A boat ride in Mallorca north feels like getting a front-row seat on the sea. This short trip gives you famous Formentor lighthouse views, plus a real swimming stop at Formentor Beach, without needing to drive or plan a whole day. The main trade-off: the Cap de Formentor moment is brief, so you won’t be hopping off for long.

I especially like how the route strings together several memorable bays along the coast, so the scenery keeps changing every stretch. I also like that the schedule includes time at the water (Formentor) instead of only passing viewpoints from the deck. One thing to consider is crowding—on some departures the boat can feel packed at boarding, and the best spots may go fast.

Key Highlights to Notice

• Formentor lighthouse views from the water: the classic north-coast photo angle.
• Formentor Beach swim break: a full hour to cool off and reset.
• Stops at Coll Baix and a few coastal bays: more than one scenic shoreline moment.
• A tight, fast Cap de Formentor sightseeing window: plan photos and patience accordingly.
• Ferry/transit segments built into the day: expect time on board between highlights.
• Good overall organization for the money: a very popular 4-hour format that usually runs smoothly.

Setting Expectations: What This 4-Hour Formentor Cruise Really Gives You

This is a straight-to-the-point day on the water: Port d’Alcúdia to the Formentor area, then back. For $34 per person and a total 4-hour duration, you’re not paying for a long, stop-everywhere itinerary. You’re paying for a clean way to see Mallorca’s northern coastline and get at least one meaningful break at the beach.

Think of it as a coastal highlight reel. You’ll spend most of the time cruising with a few planned stops, including a longer one at Formentor Beach for swimming. The Cap de Formentor segment is more about the view from the sea than a long shore visit.

Getting There and Meeting the Boat in Port d’Alcúdia

Meet at the kiosk for Alcudia Sea Trips | TM Brisa at Passeig Marítim, 07410 Puerto Alcúdia. This matters because boarding can get competitive when a boat is full. If you want a decent viewing spot, I’d arrive early rather than treating it like a casual stroll.

You don’t need a travel kit for a multi-day tour here. You do need the basics: camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. If you’re planning to swim, bring whatever you prefer for getting in and out of the water comfortably. The activity description is clear that food and drinks aren’t included, so plan on that before you go.

The First Cruising Segment: Platja del Coll Baix (40 Minutes)

Your first real stop is Platja del Coll Baix, with about 40 minutes on the boat schedule. This is a good “warm-up” stop—long enough to enjoy the view and stretch your legs, but not so long that it drags the day down.

I like this kind of early stop because it changes the pace. You’re not stuck only watching from the deck while the boat motors onward. You get a break point where you can decide what kind of experience you want next: more shoreline time, or save your energy for the bigger swim window later.

If you’re the type who loves photos, this is also where you can start collecting the angles while the lighting feels fresh and you’re not yet feeling rushed.

Coastal Scenery Time: Bays Like Aucanada, Coll Baix, and Cap des Pinar

Between and around stops, you’ll get a sightseeing cruise feel along the coast. The route includes notable coastal areas such as Aucanada, Coll Baix beach, and Cap des Pinar. Even when you’re not stepping off the boat, these passages are part of the value.

Here’s why this is worth it: Mallorca’s north coast has a different character than the more famous sun-and-sand stretch. From the water, you can see how the coastline bends, where coves open up, and how the sea interacts with the cliffs and headlands. You don’t need to be a geology nerd. You just need to sit on deck, look up and around, and let the coastline do the work.

The “On Board” Portion: Balearic Islands Sightseeing (25 Minutes)

There’s also a scheduled 25-minute sightseeing block, which is essentially your time for watching the coastline unfold without a shore break. This is a good time to:

• spot photo-worthy points for later,
• scan for where the shoreline looks most dramatic,
• and get your bearings for the Formentor area.

If you get seasick easily, this is one of those moments where you’ll be glad the trip is only four hours total. It’s not a full-day open-sea slog.

Formentor Beach Break: The One Hour That Matters (Swim Time)

The highlight stop is Formentor Beach, with a 1-hour break. This is where the tour turns from scenic cruising into an actual water-and-relax break. The activity is built around a swim stop in Formentor bay, and that’s exactly how you should treat this hour.

I like to think of the timing like this: you’ll spend the hour doing what you came for. That could mean a full swim, some floating, quick photos on the shore edge, and then a calm return to the boat before you feel rushed.

A practical tip: an hour passes faster than you think once you’re walking back and forth, drying off, and taking pictures. If you want maximum swim time, commit early—don’t spend the first ten minutes just scanning the shoreline.

Ferry and Transit Segments: Why the Day Feels Longer Than It Looks

The schedule includes ferry/transit portions:

• a 20-minute ferry segment,
• a 45-minute ferry segment later,

plus a short sightseeing window near Cap de Formentor.

These are the parts that can frustrate you if you expect the trip to feel like constant exploring. One downside that shows up in real-world experience is that the time on board can feel long compared to the shoreline moments. In particular, some people have felt the Formentor beach break wasn’t long enough for what they expected.

My advice: treat this like a boat tour first, beach time second. If you want a beach day with lounging, you might find this format too short. If you want coastline and one solid swim stop, you’ll likely feel happy with the balance.

Cap de Formentor: Lighthouse Views, But a Short Moment (10 Minutes)

Cap de Formentor is the name that pulls you in, and the tour delivers the classic angle—Formentor lighthouse views from the sea. The sightseeing stop here is scheduled at about 10 minutes, which is short.

This is the key thing to understand: this is not a long shore visit. It’s a quick sightseeing moment from the water. If your dream is to get right up close and spend time wandering near the lighthouse area, you may feel underwhelmed by how brief the window is.

That said, the value is in the perspective. From the boat you see the headland and the famous lighthouse in context with the coastline. You get the big, dramatic “this is why people come here” moment—then you move on before the crowds and fatigue take over.

Comfort and Crowding: How to Get a Good Spot on a Full Boat

A four-hour cruise sounds relaxing. It can still feel crowded. The reality is that if the boat is full at boarding, the best viewing areas can be taken quickly.

I’d plan for this in two ways:

1. Arrive early so you’re not stuck where the views are limited.
2. Choose your deck strategy based on your priorities. If you want the easiest visual angles, get to the deck early. If you want comfort over view, pick your spot and settle in.

Even when the boat is crowded, the ride itself can still be a pleasant experience because the scenery does the entertaining. But crowding affects how much you enjoy the quiet moments between stops.

Value Check: Is $34 Worth It?

Formentor boat trips can cost a lot more when you go for full-day routes with multiple beach and town stops. At $34 per person for about 4 hours, you’re buying a focused experience: cruise time + one beach swim hour + lighthouse-area views.

So here’s the value math from a traveler’s point of view:

• If you want scenic coastline and a single swimming break, this fits well.
• If you want a long beach day or lots of time off the boat, you’ll probably feel the schedule is too tight for the money.

Also, remember that food and drinks aren’t included. If you plan to buy snacks onboard (if available), budget for it so the final total doesn’t surprise you.

Weather and Timing: When This Cruise Feels Best

The Formentor area is all about light and clarity. Since the schedule is only four hours, you don’t have much flexibility once you’re on the water—weather matters.

You’ll have a more enjoyable experience if the sea is calmer and visibility is good, because the Cap de Formentor and lighthouse views are the payoff. If you’re prone to sunburn, keep sunscreen generous. There’s not much shade on open decks during cruising segments.

Who Should Book This Cruise, and Who Might Skip It

This is a great match for:

• people who want north Mallorca scenery without arranging a car,
• couples and friends who like a simple plan and a swim break,
• anyone who wants a short trip that still hits the iconic Formentor lighthouse look.

I’d think twice if you:

• want a long beach lounge session (Formentor Beach is one hour),
• expect a long, land-based visit at Cap de Formentor (it’s a brief sightseeing stop),
• get easily bothered by crowded boats (some departures run full).

The One Thing to Watch: It’s a Short-Stop Boat Tour

This cruise is designed like a sampler. You’ll see the key names—Formentor Beach, Cap de Formentor, and surrounding bays—but you won’t have time for a full exploration day. That’s not a flaw. It’s the whole concept.

If you go in with that mindset, you’ll enjoy it for what it is: a neat way to experience Mallorca’s north coast in one half-day package.

Should You Book Alcúdia to Cap de Formentor?

I’d book it if your priorities are coastline views, a photo stop around Cap de Formentor, and a real swim hour at Formentor Beach—without the hassle of driving. At $34 for a four-hour cruise, the price feels fair for the iconic scenery payoff.

I’d hesitate if you’re the type who needs long shore time or you’re counting on a close-up Cap de Formentor visit. In that case, you’ll likely want a different format with more land time.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The activity lasts about 4 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at the boat kiosk of Alcudia Sea Trips (Transportes Marítimos BRISA) at Passeig Marítim, 07410 Puerto Alcúdia.

What stops are included?

You’ll cruise from Port d’Alcúdia to the Formentor area, with stops including Platja del Coll Baix, Formentor Beach, and sightseeing near Cap de Formentor.

Is there time to swim?

Yes. There is a swimming stop during the Formentor Beach break (1 hour).

How much time is spent at Cap de Formentor?

The Cap de Formentor sightseeing time is listed as about 10 minutes.

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Do I need to bring sunscreen and a camera?

Yes, bring sunscreen and a camera. Comfortable clothes are also recommended.

Are transfers included?

No. Transfer to the port is not included.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How full does the boat get?

The boat can get very full at boarding on some departures, so it’s smart to arrive early if you want a better viewing spot.