Mallorca Catamaran Tour in the Bay of Pollensa

The best part of this excursion is the chance to see northern Mallorca from the water, especially the pine-backed curve of Formentor Beach and the clear coves around the Bay of Pollensa. You get swimming time, snorkeling gear, lunch, drinks, and a catamaran ride in one fairly simple package.

I like the friendly crew, with Captain Antonio singled out for his warm service, and I like the practical value: food, water, and some drinks are included, while snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards are available on board. The main thing to consider is space. The boat can feel comfortable with around 66 people, but on fuller departures some passengers have found the seating and front nets crowded.

Quick points before you book

• Formentor Beach is the star stop: You get time to walk on the sand, swim, visit a beach restaurant, or simply sit beneath the pine-covered hills.
• Lunch is included on board: Expect pasta salad, chicken or tuna, salami, cheese, Mallorcan bread, and fruit, with drinks served alongside.
• Swimming is central to the trip: Bring a towel and be ready for stops in clear water near coves and beaches.
• The Robinson Catamaran has nets and benches: The nets are a popular place to sit, but they can fill early on busy sailings.
• The trip lasts about four and a half hours: It is long enough for several stops without taking up your whole day.
• The route can change: Wind, weather, timing, and safety conditions may alter the planned stops.

Sailing out from Port de Pollença

The catamaran leaves from Moll Nou in Port de Pollença, at Stay Restaurant, where you meet the operator and board the Robinson Catamaran. If you are staying in Alcudia or Can Picafort, coach pickup is available to take you to Puerto Pollensa. If you are making your own way, pay close attention to the meeting point because the tour ends back there.

Port de Pollença is a good starting point for a boat trip. The bay opens wide in front of you, and the northern coast quickly feels more open and remote than it does from the road. From the catamaran, you can settle on a bench or stretch out on the forward nets while the shoreline slides past.

The boat has a maximum capacity of 78 people. That does not guarantee a spacious ride, since the comfort of the trip depends on the number booked that day and how passengers spread out. One departure with 66 people felt comfortable, while other sailings were described as too crowded, especially around the nets and seating areas.

I would arrive ready to claim a comfortable spot without treating the boat like a private yacht. If you want a place on the front nets, board promptly. If you prefer shade, a bench, or easier access to the facilities, look around before settling in.

Ses Caletes and the first clear-water stop

The route passes Ses Caletes, a small cove known for its natural setting and transparent water. The catamaran may sail by rather than stop for a long shore visit, so think of this part as a scenic look at the coast rather than a full excursion ashore.

The appeal is simple: Mallorca’s best coves are often easiest to appreciate from the sea. From the deck, you see the shape of the inlet, the pale water near shore, and the rocky coastline without needing to find a parking space or walk a long trail.

The timing of the swimming stops can vary. Some accounts describe two good chances to swim, while another describes stops of about 20 minutes. That is enough for a quick swim and some snorkeling, but not enough for a leisurely beach afternoon. If you want hours in the water, a dedicated snorkeling trip may suit you better.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the clear water can make the activity worthwhile even if you are not an experienced swimmer. Bring your own mask if you care about a perfect fit, but the included equipment makes this easier for casual swimmers and families.

S’Illot and the Victoria coastline

The catamaran also passes S’Illot, a small beach below the La Victoria area of Alcúdia. The cove is linked with the Ermita de la Victoria, a chapel on the hill above, and the setting has a quiet, tucked-away feel when viewed from the water.

This is one of those places where the boat gives you a better perspective than a quick roadside stop. You can see the relationship between the hill, chapel, beach, and sea, though the itinerary does not promise a long visit ashore at S’Illot.

The coast around La Victoria is also known for clear water and attractive evening light. On a daytime catamaran ride, the main reward is the view and the chance to understand how varied the shoreline is around the bay. You will not get a full historical visit to the chapel or watchtower area, so keep your expectations focused on scenery.

Formentor Beach, the main event

Formentor is the strongest part of the route. The beach is backed by a pine forest and framed by the northern hills, creating the kind of setting that makes a boat trip feel worthwhile even before the swimming begins.

You get time to leave the catamaran and explore the beach. You can swim, sit in the sun, walk along the shore, buy a drink, or use one of the beach restaurants. The stop is long enough to feel different from a quick swim break, although one passenger wished for more time here because the setting was so appealing.

Bring a towel. You may also want a small snack or extra drink for the beach, since the onboard meal comes later and refreshments purchased away from the boat are separate. One practical advantage is that you are not limited to swimming. If the water is cool or you simply want a break from the sea, Formentor gives you room to relax on land.

The beach can also be the busiest and most popular part of the excursion. You are visiting a famous spot, not a deserted strip of sand. Still, arriving by catamaran gives the stop a pleasant rhythm: you see the coast from the water, step ashore for a while, then return to lunch and the open bay.

The pirate-watchtower viewpoint

Above Formentor Beach are the ruins of an old watchtower built to guard against pirates. The tower’s position offered views toward the northern tip of Mallorca and across the bay.

The catamaran does not appear to include a climb to the tower. You mainly see this historic lookout from the water as part of the Formentor scenery. That small detail adds context to the coast. These hills were not chosen only for beauty. Their height and wide views made them useful for spotting ships long before modern communications.

If your main goal is Mallorca’s historic buildings, this is only a brief visual reference. If you enjoy seeing how natural settings and island history fit together, it is a worthwhile detail to watch for.

Lunch, drinks, and the return sail

After the Formentor stop, the catamaran drops anchor and serves lunch. The meal includes pasta salad, chicken or tuna, salami, cheese, Mallorcan bread, and fruit such as watermelon. Drinks are included with the meal, and the portions have been described as generous enough for a full midday meal.

I would call the food practical rather than elaborate. It is designed for a boat, served to a large group, and easy to eat after swimming. Some people find it tasty and plentiful, while others consider it basic. If you need a special vegetarian meal, check the arrangements before booking rather than assuming the standard spread will meet your needs. One family found enough suitable food for a picky vegetarian, but the available menu can depend on the day.

Coffee, soft drinks, and cocktails can be bought on board outside the included service. Prices have been described as reasonable, but these extras are not part of the main price.

Lunch is also a useful pause in the day. You have already had the main sightseeing and beach stop, and the meal gives you time to sit, talk, and enjoy the bay without rushing into another activity. Afterward, there is usually more time for swimming, snorkeling, or using the boat’s facilities before sailing back toward Port de Pollença.

The return trip may include another swim or paddleboarding stop. Stand-up paddleboards are listed as part of the equipment, and several people enjoyed using them. However, one account says no boards were offered, so availability or timing may vary. If paddleboarding matters to you, ask the crew early in the trip.

The mood on the return can be lively. The crew has been praised for being easygoing and entertaining, and one sailing even included Spanish guitar on the way back. That is a charming touch, but it should be treated as a possible bonus rather than a guaranteed part of every departure.

What the $82.24 price really covers

At the listed price of $82.24 per person, this is not simply a boat ride. You are paying for roughly four and a half hours on the water, the catamaran, crew, several coastal views, beach time at Formentor, swimming opportunities, snorkeling equipment, possible paddleboarding, lunch, and drinks with the meal.

That package can be good value if you want a complete half-day with little planning. A family or couple can see several stretches of northern Mallorca without arranging transport between beaches, renting water equipment, or finding a separate lunch stop.

The value is less convincing if you mainly want a quiet sailing experience with plenty of personal space. The catamaran can carry up to 78 people, and busy departures may feel crowded. The boat is comfortable enough for many passengers, but it is not a private charter and the forward nets are not guaranteed to be available.

The tour is usually booked around 15 days ahead, which suggests you should not leave it until the last moment during a busy holiday period. Since the activity is non-refundable and cannot normally be changed, check your hotel location, transport plan, and weather forecast before paying. Poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund, and the same applies if the minimum number of passengers is not reached.

Who will enjoy this catamaran trip

I would recommend it to you if you want a relaxed introduction to the Bay of Pollensa and prefer an organized day to piecing together separate beach, boat, and snorkeling plans.

It suits families especially well because the day has several parts: sailing, swimming, a beach visit, lunch, and the chance to try paddleboarding. Teenagers also have enough activity to keep the ride from becoming a long stretch of sitting still.

It is also a good fit for couples and small groups who want northern Mallorca scenery without committing to a full-day cruise. The 4.5-hour length leaves room for other plans, though the schedule can run later than expected. Do not place an important evening booking too close to the advertised finish.

You may want to choose another type of boat trip if you dislike group excursions, need guaranteed solitude, or want extended time at one beach. You should also be comfortable with a moving boat, changing weather, and the possibility that the captain adjusts the route for safety.

Practical advice for a smoother day

• Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and a camera.
• Arrive early if you want a good choice of seating or a place on the forward nets.
• Pack a small snack and extra drink for the Formentor beach stop.
• Ask about paddleboard availability near the beginning of the trip.
• Expect the route and swimming times to change with wind and weather.
• If you are staying in Alcudia or Can Picafort, confirm the coach pickup details.
• Keep your evening schedule flexible because loading delays or sea conditions can extend the day.

Should you book the Bay of Pollensa catamaran tour?

Book it if you want a well-priced half-day on the sea that combines Mallorca’s northern scenery with swimming, a proper beach stop, and lunch. Formentor is the clear prize, and the friendly crew helps give the trip its easygoing character. Captain Antonio has received particular praise, and the staff generally seem attentive and good-humored.

Go in knowing what you are buying: a popular group catamaran excursion, not a private sailing charter. On a quieter departure, the boat can feel comfortable and the value is strong. On a full sailing, space may be tight, the nets may be claimed quickly, and the swim stops may feel brief.

For most families, couples, and first-time visitors to this part of Mallorca, I think the mix is worth the price. Just confirm the meeting point, accept some flexibility in the route, and leave your evening open.

FAQ

Where does the Mallorca catamaran tour begin?

The meeting point is Stay Restaurant at Moll Nou, Port de Pollença, 07470 Port de Pollença, Illes Balears, Spain. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is coach pickup available from Alcudia or Can Picafort?

Yes. Coach pickup is available from Alcudia and Can Picafort to take you to Puerto Pollensa, where the catamaran departs.

How long does the catamaran trip last?

The excursion lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes pasta salad, chicken or tuna, salami, cheese, Mallorcan bread, and fruit. Drinks are served with the meal.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided on board.

Are stand-up paddleboards available?

Stand-up paddleboards are listed as provided on board, but availability and use may vary during the trip. Ask the crew early if you want to try one.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. The route and stops can change because of wind, weather, timing, or safety reasons. Poor weather may also lead to a different date or a full refund if the activity is canceled.