Alcudia: Boat Trip to Coll Baix

The best part of this Alcúdia Bay boat trip is the swim. The boat moors off the coast near Coll Baix or Alcanada, and you can jump into clear Mediterranean water with Mallorca’s rugged north coast around you. The ride also gives you fine views of Alcanada beach, its lighthouse, and the steep coast near one of the island’s more secluded spots.

I like the reasonable $34 price and the short format. You see a good stretch of coast, get time in the water, and do not spend half a day on a boat. I also like the friendly crew and the option to buy drinks and snacks onboard. The main catch is the glass-bottom claim: expect several small viewing windows, not a broad transparent floor. The boat may also spend 30 to 40 minutes collecting passengers from different points around the bay.

Key points to know before you book

• Swimming is the main event: You usually get about 15 to 30 minutes in the sea, swimming from the boat rather than walking onto Coll Baix beach.
• Alcanada lighthouse adds a fine photo stop: The route passes Alcanada beach and its lighthouse before heading toward the more remote coast.
• The glass bottom is modest: The boat has small viewing windows, and some passengers found them difficult to see through in bright conditions.
• The trip is short but well paced: The advertised duration is two hours, though some outings have lasted around two and a half hours because of extra pickups.
• A 10 AM departure can be smart: Early trips mean less midday heat, and the upper deck offers wide coastal views and a better horizon for anyone prone to seasickness.
• Bring your own swimming gear: Pack swimwear, a towel, beachwear, and a camera. A mask or snorkel can make the swim more interesting.

What the trip is really like from Port Alcúdia

You meet at the Alcudia Sea Trips kiosk for Transportes Marítimos BRISA on Passeig Marítim in Puerto Alcúdia. The operator offers several departure points around Alcúdia Bay, so check your chosen pickup carefully. If you head straight to the main port without checking, you might create an unnecessary taxi ride.

The boat then works its way around the bay, collecting passengers from other jetties. This is useful if you are staying along the coast, but it affects the experience. The first 30 to 40 minutes can feel less like sightseeing and more like a local water shuttle. I would not call that a problem, but you should know where the time goes.

Once the pickups are finished, the ride settles into a pleasant coastal cruise. You have seating on more than one level, and the upper deck is the better choice for broad views and fresh air. It also lets you watch the horizon, which can help if boat motion troubles you.

The boat is family-friendly in a simple way. Children can enjoy the ride, the views, and the small underwater windows without committing to a long excursion. If your children are not confident swimmers, keep in mind that the boat stops in deep water. This is not a shallow beach visit.

Alcanada beach and the lighthouse

Alcanada is one of the early visual highlights. The boat passes the beach and its lighthouse, giving you a different view from the sea than you get on land. The lighthouse is especially useful as a point of reference, and the coastline around it makes a good subject for photos.

This section of the ride is scenic rather than heavily narrated. There is no regular commentary explaining every cove or headland, so you should approach the trip as a relaxed coastal cruise, not a guided history tour. I like that the atmosphere stays informal, but anyone hoping for detailed facts about Mallorca may find the ride quiet.

The water and coast are the real attraction. Bring your camera, but protect it from spray and keep it secure while moving around the boat. A sunny morning gives you the clearest conditions for photographs and avoids the harshest heat of the day.

Some departures include a swim near the lighthouse or Alcanada instead of Coll Baix. This can happen when currents make the planned stop unsafe. The crew has changed the swimming location in rough conditions, including a day with roughly two-meter waves. That flexibility is a good safety sign, though it means the exact swim location is not guaranteed.

Coll Baix, clear water, and the swimming stop

Coll Baix is a remote-looking part of Mallorca’s north coast, backed by steep mountains and reached more easily from the water than by a casual walk. The boat approaches this sheltered coastal area and usually stops offshore for swimming.

The description of a stop at the beach can sound as if you will step onto the sand. That is not normally what happens. You generally swim from the boat, sometimes with Coll Baix or another beach visible nearby. The water is described as clear and mint-green, and this stop is the part I would plan around.

The advertised itinerary gives 15 minutes for swimming, while some departures have offered closer to 20 or 30 minutes. The actual amount can depend on sea conditions, passenger numbers, and the time used for pickups. If you want a long swim, snorkeling session, or beach stay, this trip will feel too brief. If you simply want a refreshing jump into the sea, the timing works well.

Getting into the water can be a little awkward. One ladder may serve the whole boat, so you can face a queue when people are climbing back aboard. Nervous swimmers and children may slow the process, and the area around the ladder can become crowded. Water shoes are not listed as required, but swimwear, a towel, and beachwear are essential.

A mask or snorkel is worth packing if you have one. The boat provides a chance to look for marine life, but the small glass windows are not the best way to see much below the surface. During the swimming stop, you have a better chance to notice activity in the water for yourself.

The glass-bottom boat claim

I would book this for the coast and the swim first, and treat the glass-bottom feature as a bonus. The boat has small windows on the sides or lower part of the vessel, rather than a large clear floor that gives everyone a wide view of the seabed.

Several details affect how useful the windows are. They can be small, crowded, or less clear than expected, and bright sun can make viewing difficult. One passenger found the glass hard to see through in the heat, while others felt the windows were dirty or too limited for proper viewing.

That does not ruin the trip. Children may still find the underwater windows exciting, and you might catch a glimpse of fish or marine plants. But if your main goal is marine observation, bring your own mask and snorkel and choose a trip with strong coastal and swimming time instead.

There is also a practical equipment issue. On one outing, the glass-bottom boat was unavailable and the operator used a regular boat instead, offering a rescheduled departure as an alternative. If the glass-bottom element matters greatly to you, confirm its condition before setting off.

How much time do you spend on the water?

The stated duration is two hours. In practice, some outings have run closer to two and a half hours, especially when the boat makes several coastal pickups. That extra time is not necessarily extra sightseeing. Part of it may be spent waiting for passengers at different jetties.

The route includes roughly 40 minutes of boat travel toward the main sightseeing section, about 30 minutes of views around Alcúdia, around 15 minutes for swimming in the basic schedule, and a return ride. The exact order and timing can change with sea conditions and passenger loading.

For a short holiday activity, this is a good length. You get a proper taste of being on the sea without giving up an entire day. I would choose it after a morning at the beach, before an evening meal, or on a day when you want something easy and scenic.

If you dislike waiting for pickups, sit with realistic expectations. The boat may not head straight from Port Alcúdia to Coll Baix. You will see more of the bay, but the shared route takes time.

Food, seating, and what to bring

Food and drinks are not included in the ticket price. A bar onboard sells drinks and snacks, and the prices have been described as reasonable. You do not need to carry a packed meal for a two-hour trip, and large bags or luggage are not allowed.

Keep your belongings small. A towel, phone, camera, sunscreen, and swimwear are the useful basics, but a large suitcase or beach bag will not fit the spirit of this outing. Bring a waterproof pouch if you plan to jump into the water with valuables nearby.

The upper deck is my preferred place to sit. You get better panoramic views, more open air, and a clear horizon. That last point matters if you are susceptible to seasickness. One passenger who often gets motion sickness found the trip manageable by sitting high and looking outward.

The boat can become crowded and noisy after several pickups, although there is generally enough room to move around. If you want the best view, board promptly and head upstairs rather than waiting until the boat is full.

Sea conditions and safety choices

The crew may alter the swimming stop if the current is strong or the sea becomes rough. That can disappoint you if Coll Baix is the reason you booked, but it is the right call. On one rough outing, the crew redirected the swim toward the lighthouse or Formentor area.

You should be comfortable with a boat that may move under you and with swimming from a vessel. This is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and boarding, moving around, and using the ladder require care.

The crew has been described as friendly and adaptable. Still, this is a busy shared boat rather than a private charter. Listen closely when staff explain how to enter and leave the water, and do not block the ladder once you are back aboard.

Is $34 good value?

At $34 per person, I think the trip offers good value if you want a compact introduction to Alcúdia Bay. You get coastal views, a ride toward Coll Baix, a swimming stop, and access to a boat with an upper deck and snack bar. A two-hour excursion at this price compares well with a longer beach transfer or a simple boat rental.

The value drops if you are paying mainly for a large glass-bottom viewing area or a long stop at Coll Baix. The windows are small, and the swim may last only 15 minutes on some departures. You are buying a scenic shared cruise with a quick swim, not an all-day marine safari.

The flexible booking terms help. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That is useful when weather or sea conditions may affect your plans.

Who should book this Alcúdia boat ride?

I would recommend it to couples, solo visitors, and families who want an easy coastal outing without spending a full day at sea. It is also a good choice if your children want to try a boat trip and you want a manageable duration.

It suits you best if you value:

• A swim in clear Mediterranean water
• Views of Mallorca’s northern coast
• A low-cost activity with snacks available onboard
• A relaxed, shared-boat atmosphere
• A short outing that fits around other plans

I would choose something else if you need a long beach stop, a quiet private boat, detailed guiding, or serious underwater viewing. The trip has no named guide or regular narration, and the glass-bottom windows are much smaller than promotional images may suggest.

Plan on swimwear, a towel, and a camera. Add a mask or snorkel if you have one. For the most comfortable ride, consider the 10 AM departure and sit on the upper deck.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want good coastal scenery and a refreshing swim for $34, and you can accept a few passenger pickups before the boat reaches the main route. The strongest part is the combination of sea views and a chance to jump into clear water near Coll Baix or Alcanada.

Skip it if the words glass-bottom boat are your main reason for booking. The underwater viewing area is limited, the swimming time can be short, and Coll Baix may be replaced by another safe location when currents are strong. For a short, affordable taste of Mallorca from the sea, though, it is an enjoyable choice.

FAQ

Where does the Alcúdia boat trip start?

You meet at the Alcudia Sea Trips kiosk for Transportes Marítimos BRISA, on Passeig Marítim, 07410 Puerto Alcúdia, Illes Balears.

How long does the boat trip last?

The stated duration is two hours. Some departures have lasted around two and a half hours because the boat collects passengers from several points around Alcúdia Bay.

Does the trip stop at Coll Baix beach?

The boat travels toward Coll Baix and normally stops offshore for swimming. You generally swim from the boat rather than walking onto the beach.

How long is the swimming stop?

The basic itinerary allows about 15 minutes for swimming. Some departures have provided around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the route and conditions.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the ticket. Snacks and beverages can be purchased from the bar onboard.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, beachwear, and a camera. A mask or snorkel may help you see marine life during the swimming stop. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Is the boat trip suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Use care when boarding, moving around the boat, and using the swimming ladder.