Alcudia: Caves & Coastline Boat Trip w/ Snorkelling

The best part of this trip is the chance to see Alcudia Bay from the water, then stop in clear coves where you can swim straight from the boat. The caves are the other big draw. Entering them by speedboat gives you a close view that is hard to get from shore.

I like the generous swim time and the cheerful, helpful crew. I also like that snorkel masks are supplied, so you can look for fish without packing extra gear. The main drawback is comfort: several beach pickups can make the boat feel crowded, and the rows between seats are fairly close together.

Key points

• Two swimming stops: You get time to jump into the sea rather than simply cruise past it.
• Cave access by boat: The route includes impressive marine caves, with entry depending on sea conditions.
• Snorkel gear supplied: Masks are available onboard, making the swim stops easy to enjoy.
• Three-and-a-half-hour outing: Long enough for coast views, cave sightseeing, and swimming without taking your whole day.
• Possible route changes: Choppy water can send the boat along an alternative section of coast.
• Several pickup points: Convenient for some parts of Alcudia Bay, but extra pickups can delay the start and reduce seating space.

Alcudia Bay looks best from the water

Puerto de Alcudia is a practical starting point for a boat trip. From the meeting point at the Alcudia Sea Trips kiosk, Transportes Marítimos BRISA on Passeig Marítim, the boat heads out along the bay and toward the island’s east coast.

From the deck, you see a side of Mallorca that is easy to miss from the road. Beaches and coves that look ordinary from land can appear much more dramatic when you approach them from open water. The trip continues toward the municipal district of Artá, with the exact route shaped by sea conditions.

This is a sightseeing trip with a swimming break, not a quiet sailing cruise. The speedboat gives you a brisk ride along the coast, with the engine and spray adding a little excitement. If you want a slow, silent voyage, this is not the right boat. If you want to cover a good stretch of coastline in half a day, the speed works in your favor.

The cave section is the visual highlight

The marine caves give the outing its strongest sense of place. The boat approaches the rocky coast and enters the cave openings when conditions allow. Inside, the light changes, the water looks darker, and the scale of the rock is easier to appreciate from the water.

One larger cave is particularly impressive from the boat. The captain’s maneuvering adds to the show, although I would not expect a long geology talk or an extended visit inside each cave. This is a moving sightseeing stop, not a formal cave tour.

There is also an environmental point worth considering. A boat entering a cave can disturb wildlife, including bats, and one passenger raised that concern. If this matters to you, enjoy the cave views but pay attention to how the crew handles the visit. The route may also change if the sea is too rough. In choppy weather, the boat has taken an alternative route and still provided coastline views, cave scenery, and two swim stops.

That flexibility is useful. You might not get the precise cave route shown in the pictures, but you can still have a worthwhile outing when conditions force a change. The crew’s priority is clearly to keep the trip moving while finding safe water for swimming.

Swimming stops are the heart of the trip

The boat makes two stops for swimming in transparent water. This is where the trip becomes more than a sightseeing ride. You can climb down, cool off, and spend time in the sea rather than simply taking photographs from your seat.

The stops may be at beaches or sheltered coves. The setting changes with the day and the sea, but the purpose remains the same: a refreshing swim in clear Mallorcan water. You can use the supplied snorkel masks to look below the surface for marine life.

I would keep your expectations sensible. This is casual snorkeling from a boat, not a dedicated marine-life expedition. The equipment makes it easy to try, and the clear water can provide good visibility, but the trip does not promise a particular species or a guided underwater tour.

The swimming time appears to be one of the most successful parts of the outing. The crew allows enough time at each stop for a proper swim, rather than rushing everyone back aboard after a few minutes. If swimming is your main reason for booking, this matters more than the exact number of caves you see.

Bring swimwear and sunscreen. A camera is also useful, but protect it carefully around the water. Weather-appropriate clothing helps on the ride back, when wind can make the boat feel cooler even after a sunny swim.

What the speedboat ride feels like

The boat is arranged with rows of seats, and space can feel tight when it is full. The middle and rear rows may not offer much room between passengers. This is a practical boat for carrying a group along the coast, not a private charter with wide lounging areas.

Seat choice can matter. Boarding at Puerto de Alcudia puts you among the first passengers collected, which gives you a better chance of choosing a preferred seat. The boat may then stop at several piers or beach access points around the bay to collect more people.

Those extra pickups make the trip easier to reach from different parts of Alcudia, but they have a cost. You may wait while other passengers board, and the boat can become more crowded as the route continues. One practical suggestion is to use the main port meeting point if you can reach it easily. You may avoid some waiting and have a better choice of seats.

The schedule is generally close to three and a half hours from departure to return. One reported morning departure had an incorrect meeting time in the booking information, with the operator saying passengers did not need to arrive as early as stated. Check the confirmed time carefully before leaving your accommodation, and allow enough time to find the kiosk without adding a last-minute rush.

The crew keeps the mood easy

The crew is a major part of the outing. They help people feel safe during the swim stops, speak multiple languages, and keep the atmosphere light. The return ride can include music and group singing, which gives the trip a playful feel rather than a formal excursion mood.

That tone will suit families and groups of friends. Children can enjoy the speed, cave entrances, and swimming, though you should expect an active boat environment rather than a quiet one. There was also a practical complaint about not having enough child life jackets immediately available, which caused some waiting. If you are traveling with children, ask about the correct life jacket as soon as you board.

The crew also appears willing to adapt when the sea turns rough. Instead of forcing the planned cave route, the boat may use a different section of coast. That does not guarantee the same sights, but it is a sensible response to changing conditions.

Is $57 good value?

At $57 per person, the trip is not the cheapest way to get on the water, but the price covers several useful elements: a scenic speedboat ride, cave sightseeing, two swim stops, and snorkel equipment. You also get three and a half hours, which gives the outing more substance than a short harbor cruise.

The value is strongest if you plan to swim. Paying for a boat trip and then spending most of the time seated would make the price feel less convincing. Here, the swimming is a central part of the route, and the clear water gives you a real reason to bring swimwear rather than simply watch the coast.

The cost is less attractive if you want a very spacious boat, a private setting, or a detailed natural-history presentation. Food and drinks are not included, although drinks may be available onboard. Budget for those separately, and do not expect a meal.

Compared with a cheaper trip, this outing may offer a longer route and more than one swimming opportunity. The several pickup points can be a nuisance, but they also make the boat easier to join from different parts of Alcudia Bay.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would choose this for you if you want a straightforward half-day on the water with three clear goals: see the coast, enter caves, and swim. Families with older children, couples, and friends who enjoy an informal group outing should get the most from it.

It also works well when you want a break from beach lounging. You spend part of the time moving along the coast, part of the time looking into caves, and part of the time in the sea. That mix keeps the day varied.

I would think twice if you have limited mobility. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and getting into the water from a boat requires physical movement. It may also be a poor fit if you dislike speed, close seating, or the possibility of a route change caused by weather.

Photography is worthwhile, but your camera will not replace the swim. The best memories are likely to come from seeing the rocky coast at water level and slipping into a sheltered cove with a mask on.

Practical planning before you go

Meet at the Alcudia Sea Trips boat kiosk operated by Transportes Marítimos BRISA, at Passeig Marítim, 07410 Puerto Alcudia. Transfers to the port are not included, so you need to arrange your own way there.

Allow time to find the exact kiosk and check the departure instructions. Since pickup arrangements and start times can vary, confirm the current meeting time rather than relying on an old schedule.

Pack:

• Swimwear
• Sunscreen
• A camera
• Weather-appropriate clothing

Snorkel equipment is supplied, so you do not need to bring your own mask. Food and drinks are not included. You can cancel without charge up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some flexibility if your plans are still changing.

Should you book the Alcudia coastline trip?

Book it if swimming in clear water matters as much to you as sightseeing. The two swim stops, supplied masks, cave views, and friendly crew make this a well-rounded way to experience Alcudia Bay in three and a half hours.

Skip it if you need lots of personal space, dislike group boats, or want a guaranteed cave route in every kind of weather. I would also avoid it if accessibility is a concern.

For most able-bodied visitors who want an active coastal outing, $57 is a fair price. Go to the main port if you can, arrive ready to swim, and treat the cave route as weather-dependent. That approach gives you the best chance of enjoying what this boat trip does well.

FAQ

How long does the Alcudia boat trip last?

The trip lasts approximately three and a half hours.

Where does the boat trip meet?

Meet at the Alcudia Sea Trips kiosk operated by Transportes Marítimos BRISA on Passeig Marítim, 07410 Puerto Alcudia, Illes Balears.

What coastline does the boat visit?

The boat travels along Alcudia Bay and continues along Mallorca’s east coast toward the municipal district of Artá.

Are swimming stops included?

Yes. The boat stops at beaches or coves where you can swim in clear water. The trip includes two swimming sessions.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel masks are available onboard.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the price. Drinks may be available onboard for an additional cost.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a camera, and clothing suitable for the weather.

Can the route change because of bad weather?

Yes. Choppy sea conditions can lead to an alternative route. The boat may still provide coastline views, cave sightseeing, and swimming stops.

Is the trip suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.