Small-group sailing out of Bonaire turns north Mallorca into something you feel, not just see. You get the real Cap de Formentor coastline by boat, plus time to swim and snorkel at remote bays that stay quiet because only yachts can reach them.

Two things I love: the chance to take the helm with the skipper showing you how sailing works, and the relaxed onboard setup—home made tapas with an open bar while you float at anchor. One consideration: if you get motion sick, this is still a sailing day. Strong winds can make it a bit choppy, so come prepared.

Key highlights in plain terms

• 14m yacht, small-group vibe: friendly and not crowded
• Helm time with the skipper: you steer while learning the basics
• Cala Figuera by boat only: quieter anchorage, more swim time
• Snorkeling + SUP included: gear is on board when you need it
• Home tapas and open bar: drinks include wine, sekt, beer, and soft drinks
• Covers the whole north loop: sailing views on the way, not just one stop

From Bonaire to Formentor: why this route feels special

This is the kind of day sail that makes north Mallorca look like it belongs to sailors. You start from the Bonaire area near Alcúdia/Pollença and head out into open water, where the cliffs and coves begin to look bigger and more dramatic. On land, you can admire the views. From the sea, you move through them.

What makes the experience feel different is the combo of sailing time and a serious swim stop. You’re not just cruising past the coast and doing a quick dip. The day is built around reaching a bay—Cala Figuera—that’s remote enough to avoid most beach crowds.

You’ll also get a good rhythm: travel out under sail, anchor for a real break to swim and snorkel, then sail again to finish the loop. The total day runs about 6 hours, with a schedule that keeps you from feeling like you’re waiting around on deck.

The 14m yacht experience: steering lessons without the pressure

The boat is a 14-meter yacht, set up for a smaller group. That matters, because the deck time feels personal. You can actually move around, find a good spot to watch the coastline, and still get hands-on time.

The skipper runs the show, of course—but you can do more than just sit. One of the best parts is that you may take the helm and get shown how to handle the yacht. In a good wind, the sails work in a way you can feel right away: you’ll notice the boat respond when the wind catches the canvas. It’s fun, and it’s also educational.

If you go with someone who loves control and details, this is a win. If you go with someone who just wants calm scenery, it still works because you can keep it low-key: relax on board, watch the water, and let the skipper handle the sailing until you’re ready.

A note on comfort (especially if you’re wind-sensitive)

Even though it’s not described as a speedboat, sailing means you’re at the mercy of the day’s wind. One guest specifically mentioned the trip felt more sail-driven than expected and recommended motion sickness medication if you’re prone to it. If you’re even slightly sensitive, take precautions before you start, not after you feel it.

Also bring sunscreen. Reviews point out there’s limited shade, so you’ll want to protect yourself for the time on open water and deck.

The Cap de Formentor sail: big views, real open water

The morning leg is all about sailing out and rounding Cap de Formentor. This is where the coastline starts to look like a poster—high headlands, long stretches of sea, and that sense of being out beyond where most people can go easily.

You’ll spend about two hours on this first sailing stretch. That gives you enough time to settle in, grab a drink, and get comfortable before the water time. If conditions are good, you’ll likely get the fuller experience of the outside coastline.

If conditions are rough (and winds can change quickly), you might not get as far as you hoped. One review mentioned the wind influenced the plan and the skipper adapted by choosing a quieter cove instead. The important takeaway: the skipper’s job is to keep you safe and still make the day enjoyable.

Cala Figuera (Formentor): the part you’ll remember for the water

This is the star stop. Cala Figuera is where the day shifts from sightseeing to swimming mode.

You’ll anchor in a place reached only by water, which means the vibe is calmer than most public beaches. The idea is simple: fewer distractions, more time in the water, and a slower pace that fits the setting.

Swim, snorkel, and SUP

This stop includes time for:

• Swimming
• Snorkeling (with a mask provided)
• Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) (also included)

The snorkeling kit being on board is a big practical win. You don’t have to hunt down gear or worry about whether it fits. And having SUP included means you can try it even if you don’t own one.

Food and drinks during the break

While you’re at the bay, you’ll get onboard home made tapas plus drinks from the open bar. That matters because it keeps the stop feeling like a full reset, not just a quick swim and back on the boat.

One review also mentioned a floating cocktail visit and recommended the Strawberry Mojito. Even if you’re not chasing a specific drink, the point is that the onboard vibe can be playful, not stiff.

Marine life viewing (and what to watch for)

You’ll have time for marine life viewing, which usually means keeping your eyes open while you’re in snorkel range and moving slowly. Don’t rush it. The best moments tend to be the quiet ones, when you pause and let your breathing and buoyancy settle.

Badia de Pollença: finishing with a calmer sailing leg

After the swim stop, the day continues with more sailing time—about two hours—around the Badia de Pollença. This part is great if you like the sailing side of the day as much as the water breaks.

You’ll still get views while moving, but the energy is more about gliding and soaking in the coastline rather than racing to the next stop. It’s a good way to end without feeling like you’re rushing.

If you enjoyed steering earlier, this leg can feel like a chance to stay in your comfort zone—watching how the boat behaves as the day winds down.

Food and drinks on board: open bar, real tapas, and less hassle

On a day sail, food can go two ways: either it’s minimal, or it’s set up so you actually want to relax. Here, you’re getting home made tapas and drinks (wine, sekt, beer, soft drinks), plus coffee is mentioned during the bay stop.

The real value isn’t only the quantity. It’s that you don’t have to plan a meal stop. You’re already out on the water, and your breaks are built into the schedule.

Drink setup you can actually enjoy

An open bar is only useful if it’s paired with time to enjoy it. Since you’ll be anchored for a solid break at Cala Figuera, drinks fit naturally into the day. You can grab something, eat tapas, then jump back in when you feel like it.

One guest even called out a floating cocktail moment and praised the Strawberry Mojito. That hints at a fun, relaxed atmosphere rather than a strict, checklist-style tour.

What you’ll take home: skills, memories, and a quieter coastline

A big part of why this tour works is that it blends three types of satisfaction.

1) Navigation and steering fun

Getting to steer with the skipper showing you how it works is more memorable than passive sightseeing. You leave with a sense of how sailing changes the boat’s behavior.

2) Time in the water at a reachable-only-by-boat bay

Cala Figuera is calm enough to feel special, and the water time is long enough to actually enjoy swimming and snorkeling, not just dip your feet.

3) A full day structure

Instead of a half-day that feels rushed, this is long enough to settle in. The pacing makes sense: sail, swim, sail.

And yes, it can be a good setting for proposals. The experience description notes that a sailing trip is a nice opportunity to ask in a romantic coastal setting.

Price and value: what $194 really buys you

At $194 per person for a 6-hour small-group sailing day, you’re paying for more than “a boat ride.” You’re paying for:

• A 14m yacht setup that’s built for comfort on the water
• A skipper who teaches you how sailing works, not just drives the boat
• Home made tapas and drinks (open bar plus coffee mentioned)
• Snorkeling gear and SUP included
• Access to a bay like Cala Figuera, where the quiet is part of the product—because it’s reached by water only

If you tried to replicate this yourself, you’d likely spend time and money coordinating a charter, getting gear, and building a day plan that keeps you anchored in the right places. Here, the scheduling is already handled and the onboard extras are included.

So for many people, this price feels fair because the day contains both activity (steering, SUP, snorkeling) and comfort (food, drinks, sailing views).

Who should book this, and who might want to choose another day

This day sail fits best if you want:

• A small-group experience (less crowd pressure)
• Real time on the water—especially for swimming and snorkeling
• A chance to steer while learning the basics
• A low-effort meal-and-drink setup with onboard tapas and an open bar

It might not be the best pick if:

• You’re very sensitive to motion and you usually struggle on boats

Bring motion sickness medication if you’ve had issues before.

• You need a lot of shade and indoor comfort

Sunscreen matters because shade can be limited.

If you’re traveling with kids, the tour can still be fun. One review mentioned sailing with a son and enjoying the moment when wind hit the sails. Just plan ahead for sun protection.

Should you book the Cap de Formentor day sailing tour?

I’d book it if your ideal Mallorca day includes quiet bays, water time, and a sailing element you can participate in—not just watch. The strongest reasons are the Cala Figuera swim stop, the included snorkeling and SUP, and the chance to take the helm with a skipper who makes it feel like an activity, not a lecture.

If you’re worried about wind or motion sickness, don’t cancel the plan blindly. Go in smart: take precautions, bring sunscreen, and keep your expectations flexible. The skipper can adapt the route if conditions change, and that flexibility is part of how the day stays enjoyable.

FAQ

How long is the sailing tour?

The tour runs for about 6 hours.

Where does the tour start?

You depart from the Bonaire area near Alcúdia/Pollença. The listed meeting point address is Camí Vell de la Victòria, 19, and the exact meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

Is pickup or drop-off included?

No. Pickup or drop-off at your accommodation is not included.

What’s included with the trip?

You get a 6-hour sailing trip on a yacht with a skipper and insurance, plus home tapas and drinks (wine, sekt, beer, and soft drinks). Snorkeling masks and SUP are also included.

Can I steer the yacht?

Yes. You can take the helm, and the skipper will show you how to sail the yacht.

What should I bring and wear?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Smoking isn’t allowed on board.