Formentor looks better from the sea. This 6-hour day sail from Bonaire puts you on the water in Majorca’s north, with time to steer a 14m yacht and reach bays that feel calm because you can only get there by boat. The Cap de Formentor route is scenic, but the real appeal is what you do along the way: swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on an uncrowded anchorage.

What I like most is the chance to take the helm. The skipper shows you how sailing works, so you’re not just sitting and watching—you’re involved in a way that makes the day feel like an experience, not a ride. I also love the onboard homemade tapas and open bar, which keeps things sociable and easy while you’re enjoying the sea.

One thing to consider: this is real sailing, and wind can make the ride a bit choppy. There’s limited shade on the water too, so if you’re sun-sensitive or sea-sick prone, plan for it with the right prep.

Key Highlights That Make This Sail Worth It

• Small-group yacht time on a 14m sailing boat, not a crowded day-trip setup
• Cap de Formentor scenery with a long stretch of open-water sailing
• Cala Figuera anchorage by boat only, so it’s quieter and more relaxing
• Steering practice with the skipper teaching you as you go
• Snorkeling + SUP included, so you get more than one type of water time
• Home-cooked tapas and drinks onboard, turning the day into a full outing

Setting Off From Bonaire Near Alcúdia: The Easy Start to a Wild Coast

The day begins in the Bonaire area near Alcúdia, in the bay of Pollença. That matters because you’re not spending your morning stuck in a car trying to reach the most dramatic shoreline. You get on the water fast, and from there the north coast starts doing what it does best: show off.

Meeting point details can vary depending on the option you book, and you’ll return to a drop-off point at Camí Vell de la Victòria, 19. Pickup or drop-off at your accommodation isn’t included, so I recommend planning to be on time at the meeting point you select. If you’re staying around Pollença or Alcúdia, you’ll likely find this start point pretty convenient.

The vibe is also part of the value. This is a small-group sail, with the rhythm of a real sailing day—hand you a task, show you something, then let you enjoy the views. You’re not herded from stop to stop. You’re living on the boat for the day, with breaks that actually feel like breaks.

Cap de Formentor: What You’re Really Paying For—Wind, Views, and Control

The main “big ticket” stretch happens as you sail around Cap de Formentor with about two hours of scenic cruising. This is the portion where the north coast looks dramatic even from a distance, and being on a sailboat adds something you don’t get on a speedier option: motion that comes from the wind.

If you’ve ever wondered what sailing actually feels like, this is the part that answers the question. The skipper doesn’t just point. They show you how it works. You may get the chance to take the helm, and even if you don’t manage every single step, you’ll understand what’s happening—how the sails and wind drive the boat and why small changes matter. That makes the views more meaningful, because you’re seeing the coast and learning the mechanics behind the experience.

A practical heads-up from the way the wind can influence things: your comfort level depends on weather. One of the best things about this tour is that the crew adapts when conditions shift, instead of forcing the plan no matter what. On a windy day, you might not make every outside stretch exactly as expected, but you can still end up with a good anchorage and time to swim. Just treat this as sailing, not a calm lake cruise.

Cala Figuera (Formentor): Swimming, Snorkeling, and the Quiet That Feels Like a Secret

Cala Figuera is the heart of the day. After the sailing leg, you get a longer break—about two hours—where the focus turns to water time and food. This is where the “by boat only” factor really earns its keep.

Because the anchorage can only be reached by water, it tends to feel calmer than shore-access spots packed with day-trippers. You’re not constantly dodging crowds. You’re anchored, the boat’s rocking gently, and you can swim without feeling like you’re in someone’s queue.

During the break, you can expect:

• Time to swim in clear water
• Snorkeling with included masks (so you don’t have to remember gear)
• Marine life viewing while you’re in the shallows
• An onboard meal period with tapas and drinks
• Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) with included setup

This combination is smart. Many sailing tours give you one option—usually a swim—and call it done. Here, you get multiple ways to enjoy the water: snorkel if you want to look around, SUP if you want movement and a view from above the surface, and pure floating if you just want the day to slow down.

The food and drinks fit the setting

The onboard plan includes homemade tapas plus an open bar. Drinks listed include wine, sekt, beer, and soft drinks (and water). You’ll also find coffee available during the break. The point isn’t fine-dining formality—it’s that you get to eat and drink without leaving the water.

If you like a fun extra moment, you might even find that the crew brings a floating cocktail stop on some days (one example was a strawberry mojito). Since that’s not guaranteed, treat it as a bonus, not the main event.

Shade and sun: plan your comfort

One practical thing I’d take seriously is shade. There’s limited shade on open water, so sunscreen isn’t optional. Bring it, reapply if you’re out in the sun, and plan your timing—snorkel early, then take a longer food break when the sun climbs.

Steering, Snorkeling, and Being Part of the Day (Not Just a Passenger)

This is a “do things” sail. You’re not limited to sitting by the rail and hoping the captain points out a dolphin. The skipper teaches you how to sail the yacht, and that changes how the day feels.

Even if you’re not confident with boats, steering is usually doable in a hands-on, guided way. The payoff is huge: when you recognize what you’re controlling, the coast and shoreline become a moving “course,” not a postcard you watched drift by.

It’s also nice that the included gear removes friction. You don’t have to hunt for snorkeling masks or decide whether SUP is worth the extra rental. If you want to snorkel, you can snorkel. If you want to stand up and paddle for a bit, you can.

Who this fits best

This sail works well if you:

• Want a north Majorca day without hotel-to-hotel transfers
• Like active leisure (swim/snorkel) but still want relaxation
• Enjoy small-group settings where the skipper can actually teach
• Want a change from beaches that are mostly “walk in, swim, walk out”

It also makes sense for couples who want something memorable. The tour can be a good chance for a proposal, which is the kind of detail that tells me the crew understands romance and pacing—not just checklists.

The Badia de Pollença Leg: More Sailing, Less Rush

After Cala Figuera, you get another sailing stretch of about two hours. This is the quieter “second act,” where you settle back into the rhythm of the boat. In practice, this is where you can catch your breath after being in and out of the water.

This leg also helps you get value out of the time you’ve spent already. If the day were only a short sail plus one swim stop, it would feel like you spent half your day in transit. Here, the sailing itself takes up a big chunk, so you come away feeling like you were actually on a sailboat for most of the experience—not just visiting the coast from it.

And since the group is small, you tend to get a more comfortable flow: you’re not stuck waiting your turn for the ladder or elbowing for a spot near the sun.

Price and Value: Why $194 Can Feel Reasonable Here

At $194 per person for a 6-hour sailing day, the price can look steep at first glance—until you break down what’s included.

You’re getting:

• A small-group sailing experience on a 14m yacht
• A skipper
• Insurance (included)
• Homemade tapas
• Drinks including wine, sekt, beer, soft drinks, plus water
• Coffee during the break period
• Snorkeling masks and SUP included

That combination is the key. If you priced out food, drinks, and boat time separately, you’d likely find you’re paying for the yacht and crew, with the rest turning the day into an all-in-one package. For many people, that’s the difference between a “nice activity” and a day you actually remember—because there’s no constant spending and no “what now?” downtime.

Is it a bargain? Not exactly. But it’s also not just sightseeing. You’re paying for access to remote water-only stops, plus hands-on sailing time, plus the included water activities and open bar.

Practical Tips: How to Have a Smooth Day on the Water

If you want this day to feel effortless, prep in the simple ways that matter most:

1) Sunscreen and sunglasses

Even if you like to shade up on boats, you’ll still spend time out in the sun. Limited shade means you should treat sun protection as part of the equipment list, not an afterthought.

2) Pack the basics

Bring swimwear and a towel. Sunglasses help too, and sunscreen is essential. If you wear any snorkeling gear besides masks (like a prescription mask), plan for it yourself since only the mask is mentioned as included.

3) Expect real sailing

This isn’t a motor-and-audio tour. Wind drives the experience. If you’re sea-sick prone, consider bringing your usual remedy before you go, and plan your seating accordingly.

4) Bring a little flexibility for conditions

If weather is too bad, the tour may change to another date. On windier days, the crew may adjust where you anchor and what you can access outside—then focus on giving you a quiet, swim-friendly cove.

5) Respect the simple rules

Smoking isn’t allowed. If you’re traveling with others, keep that in mind so nobody feels surprised onboard.

Should You Book This Day Sail From Bonaire to Formentor?

If your ideal Majorca day is part coast-hopping, part water play, and part “I want to do something on a boat,” I think this is a strong choice. It’s especially worth it if you want the Cap de Formentor stretch plus an anchorage stop where you can swim and snorkel, without the crowds you get on shore.

Book it if:

• You like active but relaxing travel
• You want included tapas, drinks, and water gear
• You’re comfortable with a sailboat ride where wind can change the pace

Skip it if:

• You only want calm, controlled conditions
• You’d feel miserable without heavy shade
• You need accommodation pickup, since that isn’t included

FAQ

Where does the sailing tour depart from?

The tour departs from the Bonaire area near Alcúdia in the bay of Pollença. The exact meeting point can vary depending on the option booked, and you’ll also use the listed drop-off location after the sail.

How long is the sailing experience?

The duration is 6 hours.

What’s included onboard during the tour?

The tour includes a skipper, insurance, homemade tapas, and drinks such as wine, sekt, beer, soft drinks, and water. Coffee is also part of the onboard offering during the break.

Can I swim and snorkel during the stops?

Yes. There’s swimming time and snorkeling time during the Cala Figuera stop, with snorkeling masks included.

Are stand-up paddleboards included?

Yes. SUP is included for use during the Cala Figuera break.

Is there an option for a private tour?

Yes. Private or small-group options are available.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

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