Turquoise water, fast boat, big scenery. On this Cala Figuera ride you trace Mallorca’s south east coast by RIB speedboat, passing famous rock shapes like Es Pontàs and sliding into hidden coves only reached by sea.

What I really like is the focus on clean water and real swim time in places that feel wild, not staged. You also get an easy, small-group format that keeps the day relaxed while still hitting a lot of coastline.

Second, I love that you’re not just cruising. You get snorkeling equipment and time in the water at Caló des Moro or S’Almunia, and you can add the longer option for Cala Màrmols. The one drawback to consider is that the ride can feel rough at times, and you may be swimming in exposed spots depending on wind, so it’s not ideal if you get seasick easily.

Key things to know before you go

• RIB speedboat route along Mallorca’s Santanyí coast, with multiple coves and cave areas
• Snorkeling gear included plus optional swims from the boat
• Swim timing depends on wind, usually around 40 minutes at Caló des Moro or S’Almunia
• Cala Màrmols option adds a longer run and a separate swim window about 45 minutes
• Drinks onboard include one soft drink or one beer
• Short stops for views and photo moments, then real time in the water

Why Cala Figuera sets you up for the best kind of boat day

Cala Figuera is one of those ports that feels properly local. You meet at the RedstarTours Excursiones office on Carrer Verge del Carme, 34, and you’re close enough to the water that the day starts quickly. From there, the plan is simple: point the bow at the coastline and keep moving at cruising speed, so you spend less time waiting and more time seeing.

What makes this launch point smart is the geography. The boat route is centered on Mallorca’s southeast corner around Santanyí, where you get classic limestone coast, sandy inlets, and that “how is this water that color” effect. Even the early stretch is designed for momentum, not hanging around the dock.

The RIB ride: quick, small, and not always smooth

This is a RIB boat excursion, meaning you’ll feel the sea more than on a big ferry. The upside is access. A smaller, faster boat can approach coves closely and work around the shapes of the shoreline in a way larger vessels can’t. You also tend to get a more personal vibe, with a small group and enough space to move around when you’re taking photos or getting ready to snorkel.

The tradeoff is comfort. Some conditions can make the ride bumpy, and that matters if you’re prone to seasickness. One practical tip: if you know you’re sensitive, plan ahead with your usual motion-sickness remedy and keep your gaze on the horizon when waves pick up.

Also, RIB days are sea-close by nature. If the water is splashing, you might get wet during sailing. Bring swim-ready clothes you don’t mind getting salt-stiff and plan to dry off later when you’re back on shore.

Cala Santanyí and Es Pontàs: the first wow stops

The itinerary starts by heading out toward Cala Santanyí. You get a short visit around ten minutes, which is exactly long enough to take in the bay, snap photos, and orient yourself for what’s coming next. It’s not a long land stop, so you’re learning the coast from the water, which is the whole point of this kind of trip.

Then comes Es Pontàs. This is the dramatic rock formation that makes the Santanyí area famous. You get another short visit, again about ten minutes, but the value is how you see it: from the sea, with the waterline doing the talking. From land, Es Pontàs looks like a landmark. From the boat, it looks like part of the shoreline’s architecture, like someone carved a doorway into the coast.

If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys views more than rigid planning, these early segments are a good fit. You’re warming up, checking out the coast, and not feeling rushed into the first swim.

Caló des Macs, Cala Llombards, and sa Cova des Fum: bays and cave country

After Es Pontàs, the route continues along more coves and viewpoints. You pass by Caló des Macs and make time around Cala Llombards. The visit at Cala Llombards is short, about five minutes, and that brevity is intentional: it keeps the day moving so you can reach the deeper “swim and snorkel” parts before the light changes.

A key name here is sa Cova des Fum. This is part of the coastline’s cave scenery, and you don’t need to hike to understand why people love these spots. From the water, caves and rock cuts show up as texture, not just a dot on a map. You get that sense of a coastline shaped by erosion and old human activity.

One small historical layer you’ll appreciate on this tour: s’Almunia is tied to fishermen’s huts and barracks, and later in the day you’ll also see maritime quarries at Es Bauç, where sandstone blocks were cut and transported by sea. Even if you’re not an “history on vacation” person, it helps you read what you’re seeing.

S’Almunia and Caló des Moro: two swims, one flexible plan

Now we get to the part that most people actually remember: the swim stop. You’ll continue toward S’Almunia and Caló des Moro, with stops that let you look at the coastline and then head for the water when conditions allow.

Here’s the practical rule that affects your experience: the boat gives you a chance to swim from the boat in Caló des Moro or in S’Almunia, usually around 40 minutes, depending on wind direction. That means the coast you spent the morning admiring turns into your real break at mid-tour, and the plan shifts slightly based on sea conditions.

Caló des Moro is the one most people chase. You’ll likely recognize it by the classic turquoise look, and it’s often described as especially clean. S’Almunia has a different vibe. It’s more “working coast” feeling, with typical huts and fishermen’s barracks. If you love contrast, this matters. You’re not just seeing two similar beaches, you’re seeing two different slices of coast life.

Also keep in mind how you’ll get in and out. The boat anchors offshore, and you swim back to the boat’s position. That’s fun and efficient, but if you’re not a confident swimmer, tell yourself up front: this is not a shallow-ladder kind of beach day.

The smugglers’ caves vibe around S’Almunia

One of the tour’s more interesting themes is the idea that some caves were used as hiding places by smugglers. You’re not going to see a museum, but you’ll pass by and look at small caves in the S’Almunia area from the water. The coastline itself explains the story. Caves tucked into cliffs are the kind of places that let people vanish from sight quickly.

This is where the boat format really works. If you were hiking or driving, you might miss the smaller cuts and openings that make the coast feel secretive. From a RIB, the coastline is close enough that you can actually notice these details.

If you like travel that feels connected to how people lived, this section gives you that without turning into a lecture.

Cala Màrmols: the longer option’s main payoff

If you choose the option that continues to Cala Màrmols (the itinerary calls it Caló de Moro y Cala Marmols), your day extends so you reach that “only by boat or by hike” beach. The tradeoff is clear: you don’t get a swim stop in Caló des Moro. Instead, you save the water time for Cala Màrmols.

Once you’re there, you get about 45 minutes to take a bath from the boat. The value of that time is how special the location feels. Cala Màrmols is described as virgin beach style, meaning you’re not walking into a crowded resort scene. You’re arriving by sea, looking at the coast from a vantage most people never get.

This stop also tends to be the one that makes people say the day was worth the price. Not because it’s perfect, but because it feels rare.

Es Bauç maritime quarries: sandstone shipped by sea

Between the coves, you’ll pass by an industrial-but-outdoor feature: the maritime quarries of Es Bauç. This is where they cut blocks of sandstone to be transported by sea. It’s a different kind of “Mallorca view,” not all sand and swimmers.

From the boat, you’ll see how the coastline and work sites relate. The shore is not just scenery, it’s part of how materials moved. If you like understanding why places look the way they do, this little detour helps you connect coastline beauty with human use.

Snorkeling gear and what you can expect in the water

Snorkeling equipment is included, and this tour is built so you can actually use it. The practical approach is simple: you swim in calm windows, then snorkel if conditions are right. You should expect clear water in the best moments, and with clear water comes better visibility.

People often mention seeing fish life when they snorkel here, which makes sense in these sheltered coves. But keep your expectations grounded. Visibility changes with wind and water movement, and some days can be choppier, especially during the sailing segments.

If you plan to snorkel seriously, bring your own small towel or quick-dry cloth. After you pull yourself back into a boat, you’ll want something to wipe off saltwater and reduce that “cold wind on wet skin” feeling.

Drinks onboard and comfort on a hot day

Drinks are included: one soft drink or one beer. That’s not a meal, but it’s a real comfort perk because it’s timed for when you’re out on the water and starting to feel that Mallorca heat. You don’t have to ration water or go hunting for a shop.

Comfort-wise, the boat is small and usually has shade available, which helps when the sun is strong. Even with shade, plan for sun exposure. Mallorca does not care about your good intentions. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat if you burn easily.

Also remember: food is not included. If you get hungry, you’ll need to handle it on your own before or after the tour. Many people treat this as a half-to-near-full active outing, so having a plan for a snack on return is wise.

Timing, group vibe, and why the stops feel just right

Duration runs from about 110 to 170 minutes depending on the option. That’s a sweet spot. Long enough to see multiple coast highlights, short enough that you’re back without losing the whole day.

The stops are also built for the way a boat day works:

• You get short anchor-time visits to take in landmarks.
• You get longer swim time when the boat finds the right pocket of water.
• If you pick the longer Cala Màrmols option, your swim time shifts there.

Because departures can experience some delay, and weather can cancel departures, I treat this tour as something that fits best early in a day or on a day where you have flexibility. You’ll enjoy it most when you’re not already committed to a tight schedule right after.

Language support is a plus too. You’ll have a live guide in Spanish, Catalan, or English, and the skipper leads safety decisions. In the same spirit, the team behind RedstarTours has been publicly thanked by name in prior outings, including Isabel and Alex, which hints at a crew that takes care with the experience.

Who should book this Cala Marmols and Caló de Moro RIB tour

Book it if you want a sea-day with:

• Multiple coves in one trip, not just a single beach stop
• Real swim time with a chance to snorkel
• A small-group feel and a route focused on the southeast coast

This is also a great match if you like snorkeling without the logistics of a rental shop or a complicated schedule. The equipment is handled, and the day is timed so you actually get in the water.

Skip it or think twice if:

• You get motion sickness easily. The RIB ride can turn rough depending on sea conditions.
• You’re uncomfortable with deeper anchored swims where you enter and exit from the boat.
• You need full supervision for swimming. The skipper and guide are responsive, but this is still a self-directed swim segment from the boat.

If you’re a non-swimmer or a cautious swimmer, tell yourself you’re going for scenery and coastal time, not a guaranteed calm, shallow beach situation. If you have special requests, it’s smart to note them when you book, especially anything like safety equipment needs.

Should you book this tour?

Yes, if your top priority is the south east coastline from the water, plus a meaningful swim and snorkeling window. The price is reasonable for what you’re getting, especially since snorkeling gear, a drink, insurance, and fuel are included, and the itinerary focuses on real coastal highlights rather than long land drives.

No, if you’re seasick-prone or you want a low-stress, shallow-water swim. This is a sea experience first, comfort second. Choose the option that fits your swim preference, and time your day so weather surprises don’t ruin the rest of your plans.

If you want, tell me when you’re going and whether you prefer the 1 hour 50 minute style or the longer Cala Màrmols option, and I’ll help you pick the better match for your day and comfort level.