Catamaran Cruise from Port d’Alcudia with Lunch and Swim Stop

This is a fun, low-effort way to see Mallorca’s coast without planning every hour on your own. You sail out from Port d’Alcúdia in the morning, cruise along the shoreline for photo stops, then anchor in small coves where you can swim and use gear.

Two things I really like for a day like this: you get lunch on board so you do not have to build a meal schedule around the tide, and the package includes snorkel equipment and kayaks during the longer swimming time. The trade-off to consider is that the boat can feel crowded, and the basic lunch plus extra-cost drinks can make it feel pricey if you hoped for a calmer, more personal experience.

Key highlights I think you’ll care about

• Coves with real swimming time: short stops for quick swims plus a longer cove stretch during lunch
• Snorkel gear and kayaks included during the main anchor stop, with no extra charge
• Great coastline pass: you cruise by the lighthouse of Aucanada and dramatic cliffs for photos
• Lunch included, but basic: it is not a gourmet menu, and vegetarian options may be limited
• Price vs extras: drinks are paid on board, so budget for water, beer, and sangria if you want them

Why this Alcudia catamaran is a smart half-day plan

A catamaran cruise works in Mallorca when you want sun, sea time, and a few picture-worthy coast moments without turning your day into a travel puzzle. The route is built around the most enjoyable part of the island for many visitors: coves where the water looks clean, and you can hop in straight from the boat.

At 5 hours starting at 10:00 am, it is long enough to feel like you did something special, but short enough that you still have time for dinner plans back on land. And with English as the offered language, you should be able to understand the key instructions and timing.

The biggest “yes” here is that the cruise reduces decision-making. Lunch is handled, swim stops are scheduled, and you have included gear for at least part of the day. That is real value when you are on a tight itinerary.

Getting to the boat without a headache

You meet at Transports Maritims BRISA, at Passeig Marítim, 07410 Port d’Alcúdia, Illes Balears, Spain. The activity returns you to the same spot, which matters more than it sounds. You do not have to figure out late-day transport.

It also helps that the meeting point is near public transportation, so you are not forced into a taxi every time. If you like to arrive early, do it. With a set departure time, a calm start beats running for the dock.

Sail-out views: Bay of Alcúdia to Aucanada lighthouse

Once you set sail, the early portion is about getting you into the holiday mood. You cruise along the coast in the bay of Alcúdia, enjoying sunshine and shoreline views, then keep moving along the coastline toward a classic photo moment.

A highlight is passing the lighthouse of Aucanada and the surrounding cliffs. This is the kind of coast that looks good even when you are not trying hard to take photos. If you like clear sightlines, grab a spot on the side where you can see the cliffs as you go by. The motion is usually smooth enough that you can settle in, not just white-knuckle your sea legs.

One practical tip: bring sunglasses and something to protect your shoulders. Even on a half-day, you can burn faster than you expect when you are out on open water.

First swim stop: Platja Des Coll Baix for a quick beach break

Then the cruise shifts gears from sailing views to water time. The first named stop is Platja Des Coll Baix, a secluded beach where you drop anchor.

You get about 20 minutes here, which is perfect if you want:

• a fast swim
• a short sunbathing moment
• a chance to cool down before the longer stop later

But it is short. This is not the place for a slow beach morning. If you are the type who wants to linger for an hour, think of this stop as a taste, not a full swim session.

Also, because it is an anchored stop, the “beach time” experience depends on how the boat is positioned and where you can step or climb down safely. Plan to move efficiently once you are in the water.

Main cove time at Playa del Puerto de Pollensa with lunch on board

The best chunk of the day is the longer anchoring time at Playa del Puerto de Pollensa in the Bay of Pollensa. This is where you get your most flexible sea time, because the crew prepares lunch while you are there.

You spend about 1 hour at the cove, and this is when the included activities matter most. While lunch happens, you can use the snorkel equipment and the kayak boards included with your ticket, with no extra charge.

For many people, this is the value engine of the whole cruise. You are not stuck only watching the sea. You actually get to interact with it:

• snorkel when you feel like it
• kayak for a slow paddle when you are done swimming
• shift between resting and water time without leaving the boat

The water and coves here are why this cruise is popular. Even if the exact swimming experience is not world-famous for everyone, it is still a solid way to get a clear, relaxing “Mallorca on the water” moment.

Lunch reality check: included, but keep expectations practical

Lunch is a big part of why the trip is easy. You do not need to pack your own meal or search for a restaurant during the busy mid-day hours.

That said, lunch on these cruises is usually simple, and that is exactly what several people noted. The food is basic, and the same items get served to everyone. Some guests also pointed out limited options for dietary restrictions, including comments about not having enough vegetarian choices.

One person even reported that the food was gluten free, but with mixed feedback on dietary needs, do not assume every meal will fit strict requirements. If you have food limitations, plan smart: bring a snack you know you can eat, just in case you find the lunch selection too narrow for your needs.

Drinks are not included

Expect that drinks are paid on board. Multiple reviews called out that water, beer, and sangria cost extra, even though lunch is included. If you like to have a cold drink with your sea day, budget for it. Otherwise you might end the cruise feeling like the final total crept higher than you expected.

How crowded will it feel on your day?

This is where you need to read the room, because this tour can swing from enjoyable to annoying depending on how full your sailing is.

The operator sets a maximum of 110 travelers, so even if not everyone shows up, you should assume it can be a busy boat. Some people enjoyed it with a manageable crowd, and others felt it was overcrowded, loud, and stressful for sunbathing.

Practical takeaway: if you hate crowds, do not treat this as a quiet boat day. Instead, treat it like a lively group cruise where the trade is fun and convenience, not personal space.

If you go on a hot day, shade becomes a factor. Reviews mentioned limited shade and that people ended up sitting on benches around the perimeter. So bring sunscreen, plan for minimal shade competition, and be ready to rotate between resting and water time.

Gear time: snorkel, kayak, and the reality of limited equipment

The cruise includes snorkel gear and kayaks during the main cove stop. That is a great deal on paper, and it can be excellent in practice.

But in crowded conditions, included gear can feel stretched. Some guests said there were not enough kayaks or stand-up paddle options for everyone to use, leading them to miss out. Even when gear is included, the number of boards and the time window you get can determine whether you actually try it.

My advice: prioritize snorkel first if you truly care about it. If you also want kayak time, go for it early during the main cove portion, so you do not end up watching other people enjoy the gear while you wait.

Service and staff: what you can expect from the crew

On most days, the crew is doing their job, running the ship smoothly, and keeping the schedule moving. Feedback included that staff were friendly and attentive, and that they did a good job managing a lively group.

You can also expect a cheerful onboard vibe, including some kind of music in at least some cases. If you are sensitive to sound, it is smart to plan for that. Bring earplugs if you want a calmer experience while you sit and relax between stops.

Language is another practical note. Even though the cruise is offered in English, at least one person reported that a promised German companion was not available and only Spanish and English were used. So do not plan your day assuming you will get any specific third language support.

Value: is $86.50 per person worth it?

At $86.50 per person for about 5 hours, you are paying for the full package:

• catamaran ride and coastline cruise
• scheduled swimming stops
• lunch included on board
• snorkel equipment and kayak use during the main cove time
• an experience that saves you from planning beach access and meal stops

For many people, this feels fair because you get a full sea day rhythm without logistical stress.

The value drops a bit when:

• the boat feels overcrowded
• lunch selection feels too basic for the price
• you spend extra on drinks you assumed were included

So here is the honest way to judge it before you book: if you want a stress-free sea day with included food and gear, this can be a good deal. If you only want quiet, scenic swimming and you do not drink at all and dislike basic lunch, you might feel less satisfied.

Also, the cruise depends on good weather. If conditions are poor, there can be changes or cancellation, with the option of a different date or a refund if the operator cancels due to weather.

Who this cruise suits best

This tour is a strong match if you:

• want snorkel time plus a simple lunch plan
• like the idea of multiple coves in one morning
• prefer not to drive or coordinate beach hopping
• are okay with a group atmosphere and onboard music

It may be less ideal if you:

• hate crowds and want lots of personal space
• need varied vegetarian or strict dietary meal options
• are hoping drinks are included beyond lunch
• strongly prefer quiet, low-volume experiences

If you are traveling with kids, the group format can work well, though that also means more competition for shade and gear on high-capacity days.

Should you book this Alcudia catamaran cruise?

I think you should book if you want an easy, half-day sea experience with included lunch and included snorkel and kayak time, and you are okay with the fact that a max-110 boat can get crowded.

Skip it, or at least think twice, if your top priority is a calm, uncrowded day, or if you expect a wide buffet-style lunch with strong dietary options. In that case, the “extras” feel more noticeable, and the crowded-water-time trade is harder to ignore.

If you do book, go in with the right plan: wear sunscreen, bring a snack backup if your diet is picky, and treat the short beach stop as a preview while saving your energy for the longer cove time.

FAQ

What time does the cruise depart from Port d’Alcúdia?

The cruise starts at 10:00 am and ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The duration is about 5 hours.

Is lunch included, and is anything extra charged?

Lunch is included, but drinks (including water) are not included and you may have to pay for them on board.

Is snorkel gear and kayak use included?

Yes. You can use the snorkel equipment and kayak on boards during the stop when the crew prepares lunch, with no extra charge.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at Transports Maritims BRISA, Passeig Marítim, 07410 Port d’Alcúdia, Illes Balears, Spain.

What language is the tour offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.