are one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise over a basic sightseeing boat.

Equipment can be popular on a busy departure. If you want a kayak or paddleboard, be ready to use it when the stop begins rather than waiting until later. Sharing is part of the deal, and availability is not guaranteed at every moment.

The setting also gives you the best chance to slow down. This is the point where you can spend a proper stretch in the water rather than rushing through a short photo stop. If you are not a swimmer, the deck still offers sunbathing space, but the program is built around swimming. Someone who prefers to remain dry for most of the outing may find the repeated stops less appealing.

What lunch is really like on board

The barbecue is cooked on the catamaran and served during the long anchor stop. The standard meal includes chicken, pork, sausages, pasta salad made with Mallorcan tomatoes and vegetables, bread, and seasonal fruit.

Two drinks are included with the meal. The choices listed are orange drink, water, or sangria. Extra drinks can be bought from the onboard bar, and the additional prices are described as inexpensive, although one account puts a 400-milliliter beer at about €5.

The food is practical boat fare rather than a restaurant meal. It gives you a hot, filling lunch without interrupting the day, and the grilled meat is a good match for a swim-heavy outing. The pasta salad, bread, and fruit provide useful choices alongside the meat.

Vegetarians should take note. The available meat-free choices may be limited to bread and pasta salad, and no dedicated vegetarian main course is specified. You can bring your own food and drinks, which is the safest plan if you have dietary needs or want snacks between stops.

A drink is included during the meal, with the tour details also specifying two drinks. To avoid confusion, I would expect two included drinks at lunch, then plan to pay for anything else from the bar.

Aucanada and the final coastal views

After lunch and the long swim, the boat may make a short final stop near Aucanada lighthouse. This lasts around 20 minutes if time allows. You can cool off again or take photographs of the lighthouse and surrounding coast.

The wording matters here: this stop is not guaranteed. If the earlier sections run long, or conditions change, the crew may skip it. That is normal for a sea outing where wind and safety affect the schedule, but it means you should not treat every listed stop as fixed.

The cruise also offers views toward Formentor Beach and the northern coast. These are scenic passing views, not a promise of landing at Formentor. The tour information specifically says you may enjoy views of Formentor from the catamaran, while several people expected a stop at Formentor Beach or Cap de Formentor and were disappointed when that did not happen.

My advice is clear: book this for the coves and swimming, with Formentor as a possible view from the water. Do not pay for it mainly because you expect to visit Formentor itself.

Sailing, engines, music, and the mood on board

The promotional feel suggests sailing, and one of the best moments can be turning off the motor and raising the sails. But that does not happen on every departure. Wind, timing, and route demands may mean the boat uses its engine for much of the trip.

The atmosphere also varies. Some outings are calm and easygoing, with people sunbathing and enjoying the scenery. Others have loud music and a more social, booze-cruise feel. The experience is not designed as a silent nature trip, so bring realistic expectations.

The crew is one of the more dependable positives. They help with boarding, water access, and equipment, and they are described as friendly and accommodating. That matters on a large boat, where clear help makes swimming stops and meal service run more smoothly.

Is $86.51 a fair price?

At $86.51 per person, the price is not the cheapest way to reach a beach in Mallorca. You are paying for about five hours on the water, a catamaran, several swim stops, lunch, two drinks, and use of water equipment. If you would otherwise rent a car, pay for beach parking, buy lunch, and arrange your own activities, the package can make sense.

The value is strongest when you use the included features. Swim at more than one stop, try the kayak or paddleboard, eat the barbecue, and enjoy the views from the deck. If you simply sit aboard and skip the water, the price may feel high.

The cost also reflects convenience. Coll Baix is not easy to reach independently, and the boat lets you see several coastal areas in one outing. For a family or group, that can be simpler than organizing separate transport and meals.

It is less compelling if you are seeking a small, quiet sailboat or a guaranteed Formentor visit. In that case, compare the boat size, route, and inclusions before booking.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this trip for a group of friends, a family with older children, a birthday outing, or anyone who wants a relaxed day on the sea with built-in lunch. Solo visitors can also fit in easily because the structure gives you a clear schedule and plenty of shared activity.

It suits you best if you:

• Enjoy swimming several times during a five-hour outing
• Like a lively group setting
• Want lunch and drinks handled for you
• Prefer a catamaran to arranging separate beach transport
• Are happy with coastal views instead of shore visits at Formentor
• Can adapt if wind or weather changes the route

I would look elsewhere if you want a private atmosphere, a strict sailing itinerary, extensive snorkeling, or a substantial vegetarian meal. The snorkeling equipment may cost extra, while kayaks and paddleboards are listed as included.

Book at least a few weeks ahead if your dates are fixed. This outing is commonly reserved around 22 days before departure, which suggests that popular summer dates may fill before you arrive.

Booking details and cancellation advice

You receive confirmation at booking, and a mobile ticket is accepted. The activity is offered in English and is near public transportation. Most people can participate, though the day involves boarding a boat, moving around the deck, and entering the water.

Bring suncream, a camera, swimwear, and any food needed for dietary reasons. You may bring your own food and drinks, but the boat also has a bar.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not refunded. Poor weather or an insufficient number of bookings can cause the operator to cancel, in which case you are offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Alcúdia catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want an easy, social day on Mallorca’s northern coast, with several swims, useful water equipment, a barbecue lunch, and no need to plan each stop yourself. The combination of Coll Baix, a long cove stop, friendly crew, and broad bay views gives you a lot for one half-day.

Do not book it expecting a quiet luxury sail, a guaranteed stop at Formentor, or a special vegetarian menu. Confirm that Port d’Alcúdia works with your accommodation or ship schedule, and accept that the boat may be busy and the route may change.

For the right kind of day, this is good value: active when you want it, lazy when you need it, and built around the clear blue water that makes Mallorca so appealing.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

It starts at Passeig Marítim, 18, 07400 Alcúdia, Illes Balears, Spain, in Port d’Alcúdia.

Where does the cruise finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Port d’Alcúdia.

How long is the catamaran trip?

The cruise lasts approximately five hours.

What food is included?

Lunch or dinner includes barbecue chicken, pork, sausages, pasta salad, bread, and fresh fruit.

How many drinks are included?

Two drinks are included with the meal. The listed choices are orange drink, water, or sangria.

Can I buy more drinks on the boat?

Yes. Extra drinks are not included, but the catamaran has a bar service.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes. You can bring your own food and drinks if you wish.

Are kayaks and paddleboards included?

Yes. Kayaks and paddleboards carried by the catamaran are available at no extra charge.

Does the tour stop at Formentor Beach or Cap de Formentor?

The cruise offers views of Formentor from the catamaran, but a stop at Formentor Beach or Cap de Formentor is not guaranteed.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes the experience to be canceled, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded or accepted.