Port d’Alcudia: North Coast Catamaran Cruise with Meal

The best part of this Alcudia catamaran cruise is the long stretch of time spent off the boat at clear-water coves. You can swim, use a paddleboard or canoe, and watch the crew cook a barbecue while you float nearby. Three swim stops are possible, though the exact route depends on conditions.

I like the relaxed five-hour pace and the broad views of Mallorca’s north coast. I also like the friendly crew, chilled music, and the fact that the boat has ladders into the water, useful if you would rather not jump from the side. The main thing to consider is that kayaks and paddleboards are limited, and the $80 price does not cover every drink or snorkeling gear.

Key points to know before you book

• Three possible swimming stops: Routes have included beautiful areas near Formentor and Alcanada, with roughly two hours set aside for water activities on some departures.
• Barbecue cooked on board: Day trips include lunch, while sunset departures include dinner, with two drinks served during the meal.
• Water gear is shared: Canoes and standup paddleboards are included, but there may not be enough for everyone to use one at once.
• Good family setup: The boat has plenty of seating, several water ladders, and life vests available from the crew.
• Bring your own goggles: Snorkeling masks may be available for sale, but snorkeling equipment is not included.
• Flexible booking: You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund and reserve now while paying later.

Setting out from Puerto de Alcúdia

You meet the crew at the Alcudia Sea Trips boat kiosk operated by Transportes Marítimos Brisa on Passeig Marítim in Puerto Alcúdia. The departure point is central to the resort area, but give yourself enough time to find the right kiosk and board without rushing.

Once the catamaran leaves the harbor, the trip becomes less about reaching one famous sight and more about enjoying the coast from the water. You get open views toward Mallorca’s northern shore, with the island’s cliffs, beaches, coves, and headlands changing as the boat moves along.

This is a large catamaran rather than a small private sailing boat. That matters. You will share the day with other people, but the wide deck gives you room to sit, move around, and find sun or shade. Several people specifically found the boat less cramped than expected, even when it carried a sizeable group.

The front nets are the obvious place for sun and spray, especially when the sea is a little choppy. The rear and central areas make more sense if you want a steadier ride or prefer to stay close to the bar and seating. If having a particular spot matters to you, arrive early. The boat is spacious, but the most appealing seats still go first.

The north coast from the water

The scenery is the first reward, and you see parts of Mallorca that are hard to appreciate from a road. From the catamaran, the coastline opens into wide views rather than a series of quick roadside glimpses.

The route is not fixed in the way a museum visit is fixed. Stops depend on weather and sea conditions, but past trips have included time around Formentor Beach and Alcanada Beach. One outing spent about two hours near Formentor and another hour near Alcanada, giving the group plenty of time to swim and use the water equipment.

You should not book this expecting a detailed coastal lecture. The focus is on scenery, swimming, food, and music. The crew keeps the mood light, and the soundtrack is generally described as relaxed rather than painfully loud. If you want a quiet nature cruise with long commentary, this may feel too social. If you want an easy day on the water with a holiday atmosphere, the balance works well.

Sea conditions can change the feel of the first part of the trip. On calmer days, the ride is smooth and restful. If the water is choppy, the front nets can get wet, which some people enjoy and others may not. Pack clothing that can handle spray, especially if you plan to sit at the bow.

Three coves, clear water, and shared equipment

The swimming stops are the heart of the experience. The crew anchors in attractive coastal locations, and you can enter the water from ladders or other access points on the boat. The water has often been clear enough to see fish, making a simple pair of goggles well worth packing.

You do not need to be a strong swimmer to take part. Life vests are available from the crew, and the ladders help anyone who does not want to jump from the side. Families with children have found the stops easy to enjoy, but parents should still keep a close eye on younger swimmers in open water.

The water activities include canoes and standup paddleboards. They are part of the package, with no separate rental charge, but they are shared. The boat may carry only a few kayaks and a couple of boards, so you could need to wait your turn. At busy times, not everyone will get as much time as they would like.

This is the main practical weakness of the cruise. The stops are long enough for everyone to swim, but the equipment is not unlimited. If kayaking is your main reason for booking, bring realistic expectations. If swimming, sun, and scenery are your priorities, the shared gear is a useful extra rather than a serious problem.

Snorkeling masks are not included. Masks may be available for purchase, but I would bring your own goggles or mask if you have them. That saves money and means you can start looking for fish as soon as the anchor goes down.

Barbecue lunch with the coast as your dining room

After the boat has cruised for a while, the crew anchors and prepares the meal. On a daytime departure, you get a barbecue lunch. Past menus have included chicken, pork, sausage, pasta, bread, and fruit such as watermelon. The exact selection can vary, but it is a substantial casual meal rather than a small snack.

I like the timing. You swim first, then eat while the boat is anchored and the coast is still in view. The meal feels more satisfying after time in the water, and the barbecue becomes part of the day rather than a separate restaurant stop.

Two drinks are included with lunch. Other drinks can be bought at the onboard bar, so budget a little extra if you want cocktails, additional alcoholic drinks, or something beyond the included choices. Soft drinks and sangria have been included on some departures, but you should check the current selection when booking.

Food quality is one area where expectations should stay sensible. Many people find the barbecue tasty, plentiful, and fresh, with extra servings available when there is enough. Others have found the vegetarian choices limited or wished the food were more varied. If you eat vegetarian, have a serious allergy, or follow a special diet, tell the main office before boarding. Do not wait until lunch.

One useful detail came up for gluten-free diners: the crew has prepared rice and gluten-free bread when notified. That suggests they will try to help, but it is still important to report dietary needs in advance rather than rely on an improvised option.

The sunset version follows the same basic idea, with a barbecue dinner instead of lunch. You get changing light over the north coast, though sunset departures are not the same as a quiet, private sailing. Music, shared seating, and the onboard bar remain part of the experience.

The crew, music, and onboard mood

The crew receives the strongest praise, and that is important on a five-hour boat trip. Friendly staff can make the difference between a pleasant shared outing and a tiring one. Here, the crew serves the meal, runs the bar, helps with the water equipment, and keeps the day moving without making it feel rushed.

The atmosphere is social and upbeat. Music plays through much of the trip, usually at a level people find enjoyable. This is a good match for couples, families, and groups of friends who want a little energy along with the scenery.

It is not a silent sailing retreat. If you want to hear only waves and wind, the music and shared boat setting may bother you. If you enjoy a holiday soundtrack, a drink from the bar, and a friendly crew making the rounds, it adds to the day.

The staff also seems willing to help with practical problems. Assistance has included providing life vests and helping with dietary needs. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but water access, swimming, and the use of kayaks or paddleboards are different matters. If you use a wheelchair, confirm the exact boarding and onboard arrangements before you go.

Is $80 a fair price?

At $80 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning in Alcudia. You are paying for five hours on the water, the catamaran, crew service, a barbecue meal, two drinks, and access to the canoes and paddleboards.

The value improves if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride, lunch, and water equipment. You also avoid arranging transport between several beaches. The cruise gives you a full half-day with a clear structure: sail, stop, swim, eat, and continue along the coast.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a short boat ride or a private experience. This is a shared outing, and the water gear is communal. Extra drinks and snorkeling equipment can also push up the final cost.

For a family, the included activity time helps justify the price. Children and teenagers have something to do beyond sitting on deck, and the long swim stops are often the highlight. For adults, the value depends on whether you enjoy the lively boat setting as much as the scenery.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a simple, well-organized day on the water rather than a highly specialized sailing trip. It works especially well for:

• Families with children and teenagers
• Couples who want scenery, swimming, and a meal without planning each detail
• Groups of friends looking for music and a social atmosphere
• Swimmers who want clear water and several chances to get off the boat
• Anyone who wants to see the north coast without renting a car or arranging a private boat

You may want another option if you dislike shared excursions, need a quiet boat, or care more about snorkeling equipment than swimming time. You should also think twice if you have strict dietary needs and cannot arrange them before departure.

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a camera, and clothing suited to the weather. Add a towel, your own goggles, and a dry layer for the ride back. If you are sensitive to motion, sitting toward the center of the catamaran should be more comfortable than staying on the front nets when the sea picks up.

Should you book the Alcudia catamaran cruise?

I would book this if I wanted one easy, activity-filled half-day in Mallorca. The strongest reasons are the long swimming breaks, friendly crew, good coastal views, and barbecue served while you remain anchored in a beautiful setting.

The cruise is not perfect. Kayak and paddleboard numbers are limited, food choices may be basic for vegetarians, and extra drinks cost more. Still, the combination of five hours, a meal, two included drinks, water access, and a spacious catamaran makes $80 reasonable for many people.

Book it for a relaxed group day with swimming and scenery. Skip it if you want privacy, silence, or a serious snorkeling trip. For most families and casual beach lovers staying around Puerto Alcúdia, it is a strong use of a holiday morning or sunset.

FAQ

How long is the Port d’Alcudia catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts five hours. Starting times vary, so you should check the available departures when booking.

Does the cruise include lunch?

Daytime departures include a barbecue lunch. Sunset departures include a barbecue dinner. Two drinks are included during the meal.

Are kayaks and paddleboards included?

Yes. Canoes and standup paddleboards are included, but they are shared between everyone on board and may be limited in number.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling masks are not included. Masks may be available for sale, so bringing your own goggles or mask is a useful idea.

Where does the cruise depart?

You meet the greeter at the Alcudia Sea Trips boat kiosk operated by Transportes Marítimos Brisa, Passeig Marítim, 07410 Puerto Alcudia, Illes Balears.

Can I cancel the booking?

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