Port d’Alcudia: North Coast Catamaran Cruise with Meal

The best part of this five-hour catamaran cruise is the generous time at Mallorca’s clear-water coves. You are not simply sailing past the coast, taking a few photos, and heading back. The boat anchors for long swimming stops, with kayaks and paddleboards available for use.

I like the mix of easygoing sailing and active water time, plus the onboard barbecue, which saves you from arranging lunch in Alcúdia. The main thing to consider is that the kayaks and paddleboards are shared, so you may need to wait your turn. The snorkel masks are not included, and the boat can feel lively when full.

Key points to know before booking

• Three possible swim stops: The exact route can vary, but trips commonly stop at two or three beautiful coves, including areas near Formentor and Alcanada.
• Lunch is cooked onboard: Morning departures include a barbecue lunch, while sunset departures include a barbecue dinner.
• Water equipment is shared: Canoes and standup paddleboards are included, but the supply is limited compared with the number of people onboard.
• Bring your own snorkeling gear: Masks are available for purchase, but you should bring goggles or your own set if you want to see fish below the surface.
• The $80 price covers a full half-day: Your cruise, crew, meal, and two drinks are included, with extra drinks available to buy.
• Good for mixed-age groups: Families, couples, groups of friends, and older passengers can all enjoy the trip, though confident swimming is helpful.

Setting out from Puerto de Alcúdia

You meet the greeter at the boat kiosk for Alcudia Sea Trips, operated by Transportes Marítimos Brisa, on Passeig Marítim in Puerto Alcúdia. Check your confirmation for the exact departure time, since the activity runs in both daytime and sunset formats.

The boat heads out from the port and follows the north coast of Mallorca. From the water, you get a different view of the island, with broad sea views, rocky coves, and beaches that are hard to appreciate from a road or resort promenade.

The first part of the sailing can be breezy and, at times, choppy. That is part of the fun for some people, especially if you sit on the forward nets and enjoy getting sprayed by the sea. If you prefer a calmer ride, choose a sheltered seat and keep your belongings secure.

The catamaran offers plenty of room to sit, walk around, and find sun or shade. Still, this is a shared boat trip rather than a private charter. Arrive on time and settle in early if you have strong preferences about where you sit.

The north coast by catamaran

This cruise works well because it gives you a broad coastal outing without asking you to organize several separate activities. You sail, stop to swim, eat, listen to music, and continue along the shore, all from the same boat.

The crew speaks English and Spanish and handles the practical parts of the day, including anchoring, serving the meal, and managing the bar. The atmosphere is informal, with music playing during the cruise. It is sociable rather than quiet and formal, so couples looking for total peace should keep that in mind.

The route is not presented as a detailed sightseeing tour with a long list of monuments or place names. Its appeal is the coast itself and the chance to spend time in the water. You will get panoramic views, but the main event is swimming in clear sea rather than listening to a history lecture.

What happens at the swimming stops

The boat commonly makes two or three stops. Some trips spend time near Formentor Beach and Alcanada Beach, though the exact route depends on conditions and the day’s schedule.

At anchor, you can enter the water from the boat’s ladders. This is useful if you do not want to jump from the side. Life vests are available from the crew at no extra charge, which helps less confident swimmers take part.

The water activities include swimming, kayaking, and standup paddleboarding. The stops can add up to around two hours of water time, giving you a real chance to use the equipment instead of rushing through a ten-minute photo stop.

The clear water is also good for spotting fish, so pack your own mask and snorkel if you have them. Masks are not included and may be available to buy, but bringing familiar gear is simpler and usually more comfortable.

The practical limitation is equipment. The boat has been described with around three kayaks and two paddleboards, so not everyone can use one at once. The crew manages this by sharing the equipment, but you may spend part of the stop swimming or waiting. Bring goggles, a flotation aid if you prefer a particular type, and a waterproof phone pouch if you want photos from the water.

The coves are beautiful, but this is not a private beach day. Other boats may be nearby, and the water stop can feel active when everyone heads in at once. The reward is convenience: you get access to several attractive swimming places without packing and unpacking for each one.

Barbecue lunch on the water

On the daytime sailing, the crew prepares a barbecue lunch while the boat is anchored. Typical food described for the meal includes chicken, pork, sausage, pasta, bread, and sometimes fruit such as watermelon.

The meal is included in the $80 price, along with two drinks during lunch. Soft drinks and sangria have been mentioned as options, while cocktails and other drinks can be purchased separately from the onboard bar.

The food is best viewed as a hearty boat barbecue, not a restaurant meal. Portions are generally generous, with extra food available when there is enough, but the menu is meat-focused. One vegetarian passenger found the options limited, and another passenger with gluten-free needs received rice and gluten-free bread after speaking with the crew.

If you have allergies, dietary restrictions, or a special diet, report them to the main office before boarding. Do not rely on sorting this out casually once lunch is being served. If you have a narrow diet, carrying a small backup snack is sensible, since the stated meal is not designed as a full custom menu.

For the sunset version, the crew prepares a barbecue dinner instead. The change in timing gives you softer evening light and a different mood, but you should check the available start times before booking. Sunset trips may suit couples and adults who want a slower evening, while the daytime option gives families more daylight for swimming.

Music, seating, and the feel onboard

Music is part of the experience. It is generally described as chilled and enjoyable, though the volume and crowd can affect how relaxing the trip feels. You can expect a holiday atmosphere rather than a silent sailing lesson.

The catamaran is large enough to provide useful room to sit and move around. Several families and groups have found that it did not feel cramped, though the boat can still become busy during peak summer dates.

If you want a quiet place, board promptly and look for a seat away from the main social area. If you want the most atmosphere, stay near the bar or music. The forward nets are fun in choppier water, but they are not the driest spot.

This is a good outing for a family with older children and teenagers. Kids can swim, use the paddleboards, and kayak, while adults can remain on deck with a drink. Younger children can take part too, but you will need to watch them closely around the railings, ladders, and open water.

The cruise is also suitable for groups of friends and multigenerational families. The ladders make water access easier for anyone who cannot jump, and the crew can provide life vests. The boat is listed as wheelchair accessible, but you should confirm your specific mobility needs before booking because the practical details of boarding and water access are not described.

Is $80 good value?

At $80 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get onto the water in Alcúdia. The price makes more sense when you count what is bundled in: five hours aboard the catamaran, the crew, a barbecue meal, two drinks, coastal sightseeing, several swim stops, and use of the canoes and paddleboards.

You also avoid arranging transport to multiple beaches, finding a lunch spot, hiring water equipment, and deciding which coves to visit. For a full half-day activity, that convenience gives the cruise solid value.

The value drops if you mainly want a quiet sailing and do not plan to swim. You are paying for the complete package, especially the anchored water stops. Likewise, if you expect unlimited access to kayaks and paddleboards, you may find the shared equipment frustrating.

The meal is filling, but you should not book this as a food-focused excursion. The barbecue is a useful part of the package and a pleasant way to eat with the sea around you. It is not a gourmet lunch, and dietary choice can be narrow unless you give advance notice.

Choosing daytime or sunset

The daytime trip is the practical choice for most families. You get strong daylight for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding, plus lunch while anchored at one of the coves.

The sunset option is better if the mood matters more than maximum water time. You still receive the five-hour cruise and a barbecue dinner, but the changing light becomes part of the outing. Check the schedule carefully, since departure times vary.

For a first boat trip in Mallorca, I would choose the daytime sailing if swimming is your priority. If you have already spent several days at the beaches and want a scenic evening on the water, sunset may be the better fit.

What to bring for a better day

Pack swimwear, sunscreen, a camera, and clothing suited to the weather. A light layer is useful because the boat can feel cooler once it is moving, even on a warm day.

Bring your own snorkeling mask if you want to explore below the surface. The included equipment focuses on kayaks and paddleboards, not snorkeling gear.

A few practical additions will make the day easier:

• Towel and a dry change of clothes
• Sunglasses with a secure strap
• Waterproof bag for phone and valuables
• Reusable water bottle
• Small snack if your diet is limited
• Motion-sickness remedy if you are sensitive to choppy water

Keep valuables to a minimum. You will be moving between deck, ladder, water, and lunch, so a simple day bag is easier than a large suitcase.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want a full half-day on the sea without planning every detail. It suits families with school-age children and teenagers, couples who enjoy an active day, and groups that want music, food, and swimming in one package.

It is especially useful for people staying in or near Alcúdia who want to see the north coast from the water. The mix of sailing and long stops gives you more variety than a short harbor cruise.

I would hesitate if you dislike shared activities, loud music, or busy boats. You should also think twice if you need a carefully controlled menu, since the standard barbecue centers on meat and the vegetarian choice may be limited.

The crew is a major part of the experience. They keep the day organized, serve the food, run the bar, and help with the water activities. That friendly, practical service matters because a boat outing can quickly become awkward if boarding, lunch, or equipment sharing is poorly handled.

Final call: book it for the water time

Book this catamaran cruise if you want to swim in clear coves, enjoy a generous stretch of time at anchor, and let someone else handle the food and schedule. The strongest reasons to go are the north-coast views, the multiple swim stops, and the friendly crew.

Before paying, bring your own snorkeling gear, report dietary needs early, and accept that kayaks and paddleboards are shared. At $80, it is a fair choice for a five-hour sailing with lunch or dinner, but its value depends on using the water stops. If you plan to stay on deck all day, choose a shorter scenic cruise instead.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise leave from?

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

How long is the cruise?

The activity lasts five hours. Check availability for the specific departure time because daytime and sunset options are offered.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The daytime cruise includes a barbecue lunch. The sunset departure includes a barbecue dinner.

What drinks are included?

Two drinks are included during the meal. Other drinks, including additional bar choices and cocktails, are not included.

Can I use a kayak or paddleboard?

Yes. Canoes and standup paddleboards are included. The equipment is shared, so you may need to wait for your turn.

Are snorkeling masks provided?

No. Snorkeling masks are not included. Masks may be available for purchase, so bringing your own snorkeling gear is recommended.

Can I bring a dietary restriction to the crew?

You must report dietary restrictions to the main office before boarding. The standard meal includes meat, pasta, bread, and other barbecue items.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Contact the operator in advance to confirm the boarding arrangements for your particular needs.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.