Two cove swims in 2.5 hours. This boat trip along Mallorca’s southeast coast stacks famous viewpoints like Es Pontàs and then delivers real water time with Caló des Moro snorkeling. I like that it feels easy and low-stress: you arrive, you cruise, you stop where the coast actually looks incredible. One drawback to flag up front: it’s not suitable for non-swimmers or anyone who tends to get seasick.

The vibe is also pleasantly small-group. I’ve seen departures described around a dozen people, and the skipper and guide keep things friendly and efficient, with Spanish and English spoken live onboard.

Before you go, plan to bring the basics—passport/ID, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, and a hat—because there’s no meal included and you’ll be in the sun. You do get snorkeling equipment onboard, plus safety gear and a radio so you’re not left guessing.

Key points to know before you go

• Es Pontàs: a natural stone arch stop built for photos from the viewpoint
• Two snorkeling sessions at top calas, each timed so you don’t feel rushed
• Caló des Moro and Cala Màrmols: turquoise water and a quieter cove feel
• A small-group style ride with time to look, swim, and jump off safely
• You get one drink onboard (beer or soft drink) while you take in the views
• Meeting at Caló d’en Busques (Cala Figuera port) makes it a simple coastal outing

Southeast Mallorca by boat: why this route works so well

Mallorca’s southeast coast is all about calas—tight little bays with water so clear it looks staged. The trick is getting there without spending your whole day on buses and long walks. This 2.5-hour boat outing solves that problem by doing the heavy lifting for you. You cruise along the coastline, then stop at the few places where the scenery actually earns your camera battery.

What I like most is the pacing. You’re not stuck on the water for endless hours, and you’re not dumped onto shore with vague instructions. Instead, the day is built around a rhythm: cruise, photo stop, cruise, swim. That works especially well if you only have a limited amount of time on the island and you want your water time to feel like the main event.

The route also adds variety. You’ll see viewpoint stops like Mirador de Es Pontàs, then you get more casual passes and photo moments along the way. And because the guide explains things as you go—like places with stories tied to contraband hiding or marés stone extraction—you get more than just scenery. You get context.

Getting started at Caló d’en Busques (Cala Figuera port)

The meeting point is Caló d’en Busques, at the Cala Figuera port. That’s the big advantage here: you’re not searching for a hidden street or a random dock in the middle of nowhere. Still, it helps to plan to arrive a little early and look for the boat crew rather than relying on a pin on your map.

One practical tip: sometimes Google Maps can be a bit unclear for the last stretch to the harbor. If you give yourself extra minutes and walk toward the port, you’ll get it quickly. You’ll also see other people going the same direction—good reassurance when you’re on unfamiliar ground.

Once you’re aboard, the crew handles the key setup items. You’ll have snorkeling equipment available, safety gear on board, and a radio system for communication. That matters because the timing is tight on a short tour, so you don’t want to waste minutes figuring out where the gear goes or how the stops will work.

You should bring what you’ll actually need on the water: swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water, snacks if you like (meals aren’t included), and flip-flops for moving around the harbor area. A hat helps a lot because you’ll be under sun for plenty of the 2.5 hours.

The cruise from port to Es Pontàs: viewpoints that pay off fast

After boarding, the boat heads out past Port de Cala Figuera for a visit. This is the part where you get bearings and a first look at the coastline from the water. It’s not just a formality. Seeing the coast from sea level makes the later calas feel even more special because you understand how all those bays line up.

Then comes Mirador de Es Pontàs—a photo stop at one of Mallorca’s iconic natural features. Es Pontàs is a natural stone arch, and from the viewpoint you’ll get the classic angles people come for. The photo stop is short enough to keep the tour moving, but long enough to take a few tries (especially if you’re picky with composition).

Along the route, the skipper also points out other coast corners, including areas associated with historical activity like contraband hiding spots and marés stone extraction. You don’t need to be a history buff to enjoy it. It just adds meaning to what you’re seeing so it feels less like a sightseeing checklist.

One more thing: the boat ride isn’t always smooth in the way a lake is smooth. There are waves. That’s fun if you’re not bothered by motion, and it’s worth remembering if you’re prone to seasickness.

Photo stops you’ll actually appreciate: Cala Llombards, Cala s’Almunia, Punta des Bauç

Between the swim stops, the tour includes photo stops in a handful of well-chosen locations. These work best when you treat them like breaks for your eyes, not like time to run around.

You’ll pass by Caló des Macs and then get a photo stop at Cala Llombards. Later, there are more photo moments at Cala s’Almunia and Punta des Bauç. Even if you’re not jumping into the water at each stop, this is where you see the coastline’s texture: how cliffs meet sand, how small variations in inlet shape change the way the light hits the water.

In my view, these stops are part of the value of a short tour. You get variety without adding extra hours. You also get a better mental map of the area, so when you do want to wander on land later, you know what you’re looking at.

If you’re the type who only wants the “best” photo spots, you’ll still enjoy these. They’re not random. The crew keeps the stops related to what you’ll later see at the swimming calas.

Caló des Moro snorkeling: your main swim with real time in the water

Caló des Moro is one of the tour’s big draws, and it earns its reputation. This is where you get your first snorkeling session, timed at about 35 minutes. That’s enough time to gear up, get your bearings, and swim at an easy pace without feeling like the crew is rushing you out of the water.

The water here is described again and again as crystal clear and turquoise. The practical result: you can actually see what’s happening underwater. In several departures, people talk about spotting lots of fish, and that’s exactly the kind of snorkeling payoff you want from a short trip.

What I like about the setup is that it doesn’t turn into a strict lesson. You get snorkeling equipment and a safety-first approach, and then you get freedom to explore at your own pace. If you want to focus on photos, you can. If you want to float and watch fish, you can. The snorkeling time gives you options.

If you’re not a super-strong swimmer, pay attention to the tour’s guidance on what to do in each stop. The activity isn’t designed for non-swimmers, and the water can invite you farther than you intend. Use the crew’s instructions, keep a comfortable distance from the boat, and you’ll have a much better time.

Cala Màrmols snorkeling: the quieter cove moment

The second swim stop is Cala Màrmols, also about 35 minutes. This one tends to feel quieter and more “virgin and calm” compared to busier spots, which is exactly why it works as the follow-up to Caló des Moro. You get contrast: same stunning water feel, different cove mood.

Just like the first snorkeling location, the clarity is the headline. Expect more fish spotting opportunities if conditions are good. And because you’ve already done the first swim gear-up, this second session tends to feel smoother.

A helpful detail from departures: you may see lifejackets available for people who want extra confidence in the water. Even though the tour isn’t suitable for non-swimmers, that safety support can make the experience less intimidating for borderline swimmers. If you’re unsure, ask the crew before you get in.

Cala Màrmols also tends to be a great place for photos from the shallows. The shape of the cove frames swimmers well, and the water color makes even quick snapshots look good.

Sailing back to Cala Figuera: how the last stretch feels

After the second snorkeling stop, the tour heads back toward the starting area. There’s a sailing segment that includes a 20-minute stretch back toward Cala Figuera, then you return to Caló d’en Busques.

This part matters. The swim stops are the adrenaline and the photos. The sailing back is where you relax and actually enjoy the coast without multitasking. You’ll have your drink by then—beer or a soft drink—so you can sit back for a bit and watch the light change on the water.

If you want front-row views, consider seating early when you board. Some departures mention that arriving early helps you snag seats closer to the front, which gives you a better ride experience when the boat turns.

Also, keep an eye on your things. Phones and cameras are tempting, but salt spray and shifting deck movement are real. Keep them dry as much as possible and use pockets or dry bags if you have them.

Price and value: why $53 can make sense here

At $53 per person, this tour sits in a price band that can feel either like a bargain or like a splurge—depending on what’s included. Here’s the thing: you’re not paying just for a cruise.

You’re paying for:

• a professional skipper and live guide narration in Spanish and English
• two separate snorkeling sessions (each around 35 minutes)
• snorkeling equipment and safety equipment
• a radio onboard for coordination
• one drink (beer or soft drink)
• a short, efficient route that hits multiple major viewpoints and calas in 2.5 hours

If you tried to replicate this day on your own, you’d spend money and time on transport, access, and logistics—and you’d still miss the easy “arrive at the cala by sea” advantage. The value becomes clearest if you want the water time without turning your vacation into a schedule.

It also helps that this is short. Two and a half hours means you don’t have to rearrange your whole day to fit it. You can pair it with a relaxed lunch afterward, or with an evening stroll along the port.

One caution: if you’re expecting a very large boat experience, know that in rare cases the operator may switch you to a smaller craft if something breaks. That kind of change happened on at least one departure, and it meant more crowding and less comfort. Most days likely run smoothly, but it’s smart to keep your expectations flexible.

What to bring, and what to skip

Do bring:

• passport or ID card
• hat and sunscreen
• swimwear and a towel
• snacks or a simple bite (meals aren’t included)
• water (and anything else you like to sip)
• flip-flops or easy sandals for harbor steps

Don’t bring trouble:

• smoking isn’t allowed on the activity

And think about comfort. You’re on the water and in and out of the boat more than once. Clothing that dries quickly helps. If you get cold easily, consider a light layer because the breeze can change how you feel during sailing segments.

If you’re sensitive to motion, seriously consider whether you’re likely to get seasick. The tour isn’t recommended for people prone to it.

Who this boat tour is best for

This is a great pick if you want:

• a simple way to see multiple calas in a short time
• real snorkeling time at two spots rather than quick dips
• scenic cruising plus photo stops without extra walking
• a small-group feel where you can actually hear the guide

It may be less ideal if:

• you don’t swim (the tour isn’t suitable for non-swimmers)
• you get seasick easily
• you hate boats with any wave action (the ride includes motion)

Families can work well too. Some departures include people with teenagers, and the schedule can feel manageable because it’s short and structured.

Should you book Caló des Moro and Cala Màrmols?

If you want two standout snorkeling opportunities plus iconic coastline views like Es Pontàs, I’d book this tour. The mix of cruise time, photo stops, and two planned swim windows is exactly the right recipe for a short Mallorca stay.

I’d skip it only if snorkeling isn’t your thing, you don’t swim, or motion makes you miserable. Otherwise, this is one of those experiences where you’re not just looking at Mallorca—you’re in it, with clear water and a crew that keeps the day moving.

FAQ

What is the duration of the boat tour?

The tour lasts about 2.5 hours.

Where do we meet for this tour?

Meet at Caló d’en Busques at Cala Figuera port.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes the boat tour, professional skipper, snorkeling equipment, safety equipment, radio, and 1 drink (beer or soft drink).

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long do we spend snorkeling?

Snorkeling time is about 35 minutes at Caló des Moro and about 35 minutes at Cala Màrmols.

What languages are spoken during the tour?

The live guide provides Spanish and English.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers or people prone to seasickness?

No. It is not suitable for non-swimmers or people prone to seasickness.