There’s something about Mallorca’s south-east coast from the water. This RIB boat trip turns you loose on coves, rock formations, and swimming spots like Caló des Moro and the boat-only beach at Cala Màrmols. I love the pace: cruising between sights at speed, then getting real time in the water instead of rushing past everything. I also like the small-group feel, plus the practical extras onboard, like snorkeling equipment and included drinks.

One thing to plan for: the exact swimming stop can shift with the wind. You’ll swim from the boat for about 40 minutes at Caló des Moro or S’Almunia, and if you choose the extended Cala de Moro and Cala Marmols option, the schedule changes so you get time at Cala Màrmols instead of a swim at Caló des Moro.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• South-east Mallorca by RIB: Santanyí-area coves to white-sand stops and wild coastline views
• Real swim time from the boat: typically about 40 minutes at the wind-dependent stop
• Snorkeling gear included: you bring the curiosity, the kit is taken care of
• Caló des Moro and S’Almunia contrast: turquoise water vs. huts and fishermen’s barracks
• Cala Màrmols timing: about 45 minutes at the boat-access-only virgin beach
• Passes by Es Pontàs and Es Bauç: rock formation cave entrance views and old-school maritime quarry cuts

From Cala Figuera: The Pier That Sets the Tone

If you’re staying around Cala Figuera, this tour starts right where you’d hope it would: at the RedstarTours Excursiones office next to the port. The meeting point is simple, and once you’re on the boat, the day turns into pure coastal sightseeing.

You’ll cruise out at speed along the Santanyí coastline, and that matters. Sailing slowly is nice, but RIB speed helps you cover more viewpoints in less time. You also get quick access to places where the water is clear enough for snorkeling. The route leans into the south-east vibe: dramatic shapes, long stretches of sand and rock, and lots of that “why is this water so clean-looking” feeling.

One more practical note: departures can run a little late, and weather can cancel trips. That’s not a “maybe” situation here. If conditions aren’t right, the skipper will prioritize safety and may adjust the itinerary.

The RIB Experience: Speed, Shade, and a Small-Group Feel

This is a small-group RIB boat excursion, and you feel it in the comfort. There’s enough room to move around, and you’re not packed in like a city bus. One review-style detail that keeps coming up in real-world feedback: there’s often shade onboard, which can be a lifesaver in hot months.

The trip duration depends on which option you choose, and you’ll also see a time range for departures. In general terms, you’re looking at roughly 110 to 170 minutes total, with two common excursion lengths depending on the selected route. Either way, it’s long enough to make stops feel meaningful, but short enough that the day doesn’t swallow your whole schedule.

Also, expect “captain logic.” The skipper is the authority onboard, and any itinerary changes or cancellations are made for safety. That’s a good sign, even if it means you don’t get exactly the plan you pictured from the shore.

Santanyí to Es Pontàs: Coves, White Water, and a Cave-Entrance Rock

After a brief speedboat run out, you’ll reach the Santanyí area and start stacking up sights. The first classic marker is Cala Santanyí, where you’ll have a short visit. From there, the route heads toward Es Pontàs, the famous rock formation that forms the ancient entrance to a cave.

This is one of those places where being on the water gives you a totally different sense of scale. From land, you see a landmark. From the boat, you see the geometry of the coast and how the rock sits in relation to the water.

Next, the tour continues past and toward other beach areas, including Cala Llombards for a short stop. Even with limited time on each “photo stop,” the rhythm stays enjoyable: a bit of cruising, a quick hop to look around, then back to the water for the next section.

Passing Es Caló des Macs and the Wild Coastway

Between the bigger named stops, you’ll also get the in-between views that make this route worth doing. The coastline here alternates between small coves and more rugged stretches, so even when you’re not stopping, you’re still seeing something. You’ll pass by es Caló des Macs, and that sort of spot is exactly why a boat tour works better than a drive-and-park day.

I like that this part of the route feels coastal-first, not “stop for five minutes, then repeat.” You’re moving along a section of Mallorca where the water is visually part of the scenery. When you’re on a RIB, you feel the pace, too. If the water is a bit choppy, you can still enjoy it, and the skipper’s job is keeping everyone comfortable and safe.

S’Almunia and Caló des Moro: Pick Your Swim Mood

The heart of the tour is the swim stop. You’ll have the opportunity to swim from the boat at Caló des Moro or S’Almunia, for around 40 minutes, depending on wind direction. This wind-dependent detail is important. Plan to be flexible and treat it like part of the adventure.

Here’s how the two areas feel in context:

Caló des Moro: Clean Turquoise Water

Caló des Moro is highlighted for its consistently clear, clean turquoise-blue waters. That’s the kind of water that makes snorkeling gear feel more like a bonus than a chore. If you’ve ever wished for a beach that looks like a postcard but still feels real, this is the type of place you’ll understand fast from the boat.

S’Almunia: Huts, Fishermen’s Barracks, and Small Caves

S’Almunia brings a different atmosphere. It’s known for typical huts and fishermen’s barracks, and the coastline includes small caves that smugglers used as hiding places. It’s not just pretty scenery. It’s a reminder that this coast was once a work route as well as a hideout route.

If you’re the type who likes both the nature side and the human side of travel, S’Almunia tends to land well. You’ll get water time, plus the sense of why these nooks mattered.

Es Pontàs to Smuggler Caves: Why Those Stops Actually Matter

It’s easy for a boat tour to feel like a series of labels. This one keeps it grounded by linking the natural features to how people used the coast.

As you move along, you’ll also spot es Caló des Macs, then continue toward Es Caló des Moro and S’Almunia, with mention of the small cave areas where smugglers hid. That detail helps you see past the wow factor and notice the structure: caves, coves, and routes that would have offered shelter or cover.

You’ll also go by maritime quarries of Es Bauç, where they cut blocks of sandstone to be transported by sea. If you like geography, this is a small but satisfying piece of “understanding what you’re seeing.” The coast wasn’t just a shoreline. It was a working edge.

Cala Màrmols: Virgin Beach Time From the Boat

If you choose the option that includes Cala de Moro y Cala Marmols, your journey extends to Es Màrmols. This is described as a virgin beach that can only be accessed by boat or via a hiking trail. And crucially for your day: there’s no swim stop in Caló des Moro on this extended option.

That trade-off can be a good one. Cala Màrmols gets about 45 minutes for bathing from the boat, plus time to enjoy the place. You’re not stuck there all day, but you’re there long enough to feel the payoff.

Think of Cala Màrmols as the closer-to-the-edge experience. The water is the main character, and the fact that it’s boat-access-only (or hiking) supports the sense that you’re getting an island corner that isn’t built for casual roaming.

If you’re snorkeling-focused, this stop has the best chance to feel magical, because the beach is tied to the “only reachable by water or foot” character. That usually means calmer, cleaner conditions compared with more accessible beaches.

Drinks, Snorkel Gear, and What Your $44 Really Buys

At around $44 per person, this tour looks like it punches above its price class because the essentials are covered. You get:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Drinks onboard: either one soft drink or one beer
• Insurance and fuel
• A professional skipper

The value isn’t just the items. It’s that you don’t have to plan your own swim gear and logistics. You show up, get in the water, and spend your time where it counts: on the route and at the swim stops.

Also, the tour length is substantial for the price. With durations in the 110–170 minute range (depending on the option), you’re getting multiple stops plus actual swimming time. That’s usually where boat tours either feel worth it or feel like a quick ride with a couple of photos.

Timing, Weather, and the Wind Factor You Can’t Ignore

This is a water trip, so timing and conditions matter. Two key realities:

1) Wind decides the swim stop between Caló des Moro and S’Almunia (about 40 minutes).

2) Weather can cancel departures, and delays can happen.

So your best strategy is simple: keep your schedule flexible. This tour is the kind of activity you build a half-day around, not something you squeeze between two train departures.

If you’re sensitive to choppy water, know that conditions can vary. The good news: the skipper’s job is handling the boat safely in those moments, and people report the experience still feeling well managed when the water gets a little rough.

What You’ll Like Most (and Who This Fits)

You’ll probably enjoy this tour if you:

• want south-east Mallorca by water without planning a route of your own
• like short stopovers paired with time in the water
• care about snorkeling or at least want a gear-supported swim

This also makes a strong choice for a couple, a small group of friends, and anyone who wants a change of pace from beaches you can reach by car. The RIB format keeps the day moving, but the stops still feel like real places, not just names on a map.

If you prefer lots of long explanations on every stop, you might find that the guide info is more limited depending on who’s on board. The tour runs with a live guide in Spanish, Catalan, and English, but the skipper is still the authority for onboard decisions, and communication can vary. The good part: even with less commentary, the sights and swimming remain the main event.

Should You Book This Boat Tour to Cala Marmols & Caló des Moro?

If you want value, time on the water, and a serious swim stop, I’d say yes—especially if Cala Màrmols is on your list. The included snorkeling kit and drinks help it feel practical, not gimmicky.

Pick your option based on what you’re chasing:

• Choose the route that includes Caló des Moro if you want the turquoise swim stop experience.
• Choose Cala de Moro y Cala Marmols if you want the virgin beach feel and you’re okay trading the Moro swim for time at Es Màrmols.

And if your schedule is tight, remember the wind and weather realities. This isn’t a tour you should treat like an appointment carved in stone. It’s a sea day—run by the sea.

FAQ

FAQ

Where do I meet for the boat tour?

Meet at the RedstarTours Excursiones office, right next to the port of Cala Figuera.

How long is the excursion?

The duration is 110 to 170 minutes, depending on the option you select and the starting time.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included with the tour.

Do we get time to swim from the boat?

Yes. You’ll have the opportunity to swim from the boat at Caló des Moro or S’Almunia for about 40 minutes depending on wind. If you choose the option that extends to Cala Màrmols, you’ll have about 45 minutes for bathing at Cala Màrmols and no swim stop in Caló des Moro.

What drinks are included?

The tour includes one soft drink or one beer.

Will the itinerary change during the trip?

It can. The skipper is the authority onboard, and any changes or cancellations will be made to guarantee passenger safety.

What languages are the live guides?

Live tour guidance is available in Spanish, Catalan, and English.

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