Mallorca Catamaran Cruise with Scenic Views and BBQ Lunch

A Mallorca catamaran cruise is one of those rare trips where the hard work is mostly optional, meaning you’re spending the day on the water with built-in swim stops and scenic coast views. This one runs from Port d’Alcúdia, and it mixes relaxed sailing with time in small coves that feel far from crowds.

What I really like is the payoff for your time: you get multiple chances to get in the water, plus the crew has snorkel and water toys on hand for use during the longer stop. I also like the fact that the day isn’t just “board, watch, leave,” because you’ll eat a proper BBQ lunch or dinner on board with fruit and pasta salad.

One thing to consider is that the route can shift with wind and weather, and you should not plan your day assuming you’ll dock at specific far-flung viewpoints. You may get photo-worthy views instead of a long “go there and stroll” stop.

Key things you’ll notice on this Mallorca catamaran day

• Anacaona catamaran sailing from Port d’Alcúdia, built around coastal swims
• Cove time that actually lets you swim, not just a quick dip
• BBQ lunch or dinner on board with pasta salad, bread, fruit, and included drinks
• Snorkeling and kayaking help you do more than sunbathing
• Short stop for Aucanada Lighthouse photos, if conditions and timing allow
• Group size cap around 110, which helps, but full days can still feel busy

Getting the most out of a 5-hour catamaran cruise from Alcúdia

This is a half-day cruise in Mallorca’s north, designed for people who want sea time more than sightseeing on foot. The heart of the experience is simple: you sail out of Port d’Alcúdia, anchor at coves along the coast, and spend real chunks of time in the water.

You’ll be on the Anacaona Catamaran, and the flow of the day is meant to feel easy. There’s a short initial boarding/transport moment, then the day moves from one water stop to the next, with the BBQ served during the longest anchoring period.

At this price point, the value comes from stacking a few things together in one ticket. You’re not just paying for the boat ride, you’re also getting (1) multiple swim opportunities, (2) use of snorkel or water equipment during the main stop, and (3) an on-board cooked meal with drinks included during lunch.

The biggest practical tip is to show up ready for water. Bring your swimsuit, sun protection, and a camera that handles bright light. Also, expect that the crew will run the day according to conditions, not according to a rigid script. That’s normal at sea, and it’s especially relevant on a cruise that anchors in small coves.

Stop 1: Boarding with Transports Maritims BRISA and an easy start

Your day begins at the Passeig Marítim, 18, 07400 Alcúdia. From there, the operation runs through Transports Maritims BRISA and you’ll get settled aboard the Anacaona.

Why this matters: a smooth start sets the tone. A short, clear boarding process means you spend more of your paid time actually on the water, and less time standing around the marina.

One small but useful mindset: treat the first moments as warm-up, not sightseeing. You’re collecting your gear, getting oriented, and then the real fun starts once the catamaran is anchored near the coves.

Stop 2: Coll Baix cove for swimming and sunbathing

The first true swim stop is Platja Des Coll Baix, a secluded cove that’s difficult to reach on foot or by car. That seclusion is the point. From the water, you get that sense of “wow, we’re actually somewhere quiet,” without needing to plan a hike.

You’ll drop anchor and spend about 20 minutes here. That’s short, but it’s enough time for a quick swim, a bit of snorkeling if you’ve got gear, and some sunbathing before the catamaran moves on.

Practical tip: if you’re the type who wants photos, bring your camera out early. The best light can be early in the stop, and you may not want to fumble with gear after you’re already in the water.

Stop 3: The long anchor at Cala Murta area, where the BBQ and water toys happen

This is the main event of the trip. After the first cove, the catamaran heads toward the Bay of Pollensa area, including Cala Murta and the Cala d’Engossalba region as part of the cruising plan. This is where you’ll spend the longest time, roughly 1.5 hours, and it’s built around food plus water activities.

While the crew prepares the barbecue lunch or dinner on board, you’re invited to use the snorkeling and water equipment the catamaran carries, including snorkel gear, kayaks, and other floating options. There’s also the simple option of swimming near the boat or relaxing on the nets and benches.

What you eat on board (and what that means for your diet)

The meal is served on board and typically includes:

• Grilled meat options such as chicken, pork, and sausages
• A freshly made pasta salad using Mallorcan tomatoes and vegetables
• Bread
• Seasonal fruit for dessert

For drinks, you’ll get 2 included drinks during the meal: orange, water, and sangria are listed as part of what’s included at meal time. Extra drinks are sold at the bar all day.

If you’re vegetarian, here’s the honest planning angle based on what’s described: the BBQ portion is meat-focused, while the listed non-meat options include the pasta salad, bread, and fruit. You may find that works fine for a relaxed lunch, but if you’re expecting a full vegetarian BBQ, don’t plan on it. A simple strategy is to bring a snack you like (if you eat extra), so you never feel stuck.

The biggest value in the long stop

This stop is the part that justifies the price for most people. You’re getting (1) time to swim multiple ways, (2) the gear support, and (3) a hot meal cooked right there.

If your dream Mallorca day includes being in the water, this is where you’ll feel it most.

Stop 4: Aucanada Lighthouse area for quick photos and a final cool-off

After lunch, you’ll have time to relax, digest, and then you may get a short final water break near Aucanada’s lighthouse, about 20 minutes. The goal here is lighter: a quick dip, some photos, and a last glance at the coastline before heading back.

This is also where the “timing and wind” note matters. Sometimes the crew can only fit in short segments, and this one is labeled as optional if there’s time.

If you’re the type who needs a last swim to feel the day is complete, don’t wait too long after the BBQ. Get your sunscreen topped up and be ready to move when the crew announces the next stop.

Formentor views from the sea, not a dock-and-stroll day

You also get views of the Formentor beach from the catamaran as part of the sailing plan. That matters because Formentor is a big-name destination in Mallorca, and people often assume they’ll be transferred there for a long on-land visit.

Here’s the practical takeaway: expect the beauty from the boat, with photo opportunities, not necessarily a full land stop with strolling time.

In other words, if you want a beach day with time for walking, plan something separate. If you want the Formentor look without the logistics headache, this cruise gives it to you in an easy, low-effort way.

Returning to Port d’Alcúdia, with time for the real Mallorca pace

The day ends back near your start point, Port d’Alcúdia. The schedule includes time spent around the bay area, so you’ll get a final sense of the harbor and coastline before you’re dropped back where you started.

Why I like this ending: it keeps the day coherent. You’re not building in a complicated transition from boat to bus to another attraction. You get your sea day, you get your meal, and then you’re free to do a simple evening plan in Alcúdia.

For many people, the best part of returning to town is what you can control. You can choose a casual dinner, wander a bit at your own pace, or just go back and relax.

The crew, the boat setup, and why the day feels “easy”

Most of the strongest praise is about the human details. The crew tends to be friendly and present, with staff who help you feel comfortable about getting in and out of the water. That counts on a catamaran cruise because sea access can make or break the day.

Also, the boat setup is part of the experience. You can relax on nets and benches and use the provided gear during the main swim stop. Toilets are described as basic but kept clean, which is what you should expect on a day charter like this.

One more note for your expectations: it’s not positioned as a nightclub cruise. Music isn’t described as the main event, and the vibe is more “chill, swim, eat” than “party all afternoon.”

Price and value: why this costs $86.51 and when it’s worth it

At $86.51 per person for roughly a half-day, you’re paying for a bundle:

• Catamaran sailing from Alcúdia
• Multiple anchoring stops for swimming
• On-board BBQ meal plus fruit and pasta salad
• Two included drinks during the meal
• Use of snorkel gear and kayaks during the longer stop (based on what’s described)

For value, the key question is simple: do you want water time without doing logistics yourself? If yes, this price tends to make sense because you’re not paying separately for transport, boat access, and a meal.

There are also real-world signals that the experience can feel expensive compared to some other destinations, especially if you focus only on the swims and ignore the meal and included drinks. But if your day plan is built around swimming, and you’re okay with a relaxed, non-structured pace, the included BBQ and gear are the main reasons it works.

Who should book this Mallorca catamaran, and who should skip it

You’ll love this if:

• You want easy Mallorca sea time with minimal planning
• Swimming in coves is your idea of a great day
• You like the combo of boat sailing plus BBQ on board
• You’re traveling with family or friends who prefer a low-stress activity

You might skip it if:

• You only want one long, signature stop on land, like a dock-at-your-destination beach
• You’re very sensitive to crowds, because catamarans can feel busy on full days
• You expect the boat to always run on sail power. Conditions and safety can affect how the day feels, even if the sailing is part of the fun

Quick travel tips that make a real difference

• Bring sun cream and reapply before the longest swim.
• Bring a photo camera, since the coves and lighthouse views are timed by daylight and boat positioning.
• Bring cash or a card you’re comfortable using for extra drinks, since drinks beyond the meal are sold at the bar.
• If you’re counting on snorkeling equipment, plan as if you might need to share gear on a full day, and always ask the crew what’s available during the stop.
• If you eat vegetarian, plan around pasta salad, bread, and fruit, and don’t expect the BBQ grill to switch for you.

Should you book it?

I’d book this if your goal is a simple, high-reward sea day from Alcúdia: swim in calm coves, enjoy gear during the longest stop, and eat a BBQ lunch on board with included drinks. It’s the kind of trip that works well for first-time visitors because it gives you Mallorca’s coast vibe without car logistics.

I’d think twice if you’re specifically chasing a Formentor land visit or a very quiet, empty-water experience. This cruise gives you Formentor views and sea time, but the day is shaped by anchoring schedules, weather, and safety. If you want something more land-based, pair this with a separate coastline stop by car or bus.

If you’re ready for a half-day that focuses on swimming and food, this is an easy “yes” kind of booking.