Port d’Alcudia: North Coast Catamaran Cruise with Meal

This catamaran cruise turns a day at the beach into a moving picnic. You sail from Puerto de Alcúdia, stop in clear coastal coves, then eat a barbecue onboard while the crew keeps the drinks and music flowing. It is an easy way to see Mallorca from the water without arranging your own boat.

I especially like the long swim breaks and the useful water toys, including kayaks and paddleboards. I also like the generous five-hour length, which gives you time to sail, eat, swim, and simply sit in the sun. The main catch is that masks are not included, and the limited kayaks and paddleboards may require sharing.

Key points to know before booking

• Three swim stops may be included: The exact route can vary, but recent trips have stopped at two or three quiet locations.
• A barbecue is cooked onboard: Morning trips include lunch, while sunset departures include dinner.
• Kayaks and paddleboards are included: Equipment is shared, so you may need to wait your turn.
• Two drinks come with the meal: Other drinks, including cocktails, cost extra.
• Bring your own goggles or mask: Snorkeling masks are sold onboard rather than provided.
• The boat suits families and mixed groups: Ladders, life vests, seating areas, and wheelchair accessibility make it broadly practical.

Setting sail from Puerto de Alcúdia

You meet the English or Spanish-speaking greeter at the Alcudia Sea Trips kiosk operated by Transportes Marítimos Brisa on Passeig Marítim. The departure point is in Puerto de Alcúdia, so give yourself enough time to find the kiosk and board without rushing.

Once underway, the boat follows Mallorca’s north coast, giving you broad views of the sea and shore. The point is not a narrated sightseeing tour packed with historical facts. It is a relaxed half-day on the water, with the coast providing the scenery and the crew setting the rhythm.

Some sailings can be choppy at the start. That may mean a few splashes across the front nets, which is fun if you are ready for it and less fun if you want a perfectly dry ride. Pack a light layer and protect anything valuable from spray.

The catamaran has enough room to move around, sit in the sun, or find a quieter spot. It can carry a sizable group, but the layout has generally kept the ride from feeling cramped. I would still board promptly if choosing a particular place to sit matters to you.

Three stops for swimming and water play

The strongest part of the trip is the time spent at anchor. Instead of making one rushed stop, the cruise may pause at several attractive parts of the coast. Exact locations can change with weather and operating conditions, but Formentor and Alcanada have featured on recent daytime routes.

Formentor gives you the kind of clear water and open coastal views that make a boat trip worthwhile. You can swim from the catamaran, use a ladder to enter the sea, or take a paddleboard or kayak if one is available.

Alcanada offers another change of scene, and the water is often calm enough for swimming and looking for fish. The stop is not simply a quick photo break. Reports from the trip describe roughly two hours of total time at swimming and activity stops, though the distribution depends on the day’s route.

Some departures include two stops, others three. That difference matters if you are booking mainly for swimming. The boat needs time to reach the coves, prepare food, and return to port, so this is not a nonstop water-sports session.

The equipment is practical but limited. A few kayaks and paddleboards are carried onboard, and everyone shares them. Families and groups can usually get a turn, but do not expect every person to have a board or kayak at the same time.

The catamaran has several ladders into the water, a useful detail for anyone who does not want to jump from the side. Life vests are available on request. You still need to be comfortable in open water, and you should follow the crew’s instructions at each stop.

Bring your own mask for the clearest view

Snorkeling is possible, but the mask situation needs attention. Masks are available for sale because of the operating restrictions noted for this activity, so they are not part of the included equipment.

I would bring your own goggles or snorkeling set if you already have one. The clear water and visible fish are among the pleasures of the swim stops, and relying on a mask purchase onboard adds an avoidable cost.

The included gear is better suited to casual water play than serious snorkeling. Kayaking and paddleboarding provide an active break, while swimming from the boat lets you cool off without needing much equipment.

Barbecue lunch on the catamaran

After sailing and swimming, the crew anchors and prepares food onboard. Daytime departures include a barbecue lunch, while sunset trips include a barbecue dinner. Two drinks are included with the meal.

The food has included grilled chicken, pork, sausage, pasta, bread, and sometimes fruit such as watermelon. Portions have generally been ample, with additional servings available on some trips. For a meal cooked on a working catamaran, the barbecue is a useful part of the package rather than a token snack.

Food quality can be a little uneven from one day to the next. Some people find it fresh and satisfying, while others consider it the least memorable part of the outing. That is fair: you are paying for the boat, crew, swim stops, and equipment as well as the meal.

Dietary needs deserve advance attention. You must report restrictions to the main office before boarding. Vegetarian options have not always been clear, so do not assume that a meat-free meal will appear without prior notice. Gluten-free help has been possible, including rice and gluten-free bread, but advance notice remains the sensible approach.

The included drinks may cover fizzy drinks, sangria, or similar choices, depending on the arrangement that day. Cocktails and other drinks from the bar cost extra. If you prefer cider or a particular brand, bring money and check the onboard selection rather than assuming it is included.

Music, crew, and the feel onboard

The crew plays a large part in the mood of the day. The atmosphere is friendly and informal, with music that has been described as chilled rather than overpowering. That helps the trip work for a mixed group, from families with older children to adults looking for an easy day on the sea.

The crew also handles the practical work: boarding, anchoring, water access, food preparation, and bar service. Efficient service matters here because a five-hour cruise can feel disorganized if everyone is waiting for lunch or equipment. This one is structured around clear blocks of sailing, swimming, and eating.

You should not expect a quiet private charter. There may be many people onboard, and the kayaks and paddleboards are shared. Still, the catamaran’s size and open layout give you room to sit, move around, and find sun or shade as available.

For families, the combination is strong. Children and teenagers can swim, paddle, kayak, and listen to music, while adults can enjoy the views and a drink. The trip also works for larger groups, including the kind of friends or family party that wants a planned day without having to organize lunch separately.

Daytime or sunset departure?

The daytime sailing is the practical choice if swimming is your priority. You get bright conditions for seeing into the water, and the included meal is lunch. A typical daytime departure has been described as running from late morning into the afternoon, though you should check the current start time when booking.

The sunset option changes the emphasis. You still get the coastal cruise and meal, but dinner replaces lunch, and the changing light becomes part of the experience. Sunset sailings may be better for couples or adults who care more about the mood than long hours of water play.

I would choose daytime for children, active groups, and anyone who wants to use the kayaks and paddleboards. I would choose sunset for a slower outing built around views, food, and time on deck. Availability and exact timing vary, so confirm the departure before planning the rest of your day.

Is $80 a fair price?

At $80 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. The value comes from bundling several costs into one half-day: the catamaran, crew, meal, two drinks, three possible swim stops, and use of kayaks and paddleboards.

If you paid separately for a boat outing, lunch, drinks, and water equipment, the package would likely compare well. The five-hour duration also helps. A short coastal cruise can feel expensive once you have paid to reach the port, boarded, and returned. Here, the day has enough substance to feel like one of your main holiday activities.

The value drops if you do not enjoy swimming, do not want a shared boat, or expect a premium meal. You are not buying a private sailing experience or a gourmet food tour. You are buying an easy, social day on the sea with a cooked meal and several chances to get in the water.

For a family, the included equipment and meal reduce the number of extra decisions and expenses. For a couple, the sunset option may make the price easier to justify. For solo visitors, the social setting can be pleasant, but you will need to be comfortable joining a group activity.

Practical details that affect your day

Wear swimwear beneath weather-appropriate clothing. Bring sunscreen, a camera, and something light for cooler or windy periods. A waterproof pouch is sensible for phones and valuables, especially if you sit near the front nets.

You should also bring your own snorkeling mask if you want to look for fish. Towels are not listed among the included items, so pack one rather than expecting the boat to provide it.

The activity is wheelchair accessible, but a catamaran outing still involves boarding and moving around a boat. If you have specific mobility needs, confirm the arrangements with the provider before departure.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Mallorca plans depend on weather or changing schedules.

The main office needs dietary restrictions before you board. Do not wait until lunch service to explain an allergy or special diet. Drinks beyond the two included with the meal are extra, and snorkeling masks are also an added purchase.

Who should book this Alcúdia cruise?

I would recommend it most to families, couples, and friend groups who want a full half-day on the water without renting a boat. It has enough variety to keep teenagers interested and enough sitting time for adults who want to enjoy the views.

It is also a good pick if you want to swim from a boat rather than sit on a crowded beach. The ladders, clear water, and shared paddleboards make the stops more active than a simple sightseeing cruise.

I would think twice if your ideal sailing means silence, a tiny group, or highly personal service. The music, shared equipment, and larger catamaran create a social outing. Food-sensitive visitors should also arrange their meal needs before boarding.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want a well-filled day with clear-water swim stops, a barbecue, and friendly crew service. The boat gives you more than a quick ride around the bay, and the five-hour format offers time to enjoy the water instead of watching the clock.

Book the daytime cruise for the best mix of swimming and water sports. Choose sunset for a calmer meal-focused outing. Bring your own mask, expect to share the kayaks and boards, and tell the office about dietary needs early. With those points in mind, $80 is a reasonable price for a relaxed north-coast day from Puerto de Alcúdia.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

Meet the greeter at the boat kiosk of Alcudia Sea Trips, operated by Transportes Marítimos BRISA, on Passeig Marítim in Puerto Alcudia, Mallorca.

How long is the cruise?

The advertised duration is five hours. Check the available departure times when booking.

Is lunch included?

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

Are drinks included?

Two drinks are included with lunch or dinner. Other drinks are not included and may be purchased onboard.

Can I choose a sunset departure?

Yes. The experience is available as a daytime or sunset cruise, subject to the available schedule.

Are kayaks and paddleboards included?

Yes. Canoes and standup paddleboards are included for use during the swim stops. Equipment is shared among people onboard.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling masks are available for sale, but they are not included. Bringing your own mask or goggles is recommended.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a camera, and clothing suited to the weather. A towel and your own snorkeling equipment are also practical additions.

Can I report dietary restrictions?

Yes. Dietary restrictions must be reported to the main office before boarding.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. For specific access needs, confirm details with the provider before departure.