Port d’Alcudia: North Coast Catamaran Cruise with Meal

Mallorca’s north coast is best appreciated from the water, and this five-hour catamaran trip gives you plenty of time to enjoy it. You sail from Puerto de Alcúdia, stop at quiet coves for swimming, and eat a barbecue on board while the crew keeps the day moving.

I like the long swimming breaks, which give you time to snorkel, paddleboard, or use a kayak instead of rushing back aboard. I also like the relaxed mix of families, couples, and friends, plus the generous deck space and friendly crew. The main drawback is that the water equipment is limited, so you may need to take turns.

At a glance

• Three possible swim stops: Depending on the route and conditions, you may visit two or three beautiful locations, with particularly long periods near Formentor and Alcanada.
• A barbecue cooked on board: Day trips include lunch, while sunset departures include dinner. Food has included chicken, pork, sausage, pasta, bread, and fruit.
• Water sports included: Kayaks and standup paddleboards are available at the swimming stops, with life vests supplied when needed.
• Bring your own goggles: Snorkeling masks are not included and may be available to buy, so pack your own mask or goggles if you want to see the fish.
• Five hours on the sea: The trip is long enough to feel like a major day out, but short enough to leave room for other Alcúdia plans.
• Good for mixed-age groups: Families with children and teenagers, couples, and larger groups can all find something to enjoy.

Sailing north from Puerto de Alcúdia

You meet the greeter at the Alcudia Sea Trips boat kiosk operated by Transportes Marítimos BRISA on Passeig Marítim in Puerto Alcúdia. Arrive ready for the sea rather than dressed for a formal boat ride. You will want swimwear, sunscreen, a camera, and clothing suited to the weather.

The catamaran offers a more stable ride than a small open boat, with room to sit, walk around, and stretch out. That matters on a five-hour trip. You can find a place in the sun, look for shade, or move around when the boat is under way.

The first part is about the coast itself. From the water, the north of Mallorca opens into a series of rocky headlands, sandy beaches, and clear bays. You get a different view of the island than you do from a beach road or hotel balcony. The boat also gives you a chance to watch the shoreline recede while you settle into the day.

Conditions can vary. Some departures have smooth sailing, while others begin with a choppier stretch. That can be fun if you enjoy a little spray on the front nets, but it may not suit you if you are prone to seasickness. The supplied information does not state that motion-sickness medication is available, so plan ahead if this is a concern.

The swim stops are the real highlight

The catamaran anchors at secluded beaches or quiet coves, giving you a chance to enter the water from the boat. Ladders lead down into the sea, which is useful if you do not want to jump from the side. You can also ask the crew for a life vest at no extra cost.

The exact route depends on weather and sea conditions, but the trip has often included two or three stops. Formentor Beach and Alcanada Beach have been used on some daytime sailings. One stop near Formentor lasted about two hours, while another near Alcanada lasted roughly an hour. That is much more generous than the quick ten-minute swim often offered on boat trips.

At these anchorages, the water is the main attraction. You can swim, float, look for fish, or simply sit on the deck and enjoy the view. The water has been described as warm and clear during the summer months, though visibility naturally depends on the day and the location.

Bring your own snorkeling mask or goggles. Masks are not included, and the operator notes that masks may be sold because of health restrictions. Several people found the underwater views worthwhile, especially around the rocky coves, but you should not count on a full snorkeling setup being provided.

The kayaks and paddleboards add a useful bit of activity. They are included, not an extra rental, but there are only a few available. One sailing had three kayaks and two paddleboards, and other departures had too few craft for everyone to use them at once. The crew manages this by taking turns. If kayaking is your main reason for booking, keep your expectations sensible.

A barbecue lunch with a view

The boat anchors while the crew prepares the meal. On a morning or daytime sailing, expect a barbecue lunch. On a sunset trip, the same basic idea becomes a barbecue dinner, served while the north coast changes color in the evening light.

Food has included chicken, pork, sausage, pasta, bread, and fruit such as watermelon. Several meals have been described as plentiful, with extra portions available for those who want them. Two drinks are included with the meal. The onboard bar offers more drinks, but additional choices such as cocktails cost extra.

I would describe the food as a solid part of the package rather than the reason to book the cruise. It is fresh, hot, and convenient, and eating on the water adds to the pleasure. At the same time, the meal is not a restaurant tasting menu. Some people found the vegetarian choices limited, and one meat-free request did not produce much beyond pasta and bread.

Dietary restrictions must be reported at the main office before boarding. Do this early and clearly. The crew has accommodated special requests on some sailings, including gluten-free bread and rice, but you should not assume every dietary need can be handled at the last minute.

If you have a large appetite or strict food requirements, ask about the meal before you board. Bringing extra food may not be possible or encouraged, so confirm your needs with the operator rather than relying on a standard barbecue menu.

The atmosphere: easygoing, social, and not silent

This is not a quiet private sailing. Music plays on board, and the mood is generally social. The music has been described as fun and chilled rather than excessively loud, though your impression will depend on where you sit and who is on board.

The crew is a major part of the day. They serve food and drinks, help with the water equipment, and keep the schedule moving. Their friendly, humorous approach suits a group outing and helps families feel comfortable. They also provide life vests when requested and use the ladders to make water access easier for less confident swimmers.

The catamaran can carry many people, but the open layout helps. Some sailings felt calm and spacious even when the boat was full. Others may feel busier around the kayaks and paddleboards, especially when everyone wants to use them at the same time.

For the best choice of seating, arrive on time. One practical tip is to avoid assuming that every part of the boat offers the same amount of sun or shade. The front nets are fun when the sea is lively, while the main deck may be more comfortable if you want a calmer ride.

Daytime cruise or sunset sailing?

The daytime option is the straightforward choice for swimming. You have good light for seeing into the water, and the schedule centers on a barbecue lunch. It suits families, active groups, and anyone who wants the most time for kayaks, paddleboards, and swimming.

The sunset option changes the character of the trip. You still get the coastal views and onboard barbecue, but the focus shifts toward the evening scenery and a slower meal. The available details do not specify the exact sunset departure time, so check the schedule for your date before booking.

Choose the daytime cruise if water time matters most. Choose sunset if you care more about the light, the meal, and an evening on the sea. Both last about five hours, and availability varies by date.

Is $80 a fair price?

At $80 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Mallorca from the water. It is also more than a short one-hour harbor cruise. The value comes from the length and the number of pieces bundled together: five hours aboard, a crew, a barbecue meal, two drinks, several swimming opportunities, and use of kayaks and paddleboards.

You are also paying for time. Two hours at one anchorage, as on some routes, gives you enough time to swim, eat, and try the equipment without constantly watching the clock. The boat becomes your base for half a day rather than simply a transport ride.

For a family, the price can make sense because the swimming and paddleboard equipment are included. Teenagers in particular have plenty to do, and several families found the day one of the strongest parts of their holiday. For a couple seeking a private, quiet sailing, the shared catamaran format may feel less personal for the money.

The bar is another small budget point. Two drinks are included with lunch or dinner, but cocktails and other drinks cost extra. If you want an inexpensive day with almost no added spending, stick to the included drinks and bring only the extras you really want.

Who will enjoy this catamaran trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Families with children or teenagers who need more than scenery
• Groups of friends who want swimming, music, food, and a social setting
• Couples who enjoy a shared boat trip rather than a private charter
• Visitors staying in Alcúdia who want a major half-day activity
• Less confident swimmers who value ladders and available life vests
• Anyone who wants a simple way to combine sightseeing and beach time

It is less suitable if you want a silent sailing, a private boat, or guaranteed unlimited access to water equipment. It may also disappoint serious snorkelers who expect masks, fins, and a guided underwater tour. Bring your own goggles and treat snorkeling as one part of the day.

The trip is wheelchair accessible, though the practical details of boarding and water access are not provided. If you use a wheelchair, contact the operator before departure to confirm the arrangements for your specific needs.

Practical details before you book

The meeting point is the boat kiosk of Alcudia Sea Trips, Transportes Marítimos BRISA, at Passeig Marítim, 07410 Puerto Alcudia, Illes Balears. The host or greeter speaks English and Spanish.

The listed duration is five hours, though one sailing returned after about five and a half hours. Check the starting time for your date and allow a little flexibility around the return if you have an evening reservation elsewhere.

Pack swimwear, sunscreen, a camera, and clothing suited to the forecast. Add your own snorkeling mask or goggles, a towel, and a waterproof bag for small valuables if you have them. The official information specifically asks you to bring swimwear, a camera, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Mallorca plans are still moving around. Dietary restrictions need to be reported at the main office before boarding, not casually mentioned once lunch is being served.

Should you book the Alcúdia catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a full, easygoing day on the sea with swimming, a barbecue, music, and fine north-coast views. The strongest reasons are the long anchor stops, the friendly crew, and the chance to use kayaks and paddleboards without paying separate rental fees.

I would not book it for private luxury or serious snorkeling. The boat is shared, water equipment is limited, and the meal is a practical barbecue rather than a culinary event. For most families and groups, though, $80 buys a well-filled five hours and a pleasant look at Mallorca from the water.

FAQ

How long is the Port d’Alcúdia catamaran cruise?

The advertised duration is five hours. One departure returned after about five and a half hours, so allow a little flexibility around the scheduled return.

Where does the catamaran leave from?

Meet the greeter at the boat kiosk of Alcudia Sea Trips, Transportes Marítimos BRISA, on Passeig Marítim in Puerto Alcudia, Mallorca.

Is lunch included on the daytime cruise?

Yes. The daytime sailing includes a barbecue lunch and two drinks.

Is dinner included on the sunset cruise?

Yes. The sunset option includes a barbecue dinner and two drinks.

What food is served on board?

The barbecue has included chicken, pork, sausage, pasta, bread, and fruit. The exact menu may vary.

Are drinks included?

Two drinks are included with lunch or dinner. Other drinks, including cocktails, cost extra.

Can I use a kayak or paddleboard?

Yes. Canoes and standup paddleboards are included. The number is limited, so you may need to take turns with other people on board.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

Snorkeling masks are not included. Masks may be available for sale, but bringing your own mask or goggles is the safer choice.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Contact the operator before boarding if you need to confirm specific access arrangements.