Formentor is Mallorca’s cliff postcard. This cruise from Puerto Pollença pairs a centenary lighthouse sighting with real time to enjoy Formentor Beach (plus a swim in a boat-only cove). I love that it feels relaxed and scenic, not rushed—ideal when you want the coast without a full day of driving.

My favorite part is the simple flow: out on open water with views of the northern range, then time to stretch your legs on the cape. One thing to consider: the ticket covers the boat and guide, but food and drinks are on you, so plan a budget if you want to snack or order while onboard.

Key points before you go

• Highest lighthouse in the Balearic Islands: you pass the historic centenary light at Cap Formentor
• Cala Murta swim stop: boat access to a secluded cove where snorkeling and swimming are the main event
• Eleonora’s falcon cliffs: your guide points out the dramatic nesting cliffs in winter
• Optional cape-crossing views: if time allows, you may head toward Cala Figuera and Colomer
• Bike-friendly beach time: bring a bicycle on board for when you dock at Formentor Beach

Checking In at Lanchas La Gaviota (and finding your boat fast)

This trip starts in Puerto Pollença at Lanchas La Gaviota, located behind the Stay restaurant. The key detail: you exchange your ticket there before boarding, so don’t show up and try to walk straight onto the catamaran.

Once you’re checked in, you’re set up for a smooth ride—this cruise is only about 2.5 hours, so you want your timing to be easy. If you’re bringing a bicycle, this is the moment to get it sorted before departure. Also note that the cruise is round trip, and you’ll return to the same meeting point.

On the tour, you’ll have a live guide/captain with English, Spanish, French, and German spoken. That matters here because the north coast cliffs can look like a single big wall at first glance; a good guide helps you read what you’re seeing as you move along the water.

Practical tip: wear shoes you can change quickly if you plan to go barefoot on sand later. Formentor Beach time is part of the point of this cruise.

The 2.5-hour catamaran ride that keeps the day from dragging

This is one of those Mallorca experiences that works because it doesn’t eat your whole schedule. The cruise lasts about 2.5 hours, and it’s built around moving along the coast with viewpoints, then giving you time on land near the cape.

A catamaran makes a difference when you’re sailing around cliffs. You feel the sea breeze, you get better sightlines than you’d have from a bus stop, and the motion is usually friendlier than a small skiff. Translation: you can focus on the views without spending the trip in seasick survival mode.

The north coast here is all about scale. From the water you’ll see the Mallorcan Northern Range as a backdrop to steep rock faces and small coves. You also get a realistic sense of why boats are the best way to reach many spots. When you later hop off at Formentor and swim at Cala Murta, it’ll click.

Also, the tour is designed with return timing in mind. Boats run every day at 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM, and 4:30 PM, so your beach time can match your energy level instead of forcing you into a single rigid departure.

Cap Formentor and the centenary lighthouse: the main coastline drama

The headline moment comes as you approach Cap Formentor. You’ll pass a century-old lighthouse, specifically described as the highest lighthouse in the Balearic Islands. It’s the kind of sight that makes you stop talking for a second, even if you’re traveling solo. You’re not just looking at a landmark—you’re viewing it from the angle that makes the coast feel cliff-made.

As the catamaran slides along the massive cliffs, your guide highlights wildlife that’s tied to the season. The cliffs are where Eleonora’s falcon nests in winter. Even if you’re not there in winter, it’s still a cool way to understand the place beyond scenery—this isn’t just a postcard; it’s a real habitat.

One mild heads-up: depending on timing, some cruises may go only as far as the lighthouse. In other words, don’t choose this expecting every single side cove every time. Still, even a lighthouse-focused version can be satisfying because the coastline between Puerto Pollença and the cape is scenic on its own.

If you like photos, bring your camera strap. On open water, you’ll want your hands free for the good shots and the occasional snack from the bar.

When time allows: Cala Figuera and Colomer Island

After you reach the cape, the itinerary may include an extra crossing: if there’s time, you go beyond the lighthouse area toward Cala Figuera and you can see the unique island of Colomer.

This part is worth it if you enjoy variety—because it adds another layer to the cruise beyond cliffs and lighthouse views. Cala Figuera brings you closer to the cove-and-rock shapes that make Mallorca’s north coast famous. And seeing Colomer from the sea gives you that visual clue about how jagged and isolated parts of the coastline are.

The practical consideration is simple: since it’s conditional on time, your experience may be more lighthouse-and-beach focused. That’s not a dealbreaker. The real value of the cruise is the blend of open-water views plus on-the-ground time at Formentor and the swim stop.

Formentor Beach: stroll time with sand under your feet

Once you’re back near Formentor, you’ll have the chance to disembark and head onto Formentor Beach. This is where the trip stops feeling like a sightseeing drive and starts feeling like an actual beach break.

Think pine scenery, sand under your feet, and a slower pace than you get from most Mallorca day trips. The boat gives you a short window to enjoy the shoreline without the hassle of parking, driving narrow roads, and timing multiple buses.

The best trick here is the return schedule. Boats run at 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM, and 4:30 PM. So if you feel like a short walk and a quick swim, you can choose an earlier return. If you want more beach time, you can catch a later boat. It keeps your day from turning into a rushed checklist.

And here’s the fun extra: you can bring a bicycle on board. That means you’re not limited to whatever you can do on foot. Once you dock, having a bike can turn your beach stop into a bit of exploration—especially if you like low-key scenic wandering rather than museum-style stops.

Cala Murta swim and snorkeling: boat-only access for real quiet

The swim stop is Cala Murta, described as a nature reserve cove that’s accessible only by boat or by trails from inland. Translation: you’re less likely to feel like you’re sharing the water with an entire city.

This is also the most active part of the cruise. The experience highlights mention swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters in a secluded cove. Even if you’re not a confident snorkeler, you can still treat it like a swim break and enjoy the clear water from the surface.

Why this stop matters for your trip planning: the north coast is dramatic, but not every cove is easy to reach. The boat route is what unlocks the good access. And because Cala Murta is reached after the Formentor beach time, it feels like a natural payoff—walk, cool off, then back on board.

A practical tip: if you plan to snorkel, bring your own mask if you have one. The data doesn’t say gear is provided, so don’t assume. Also, bring a small towel and something you can wear back on the boat without freezing once you’re out of the water.

The onboard bar and what your $31 actually buys

At $31 per person, this cruise is priced like a serious coast experience without the full-day cost. The included items are straightforward: guide/captain and a round trip ticket. Food and drinks are not included.

That’s why the onboard bar matters. Drinks are available for purchase, and it’s described as well-stocked, so you can grab something during cruising or after you’re back from swimming. The good news is you control your spending. The not-so-fun part is also on you: if you want snacks or alcohol, budget for it.

In value terms, this makes sense because you’re paying for a boat ride with real movement, not just a ferry crossing. You’re also getting two types of time: sightseeing from the sea, and personal time on Formentor Beach plus a dedicated swim stop at Cala Murta.

If you want to keep costs down, you can bring food on board (the tour info explicitly allows it). Combine a light snack with purchased drinks, or bring everything you need and use the bar only for water or a soda. Either way, you stay in control.

Who should book this cruise (and who might want a different plan)

This is a great fit if you want:

• North coast views without long transport days
• A short, scenic cruise that ends where you started
• A real beach moment at Formentor
• A swim stop at Cala Murta that’s reachable mainly by sea

It’s also a good option for travelers who don’t want to commit to a full-day itinerary. Two-and-a-half hours plus beach time keeps the day flexible, especially with return boats at 12:30, 3:30, and 4:30.

Who might not love it: if you’re looking for a full meal included, you’ll need to plan for that. Food and drinks are not part of the ticket price. Also, if you prefer a very long, detailed multi-stop excursion, this one is intentionally short and focused around a few headline areas.

One more note: the tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, which is a plus if you need that, but you’ll still want to consider how getting on and off a boat might work for your specific mobility needs.

Should you book the Puerto Pollença to Cap Formentor catamaran?

I’d book this if you’re chasing two things: coastline drama and water time. The lighthouse pass gives you the iconic Formentor moment, and Cala Murta is the part that turns it from sightseeing into a real memory.

Choose it if:

• You like short-but-scene-heavy days
• You want a swim/snorkel opportunity without driving to a remote cove
• You’re happy to pay extra only if you want drinks or snacks onboard

Skip it (or compare options) if:

• You need a full meal included
• You get cranky when an itinerary element might be time-dependent (like extra cape crossing toward Cala Figuera and Colomer)

Bottom line: for the money, the mix of sea views, lighthouse scenery, and a proper cove swim makes this one of the easiest ways to enjoy Mallorca’s north coast without overplanning.

FAQ

How long is the cruise from Puerto Pollença to Cap Formentor?

The duration is about 2.5 hours. You’ll want to check availability for the exact starting times.

What is the price per person?

It costs $31 per person.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at Lanchas La Gaviota, behind the Stay restaurant. You’ll need to exchange your ticket before boarding.

What time options are available for returning from Formentor?

Return times run daily at 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM, and 4:30 PM.

Is swimming or snorkeling included?

Yes. The experience includes time to swim and snorkel in the cove at Cala Murta.

Are food and drinks included in the ticket price?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but drinks are available for purchase on board.

Can I bring a bicycle on this trip?

Yes, you can bring your bicycle on board to explore around Formentor Beach once you dock.

What languages will the guide speak?

The live guide/captain offers English, Spanish, French, and German.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it’s listed as wheelchair accessible.

What is the cancellation policy and can I pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.