Formentor looks better from the water. I like this Alcudia to Formentor cruise because you get dramatic sightlines of the Formentor lighthouse without driving, plus a real chance to cool off at Formentor Beach. It is a scenic, time-efficient way to see Mallorca’s north coast.

The main catch is the “Cap de Formentor” moment is short. If you want a long, on-foot visit to the headland itself, this is more of a viewing cruise than a full exploration day.

Key things to know before you go

• 4 hours total, with sightseeing legs and one longer break for a swim at Formentor
• Port Alcudia to Cap de Formentor by boat, so you see the coastline the way roads never show it
• Formentor Beach break (1 hour) gives you enough time to actually swim, not just dip your feet
• Cap de Formentor stop is brief (10 minutes), so manage expectations for lighthouse time
• You pass notable bays like Aucanada and Cap des Pinar, plus Coll Baix along the way
• Food is not included, so plan water and snacks if you get hungry on board

Why this boat route is a smart pick for Mallorca’s north coast

Mallorca’s north can feel tricky if you base yourself in one place. This cruise solves that by doing the hard part for you, getting you out of Port Alcudia and along the coast in one smooth run.

What you get is a series of viewpoints, not just one photo stop. You start with bay scenery that looks different as the boat moves, then shift into the Formentor area where the water turns glassy and the coastline tightens around the headland. That mix is exactly why I think it is good value for a half-day.

Getting started at Alcudia Sea Trips | TM Brisa, and why timing matters

You meet at the boat kiosk for Alcudia Sea Trips | TM Brisa at Passeig Marítim, 07410 Puerto Alcudia. Plan to arrive early enough to get settled before things fill up. One practical detail from past experiences is that the boat can feel very full at boarding, and the upper deck may be the first to go.

That matters because your spot affects comfort and your view. If you prefer being in direct sight of the coastline, getting a good position early helps. If you are sensitive to heat, you may prefer to choose a spot that feels shaded or at least less exposed.

Coll Baix and the in-between bays: what the first hour is really for

The cruise begins with a run that includes a 40-minute boat cruise at Platja del Coll Baix. Think of this as your warm-up to the coastline, when you are still fresh and the views are unfolding steadily.

On the way, you also pass by bays such as Aucanada, Coll Baix beach, and Cap des Pinar. The value here is simple: you are not stuck staring at the same view. You get repeated changes in angle, which is what makes coastal scenery feel “alive” from the water.

Then there is a 25-minute sightseeing segment labeled for the Balearic Islands stretch. This is your cue to keep your camera ready, because you are still in the “see more, process later” part of the trip.

Formentor Beach swim stop: the hour you will remember

This is the stop that gives the cruise its heart. After the ferry legs, you reach Formentor Beach for a break time of 1 hour. That is long enough to swim and actually feel refreshed, not just do a quick dip.

You are swimming in the crystal-clear water at Formentor, and that is a big deal in this area. The practical advantage is also timing: you get the water time in a window that is not too short, which helps if you are doing this as one highlight day and you do not want to lose the main payoff to waiting.

If you want to make it easier on yourself, wear comfortable clothes for moving around the boat, and have sunscreen ready. The trip guidance also specifically points you to bring sunscreen and a camera, and for this stop those two items are not optional.

Cap de Formentor lighthouse views, with one important expectation check

After the swim break and ferry time, you get Cap de Formentor for a brief 10-minute sightseeing moment. This is where you should focus on what the headland is famous for, the dramatic coastline framing views toward the lighthouse.

Here is the expectation check I would give you: if you are hoping for a long, close-up look that feels like you walked to the lighthouse area, plan for a quick view from the boat instead. A prior traveler experience noted that the lighthouse could appear only briefly from the water, even on a clear day.

So go in with the right mindset. Treat this stop like you are watching the coastline “snap into place,” then move on. If you keep that in mind, that short viewing window becomes more satisfying rather than frustrating.

The timing breakdown: 4 hours sounds short, and it is

This tour is 4 hours total, but it is not one single continuous “cruise the whole time” experience. It is a sequence: cruise, sightseeing legs, ferry segments, a full swim break, then a short headland view.

Here is the rhythm in plain terms:

• 40 minutes cruising at Coll Baix
• 25 minutes of sightseeing time
• 1 hour at Formentor Beach to break and swim
• ferry time segments before and after the Cap de Formentor viewing

Some people love this structure because it keeps you moving and you always feel like you are doing something. Others feel the same schedule is more boat time than shore time, especially if they were expecting more visiting beyond the swim.

My advice is to match the tour to your travel style. If you are happy with a “see it, swim once, enjoy the angles” half-day, you will likely feel it was worth it. If your goal is to explore the headland at length, you may feel shortchanged.

Price and value: what $34 buys you, and what it does not

At $34 per person for a 4-hour cruise, this is positioned as a budget-friendly way to reach one of Mallorca’s most photographed headlands. You are paying for transportation by water and the included sightseeing time, not for extra perks.

What is included is the scenic boat trip from Port Alcudia to the Formentor area, including the Cap de Formentor sightseeing segment and the Formentor Beach break. What is not included is food and drinks, and you also need to handle transfer to the port on your own.

That is why I think the value depends on planning. If you bring water and basic snacks, you protect your comfort during the onboard parts. If you arrive hungry with no plan, you can feel the limits of what is included.

Who should book this cruise, and who should skip it

This is a great match if:

• You want standout coastline views without renting a car or navigating buses
• You like the idea of one meaningful water break at Formentor Beach
• You are traveling in a schedule where 4 hours is perfect, not exhausting

It is not the best match if:

• You want to spend a long time at Cap de Formentor on land
• You get irritated when the trip includes a lot of time onboard between stops
• You prefer a tour where food and drinks are handled for you

There is also a comfort note to consider: because the boat can be very full, you may end up on a deck that is not your first choice. That does not ruin the views, but it can affect your comfort for the onboard stretches.

What to bring, plus a few onboard habits that help

The basics are straightforward. Bring camera and sunscreen, plus comfortable clothes. Those make the day easier because you are out on open water, then you are in the sun at a beach stop.

Because this is a boat-first day, I also recommend you go practical:

• Wear clothes that you can handle moving between boat areas comfortably
• Have your swimsuit ready since there is a dedicated swim stop
• Keep your water and snacks simple since food and drinks are not included

If the boat crowding affects where you can stand or sit, keep your plan flexible. You do not need the perfect spot to enjoy Formentor’s look, because the coastline changes as the boat moves.

Should you book the Alcudia Boat Trip to Cap de Formentor and Formentor Beach?

I would book this if you want a cost-effective, scenic half-day that delivers both views and a real swim. The strongest reason is the pairing of a coastline cruise with the 1-hour Formentor Beach break, where you can actually get in the water and cool off.

I would hesitate if your main goal is spending lots of time at Cap de Formentor itself, since the viewing window is short. Also, if you know you hate crowded boats, plan to arrive with the mindset that your first-choice deck area may not be available.

If you fall somewhere in the middle, do this: aim for good weather, arrive early at the Alcudia Sea Trips | TM Brisa meeting point, and treat the lighthouse viewing as a quick highlight within a broader coastal cruise.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at the boat kiosk of Alcudia Sea Trips | TM Brisa, at Passeig Marítim, 07410 Puerto Alcudia, Illes Balears.

How long is the boat trip?

The total duration is 4 hours.

What stops are included, and is there time to swim?

The trip includes a boat cruise at Platja del Coll Baix (40 minutes), sightseeing time, a break at Formentor Beach (1 hour), and a short sightseeing stop at Cap de Formentor (10 minutes). There is also a swimming stop at Formentor Bay.

Is food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring a camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.