A 5-hour catamaran day can change how you see Mallorca. I love the simple formula here, sail the north coast, stop in quiet coves, and make the water your main event. You’ll get BBQ lunch or dinner onboard plus canoes and standup paddleboards, and the crew runs a smooth, relaxed day. One thing to think about first, water toys can be limited at popular times, so you may not get every turn if you arrive late to the swim-and-play zone.

The best part is that the trip is built for real time in the sea, not just passing viewpoints. I also like that the staff keeps you moving through the day with clear timing, so you know when to swim, when to eat, and when to grab a paddle. If you’re counting on snorkeling gear you should plan ahead, because masks are not included and are only listed as available for sale.

Meet at the boat kiosk for Alcudia Sea Trips at Passeig Marítim in Puerto de Alcúdia, then expect a quick, friendly orientation and a boat full of people heading for the same reason, warm water and open sky. If you’re sensitive to sun, bring sunscreen and a cover-up, because you will spend plenty of time on deck.

Key Things I’d Book This For

• North coast coves with multiple swimming stops, including time at very calm, clear-water areas
• BBQ on board (lunch for daytime, dinner for sunset), cooked while you’re in the water
• Canoes and standup paddleboards included, plus plenty of chances to get wet between meals
• Family-friendly access to the sea, with ladders for easier entry than jumping
• A low-stress crew setup, music on board, and an overall easy-going vibe
• Great value at about $80 for 5 hours, especially when you factor in the meal and drinks

North Mallorca From Port d’Alcúdia, Why a Catamaran Works So Well

If Mallorca is on your mind for beaches, a north-coast catamaran trip is one of the fastest ways to see the real personality of the island. This area tends to reward boats, because the best water is often tucked away in coves where you can’t just park and walk down.

A catamaran also changes the feel of the day. You get open deck space for sitting and moving around, and the ride tends to feel more relaxed than you’d expect for a coast cruise. People do sometimes mention a rougher start depending on the day and conditions, but once you’re set for the first swim stop, the rhythm is what you came for, sail, anchor, swim, play, eat, repeat.

I like that the day is structured around being in the water rather than checking off distant sights. You’re not stuck listening to a long lecture. You’re out there doing short, fun breaks in clear sea locations, then coming back to the boat to reset.

Daytime or Sunset: Lunch BBQ vs Dinner BBQ

You get a choice: a daytime experience or a sunset cruise. The big difference is the meal timing and mood.

On the morning or daytime sail, you should expect a BBQ lunch onboard prepared by the crew while you’re enjoying the water. On the sunset version, the crew prepares a BBQ dinner, so the boat feels more like a moving dinner terrace with the coastline fading into golden light.

Either way, the food timing is one of the clever parts. You’re not waiting for hunger to catch up. Lunch or dinner is scheduled right after the cruising and swimming blocks, so you come in warm from the sun, eat, then head back out for more sea time.

The Real Itinerary Is the Water: Swim Stops and What They’re For

The trip is designed around several anchor stops where you can swim and use the onboard water gear. You’ll typically get multiple swimming opportunities, and most people highlight that the stops are long enough to actually enjoy them, not just do a quick dip.

What makes these stops special is the setting. You’re heading along the north coast toward spots known for clear, inviting water. In some sailings, the time gets concentrated around areas near Formentor and Alcanada, which is a nice bonus if you want that “Mallorca postcard” coastline feel without renting a car or guessing where the best beach access is.

Here’s what the water time usually looks like once you’re anchored:

• You get a swim entry setup, including ladders that make it easier for less-confident swimmers or anyone who just doesn’t want to jump.
• You can switch between relaxing and activity, paddleboards or canoes when you want motion, floating and snorkeling when you just want to watch the fish.
• You’ll often have enough time to do something more than one thing, swim first, then paddle, then snorkel goggles.

One practical drawback to note: the onboard water toys are included, but they may not be enough for everyone at once. People have pointed out that there can be fewer kayaks than you’d hope. If you care most about paddleboarding or kayaking specifically, try to be ready right when your stop begins.

Canoes, Paddleboards, and Snorkeling Gear: How to Plan Your Sea Time

The cruise includes canoes and standup paddleboards, and that matters because it turns “swim time” into a real activity block. Even if you don’t feel like you’re athletic, paddleboards give you a calmer way to experience the coves, and canoes make it easy to spend time together as a group.

A few details help you go in with the right expectations:

• The water usually looks clear enough for snorkeling, and people often mention seeing fish.
• Life vests are available if you ask, which is a helpful safety net if someone in your group is not a strong swimmer.
• Snorkeling masks are not included, and they’re listed as available for sale due to COVID-related restrictions. If you already own a mask, bring it. If not, plan to either borrow from your own gear pack or buy one on site if they have them.

If you want the best underwater view without wasting time, bring simple extras like a snug pair of goggles if you have them. It’s not required, but it can help you enjoy snorkeling more quickly once you’re in the water.

The BBQ Lunch or Dinner: What’s Included and What to Watch

The meal is a major part of the value, and it’s also one of the most praised parts of the day. People describe the BBQ as solid, with a variety of meats and sides served onboard, and they like that you’re eating while the boat stays in the swim zone.

What’s included:

• The BBQ lunch or BBQ dinner
• Two drinks during lunch (daytime sailings)
• A bar with other drinks available for purchase during the meal period

Typical menu notes you might see include chicken, steak, sausage, pasta with tomato, and bread. In some cases, there’s enough variety that you can do a full plate even if you don’t want only meat.

Two “pay attention” points:

• Vegetarian options do not sound fully guaranteed. At least one person asked for a vegetarian option and found it limited. If you’re vegetarian or have specific dietary needs, you should report it to the main office before boarding.
• If you have allergies or strong dietary constraints, don’t wing it. The info specifically says dietary restrictions must be reported at the main office before you board.

On the positive side, the crew seems used to making adjustments when they can. One person noted being gluten free and feeling included when the staff helped with suitable items.

Drinks, Music, and the Overall On-Board Vibe

This is not a quiet, silent sailing. It has a social tone. People often mention music on board and an upbeat but relaxed atmosphere.

For drinks, you get a straightforward setup:

• Two drinks during lunch are included
• Additional drinks are available, and people say the bar runs efficiently with a decent choice

If you’re someone who loves having a cocktail, it’s worth knowing that cocktails and some other drinks are typically extra. That’s not a dealbreaker at all, just helps you budget if you plan to treat the day like a vacation bar crawl, but with sea views.

Also, the boat feels designed for hanging out. There’s room to sit and move around, so the day doesn’t feel like being packed into a tiny tour bus. That matters on a 5-hour experience. You’ll feel like you have space to relax between the swim blocks.

Price and Value: Is $80 Worth It?

At around $80 per person for a 5-hour cruise, the value mostly comes from the combination of:

• A full half-day on the water
• An onboard meal (lunch or dinner)
• Included water gear (canoes and paddleboards)
• Drinks included during daytime lunch (2 drinks)

If you’re doing this without paying extra for a beach meal, ferry rides, and rented equipment, it becomes a pretty efficient way to spend a half-day in one of the better areas for sea time.

Could you find cheaper ways to swim? Sure. You can rent a car, drive to the coast, and do it DIY. But DIY doesn’t include a crew cooking BBQ while you swim, it doesn’t include paddleboards and canoes, and it doesn’t guarantee you’ll anchor at a spot with the best sea conditions right when you’re ready.

So I think the fair comparison is not “cheaper beach access.” It’s “all-in water experience with food and gear.” On that scale, $80 starts to make sense, especially for groups or families.

Who Should Book This North Coast Catamaran, and Who Might Skip It

This cruise fits best if you want a mix of scenery and water time with minimal planning. It’s a good choice for:

• Couples who want a relaxed shared day, with a meal and plenty of time in the sea
• Families with kids or teens, especially because the entry ladders and life vests make the experience easier
• Groups of friends who want activities without hauling gear
• Anyone who prefers organized fun to DIY logistics

You might consider a different option if:

• Snorkeling gear matters a lot to you and you don’t want to deal with mask availability. Even though snorkeling is part of the experience, masks are not included.
• You need a guaranteed vegetarian meal. Vegetarian options may be limited, so coordinate dietary requirements early.
• You care most about getting a kayak or paddleboard every single minute. Some people note there may be limited numbers of certain water toys.

Practical Tips for a Smooth 5-Hour Sea Day in Alcúdia

A few simple moves make this day easier from the start.

Get to the meeting point early. You’ll meet your greeter at the boat kiosk for Alcudia Sea Trips – Transportes Marítimos BRISA at Passeig Marítim, 07410 Puerto Alcúdia, Illes Balears. Being early helps you get oriented and choose where you want to sit.

Pack for water first, not just sun. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a camera. Weather-appropriate clothing matters too, because you’ll be on deck and the breeze can feel cool even when the sun is strong.

Bring your own snorkel set if you can. It’s not required in the provided details, but it reduces friction since masks are not included and may only be available for sale.

If you have dietary needs, handle them before boarding. The info is clear that dietary restrictions must be reported at the main office before you get on the boat. If you wait until you’re already onboard, you may have fewer options.

Finally, if you want to feel the day’s tone, pay attention to what the crew is doing at each transition. One person even mentioned appreciating guidance from a crew member named Ciara. When the staff is running the day smoothly, you’ll feel it in the timing, the water access, and how quickly you get from sunbathing to swimming.

Should You Book This Port d’Alcúdia North Coast Catamaran Cruise?

I’d book this if you want a 5-hour, all-in half-day that focuses on the north coast waters, with multiple chances to swim, plus included water toys and a BBQ meal. The value improves a lot when you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or with kids, because the setup removes planning work and keeps the fun moving.

I’d hesitate if you’re picky about vegetarian food, depend on included snorkeling masks, or you’re counting on unlimited turns with kayaks and paddleboards. In those cases, the cruise can still be great, but you should plan around the limitations by bringing your own mask and speaking up early about dietary needs.

If your goal is to spend your Mallorca time where the water looks best, and you want your day delivered with minimal fuss, this is a strong pick.

FAQ

What’s included in the catamaran cruise?

The cruise includes the catamaran ride and crew, plus lunch or dinner, canoes, standup paddleboards, and two drinks during lunch.

How long is the Port d’Alcúdia North Coast catamaran cruise?

The duration is 5 hours.

Do I get lunch or dinner?

You get lunch for the daytime experience and dinner for the sunset experience.

Are snorkeling masks included?

Snorkeling masks are not included. They are listed as available for sale due to COVID restrictions.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring swimwear, a camera, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes, free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.