Mallorca Catamaran Cruise with Scenic Views and BBQ Lunch

Swim stops on a catamaran feel unreal. This Mallorca cruise sails the Mediterranean from Port d’Alcúdia on the Anacaona catamaran, with clear-time swimming in quiet coves and a BBQ meal served right on board. I love the mix of scenery and water time, and I love that the long food-and-snorkel stop feels built for hanging out, not rushing. One thing to keep in mind: you’re mainly seeing Formentor from the boat, not doing a full Formentor beach stop.

For $86.51 and about 5 hours, it’s a straightforward way to get multiple swim locations without driving, plus a hot meal and drinks during lunch/dinner. It’s especially good if you want an easy day out that still feels like a real experience. Just expect a day on a boat with real people, real sun, and real questions about where to put your stuff.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Three main swim anchors, including a secluded cove you usually cannot reach easily by land
• The long BBQ stop on board, with snorkel/kayak access built into the time slot
• Formentor views from the sea, even if you are not landing there
• BBQ lunch/dinner plus included drinks, which helps the price feel more fair
• A large, crew-led day at sea, with helpful staff for getting in and out smoothly
• Time-flexing for weather and wind, so the exact order and timing can shift

Port d’Alcúdia is the right starting point for a coast cruise

Port d’Alcúdia is a smart base for a boat day. You get that classic Balearic rhythm: easy harbor access, fast boarding, and then straight into open water with fewer logistics than a land tour.

This cruise also runs in a bay setting where the first minutes matter. You start near the water, not halfway across town. From there, the day is set up for you to spend time on deck, then switch into swim mode when the anchors drop.

Boarding the Anacaona: the 5-hour rhythm (and why it works)

The tour is around 5 hours, give or take, and it is designed as a rotation of travel, swim stops, and one longer meal block. That matters because you are not trying to cram five activities into five minutes.

The boat capacity is listed as a maximum of 110 travelers, and you’ll feel that on peak days. Some days can feel calmer; others can feel busy at the meal stop, since that is when everyone is hungry and ready to cool off again.

Also note this part: the itinerary can change due to wind, time, or safety. That is not a small detail. In the Mediterranean, wind can shift where the crew wants to anchor. If you are booking for the perfect swim cove at the perfect hour, keep a flexible mindset and you’ll enjoy the day more.

Stop 1: the Alcúdia bay setup and quick transition to open water

Your first stop is mainly about getting organized and getting moving. There’s a short boarding/transport-maritime phase (about 5 minutes) tied to the Transports Maritims BRISA area.

Think of this as your breather. Use it to grab sunscreen, lock in your swim gear location, and take a couple photos from the harbor before the coast starts unfolding.

If you’re the type who likes a plan, know this: the real schedule starts once you hit the anchored swim zones.

Stop 2 at Coll Baix: a small cove that feels like you found it by accident

Coll Baix is one of the more special stops because it is described as secluded and hard to reach by foot or car. On a catamaran, that translates to one big advantage: you arrive without a hike and without hunting for parking.

You get about 20 minutes here. That’s a short window, but it’s long enough for the usual sequence—get in, settle your breathing, swim a bit, then float/sunbathe on deck or the nets.

Practical note: this is a great stop if you like calm water moments and you prefer a small, cove feel over a wide, crowded beach.

Cala Murta / Engossalba: the main stop with snorkeling and BBQ

This is the heart of the day. The cruise makes its longest anchor here (about 1 hour 30 minutes). The setting is in the Bay of Pollensa area, and the plan is clear: the crew preps lunch/dinner while you use the water time.

What you can do during the long stop

You are set up for hands-on water time:

• snorkel equipment for exploring near the boat
• kayaks carried on the catamaran
• time to swim near the catamaran or sunbathe onboard

You also see this stop described as the one with the best overall flow: swim first, then food, then back to relaxing.

One more detail that matters in real life: this is also the time when you’ll be tempted to stay in the water longer than planned. That’s fine—just keep an eye on when people are gathering for lunch so you don’t miss the main meal window.

BBQ lunch or dinner: what’s included (and what that means for value)

When the crew is cooking on the catamaran barbecue, you’ll get a meal that includes:

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

Drinks are included during the meal—listed as orange, water, and sangria—with 2 drinks per person during lunch time.

Then there’s the bar service all day long for extra drinks.

Here’s how I think about the value. If you’ve ever paid Mallorca prices for a seaside lunch, you know the food can quietly add up. Having a real hot meal cooked on board, plus included drinks, turns the ticket price from just a “ride” into something closer to a full day out.

A quick heads-up on vegetarian eating

The menu described is meat-based for the BBQ portion. If you eat vegetarian, you should plan around what’s provided in the meal description: pasta salad, bread, and fruit are definitely part of it, while the BBQ meats may not be. If vegetarian is a must, I’d treat this as a you-should-check-first situation.

Stop 4 at Aucanada Beach and the lighthouse photo moment

After lunch, the cruise keeps things simple with a shorter cooling-off stop near Aucanada Beach and by the lighthouse area (about 20 minutes).

This is your photo-and-water break. It works well for people who want one last swim but don’t want another long anchor. It’s also a nice moment for drying off, recharging your phone, and grabbing a couple shots of the coast before the final stretch back.

Formentor beach views from the catamaran: what to expect

The tour includes views of Formentor beach from the catamaran. The key point is that it is described as views from onboard.

That’s good news if you want the perspective and don’t need to step onto the beach. It also explains why this trip can feel different from what some people imagine when they hear Formentor mentioned.

My advice: treat the Formentor part as a bonus view, not as the main event.

Coming back toward Port d’Alcúdia: the last stretch and the best photos

You’ll spend time cruising back toward Port d’Alcúdia, with a longer return window listed (about 2 hours 45 minutes). If the day runs smoothly, this is when you’ll enjoy the slow look-back—the coastline sliding by, the boat settling into a rhythm again, and plenty of chances to take pictures.

This is also a good time to buy or sip extra drinks if you want. The bar is available during the trip, but only the meal drinks are included.

If you’re the kind of person who needs a last swim, you might find you are less motivated here, since you’ve already had the long anchors. Still, it’s a pleasant cooldown while everyone’s full and the sun is doing its end-of-day thing.

Price and value: is $86.51 a good deal for this day out?

For $86.51 per person, you get:

• a roughly 5-hour catamaran trip from Alcúdia
• a BBQ lunch or dinner served on board
• pasta salad, bread, and seasonal fruit
• 2 included drinks during the meal

That’s the value equation. You’re paying for the boat time, the food you would likely buy anyway, and the water stops that would cost time and transportation if you did it by car.

Is it cheap? Not exactly. Is it fair for what you get? In my view, yes—especially if you’re hungry and you plan to have at least a couple drinks with your meal. The included drinks help make the day feel less like you’re being asked to pay for everything twice.

The main “cost” to watch is extra drinks later at the bar. If you’re planning to spend, budget for it. If you’re not, you’ll feel fine sticking to the included meal drinks.

Food quality and the practical reality of eating on a boat

Boat meals can be hit-or-miss. Here, the plan is specific: BBQ cooked on board during the long swim stop, plus a pasta salad and fruit.

The pasta salad matters more than it sounds. It’s a quick carb reset that works well after swimming, and it helps if you get that salty-sea feeling and need something gentle.

Also, the BBQ portion is described as a selection of meats. If your group has mixed diets, plan a simple strategy: everyone should be happy with at least the pasta salad/bread/fruit side, and you may want to confirm the exact BBQ choices for vegetarian needs.

Crowd levels, sound, and the kind of day you will have

This is where you have to set expectations. This tour runs with a boat size that can feel crowded on busier departures. There’s also mixed feedback about how “sailing-silent” the day feels versus more of a party vibe.

Here’s a balanced way to think about it:

• The day is structured for swimming and sunning, not a night club.
• The music level can vary by day and by crowd.
• The vibe can be relaxed or more upbeat, depending on the group mix.

If you want quiet and private, a smaller boat might match you better. If you want friendly energy, multiple swim anchors, and lunch made easy, this one fits.

And yes, the toilets are described as basic but clean. That’s normal on day-trip boats, so treat it as a practical detail, not a deal breaker.

Who should book this Mallorca catamaran with BBQ lunch?

This cruise is a strong match if you:

• want a low-effort way to see multiple coves
• love swimming and snorkeling time
• want lunch/dinner handled without hunting for a restaurant
• enjoy a social day with a crew keeping things moving

It’s also good for birthdays and group celebrations because the boat setup gives everyone shared “moments”—the swims, the food, and the views.

It may be less ideal if:

• you need strong vegetarian-only meal options
• you’re picky about exact Formentor access (this is primarily views)
• you have a very tight schedule and worry about getting to the meeting point on time

Practical tips so your day goes smoothly

A few small moves make a big difference on a catamaran day:

• Bring sunscreen and a hat or light cover. Sun hits fast when you’re out on the water.
• Bring a photo camera (or phone with a strap). The coastline views are a major part of the day.
• Expect the crew to handle anchoring and swim setup, but still keep your stuff organized.
• If you think you may want extra drinks, keep a little cash/card ready for the bar service.
• You’re allowed to bring your own food and drinks, but you’re paying for the included lunch—so think of outside snacks as backup, not the meal plan.

One last tip: since the itinerary can shift with wind and safety, don’t lock your whole day around a single exact minute. Flexibility is what turns a boat day from stressful into fun.

Should you book this Mallorca catamaran with BBQ lunch?

I’d book it if you want an easy Mallorca day that mixes sailing views, multiple swim anchors, and an actual cooked meal without extra hunting. The included BBQ lunch/dinner and the included meal drinks make it feel like more than just transportation.

Before you hit buy, sanity-check two things:

• You’re going for Formentor views, not a guaranteed beach stop there.
• You’re comfortable with a busy day on a larger catamaran, especially around the meal time.

If those fit your style, this is a solid value way to spend a few hours of Mallorca doing what most people come for: sun, sea, and a good lunch with zero driving.

FAQ

How long is the Mallorca catamaran cruise?

It runs for about 5 hours (approx.).

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.

Is lunch or dinner included?

Yes. Lunch or dinner is included, with BBQ plus pasta salad, bread, and fresh fruit.

What drinks are included?

During the meal, 2 drinks are included (orange, water, and sangria).

Are there extra drink options during the rest of the day?

Yes. There is a bar on board where you can purchase additional drinks.

Do you get snorkeling and swimming time?

Yes. The cruise includes swim and snorkeling time during the stops, and you can also swim near the catamaran.

What water activities are available besides swimming?

The catamaran carries snorkel equipment and kayaks, and you can use them during the onboard stops (no extra charge is stated).

Does the itinerary include Formentor?

The plan includes views of Formentor beach from the catamaran.

What should I bring?

Bring suncream and a photo camera. You can also bring your own food and drinks if you wish.

Is the tour dependent on weather?

Yes. It 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.