Mallorca Catamaran Cruise with Scenic Views and BBQ Lunch

The best part of this five-hour catamaran cruise is the easy access it gives you to Mallorca’s northern coves. You can swim from the boat, stretch out on the nets, use a kayak or paddle board, then sit down to grilled chicken, pork, sausages, pasta salad, bread, fruit, and included drinks.

I like the friendly crew and generous water time, and I like that the boat carries its own swimming gear at no extra charge. The main catch is that this is a large shared boat, and the route can change with wind, weather, timing, or safety needs. Do not book it expecting a quiet sailing trip or a guaranteed stop at Formentor.

Key points to know

• Three main swim opportunities: Stops usually include Coll Baix, Cala d’Engossalba or a nearby cove, and possibly Aucanada.
• BBQ served on board: Expect grilled meats, Mallorcan-style pasta salad, bread, seasonal fruit, and two included drinks during the meal.
• Kayaks and paddle boards included: These are available during the longer swimming stop, along with other floating equipment.
• Large catamaran setting: The boat may carry up to 110 people, though some departures have been closer to 50 or 60.
• Formentor is not guaranteed: You may see the beach from the water, but the boat does not promise a stop there.
• Bring sun protection and cash: Extra drinks cost more, and the boat has a bar open during the trip.

What this Alcúdia catamaran day is really like

This is a relaxed coastal outing rather than a serious sailing expedition. You board at Passeig Marítim 18 in Port d’Alcúdia, then spend the day looking out over the Bay of Alcúdia and the Bay of Pollença.

The Anacaona catamaran has room to move around, with nets and benches for sitting or sunbathing. You can choose an active day in the water or a lazy one on deck. That flexibility is a real strength. You do not need to swim at every stop, and you can enjoy the scenery without joining the water activities.

The boat’s maximum capacity is listed as 110 people. That matters. On a quieter departure, with around 50 or 60 people aboard, the space can feel comfortable. On a full sailing, the swimming equipment and deck areas may feel more crowded. This is not the right pick if you want a small private boat and personal attention throughout.

The overall rating is 4.1 out of 5 from 121 ratings, which fits the experience well. Most of the appeal comes from the crew, swimming, food, and scenery. The lower scores tend to come from unclear route expectations, crowding, the lack of guaranteed sailing under raised sails, and the difficulty of making the meeting point from a cruise ship.

Boarding at Port d’Alcúdia

The meeting point is at Passeig Marítim, 18, 07400 Alcúdia. The cruise returns to the same place, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride at the end.

Allow extra time to find the correct boat. The marina has several excursions, and the meeting point can be confusing if you follow a GPS pin without checking the boat name. Look for the Anacaona catamaran and the Transports Maritims BRISA area, and ask staff for help if several boats are loading.

The departure point is near public transportation, but you are responsible for getting there. This is especially important if you are arriving from another part of Mallorca or from a cruise ship. Port d’Alcúdia is not the same as Palma, and a late arrival can mean missing the boat. Check the distance and timing before paying, rather than assuming a ship excursion and this boat trip will fit together.

Once aboard, the first few minutes are spent getting settled as the catamaran moves out through the bay. The route and order of stops can shift, so treat the published sequence as a guide rather than a strict promise.

Coll Baix: a beautiful first swim

The first planned stop is Platja des Coll Baix, a small cove known for being difficult to reach by road or on foot. Approaching it from the sea gives you a view that would otherwise require more effort and time.

The boat anchors for about 20 minutes. This is a short stop, best used for a quick swim, a few photographs, or a first look at the water. If you prefer to stay dry, the cove and cliffs still make a fine backdrop from the deck.

The main limitation is the length of the stop. Twenty minutes passes quickly once people are getting in and out of the water. Wear your swimsuit beneath your clothes, keep your towel easy to reach, and do not expect a long snorkeling session here.

The long stop at Cala d’Engossalba

The main part of the day takes place at a second cove in the Bay of Pollença. The description uses both Cala Murta and Cala d’Engossalba for this section, so you should expect a scenic anchorage in this area rather than rely on one exact cove name.

This is the longest stop, lasting about an hour and a half. It is where the trip earns much of its value. You can swim close to the catamaran, sunbathe on the nets, or take one of the kayaks and paddle boards into the cove.

Snorkeling equipment is available, although one account of the trip says snorkeling gear was charged separately while kayaks and paddle boards were free. Because the equipment policy may not be fully consistent, ask the crew before boarding or before collecting gear. The available equipment can also be limited when the boat is full, so do not assume every person can take a kayak at once.

The water stop works well for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can head farther from the boat, while less confident swimmers can remain nearby. You can also skip the water and enjoy the sun. Basic toilets are available and have been described as clean, though you should expect practical boat facilities rather than spacious changing rooms.

A BBQ lunch with a view

While you swim, the crew prepares the meal on the catamaran’s barbecue. Lunch or dinner includes grilled chicken, pork, sausages, bread, a fresh pasta salad made with Mallorcan tomatoes and vegetables, and seasonal fruit.

Two drinks are included during the meal, with orange drink, water, or sangria listed among the choices. The bar remains open during the rest of the trip, but extra drinks cost more. One drink price reported on board was about €5 for a 400-milliliter beer, so bring some cash or be ready to pay for anything beyond the included drinks.

The food is simple rather than gourmet, but it suits a day at sea. The grilled meat is served hot, the pasta salad adds a cooler option, and fruit makes a sensible finish after swimming in the sun. Portions have been described as plentiful, though this can depend on the departure and how quickly people collect their plates.

Vegetarians have fewer choices. The pasta salad, bread, fruit, and possibly other side items may make up your meal, but there is no clearly stated vegetarian main course. If you do not eat meat, contact the operator before booking and bring suitable food if needed. You may bring your own food and drinks, although the boat also sells beverages.

The meal is part of the social character of the trip. People sit, eat, and talk while the boat remains anchored. If you are hoping for a quiet lunch with only the sound of the sea, music and group conversation may change the mood. This is a shared excursion, not a private picnic.

Aucanada and the final views

If time permits, the boat makes a brief stop near Aucanada’s lighthouse. This can be another chance to swim or take photographs, but it is not always guaranteed. Timing, wind, and the length of the earlier stop all affect the final route.

The lighthouse and coastline make a pleasant closing view. You may also see Port d’Alcúdia from the water as the catamaran returns. The trip includes views toward Formentor beach, but the boat does not promise to stop at Formentor or Cap de Formentor.

This point deserves clear attention. Some descriptions make the northern route sound as if Formentor is a fixed destination, while the practical route may focus on the coves around Alcúdia and Pollença. The boat may pass at a distance or offer a view from the water, but do not book this trip mainly to set foot at Formentor Beach.

The return through Port d’Alcúdia is part of the sightseeing. It gives you a different angle on the marina and bay, and it lets the day end without a second transfer.

Sailing, music, and the size of the boat

The word catamaran may lead you to picture a quiet sailing trip under canvas. That is not always what happens here. Some departures raise the sails and offer peaceful stretches with the engine off. Other accounts describe the boat running under power without raising the sails, with loud music and a party-boat atmosphere.

I would treat the sailing element as a possibility, not the main promise. The reliable parts are the coastline, anchored swim stops, BBQ, and shared deck. If you want a calm boat ride with little music, ask about the expected style of the departure before booking.

Music volume also varies. It may be lively enough for a celebratory group, but not necessarily loud enough for a full party atmosphere. The boat works best for people who want a social day with options to sunbathe, swim, eat, and take photographs.

Is the $86.51 price good value?

At about $86.51 per person, the price is fair if you use the main inclusions. You receive roughly five hours on the water, a cooked meal, two drinks at lunch, access to kayaks and paddle boards, and several coastal stops that would be hard to reach independently.

The price becomes less attractive if you mainly want transportation to one famous beach. Formentor is not guaranteed, extra drinks cost more, and the experience can feel crowded on a full sailing. You are paying for a complete half-day outing, not simply a boat transfer.

I see the best value for families, couples, solo visitors, and small groups who want an easy day without planning a rental car route or a hike to remote coves. A group of friends or a birthday party can also make good use of the social setting.

People who want a private charter, quiet sailing, a strong vegetarian menu, or a guaranteed Formentor visit should compare other options first. A smaller boat may cost more, but it could offer a better fit.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Apply sunscreen before boarding and bring more for later. The deck, nets, and open water provide little shade, and the sun can feel strong even when the breeze is cool.

Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel, camera, and a dry bag if you have one. Keep phones and valuables secure around the swimming platforms. You can bring food and drinks, but avoid carrying more than you can manage on a busy boat.

Bring cash for the bar, since extra drinks are not included. The included meal drinks are limited to the meal period, so budget separately if you want beer, wine, soft drinks, or water throughout the day.

Expect the route to change with weather, wind, timing, and safety decisions. That is normal on a coastal boat trip, but it means you should not plan a tight appointment immediately after the scheduled return.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure. Cancellations inside that period are not refunded, and changes are not accepted. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of people can lead to a new date, another experience, or a full refund.

Who should book this catamaran cruise?

I would recommend it if you want three things: time in the water, a ready-made lunch, and northern Mallorca views. It is especially useful when you do not want to arrange a car, find remote coves, or organize separate water equipment.

It suits people who enjoy a lively shared outing. The crew is frequently praised for being friendly and helpful, and loading and unloading are generally straightforward. The boat also works for solo visitors because there is a clear schedule and plenty of time to relax without arranging a group.

I would hesitate if your priority is solitude. A boat with up to 110 people may feel busy, and equipment can be in demand. I would also hesitate if you are vegetarian unless you confirm food arrangements first.

Should you book the Anacaona?

Book it if you see the experience as a half-day sea outing with swimming and lunch, not as a guaranteed Formentor cruise or a silent sailing voyage. The strongest parts are the long anchorage, friendly service, useful water equipment, good views, and the convenience of having lunch prepared on board.

Before booking, confirm your route to Port d’Alcúdia, check the exact meeting instructions, and accept that the itinerary can change. If those conditions suit you, this is a practical way to spend a sunny day on Mallorca’s northern coast.

FAQ

How long is the Mallorca catamaran cruise?

The trip lasts approximately five hours.

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The meeting point is Passeig Marítim, 18, 07400 Alcúdia, Illes Balears, Spain.

Where does the cruise finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Port d’Alcúdia.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch or dinner includes BBQ meats, pasta salad, bread, and fresh fruit.

Which drinks are included?

Two drinks are included during the meal. The listed choices include orange drink, water, and sangria.

Can I buy more drinks on board?

Yes. The catamaran has a bar with additional drinks for purchase.

Are kayaks and paddle boards included?

Yes. Kayaks and paddle boards are available at no extra charge during the longer swimming stop.

Does the cruise stop at Formentor Beach?

A view of Formentor Beach may be included, but a stop there is not guaranteed. The route can change due to wind, weather, timing, or safety reasons.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes. You can bring your own food and drinks, although extra beverages are also available from the onboard bar.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the activity to be canceled.