Formentor is all about sea views. This 4-hour sightseeing cruise from Port Alcúdia keeps you moving along Mallorca’s north coast, with famous shoreline stops and one proper swim break at Formentor Beach.

I especially like the relaxed pace: you get long stretches of coastal sightseeing time without planning buses or parking. I also like that the trip is built around actual moments, not just pass-by photos—a swim stop and multiple scenic lookouts from the water.

One thing to consider: the experience can feel crowded on busy departures, and the lighthouse may be only briefly visible from the boat depending on timing and where you’re standing on deck.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• Port-to-Formentor cruise in about four hours, with time carved out for sightseeing and a beach break
• Formentor Beach break is the main swim window, giving you a real chance to get in the water
• Coastal bays along the way, including Aucanada, Coll Baix, and Cap des Pinar
• Brief lighthouse viewing near Cap de Formentor, so don’t count on a long, close-up look
• Deck crowding can happen, so plan to shift positions during busy moments
• Bring sunscreen and comfy clothes, since you’ll be on open deck more than you might expect

Why This Formentor Cruise Feels Worth It

If you only know Formentor from postcards, a boat trip changes the whole picture. From the sea, the cliffs, coves, and long stretches of shoreline read like one connected story. You don’t have to hop between viewpoints, and you get to enjoy the trip itself as part of the destination.

You’ll love that the itinerary mixes motion with pauses. You spend enough time out on the water to appreciate the coastline, then you get a genuine break for swimming rather than a quick dip and back aboard. That balance matters when you’re trying to get value from a short Mallorca stay.

The route is also a smart choice if you’d rather avoid the hassle of timing cars and finding parking near the most popular spots. This is a simple “get on, look out, swim, return” outing, which is exactly how I like day trips to feel.

Starting at Alcúdia Sea Trips (TM Brisa): What the First Steps Look Like

The meeting point is at the boat kiosk of Alcudia Sea Trips | Transportes Marítimos BRISA on the Passeig Marítim, 07410 Puerto Alcúdia, Illes Balears. The trip starts from the port area, so you’re already in the right neighborhood for a morning stroll if you arrive early.

Plan on being ready to board when your group is called. This matters because the boat can get very full on some departures—one passenger noted that the upper deck was already fully packed when they boarded in Alcúdia. If you care about having a good viewing spot, arrive with a little extra buffer and don’t leave it to the last second.

Once you’re on board, you’ll settle into the rhythm of a sea cruise: move to the side of the deck for views, then come back to your spot when the boat turns. It’s not complicated, but the flow is easiest when you think in terms of deck time rather than “sit in one place for four hours” time.

The Coastal Run-Up: Coll Baix, Aucanada, and Cap des Pinar

The first major scenic section focuses on the Platja del Coll Baix area, with a 40-minute boat cruise there. This is where you start collecting the visuals: cliff lines, small bays, and that Mallorca coastline look that’s hard to get any other way without driving.

As you continue along the north coast, the route is described as passing several standout places, including Aucanada, Coll Baix beach, and Cap des Pinar. You’ll also have a 25-minute sightseeing segment labeled around the Balearic Islands area, which is essentially your longer window to scan the shore and settle into the views.

What you should take from this segment is simple: this cruise is designed to show you the waterline and the shape of the coast. You’re not trying to read a town or climb to a viewpoint. You’re watching how the coastline bends, breaks into coves, and opens into wider bays. That’s the “value” here—no effort, just scenery.

The Ferry Segments: Why Part of the Trip Feels Like Travel Time

At two points, the itinerary includes ferry time: one 20-minute ferry segment and later a 45-minute ferry segment. These are not described as long stops for exploring, so mentally treat them as repositioning time.

That might sound boring on paper, but it can be useful. You’re out on the water either way, so you’re still getting sea views. And if you’re the kind of traveler who likes to relax—sunscreen on, water nearby, camera ready—this is the stretch where you can actually do it.

Still, if you hate being on a crowded boat, those travel-only periods can feel longer. One passenger experienced an excursion shift due to a boat issue and spent extra time on a full boat with limited sightseeing. That’s not guaranteed, but it’s a reminder to keep expectations flexible.

Formentor Beach: The Swimming Break That Makes the Tour Click

The best part of this trip for most people is the formenter beach break time of about 1 hour. This is your chance to get in the water at Formentor Bay, which is exactly what the cruise is marketed for.

A swim stop matters because it turns a sightseeing cruise into a day you can physically enjoy. From the deck, you can admire the shoreline; in the water, you experience it. If you want that Mallorca “I actually did something here” feeling, this is the section that delivers it.

Keep practical expectations in mind. The sea and the sun can be intense, and you’ll want time to change posture (stand, walk, swim), not just dip once and rush. Also, bring sunscreen—this one-hour window will fly, and you’ll be out in open daylight before you know it.

Cap de Formentor and the Lighthouse Views: Short Stop, Big Reputation

The itinerary includes a 10-minute sightseeing time at Cap de Formentor, plus additional ferry time around that portion. This is where the famous Formentor lighthouse comes into the story.

Here’s the key: lighthouse views are the kind of thing you’ll notice most if you stand in the right spot and watch when the boat slows or turns. In at least one case, a passenger felt the lighthouse was only visible briefly (they described it as about a minute from far away). That doesn’t mean you’ll get the same experience, but it does explain why timing matters.

So I’d approach this stop like a “capture the moment” opportunity rather than a “stay there and soak it in” moment. If you’re okay with a quick look from the sea, you’ll likely feel satisfied. If you’re expecting a long, close-up lighthouse encounter, adjust your expectations now and you’ll avoid disappointment.

Group Size and Deck Comfort: How to Avoid Feeling Stuck

A repeated theme in the feedback is crowding. One traveler mentioned the boat was very full and that the upper deck was already completely occupied at boarding, forcing them to stay on the middle deck despite excellent weather. Another described a very crowded boat experience that left little time for other activities.

That’s the trade you should understand before paying for a short cruise. A four-hour trip is short, and if the boat feels packed, every minute counts. You can’t control crowd levels, but you can control your behavior:

• Choose a spot strategically and be ready to move when the boat changes direction.
• If you want the best sightlines, keep an eye on where people cluster and avoid blocking views for yourself.
• Dress for sun and breeze. Even when it’s warm, sea air can feel cooler, especially after you’ve been standing in one place.

If you go with the mindset of “this is a boat cruise first,” you’ll cope better with crowd conditions.

Price and Value: Is $34 a Good Deal for 4 Hours?

At $34 per person for a roughly 4-hour experience, you’re not paying for meals, transfers, or a guided walking day. What you are paying for is time on the water plus the specific route focus: coastal sightseeing to Cap de Formentor and a swim stop at Formentor Bay.

That’s reasonable value if you want the north-coast scenery without renting a car or building your own plan. It’s also a fair price if you’re mainly there for the views and the one-hour swim, not for long land excursions.

It becomes less of a value proposition if you’re sensitive to crowded spaces, because you can’t “escape” the boat once you’re aboard. And because the lighthouse section is short, you should be okay with quick photo windows rather than a long viewing session.

I think it’s a good deal for people who prioritize sea time and swimming over on-land exploration.

What’s Included vs. Not: Plan Your Day Around It

This tour includes the scenic boat trip from Port Alcúdia to the Cap de Formentor and Formentor Beach area. It does not include food and drinks, and it also does not include transfer to the port.

That simple list changes how you should plan your day. You’ll want a proper meal before or after, and you might consider snacks or drinks depending on your own preferences (the key point is: they’re not included in the ticket). Also, since there’s no transfer, you’ll need to handle getting to Port Alcúdia on your own.

If you’re building a tight schedule, remember the itinerary is timed. You’re not meant to squeeze in another major activity during the cruise window.

Practical Tips: What to Bring (and How to Use Your Time)

The essentials are straightforward: camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. I’d treat comfortable clothes as more than a comfort thing. On a boat, you’ll stand and move, and you’ll want fabric that handles sun and sea breeze without making you miserable.

A few other practical thoughts that match how this kind of cruise actually feels:

• Expect to spend time on open deck, even if you also sit at times.
• Bring something for sun protection beyond sunscreen if you like (a hat is helpful, even if it’s not listed).
• If you care about photos, be ready when the boat turns toward Cap de Formentor—don’t wait until you feel like it.

Also, watch the clock mentally. With a 1-hour swim break, you don’t have extra time to wander around. Go in, swim or wade, rinse off if you can, and get back before the group leaves.

Who Should Book This Cruise (and Who Might Skip It)

I’d book this if you want a low-effort north-coast highlight and a real beach swim. It’s a good fit for couples, solo travelers, and families who prefer spending time on the water rather than trying to manage a land itinerary.

You might consider skipping or choosing a different style of tour if:

• You’re strongly bothered by crowds on boats.
• You want long time at a single landmark (the Cap de Formentor lighthouse portion is short).
• You expect food and drinks included, because they’re not part of the ticket.

If you’re flexible and just want great sea views plus a swim, this is the kind of outing that can feel like a win.

Should You Book the Alcúdia to Cap de Formentor and Formentor Boat Trip?

Overall, I think you should book if you’re planning around views and swimming and you’re okay with a short, time-boxed approach to the lighthouse area. The pricing makes sense for a 4-hour sea day, and the swim break is the feature that turns this from “nice views” into a memorable stop.

Just keep one reality in mind: boats can run full, and lighthouse visibility can be brief from the water. If you come prepared for that—sunscreen, camera ready, and a plan to move on deck—you’ll likely feel satisfied with what you bought.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

The duration is listed as 4 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at the boat kiosk of Alcudia Sea Trips – Transportes Marítimos BRISA, Passeig Marítim, 07410 Puerto Alcudia, Illes Balears.

What is included in the ticket price?

The ticket includes the scenic boat trip from Port Alcúdia to the Cap de Formentor and Formentor beach area.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is there a swimming stop at Formentor?

Yes. There is a break time of about 1 hour at Formentor beach, described as a swimming stop at Formentor bay.

How much time is spent at Cap de Formentor?

The itinerary includes about 10 minutes of sightseeing at Cap de Formentor.

What places do you pass on the way?

The trip includes views of areas such as Aucanada, Coll Baix beach, and Cap des Pinar along the way.

Is there time on the boat just for sightseeing?

Yes. There are sightseeing segments listed, including a 25-minute sightseeing period.

Is transfer to the port included?

No. Transfer to the port is not included.

What should I bring?

Bring a camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.

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