Mallorca Catamaran Cruise with Scenic Views and BBQ Lunch

Mallorca’s northern coast is best seen from the water, and this cruise gives you a full half-day of it without asking you to hike to remote coves or rent a car. You’ll sail from Port d’Alcudia aboard the Anacaona, stop for swims, and eat a simple BBQ lunch on deck. I especially like the access to Coll Baix, a cove that is difficult to reach by road, and the free use of kayaks, paddle boards, and floats at the longer stop.

I also like the relaxed, social setup: a roomy catamaran, friendly crew, two drinks with the meal, and plenty of time to sunbathe or swim. The main consideration is that this is a large boat, with capacity for up to 110 people, and the experience can feel more like a lively group cruise than a quiet sailing trip. Route details also need careful reading, since Formentor is viewed from the boat rather than promised as a regular stop.

Key points to know before booking

• Coll Baix is the first swim stop: This hard-to-reach cove is one of the strongest reasons to choose a boat trip from Alcudia.
• The longest stop lasts about 90 minutes: Swim, snorkel, use a kayak or paddle board, then eat BBQ lunch on board.
• The food is simple and filling: Expect chicken, pork, sausages, pasta salad, bread, fruit, and two drinks during the meal.
• The mood depends on the departure: Some sailings feel calm and easygoing, while others may have loud music and a busy boat.
• Formentor is generally a sightseeing view: Do not book this expecting a guaranteed stop at Formentor Beach or Cap de Formentor.
• The route can change: Wind, weather, timing, and safety may alter the order or location of the stops.

Setting out from Port d’Alcudia on the Anacaona

The meeting point is at Passeig Marítim, 18, in Port d’Alcudia. You return to the same place after roughly five hours. The marina is near public transportation, but allow time to find the correct boat. Several excursions operate in the port, and one person reported nearly boarding the wrong vessel because signs were not clear.

The boat used for this trip is the Anacaona catamaran. It has benches, nets for lying in the sun, toilets, a bar, and space to walk around and view the coast. The maximum listed capacity is 110 people, though the number on board can vary. A departure with around 50 or 60 people should feel much more comfortable than a full sailing.

This matters because the cruise is not a private charter. You share the swimming equipment, serving area, seating, and toilets with the rest of the group. The toilets are described as basic but clean, which is about what you should expect on a day boat. If you want a quiet, intimate outing, look for a smaller catamaran. If you enjoy meeting people and want more room than a small motorboat offers, the Anacaona can be a good fit.

The promotional idea is sailing in the Bay of Alcudia with views of Mallorca’s northern shore. The vessel may raise its sails when conditions allow, but do not assume that the entire trip will run under sail. Some departures have used the motor for most or all of the route. That is normal for a scheduled cruise with several stops, but it can disappoint you if you picture a silent, wind-powered voyage.

Coll Baix, a beautiful first swim

The first main stop is Platja des Coll Baix, a small cove known for its clear water and hard access from land. Reaching it by foot can be demanding, and it is not a simple drive-up beach. Arriving by catamaran lets you see this quieter part of Mallorca without the effort of a long approach.

The planned stop lasts about 20 minutes. That is enough for a quick swim and a few photographs, but not enough for a long beach visit. You will usually remain near the catamaran rather than walk ashore for an extended stay. Bring swimwear under your clothes and have your camera ready before the boat anchors.

This is one of the most appealing parts of the trip for people who want scenery without a full day of hiking. The cove gives you a taste of the wilder coast, though the short stop means you should not expect a leisurely afternoon on the beach. Conditions at anchor can also change with wind and waves, so the crew may adjust the timing for safety.

Cala d’Engossalba and the 90-minute water break

The itinerary then heads toward the Bay of Pollença for a longer stop listed as Cala Murta and described in the details as Cala d’Engossalba. The changing names are worth noting. If a particular cove matters to you, ask the operator at the meeting point which anchorage is planned that day.

This is the heart of the excursion. You get about an hour and a half to swim beside the boat, sunbathe on the nets, or try the water equipment. Kayaks and paddle boards are carried on board and are included at no extra charge. Floats may also be available. Snorkeling equipment is mentioned as available, but one report described paying €8 to hire a snorkel set, so confirm the current arrangement before you count on free gear.

The longer stop works well because you are not rushed from one photo opportunity to the next. You can take a first swim, dry off, use a kayak, then return to the water before lunch. If you do not swim, you can stay on deck and watch the crew prepare the meal, but much of the value of this cruise lies in the water time.

Expect shared equipment rather than a private kit reserved for you. On a full departure, paddle boards and kayaks may be in demand. Bring suncream, a camera, and anything you need to stay comfortable on deck. You can bring your own food and drinks, although the boat also has a bar with reasonably priced drinks. Extra drinks are not included, and one report put a 400-milliliter beer at €5, though prices can change.

What arrives from the onboard BBQ

While you swim, the crew prepares lunch or dinner on the catamaran’s barbecue. The usual meal includes grilled chicken, pork, sausages, bread, pasta salad made with Mallorcan tomatoes and vegetables, and seasonal fruit. Two drinks are included with the meal, chosen from options such as orange drink, water, or sangria.

The food is best viewed as a casual boat lunch, not a restaurant meal. It is freshly cooked, plentiful enough for the setting, and convenient because you do not need to leave the cove. The pasta salad and fruit add something fresh to the grilled meat, while bread makes the meal more filling.

Vegetarian choices are limited. The information provided does not list a separate vegetarian main course. A vegetarian may receive bread, pasta salad, fruit, and perhaps vegetables from the meal, but you should contact the provider before booking if a proper meat-free lunch is important to you. No vegan or allergy-specific menu is confirmed.

The two included drinks are served with the meal, not throughout the cruise. You can buy more from the bar during the rest of the day, or bring your own food and drinks. Check the operator’s current rules and carry whatever payment method you prefer for purchases.

Aucanada and the final swim

If time allows, the boat makes a brief stop near Aucanada’s lighthouse. This is a good final chance to cool off or take photographs, though the stop is not guaranteed in the same way as the main swim breaks. The stated duration is about 20 minutes.

Aucanada is close to Port d’Alcudia, so this stop also helps finish the day at an easy pace. You might find the final swim less dramatic than Coll Baix, but it gives you another chance to get in the water after lunch. If the boat is behind schedule or conditions shift, the crew may shorten or skip it.

The return includes views across Port d’Alcudia and the Bay of Alcudia. The route also offers views of Formentor Beach from the water, but the details do not promise a landing or a swim there. This distinction is important. Several disappointed customers expected a stop at Formentor Beach or Cap de Formentor, while the operator’s clarification says those places are viewed rather than visited as regular stops.

The real mood: easygoing cruise or party boat?

The atmosphere is not fixed. Some departures are calm and suited to sunbathing, swimming, and quiet conversation. Other departures may have louder music and a more social, booze-cruise feel. One report specifically objected to loud music and the lack of raised sails, while another described the trip as a relaxed day with friendly service.

I would book this for the water time and coastal views, not for a silent sailing experience. The boat has a bar, but the included drinks are limited to mealtime, so this is not simply an all-day open bar. Still, music, alcohol, and a large group can make the mood livelier than the word relaxing suggests.

The crew receives some of the strongest praise. They help with boarding, water access, and equipment, and the loading and unloading process is described as straightforward. That practical care matters on a catamaran, where getting in and out of the sea can otherwise be awkward.

Is $86.51 a fair price?

At $86.51 per person, the price is not the cheapest way to spend time on Mallorca’s coast. You are paying for about five hours on the boat, three or more possible swim opportunities, the BBQ, two meal drinks, crew service, and use of some water equipment.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise pay for a car, a beach excursion, and lunch separately. Coll Baix is difficult to reach on land, and the boat gives you access to several coastal viewpoints in one outing. For a family or group that wants a simple day with transport on the water and food included, the package is easy to understand.

The value falls if you dislike crowds, rarely swim, or mainly want to see Formentor. You might spend much of the five hours sitting on a busy boat, and the lunch is straightforward rather than special. A smaller private or semi-private cruise may cost more, but it could suit you better if space and quiet matter most.

The average booking lead time is about 22 days. That suggests you should not leave a popular summer date until the last minute, especially if your schedule is tight. At the same time, book only after checking the meeting point carefully. Port d’Alcudia is not close to Palma, and it is not a practical choice for a short cruise-ship stopover unless you have confirmed that you can reach the marina and return in time.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

This is a strong choice for you if you want:

• Several swim stops without planning your own coastal route
• A relaxed half-day on the Mediterranean
• Access to kayaks, paddle boards, and floats
• A casual BBQ served on board
• A social outing for a birthday, family group, or bridal party
• A view of Mallorca’s northern coast from the water

It is less suitable if you want a private boat, a guaranteed visit to Formentor, a gourmet meal, or a fully vegetarian menu. It is also a poor match if you cannot tolerate loud music or a crowded deck.

Most participants can take part, but you need to be comfortable around open water and boarding a catamaran. Bring suncream and a camera. The company allows you to bring your own food and drinks, but remember that extra drinks are not included.

Weather, route changes, and cancellation

The cruise needs good weather. Wind, timing, and safety can change the route or the length of a stop. If poor weather cancels the experience, you should be offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. This policy follows local time, so check the departure time carefully if you are arranging transport from another part of Mallorca.

Should you book the Anacaona catamaran?

Book it if you want an uncomplicated day on the sea, with hard-to-reach coves, plenty of swimming, a filling BBQ, and a friendly crew. The strongest parts are the Coll Baix stop, the long anchorage with water toys, and the chance to see the northern coast without hiking or driving between beaches.

Skip it if the words sailing trip make you expect hours under raised sails, quiet water, or a small private boat. Do not book it for a guaranteed Formentor stop, and do not rely on the meal for substantial vegetarian catering. Before paying, confirm the exact meeting point, boat capacity for your date, and the route planned for that departure. For the right kind of day, this is a fun and practical way to see Mallorca from the water.

FAQ

How long is the Mallorca catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately five hours and returns to the meeting point at Passeig Marítim, 18, in Port d’Alcudia.

What food is included?

The meal includes BBQ chicken, pork, sausages, pasta salad with Mallorcan tomatoes and vegetables, bread, and seasonal fresh fruit.

Which drinks are included?

Two drinks are included during the meal. Options listed include orange drink, water, and sangria. Extra drinks can be purchased from the onboard bar.

Can I use kayaks and paddle boards?

Yes. Kayaks and paddle boards are carried on the catamaran and are available at no extra charge. Floats may also be available. Confirm the current arrangement for snorkeling equipment, as an additional hire fee has been reported.

Does the cruise stop at Formentor Beach or Cap de Formentor?

The cruise offers views of Formentor Beach from the catamaran, but a stop at Formentor Beach or Cap de Formentor is not guaranteed. The route can change with weather, wind, timing, and safety conditions.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather or insufficient numbers cancel the cruise, you will be offered another date or a full refund.