Mallorca Boat Tours: Best Trips from Palma to Coastal Hidden Gems

It may seem that the island’s best coves are reserved for hikers and yacht owners, until you realise a boat ticket can reach water that no road comes close to. This guide covers the main departure points, the trips worth booking and what to expect on board, so choosing between Mallorca boat tours is straightforward. A boat day also slots easily into Majorca holidays of any style.

Whether you’re after a relaxed swim stop, a glass-bottom outing with children or a longer day on a catamaran, there is a departure for each. If this is your first visit, start with the wider picture of the island, then use the sections below to pick a coast.

Setting out from Palma

Palma is the easiest starting point, because boats leave from the marina on the Bay of Palma and the old town skyline looks its best from the water. A typical Palma boat tour by catamaran lasts around five hours, with two swim stops at Cala Blava and Cala Vella, snorkelling at the first and buffet-style food on board, according to one operator’s listing. Drinks are often extra, and some operators offer reduced prices for children and free places for the youngest. Anyone comparing Mallorca boat trips from the capital should check what is included, the length of the swim stops and the number of guests on board. For the wider picture, our Majorca travel guide is a useful companion.

Catamaran days

For a more social day, a catamaran Mallorca outing usually means sunbathing on deck, a swim and a meal, sometimes with music. A shorter sunset sailing is an alternative if you’d rather keep the day free. When you compare listings for a catamaran cruise Mallorca visitors favour, ask about the departure marina, whether food is included and how much time is spent actually swimming. Group sizes vary widely, from around 50 on larger boats to small private charters.

Departure	Typical trip	What to expect
Palma	Catamaran day tour	Around 5 hours, swim stops
Bay of Alcúdia	Glass-bottom or Formentor trip	Short to half day
Sa Coma	Glass-bottom caves trip	About 3 to 3.5 hours

The Bay of Alcúdia and Formentor

On the north-east coast, the big bay of Alcúdia has plenty of departures. From Playa de Muro and neighbouring resorts, Can Picafort boat trips include short dolphin-watching outings in small boats from around €70 and boat trips to Formentor Beach from about €40, with a Pollença Port to Formentor transfer taking about 30 minutes. Glass-bottom catamaran trips from Alcúdia towards Alcanada and Coll Baix start from around €19, though reviewers note they can be short, with limited swimming time. If you’re staying nearby, Playa de Muro boat trips are easy to add, since both Can Picafort and Alcúdia are a short drive away.

The east coast from Sa Coma

The east has a different character, with sea caves and clear coves along the cliffs. Glass-bottom Sa Coma boat trips run for about three to three and a half hours and call at coves and caves, with swim stops at places such as Canyamel or Cala Varques depending on the route. Prices were around £29 per adult on one 2026 listing, with food and drinks not included. Timetables change by season, and some trips do not run every day, so check the current schedule before booking. For more ideas on what to see when you’re back on land, our guide to hidden gems in Majorca is a good next read.

Hidden coves and what to bring

Boats are the best way to reach the quieter bays. Bring sun cream, a hat, a towel and a swimsuit, plus water shoes for rocky entries. Seas can be rougher in the shoulder months, and trips are weather-dependent, so keep a spare day in case of cancellation.

Choosing your trip

Choose Palma for convenience, Alcúdia for beaches and Formentor, and the east coast for caves. Book ahead in summer, check cancellation terms and keep plans flexible. To price up flights and stays, compare a few options. Travelodeal can help you settle on a Majorca base close to the harbour you plan to sail from.

Frequently asked questions