Port d’Alcudia: North Coast Catamaran Cruise with Meal

The most appealing part of this Alcúdia catamaran trip is the combination of long swimming stops and a meal cooked onboard. You are not simply cruising past Mallorca’s north coast, taking a few photos, and heading straight back. The boat anchors in clear-water coves where you can swim, kayak, or use a paddleboard before sitting down to barbecue food.

I like the generous five-hour length and the easy holiday rhythm: sail, swim, eat, listen to music, and sail again. I also like that the crew provides kayaks, paddleboards, life vests, and two drinks with lunch or dinner. The main consideration is that water equipment is limited, and snorkeling masks are not included, so bring your own goggles or mask if seeing fish matters to you.

Key points to know before booking

• Three possible swim stops: The exact route can vary, but the cruise may pause at two or three beautiful locations, including areas near Formentor and Alcanada.
• Barbecue served onboard: Morning trips include lunch, while sunset departures include dinner.
• Water sports included: Canoes and standup paddleboards are available, though not in unlimited numbers.
• Two drinks with the meal: Soft drinks or sangria are included, while other drinks can be bought from the bar.
• A large catamaran with room to move: The boat can carry many people, but its open layout helps prevent a cramped feel.
• Simple meeting point: Meet at the Alcudia Sea Trips kiosk on Passeig Marítim in Puerto Alcúdia.

Sailing north from Puerto de Alcúdia

You meet the crew at the Alcudia Sea Trips kiosk operated by Transportes Maritimos Brisa on Passeig Marítim. The experience lasts about five hours, with daytime and sunset options available depending on the schedule.

Once onboard, you can settle into the open deck, find a place in the sun, or sit in a more sheltered area. The catamaran has several ladders into the sea, which is useful if you are not comfortable jumping from the side. Families especially benefit from this simple detail, since children and less confident swimmers can enter the water more easily.

The cruise is designed as a relaxed social outing rather than a quiet sailing lesson. Music plays onboard, and the crew handles the drinks, meal preparation, and water equipment. You are free to enjoy the view without having to plan each stop or arrange separate rental gear.

The first part of the route gives you broad views across the north of Mallorca. On a calm day, sailing on the front nets is the classic choice. The ride can be choppy at times, especially early in the trip, and anyone sitting on the nets may get sprayed. That is fun in warm sunshine, but you should keep your phone and camera protected.

Formentor and Alcanada swimming stops

The route is built around time in the water. Several departures have spent roughly two hours around the main swimming locations, giving you a proper chance to swim rather than a quick five-minute stop.

The area around Formentor is one of the strongest parts of the trip. The water is clear, and the setting gives you the sort of bright turquoise views that make Mallorca feel almost tropical. You can swim directly from the catamaran, look for fish with your own goggles, or take turns on a kayak or paddleboard.

Some sailings also spend time near Alcanada. The exact timing and order can change, but the idea remains the same: the boat anchors in attractive coastal water and lets you enjoy the sea at your own pace. You might get two stops or three, depending on the day and route.

Do not expect a private cove reserved only for your group. This is a shared catamaran outing, and the most popular bays can have other boats nearby. Still, the extended anchor time makes the experience feel less rushed than many short boat tours.

Kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling

Canoes and standup paddleboards are included in the price. They add useful variety, especially for teenagers and anyone who does not want to spend the full stop swimming from the boat.

The supply is limited. One account of the setup counted three kayaks and two paddleboards, and other departures had more people waiting for a turn. You may need to share and take turns rather than head straight onto the water. This is not a serious problem if you are happy swimming, sunbathing, or chatting between turns, but it matters if water sports are your main reason for booking.

Snorkeling masks are not included. The activity information says masks are available for purchase, and the practical solution is to pack your own goggles or snorkeling set. The clear water and visible fish make that small piece of preparation worthwhile.

Life vests are available from the crew at no extra charge. Ask for one if you are not a strong swimmer or if you want extra support while using a kayak or paddleboard. The ladders and safety equipment also make the swim stops more approachable for mixed-age families.

Barbecue lunch on the daytime cruise

On the morning sailing, the crew prepares lunch while the boat is anchored. The usual meal includes barbecue items such as chicken, pork, and sausage, with pasta and bread. Some departures have also included fruit such as watermelon.

The food is a practical part of the package rather than a restaurant meal. Portions are generally described as generous, with extra food available for those who want more. Several details improve the meal: it is served hot, it is cooked onboard, and you can eat while looking out over the sea instead of losing time at a shore-side restaurant.

Food quality can vary by personal taste. Most of the feedback is strongly positive, but a few people found the meal basic or wanted a better vegetarian choice. If you do not eat pork, prefer a meat-free meal, or have an allergy, report your dietary needs to the main office before boarding. Do not wait until lunch is being served.

One useful example is the gluten-free provision. A crew member prepared rice and gluten-free bread for one passenger, but you should still notify the office in advance so the team has a fair chance to prepare.

Two drinks are included with the meal. Soft drinks and sangria are among the options mentioned. The onboard bar sells additional drinks, including cocktails, but those cost extra. Cider was not available on at least one sailing, so do not assume every drink will be offered.

Sunset sailing and evening atmosphere

The sunset version follows the same general pattern, with swimming time, water equipment, and a barbecue dinner. Instead of returning in the middle of the afternoon, you get the changing colors over the north coast and a more evening-focused mood.

The daytime trip is the better match if you want maximum bright-water swimming and a family-friendly schedule. The sunset sailing suits couples, friends, and anyone who prefers a cooler late-day setting. The supplied information does not specify the exact sunset menu or departure time, so check availability before booking.

Music is part of both the appeal and the atmosphere. It has been described as fun and generally not too loud, with a chilled feel on some departures. This is not the right outing if you want a silent, small-boat experience. It works better if you enjoy a sociable boat day with a bar, background music, and a crew that keeps things moving.

Space, comfort, and the size of the boat

A catamaran offers more room than a narrow single-hull boat, and that difference matters during a five-hour trip. The open layout gives you space to sit, walk around, and change position as the sun moves.

The boat can hold many people, but the layout does not always feel crowded. That said, arrive on time if you want the best choice of seating. The front nets are popular, and prime shaded spots can go quickly.

Your comfort depends partly on the weather. On sunny days, the decks are ideal for relaxing, but you need sunscreen and weather-appropriate clothing. If wind picks up, the front of the boat can be wet and exposed. Bring a cover for cameras and phones, and consider a light layer even in warm weather.

This is a five-hour outing, so wear swimwear under your clothes and pack a towel if the operator allows personal items onboard. The official advice specifically calls for swimwear, a camera, sunscreen, and clothing suited to the weather.

How the $80 price holds up

At $80 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Alcúdia. The value comes from how much of the day is bundled into one booking.

Your price covers the catamaran cruise, crew, lunch or dinner, two drinks with the meal, kayaks, and paddleboards. You also receive several hours of coastal sightseeing and extended time at swim stops. If you paid separately for a boat ride, a meal, and water equipment, the package could add up quickly.

The real question is how you spend your time. If you want a short scenic cruise with little swimming, five hours may feel too long. If you plan to swim, use the equipment, eat onboard, and enjoy the social setting, the duration makes the price easier to justify.

I consider it especially good value for families and groups. Everyone can choose a different pace: one person can swim, another can try a paddleboard, and someone else can stay onboard with a drink. The main value limit is the shared equipment. You are paying for access, not a private kayak or paddleboard for each person.

Families, teenagers, and mixed groups

This cruise suits families better than its party-boat image might suggest. Children and teenagers have swimming time, paddleboards, kayaks, music, and open space, while adults can enjoy the meal and scenery.

Several family accounts describe children and teenagers calling it a holiday highlight. That makes sense because the activity has enough structure to prevent boredom without filling every minute with a guided talk.

It also works well for adult groups. A group of older friends can enjoy the scenery without needing to be sporty, while more active people use the water gear. The crew has been praised for being friendly, professional, and helpful, which matters when a large group is boarding or sharing equipment.

I would not choose it for someone seeking a private romantic sail or a formal food experience. The atmosphere is shared, musical, and informal. For that setting, the crew and the range of activities are a better fit than privacy.

Practical details before you go

The meeting point is:

Passeig Marítim, 07410 Puerto Alcudia, Illes Balears, at the boat kiosk of Alcudia Sea Trips, Transportes Marítimos BRISA.

The host or greeter speaks English and Spanish. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, though you should contact the operator directly if you need specific boarding assistance or have mobility requirements beyond general accessibility.

Dietary restrictions must be reported at the main office before boarding. This is particularly important for vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-related requests.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying at the time of booking, which is useful when your Mallorca schedule is still changing.

Bring your own snorkeling mask or goggles if possible. Pack sunscreen, swimwear, a camera, and clothing suited to the weather. Keep valuables protected from spray, especially if you sit on the front nets.

Should you book the Alcúdia catamaran cruise?

I would book this trip if you want a full half-day on the water with swimming, a barbecue, music, and attractive north-coast scenery. The strongest reasons are the long anchor stops, friendly crew, clear water, and the convenience of having food and basic water equipment included.

Think twice if you want a quiet private charter, guaranteed access to a kayak, or a special vegetarian menu without advance notice. The food is casual, the boat is shared, and the route can vary.

For most families, couples, and friend groups staying around Alcúdia, the $80 price is fair for five hours of activity. Bring your own goggles, arrive early for a good seat, tell the office about dietary needs, and treat the cruise as an active beach day rather than a sightseeing-only boat ride.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

Meet at the boat kiosk of Alcudia Sea Trips, Transportes Marítimos BRISA, on Passeig Marítim in Puerto Alcúdia.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts five hours. Some departures may return around five and a half hours after boarding, so check the exact timing when you book.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Daytime trips include a barbecue lunch onboard. Sunset trips include a barbecue dinner.

Are drinks included in the price?

Two drinks are included with lunch or dinner. Other drinks, including some bar and cocktail options, cost extra.

Can I choose a sunset cruise?

Yes. You can choose between a daytime experience and a sunset experience, subject to availability.

Are kayaks and paddleboards included?

Yes. Canoes and standup paddleboards are included, but the number is limited, so you may need to take turns.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling masks are available for sale because of the stated health restrictions. Bringing your own goggles or snorkeling set is recommended.

Can I request a special meal?

Dietary restrictions must be reported to the main office before boarding. This includes vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-related needs.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Contact the operator in advance if you need details about boarding or specific assistance.