Mallorca Catamaran Cruise with Scenic Views and BBQ Lunch

The best part of this Mallorca cruise is the chance to reach secluded coves by boat, including Coll Baix, a beach that is awkward to reach by land. You get time to swim, use kayaks and paddle boards, snorkel, or simply stretch out on the catamaran’s nets while the coast slips past.

I like the generous 90-minute swimming and lunch stop and the easy, social setup. The crew provides water gear, cooks chicken, pork, and sausages onboard, and includes two drinks with the meal. The main caution is that this can be a large boat, and the route may change with wind, weather, timing, or safety needs.

Quick take: what matters most

• Two major swim stops: Coll Baix and Cala d’Engossalba offer clear Mediterranean water and attractive coves.
• A proper BBQ lunch: Grilled chicken, pork, sausages, pasta salad, bread, fruit, and two drinks are included.
• Water gear onboard: Kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling equipment, and floats are available, though equipment can be in demand when the boat is full.
• A social group cruise: Capacity is listed at up to 110 people, so this suits you if you enjoy an easygoing shared outing rather than a private charter.
• Port d’Alcudia departure: The meeting point is on Passeig Marítim, not at Palma’s cruise port, so check the drive carefully before booking.
• Flexible route: Aucanada may be added if time allows, but specific sights and stops are not guaranteed.

Five hours along Mallorca’s northern coast

This is a half-day outing from Port d’Alcudia aboard the Anacaona catamaran. You spend much of the time moving through the Bay of Alcudia and toward the Bay of Pollença, with long pauses for swimming and lunch.

The cruise is designed around simple pleasures: sun, warm water, coastal views, a meal cooked onboard, and enough free time to get wet or do nothing at all. It is not a guided sightseeing tour packed with historical commentary. You will get scenery from the water, but the main event is the sea itself.

The boat leaves from Transports Maritims BRISA on Passeig Marítim, 18, in Alcúdia. Allow time to identify the right departure area, since several boat trips operate around the marina. Clear directions at the port can be limited, and it is worth checking the boat name before boarding.

The cruise lasts about five hours. Depending on the sailing time, you may receive lunch or dinner. The route and stop lengths can change because of wind, weather, the clock, and safety conditions. That flexibility is sensible at sea, but it also means you should not treat every named viewpoint as a promise.

Coll Baix, the first swim in a hard-to-reach cove

The first planned stop is Platja des Coll Baix, a small cove backed by rugged coastal scenery. Reaching this beach on foot or by car is difficult, so arriving by catamaran gives you a view of the area without a long hike.

The boat anchors for roughly 20 minutes. That is enough time for a quick swim, a few photographs, or a short spell on the water, but not enough for a long beach visit. You generally remain aboard or in the water near the catamaran rather than walking onto the beach.

This stop works best if you bring swimwear under your clothes and keep your camera ready. The water and pale cove make a strong first impression, but the short timing means you need to move quickly if you want to swim.

Cala d’Engossalba and the long 90-minute break

The central stop is described in the route as Cala Murta, with the detailed description identifying the anchorage as Cala d’Engossalba in the Bay of Pollença. This difference in naming is worth noting because the place you reach may not match the name you first saw when booking.

This is the longest stop, lasting about an hour and a half. It is the heart of the outing. You can snorkel, paddle a kayak, stand on a paddle board, use a float, swim beside the boat, or relax on the benches and nets.

The crew prepares lunch during this stop, so you can divide your time between the water and the meal. The long pause makes the cruise feel less rushed than a sightseeing boat that simply circles the coast. You have a real chance to settle into the setting.

Equipment is included, but access may depend on demand. On a full departure, you may need to share or wait for a kayak, paddle board, or snorkeling set. If swimming is your main reason for booking, this is still the most useful part of the trip, but you should not expect every piece of equipment to be available instantly.

The swimming itself is the strongest reason to choose this cruise. Several stops give you repeated chances to get into the water, and the boat makes entry easier than a rocky shore. Ladders and the open deck are practical advantages, especially if you would rather not scramble over beach stones.

What you actually eat at the onboard BBQ

Lunch is cooked on the catamaran and served after the main swim period. The meal includes grilled chicken, pork, and sausages, along with a fresh pasta salad made with Mallorcan tomatoes and vegetables, bread, and seasonal fruit.

Two drinks during the meal are included. The stated choices are orange drink, water, or sangria. Extra drinks are available from the onboard bar, and the supplied information says you can also bring your own food and drinks.

The meal is filling rather than fancy. Freshly grilled meat and fruit make sense after swimming, and eating onboard saves you from losing time to a shore stop. The pasta salad and bread provide the main alternatives to the meat.

Vegetarians should plan carefully. The available vegetarian choice may be limited to bread and pasta salad, so you might want to bring extra food. This is one of the clearest weaknesses of the catering. If you have specific dietary needs, contact the operator before setting out rather than assuming the BBQ will provide a full alternative.

Drinks beyond the two meal-time servings cost extra. Bring cash for the bar, since a beer has been priced at about €5 in the onboard experience. The bar is useful, but repeated purchases can push the total cost above the advertised fare.

Aucanada and the final coastal views

If time permits, the catamaran makes a short stop near Aucanada’s lighthouse. This gives you another chance to cool off or take photographs. The stop is not guaranteed, so consider it a bonus rather than a central part of the plan.

You may also see views toward Formentor beach and other parts of the northern coast from the boat. The important distinction is between seeing a place from offshore and stopping there. The route does not reliably take you to Cap de Formentor or put you ashore at Formentor beach.

Some descriptions of the trip can create the impression that Formentor is a definite stop. It is not. If reaching that beach or cape is a must for you, choose a separate excursion designed around Formentor. Book this cruise for the coves and swimming, not for a guaranteed Formentor visit.

The return to Port d’Alcudia provides more time for views across the bay. You will see the coast from a low, open-water angle, which gives you a different sense of Mallorca than a road trip or beach day.

Boat size, mood, and comfort

The Anacaona can carry a large group, with a stated maximum of 110 people. Actual departures may feel more comfortable when numbers are lower, while a full boat can make the water equipment, seating, and boarding area feel crowded.

This is a shared catamaran cruise, not a quiet sailing yacht. The mood can range from calm sunbathing to a livelier boat outing with music. One experience described loud music and a party-boat feel, while another found the sound too quiet. In practical terms, expect the atmosphere to depend on the group and the day.

The boat has nets, benches, toilets, a bar, and room to move around. The toilets are basic but reported as clean. Bring suncream, a camera, and a towel. You will want protection for the open deck, since five hours on bright water can catch you off guard even when the breeze feels cool.

The boat may not raise its sails for the entire trip. At times, it can operate mainly under motor power. If the words catamaran cruise make you picture a silent, wind-powered sail, adjust that expectation. The experience is chiefly about a catamaran platform, swimming, food, and views.

Is $86.51 a fair price?

At $86.51 per person, the cost is reasonable if you make full use of the swimming time and included meal. A five-hour coastal outing with a BBQ, two meal drinks, kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling equipment, and several scenic stops offers more than a simple harbor cruise.

The value drops if you do not swim, do not eat the main meal, or prefer a small boat. Much of the appeal comes from being in the water for several hours. If you plan to stay dry on deck, you are paying for activities you may not use.

The price also needs to be viewed against the group size. A private or small-group catamaran will usually cost more, but it may offer a quieter ride and easier access to equipment. This cruise keeps the price within reach for families and groups, at the cost of a less personal feel.

I see this as good value for an active half-day in Alcudia, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for beach transport, lunch, and water activities. It is less compelling if your main goal is refined sailing or a secluded, quiet day at sea.

The important Port d’Alcudia planning warning

The meeting point is in Port d’Alcudia, on Mallorca’s northeast side. That matters if you are staying in Palma or arriving by cruise ship. The trip does not leave from Palma’s cruise terminal, and the drive can take substantial time.

Several booking problems have come from people discovering the distance too late. If you are coming from a cruise ship, check your ship’s arrival and departure times, allow for the transfer, and make sure the boat schedule leaves a safe margin. Do not assume a Palma port arrival means you are already near the meeting point.

The experience is near public transportation, but the information provided does not give a specific transfer route or travel time. Use the exact address, Passeig Marítim, 18, 07400 Alcúdia, and confirm the meeting instructions before the day.

The tour requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for poor weather or insufficient bookings, you should be offered another date, another experience, or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most?

I would choose this cruise if you want a straightforward day on the water with plenty of swimming. Families, friend groups, solo visitors who enjoy a social setting, and anyone who prefers boat access to difficult coastal coves should find the format appealing.

It also works well for a celebration. The open deck, shared meal, music, and water activities give a group plenty to do without requiring everyone to follow the same plan.

You may want another option if you dislike crowds, need a quiet sailing experience, or expect a full vegetarian meal. It is also a poor fit if you are booking mainly to visit Formentor. The boat may show you attractive coastal views without stopping at the exact places you had in mind.

Should you book the Anacaona?

Book it if your ideal Mallorca day includes warm sun, several swims, a simple BBQ, and an easy way to reach coves along the northern coast. The strongest features are the long central stop, friendly crew, included water gear, and the chance to combine lunch with time in the sea.

Skip it if you want a small, silent sailing boat or a guaranteed visit to Formentor. Before paying, confirm the Port d’Alcudia location, check the departure time against your accommodation or cruise ship, and bring extra food if you do not eat meat.

For the right kind of day, this is a practical and enjoyable way to see Mallorca from offshore. Just book it as a swim-and-lunch cruise, not as a precise sightseeing route.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart?

The meeting point is Transports Maritims BRISA at Passeig Marítim, 18, 07400 Alcúdia, Mallorca. The cruise ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts approximately five hours.

What food is included?

The meal includes BBQ chicken, pork, and sausages, plus pasta salad, bread, and seasonal fresh fruit.

Which drinks are included?

Two drinks are included during the meal. The stated choices are orange drink, water, or sangria. Additional drinks can be bought from the onboard bar.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes. You can bring your own food and drinks, although the catamaran also has a bar service.

Are kayaks and paddle boards included?

Kayaks and paddle boards are available at no extra charge. Snorkeling equipment and floating devices are also provided, but availability may depend on how many people are using them.

Will the cruise stop at Formentor beach or Cap de Formentor?

The route may provide views toward Formentor, but a stop at Formentor beach or Cap de Formentor is not guaranteed. The itinerary can change with weather, wind, timing, and safety conditions.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted. If the operator cancels because of poor weather or an insufficient number of participants, you should be offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.