Alcudia: Boat Trip to Coll Baix

The best part of this Alcúdia boat trip is simple: you get out on the water, cruise past Alcanada and its lighthouse, then jump straight into the sea near Coll Baix or another sheltered spot. The north coast looks especially fine from the upper deck, where you can take in the mountains, coves, and open bay without paying for a full-day cruise.

I like the short two-hour format and the chance to swim from the boat in clear, mint-green water. I also like the price, about $34 per person, which makes this an easy add-on to a beach holiday. The catch is that the glass-bottom viewing area is quite small, and several passenger pickups can use up roughly 30 to 40 minutes of the outing.

The key points at a glance

• Small glass-bottom windows: Expect several modest viewing panels rather than a large transparent floor.
• Alcanada and its lighthouse: The coastal scenery begins before you reach the main swimming stop.
• Swimming from the boat: The usual stop lasts about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on conditions and the day’s running time.
• Several pickup points: The boat may collect passengers from jetties around Alcúdia Bay before heading farther out.
• Onboard bar: Food and drinks are available to buy, but they are not included in the ticket.
• Best for a short sea outing: Families, couples, and solo visitors get a scenic taste of the coast without committing to a long cruise.

What the $34 price really buys you

At around $34, this is a good-value coastal outing if you want three things: a boat ride, views of Alcúdia Bay, and a quick swim in open water. You are not paying for a full sightseeing cruise with a long commentary, a meal, or a private cove visit. You are paying for a straightforward shared boat trip that gets you beyond the beaches.

That distinction matters. The trip is often described as lasting two hours, but the total time can stretch closer to two and a half hours depending on pickups and the day’s route. The first part may feel slow if you are eager to reach Coll Baix, since the boat can stop at several points to collect passengers.

I think the cost works best for a first boat outing in Mallorca. You can see the coast from a new angle, test your sea legs, and swim in a spot you could not easily reach on foot. A longer cruise may suit you better if you want more time at anchor, a meal, or several swimming stops.

Starting at Port Alcúdia

Meet at the Alcudia Sea Trips kiosk operated by Transportes Marítimos BRISA on Passeig Marítim in Puerto Alcúdia. Bring your booking details, but allow time to check in at the kiosk because one passenger reported needing a paper ticket even after receiving an electronic QR code.

The operator offers departure points around Alcúdia Bay. That is useful if one of the smaller jetties is close to your hotel, but do not assume your booking includes a transfer. You need to make your own way to the selected port or jetty.

The boat can become fairly full after the extra pickups. Still, there is usually enough room to move around and choose between the lower and upper levels. I would arrive early if you care about getting a preferred seat, especially on a warm morning when the upper deck offers the best airflow and wider views.

The first 40 minutes: pickups and coastal views

The route begins with a gentle ride around Alcúdia Bay. Several short stops may follow as the boat collects passengers, sometimes taking about 30 to 40 minutes in total. That time is not wasted if you treat it as part of the coastal sightseeing, but it does reduce the time available for swimming.

From the water, you get a broad look at the bay and the beaches along the northern coast. The views are the main attraction during this part of the ride. You can watch the shoreline change from developed beach areas to quieter coves and rocky stretches backed by hills.

There is no detailed commentary on the route, so you should not expect regular explanations about each point along the coast. I see that as a drawback if you want a guided geography lesson. It also gives the trip a laid-back feel, since you can simply sit, take photos, and enjoy the movement of the boat.

For the best view, head upstairs if the sea is calm enough and you are comfortable in direct sun. A morning departure around 10 a.m. is a smart choice in hot weather. It tends to be cooler than the middle of the day, and the fresh air can make the ride easier if you are prone to motion sickness.

Alcanada beach and the lighthouse

Alcanada is one of the early scenic highlights. The beach and lighthouse give you recognizable points to photograph, and the light-colored water looks particularly clear from the boat. The view is more about the setting than about a long stop ashore, since this outing is designed as a cruise rather than a beach transfer.

The lighthouse adds character to the coastal view and helps explain why this stretch is so popular for boat trips. You can take photos from the upper deck, but keep your camera secure and bring a towel or cover if you are sitting close to the spray.

Some departures may use the waters around the lighthouse area for the swimming stop instead of Coll Baix. That change is not necessarily a problem. Strong currents or rougher seas can make one location unsuitable, and the crew may move the swimming stop to a safer area.

One important point: you do not normally get a long shore visit at Alcanada. This is a sightseeing pass and possible swim area, not a beach day with time to walk around.

Reaching Coll Baix by boat

Coll Baix is known for its remote feel, mountain setting, and clear turquoise water. Approaching it by boat gives you a view that is hard to get from the main resort area. The cove is one of the reasons to choose this particular route instead of a simple harbor cruise.

The boat normally anchors offshore rather than taking you onto the beach. You then swim from the boat, often for about 15 to 30 minutes. The water may be deep beneath the boat, so this is not the same as wading into a shallow beach. If you are traveling with children, check that they are confident swimmers and pay close attention to the crew’s instructions.

The swim is the most memorable part for many people, but it can also be the least organized moment. With one ladder for getting in and out, a queue can form quickly. Children and less confident swimmers may take longer, leaving less time for everyone else.

Bring your own mask or snorkel if you have one. The clear water can offer a look at marine life, although the trip is not a dedicated snorkeling tour and conditions vary. A towel, swimwear, and beachwear are essential. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so pack lightly.

What the glass bottom is really like

The glass-bottom feature needs a careful explanation. This is not a boat with a broad transparent floor running through the cabin. The viewing area consists of several small windows, described by passengers as being on the sides or near the lower part of the boat.

You can look through them for glimpses of the water and marine life, but the experience is limited. The windows may be hard to use when the boat is crowded, and glare, heat, or dirty glass can reduce visibility. If the glass-bottom element is your main reason for booking, you may find it underwhelming.

For children, though, the windows can still add a little excitement to an ordinary boat ride. They offer something to watch during the cruise, even if you should not expect an aquarium-style view of the seabed.

The boat’s glass-bottom equipment may also be unavailable on a particular day. In that case, the operator may offer a standard boat or let you reschedule. If seeing through the windows is essential, confirm the situation at the port before boarding.

Swimming, safety, and changing conditions

The crew may adjust the route when the sea is rough. One departure continued despite waves around two metres, but the plan changed to protect passengers. Another changed the swimming location because the current at Coll Baix was too strong.

That flexibility is a good sign. You should not expect the exact same stop every day, especially around exposed coves. The priority is a safe place for a short swim, not a guaranteed visit to one precise patch of water.

The sea stop is usually brief. You may spend only 15 minutes in the water on one departure, while another gives you closer to 20 or 30 minutes. The actual time can be affected by boarding delays, passenger pickups, sea conditions, and the time needed to get everyone safely on and off the boat.

If you do not swim, you can stay aboard and enjoy the view. The stop still gives you a chance to photograph the coast and watch people in the water. I would not book this trip if you want a long, relaxed swim with plenty of space and no queue.

Food, drinks, and comfort onboard

Food and drinks are not part of the ticket, but an onboard bar sells snacks and beverages. Prices have been described as reasonable, and the bar is convenient if you want a cold drink without packing one.

You can bring swimwear, a towel, a camera, and light beachwear. Avoid large bags because luggage is not permitted. A small personal bag is the practical choice, but keep valuables secure around the swimming stop.

The upper deck is best for panoramic views and fresh air. It is also more exposed to the sun, so bring protection suitable for a hot day. The lower level offers shade and easier access to the bar, but the views are less open.

If you get seasick, sit where you can look toward the horizon. The upper deck may help, though no seat guarantees a calm ride. The bay can be gentle, but conditions change once the boat moves into more open water.

Who should book this trip?

I would recommend it to families who want a manageable introduction to boat travel, couples looking for a simple half-day outing, and solo visitors who want to get out of the resort without spending a lot. The short format keeps the day flexible, and the crew is generally described as friendly and helpful.

It is also a good fit if you want a swim in open water rather than another crowded beach. The boat gives you access to a quieter coastal setting without the effort of reaching Coll Baix overland.

You may want to skip it if you have limited mobility. Boarding, moving around the boat, and using the swim ladder can be difficult, and the activity is not suited to people with mobility impairments.

It may also disappoint you if you expect a quiet private cruise, a large glass viewing deck, guided commentary, or a long stop at the beach. This is a shared excursion with passenger pickups, a small glass-bottom section, and a short swimming break.

Practical advice before you go

Choose the 10 a.m. departure if you want cooler temperatures and a better chance to enjoy the upper deck before the strongest midday heat. Arrive early at the correct kiosk or jetty, and check whether your departure point is closer than the main Port Alcúdia location.

Pack only the essentials:

• Swimwear and a towel
• A camera or phone in a secure waterproof case
• A mask or snorkel if you want to look beneath the surface
• Light beachwear
• Sun protection for the exposed upper deck

Do not count on the glass-bottom section for the main entertainment. Think of it as a small extra feature. The coastal views, the lighthouse, and the swim are the stronger reasons to go.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available starting times when booking, since the length and exact route can vary with the departure.

Should you book the Alcúdia boat trip?

Book it if you want an affordable, easygoing look at Alcúdia Bay with one refreshing swim. At $34, it offers solid value for a two-hour outing, particularly if you are happy with scenic cruising rather than a full guided tour.

Go in with realistic expectations. The glass-bottom windows are small, pickup stops can take a large share of the ride, and Coll Baix may be replaced by another swimming area when the current is too strong. If those limits suit you, this is a pleasant way to add a little sea air and north-coast scenery to your Mallorca holiday.

FAQ

Where does the Alcúdia boat trip start?

Meet at the Alcudia Sea Trips kiosk operated by Transportes Marítimos BRISA on Passeig Marítim, 07410 Puerto Alcúdia, Illes Balears. Other departure points around Alcúdia Bay may also be available.

How long does the boat trip last?

The advertised duration is two hours. Extra passenger pickups can make the overall outing closer to two and a half hours on some departures.

Does the trip stop at Coll Baix?

The route is designed to go toward Coll Baix, but the swimming stop can change because of sea conditions or strong currents. The boat may use the area near Alcanada or the lighthouse instead.

Can I swim from the boat?

Yes. The trip includes a swimming stop from the boat, usually lasting around 15 to 30 minutes. The water may be deep, so you should be comfortable swimming from a boat.

Is food available onboard?

Yes. Snacks and drinks can be bought from the onboard bar. They are not included in the ticket price.

Is this a full glass-bottom boat experience?

The boat has small glass-bottom viewing windows rather than a large transparent floor. The windows may provide limited views of the water and marine life.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a camera, and beachwear. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.