Short boat ride, big payoff. This Alcúdia Bay cruise is a fast way to see Mallorca’s north-coast highlights, from Alcanada’s lighthouse views to the secluded-water feel of Coll Baix. I like that the timing is built for photos and quick swims, not a half-day commitment.

My second favorite part is the chance to jump in and swim from the boat during the stop near Coll Baix / Alcanada. One thing to consider first: despite the glass-bottom billing, the “glass” can be limited (small side windows, and some departures may even run without a working glass feature), so set your expectations.

Key points to know before you go

• Alcúdia Bay scenery fast: You get coastal views and photo angles without committing all morning.
• Swim stop from the boat: The best moment is the water break, often around 15 minutes on the plan and sometimes longer in practice.
• Alcanada lighthouse area: A classic north-coast sight you’ll see en route.
• Coll Baix is the main payoff: Turquoise water and a more secluded feel compared with the busier front-of-town beaches.
• Glass-bottom expectations: Many boats show only small windows on the sides, so it’s more about the scenery than underwater viewing perfection.
• 2 hours includes travel time: Parts of the ride are spent on route and pickups, so the “main” time at the stop isn’t huge.

A quick Mallorca north-coast escape from Alcúdia

If you’re basing yourself in Alcúdia, this boat trip is one of the easiest ways to switch from beach-and-street mode to open-water mode. The route focuses on Alcúdia Bay and nearby spots along Mallorca’s north coast, with a swim stop that’s the whole reason most people book.

What I like for you is the balance: it’s short enough to fit into a holiday without turning your day into a logistics project, but it still feels like an actual outing. The itinerary includes scenic cruising, a stop to swim near Coll Baix, and time on the water to take in the coast from a different angle.

The practical downside is also obvious once you arrive: you’re not getting a long, quiet private cove experience. You’re on a shared boat, and the “best water time” is limited.

Meeting point at Alcudia Sea Trips (TM Brisa) and what to show up with

This trip departs from the Alcudia Sea Trips kiosk (Transportes Marítimos BRISA) at Passeig Marítim, 07410 Puerto Alcúdia. Go early enough to collect yourself and get settled. There can be a queue for boarding because the company runs pickups from around Alcúdia Bay too.

Bring what you’ll actually need on the boat deck:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Camera
• Beachwear

And keep expectations simple: no luggage or large bags. This matters more than you’d think. If you’re hauling a big daypack, you’ll feel it on a small-boat-style boarding setup.

The route timing: why the first stretch can feel like “getting there”

On paper, the trip is about 2 hours. In real life, that includes time spent cruising and handling the pickup route. The plan includes a ferry-style segment (about 40 minutes), plus a scenic viewing portion (about 30 minutes) before you reach the main swim area.

Here’s the trick for you: don’t only time the swimming stop. Think of this as a short coastal tour where the swim is the payoff, not the only activity.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan your seat like you’re choosing where to put your eyes. One passenger who gets sea sick found it helped to look out toward the horizon, especially from a higher area on the boat.

Alcanada beach and lighthouse views: the perfect photo “warm-up”

The cruise description points to the north-coast sights around Alcanada beach and its lighthouse. You’re not sitting here for ages, but it’s a strong visual prelude to Coll Baix—another reason this trip works even if you’re not a snorkel-everything person.

What you’ll likely enjoy in this phase:

• the coast opening up away from town,
• lighthouse silhouettes and cliff-and-water angles,
• that “we’re really out on the bay now” feeling.

You’ll also get an easier vibe for photos because the boat is moving slowly enough for frames, but not so slowly that you’re stuck waiting.

Coll Baix (and sometimes Alcanada): the swim stop you’ll remember

The main stop is listed as Platja del Coll Baix with a swim window (about 15 minutes on the itinerary). Reviews show that swim time can vary depending on conditions and how boarding works at the ladders and queue points. People report anything from brief jumps to swim windows in the longer range when everything runs smoothly.

Coll Baix is described as one of Mallorca’s more secluded natural areas, sheltered by the surrounding mountainous coastline, with that famous clear-water look that makes the boat stop feel like a mini vacation inside the vacation.

Two important practical notes:

1. You swim from the boat, not from shore. That means you don’t need to hunt a beach entry, but you do need to be comfortable using the ladder and getting back on board.
2. Conditions matter. Some reports mention situations where the stop at Coll Baix couldn’t go as planned due to currents, and the boat headed to an alternative area (near the lighthouse/Formentor direction). So if swimming is your #1 goal, it’s worth mentally budgeting a Plan B.

If you want to see more marine life, bring simple gear. One passenger tip that’s easy to follow: pack a snorkeling mask or basic set so you can look down while you’re near the stop.

The glass-bottom reality: what you should expect to see

The tour is marketed as a glass-bottom boat. But the most honest advice I can give you is this: don’t book it expecting a big, clear underwater floor like some movie sets.

Multiple reports describe the “glass” as limited—small windows on the sides rather than a full bottom view. Some people even mention the glass feature wasn’t working as advertised on their departure, and they were offered an alternative boat or reschedule options.

So how should you use this information?

• If your top priority is underwater spotting, go in ready with a snorkeling mask and focus on what you can see in open water.
• If your top priority is views plus a swim from the boat, you’ll still get plenty of value, because the scenery and water time matter more than the glass effect.

Also, if you’re hoping for perfect views through the glass, remember you’re dealing with heat, sun glare, and potentially window cleanliness. In the brightest moments, the view can be harder than you imagine.

On-board vibe: snacks, drinks, and how crowded it gets

This isn’t a fancy long dinner cruise. It’s a short, lively boat outing. People describe plenty of seating and a laid-back atmosphere, but with some group noise—especially during boarding/pickups.

Food and drinks work like this:

• Food and drinks are not included.
• There is a bar on board where you can buy snacks and beverages.

One review even mentions a bartender serving a very good gin and tonic, which tells you the bar is more than a vending machine. Still, treat onboard pricing like you would anywhere on a tourist boat: expect it to cost more than in town.

If you like to choose your spot early, aim to be settled before the boat fills in. It tends to make the movement on and off (especially around swim) less stressful.

Who this tour is best for (and who should skip)

This one is ideal if you want a quick dose of the Alcúdia Bay / northern Mallorca coast with a swim stop, without renting a car or buying into a long day on the water.

You’ll likely be happiest if:

• you want a 2-hour outing with clear main highlights,
• you enjoy photo stops and a swim from the boat,
• you’re okay with a short swim window and shared boarding logistics,
• you’re traveling with kids who like the boat ride and don’t need a long snorkel session.

Who may want to reconsider:

• People with mobility impairments (the trip is not suitable).
• If you’re expecting a strong underwater-view experience from a true glass floor, you may be disappointed by the limited window setup.

If you’re solo, this is still doable. At least one solo traveler rated it highly, saying it worked well even without a group.

Practical tips that make the difference

A few small decisions can upgrade the whole trip.

Choose the time wisely. Earlier departures can feel better because heat and humidity start later in the day. One passenger recommended a 10 AM trip, saying it was more comfortable and easier to enjoy the fresh air before it gets too intense.

Beat seasickness the simple way. If you’re sensitive, position yourself so you can look out toward the horizon, and consider staying higher if you can. That’s the kind of practical trick that helps more than you’d think.

Pack smarter for the swim. You’re required to bring swimwear and towel, but I’d also add one personal-but-common-sense item: water shoes if you like stable footing (the data doesn’t mention them, but swim-to-ladder situations are easier with grip). For marine spotting, bring a mask if you have one.

Camera strategy: you’ll get plenty of coastal angles, especially around lighthouse views and the swim stop. Bring a camera you’re comfortable using quickly, because the best moments don’t wait for you.

Don’t overpack. With restrictions on large bags, it’s easy to end up juggling your stuff. Keep it light so you’re not stressed during the stop.

Value for $34: what you’re paying for

At around $34 per person for a 2-hour outing, this boat trip is strong value if your main goals are:

• scenic cruising around Alcúdia Bay,
• a real swim break in clear water,
• a straightforward, no-car day plan.

What you’re not paying for is a long, meal-included experience. Food and drinks aren’t included, and the swim window is short. So if you’re the kind of traveler who wants an all-day beach-style hang, you’ll feel the time limit.

But if you want the Mediterranean “I’m out on the water” feeling plus a swim, it’s exactly the kind of spend that saves time and effort. You also get the benefit of seeing two different types of coast: the busier feeling near town, then the more secluded-water feel associated with Coll Baix.

Should you book this Alcúdia Bay to Coll Baix boat trip?

Book it if you want a short, scenic Mallorca north-coast outing with a swim stop that’s easy to fit into your day. It’s especially worth it when the priority is views + water time, not underwater-window perfection.

Hold off or manage expectations if:

• you really came for the glass-bottom effect itself (because the “glass” may be limited to small side windows),
• mobility is an issue (not suitable),
• you’re expecting a long swim session or food included.

My take: this is a good “day saver” tour. It helps you see Alcúdia Bay from the water and experience Coll Baix water vibes without turning your holiday into a scheduling marathon. If you show up ready for sun, a quick swim, and a shared-boat day, you’re likely to walk away happy.

FAQ

How long is the Alcúdia boat trip to Coll Baix?

The duration is about 2 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price listed is $34 per person.

Where do I meet the tour?

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

What’s included in the trip?

You get the scenic boat trip from Port Alcúdia to Coll Baix.

Is food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though there are snacks and beverages available for purchase onboard.

Is there time to swim?

Yes. The itinerary includes a stop at Platja del Coll Baix for swimming, and the experience description also notes swimming from the boat at Coll Baix or Alcanada.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a camera, and beachwear.

Are large bags allowed?

No. Luggage or large bags are not allowed.

What if I get seasick?

The trip involves time on the water and some people report feeling sea sick. If you’re sensitive, choose a comfortable seat and look out toward the horizon if possible.

Can I cancel for a refund?

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

Is the boat truly glass-bottom?

It’s described as a glass bottom boat, but some reports say the view is limited to small windows rather than a large full-bottom glass floor, and in at least one case the glass feature wasn’t working as expected.