From Cala Figuera: Boat Tour to Cala Marmols & Caló de Moro

The best part of this small RIB boat trip is the access. From Cala Figuera, you skim past coves, fishermen’s huts, sandstone cliffs, and sea caves that are hard to appreciate from land. The water is often startlingly clear, and the boat can get close to rocky corners that larger vessels cannot reach.

I like the mix of sightseeing and swimming, especially the chance to stop in Cala d’es Moro or S’Almunia on the shorter route. I also like that the boat is small, with groups reported at around 11 people, and that snorkeling equipment plus one soft drink or beer is included. The trade-off is a real one: a 7.5-meter RIB can bounce hard in rough water, and the captain may change the route or cancel the trip for safety.

Key points to know before booking

• You see Mallorca’s southeast coast from the water: The route passes Cala Santanyí, Es Pontàs, Cala Llombards, S’Almunia, Caló des Moro, and Cala Màrmols.
• The longer option reaches Cala Màrmols: You get about 45 minutes there for swimming and snorkeling, but this option does not include a swim stop at Caló des Moro.
• The shorter trip includes a 40-minute swim: Depending on the wind, you stop at Caló des Moro or S’Almunia.
• The boat is small and lively: It offers a close-up ride and easy access to narrow coves, but rough seas can make the journey uncomfortable.
• The $48 price covers the main extras: Fuel, insurance, skipper, snorkeling equipment, and one soft drink or beer are included.
• This suits confident swimmers and active sightseers: Ask about a life vest if you need one, and skip the tour if boat motion or deep-water swimming is a concern.

Why the coastline is best seen from Cala Figuera

The southeast coast around Santanyí is full of small inlets, pale beaches, rock shelves, and narrow water passages. From land, you can reach some of the famous coves, but the approach often involves crowds, steep paths, or limited views. From the boat, the coast makes more sense as one long, rugged stretch.

You begin at the RedstarTours office on C/Virgen del Carmen, 34, near the port of Cala Figuera. Once aboard, the skipper takes the boat out at cruising speed toward Cala Santanyí. The trip is not simply a transfer to a swimming spot. The route is the main event, with pauses or slower passes at several scenic places.

The RIB is small enough to get near caves and rock formations. That gives you a better look at the coastline than you would get from a large excursion boat. It also means spray, bouncing, and limited personal space are part of the deal. Bring a swimsuit, protect your phone, and do not expect a perfectly smooth ride.

Cala Santanyí and Es Pontàs set the scene

Cala Santanyí is one of the first main sights. The boat gives you a water-level view of the cove, where pale sand and clear water meet the rocky coast. The stop is listed at about 10 minutes, enough to take photographs and get a sense of the area without turning the trip into a beach visit.

Next comes Es Pontàs, a striking natural rock formation that once served as the entrance to a cave. This is one of the more memorable places on the route because its shape is easy to understand from the sea. The boat can give you time to photograph the arch-like rock and the water around it.

The schedule allows roughly 10 minutes here. That may sound short, but it works well for a boat tour. You are not trying to explore Es Pontàs on foot. You are seeing it from the angle that makes the formation special, then moving along before the trip loses momentum.

Cala Llombards and the coast of caves

The boat continues toward Cala Llombards, with a brief visit of about five minutes. This is a scenic pass rather than a long stop, so keep your camera ready. The white sand, rocky sides, and clear sea are typical of this stretch of Mallorca.

Along the way, the skipper points out places such as sa Cova des Fum and es Caló des Macs. The coast here is more about small details than one single famous sight. You may see gaps in the rock, low caves, and narrow inlets that would be easy to miss from a road or beach path.

The caves also carry a bit of local character. Some were used by smugglers as hiding places. The supplied tour information does not promise a long historical talk at every stop, and the amount of explanation can depend on the skipper and language. If you want detailed commentary, ask questions early. Some departures may offer only place names and basic directions rather than a full spoken tour.

S’Almunia and Caló des Moro bring the blue water

S’Almunia is one of the most photogenic parts of the route. Its small fishermen’s huts and barracks sit close to the water, giving the cove a simple, working character. It is not just a beach backdrop. The buildings help you picture how this coast was used before it became a major summer destination.

Caló des Moro is the other major visual prize. Its water is known for its clear turquoise color, and the cove has the white sand and steep rock walls many people picture when they think of Mallorca’s southeast coast. Seeing it from the water lets you avoid the effort of reaching the beach, though it does not guarantee a quiet view. This is one of the island’s best-known coves.

The shorter route includes a swim stop of about 40 minutes at Caló des Moro or S’Almunia, depending on the wind. That qualification matters. The skipper decides which cove offers safer conditions, so you should not book this expecting a guaranteed swim at one particular beach.

The boat anchors away from shore, and you enter the sea directly from the RIB. The water can be deep, and climbing back aboard requires some strength and balance. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask for a life vest before getting in. A life vest was provided promptly to a passenger who needed help, but it may not be offered to every swimmer automatically.

The Cala Màrmols option adds the quietest scenery

The longer option continues beyond Caló des Moro and S’Almunia to Cala Màrmols. This cove is reached by boat or by a hiking trail, making it feel more remote than the earlier stops. The coast becomes less developed, and the pleasure comes from seeing an unbuilt stretch of Mallorca from the sea.

You get about 45 minutes at Cala Màrmols for swimming and snorkeling. This is the main reason to choose the longer trip. You have enough time to get in the water, look below the surface, and sit back on the boat without feeling rushed.

There is an important catch. On the Cala Màrmols option, there is no swim stop at Caló des Moro. You still pass the famous cove and see it from the boat, but your water time comes later at Màrmols. If your priority is swimming at Caló des Moro, choose the shorter route. If your priority is a longer ride and a more remote bathing spot, choose Màrmols.

The route also passes Es Bauç, where sandstone blocks were cut and moved by sea. This is a useful reminder that the coast is not only pretty. Its cliffs and quarries have long been part of island life and trade.

Snorkeling is simple but worthwhile

Snorkeling equipment is included, and the clear water gives you a fair chance of seeing fish around the rocky coves. The experience is not a guided marine-life lesson. You get the gear, time in the water, and a chance to look around at your own pace.

The best conditions depend on wind, visibility, and the anchoring point. You might see plenty of fish near the rocks, but no responsible operator can promise a particular underwater sight. The main attraction is the combination of open sea, clear water, and a swim directly from the boat.

You also get one soft drink or beer. Food is not included, so eat before departure if you need more than a drink during the two to nearly three hours on the water. Check the exact departure time when booking, since late-evening trips can offer softer light and, on suitable dates, a sunset view.

A small boat means a more personal ride

The boat is a RIB of about 7.5 meters, and groups can be around 11 people. That is a useful size for this route. You are not looking over a packed deck, and the skipper can bring the boat close to smaller coves and cave entrances.

You also feel the sea more directly. In calm conditions, this is part of the fun. In rough conditions, it can be tiring. The return journey may be especially bumpy, and passengers with back problems or motion sickness should think carefully before booking.

Wear practical swim clothes and expect to get wet while moving. Keep valuables secure and use a waterproof phone case if you plan to take pictures from the bow or side of the boat. Shade is available on the boat, which matters in Mallorca’s strong summer sun, but you should still use sun protection.

The skipper is in charge of the route. Wind, waves, and safety can change the plan without notice. That may mean a shorter swim, a different cove, or a cancellation. It is not a flaw in the tour. It is the sensible way to run a small boat along an exposed coast.

What the $48 price really covers

At $48 per person, this is a fair price for a boat-based look at several of Mallorca’s most attractive coves. You are paying for fuel, insurance, a professional skipper, snorkeling equipment, and a soft drink or beer, not just transport.

The value is strongest if you want to see many places in one outing. Reaching Cala Santanyí, Es Pontàs, Cala Llombards, S’Almunia, Caló des Moro, and possibly Cala Màrmols independently would take more planning and would not give you the same view from the water.

The tour is less valuable if you mainly want a long beach day. The stops are short, and the swim time is limited to one main break. You are buying movement and variety, not a lounge chair beside one cove.

The longer trip costs more in time rather than in complexity. At up to 170 minutes, it gives you a fuller ride and a 45-minute swim at Cala Màrmols. The shorter 110-minute version is better for a compact outing or for anyone unsure how they handle a small boat.

Who should book this boat trip

I would choose this tour if you want a close-up look at the southeast coast and enjoy active sightseeing. It is especially good for couples, friends, and families with older children who can manage a small boat and swim from it.

It is also a smart choice if you want to see Caló des Moro without committing to a long beach visit. The boat gives you a quick coastal view, then moves on to several other coves instead of spending the whole day in one place.

I would hesitate if you get seasick, have back problems, dislike fast boat motion, or feel uncomfortable swimming in deep water. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Non-swimmers should request a life vest in advance and tell the operator about any special needs.

The tour is offered in Spanish, Catalan, and English. Commentary can vary, so do not assume the ride will include a detailed explanation at every sight. The scenery remains the main attraction.

Small details that can make the day better

Try to arrive ready for the water rather than dressed for a formal sightseeing cruise. You will want swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and secure footwear. Food is not included, so have a meal or snack before meeting at the Cala Figuera office.

Check the forecast, but also accept that conditions can change quickly. The company notes that departures may be delayed or canceled because of weather. If the wind shifts, the skipper may choose S’Almunia instead of Caló des Moro, shorten the swim, or adjust the route.

For the most relaxed atmosphere, an evening departure can be appealing. One late trip included sunset views and quieter water on the return to the port. Timing depends on availability, so confirm the start time before choosing this option.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve without paying immediately. Those policies are useful if your Mallorca plans are still moving around, but they do not remove the need to check sea conditions on the day.

Should you book the Cala Figuera boat tour?

Book it if you want a compact, scenic coast trip with real swimming time, and you are comfortable on a small boat. The combination of Es Pontàs, S’Almunia, Caló des Moro, clear water, caves, and Cala Màrmols gives you a lot for $48.

Choose the shorter route for Caló des Moro swimming and a two-hour outing. Choose the longer route for Cala Màrmols and its 45-minute stop. Skip it if you need calm water, a long beach stay, or guaranteed access to one particular cove.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start?

It starts at the RedstarTours Excursiones office at C/Virgen del Carmen, 34, in Cala Figuera, Santanyí.

How long does the tour last?

The duration is between 110 and 170 minutes, depending on the option selected. The shorter trip lasts about 1 hour and 50 minutes, while the Cala Màrmols option lasts about 2 hours and 50 minutes.

What places does the boat visit?

The route includes Cala Santanyí, Es Pontàs, Cala Llombards, es Caló des Macs, S’Almunia, Caló des Moro, and Cala Màrmols on the longer option.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The shorter route includes about 40 minutes of swimming at Caló des Moro or S’Almunia, depending on the wind. The Cala Màrmols option includes about 45 minutes of swimming there and does not include a swim stop at Caló des Moro.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Are drinks included?

One soft drink or beer is included. Food and other extras are not included.

What languages are available?

The tour is offered in Spanish, Catalan, and English.

Can the route change because of the weather?

Yes. The skipper may change the itinerary, shorten or move the swim stop, delay the departure, or cancel the excursion if weather or sea conditions make it unsafe.