Alcudia: Boat Trip to Cap de Formentor and Formentor

Formentor is Mallorca’s great coastal showstopper, and this cruise gives you a relaxed way to see it from the water. You’ll pass rugged headlands, bright bays, and the famous Formentor lighthouse without dealing with the road into the peninsula. The best part is the one-hour swim stop at Formentor Beach, where the water is clear and the pace finally slows.

I like the wide coastal view from the boat, especially around Coll Baix and Cap des Pinar. I also like the simple four-hour format and the $34 price, which is fair if you want scenery and a swim rather than a full day of organized sightseeing. The main drawback is that most of the trip is spent on the boat, and the vessel can feel crowded, with limited access to the upper deck.

Key points at a glance

• Formentor from the sea: You see the coast, bays, beach, and lighthouse without taking the winding road over land.
• A one-hour beach stop: The longest break is at Formentor Beach, giving you time for a swim in clear water.
• A scenic 40-minute opening cruise: The trip begins with views toward Platja del Coll Baix and nearby coastal sites.
• Only a brief lighthouse view: Cap de Formentor is scheduled for about 10 minutes, so expect a sighting rather than a shore visit.
• A $34 half-day outing: The price is strongest if you value easy scenery and swimming more than guided sightseeing.
• Crowding matters: Arrive early if you want a better chance of finding space on the upper deck.

Leaving Port Alcudia for Mallorca’s north coast

Your boat leaves from the Alcudia Sea Trips kiosk operated by Transportes Marítimos Brisa. The meeting point is on Passeig Marítim in Puerto Alcudia, so you need to make your own way to the port. Transfers are not included, and neither are food or drinks.

Once underway, the main attraction is the changing view. Port Alcudia gives way to open water and the northern coast, with the boat pointing toward Formentor. This is not a commentary-heavy sightseeing visit based on the information provided. It is chiefly a coastal cruise, so your enjoyment depends on how much you like sitting back, watching the shore, and taking photographs.

That makes the choice fairly simple. If you want a calm morning or afternoon at sea, the format works well. If you expect to walk around several landmarks, visit the lighthouse interior, or explore Formentor village, this is not that kind of trip.

The boat ride lasts four hours in total, but the actual stops are limited. You will spend roughly 40 minutes cruising near Platja del Coll Baix, 25 minutes on general sightseeing, one hour at Formentor Beach, about 20 minutes continuing by boat, 10 minutes viewing Cap de Formentor, and 45 minutes returning to Alcudia.

Platja del Coll Baix and the first coastal views

The first named point is Platja del Coll Baix, reached after about 40 minutes of cruising. From the boat, you get a water-level view of this striking part of Mallorca’s coast rather than a beach visit.

That distinction matters. The schedule calls this a boat cruise, not a landing, so plan to photograph the shore and enjoy the setting from the deck. You will not have time here to walk on the sand or explore inland.

The early part of the ride is a good chance to settle in. Bring sunscreen, a camera, and comfortable clothes, exactly as advised for the trip. There is little reason to dress formally. You are spending much of the outing outdoors, with sun and wind likely to affect how comfortable you feel.

A camera with a secure strap is useful, especially if you want shots of the coves and cliffs. Keep in mind that the best view may not remain available for long as the boat changes direction.

Aucanada, Cap des Pinar, and the appeal of a water-level view

The route also takes in the bays around Aucanada and Cap des Pinar. These places help explain why a boat trip can add something to a standard beach day. From the water, you see the shape of the coast as a whole, with the coves and headlands lined up in one broad view.

I like this part of the experience because it asks very little from you. You do not need to navigate, park, or plan a route. You simply watch Mallorca pass by while the boat handles the distance.

Still, this is not a private sailing trip. The boat can fill up, and the upper deck may be full by the time you board. One October departure left people on the middle deck despite good weather. If an open-air seat matters to you, arrive at the kiosk with time to spare and board promptly.

The middle deck is not necessarily a problem, but it changes the feel of the outing. You may have less open sky and a less direct view than people seated above. Since the cruise is four hours long, your seat can make a real difference.

The one-hour stop at Formentor Beach

Formentor Beach is the heart of the outing. The boat pauses here for about an hour, giving you the clearest opportunity to get into the water and enjoy the bay.

This is a useful amount of time for a swim. It is long enough to change your pace without turning the trip into an all-day beach excursion. The water is described as crystal clear, and the stop is specifically designed for swimming, so bring what you need for a quick change and keep your belongings secure.

The beach break also provides a welcome contrast to the longer cruise sections. Instead of watching the coast from a moving boat, you get to enjoy the bay at rest. For many people, this will be the most satisfying part of the day.

You should be realistic about the timing. One hour is not enough for a leisurely beach afternoon, a long meal, and a full exploration of the area. Food and drinks are not included, and the provided details do not confirm onboard catering. Bring water and anything you want to eat, unless you are comfortable going without refreshments during the four-hour trip.

The swim stop is also weather-sensitive in practical terms. The schedule includes it, but conditions at sea can affect how comfortable the water and boat ride feel. No alternative activity is specified, so this outing is best for someone happy with a simple plan built around cruising and swimming.

Cap de Formentor and the famous lighthouse

After the beach stop, the boat continues toward Cap de Formentor. The scheduled sightseeing time at the cape is only about 10 minutes, which tells you how to set your expectations.

You will see the dramatic point of the peninsula and the famous Formentor lighthouse from the water, but you should not expect a long visit. There is no listed landing, lighthouse tour, or walking time. In fact, one departure gave passengers only a distant view of the cape for about a minute, which felt disappointing to anyone expecting a close look.

This is the biggest weakness of the itinerary. The name Cap de Formentor suggests a major sightseeing stop, but most of your time is spent reaching it and returning. The cape is a photo subject, not a destination where you get out and explore.

Even so, the approach can be memorable. The lighthouse is one of Mallorca’s best-known coastal sights, and seeing it against the open sea gives you a different angle than a road trip. Just keep your camera ready, because the viewing opportunity may be brief.

If the lighthouse is your main reason for booking, this cruise may not provide enough time. If the lighthouse is one attractive piece of a wider coastal outing, the balance makes more sense.

The 45-minute return to Alcudia

The journey back to Port Alcudia takes about 45 minutes. By this stage, you will have had the beach stop and the main coastal views, but you will still be on the boat for a substantial stretch.

That return leg is pleasant for people who enjoy a quiet ride and a final look back at the coast. It can feel long if you are eager to get off, especially after spending much of the day seated. Bring sunscreen and water, and think about where you prefer to sit before departure.

The overall pace is gentle. There is no rush between several land stops, no long walk, and no complex schedule to manage. You can treat it as a scenic ride with one main activity, not as a packed tour of northern Mallorca.

Is $34 good value for four hours?

At $34 per person, this is reasonably priced for a four-hour boat trip in one of Mallorca’s most famous coastal areas. The price includes the scenic cruise from Port Alcudia to Formentor Beach and Cap de Formentor, but not food, drinks, or transport to the port.

I think the value is good for three kinds of people. First, it suits anyone without a car who wants to see the coast from the sea. Second, it works for families or couples who prefer a straightforward half-day plan. Third, it gives beach visitors an easy way to combine sightseeing with a swim.

The value is weaker if you want close-up access to the lighthouse or several shore visits. You are paying for the boat ride and the view, not for extensive time at each landmark.

The 4.1 rating from 569 bookings suggests a generally positive but mixed experience. The strongest praise centers on the pleasant ride, attractive setting, good organization, and enjoyable beach stop. The low scores focus on the long time spent aboard, crowding, a brief view of Cap de Formentor, and one reported cancellation caused by a boat breakdown.

That mix is useful. It tells you this is not a guaranteed highlight for every type of visitor. The people most likely to enjoy it are those who already like boat trips. The people most likely to feel shortchanged are those expecting a full coastal tour with frequent stops.

Crowding, seating, and what to bring

The boat’s capacity affects the outing. On a busy departure, the upper deck may fill quickly, leaving you on the middle deck even when the weather is ideal. I would arrive early rather than walking up at the last moment.

You should bring:

• Sunscreen
• A camera
• Comfortable clothes
• Water and food, since these are not included
• Swimwear for the Formentor Beach stop

The supplied information does not specify changing facilities, towels, or onboard meal service, so pack lightly and keep your swimming items easy to reach. Comfortable clothes are more useful than anything dressy.

There is no named guide or guide-led program provided. Transportes Marítimos Brisa operates the boat, but you should not book this expecting a personal guided tour with a host whose name and commentary are part of the experience.

Who should book this Formentor cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want a low-effort coastal outing from Alcudia. It gives you a broad look at Mallorca’s northern shoreline, a swim at Formentor Beach, and a brief view of the lighthouse in a single four-hour block.

It is especially suitable if you enjoy:

• Sitting on a boat and taking photographs
• Swimming in a scenic bay
• Seeing several coastal sites without driving
• A simple half-day activity
• A modest price

I would hesitate to recommend it if you dislike being on a crowded boat or need plenty of time ashore. It is also a poor match if your main goal is to visit Cap de Formentor on land. The cape receives only a short sightseeing window, and no walking tour is included.

Families should consider the four-hour length carefully. The beach stop breaks up the ride, but there are still long stretches on the boat. Children who enjoy the sea and swimming may have a good time, while those who need constant activity may find the return journey slow.

Because one departure was canceled after a boat problem, it is sensible to confirm that the trip is operating if your schedule is tight. The stated cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible.

My booking advice

Book this trip for the journey itself, not just for Cap de Formentor. The coast, the bays, and the swim at Formentor Beach are the real substance of the experience. The lighthouse is a brief bonus.

At $34, I see it as a fair, uncomplicated way to spend half a day from Alcudia. Arrive early for a better seat, bring your own drinks and sun protection, and accept that you may spend three hours or more on the boat. If that sounds relaxing, book it. If you want a close, land-based visit to Formentor, choose a different plan.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The meeting point is the boat kiosk of Alcudia Sea Trips, Transportes Marítimos Brisa, on Passeig Marítim, 07410 Puerto Alcudia, Illes Balears.

How long is the experience?

The boat trip lasts four hours, including the cruise to Formentor, the beach stop, sightseeing at Cap de Formentor, and the return to Alcudia.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the scenic boat trip from Port Alcudia to Cap de Formentor and Formentor Beach.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you should plan accordingly.

Is transport to the port included?

No. You are responsible for getting to the meeting point at Port Alcudia.

How long is the stop at Formentor Beach?

The scheduled break at Formentor Beach lasts about one hour.

Can I swim during the trip?

Yes. The stop at Formentor Beach is intended to give you time to swim in the clear water.

How much time is scheduled for Cap de Formentor?

The itinerary provides about 10 minutes of sightseeing at Cap de Formentor. No shore visit or lighthouse tour is included.

What should I bring?

Bring a camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. Since food and drinks are not included, bringing your own refreshments is also practical.