Alcudia: Boat Trip to Cap de Formentor and Formentor

The best part of this four-hour cruise from Port Alcudia is the view from the water. You pass Aucanada, Coll Baix, Cap des Pinar, Formentor Beach, and the cliffs around Cap de Formentor without dealing with the winding road.

I like the one-hour swimming stop at Formentor Bay, and I like the easy pace. You can sit back, watch Mallorca’s north coast slide past, and let the boat do the work. The catch is that this is mainly a scenic ride, not a shore-excursion tour. The boat can fill up, and Cap de Formentor may appear only briefly in the distance.

• Coll Baix: Cruise past one of Mallorca’s most striking coastal beaches during an early 40-minute boat ride.
• Formentor Beach: Enjoy the main break of the trip, with about one hour for swimming in clear water.
• Cap de Formentor: See the famous headland and lighthouse from the sea, though the view may be brief.
• Four hours afloat: Most of your time is spent on the boat, so choose this for scenery rather than multiple land visits.
• Port Alcudia departure: Meet at the Alcudia Sea Trips, Transportes Marítimos BRISA kiosk on Passeig Marítim.
• Good preparation: Bring sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and a camera. Food and drinks are not included.

A Sea-Level View of Mallorca’s North Coast

This trip gives you a different way to see Mallorca. From the road, Cap de Formentor is a long drive with twists and lookout points. From the sea, the cliffs rise straight from the water, and bays that can be hard to reach on foot open up along the coast.

The route begins at Port Alcudia, where you meet at the Alcudia Sea Trips, Transportes Marítimos BRISA kiosk on Passeig Marítim. The boat heads toward the Formentor area, passing coastal sights before reaching the main swimming stop.

I like this format because it is simple. You do not need to plan a route, drive, park, or keep checking the map. You sit down, find a view, and let the coastline provide the entertainment.

Still, you should book it with the right expectations. This is not a guided visit to the Formentor lighthouse, and it does not give you time to explore several beaches on land. You are seeing the sights from the boat, with one substantial break at Formentor Beach.

Port Alcudia to Coll Baix in 40 Minutes

The first major part of the ride is a roughly 40-minute cruise toward Platja del Coll Baix. This stretch gives you time to settle in and watch the coast change from the developed Port Alcudia area to more open bays and rocky shoreline.

Coll Baix is known for its dramatic setting and difficult land access. From the boat, you can appreciate the beach without making the trip on foot. The view is the point here, so keep your camera ready and look toward the shore as the boat passes.

You may want to board early if sitting on the upper deck matters to you. One particularly useful detail from the trip reports is that the upper deck was already full when some passengers boarded at Alcudia. In good weather, that can leave you on the middle deck even when the sun is shining.

That is not necessarily a problem. The middle deck can still offer views, but it may feel less open than the top. If you care about the best vantage point, arrive with enough time to find your preferred place instead of treating boarding as a last-minute step.

Bays, Aucanada, and Cap des Pinar

The cruise continues through the Balearic coastal waters, with about 25 minutes set aside for sightseeing. Along the way, the route includes views of Aucanada, Coll Baix, and Cap des Pinar.

The value of this section is variety. You are not looking at one beach for four hours. The coast changes from bay to headland, and the boat provides a broad view that you cannot get from a single roadside lookout.

I would treat this part as relaxed sightseeing rather than a stop-by-stop tour. The available details do not name a guide or promise a full commentary program, so do not book this expecting a detailed history talk at every point. The experience is centered on the scenery and the calm rhythm of the boat ride.

This is also where the trip’s pace becomes important. The full outing lasts four hours, but only about one hour is spent at the beach. The rest is cruising and looking outward. If you enjoy being on the water, that balance works well. If you want to visit places, walk around, or collect several beach stops, it may feel slow.

Formentor Beach and the One-Hour Swim

Formentor Beach is the main break and the clearest reason to pack swimwear. The boat stops in Formentor Bay for about an hour, giving you time to swim in the clear water and enjoy the setting from close range.

This is more than a quick photo stop. An hour gives you a reasonable chance to get into the water, cool off, and dry out before the boat leaves. It also breaks up the long period spent sitting on board.

Bring your own towel and swimming items if you want to use the stop fully. Sunscreen is essential, especially because you will spend time exposed to the sun on the boat and near the water. Food and drinks are not included, so plan ahead rather than counting on refreshments being supplied during the cruise.

The swimming stop is also the most dependable active part of the trip. The distant view of Cap de Formentor can depend on the boat’s position and timing, but the beach break is built into the schedule. If swimming matters more to you than seeing the lighthouse up close, this outing makes better sense.

Do not expect a long beach day. The stop is about one hour, not an open-ended stay. You will need to return to the boat on time, and the trip continues after the break.

Seeing Cap de Formentor From the Water

After Formentor Beach, the boat makes a short sightseeing run toward Cap de Formentor. The listed time for this section is about 10 minutes, followed by the return journey.

Cap de Formentor is one of Mallorca’s famous coastal sights, and the lighthouse is the feature many people have in mind when they book. The sea view can be beautiful, but you should keep your expectations realistic. This is a passing view, not a lighthouse visit.

One booking account described seeing Cap de Formentor from a distance for only about 60 seconds. That is the key practical warning. The headland may be visible briefly, and the exact view can feel less substantial than the name suggests.

If you need close views of the lighthouse, time on land, or photos from the road lookouts, choose a land-based excursion instead. This cruise is better for seeing the shape of the coast, the cliffs, and the headland from offshore.

I still like the idea of seeing Formentor from sea level. The boat lets you appreciate how exposed the headland is and how the shoreline bends into the bay. Just do not treat the lighthouse as the main event. The overall coastline, plus the swim, gives the trip more substance.

The Return Cruise to Alcudia

The return section takes about 45 minutes according to the schedule. After the short Cap de Formentor sightseeing segment, you head back toward Port Alcudia, arriving at the same BRISA kiosk where you started.

This last stretch is useful if you enjoy quiet time on the water, but it is also where the four-hour length may test your patience. After the swim, you may be ready to rest, take photos, or simply watch the sea. If you have children or anyone who gets bored on long rides, consider that most of the day’s activity is still sitting aboard the boat.

The total duration is given as four hours, while the listed segments account for roughly three hours and 20 minutes. The remaining time is part of the general cruising schedule, boarding, movement between sights, or timing around the route. The practical point is simple: reserve a full half-day, not just a short transfer to Formentor.

What the $34 Price Really Buys

At $34 per person, the tour is priced as an affordable sightseeing cruise rather than a full-service day trip. You are paying for the boat ride from Port Alcudia, the coastal route, the Formentor Beach stop, and the return to port.

That can be good value if you would otherwise need to arrange transport to several viewpoints or find a way to see the coast from the water. The boat combines the ride and the swimming stop in one straightforward booking.

The value is weaker if your main goal is a close look at the Formentor lighthouse. You do not get a land visit, a meal, or included drinks. You also need to make your own way to the port.

I would compare the price with what you actually want to do. For a relaxed ride, photos, and a swim, $34 is reasonable. For active sightseeing with many stops, it is less convincing because most of the experience takes place while cruising.

The free cancellation option up to 24 hours before departure adds useful flexibility. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Mallorca plans are still shifting. Check the available starting times before booking, since the duration is fixed but departure times can vary.

Crowding, Seating, and Comfort

The biggest comfort issue is capacity. A full boat changes the experience, especially on a sunny day when many people want the upper deck. If you arrive late, you may have fewer choices about where to sit.

The supplied information does not give a group-size limit, so I would not assume a small or intimate boat. Plan for a shared excursion and expect the possibility of a busy deck.

Comfortable clothes are the sensible choice. You will move between a seated boat ride and a beach swimming stop, so wear something practical rather than formal. Sunscreen belongs in your day bag, and a camera is worth bringing for the headlands and bays.

Food and drinks are not included. The safest plan is to bring what you need, provided it is permitted aboard, and avoid assuming that the boat will function like a full restaurant service. The information provided does not specify onboard catering.

The boat was unable to operate on at least one scheduled occasion because of a mechanical problem, with passengers learning about it only when they arrived. That is an important reminder to keep your phone available on the day and allow some flexibility in your plans. A substitute coastal trip was offered in that situation, but it did not provide the same experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Formentor Cruise

I would recommend this trip to you if you like scenic boat rides, easy sightseeing, and a planned swim in a beautiful bay. It suits couples, families, and anyone who wants to see the north coast without spending the day driving.

It is also a good choice if you want a light half-day activity rather than a demanding excursion. You can enjoy Mallorca’s sea views without walking a long trail or managing several connections.

You may want something else if you need a detailed guided tour, a close visit to the lighthouse, or multiple shore stops. The cruise does not give you time to explore Formentor Beach beyond the scheduled break, and Cap de Formentor may be visible only briefly.

I would also think twice if crowded boats spoil your day. The possibility of a full upper deck matters, particularly during good weather. Arriving early may improve your seating options, but it cannot guarantee a quiet boat.

Should You Book the Alcudia to Formentor Boat Trip?

Book it if you want a low-cost coastal cruise with a real swimming stop and you are happy to spend most of four hours on the water. The bays, headlands, and Formentor Beach offer a pleasant look at Mallorca from a viewpoint that roads cannot match.

Skip it if the lighthouse is your main target, if you need plenty of time on land, or if you dislike busy shared boats. For the best experience, arrive early, bring sunscreen and a camera, prepare your own food and drinks, and think of Cap de Formentor as a brief sea view rather than a formal visit.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

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

How long does the boat trip last?

The experience lasts four hours, including the cruise, sightseeing, the Formentor Beach stop, and the return to Port Alcudia.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $34 per person.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat stops at Formentor Bay for about one hour, where you can swim in the clear water.

How long is the stop at Formentor Beach?

The scheduled break at Formentor Beach lasts about one hour.

Can I visit the Formentor lighthouse?

No land visit to the lighthouse is included. You see Cap de Formentor and the lighthouse area from the boat.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the price.

What should I bring?

Bring a camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. These are specifically recommended for the trip.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers reserve-now, pay-later booking.