Coves, sun, and lunch at sea. From Port d’Alcúdia, this catamaran day turns Mallorca’s northern coast into a string of catamaran swims and big-coast views, with a BBQ lunch served onboard. I like that you’re not stuck watching the water from a distance. The one real drawback to weigh: the meal is meat-forward, so vegetarian options can feel limited.

It’s a 5-hour outing with a relaxed pace (not a party cruise). You get swimming time plus access to snorkel gear, kayaks, and paddle boards during the longer cove stop, and you’ll have two included drinks during the meal (orange, water, and sangria). Do note the route can change with wind or weather, so you’ll want flexibility at the marina.

Key things you’ll notice on this Mallorca catamaran day

• Three anchored swim opportunities, including a hard-to-reach cove at Platja Des Coll Baix
• A long onboard BBQ stop where the crew cooks and you can use snorkel and water toys
• Formentor is mainly a view, with a quick lighthouse/photo moment at Aucanada
• Two included drinks during lunch, with the rest available via the bar
• A max size of 110 people, which usually feels manageable for a boat day

Sailing From Port d’Alcúdia: What the Anacaona Day Is Like

This is a classic Mallorca “see coves, swim a lot, eat well” trip, run from Port d’Alcúdia. The boat is the Anacaona Catamaran, and the vibe is built around getting you off your feet and into the water fast.

The schedule is timed so you’re usually anchored near beaches and coves rather than stuck cruising for hours. That matters here, because Mallorca’s best bits on this side of the island are small inlets where the water looks good and the scenery feels close.

One more thing: this isn’t a tour where you’re expected to hike or keep track of a bus route. You’re moving by sea, and the crew manages the water time, the equipment, and the meal without making it complicated.

Your 5-hour Itinerary: Coll Baix, the big BBQ stop, and Aucanada

Here’s how the day flows, with what each part gives you (and where to set your expectations).

Getting aboard at Transports Maritims BRISA

You start with a short check-in/boarding time by the port-area provider (Transports Maritims BRISA). It’s quick, and the point is just to get you loaded and ready for the first swim stop.

If you’re coming from Alcúdia center, plan to arrive early so you can find the correct dock area without stress. The meeting point is Passeig Marítim, 18, 07400 Alcúdia.

Stop 1: Platja Des Coll Baix for an off-the-beaten-beach swim

Your first real destination is Platja Des Coll Baix, a secluded cove that’s hard to reach by foot or car. You’ll drop anchor and have about 20 minutes to swim and sunbathe.

This stop is short on purpose. Think of it as a preview swim and a chance to get that first hit of Mediterranean water without committing your whole day to one place.

If you like being in and out quickly, this is a good match. If you want long beach time on shore, you might feel it’s just a taste—because it is.

Stop 2: Cala Murta for the longest stop and onboard BBQ

This is the money stop. You head to Cala Murta in the Bay of Pollensa area for the longest stretch, roughly 1 hour 30 minutes.

While the crew preps the barbecue lunch/dinner onboard, you get water time at your pace:

• snorkel gear access
• kayaks (on the boat)
• paddle boards (on the boat)
• swimming near the catamaran
• lounging on the nets and benches

This is also the part where you should plan your “do I want photos now or later” moment. When you’re anchored, you’ll usually have better light and calmer moments for pictures, especially if the sea cooperates.

Then lunch lands. The BBQ menu includes grilled items like chicken, pork, and sausages, plus a freshly made pasta salad with mallorcan tomatoes and vegetables, bread, and seasonal fruit for dessert.

One practical note: even though the meal is planned, vegetarian eaters may find the options pretty narrow. The solid part is the pasta salad and fruit, but the hot, grilled component is meat-focused. If you’re vegetarian, bring a small backup snack so you’re not gambling on the grill offerings.

During the meal, you’ll get two included drinks: orange, water, and sangria (you choose from those options, and each person gets two drinks included during the meal). After that, the bar has drinks all day, with extra drinks available for purchase.

Stop 3: Aucanada Beach by the lighthouse for photos and a cooldown

After lunch and decompression time, you get a brief 20-minute stop near Aucanada Beach, close to a lighthouse. This is a quick dip-and-picture moment: cool off if you still feel like swimming, and grab photos of the coastline views.

This stop is not about a full beach experience. It’s about water + scenery + momentum before you return.

Stop 4: Port d’Alcúdia return with extended bay time

Toward the end of the cruise, you spend about 2 hours 45 minutes back near Port d’Alcúdia. The focus here is on bay views and the overall wrap-up of the day.

Some people use this time to do a final swim or just relax on deck if they still have energy. Either way, it’s your wind-down before you’re back at the meeting point.

Formentor: you get views from the boat

You’ll also get views of the Formentor beach from the catamaran. What you should not expect is a full on-shore Formentor stop that requires time for a hike or viewpoint walk. The plan is built around marine views and timed swim anchors, plus the short lighthouse stop at Aucanada.

If Formentor itself is your must-do (rather than just the coastline view), you’ll want to check for a different tour option that actually builds in time there.

BBQ on Board: what’s included, what costs extra, and what to bring

On this tour, you’re not just paying for boat time. The value is the included food + water activities at the same time, which is rare to find in Mallorca at this price point.

What you eat

The BBQ-style meal is served onboard and includes:

• grilled meats such as chicken, pork, and sausages
• pasta salad made with mallorcan tomatoes and vegetables
• bread
• seasonal fruit for dessert

You’ll get it right after the longest swim stop, so you’re eating when you’re most likely hungry.

Drinks: two included during the meal

During lunch time, each person gets two included drinks from the options listed: orange, water, and sangria. That’s a nice touch because it removes the constant decision-making while you’re eating.

Extra drinks are available via the onboard bar. A few small purchases can add up, so if you know you’ll want beer or lots of soda, bring some spending money.

Can you bring your own stuff?

Yes. The tour says you can bring your own food and drinks if you wish. I like this for two reasons:

1) it gives you control if you have dietary needs

2) it helps if you want a second snack after swimming

Also: bring sunscreen. People tend to underestimate how strong sun can feel on a boat, even when the water is cool.

Snorkel, kayaks, paddle boards: your water-time checklist

This cruise is built for active downtime. The crew provides snorkel equipment access, and the boat carries kayaks and paddle boards, included during the main cove stop.

How to make the most of it:

• Go for the longer BBQ stop first. That’s where the variety happens.
• If you snorkel, keep your time simple. Swim, breathe, admire. Don’t overthink it.
• If the boat feels crowded, share politely and avoid taking extra time with shared gear.

Toilets are described as basic but kept clean, so don’t expect a hotel bathroom—do expect a functional one.

And yes, sea conditions matter. The day runs on weather and wind, so the crew’s safety calls can affect the exact route and timing. The good news: people report that the crew is helpful and makes boarding/unboarding and water access feel manageable.

Price and Value: $86.51 for a full day on the water

At $86.51 per person for about 5 hours, you’re basically paying for four things at once:

1) a catamaran ride around Alcúdia’s coast

2) multiple swim stops (including a long anchored swim)

3) a cooked onboard BBQ meal with sides and fruit

4) water activity gear access during the main stop

If you tried to recreate this DIY, you’d pay for transport, lunch, and equipment rental separately. The included drinks during the meal also reduce “nickel-and-dime” friction.

Is it a steal? Not always, because you’re paying for the convenience. But it’s a fair value for a day where the key activities are built in and timed for easy fun.

If you’re price-sensitive, compare alternatives that offer more on-shore time (some tours are more beach-based). But if what you want is water time with minimal planning, this one fits the bill.

Getting There and Handling Windy-Weather Changes

The meeting point is Passeig Marítim, 18 in Alcúdia. It’s also noted as being near public transportation, which helps if you’re not driving.

Bring:

• suncream
• a photo camera
• swimwear and a towel (assuming you want to actually use the water time)

Two more practical realities:

• The itinerary may change based on wind, time, or safety reasons.
• The cruise depends on good weather, meaning the operator can adjust the plan or cancel and offer another date or a full refund if needed.

When weather is a factor, the best strategy is to treat the day like a flexible plan. Mallorca days can change fast, and you’ll enjoy it more if you go with the flow.

Who should book this Mallorca catamaran with BBQ

This tour is best for people who want:

• swimming time as a centerpiece
• snorkel/kayak/paddle board access during a long stop
• an easy lunch without thinking about restaurants

It also works well for solo travelers who want company without fixed plans. The onboard setup and crew help make the day feel smooth even if you’re traveling alone.

What might not be your match:

• If you’re a vegetarian and need a guaranteed hot vegetarian main, plan ahead with your own snacks.
• If you hate getting wet, this is not your kind of day. The experience is clearly built around water time.
• If you’re expecting a big Formentor on-shore stop, your time will be more about views from the catamaran plus the quick Aucanada lighthouse stop.

Should you book this catamaran BBQ cruise?

I’d book it if your Mallorca wishlist includes coves, swimming, and a cooked meal on the water with minimal effort. The mix of multiple anchor stops, included water gear access during the main stop, and a properly planned lunch makes it feel like a full-day activity rather than a short excursion padded with travel time.

I’d skip it (or at least rethink) if Formentor itself is the headline for you, because this trip is mainly about views rather than a long on-shore Formentor experience. Also, if your dietary needs are strict vegetarian, bring backups so lunch doesn’t become a guessing game.

If you want a calm, scenic catamaran day that trades crowds on land for time in the sea, this one is a solid pick from Alcúdia.

FAQ

How long is the Mallorca Catamaran Cruise with BBQ Lunch?

It runs for about 5 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Passeig Marítim, 18, 07400 Alcúdia, Illes Balears, Spain, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the BBQ lunch or dinner?

You get a BBQ with meats plus pasta salad, bread, and seasonal fruit. Drinks during the meal are also included.

Are snorkel, kayaks, and paddle boards included?

Yes, snorkel equipment and the kayaks/paddle boards carried by the catamaran are included during the swimming stop.

Are drinks included all day?

No. You get two drinks included during the meal. Extra drinks can be purchased at the onboard bar.

Do they stop at Formentor Beach?

You get views of Formentor Beach from the catamaran, and the schedule includes a stop near the Aucanada lighthouse for photos and a short water time.

What should I bring with me?

Bring sunscreen and a photo camera. It also helps to bring swimwear. You can bring your own food and drinks if you want.

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for free?

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