Alcudia: Boat Trip to Coll Baix

Coll Baix is the star here: a quiet Mallorcan cove backed by steep hills and reached by boat rather than an easy road. You cruise past Alcanada Beach and its lighthouse, then stop in clear water for a swim from the boat.

I like the short length and the price, $34, which make this an easy half-day addition to an Alcúdia holiday. I also like the simple pleasure of jumping into the sea with the north coast spread around you. The catch is that the glass-bottom viewing is modest, with small windows rather than a broad window in the floor.

Quick facts for your Alcúdia boat trip

• A swim stop at Coll Baix or near Alcanada gives you the most memorable part of the outing.
• Several coastal pickups can take around 30 to 40 minutes, so the ride itself is part of the experience.
• The glass-bottom section is small, better for a quick look than for serious marine-life viewing.
• A bar sells snacks and drinks onboard, so you do not need to carry food.
• The upper deck offers the best wide views, especially on the 10 AM departure.
• Large bags are not allowed, and the boat is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What the $34 price really buys you

At $34 per person, this is a reasonably priced way to see a stretch of Mallorca’s north coast that you would not experience from the resort beach. You get the boat ride, the coastal scenery, and a swim stop without committing to a full-day cruise.

The value depends on your expectations. If you want a relaxed outing with sea air, photographs, and a chance to swim, the price is fair. If you are booking mainly for an impressive underwater display, you may feel shortchanged by the small glass panels.

This is also a useful choice for families. Children can enjoy the boat itself, the changing views, and the excitement of seeing the sea through the glass. Younger swimmers should be watched closely, since the boat stops offshore and the water may be too deep for children who are not confident in open water.

The trip is short enough that it rarely feels like a whole day has disappeared. Some departures run closer to two and a half hours, but the advertised duration is two hours. That small difference matters if you have lunch plans, a hotel transfer, or another activity booked afterward.

Starting at Port Alcúdia and collecting passengers

Meet at the Alcudia Sea Trips kiosk for Transportes Marítimos Brisa on Passeig Marítim in Puerto Alcudia. The boat may also collect passengers from other points around Alcúdia Bay, so the first part can feel less like a fast cruise and more like a gentle coastal shuttle.

Plan for roughly 30 to 40 minutes of pickup time. The boat may call at three or four points before heading properly around the bay. That is the main time trade-off in this trip: you spend part of the outing gathering passengers, but those same stops let you see more of the shoreline from the water.

The boat has seating on more than one level. I would head upstairs if you want broad views and better photographs. The upper deck also gives you a clearer horizon, which can help if you are prone to seasickness. One passenger who often gets motion sick found the 10 AM departure especially comfortable, partly because the air was cooler before the midday heat.

Bring a camera, but protect it from spray and keep your belongings light. Large bags are not allowed. A small day bag with swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a phone or camera is the sensible setup.

Alcanada Beach, the lighthouse, and the first coastal views

Once the boat leaves the pickup points, the scenery improves. The route passes Alcanada Beach and its lighthouse, giving you a water-level look at one of the more recognizable corners of Alcúdia Bay.

The appeal is not a narrated sightseeing tour. There is no reliable commentary explaining every headland or cove, so you should treat this as a visual cruise rather than a guided history lesson. That suits people who prefer to sit back, take photographs, and enjoy the coastline without a running explanation.

The north coast looks different from the water. Beaches that seem familiar from land become small strips along the shore, while cliffs and hills take on more shape. You also get a better sense of how sheltered Alcúdia Bay is before the boat moves toward the more exposed waters near Coll Baix.

The glass-bottom feature needs a clear explanation. This is not a large transparent floor like the pictures may suggest. The boat has several small viewing windows, and they may be difficult to see through in strong sun or if the glass is not perfectly clean.

You might spot marine flora or fish if conditions cooperate, but do not book this as a dedicated wildlife cruise. The sea views, rather than the glass panels, are the stronger reason to go.

The ride toward Coll Baix

Coll Baix is one of Mallorca’s more secluded coastal spots. Its beach sits below a mountainous setting, with clear blue-green water and a sense of distance from the developed resort shore.

The boat does not take you for a long land visit at the beach. The important detail is that you stop in the water and swim from the boat. That difference has caused confusion for some people, so set your expectations correctly: this is a boat-based swimming stop, not a beach afternoon with time to walk ashore.

The route is especially appealing if you want to see a quieter side of Mallorca without arranging a hike or hiring a vehicle. You remain on the boat, watch the coast unfold, and reach a spot that feels much less built up than Port Alcúdia.

Sea conditions can change the plan. When currents or waves are strong, the crew may decide that Coll Baix is not safe for swimming and use another area, such as the waters near the lighthouse or Formentor. That is a sensible safety adjustment, but it means the exact swimming location is not guaranteed.

One trip continued despite roughly two-metre waves, with the crew adapting the route. If you are highly sensitive to motion, choose a calmer day if possible and consider the earlier departure. Looking toward the horizon from the upper deck may also help.

The swimming stop: the real highlight

The swimming stop is usually the part I would value most. You can jump from the boat into clear water, cool off, and look back at the coast from a very different angle. The scheduled swim is listed as about 15 minutes, while some departures have allowed closer to 20 or 30 minutes.

That is enough time for a refreshing dip, but not enough for a long snorkelling session. If you want to look for marine life, bring your own mask or snorkel. One useful tip is to pack a simple snorkelling set rather than expect the boat to provide one.

Getting into the water is straightforward for confident swimmers, but boarding again may take patience. The boat can become crowded around the ladder, especially when children or less confident swimmers are using it. Some people may wait their turn, so do not expect everyone to enter and exit at once.

The water can also be too deep for small children who cannot swim confidently. Families should decide in advance who will swim and who will remain onboard. The crew may change the stop when currents are strong, and you should follow those instructions rather than push for a particular cove.

You do not need to swim to enjoy the outing. The stop is still pleasant if you stay on deck, take photographs, or watch others in the water. But if you never plan to enter the sea, a sightseeing-only cruise may offer better value elsewhere.

Food, drinks, and the onboard setup

A bar on the boat sells food, snacks, and drinks. Prices have been described as reasonable, and the onboard bar adds convenience for a short trip. Still, food and drinks are not included in the $34 price.

You can keep this simple: eat before boarding, buy a drink onboard, and carry only what you need for the swim. Since large luggage is not allowed, this is not the place for a full beach bag.

The atmosphere is casual rather than polished. The boat can feel crowded after several pickups, and it may become noisy when the upper and lower decks fill. On the other hand, there is generally enough seating to move around, and the crew is widely described as friendly and helpful.

This balance matters. You are paying for a practical coastal boat trip, not a private yacht outing. The boat offers a bar, several seating areas, and a swimming ladder, but you should not expect luxury finishes or a quiet, personal tour.

Best departure time and what to bring

The 10 AM departure is a smart choice if you have flexibility. It gives you cooler air, less intense heat, and good light for photographs before the sun reaches its highest point. Morning trips may also feel easier if you suffer from seasickness.

Pack:

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Beachwear
• Camera or phone
• Sunscreen, if you already have it with you
• A small bag only

Do not bring large luggage. You should also wear something comfortable for moving between the seating areas and the swimming ladder.

If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where you can see the horizon and avoid spending too long looking down through the glass windows. The upper deck is the better choice for this. The sea can be calm, but conditions are not fully under the operator’s control.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this boat trip to you if you want a low-cost look at Alcúdia Bay with a swimming stop included. It suits families, couples, solo visitors, and anyone who wants a simple break from the resort pool.

It is especially good for:

• Families introducing children to boat trips
• Confident swimmers who want a quick sea stop
• Visitors who enjoy coastal photographs
• Solo visitors looking for an easy social activity
• Holidaymakers with only two or three hours available
• Anyone who wants to see Coll Baix without arranging a land excursion

You may want another option if you need step-free access, dislike crowded boats, or want a long stop on a beach. The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the ladder and water entry may be awkward for anyone with limited movement.

I would also choose a longer cruise if your main goal is sustained snorkelling, a quiet ride, or several swimming locations. This trip gives you one main swim stop and a scenic route. That is its strength, but also its limit.

Practical booking advice before you pay

Check the departure point carefully. There are several pickup locations around Alcúdia Bay, and choosing the nearest jetty may save you a taxi ride. The main meeting point is the Brisa kiosk on Passeig Marítim in Puerto Alcúdia.

Also confirm the boat setup when you arrive. The glass-bottom vessel may occasionally be in repair, in which case the operator can use a regular boat or offer a different date. The outing can still be enjoyable without the glass panels, but the underwater viewing should not be your only reason for booking.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. Check the available departure time when booking, since the activity runs daily but start times can vary.

Should you book the Coll Baix boat trip?

Book it if you want good-value coastal scenery plus a swim in a compact outing. The route to Alcanada, the views toward Coll Baix, the friendly crew, and the chance to jump into clear water make this a worthwhile addition to an Alcúdia stay.

Go in with realistic expectations. The glass bottom is a small feature, pickup stops use part of the time, and the swim can be shortened or moved when the sea is rough. For $34, that is a fair deal for a relaxed boat ride and a memorable dip, but not for an in-depth marine tour or a full beach day.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

Meet at the Alcudia Sea Trips kiosk for Transportes Marítimos Brisa on Passeig Marítim, 07410 Puerto Alcudia, Illes Balears.

How long does the trip last?

The advertised duration is two hours. Some departures may last closer to two and a half hours.

What places does the boat visit?

The route goes around Alcúdia Bay, passes Alcanada Beach and its lighthouse, and continues toward Coll Baix. The exact swimming area may change with sea conditions.

Can I swim during the trip?

Yes. The boat stops for swimming, usually near Coll Baix or another safe area such as the lighthouse. You swim from the boat rather than spending a long period on the beach.

How long is the swimming stop?

The planned swimming stop is listed as about 15 minutes. Some departures may allow roughly 20 to 30 minutes.

Is the boat truly glass-bottom?

The boat has small glass viewing windows rather than a large transparent floor. The glass section is best treated as a short viewing feature, not a dedicated underwater attraction.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase onboard, but they are not included in the activity price.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, beachwear, and a camera. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Is the trip suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve while paying later, subject to the booking conditions.