From Cala Figuera: Boat Tour to Cala Marmols & Caló de Moro

The best part of this trip is simple: you see Mallorca’s southeast coast from the water, where the cliffs, caves, fishermen’s huts, and bright coves fit together far better than they do from a road. The small RIB boat can slip close to rocky inlets and unusual formations such as Es Pontàs, an old cave entrance shaped by the sea.

I like the small-group feel, which makes the ride less like a floating bus and more like a coastal outing. I also like the choice between a shorter route and the longer Cala Màrmols trip, where you get about 45 minutes to swim and snorkel from the boat. The main consideration is the ride itself: this is a compact speedboat, and rough water can make the journey bumpy or uncomfortable for anyone prone to seasickness or back trouble.

Key points to know before you book

• Two route choices: Choose the roughly 1-hour-50-minute coastal trip or the approximately 2-hour-50-minute option that continues to Cala Màrmols.
• A water-based view of Santanyí: The route passes Cala Santanyí, Es Pontàs, Cala Llombards, S’Almunia, Caló des Moro, and sea caves.
• Swimming from the boat: The shorter trip allows about 40 minutes for swimming at Caló des Moro or S’Almunia, depending on wind direction.
• Cala Màrmols is the longer trip’s prize: The extended route includes about 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling at this remote cove.
• Useful inclusions: Snorkeling gear, fuel, insurance, a professional skipper, and one soft drink or beer are included.
• A lively ride, not a calm cruise: The boat is small, and spray, chop, and a bouncy return are possible.

Why seeing Mallorca from Cala Figuera makes sense

Cala Figuera is a fitting departure point for this outing. The port has a narrow, picturesque shape, with fishing boats and waterfront buildings gathered around the inlet. From the office at Carrer Verge del Carme, 34, you head straight toward the open coast rather than spending much time in a marina.

The route follows the Santanyí coast, one of the prettiest stretches in southeastern Mallorca. From land, you can reach some of the coves by road or footpath, but the water gives you a different view. Sheer rock walls, small caves, pale beaches, and old maritime structures appear in sequence, with no need to park, walk in the heat, or squeeze onto a crowded beach.

The boat is a RIB, or rigid inflatable boat. It is about 7.5 meters long and can carry a small group, with past departures described as having around 11 or 12 people. That size helps the skipper approach places that larger excursion boats cannot reach. It also means you feel the movement of the sea more directly.

You should not expect a silent, polished yacht cruise. You may get wet while underway, and rough conditions can make the ride lively. For many people, that is part of the fun. If you need a very smooth ride, this may not be the right boat trip.

Leaving Cala Figuera for Cala Santanyí

The excursion begins with a short ride away from the port, then heads toward Cala Santanyí. This first section gives you time to settle into the boat and take in the change from sheltered harbor to open coastline.

Cala Santanyí is a popular beach cove with clear water and pale sand. From the boat, you see it without dealing with the road access or the beach crowds. The stop is listed at about 10 minutes, so think of it as a scenic look and photo opportunity rather than a beach visit.

That distinction matters. The boat pauses at several places, but this is not a tour built around stepping ashore at every cove. You remain on board for most of the route, then swim from the boat at the designated stop.

Es Pontàs and the coast’s natural architecture

Next comes Es Pontàs, one of the most memorable sights on the route. This peculiar rock formation creates a natural arch and once formed the entrance to a cave. From sea level, its shape makes more sense than it does in a quick roadside photograph.

The boat’s small size is useful here. You can get close enough to appreciate the scale and the openings in the rock, while the skipper handles the boat around the coast. The listed visit lasts about 10 minutes, giving you enough time for photographs and a good look without turning the whole trip into a geology lecture.

The quality of the explanation can vary by departure. Some captains provide plenty of information, while others mainly identify the places. If learning detailed local history is important to you, keep your expectations modest and ask questions when the boat is stopped.

Cala Llombards, Es Caló des Macs, and the sea caves

The boat continues toward Cala Llombards, a narrow cove framed by rocky slopes and clear water. The stop here is shorter, around five minutes, so it works best as part of the broader coastal procession rather than as a major visit.

You also pass Es Caló des Macs and sa Cova des Fum. The coastline becomes more rugged in this section, with small openings and recesses in the cliffs. The skipper may point out caves once used by smugglers as hiding places. These details give the ride a human story without turning it into a formal history tour.

I like this part because the view keeps changing. One minute you are looking at a white beach, and the next you are passing a rough rock wall with a dark cave cut into it. The trip earns its keep through this steady variety, not through one single stop.

Caló des Moro and S’Almunia from the water

Caló des Moro is one of the most famous coves in this part of Mallorca. Its water is known for a strong turquoise color, and from the boat you get a clean view of the beach and its enclosing cliffs. The approach is often more enjoyable than trying to spend a full beach day there, especially when access on land is busy.

Nearby S’Almunia has a different character. Instead of a broad sandy beach, you see a compact cove with traditional fishermen’s huts and barracks set into the rocky shore. It feels more practical and lived-in, while Caló des Moro has the postcard look.

On the shorter route, the boat usually allows about 40 minutes for swimming at Caló des Moro or S’Almunia. The exact choice depends on the direction of the wind. That flexibility is sensible, but it means you cannot assume you will swim at one specific cove.

You jump into the water directly from the boat, then climb back aboard when the swim ends. The water is often very clear, and snorkeling gear is provided. Bring confidence in open water, though. The boat anchors away from shore, and the swimming area can feel deep.

If you are a non-swimmer, tell the skipper before entering the water and ask for a life vest. Safety equipment is available, but it may not be offered automatically before the swim. Anyone who has trouble climbing a short ladder, has back problems, or feels uneasy in deep water should think carefully before booking.

The longer route to Cala Màrmols

The Cala Màrmols option adds about an hour to the outing and takes you farther along the coast. This remote beach can be reached by boat or by a hiking trail, so arriving by water gives you a much easier look at a hard-to-reach place.

The route passes the maritime quarries of Es Bauç. Here, blocks of local sandstone were cut and moved by sea. The quarry walls add a practical note to an otherwise natural-looking coast. Mallorca’s shoreline was not only admired; it was also a workplace and a transport route.

Cala Màrmols is the main reason to choose the extended trip. Once there, you have around 45 minutes to swim, snorkel, and enjoy the setting from the boat. The water is clear, and the cove feels more remote than the better-known beaches closer to Cala Figuera.

There is an important tradeoff. On the longer option, you do not stop to swim at Caló des Moro. You pass the famous cove, then continue toward Màrmols for the longer swim. Choose the shorter route if Caló des Moro is your priority. Choose Màrmols if you would rather spend more time in a quieter, less accessible place.

What the boat ride feels like in real conditions

The RIB is comfortable enough for a small coastal trip, and shade is available. That matters in Mallorca’s strong summer sun. Still, comfort depends heavily on wind and sea conditions.

When the water is calm, the boat can feel smooth and easy, with the skipper guiding you close to the coves. When the sea turns choppy, the ride can become rough, particularly on the return to Cala Figuera. You may be lifted from your seat and dropped back down, so this is not a good choice if you have serious back problems.

You can also get spray while underway. Wear swimwear, bring a light cover-up, and protect your phone. The supplied drink is useful, but food is not included, so eat beforehand if you need more than one beer or soft drink.

The skipper controls the route. Wind and safety come first, and the itinerary can change or the trip can be canceled if conditions are unsuitable. That is a normal part of a small-boat excursion, not a flaw in the plan.

Guides, language, and the pace of the trip

The tour is offered in Spanish, Catalan, and English. The skipper is both boat handler and guide, but the amount of commentary can differ. Some departures have a warm, relaxed captain who explains the coast and responds to questions. Others may provide little more than place names.

The pace is one of the trip’s strengths. You get time for photographs at major points, then move on before the day becomes repetitive. The longer trip gives you a proper swim stop rather than a quick dip, while the shorter trip keeps the outing compact at about 110 minutes.

Evening departures can be especially appealing. A start around 18:00 may bring softer light and, depending on the season and timing, a sunset on the coast. The return through the quieter waterways near the port can be a pleasant finish.

Is $48 a fair price?

At about $48 per person, the advertised price is reasonable for a small-group boat trip that includes fuel, insurance, a professional skipper, snorkeling equipment, and one beer or soft drink. You are paying for access to a long stretch of coast in a little under two or three hours, without arranging transport between the coves.

The value is strongest if you want scenery and a swim rather than a full beach day. A boat lets you see several coves, caves, and rock formations in one outing. You also avoid the effort of reaching Cala Màrmols by foot if you select the longer route.

The price is less attractive if you want a full meal, a long shore stop, or detailed cultural commentary. Food and extras cost more, and most of the sightseeing happens from the boat. Think of it as an active coastal sampler, not a complete day at the beach.

Who should book this trip?

I would choose this excursion if you enjoy being on the water, like small boats, and want to see several famous coves in one outing. It suits couples, friends, and families with older children who can manage a lively ride and a swim from the boat.

The Cala Màrmols option is best for people who value a longer swim and a more remote setting. The shorter route is better if you mainly want Caló des Moro, S’Almunia, and the sights near Cala Figuera without spending close to three hours on the water.

I would avoid it if you get seasick easily, dislike deep-water swimming, or need a very stable boat. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. If you are not a strong swimmer, request a life vest before the swim and make your comfort level clear to the skipper.

Bring sun protection, water-friendly shoes, a secure phone case, and a dry layer for the ride back. Arrive ready for a little spray and be prepared for departure delays caused by the nature of the trip.

Should you book the Cala Màrmols boat tour?

Book it if your ideal Mallorca outing combines clear water, dramatic coves, a small boat, and time to swim. The strongest choice is the longer route for Cala Màrmols, especially if you would rather spend 45 minutes in one remote cove than swim at Caló des Moro.

Choose the shorter option if you want a quicker coastal introduction and a chance to swim near Caló des Moro or S’Almunia. Either way, you get a useful view of the Santanyí coast that is difficult to match from land.

Just respect the limits of the boat. This is a proper sea outing, with possible chop, spray, and deep water. For the right person, that direct contact with Mallorca’s coast is exactly what makes the trip worth the fare.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start?

Meet at the RedstarTours Excursiones office at C/Virgen del Carmen, 34, in Cala Figuera, Santanyí.

How long does the excursion last?

The duration is about 110 minutes for the shorter option and about 170 minutes for the Cala Màrmols option.

What places does the boat visit?

The route includes Cala Santanyí, Es Pontàs, Cala Llombards, Es Caló des Macs, S’Almunia, Caló des Moro, and Cala Màrmols, depending on the option selected.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. The shorter route includes about 40 minutes for swimming at Caló des Moro or S’Almunia, depending on wind direction. The Cala Màrmols option includes about 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling at Cala Màrmols.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are drinks included?

You receive one soft drink or one beer. Food and other extras are not included.

What languages are available?

The tour is offered in Spanish, Catalan, and English.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. The skipper may change the route or cancel the excursion because of weather or safety conditions. Departures may also experience delays.

Can children join the boat tour?

Yes, but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.