Coves, snorkels, and BBQ, all in one boat day. On the Anacaona catamaran out of Port d’Alcúdia, you get multiple swim pauses in secluded northern Mallorca bays, plus a proper hot BBQ meal cooked on board. I especially like the plenty-of-water-time feel, and I love that snorkeling gear and onboard water activities are included during the longest stop.

One thing to keep your expectations grounded: this cruise is weather and wind dependent, and the route can shift for safety. If you are hoping for a guaranteed land stop at Formentor, plan for views from the water, not a beach drop-off.

Key highlights at a glance

• BBQ lunch or dinner cooked on board, with pasta salad and fruit
• Several swimming stops in smaller, harder-to-reach coves
• Snorkel gear, kayaks, and other water toys included at the main anchoring stop
• Formentor beach views from the catamaran with a quick lighthouse moment at Aucanada
• Friendly crew and an easy pace that works well for birthdays and groups

A Mallorca catamaran cruise that’s all about easy water time

This is one of those Mallorca days that feels simpler than it sounds. You start at Port d’Alcúdia, hop onto a catamaran, and spend the next several hours hopping between beautiful spots where you can swim. There’s no hiking, no driving, and no late-night thinking. Just sun, sea, and a meal that shows up while you are still in swimsuit mode.

The best part is how the day is built around water time. The day isn’t one long lecture, or one nonstop shuffle of “see this, now see that.” You get anchored breaks, including the longest stop at the lunch moment, where you can snorkel, paddle around, or just float off the nets.

Entering the Anacaona in Alcúdia: what the 5-hour feel is really like

The cruise runs about 5 hours, and it starts and ends back at the same dock area on the Passeig Marítim in Alcúdia. It is offered in English, and you’ll get a mobile ticket, which is handy when you are walking around the marina and do not want to hunt for paper.

The group size is listed with a maximum of 110 travelers. That cap matters because this kind of day works best when you can move around and get to the water without stress. On busier days, you might still feel some crowding, but the overall reviews point to an operation that tries to keep things organized once everyone is on board.

If you hate standing in lines, you’ll probably like this part: the itinerary includes a short initial port segment, then you’re quickly out on the water and into the swim rhythm.

Stop 1 at Transports Maritims BRISA: the quick reset before the sea

The first stop is a brief one at Transports Maritims BRISA, listed at about 5 minutes. Think of this as a fast operational step, not a sightseeing moment. You’re basically getting oriented, getting settled, and switching from land mode to sea mode.

Practical takeaway: arrive with enough time to get checked in and find your exact boarding spot. A couple of people had issues making it on time when coming from other areas, so don’t treat the meeting point like a vague suggestion.

Platja Des Coll Baix: a secluded cove pause that feels like a win

Next up is Platja Des Coll Baix, a small, tucked-away beach cove. It is described as very difficult to reach on foot or by car, so the catamaran approach is the whole point. You drop anchor for about 20 minutes, which is long enough to swim, sunbathe, and grab photos without feeling rushed.

This is a great stop if you like “small beach energy” without the effort of driving or walking. You’ll be sharing the cove with other swimmers, but the setting is the kind of thing that makes you understand why boats are the best shortcut along Mallorca’s north coast.

The longest anchoring stop at Cala Murta: BBQ, snorkel gear, and toys included

This is the big moment on the itinerary, the one that makes the cruise feel like more than just a view boat. Cala Murta is listed as the longest stop at about 1 hour 30 minutes, and it is where the crew prepares the barbecue lunch or dinner onboard.

What lunch actually looks like

You’ll be served a set menu that includes:

• grilled meats such as chicken, pork, and sausages
• a fresh pasta salad made with Mallorca-style tomatoes and vegetables
• bread
• seasonal fruit for dessert

During the meal, you get two drinks included, listed as orange, water, and sangria. After that, you can buy more at the bar all day.

A small practical note if food preferences are part of your travel happiness: the BBQ menu is meat-focused. If you are vegetarian, you may find options limited on the plate to items like bread and pasta salad, so it is smart to bring extra snacks if you need something more reliable.

Snorkel and swim time that does not cost extra

This is also where the water activities come in. You can use the provided snorkel equipment and the catamaran’s kayaks, with no extra charge during this stop. Reviews also highlight gear like paddle boards and floating devices showing up on many days, which is a nice bonus if you want more than just snorkeling.

If you like low-effort swimming, you’ll also appreciate the way the boat is set up. People talk about sunbathing onboard on the nets and benches, which means you can stay close to the water even if you are not feeling like a full swim.

One potential drawback: it is still a boat with basic logistics

Even positive reviews mention that the toilets are on the basic side. They tend to be clean, but it is not a cruise ship setup. If you’re the type who needs comfort-first amenities, you should mentally file this under “short, functional, and fine.”

Aucanada Beach and the lighthouse photo stop

After lunch and the main swimming period, you move to Aucanada Beach for about 20 minutes. This stop is positioned next to the Aucanada lighthouse, so you get a quick chance to cool off and take pictures of the dramatic coast angles.

This is a nice “calm down” moment after eating. You get your second wind, grab a few photos, and get back on board ready for the final stretch.

Formentor views from the deck: what you should expect

You do get views of Formentor beach from the catamaran. That matters because Formentor is one of Mallorca’s most famous coast areas, and seeing it from the water gives you a different sense of scale than looking from land.

Here’s the reality check from how the experience is described and how it has played out for some people: this cruise is about anchored swim coves and coastal views. Several guests said the tour does not include a land stop at Formentor or Cap de Formentor. So if you are booking specifically for a beach walk or an on-foot Formentor stop, you may feel disappointed.

If what you want is sea views plus swimming at the coves, you should be in the right place.

Port d’Alcúdia return: sailing the bay and closing the loop

The itinerary includes return time connected with Port d’Alcúdia, and you’ll get cruising views around the bay before ending back at the meeting point. You can treat the end of the day as a decompression phase. You’ve already swum, eaten, and used the water toys. Now it is mostly about relaxing and enjoying the coast from the boat.

This is also where you’ll likely notice the difference between a catamaran day that feels organized and one that feels chaotic. On the well-run days, people tend to get off without stress, and the crew stays present for the little needs, like helping with water access.

Food and drinks at sea: BBQ value, plus what extras cost

At about $86.51 per person, the price only makes sense if the included meal is genuinely part of your plan. In this case, it is. You are not buying a “snacks only” boat trip.

The included spread is substantial, and many reviews describe the BBQ as well-cooked and plentiful. The pasta salad with tomatoes and vegetables also adds a fresh counterbalance to the grilled items, and dessert is simple but solid with fruit.

Drinks are included with the meal, but they are capped at two per person. After that, the bar is your option. One review pegged beer at around €5 for 400ml, which suggests extras are paid, not free-falling. If you want to keep costs predictable, stick to the included drinks and add only what you really want.

Sailing expectations: wind changes things, and that’s normal

Catamarans on the Mediterranean are not like a theme-park ride. Wind, weather, and safety can affect how the route runs, and the itinerary can change for those reasons.

Some people have commented that sails were not raised once and the cruise felt more like a party-style boat with music. Other people describe the day as calm, relaxing, and not overly loud. So if you care about quiet, decide with that in mind: this is still a sightseeing and swim cruise, but it can be lively depending on the day and crowd.

The safest approach is to treat this as a swim-first catamaran day rather than a guaranteed “sailing under full sail” experience.

Who should book this, and who should skip it

This cruise is a great match if you want:

• easy access to multiple swim spots without renting a car
• included snorkel equipment and kayaks
• a real BBQ meal onboard
• a relaxed itinerary that still feels like an event

It also seems popular for special occasions. One group described this as a highlight for a bridal party, with plenty of space onboard and a good atmosphere.

You might want a different option if:

• you need a guaranteed Formentor land stop
• you are vegetarian and want a fully vegetarian BBQ-style meal without relying on bread and pasta salad
• you are very sensitive to crowding, since some days you may feel the boat is busy even if the operator caps it at 110
• you are coming from a cruise ship and cannot afford to risk being late, because some people reported having trouble getting there on time and had a tough time resolving it afterward

Price and value: when $86.51 feels like a deal

At this price point, you are paying for three big things: time on the water, the included meal, and the swim amenities.

To me, the value is strongest if you use the included gear and actually take advantage of the swim stops. If you only stay onboard and skip the snorkeling and swimming, you might feel like the price is high compared to simpler day trips. But if you jump in, snack between swims, and treat the BBQ as part of your day, it adds up.

The other value signal is that the crew is frequently described as friendly and present. That matters on water trips, because the little help with getting in and out safely makes the whole experience smoother.

Practical tips so your day goes smoothly

The essentials you should take:

• suncream and a photo camera (bring both)
• plan for swimsuit weather and pack for water, since the schedule includes multiple swimming opportunities
• consider bringing your own snacks or food if you have dietary needs, since the operator notes you can bring your own food and drinks
• for extra drinks, count on buying them at the bar, and if you want to be ready fast, it helps to have money on hand

Also, give yourself extra time to find the exact boat at the marina. One review mentioned GPS taking people to the general area where multiple tours operate, so arrive early enough to get oriented without stress.

Should you book the Mallorca Catamaran Cruise to Coll Baix and Cala Murta?

I’d book it if you want a classic northern Mallorca catamaran day: coves, swimming, and an included onboard BBQ, all without driving or complicated logistics. The strongest reasons are the long lunch stop, the included water activities, and the way the day balances fun with enough downtime to actually relax.

I would hesitate if Formentor beach itself is the main goal, not just views. I would also think twice if you are vegetarian with strict needs, since the BBQ menu is described as meat-forward and your best bet may be sides and pasta salad. And if your schedule is tight, especially from a cruise ship, build in extra buffer so you are not racing to the meeting point.

If you match those expectations, this is the kind of trip you’ll talk about later, because you’ll remember the water stops first, then the food, then the coast views on the way back.

FAQ

How long is the Mallorca catamaran cruise?

The trip lasts about 5 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Passeig Marítim 18, 07400 Alcúdia, Illes Balears, Spain, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

What is included with the BBQ lunch or dinner?

Lunch or dinner includes BBQ (meats such as chicken, pork, and sausages), pasta salad, bread, fresh fruit, and 2 drinks during the meal (orange, water, and sangria).

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkel equipment is available for use with no extra charge during the main stop.

Are kayaks included?

Yes. The catamaran carries kayaks, and you can use them during the longer anchoring stop at no extra charge.

Does the itinerary ever change?

Yes. The itinerary may change depending on wind, time, or weather and for safety reasons.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid is not refunded. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.