Alcudia: Sightseeing, Sea Caves & Snorkel Speedboat Tour

The north coast of Mallorca turns thrilling fast. I like the mix of high-speed coastal views and two proper swim stops, especially at Coll Baix and Ses Caletes, where the boat reaches places larger vessels cannot. I also like the friendly, upbeat crew, with guides such as Miguel often setting the mood with music, jokes, and careful driving. The main catch is that the ride can be bumpy, and snorkeling gear may need checking before you jump in.

For $76, this is not a quiet sightseeing cruise. It is a three-hour burst of speed, sea air, cliffs, caves, and swimming. You get snorkeling equipment, a cold drink, life vest, and a dry storage area for bags. Still, you should not book it expecting a full guided lesson about every cove. Some passengers wanted clearer explanations of the bays and stops.

Key points to know before booking

• Two swimming stops: The route includes time at Coll Baix and Ses Caletes, with snorkeling equipment provided.
• Fast RIB boat: The small rigid inflatable boat can reach coves and caves that larger sightseeing boats cannot.
• Music is part of the fun: The playlist adds a party feel, and the crew may let you choose songs.
• The ride can get rough: You are meant to stay dry, but wind, waves, and sharp turns can cause splashes.
• Miguel gets frequent praise: His friendly energy, safety briefing, and good humor add a lot to the outing.
• Best for active visitors: Children under eight, pregnant women, people with back problems, and people with mobility impairments cannot join.

A fast start from Alcudiamar Marina

You meet the crew in front of Gate 5 at Alcudiamar Marina. Staff usually collect you five to ten minutes before departure, so arrive early enough to find the gate without a last-minute dash along the waterfront.

There is space to store backpacks and luggage, but large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed. Bring only what you need for the water: swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, and drinking water. A cold beverage is included, but food is not.

Before departure, you receive a life vest and a safety briefing. This matters because the boat is built for speed, not for a gentle harbor cruise. The crew’s safety focus comes through in the feedback, with several people describing the ride as exciting but secure, even when the sea was choppy.

The first minutes take you past Alcudia’s marina, where yachts give way to open water. From here, you get a fresh view of the northern Mallorcan coast. The music begins early, and the mood is more lively than formal. You may sing along, laugh with the group, or simply hold on and watch the shoreline slide past.

Aucanada and the first coastal views

Aucanada Island is one of the first sights on the route. The boat passes by rather than stopping, so think of this as a quick scenic introduction. You have enough time to take in the coast, but not enough for a detailed visit.

That brief stop-and-look approach continues throughout the trip. The speedboat covers a good stretch of coast in three hours, but the price of that range is limited time at some sights. You see more shoreline than you would from a single-cove trip, though you will not receive a long talk at every viewpoint.

The boat’s small size is useful here. It can turn and move close to rock formations in ways a large excursion vessel cannot. Your view changes quickly, from open sea to cliffs, then to narrow coastal inlets and cave openings. Keep your phone ready, but secure it well. Fast turns and sea spray are not ideal conditions for casual photography.

Coll Baix: the first real swim stop

Platja del Coll Baix is the first major stop. This beach is one of the highlights of the outing because it combines dramatic coastal scenery with time in the water. The boat pauses for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling rather than simply circling the beach.

The published route gives about 30 minutes here, while the tour description refers to two 40-minute swimming stops. Exact time can vary with sea conditions and the day’s running schedule, so do not treat every minute as fixed. You should have enough time to get in, swim, try the mask and snorkel, and climb back aboard without rushing.

The water is the main attraction. You are not visiting a formal marine park, and visibility depends on weather and the condition of the sea. One person found the first snorkeling session disappointing because the equipment was not working well. The guide changed it after being told, and the second swim was much better. My advice is simple: test your mask and snorkel before swimming away from the boat.

You do not have to swim. If you prefer to stay aboard, you can enjoy the cliffs and beach from the boat. The crew is described as relaxed about participation, which makes this easier for mixed groups where one person wants water time and another does not.

Sea caves, cliffs, and short photo pauses

After Coll Baix, the boat heads along the rocky shore and passes several sea caves and unusual rock formations. These are viewing and photo sections, not extended cave visits. You remain on the speedboat, looking into openings and along the cliff face as the captain positions the boat.

The short stops are useful for photographs and for catching your breath after the first fast run. One pause lasts only a few minutes, and another about five minutes, so keep expectations sensible. You are seeing the coastline from the water rather than exploring caves on foot.

This section gives the trip its best sense of access. A bigger vessel might have to remain farther offshore, while the RIB can move closer to the formations. The trade-off is comfort. A small, fast boat gives you better access and a stronger sense of motion, but it also reacts more sharply to waves.

Some passengers wished the guide would name each bay or explain the area as the boat slowed. If you want a detailed coastal lecture, this may feel light on information. I would think of the guide’s role here as safety, navigation, atmosphere, and local pointers rather than a formal history presentation.

Ses Caletes and the longer swim

Ses Caletes is the second major water stop and usually the more relaxed part of the tour. The schedule allows around 40 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. The stop is described as a quieter place away from other boats and people, though the precise setting can change with conditions and the day’s route.

This is where the excursion shifts from speed to leisure. You can swim, use the provided snorkeling gear, take photographs, or enjoy the included cold drink. The water and rock scenery create a pleasant contrast with the noisy, fast ride between stops.

The snorkeling can be good, but it is not guaranteed to be spectacular. One person saw plenty of fish and enjoyed both locations, while another hoped for more underwater life. That difference is normal for a coastal stop. Water clarity, wind, light, and the condition of the equipment all affect what you see.

If you have never snorkeled before, ask the crew for help with the mask seal. If the gear leaks or does not fit, speak up immediately. The equipment is included, but included equipment still needs to fit your face properly.

Music, speed, and the feel of the ride

Music is not background decoration on this excursion. It is part of the format. The playlist helps turn the fast stretches into a shared, high-energy outing, and some departures allow passengers to choose songs.

The captain adds twists, turns, and bursts of speed, giving the ride an adrenaline kick without turning it into a pure thrill attraction. Several people especially liked sitting at the front. That seat gives you the strongest sense of the boat rising and dropping over the waves, but it may also be the bumpiest position.

If you prefer a smoother ride, sit farther back and hold on securely. The boat is described as safe, but safe does not mean still. People with back problems should not join, and anyone prone to motion sickness should think carefully before booking.

The promise that you will not get wet means the outing is designed as a dry ride, with belongings kept in a protected storage area. Still, reports of wind, waves, and occasional splashes are realistic. Wear swimwear or quick-drying clothes rather than your best dinner outfit.

How the guides shape the outing

The crew receives some of the strongest praise. Miguel is named repeatedly as friendly, funny, energetic, and attentive. Other comments also describe the staff as polite, flexible, and good at explaining safety before departure.

That personality matters on a small boat. You are close to the captain and crew for three hours, so a relaxed guide can make the difference between an awkward ride and a memorable one. The best moments seem to come from the combination of confident boat handling, music, and easy conversation.

The crew has also shown flexibility when timing problems occur, including helping people who arrived late by moving them to another departure when space allowed. You should not rely on that, but it suggests a practical approach when problems arise.

The one consistent area for improvement is commentary. If you want each stop clearly identified, ask the guide when the boat slows. You may get more out of the scenic sections by asking about Aucanada, Coll Baix, Ses Caletes, and the caves instead of waiting for a formal announcement.

Is $76 a fair price?

At $76 per person, the value depends on what kind of boat trip you want. You are paying for three hours on a fast RIB, two water stops, snorkeling equipment, a life vest, a cold drink, and access to stretches of coast that larger boats cannot reach.

That is a fair package if you want a busy half-day on the water. You would pay more for a private boat, while a basic sightseeing cruise may cost less but offer no comparable speed or swim time. The strongest value comes from combining several activities in one booking: sightseeing, a thrill ride, caves, snorkeling, and beach stops.

The price is less convincing if you mainly want quiet time or detailed interpretation. The music, sharp movement, and short scenic pauses give this a social, energetic feel. You are not buying a slow cruise with long explanations and a restaurant-style service.

The high overall rating, 4.9 from 338 ratings, fits the experience’s strengths: friendly staff, excellent views, strong atmosphere, and a fun ride. The small complaints are useful too. Snorkel gear may need checking, the water can be rough, and some stops may receive only brief explanation.

Who should book this speedboat trip?

I would choose this tour if you want an active way to see northern Mallorca and you enjoy a little noise, motion, and sea spray. It suits couples, friends, families with children aged eight or older, and mixed groups where some people want to swim while others prefer to stay aboard.

It is also a good choice if you are staying in Alcudia and want to cover several coastal sights without spending a full day on a boat. The three-hour length leaves room for lunch, the beach, or another activity afterward.

I would skip it if you have back trouble, are pregnant, have limited mobility, or weigh more than 275 pounds, or 125 kilograms. Children under eight are not accepted. You should also reconsider if you dislike bumpy rides, loud music, or limited commentary.

Book with a flexible attitude about the sea. Bad weather may lead the operator to offer a different departure or a free cancellation. Conditions also affect the ride, snorkeling visibility, and how dry you remain.

Final verdict: a lively coastal outing with real water time

I like this trip because it does not waste three hours on a slow loop around the harbor. You get speed, cliffs, caves, two chances to swim, and a crew that seems to care about keeping the mood upbeat and safe.

The main limitation is that it favors fun over detailed guiding. The snorkeling is worthwhile but not guaranteed to be extraordinary, and the fast boat can feel rough in windy conditions. Check your equipment, bring sun protection, and ask the guide to identify the bays as you stop.

Book it if you want an energetic sea adventure with proper swimming time. Skip it if you want a peaceful cruise, a long cultural talk, or a perfectly smooth ride.

FAQ

How long is the Alcudia speedboat tour?

The tour lasts three hours, including the coastal ride, sightseeing, snorkeling, and swimming stops.

Where does the tour start?

You meet in front of Gate 5 at Alcudiamar Marina. Staff usually collect you five to ten minutes before departure.

Which places does the boat pass?

The route includes Aucanada Island, Platja del Coll Baix, Ses Caletes, coastal caves, cliffs, and other rock formations along northern Mallorca.

Are swimming stops included?

Yes. The tour includes two swimming stops, at Coll Baix and Ses Caletes. The route information gives about 30 minutes at Coll Baix and 40 minutes at Ses Caletes, though timing may vary.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. Check that the mask and snorkel fit properly before entering the water.

Do I have to swim?

No. Swimming is optional. You can remain on the boat and enjoy the scenery if you prefer.

Will I get wet on the boat?

The activity is designed so you do not get wet, but wind, waves, and choppy conditions can cause splashes. Some people have reported getting a little wet.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included. One cold beverage is included, and you should bring drinking water.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a towel, sunscreen, and water. Small bags and backpacks can be stored, but oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed.

Who cannot join the tour?

The tour is not suitable for children under eight, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, or people over 275 pounds, or 125 kilograms.