Alcudia: Boat Trip to Cap de Formentor and Formentor

Formentor looks unreal from the sea. I love the Formentor lighthouse views as you pass the headland, and I really like the Formentor Beach swim break in crystal-clear water. The main drawback to think about is that the Cap de Formentor sightseeing moment is short, and the boat can feel crowded depending on the day and where you land on the decks.

This trip is built for people who want big scenery without the hassle of driving—just sit back and watch Mallorca slide by: rocky points, small coves, and the famous Formentor coastline in daylight. You’ll get a taste of multiple bays along the way, including stops/passes around Aucanada, Coll Baix, and Cap des Pinar.

If you’re the type who wants lots of time on land at the lighthouse area, this isn’t that kind of tour. But if you want photos, sea air, and a proper swim without planning a whole route, it’s a smart use of a half day.

Key highlights worth showing up for

• Formentor lighthouse views from the water, timed as a quick but classic photo moment
• 1-hour break at Formentor Beach, enough time to swim and reset
• Aucanada, Coll Baix, and Cap des Pinar along the coast, so the cruise never feels dead
• Multiple onboard sightseeing segments, including a pass for general scenery viewing
• Short overall duration (4 hours), which fits well into a busy Mallorca day

Why Cap de Formentor by boat feels different than on land

Cap de Formentor is one of those places that gets talked about a lot because it looks dramatic from basically everywhere. What surprised me about this style of trip is how quickly the coastline “makes sense” when you see it from the water. You get to connect the dots: the long, jutting shape of the headland, the way bays open up, and why the lighthouse is such a landmark.

From the boat, you’re not stuck looking at the coast through a windshield. You’re moving alongside it. That matters at Formentor because the vibe is partly about distance and angles—headlands, cliffs, and the tight curve of the shoreline. Even the less-photogenic minutes add up, because you’re always in motion.

And then there’s the payoff: you’re given a real swim break at Formentor Beach. That turns the trip from “just sightseeing” into something more bodily and memorable—cool water, salt on your skin, and that post-swim clarity that makes photos look better.

Price and what you actually get for about $34

At around $34 per person for a 4-hour outing, this is priced like a classic “pay for the ride” experience. The value is that the core cost is the boat itself—roundtrip cruising from Port Alcúdia toward Cap de Formentor and Formentor Beach.

What you should expect not to include: food and drinks, and the listing doesn’t promise any transfer service to the port. So your real “all-in” cost is the ticket plus whatever you plan for on the day (drinks, snacks if you choose, and sunscreen supplies if you forgot them).

Is it worth it? For me, the yes comes down to simplicity. You’re getting a condensed taste of the Formentor area without arranging buses, timing rental cars, or worrying about parking. If you’re only in Mallorca for a short time—or you just don’t want to drive twisty roads—this kind of cruise can be an efficient choice.

Meeting in Alcúdia: where to find Alcudia Sea Trips (TM Brisa)

This cruise departs from the port area in Alcúdia, and you meet at the Alcudia Sea Trips kiosk for Transportes Marítimos BRISA.

Go to:

Passeig Marítim, 07410 Puerto Alcúdia, Illes Balears (the boat kiosk area)

Practical tip: arrive early enough to get oriented, because port areas can get busy. You want time to figure out which boarding line fits your group and where the staff are directing people.

Also, since you’ll likely be taking photos at several points, dress for sun and bring the basics. The trip asks for camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes, and those are exactly the items that keep the day smooth.

The first cruise segment: Platja del Coll Baix (about 40 minutes)

One of the best parts of a boat trip is that you don’t just arrive at the “main moment”—you build toward it. You start with cruising and sightseeing, and the tour includes time at Platja del Coll Baix (about 40 minutes in the schedule).

What this means for you: you get a calmer, scenic block early on, before the day’s energy shifts to the swim stop. It’s a chance to settle into the ride, pick your deck spot, and start learning the coastline visually.

Why I like this timing: if the boat is busy (and sometimes it is), earlier segments give you a better shot at getting a view before all the best places fill. If you care about photos, this is when you should be ready to shoot—lighting tends to be favorable when the boat is still moving steadily and you’re not rushed toward the beach.

Balearic Islands sightseeing time: the “watch and breathe” block (about 25 minutes)

After the Coll Baix portion, the schedule includes about 25 minutes of sightseeing connected to the Balearic Islands area.

This isn’t described as a land stop you explore on foot. It’s more like the tour creates a viewing window. From a practical standpoint, you can treat this as your moment to:

• scan the coastlines for the shapes that match what you’ll see around Formentor
• get your bearings for the later lighthouse segment
• relax without needing to make decisions

I find these mid-tour sightseeing windows valuable because they reduce decision fatigue. You’re not constantly asking where to go next; you’re just watching. That’s part of the appeal of a half-day cruise.

Formentor Beach break: your 1-hour reset and swim stop

The centerpiece for many people is the beach time: the tour includes Formentor Beach with a break time of about 1 hour.

Here’s what you should plan for: one hour is enough for a swim, changing your mindset from “watching the coast” to “being in it.” You can also use the time to take photos from shore or simply enjoy the calmer rhythm of the beach.

If you’re tempted to skip the swim because you think you’ll regret not getting more lighthouse time: don’t. This stop is the reason the trip feels like more than a drive-by photo tour. You come away with a memory that isn’t only visual.

One consideration: Formentor Beach time is limited. So if your goal is long beach lounging, this trip may feel short. But if you want a quick swim and a satisfying scenic hit, the 1-hour break is the right size.

Ferry segments and timing: why the ride feels longer than the beach

The schedule includes ferry legs after the beach break and again later as you approach the headland (with additional travel/sailing time). In total, the whole tour lasts 4 hours, even though the beach and sightseeing segments are much shorter than that.

How that affects you: the experience rhythm becomes mostly “on the water,” with a few focused pockets where you can do something specific—photos, viewing, and swimming.

If you’re sensitive to time on a boat, this is the one thing I’d flag early. People who want the lighthouse area to feel like a full land visit may also find that the overall pacing isn’t designed for that. Instead, it’s designed to give you a lot of coast in a short timeframe.

Cap de Formentor sightseeing: quick lighthouse time (about 10 minutes)

Cap de Formentor is famous, and the tour includes a sightseeing stop at Cap de Formentor with about 10 minutes of viewing.

This is where you need to calibrate expectations. Ten minutes is a short window—so you’re getting the classic “see the lighthouse area from the boat” experience rather than a long, on-foot exploration.

What to do with those 10 minutes:

• be photo-ready immediately
• aim to catch the best angles quickly
• don’t count on lingering
• enjoy the view even if you don’t have time for more than quick stops

Some passengers may feel disappointed if they hoped for more time up close. But if you treat it like a fast, iconic photo moment, it makes the tour feel well-paced instead of rushed.

Onboard reality: crowded decks and the best strategy for your seat

One of the clearest practical lessons from real-world conditions is that the boat can be very full, especially on good-weather days. On at least some sailings, passengers found the upper deck fully occupied as they boarded, meaning they ended up on lower seating levels for the day.

So here’s my strategy advice: be ready to board quickly, and have a plan for where you’ll watch from. If the weather is great, the best viewing spots will likely go first.

If you’re traveling with someone who cares a lot about views, decide ahead of time:

• whether you want the easiest access to swim/crew directions
• or whether you’re willing to trade convenience for the best sightlines

The good news: even from a less-perfect deck spot, the coastline is still the star. You’re not buying this ticket for luxury. You’re buying it for the Formentor coastal views and that swim break.

What to bring so the day feels easy

The trip is straightforward, but you’ll enjoy it more with a few basics covered. Bring:

• camera (you’ll want it for Formentor coastline views and the lighthouse angle)
• sunscreen (port-to-headland sun adds up quickly on sea trips)
• comfortable clothes (you’ll be sitting for long stretches and then moving during the beach hour)

Since food and drinks aren’t included, think about your plan for the hours you’ll be away from the port. The safest move is to handle what you need before you board, or make sure you’re okay buying what you want separately.

Who this tour suits best in Mallorca

This is a good match for you if:

• you want big scenery with low effort
• you like the idea of seeing several bays and the headland in one half-day
• you’re excited for a swim stop at Formentor Beach
• you don’t want to deal with driving and parking near the Formentor area

It’s less ideal if:

• you want a long, on-foot lighthouse experience
• you strongly dislike crowded boats
• your perfect day is mostly “beach time” rather than “boat time”

Think of it like this: the tour gives you the highlights in a tight package. It trades slow exploration for momentum and variety.

Should you book this Alcúdia to Cap de Formentor cruise?

I’d book it if you want a simple, scenic way to experience Formentor without building a whole logistics plan. The value at $34 comes from getting a direct boat outing from Port Alcúdia, a chance to swim at Formentor Beach, and quick but classic views toward Cap de Formentor—all in 4 hours.

Pass or consider alternatives if you’re the type who needs lots of time on land at Cap de Formentor, or if you’re very uncomfortable on packed boats. In that case, the short lighthouse viewing and potential crowding can feel like a letdown.

If you go in with the right expectations—sea views first, swim break second, lighthouse moment as a quick photo stop—you’ll probably leave happy and sun-damp, which is kind of the point of Mallorca in the first place.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

The total duration is 4 hours.

Where does the tour start?

You meet at the Alcudia Sea Trips kiosk for Transportes Marítimos BRISA at Passeig Marítim, 07410 Puerto Alcúdia, Illes Balears.

Is there time to swim at Formentor Beach?

Yes. There is a break time of about 1 hour at Formentor Beach.

What’s included in the $34 price?

The included part is the scenic boat trip from Port Alcúdia to the Cap de Formentor and Formentor Beach area.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Do I need to arrange my own transfer to the port?

Transfers to the port are not included, so you should plan your way to the meeting point yourself.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.