Secret coves beat Palma beach crowds. I really like the small-group cap of 8 and the swim stops in quiet coves that feel away from the rush; the only real catch is rocky, uneven walking, so skip flip-flops.

What ties it all together is the local touch. In guides like Joan and Marc, you’ll get history plus practical help for getting in and out of the water, and you may even get small Mallorca-style extras like homemade gazpacho after a swim.

Key Things I’d Mark on Your Map

• Max 8 people means you’re not fighting for space at the water’s edge.
• Cliff jumps are optional, but safety and confidence come first.
• Two long swim windows give you actual time in the coves, not rushed photos.
• Goggles and water shoes are included, which matters on rocky entry points.
• Sea-view finale at Ermita de Portals Nous turns the trip into a proper finish, not a drop-off.

Planning Your Morning: Bendinat Is the Real Starting Point

You start near Palma, at the Bendinat municipal swimming pool (Av. República, 15). The meeting spot is easy to follow: after the roundabout, walk straight down Avenida República until the end, and look for the group in front of the blue fence.

This tour runs about 4 hours, which is a sweet spot for a coastal escape. You’ll combine walking with water time, so it’s not just a “stand and look” sightseeing loop. It’s also why this works well early: cooler air, clearer views, and you get to the hidden coves before the day crowds fully stack up.

Getting there is also straightforward. If you’re using public transport, bus L108 leaves Palma’s main station (Estació Intermodal) at 8:50 a.m. If you’re driving, the plan is simple: free parking is available.

One smart move: bring a small snack. The tour doesn’t include food, and a few people mention keeping a bit of fuel handy helps with the hike-and-swim rhythm.

Rocky Paths and Smart Footwear (This Is Where Most Trips Win or Fail)

The route includes rocky terrain and uneven ground. That affects everything: how fast you can move, how comfortable you feel, and whether you enjoy the walk instead of worrying about your footing.

Wear comfortable shoes designed for rocks, not sandals. Water shoes are provided for the swimming parts, but you still need your regular footwear for the approach and the coastal paths. If you’re tempted to show up in flip-flops, don’t. This is one of those “you’ll survive, but you won’t enjoy it” moments.

For your kit, aim for:

• Swimsuit and sunscreen
• Water
• Beachwear (obviously, but bring what you’ll actually want in public)
• A little extra like a small snack, if you’re the hangry type

Also, decide on your swim comfort level upfront. This isn’t for non-swimmers or people with low fitness. There’s hiking, some uneven spots, and you’ll be entering the water where good balance helps. If hearing-impaired access is a concern for you, note that this tour isn’t listed as suitable in that way.

Bendinat Old Military Base: Sea Views Plus Local Backstory

After meeting at the pool, you head toward an old military base in Bendinat. Even if you don’t care about fortifications, this stop works because it comes with the coastline spread out in front of you.

What I like here is the combo: you get history context plus a view that makes the area feel real, not just pretty. Mallorca’s coast has layers—work, defense, fishing, leisure—and your guide ties it together with local details about why this stretch mattered.

You’ll also get that classic small-group advantage: you can actually hear the explanations without the chaos of bus loads. And since the first viewpoints are early in the tour, you’re not already wiped out when you reach them.

Forest Path to a Quiet Cove: The Part You’ll Remember Later

The tour then shifts gears, moving from open viewpoints into a forest path that leads to a hidden cove. This is where the experience earns its name—quiet water, secret-feeling access, and a shoreline rhythm you don’t get at the big beaches.

In the cove, you get a 1.5-hour swim window. That’s long enough to do more than a quick dip. You can float, explore small sea caves, and get comfortable in the water without watching the clock every two minutes.

This is also where the included gear matters. Diving goggles are provided in the sense of goggles for seeing underwater clearly, and most people appreciate having masks available for a closer look. Water shoes help because the entry and exit can be rocky, and keeping your footing makes the whole stop feel less stressful.

One practical tip: bring your confidence with you. If you’re not a strong swimmer, this isn’t the right day to “test it.” But if you’re comfortable, the water here is the kind that turns a half-hour swim into a full reset.

Mirador de Rafael: Quick Photos, Real Sense of Place

Between coves, you get a short scenic stop at Mirador de Rafael. It’s brief—about 15 minutes—but it’s placed at the right moment: after you’ve walked, before your final swim stretch.

This kind of mirador stop is valuable because it gives you orientation. You start connecting the dots of where you’ve been on the shoreline, and you understand what you’re seeing when you look back at the coast.

If you’re the type who likes photos, this is your lane. If you’re not, use it to breathe and take in the view quietly—because you’ll be back in the water soon.

Optional Cliff Jumps: Fun, but Only the Way You Want

Cliff jumping is listed as optional, and that matters. The best tours like this don’t pressure you—they help you choose your own level.

If you do jump, expect it to feel like a true thrill moment: height, open water, and a quick rush that makes you remember this trip for years. If you don’t, you still get the main point: clear water, snorkeling time, and the freedom to enjoy the coves without doing anything extreme.

Safety here is part of the experience style. You’ll be guided through the spots, and the group stays small enough that attention stays personal. You’ll also have the right swim footwear, and the guide can read the conditions so you’re not guessing.

One of the most repeat-worthy details from groups: guides like Joan and Marc are playful, but they keep the tone practical. So even if cliff jumping is the headline, you’ll still feel looked after.

Ermita de Portals Nous: Chapel on the Cliff With a Calm Ending

Your final stop is Ermita de Portals Nous, a chapel set on a cliff with beautiful sea views. You’ll have a short 15-minute photo stop, and it’s the perfect bookend for a tour that starts with viewpoints and ends with a kind of quiet, dramatic beauty.

This ending works because it isn’t just a last look. It gives your body time to reset after swimming and walking. It also gives your eyes a slower pace. You’ve been watching water and rocks up close; now you can appreciate the coastline from above again.

Before you say goodbye, guides typically share local recommendations. That’s useful if you want to keep the experience going after the tour—maybe with another beach, another viewpoint, or a bite to eat nearby.

You finish in Portals Nous Plaza, which makes it easy to keep exploring on your own.

Price and Value: Why $52 Can Make Sense Here

At $52 per person for about 4 hours, the value depends on what you’re hoping for.

If you want only a bus-stop type view tour, it’s probably too specialized. But if you want swim time in small coves, optional cliff jumping, and a guide who knows how to pace a hike-and-water day, the price starts to look fair fast.

Here’s what you’re getting for the money:

• A local guide with route explanations
• Two swim periods (about 1.5 hours each)
• Optional cliff jumping
• Water shoes and snorkeling goggles
• A small-group setup (max 8 people) that makes the day feel personal

What you’re not getting: food and transport. That’s normal for an adventure-style tour, but it’s why I recommend planning a snack and your next move afterward. If you’re already in the Palma area, the bus option or free parking keeps the logistics from turning expensive.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This is a great match if you’re:

• A thrill-seeker who wants cliff jumping as an option
• A nature and sea watcher who wants time in clear water and a chance to spot underwater life
• Someone who likes local guidance and small groups

It’s not a match if you:

• Don’t swim
• Have low fitness and want minimal walking
• Need hearing-impaired accessibility accommodations (this isn’t listed as suitable)

If you’re a solo traveler, the small group helps. A group of eight also makes it easier to relax and have conversations instead of feeling like you’re part of a loud crowd.

And if you’re traveling with family, check comfort with rocky walking. Even when the hike is manageable, the ground can be uneven and you’ll be moving between spots.

Little Extras That Keep People Smiling

What makes guides like Joan and Marc stand out in this kind of tour isn’t just where you go. It’s the small touches that show they planned for real beach-day life.

From past experiences, you might find things like:

• Homemade gazpacho served after swimming (a lot of people rave about this part)
• Extra help like sunscreen and gear support
• Some guides taking GoPro footage so you can relive the jumps or the best underwater moments
• Even small post-swim comforts like hair-care items mentioned by some groups

None of this changes the route. It just makes the day feel more like a shared local plan than a generic excursion.

Should You Book This Palma Hidden Coves Tour?

Book it if you want your Mallorca day to feel active and personal: walking paths, quiet coves, clear water, and an ending at Ermita de Portals Nous with sea views that actually deserve your camera.

Skip it if you’re hoping for an easy, fully accessible beach walk or you’re not comfortable with rocky terrain and open-water conditions. Also, if you hate the idea of any hiking, look for a different style of tour.

My practical advice: if you can handle short hikes and you want real swim time, this is one of the best ways to see Palma’s coast without spending the whole day in the busiest beach spots.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

You meet at the Bendinat municipal swimming pool at Av. República, 15, 07181 Bendinat. The instructions say to walk straight ahead after the roundabout until the end of Avenida República, and look for the group in front of the blue fence.

How long is the experience?

The tour lasts 4 hours.

How big is the group?

It’s a small group, limited to a maximum of 8 participants.

What’s included for swimming and snorkeling?

You get swimming in small hidden beaches and coves, plus water shoes and snorkeling goggles. The tour also includes guide explanations and optional cliff jumping.

Do I need to bring swim gear?

Yes. You should wear or bring a swimsuit, plus sunscreen and comfortable shoes for rocky paths. The tour notes you should also bring water and beachwear.

Is cliff jumping required?

No. Cliff jumping is optional, so you can choose whether to participate.

Is public transportation available?

Yes. Bus L108 departs from Palma’s main station (Estació Intermodal) at 8:50 a.m. (as listed). There is also free parking if you’re driving.