Alcudia: Boat Trip to Coll Baix

The best part of this Alcúdia boat trip is the ride itself: you glide past beaches, rocky coves, Alcanada lighthouse, and the steep coast around Coll Baix before stopping for a swim in clear Mediterranean water. It is a short, affordable way to see Mallorca from the sea without committing to a full-day cruise.

I like the $34 price, especially for families and first-time boat riders, and I like the swimming stop, which gives the trip a real purpose beyond sightseeing. The main catch is the glass-bottom feature: it consists of a few small viewing windows, not a large transparent floor, and several early stops may be used to collect passengers.

Quick points to know

• A two-hour coastal outing: The boat leaves from Port Alcúdia and returns to the same area after a mix of sightseeing, passenger pickups, and swimming.
• Swimming is from the boat: You may jump or climb down into the sea near Coll Baix or another sheltered spot, rather than walk onto the beach.
• Alcanada lighthouse is part of the scenery: The route gives you a different view of the bay, coastline, and lighthouse island.
• The glass bottom is modest: Expect small windows that can be warm, crowded, or less clear than promotional photographs suggest.
• Onboard snacks are available: Food and drinks cost extra, so you can buy something onboard rather than carry a large bag.
• Morning departures are a smart choice: The 10 AM sailing can mean cooler air, less heat, and better comfort for anyone prone to seasickness.

What this Alcúdia boat trip is really like

This is a compact sightseeing cruise along Mallorca’s north coast, designed for people who want a pleasant taste of the sea rather than a full-day sailing adventure. You spend roughly two hours aboard a passenger boat, with coastal views, a few pickup stops, and time to swim in open water.

The trip is run by Transportes Marítimos Brisa. You meet at the Alcudia Sea Trips kiosk on Passeig Marítim in Puerto Alcúdia. The company also operates pickup points around Alcúdia Bay, so check the departure point carefully before booking. Choosing the nearest jetty can save you a taxi ride.

The boat has seating on more than one level. The upper deck is the better place for broad views and fresh air. It also gives you a clear horizon, which can help if the sea makes you queasy. The lower level is useful for shade and for reaching the small glass-viewing windows.

You should arrive ready for a casual, fairly active outing. Bring swimwear, a towel, beachwear, and a camera. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so pack light. A small day bag is more practical than a suitcase or bulky beach kit.

The first 40 minutes: pickups and bay views

The beginning may feel less scenic than you expect because the boat can stop at several points to collect passengers. Depending on the departure point and timing, you may spend about 30 to 40 minutes moving around the bay and taking on additional passengers.

That is not wasted time if you treat it as part of the sightseeing. You get changing views of Alcúdia Bay, and the slower pace lets you settle into the boat. Still, if you are expecting two uninterrupted hours at sea, adjust your expectations. The total outing lasts about two hours, but not all of that is devoted to the main coastal run or swimming.

The boat passes beaches and shoreline scenery around Alcúdia. From the upper deck, you can take in the shape of the bay and watch the coast recede behind you. There is no strong emphasis on formal narration, so this is more of a visual cruise than a guided history tour.

I would bring your own curiosity. Look toward the shore, watch for changes in the rock formations, and use the boat ride to see places that are harder to reach by road. If you want detailed information about Mallorca’s geology, history, or marine life, this outing may feel light on explanation.

Alcanada lighthouse and the north-coast scenery

One of the most appealing parts of the route is the view toward Alcanada and its lighthouse. The lighthouse sits off the coast near a small island, giving the bay a distinctive point of reference. From the water, you see the coastline in a way that is impossible from the main promenade.

This section is especially good for photographs. The combination of open sea, rugged shoreline, and clear water creates the kind of simple Mediterranean scene that works well from the upper deck. A phone or small camera is enough, but keep it secure because you will be moving around a working boat.

The boat may also pass or stop near other scenic points around the bay. The exact sequence can depend on the day, the departure point, and conditions at sea. Think of the route as a coastal circuit rather than a tightly scripted sightseeing program.

The vessel is not a luxury yacht. It is a practical excursion boat carrying a fairly broad mix of passengers. On busy departures, it can become crowded and noisy, though there is usually space to move between seating areas. If you want the calmest feel, an early sailing is a sensible pick.

Coll Baix: beautiful water, limited beach time

Coll Baix is the main scenic goal. This secluded cove is backed by mountains and known for clear, blue-green water. Reaching it by boat lets you appreciate its isolation without making the longer walk overland.

The important detail is that you normally swim from the boat, not necessarily from the beach itself. The boat anchors or pauses offshore, and you enter the water using the access point provided. The swimming period may be around 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the schedule and conditions.

That short stop is the heart of the experience. You can cool off, take photographs from the water, and look back at the cove from a viewpoint most beach visitors do not get. Bring a mask or snorkel if you have one. The water is clear enough to make looking below the surface worthwhile, although the trip is not presented as a dedicated snorkeling excursion.

Getting in and out can take time. There may be only one main ladder, and passengers who are nervous in deep water can slow the line. Families with children should stay close and follow the crew’s instructions. The swimming area may be too deep for young children who are not confident swimmers.

Sea conditions matter here. If the current is strong or the water is rough, the crew may decide that swimming at Coll Baix is not safe. On those days, the boat can use another location, such as the area near the lighthouse or Formentor. That change may disappoint someone who booked specifically for Coll Baix, but it is a sensible safety decision.

The same flexibility applies to the wider route. Rough water has caused the crew to adapt the trip, and the boat may alter its stops rather than follow the planned sequence exactly. Pack for a sea outing, not a guaranteed beach landing.

How much does the $34 price buy you?

At about $34 per person, this is good value if you want three things: coastal scenery, a boat ride, and a short swim. You get all three without paying for a full-day cruise or a private charter.

The price makes particular sense for families. Children can enjoy the novelty of riding on a boat, seeing the coast, and looking through the marine-viewing windows. Solo visitors can also have a pleasant outing without needing to organize a private group.

The value is weaker if your main reason for booking is the glass bottom. The boat does not have a large transparent floor. Instead, there are several small windows, and they may be difficult to see through when the boat is hot, crowded, or the glass is not perfectly clean.

Food and drinks are not included, but a bar onboard sells snacks and beverages. Prices are described as reasonable, and you do not need to carry your own provisions unless you prefer to. Large bags are not allowed, so buying something onboard can be easier than planning a picnic.

I would not compare this with a premium marine wildlife cruise. It is a straightforward, low-cost introduction to the coast. Its strongest value comes from the combination of scenery and swimming, not from onboard interpretation or sophisticated underwater viewing.

Choosing your seat and departure time

For the best views, head upstairs if space is available. The upper deck gives you a wider view of the bay and makes it easier to watch the coastline while the boat is moving. It may also be more comfortable for people who suffer from motion sickness because you can look toward the horizon.

The 10 AM departure is a useful choice. The day is usually less hot than later in the afternoon, and the air can feel fresher before the sun reaches its peak. Several people who chose this time found it a comfortable balance between good light, manageable heat, and enough time left in the day.

A morning trip also leaves your afternoon open for Alcúdia’s beaches, the old town, or a relaxed lunch. If you are visiting during a hot spell, that schedule is more appealing than sitting on an exposed boat during the hottest part of the day.

You should not expect complete quiet. Multiple pickup points can bring more people aboard, and the boat may feel noticeably busier after each stop. That is normal for this kind of bay excursion and part of the tradeoff for the low price.

What to bring, and what to leave behind

Pack swimwear and a towel even if you are unsure about getting in. The swimming stop is one of the most memorable parts of the outing, and you may regret sitting dry while everyone else enjoys the water.

A mask or snorkel can add interest, especially near the swimming stop. The boat may offer limited underwater viewing, but your own mask gives you a better chance to see marine life from the surface.

Bring a camera or phone in a secure case. The lighthouse, coastline, cove, and clear water all provide good photo opportunities. Avoid carrying large bags or luggage because they are not permitted.

You may also want a light cover-up, sunscreen, and water. Only bring items that you can keep close and manage easily on a moving boat. The supplied information specifically recommends swimwear, a towel, a camera, and beachwear.

Who should book this trip?

I would recommend it to families who want an easy introduction to boating, couples looking for a short coastal outing, and solo visitors who want to see Alcúdia Bay from the water. It also suits anyone with limited holiday time because the experience lasts about two hours rather than taking up an entire day.

It is a good match for confident swimmers who like the idea of jumping or climbing into the sea from the boat. You should be comfortable with the possibility of deep water and with a short, sometimes busy boarding process.

I would be more cautious if you have significant mobility limitations. The activity is not considered suitable for people with mobility impairments, and getting around the boat or using the swimming ladder may be difficult.

I would also think twice if your priority is a large glass-bottom viewing area, extensive commentary, or a long stay at a beach. This trip provides a little of each element, but its focus is a pleasant coastal ride with a refreshing swim.

Cancellation is flexible if your plans are uncertain: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. Check the available start times when booking, since the schedule can vary.

Should you book the Coll Baix boat trip?

Book it if you want a short, affordable taste of Mallorca from the sea. The views around Alcúdia Bay are the real reward, and the swimming stop adds the fun factor that keeps the trip from feeling like a simple sightseeing loop.

Go in with accurate expectations. The glass-bottom windows are small, pickup stops use part of the two-hour schedule, and swimming time can change with sea conditions. Choose an early departure, sit upstairs for the broadest views, bring a mask if you have one, and use one of the available pickup points if it is closer to your accommodation.

For $34, this is a sensible choice for a relaxed half-day addition to an Alcúdia holiday. It is short, friendly, and good value, as long as you book it for the coastline and swim rather than for a full marine tour.

FAQ

How long does the Alcúdia boat trip last?

The trip lasts about two hours, including the coastal sightseeing, passenger pickups, travel toward Coll Baix, swimming, and the return journey.

Where does the boat trip start?

The main meeting point is the Alcudia Sea Trips kiosk operated by Transportes Marítimos Brisa on Passeig Marítim, 07410 Puerto Alcúdia, Illes Balears.

Can I be picked up at another point around Alcúdia Bay?

The company offers several departure points around Alcúdia Bay. Check the available departure point when booking, since choosing a closer jetty may save you a taxi journey.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The trip includes a swimming stop from the boat, usually near Coll Baix or another suitable location such as Alcanada. The exact place and timing can change with sea conditions.

Do I swim from the beach at Coll Baix?

Not necessarily. The boat may stop offshore, allowing you to swim directly from the boat rather than walk onto the beach.

Is food available on the boat?

Food and drinks are not included in the ticket, but snacks and beverages are available to purchase onboard.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, beachwear, and a camera. A mask or snorkel can also be useful for looking at the water during the swimming stop. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.