Alcudia: Boat Trip to Coll Baix

Swim in a quiet corner of Mallorca. This two-hour cruise from Port Alcúdia follows the bay toward Alcanada, its lighthouse, and Coll Baix, with a refreshing stop in clear Mediterranean water. I like the excellent scenery and the chance to jump straight from the boat for a swim, especially at $34 per person. The main caution is that the glass-bottom viewing area is much smaller than the name may suggest.

I also like the friendly crew, reasonable onboard snacks and drinks, and the short length, which keeps the outing lively rather than tiring. You should allow extra time for several passenger pickups, though, and swimming can be crowded when everyone heads for the single ladder.

Key points to know before you go

• The swim is the star: You usually get around 15 to 30 minutes in the water, depending on conditions and the day’s operation.
• Alcanada adds variety: The route includes coastal views, Alcanada beach, and its lighthouse before reaching the more secluded Coll Baix area.
• The boat is not fully glass-bottomed: Small viewing windows let you look below the surface, but this is not a large underwater viewing deck.
• Expect passenger pickups: The boat may collect people from several points around Alcúdia Bay, using part of the outward journey.
• A 10 AM departure can be smart: It tends to be cooler and less humid, with pleasant light for photographs.
• Bring a mask if you have one: The water can be clear enough to spot marine life around the boat.

A short, scenic outing from Port Alcúdia

Transportes Marítimos Brisa runs this boat trip from its kiosk on Passeig Marítim in Puerto Alcúdia. The advertised duration is two hours, though some departures have lasted closer to two and a half hours. That extra time may come from passenger pickups and sea conditions.

The trip is simple by design. You board, settle in, watch the coastline pass, stop for a swim, then return to Alcúdia. I see that as a strength. You get a proper taste of Mallorca from the water without giving up most of your day.

The route is particularly appealing if you are staying around Alcúdia and want more than a beach afternoon. From the sea, the bay opens into a wide sweep of coast, backed by hills and broken up by beaches, rocky points, and small coves. You are not just looking at one beach from shore. You are seeing how the coast fits together.

There is no full guided narration, so you should not expect a running explanation of every headland or bay. This is mainly a scenic boat ride with a swimming stop, not a formal sightseeing lecture. Bring your own curiosity, and keep your camera ready.

Boarding and the first 40 minutes on the water

The meeting point is the Alcudia Sea Trips kiosk, operated by Transportes Marítimos BRISA, at Passeig Marítim, 07410 Puerto Alcúdia. You should arrive with your booking details and check in at the kiosk, since an electronic ticket may need to be exchanged for a paper ticket before boarding.

The boat may make three or four pickups around the bay. This is useful if you are staying near one of the other jetties, but it can also feel slow if you board at the first stop and spend about 30 to 40 minutes collecting passengers.

I would check the available departure points before booking a taxi. One passenger paid for a taxi to the main port without realizing the boat could pick up closer to their accommodation. That is an easy cost to avoid.

Once underway, the atmosphere is relaxed. You can sit on the lower level near the boarding area or head upstairs for broader views. The upper deck is the better choice for photographs and fresh air, and it may help if you get seasick because you can focus on the horizon.

The boat has a bar selling food, snacks, and drinks. You do not need to bring a meal for a two-hour trip, though food and drinks are not included in the ticket. Prices have been described as reasonable, and the bar staff have received warm praise, including for the gin and tonic.

Alcanada, the lighthouse, and the coast near Alcúdia

The early part of the route gives you a relaxed look at Alcúdia Bay. The boat passes beaches and coastal points before heading toward Alcanada and its lighthouse. This part is less about one dramatic stop and more about the changing view from the water.

Alcanada is a useful marker on the trip because it gives the cruise a clear sense of direction. You see the coast from an angle that is impossible from the beach, with the bay stretching behind you and the open sea ahead.

The scenery is the strongest reason to choose this trip. Families can enjoy the boat ride itself, couples can take photographs, and solo passengers have enough time to sit quietly and watch the shore. You do not need to be a keen sailor to enjoy it.

The boat’s lower viewing windows are worth a look, especially for children. But set your expectations correctly. Several small windows on the sides or lower part of the boat are not the same as a broad glass floor. Some passengers found the windows small, hot, or less clear than expected.

If underwater viewing is your main reason for booking, this may disappoint you. If you see the glass-bottom feature as a small extra on a scenic cruise, it makes more sense.

Coll Baix and the swimming stop

The main destination is Platja del Coll Baix, one of Mallorca’s quieter coastal spots. It is backed by mountainous terrain and known for clear, blue-green water. The boat does not necessarily put you on the beach. Instead, it may moor offshore and let you swim from the boat.

This matters. The experience is a sea swim, not a beach visit with time to walk on the sand. You climb down a ladder into open water, swim near the boat, and return when the crew calls time.

The swim usually lasts around 15 to 30 minutes. That is enough for a refreshing dip, but it can pass quickly, especially when passengers are waiting to use the ladder. Some people have had plenty of time in the water, while others managed only a few minutes after queuing to get in and out.

I recommend putting your swimsuit on before boarding. Bring a towel, camera, and light beachwear, but leave large bags and luggage behind. You will have less to manage when it is time to move between the deck and the ladder.

A mask or snorkeling set is also a smart addition. The water may offer glimpses of marine life, and one passenger specifically recommended bringing a mask to see activity around the stopping point. Do not expect a formal snorkeling session with equipment or instruction. This is a casual swim from a sightseeing boat.

The stop can become crowded. One ladder means people may queue, and less confident swimmers can slow the flow. Children may enjoy jumping from the boat, but parents should pay attention to the depth and the crew’s instructions. A family with young children found the water too deep for them to swim, although the children still enjoyed the boat ride and viewing windows.

Sea conditions can change the plan. Strong currents or rough water may make Coll Baix unsuitable for swimming. On one departure, the crew moved the swimming stop toward the lighthouse or Formentor area for safety. That is a sensible adjustment, but you should understand that the exact swimming location is not guaranteed.

What the ride feels like for families and solo passengers

This is a fairly easy outing for families who want to introduce children to a boat trip. The route is short, the boat has seating, and the swim adds a clear highlight. Children may also enjoy watching through the small underwater windows, even if the view is limited.

The swim from the boat is not ideal for every family. Young children or weak swimmers may find the depth uncomfortable, and the ladder can become congested. If your family needs a shallow, sandy beach, choose a beach day instead.

Solo passengers can enjoy the trip just as well. The ride has enough scenery and movement to avoid feeling awkward, and the onboard bar gives you a simple place to buy a drink. You may want to sit upstairs, where you can watch the bay and avoid being boxed into one crowded area.

People prone to motion sickness should consider a morning departure, if available. A 10 AM trip offers cooler air and less intense heat, and sitting upstairs while looking toward the horizon may help. One passenger with motion sickness found the length manageable, though seasickness is still possible in rough conditions.

The boat is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. You need to board the boat and, if swimming, use the ladder. Ask the operator directly if you have specific mobility needs before paying.

Timing, comfort, and what to bring

The trip lasts about two hours, but you should allow a little flexibility. Passenger pickups can use a large part of the outward route, and rough seas may change the schedule or swimming location.

For the best light and cooler temperatures, I would choose the 10 AM departure when possible. July and August can be hot, and the upper deck offers little relief from direct sun. Bring water, sun protection, and a towel, even though drinks are sold onboard.

Your practical packing list is short:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera or phone
• Light beachwear
• Snorkeling mask, if you have one
• Minimal personal items

Large bags and luggage are not allowed. That rule makes sense on a boat where deck space can become tight after several pickups.

The boat has seating on more than one level, but it may feel crowded at the busiest point. You can usually move around, though the swim ladder and boarding areas are the places most likely to feel congested.

The $34 ticket: good value, with limits

At $34 per person, this is good value if you want a short sea outing, coastal scenery, and a chance to swim. A boat ride of this length, with an onboard bar and a route reaching Coll Baix, gives you more variety than simply renting a beach chair for the afternoon.

The value drops if you are mainly booking for the glass-bottom feature. The windows are small, and there is no promise of a long, focused look at marine life. The cruise earns its price through the coastline, the swimming stop, and the simple pleasure of being on the water.

It is also good value for families who want a manageable activity. You avoid committing to a full-day excursion, and the route is long enough to feel worthwhile without dragging on. If you want extended time at Coll Baix, a longer boat trip would suit you better.

Food and drinks cost extra, as does getting to the port. Check the pickup points before arranging transport, since using a closer jetty may save you a taxi fare.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later. That gives you some flexibility if the weather looks uncertain, but sea conditions can still affect the route on the day.

The main drawbacks to keep in mind

The biggest issue is the wording glass-bottom boat. You should picture a standard sightseeing boat with small viewing windows, not a large transparent floor. Several passengers enjoyed the boat ride but felt the underwater viewing area was overpromised.

The second issue is time. A nominal two-hour trip can include a long pickup period, leaving less time for the swimming stop than you might expect. If you are eager to swim, board early, listen for instructions, and be ready when the boat reaches the stop.

The third issue is the lack of detailed narration. You get fine views, but you may not know the name or story of every place you pass. This is not a major problem if you want a calm ride, but it matters if you prefer a guided tour.

Finally, the sea has the final say. Rough waves may cause discomfort, and strong currents can lead the crew to change the swimming location. The crew has adapted the route for safety, which is reassuring, but the exact Coll Baix experience cannot be promised.

Should you book the Coll Baix boat trip?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced, family-friendly boat ride from Alcúdia with pretty coastal views and a short swim in clear water. It is especially suitable for a first boat outing, a relaxed morning, or a break from hotel pools and crowded beaches.

Skip it if your priority is a large glass-bottom viewing area, a long stay on Coll Baix beach, extensive commentary, or a guaranteed snorkeling session. In that case, your expectations may outrun the boat’s simple format.

For most people, the best approach is to treat this as a scenic coastal cruise with a swimming break, not as a serious marine-life tour. Bring a mask, choose the 10 AM departure if it fits your plans, sit upstairs, and confirm the nearest pickup point. At $34, that is a pleasant way to see Alcúdia Bay from the water without giving up an entire day.

FAQ

How long does the Alcúdia boat trip to Coll Baix last?

The advertised duration is two hours. Some departures have lasted around two and a half hours, partly because the boat collects passengers from several points around Alcúdia Bay.

Where does the boat trip start?

The main meeting point is the Alcudia Sea Trips kiosk operated by Transportes Marítimos BRISA on Passeig Marítim, 07410 Puerto Alcúdia, Illes Balears.

Does the boat stop at Coll Baix beach?

The boat goes to the Coll Baix area, but the swimming stop is generally from the boat offshore rather than a visit onto the beach itself.

How long is the swimming stop?

The planned swimming stop is about 15 minutes, while some departures provide roughly 20 to 30 minutes. The exact time can depend on sea conditions and the day’s operation.

Is the boat really glass-bottomed?

It has small glass viewing windows, but not a large glass floor. You should not book it expecting an extensive underwater viewing area.

Are food and drinks included?

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

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a camera, and beachwear. A snorkeling mask can also be useful. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Is the trip suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not considered suitable for people with mobility impairments. Boarding and swimming require access to the boat and its ladder.