Mallorca: Caló des Moro and Cala Marmols Boat Tour

The best part of this Mallorca boat tour is simple: you reach coves that are awkward to visit by land, then swim straight into clear water. I like the two proper snorkeling stops at Caló des Moro and Cala Marmols, and I like the mix of fast coastal cruising, photo stops, caves, and short bits of local history. The main drawback is that this is not a good choice if you do not swim well or tend to get seasick.

I also like the small-boat feel, with some departures carrying about 12 people, and the relaxed guides, including Carlos, Fernando, and Matthias on different trips. Just remember that a boat change is possible: one departure used a much smaller boat, which made the ride uncomfortably cramped.

Key points to know before you book

• Two 35-minute swim stops: You get time in the water at both Caló des Moro and Cala Marmols, not just a quick photo stop.
• Es Pontas by sea: The natural stone arch makes an excellent photo stop and is best appreciated from the water.
• A lively 2.5-hour route: You see several coves, caves, and beaches without giving up a full day.
• Snorkeling gear included: Equipment, safety gear, and a skipper are included, so you do not need to pack your own mask.
• Cala Figuera departure: You meet at Caló den Busques in the port, with no hotel pickup provided.
• Best for swimmers: The experience focuses on open-water swimming and snorkeling, and it is not suitable for non-swimmers.

Why seeing Mallorca from the sea works so well

Mallorca’s southeast coast is famous for small coves with water in shades of blue and green, but reaching them by road can be slow and sometimes awkward. From a boat, you see the cliffs, inlets, beaches, and stonework as one continuous stretch of coast.

That changes the whole feel of the outing. Instead of spending the day walking down to one beach, you pass several in a single trip and stop at the two that matter most for swimming. You also get the view that land-based visitors miss: the shore from the water, where the rocky walls rise around each narrow cove.

The pace is part of the appeal. This is not a quiet sailing lesson. The boat moves at a good speed, with some wave jumping along the way, then slows for photo stops and swimming. I would describe it as an active sightseeing trip with a beach break built in.

The guide gives short explanations about caves, places where contraband was once hidden, and areas where marés stone was taken. That is enough context to make the coast more interesting without turning a short trip into a lecture. Music may be played on board, adding to the informal holiday mood.

Starting at Caló d’en Busques in Cala Figuera

You meet at Caló den Busques, in the port of Cala Figuera. The boat returns here at the end, and the whole experience lasts about two and a half hours.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to make your own way to the port. This matters if you are staying in El Arenal or another part of Mallorca. One person made the journey by bus and found it took a while, but the meeting point itself was easy to reach once in the village. The harbor is walkable from around Cala Figuera, though map directions from the bus stop may not be perfectly clear.

Arrive with enough time to find the boat and settle in. If you want a forward seat, an early arrival can help. The front offers a more open view, but it may also feel bumpier when the boat picks up speed.

Port scenes, caves, and the first coastal views

The trip begins with a visit around the Port de Cala Figuera before heading toward the open coast. The port gives you a gentle start, with time to get used to the boat and look back at the village from the water.

The route then passes caves and older coastal work sites. Some caves were linked with smuggling, while marés stone, a local sandstone, was extracted in other areas. These details give the cliffs a human story. You are not only looking at pretty water and rocks, but also at places shaped by work and local life.

The boat next reaches the Mirador de Es Pontàs for a photo stop. Es Pontas is a natural stone arch rising from the sea, and the water-level angle makes it especially striking. Keep your camera ready, but also look beyond the arch. The surrounding rock shelves and open water help explain why this corner of Mallorca is so popular.

Passing Caló des Macs and stopping at Cala Llombards

The boat passes Caló des Macs, then makes a photo stop at Cala Llombards. These short pauses break up the ride and let you see how quickly the coast changes from broad rocky edges to narrow sandy inlets.

You should think of these points as viewing stops rather than beach visits. The tour does not give you time to go ashore at every cove, so the value is the sea-level view and the chance to photograph the coastline without a long walk.

This is also where the boat format saves time. On land, visiting several coves can mean parking, walking, and retracing your steps. On water, you simply move on to the next bay.

The first swim at Caló des Moro

Caló des Moro is the first major water stop, with about 35 minutes set aside for snorkeling. Its turquoise water and enclosed shape make it one of the most memorable parts of the trip.

The attraction is not only the color. The cove gives you a chance to get properly into the water, look for fish, and cool off after the ride. Several departures found the water exceptionally clear, with plenty of fish visible while snorkeling.

You receive snorkeling equipment as part of the tour, along with safety equipment. That is useful if you are packing light or do not want to bring your own mask. Still, bring your own towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and drinking water. You should also bring flip-flops or beach shoes for comfort around the boat and shore areas.

The timing is a good compromise. Thirty-five minutes is long enough to swim and snorkel without making the whole tour feel like a single beach stop. It is not long enough for a full beach day, though, so do not expect time for a leisurely lunch or extended sunbathing.

Cala s’Almunia and Punta des Bauç by boat

After Caló des Moro, the boat continues to Cala s’Almunia for a photo stop, then Punta des Bauç. These stops add variety and give you more views of the rocky coast and small inlets.

Cala s’Almunia is especially photogenic because of its compact coastal setting, while Punta des Bauç gives you another angle on the sea cliffs and coves. The boat’s position matters here. You can photograph the coast from offshore without fighting for space on a narrow beach.

The guide may point out features along the way, but the tour keeps moving. If you prefer long, quiet stops in one place, this may feel busy. If you want to see many of the southeast’s best-known coves in one outing, the steady rhythm works well.

The second swim at Cala Marmols

Cala Marmols is the second snorkeling stop, again planned for around 35 minutes. This cove feels quieter and more remote than the better-known beaches, which is one reason the stop works so well.

You get another chance to swim, snorkel, take pictures, or simply float in clear water. The second stop is valuable because it gives you time to enjoy the water after you already know how the boat and equipment work. It also means the tour is not dependent on one perfect swimming location.

Some people would prefer Cala Santanyí as a swimming stop, but it is not part of this route. The tour focuses on Caló des Moro and Cala Marmols, with several other coves viewed from the boat.

Cala Marmols is also a good example of the advantage of arriving by water. The cove is quiet and difficult to reach on foot, so the boat gives you access without spending much of the day on a long walk.

The return through Cala Figuera

The return includes about 20 minutes of sailing through Cala Figuera before arriving back at Caló d’en Busques. This final stretch lets you settle down after swimming and take in the port from another direction.

One beer or soft drink is included. It is a small touch, but welcome after time in the sun. You should still bring water and snacks because meals are not included, and the drink provided is not meant to replace lunch.

The ride back can be social. Groups have enjoyed music and a friendly, low-key mood, with skippers helping passengers and keeping the timing on track. The tone is casual rather than formal, which suits a short coastal trip.

Guides, boat size, and the comfort question

The skipper is one of the most important parts of this experience. Guides named Carlos, Fernando, and Matthias have led different departures, and the strongest pattern is a friendly, helpful approach with short explanations and good control of the schedule.

Boat size deserves more attention than it usually gets in a booking description. Many departures have been small group trips, with one report describing about 12 people on board. That gives you a more personal feel and makes it easier to see the coast than on a large sightseeing boat.

But the boat may not always be the same. One departure was changed after the original boat broke down, leaving seven people packed into a tiny replacement. The passengers accepted the change, but found the seating uncomfortable for the two-hour-plus outing.

I would ask about the planned boat if space is especially important to you. Most of the experience sounds relaxed and well managed, but that one clear warning means you should not assume every departure will have identical seating.

Is $53 a fair price?

At $53 per person, the value is strong if you want to combine sightseeing and swimming in one short outing. The price includes the boat, professional skipper, snorkeling equipment, safety equipment, radio, and one beer or soft drink.

You are paying for access and time saved as much as for the boat ride itself. Seeing Es Pontas, Cala Llombards, Caló des Moro, Cala s’Almunia, Punta des Bauç, and Cala Marmols in two and a half hours would be difficult to arrange independently by land.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want to sit on one beach all day. You do not get meals, hotel transportation, or long periods ashore. For a quick coastal introduction, though, the combination of stops and two swimming sessions makes practical sense.

The flexible booking terms also help. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. Check the available start times before booking, since the exact departure time matters for your wider plans.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to you if you:

• Want to see several southeast Mallorca coves in one morning or afternoon
• Enjoy swimming and snorkeling in open water
• Prefer a short, active outing over a full-day cruise
• Like small group trips and informal guides
• Want photographs of Es Pontas and the coast from the sea
• Are traveling with teenagers or active family members

It suits people who want a clear plan, but not a rigid or overly formal tour. Families with teenagers have found the mix of speed, scenery, and swimming especially appealing.

I would be more cautious if you are a non-swimmer, prone to seasickness, or uncomfortable in a small boat. Safety equipment is provided, but the central activity is still getting into the sea. Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, water, snacks, beachwear, and flip-flops. Smoking is not allowed.

Should you book the Caló des Moro and Cala Marmols boat tour?

Book it if your idea of a good Mallorca outing is a fast look at the southeast coast followed by two beautiful swims. The route gives you more than a standard boat ride: Es Pontas, caves, historic coastal details, several photo stops, fish-filled water, and access to Cala Marmols without a long walk.

I would choose this over a beach-hopping day by car when you have limited time or want to avoid parking and walking between coves. I would skip it only if you need a large, stable boat, a full meal, hotel pickup, or a long stay on shore.

For $53, the tour offers a lot in 2.5 hours. Confirm the meeting point at Caló d’en Busques, arrive early if you want a better seat, and ask about boat arrangements if comfort is a major concern. If the sea is calm and you are ready to swim, this is one of the most efficient ways to see Mallorca’s southeast coast.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start?

The tour starts at Caló den Busques in the port of Cala Figuera.

Where does the boat return?

The boat returns to Caló d’en Busques at the end of the tour.

How long does the tour last?

The boat tour lasts about 2.5 hours.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in Spanish and English.

Are snorkeling masks and equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and safety equipment are included.

How long are the snorkeling stops?

The planned snorkeling stop at Caló des Moro lasts about 35 minutes, and the stop at Cala Marmols also lasts about 35 minutes.

Is a drink included?

Yes. One beer or soft drink is included.

Is food included?

No. Meals are not included. You may bring food, drinks, snacks, and water.

Is hotel pickup available?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach the meeting point in Cala Figuera yourself.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?

No. The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, and it is also not recommended for people prone to seasickness.