A few hours on a catamaran can do wonders for your Mallorca brain, and this one runs from Port d’Alcúdia into sheltered coves. I like that you’re not stuck on one long stretch of water, you get multiple swim stops and real time to snorkel, splash, and soak up sun. I also like that the BBQ lunch on board is built into the ride, so you can eat without hunting for a restaurant.

The day is set up for relaxation, not a nonstop party. The one thing to watch is that conditions control the exact route and stop timing, and if you booked specifically for Cap de Formentor as a named stop, you should think in terms of views from the water rather than a guaranteed land landing.

Key things to know before you go

• Anacaona catamaran plus real time in the water at secluded coves
• BBQ lunch or dinner on board, with pasta salad, bread, and fruit
• Snorkeling and water toys are part of the experience during the longest stop
• Formentor is about sea views, not necessarily a dedicated stop
• Limited included drinks at meal time, extra drinks are sold onboard
• Big group for a catamaran day, with a max of 110 people

Sailing from Port d’Alcúdia, then letting the day unfold

This is a classic northern Mallorca format: you start in Port d’Alcúdia, then spend your half-day cruising along the coast toward quieter anchor spots. The catamaran used here is the Anacaona, and you’re going out with a crew that keeps things moving, from boarding to simple safety guidance and then to getting you into the water at the right times.

Why this works well for most visitors: it trades effort for ease. You do not need to plan hikes, figure out bus connections, or rent a car for day-long beach hopping. You show up, get on board, and the coastline does the entertaining.

One more practical thing I appreciate: the meeting point is right on the Passeig Marítim (Passeig Marítim, 18, 07400 Alcúdia). The tour notes say it is near public transportation, which matters if you are not driving.

Your route and what each stop really feels like

Stop 1: Transports Maritims BRISA, and getting comfortable fast

The tour begins with a short call at Transports Maritims BRISA, then you’re out into the bay. This early step is mostly about logistics and timing. The upside is you’re not thrown into chaos right away, and once the catamaran is set, the rest of the day feels smoother.

Stop 2: Platja des Coll Baix, a secluded cove moment

Next comes Platja des Coll Baix, a small, tucked-away beach cove. The key detail for your expectations: this is not the kind of place you casually wander to from a parking lot. It is hard to reach on foot or by car, so from the water it feels more private and scenic.

You get about 20 minutes here. That is enough time for a quick swim, a short snorkel session, and some sunbathing before the catamaran pulls up anchors again.

What to expect: with only 20 minutes, you want to be ready to move. If you are the kind of person who needs a long settling-in phase, arrive prepared with your swimsuit already on, and keep your towel and sunscreen handy.

Stop 3: Cala Murta area, the big lunch stop with gear included

This is the heart of the day. After getting to the Bay of Pollensa area, the tour anchors for its longest stretch at Cala Murta (the day’s description also references another nearby cove by name). While the crew prepares BBQ lunch or dinner on board, you get your main window for swimming.

Here’s what makes this stop valuable for you:

• Snorkel equipment is available and intended for guest use (the info says no extra charge)
• Kayaks and paddle boards are carried by the catamaran and can be used
• You can also swim near the boat and lounge on the nets and benches

Duration is about 1 hour 30 minutes, which is a comfortable rhythm. You can do one swim, switch to snorkeling, then come back and eat without feeling rushed.

The BBQ lunch, what’s actually served

When lunch happens on board, you are not picking from a menu at a table. You’re getting what the catamaran barbecues and plates up.

The included meal is described as:

• Grilled meats (chicken, pork, sausages)
• Fresh pasta salad made with mallorcan tomatoes and vegetables
• Bread
• Seasonal fruit for dessert
• 2 drinks during the meal (orange, water, sangria)

A couple of small but real-world considerations:

• If you are vegetarian, your included options are mainly the pasta salad, bread, and fruit. One review specifically suggested that vegetarians should be considered, so it is smart to plan around the idea that the BBQ is meat-focused.
• The bar stays available after the meal, but extra drinks are not included.

Also, one tip from experience on days like this: if you have strong preferences (like avoiding alcohol), you can still enjoy the included drinks, and then switch to water for the rest of the cruise.

Aucanada Beach and the lighthouse photo moment

After lunch, the itinerary includes a short stop by Aucanada Beach and its lighthouse. This one is brief, about 20 minutes, and it is mainly for a quick cool-off and photos.

This stop is nice because it breaks up the afternoon. If you are the type who enjoys a lighthouse shot, you can get it without committing to another long swim slot.

Formentor views from the catamaran, not necessarily a land stop

The day is set up to give you views of the Formentor beach from the catamaran. Here’s the honest way to think about it: you are going to see that part of the coast from the water, but whether you reach specific named Formentor stops can depend on conditions.

This matters because some people book with one mental picture in mind. If your dream is a guaranteed Cap de Formentor land moment, treat this tour as a coastal cruising experience with coastal viewpoints, not a promise of a specific Formentor landing.

Port d’Alcúdia, the return and the long cruising feel

The tour ends back at the meeting point in Port d’Alcúdia. The itinerary description includes 2 hours 45 minutes for the final portion, which suggests a longer return phase where you can just relax and take in the coastline.

That return time is worth it if you like watching the coast shift in color as the light changes. It is also when you have the best chance to dry off and reorganize your belongings before you disembark.

The Anacaona experience: what you’ll notice on board

The vibe is calm, even when the boat is full

This is not marketed as a party cruise. Some people do want the sails up for that postcard look, and wind and conditions can affect how often you see that. If your dream is constant sail power, keep in mind that the crew’s first job is safety and timing.

On the plus side, many reviews highlight a calm, relaxing tone, friendly crew members, and smooth loading and unloading. There is also a good mix of ages, which helps keep the atmosphere from feeling like a single crowd type.

Equipment and water access

You get the most action at the lunch stop, where swimming and use of snorkel gear, kayaks, and paddle boards are the focus. Most days, it is a straightforward way to enjoy the sea without booking separate activities.

One practical note from real-world experience: when boats are busy, gear access can sometimes feel stretched. If you are traveling with your own snorkel setup, bringing it is never a bad idea.

Space and crowding

The tour maxes at 110 travelers. That is not tiny. Expect to share deck space, and plan to keep your expectations flexible, especially for peak swim slots when everyone wants the same 10 minutes to jump in.

If you hate crowds, a smaller boat might be a better match. If you can handle a lively group as long as the coves are beautiful, you’ll likely be happy with this format.

Food and drinks: BBQ value vs real expectations

For $86.51 per person for a roughly 5-hour catamaran day, the value is in two places: you get (1) the boat and cruising, and (2) an included cooked meal plus time in the water.

Here is the tradeoff: the BBQ is included, but the extra drinks are sold onboard. The included drinks are limited to two per person during the meal (orange, water, sangria). After that, you’re back to the bar.

I think the meal is a big reason people rate this so well. It is not just snacks. It is a proper lunch served on the water with hot food and fruit afterward. If you are hungry after swimming, that timing is spot on.

Who this tour is best for

This catamaran day fits best if you want:

• a low-effort way to see multiple Mallorca coves from the water
• swimming and snorkeling time without hauling gear around
• an included BBQ that saves money compared with buying lunch on land

It is also a good fit for:

• couples who want romance without planning
• families where kids can burn energy in the water
• groups celebrating birthdays or events, since the vibe is social but not chaotic

I would consider alternatives if:

• you mainly want a serious Formentor land excursion
• you hate any crowding on boats
• you require a wide vegetarian menu beyond pasta salad, bread, and fruit

Price and value: is $86.51 a fair deal?

For this price, you are paying for a full seaworthy half-day, with included cooked lunch and access to on-board water gear during the main anchoring stop. In many places, a boat cruise plus lunch costs more than what you see here, especially when swimming stops and time on the water are included.

The real value question is not whether it is cheap. It is whether it replaces several separate costs. If you would otherwise rent a car, pay for parking, buy lunch, and still only visit a couple of beaches, the catamaran layout can be a bargain.

Where cost can feel less attractive is if you end up expecting one specific headline destination stop that the day does not deliver due to conditions. The experience is at its best when you embrace it as a coastal cruising and swimming day.

Getting there on time: the one logistics challenge to plan for

Most days, the meeting point is straightforward at the marina. But I strongly recommend you build in extra buffer time if you are arriving from elsewhere, especially from cruise schedules.

One thing that comes up in the real world is that GPS routing can land you at a spot with multiple tour boats and similar names. The fix is simple: arrive early, confirm you are boarding the Anacaona, and ask staff if you are unsure. It is better to ask once than to miss your departure.

If you are coming by taxi from a cruise port or a hotel far from Alcúdia, do yourself a favor and check your route the day before.

Weather, wind, and how flexible you should be

This experience depends on weather. The tour can change timing or stops for wind and safety reasons. That is not a reason to panic, it is a reason to be open-minded.

If the sea is a little rough, you might feel it more during the water entry and exit. The best mindset is: wear your swimming shoes if you have them, take your time stepping into the water, and let the crew handle the flow.

Should you book this Mallorca catamaran with BBQ?

Book it if you want:

• a simple, satisfying half-day on the water
• multiple swim chances in coves you probably would not reach on your own
• included BBQ lunch with sangria and fruit afterward
• on-board fun gear like snorkels, kayaks, and paddle boards (with the biggest activity window at the lunch stop)

Skip it or pick a different style of tour if:

• you need a specific land visit to Cap de Formentor
• you are very sensitive to crowds on boats
• you are strict about vegetarian meal options beyond what is described

My bottom line: this is a solid value catamaran day from Alcúdia. If you show up ready to swim and eat on board, you’ll come away with the kind of Mallorca day that feels more like freedom than a checklist.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

It runs for about 5 hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Passeig Marítim, 18, 07400 Alcúdia, Illes Balears, Spain.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You get a BBQ lunch or dinner with pasta salad, bread, fresh fruit, and two included drinks during the meal.

What drinks are included?

During the meal you get orange, water, and sangria (2 drinks included per person during lunch time, based on the tour details).

Are snorkeling and water activities included?

The long stop includes time to snorkel and swim, and the catamaran carries snorkeling equipment and water toys like kayaks and paddle boards. The tour info indicates these are included with the stops.

Does the tour include extra drinks all day?

No. Extra drinks are available for purchase at the bar onboard.

Will you stop at Formentor beach?

You are scheduled to enjoy views of Formentor beach from the catamaran, and the exact itinerary can change based on wind, time, or weather.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen and a photo camera. You should also be ready for swim time.

Can I use the bar and buy more drinks?

Yes, you can purchase drinks at the bar onboard throughout the day.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, based on local start time. The experience requires good weather and may be rescheduled or refunded if canceled due to poor weather or minimum traveler requirements.