REVIEW · MALLORCA
Mallorca Catamaran Cruise with Scenic Views and BBQ Lunch
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Sun on your face, salt in your hair.
This Mallorca catamaran cruise from Port d’Alcúdia is a simple, good-value way to spend a 5-hour stretch of the day floating in clear coves, then eating a proper BBQ lunch on board while you keep moving along the coast. I especially like the way the day is built around real swimming time (short hop stops plus one longer swim stop), and I also like that the crew keeps the day running smoothly with gear on hand and easy access in and out of the water. One thing to consider: the itinerary can shift with wind and weather, and on busier days you may feel the boat is a bit crowded.
You’ll meet at Passeig Marítim, 18 in Alcúdia, then it’s straight onto the Anacaona for scenic sailing in the Bay of Alcúdia. If you want total silence, plan for a small dose of onboard noise (music volume varies by day and mood).
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Getting on the Anacaona in Alcúdia: start simple, start on time
- First swim stop at Platja des Coll Baix: short, secluded, and easy
- Cala d’Engossalba area: the long stop where the day really happens
- What you can do here
- The BBQ lunch on board (what’s actually served)
- Aucanada Beach and lighthouse views: cooling off plus photo time
- Formentor and the last stretch: stunning views without the long hike
- Food, drinks, and the onboard bar: simple meal, easy add-ons
- How crowded does it feel, really? (And why it matters)
- Is it a silent sailing experience or a party cruise?
- Price and value: $86.51 for 5 hours of swimming + BBQ
- Who should book this Mallorca catamaran cruise?
- Quick practical tips so your day goes smoothly
- Should you book the Anacaona cruise from Port d’Alcúdia?
- FAQ
- How long is the Mallorca catamaran cruise from Port d’Alcúdia?
- Where do I meet for the cruise?
- What’s included in the BBQ lunch or dinner?
- What drinks are included during lunch?
- Do they provide snorkeling or kayaking equipment?
- Are there extra drinks available if I want more?
- Can the itinerary change during the day?
- Do I get Formentor beach as a stop on land?
- Can I bring my own food or drinks?
- What should I bring with me?
Key things to know before you go

- One long swim + snorkel stop where BBQ lunch is cooked and served on board
- Coves you can’t easily reach by car or foot, so the catamaran does the work for you
- Kayaks, snorkel gear, and paddle gear available during the longer stop (no extra charge mentioned)
- Formentor as a view, not a shore visit, so set expectations for photos over a beach walk
- BBQ lunch with pasta salad and fruit, plus two included drinks during the meal
Getting on the Anacaona in Alcúdia: start simple, start on time
The day kicks off at Passeig Marítim, 18, 07400 Alcúdia. You’ll board the Anacaona Catamaran at Port d’Alcúdia, and from there the cruise feels built for a relaxed pace rather than a fast “see everything” loop.
You’ll usually get out into the bay without drama, then you’ll anchor and move again. The best mindset here is to show up ready to be outdoors: sunscreen, water time, and camera time. The whole experience depends on weather, so if the sea is choppy, you’ll still get a calm crew approach, but the boat motion may be noticeable.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Mallorca
First swim stop at Platja des Coll Baix: short, secluded, and easy

Your early break takes you to Platja des Coll Baix, a small cove that’s hard to reach over land. That matters because it keeps the vibe calmer than you’ll get at big, easy-access beaches. You don’t need hiking shoes. You just need to be ready to hop in.
This stop is short (about 20 minutes), so treat it like your warm-up swim. It’s a good chance to get your bearings in the water, snap a few photos from the anchored catamaran, and decide how much energy you want to save for the longer mid-day swim and lunch block.
Cala d’Engossalba area: the long stop where the day really happens

After the initial cove break, the cruise heads to the Bay of Pollensa area, around Cala d’Engossalba, where you get the longest time window. This is the stop most people care about, because it’s the one where you can actually stretch out your day.
What you can do here
This is when you’ll see the crew set up for lunch and when the free on-board water fun kicks in. You can:
- Swim near the catamaran
- Use the snorkel equipment (no extra charge stated)
- Try kayaks the boat carries
- Float and relax on the nets and benches
That “nets and benches” detail is more than fluff. It’s what makes catamaran time feel different from a crowded speedboat ride. You can spend time soaking up sun without having to keep a tight schedule.
The BBQ lunch on board (what’s actually served)
While you’re getting your time in the water, the BBQ is prepared and then served on board. The meal is a mix of grilled meats and Mediterranean-style sides:
- Chicken, pork, and sausages grilled on the catamaran’s BBQ
- Fresh pasta salad made with Mallorcan tomatoes and vegetables
- Bread
- Seasonal fruit for dessert
During lunch time, you get two included drinks per person—orange, water, and/or sangria (you’ll get two from that set). After that, there’s a bar service on board where you can buy more drinks.
If you’re the type who needs full control over your diet, take note: the meal is built around grilled meats, and there isn’t a vegetarian entrée listed. I’d plan to eat what’s offered (pasta salad, bread, fruit), or bring an extra snack if that’s your comfort zone.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Mallorca
Aucanada Beach and lighthouse views: cooling off plus photo time

After lunch, the schedule shifts to shorter “see and swim a bit” moments. You’ll make a stop by Aucanada Beach, near the lighthouse, with about 20 minutes to cool off in the water and take photos.
This is the kind of stop where you can either:
- Do one last swim if the sea is calm
- Or stay on board and enjoy the scenery from above
Because it’s brief, I’d avoid planning a big routine here. Think “quick dip and photos,” not “full beach afternoon.”
Formentor and the last stretch: stunning views without the long hike

One of the big visual payoffs is Formentor, but here’s the key expectation to hold: you get views from the catamaran, not a long shore stop. That’s why this part of the day feels more like scenic sailing than a beach excursion.
You’ll also spend time enjoying Port d’Alcúdia views as you head back toward the end of the cruise. If you love photographing coastline lines and lighthouse silhouettes, this is the best window of the day for it—especially with the light later in the afternoon.
And remember: sometimes the exact route and timing shift with wind, time, and safety. The crew adapts so the boat stays safe and comfortable.
Food, drinks, and the onboard bar: simple meal, easy add-ons

The included meal is a classic Mallorca-style boat lunch: grilled items, pasta salad, bread, then fruit. It’s the kind of food that tastes better because it’s eaten outside, with sun and sea air.
What you should know:
- You get two drinks included during the meal
- There’s a bar on board for extra drinks all day
Extra drink prices aren’t listed here, so I’d assume it’s not meant to be bargain-level. Still, it’s convenient: you don’t have to leave the boat to hydrate, and you can pace yourself between swim stops.
Also, the bar is handy if you want something other than the included options. Just keep cash or card habits in mind in case the bar system differs day to day.
How crowded does it feel, really? (And why it matters)

The boat has a maximum capacity of 110 travelers, and catamaran size can change how you feel about crowding. On calmer days, it can feel roomy. On busier days, you’ll feel it—especially when it’s time to gather for lunch, use deck space, or wait your turn near the water access points.
That’s why I recommend this cruise if your priority is:
- Sunbathing
- Swimming in multiple coves
- Easy sightseeing without transport headaches
If you’re looking for total space, this may not be your best match. A smaller boat or a private charter usually solves that. Here, the value comes from packing in enough people to keep the cruise affordable while still giving everyone swim time.
Is it a silent sailing experience or a party cruise?

This one depends on how you interpret onboard music and how the sea is behaving. Some people love the relaxed vibe. Others expect more “sailing under sail” calm than what they experience on the water. The reality is: the main event is swimming and lunch, not a dramatic slow cruise soundtrack.
If you want quiet, bring your expectations down a notch and plan for casual onboard noise. The good news is that the cruise still aims to feel friendly and well managed, and the crew is around to help with practical stuff like water access and gear use.
Price and value: $86.51 for 5 hours of swimming + BBQ
At $86.51 per person for about 5 hours, the value mainly comes from bundling:
- A full catamaran outing from Alcúdia
- Multiple stops for swimming and photo moments
- Snorkel/kayak style water gear available during the longest stop
- A real hot meal (BBQ) plus pasta salad and fruit
- Two included drinks during lunch
The price will feel more reasonable if you compare it to:
- Paying for transport + a beach day
- Then buying food and drinks separately
- Then trying to rent snorkel gear or find an easy water-access option
Where the price can feel steep is if you wanted a specific shore visit (like a long Formentor beach time) instead of views from the water, or if you’re counting on a vegetarian-forward meal.
Who should book this Mallorca catamaran cruise?
You’ll probably love it if you:
- Want a no-driving way to see northern Mallorca’s coastline
- Care more about swimming time than long hikes
- Like the mix of scenic sailing + a cooked-on-board meal
- Want snorkeling or kayak time without extra planning
You might skip it (or bring a backup plan) if you:
- Need a dedicated vegetarian main dish
- Expect a truly quiet, small-group feel every minute
- Want a big shore stop at Formentor rather than coastline views
Quick practical tips so your day goes smoothly
A few small things can make a big difference:
- Bring sunscreen and a photo camera since you’ll be outside for hours
- Bring a mindset for weather changes; the crew adjusts for safety
- If you care about dietary needs, plan for the included BBQ menu and sides, and consider adding a snack
- Bring your own water preferences, but remember the bar is there for extra drinks
Should you book the Anacaona cruise from Port d’Alcúdia?
If your ideal Mallorca day is simple and salty—a catamaran, multiple swim stops, and a hot BBQ meal—this is an easy yes. The route works well for seeing coves without spending the day behind a wheel, and the longest stop gives you real water time plus lunch.
I’d book with the right expectations: you’ll get Formentor views from the boat, not a long beach stop, and your onboard experience will feel more relaxed than fancy. If that matches your travel style, you’re set up for a genuinely good day on the northern coast.
FAQ
How long is the Mallorca catamaran cruise from Port d’Alcúdia?
It runs for about 5 hours.
Where do I meet for the cruise?
The meeting point is Passeig Marítim, 18, 07400 Alcúdia, Illes Balears, Spain.
What’s included in the BBQ lunch or dinner?
Lunch/dinner includes BBQ with grilled meats, pasta salad, bread, fresh fruit, plus drinks during the meal.
What drinks are included during lunch?
Two drinks per person are included during the meal, from orange, water, and sangria.
Do they provide snorkeling or kayaking equipment?
Snorkel equipment and kayaks are available during the longer stop, with no extra charge stated for use on board.
Are there extra drinks available if I want more?
Yes. You can purchase additional drinks at the bar on board all day.
Can the itinerary change during the day?
Yes. The route can change depending on wind, time, and weather/safety reasons.
Do I get Formentor beach as a stop on land?
The experience includes views of Formentor from the catamaran, rather than a long shore stop.
Can I bring my own food or drinks?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks if you wish, though the boat has a bar service too.
What should I bring with me?
Bring suncream (sunscreen) and a photo camera.































