Coll Baix water is the kind of clear you remember. I love the Mediterranean scenery from the boat and the chance to swim when you reach the cove. The main drawback is that the trip includes pickup time and the swim stop is fairly short, so it is not a half-day “stay and play” cruise.

One more thing I like: you get a north-coast loop that makes Alcanada and its lighthouse part of your day, not just Coll Baix. That said, the boat is not a full glass-floor experience for everyone, so set your expectations for small windows rather than a perfect view straight down.

Key things to know before you go

• Coll Baix swim stop: you can jump in from the boat, usually for a short window
• North-coast sights: Alcanada beach and lighthouse views are part of the route
• Glass-bottom expectations: it is marketed that way, but views come through small windows
• Multiple pickup points: the route gathers passengers around Alcúdia Bay first
• Best photo light: many people prefer the earlier departures to beat heat
• Not ideal if mobility is limited: the activity is not suited to mobility impairments

Why this Coll Baix boat trip is a smart use of your time

If you are in Alcúdia and want “wow” water without a long hike, this boat trip makes sense. You trade effort for views, and the swimming stop gives you that instant Mediterranean payoff.

For me, the value comes from the mix: you are on the water long enough to enjoy the coastline, but the whole outing stays short. You can do this and still have energy for dinner in Alcúdia afterward.

The other good part is that the trip has a simple focus. You are not bouncing between ten places. You go out, look around, and then you get time in the water.

About the boat: what glass-bottom really looks like

This trip is described as a glass bottom boat tour, and you do get underwater viewing. The catch is that the “glass” experience is smaller than many people expect.

A number of passengers found the windows to be limited in size, with viewing through windows on the sides rather than a big transparent floor. That does not ruin it, but it changes the feel. If you want to spend the whole time staring at fish, plan for a more casual view.

Tip: if you really care about seeing underwater life, bring a snorkel mask if you have one. The boat stop is also a good moment for quick observations while you are in the water, as long as conditions allow.

Getting started at Alcúdia Sea Trips, TM Brisa

You meet at the boat kiosk for Alcudia Sea Trips, operated by Transportes Marítimos BRISA. The address is Passeig Marítim, 07410 Puerto Alcúdia, Illes Balears.

This is easy, but it is worth arriving with some buffer. Between getting tickets sorted and finding your exact boarding spot, you will feel less rushed.

Also note the luggage rule. There is no luggage or large bags allowed, so pack light. If you are bringing towels, swimwear, and a camera, keep everything in a small bag you can carry comfortably.

The early part: ferry time and scenic cruising around Alcúdia Bay

Your day starts from Port Alcúdia and then the boat heads out with a staging period. You spend time with a ferry segment and scenic cruising while the route does its first moves.

During this stretch, the payoff is the changing coastline. You get a moving perspective on the bay, rather than seeing everything from one shoreline viewpoint. Even if you are not the type to study geography, the coastline colors and the scale of the water do the job.

One practical note: this is also when the boat can feel a bit busy. If you get motion sensitivity, consider taking a spot where you can look outward at the horizon, not down at the water near you.

Pickup loop: why your schedule may feel longer than two hours

Although the trip is listed at about two hours, the actual clock time can feel longer because the boat collects passengers from around the bay. Some people reported a longer total feel due to waiting for pickups at different ports or jetties.

This matters because you should treat the swim stop as the “main event” rather than something you can linger at for a long time. If your goal is to swim for 45 minutes or snorkel for an hour, you may be disappointed by the short stop duration.

Still, there is a tradeoff. Those extra pickup points mean you do not have to solve transportation on your own. If you are traveling light and want a low-stress outing, this style of tour is convenient.

Alcanada beach and the lighthouse stop on the route

A highlight on this route is the view toward Alcanada beach and its lighthouse area. Even without long stops, seeing a lighthouse from the sea gives your photos a “postcard, but real” quality.

You also tend to notice the water clarity more on this leg. As the coastline opens up, the turquoise tones get stronger, and the reflections make the harbor-to-open-water contrast pop.

If you are the kind of person who likes to plan your photos, consider sitting on an upper level. Many passengers said they got better panoramic views from higher seating, and that same position can be helpful if you get mild seasickness.

Coll Baix: the swim stop and what to expect in real conditions

Coll Baix is the reason most people book. It is described as one of Mallorca’s more secluded natural areas, and that “quiet cove” feeling is part of the appeal.

When you reach Platja del Coll Baix, the boat stops long enough for swimming. The swim window is commonly around 15 minutes, and some departures seem to land closer to 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how things go.

A key detail: you are swimming from the boat, not walking onto a beach. That means you will line up for boarding ladders or entry points, and it can get a little chaotic for a few minutes as people take turns.

Also, sea conditions can change the plan. One passenger described a scenario where Coll Baix was skipped due to strong current, and the boat redirected to a lighthouse or Formentor area instead. So if the sea is rough, expect safety decisions first, photo plans second.

How to beat seasickness on this short cruise

If you get motion sickness easily, this trip is still a workable option because the total time is relatively short. One passenger did note sea sickness, while another said this 2.5-hour trip was a good fit for them.

My best advice is simple: pick your seat early. Going for an upper deck position with a view straight ahead helps a lot. If you feel symptoms starting, look at the horizon and keep your breathing steady.

If you are truly prone to seasickness, consider taking your usual prevention before boarding. You do not want to spend your trip white-knuckling the railing.

Comfort tips that make the difference

This is a laid-back outing, but there are still a few practical things that help.

First, pack for being in and out of water quickly. Swimwear and a towel are the obvious ones, but also bring beachwear you can throw on fast. You will feel better getting changed promptly rather than waiting in wet clothes.

Second, consider your camera plan. The route gives you lots of coastline shots, and the water color at the swim area can look unreal. People recommend bringing a camera because the view is the whole point of the cruise.

Finally, be ready for crowds at the swim moment. Even when the boat is manageable, the entry process can mean a queue. If you swim, be patient and follow crew instructions. If you prefer to stay dry, you can still enjoy the scenery from the boat.

Onboard snacks and drinks, and the cost tradeoff

Food and drinks are not included with your ticket. That said, there is a bar onboard on the first floor where you can buy snacks and beverages.

Several people said the onboard prices were reasonable, and one even mentioned a very good gin and tonic. If you want a cold drink on a warm day, this is one of the easiest ways to make the trip feel complete without budgeting for a separate café stop.

If you are trying to keep costs down, you can skip onboard purchases and bring your own only if that is allowed for you personally. The provided info only states food and drinks are not included, and it does not confirm whether outside food is permitted. If you want to be safe, plan to buy onboard or eat before you arrive.

Price and value: is $34 worth it?

At around $34 per person for a short outing with coastline views and a swim stop, the value is strong, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for boat time plus beach transport.

You are paying for two things: time on the water and access to a swim location that is not “just” a public beach. That matters because swimming from the boat saves you from dealing with getting there, parking, and timing the perfect moment.

Where value can feel weaker is when your expectations are too specific. If you expect long swimming time, full glass-floor viewing, or lots of narration, you may feel the trip is too short or too basic. The upside is that you still get the big views and a memorable water moment without committing a whole day.

Who should book this trip, and who should skip

This works best if you want:

• a quick Mallorca water experience from Port d’Alcúdia
• scenery and photos without complex planning
• a swim stop that fits a short schedule

It is not a great fit if:

• you rely on mobility access support, since the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments
• you want a true glass floor experience across the entire boat
• you want extended time at one location, because there are pickups and the swim window is brief

If you are traveling with kids, the “getting on a boat” factor is a big part of the fun. Some families mentioned the kids enjoyed looking through the windows and having the chance to jump in, even when the water depth or safety rules limit swimming for smaller kids.

Should you book Alcúdia Boat Trip to Coll Baix?

I’d book it if your trip style is simple: you want the coast, you want clear water, and you want a swim moment without a full day plan.

I would not book it if your priority is long swimming, deep snorkeling time, or a major guided narration. This cruise is more of a quick, scenic outing than a slow exploration.

My final check for you is expectation-setting. Go for the water and views, treat the swim stop as a bonus, and bring a camera. If you do that, $34 feels fair, and you come away with the kind of sea photos that make people ask where you went.

FAQ

How long is the Alcúdia to Coll Baix boat trip?

The duration is listed as around 2 hours. Check availability for the specific starting times.

Where do I meet for the trip?

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

Is food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but there are snacks and beverages available for purchase onboard.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a camera, and beachwear.

Is luggage allowed?

No. Luggage or large bags are not allowed.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.