From Cala Figuera: Boat Tour to Cala Marmols & Caló de Moro

Clear water, quiet coves, and a small boat make this Mallorca outing easy to like. From Cala Figuera, you follow the southeast coast past Es Pontàs, Cala Llombards, Caló des Moro, S’Almunia, and the remote Cala Màrmols. I especially like the small-group setting and the chance to swim straight from the boat in water clear enough for fish watching. The main drawback is that the ride can become rough, and the longer trip asks you to climb back into a small RIB boat after swimming in open water.

This is a sightseeing cruise with a proper swim stop, not a beach transfer. You get snorkeling equipment, fuel, insurance, a skipper, and one soft drink or beer for about $48 per person. The short version lasts 1 hour 50 minutes, while the Cala Màrmols option runs about 2 hours 50 minutes. Weather controls the day, so the route, swim location, and departure time can change for safety.

What makes this Cala Figuera boat trip worth considering

• Es Pontàs from the water: See the unusual rock arch that once formed the entrance to a cave.
• Small RIB boat: Groups are generally kept small, with one reported trip carrying 11 people on a 7.5-meter boat.
• Two different tour lengths: Choose the shorter coastal route or continue to Cala Màrmols for a longer swim stop.
• Caves and old smuggler shelters: The skipper takes you past small coastal caves once used as hiding places.
• Snorkeling from the boat: Equipment is supplied, and the clear water can reveal plenty of fish.
• A more remote Mallorca: Cala Màrmols is reached by boat or hiking trail, giving the longer option a wilder finish.

Leaving Cala Figuera on a small RIB

You meet at the RedstarTours Excursiones office on Carrer Verge del Carme, 34, in Cala Figuera. From there, the boat heads out of the picturesque harbor and picks up speed toward Cala Santanyí.

The boat is part of the appeal. A small RIB can get close to coves and rock formations that larger sightseeing boats cannot approach as easily. You should also expect more motion, spray, and the possibility of getting wet. One passenger described the boat as 7.5 meters long with about 11 people aboard, while another described it as a large dinghy with 12 people.

That means this is not a polished yacht cruise with lots of space to wander. You sit close to the water and feel the ride. In calm conditions, that gives the trip a lively, sea-level feel. In rough conditions, the same feature can be tiring, especially for anyone with back trouble or a tendency toward seasickness.

Some shade is available on the boat, a useful detail during Mallorca’s hot summer months. Still, bring sun protection, a secure hat, and clothing that can handle spray.

Cala Santanyí and Es Pontàs: the first coastal views

The first stop is Cala Santanyí, where the boat pauses for about 10 minutes. From the water, you see the beach and surrounding cliffs without dealing with the summer crowds and access roads on land.

Next comes Es Pontàs, another roughly 10-minute visit. This striking rock formation forms what was once the entrance to a cave. It is one of the most memorable sights on this stretch of coast because its shape looks almost made for a boat route.

These early stops are mainly for views and photographs. Do not expect a long shore visit. The boat remains the focus, and the value comes from seeing the coast from a new angle rather than from spending time on each beach.

Cala Llombards and the coastal caves

The boat continues toward Cala Llombards and passes es Caló des Macs and sa Cova des Fum. Cala Llombards receives a shorter stop of about five minutes in the listed route, so you will need to be ready with your camera.

The coast here becomes more rugged, with small inlets and rock walls opening toward the sea. The skipper may guide the boat toward small caves associated with smugglers who once used these sheltered spots to hide goods. That detail gives the scenery a human story without turning the trip into a formal history lesson.

The amount of explanation can vary. One passenger praised the skipper’s care and attention, while another said the captain offered little information beyond naming places. The listed languages are Spanish, Catalan, and English, but your skipper’s comfort with English may affect how much background you hear. If learning about each site matters to you, ask questions early.

S’Almunia and Caló des Moro from the sea

S’Almunia is a particularly appealing stop because of its small fishermen’s huts and barracks, clustered beside the water. Viewed from the boat, the setting feels more intimate than the better-known beaches nearby.

Caló des Moro is famous for its clear turquoise water and white sand. From land, this cove can be difficult to experience without dealing with limited space and strong demand. From the boat, you get a broad view of the cove and its steep rocky setting, even when you do not go ashore.

The shorter route usually includes a swim of around 40 minutes at Caló des Moro or S’Almunia, depending on the wind. This is an important detail. You are not guaranteed a fixed swim beach, and the skipper may choose the safer cove based on sea conditions.

The longer Cala Màrmols route does not include a swim stop at Caló des Moro. You still pass the cove and see it from the water, but the actual swimming happens later at Cala Màrmols. If jumping into the famous blue water of Caló des Moro is your main goal, the shorter option may suit you better.

Cala Màrmols gives the longer trip its purpose

The extended option continues past the more familiar coves to Cala Màrmols, a remote beach accessible by boat or hiking trail. The route also passes Es Bauç, where sandstone blocks have been cut from the coast and transported by sea.

This section makes the longer trip feel worthwhile. You move beyond the places most people recognize from photographs and see a quieter stretch of Mallorca with fewer signs of development. The cove itself is the reward, but remember that you are viewing it from the sea rather than settling in for a full beach day.

At Cala Màrmols, you get about 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling from the boat. The water is often remarkably clear, and several people have described seeing plenty of fish. You should be comfortable entering open water and pulling yourself back onto the boat. A life vest is available when needed, but one passenger noted that it was not automatically offered before the swim. If you are a non-swimmer or want extra support, ask the skipper directly before getting into the water.

The boat anchors away from shore in water that can feel deep. That is fine for confident swimmers, but it is not ideal if you prefer standing in shallow water. A friend who is uneasy in the sea may enjoy the scenery yet choose to remain aboard.

What the 40 to 45-minute swim is really like

The swim stop is the active heart of the trip. You can use the supplied snorkeling gear, look for fish below the boat, or simply float in the clear water. Several people particularly enjoyed the freedom to jump off the boat rather than arrive at a crowded beach.

The stop is long enough to feel useful, especially on the longer route. It is not just a quick dip for photographs. Still, the sea may be choppy, and wind can shorten or relocate the swim. One outing had rain near the end, while another had a rough return ride that made some people uncomfortable.

You should be able to climb a ladder or step back onto the boat after swimming. If that sounds difficult, tell the skipper before you enter the water. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and families should consider the boat’s movement, open-water swimming, and limited space before booking.

Short route or Cala Màrmols option?

The two choices suit different days.

The shorter 1 hour 50-minute trip works well if you want a compact coastal tour, a swim near Caló des Moro or S’Almunia, and a lower time commitment. It is also a sensible choice if you are unsure how your stomach will handle a small speedboat.

The longer 2 hour 50-minute trip adds Cala Màrmols and a 45-minute swim stop there. It gives you more coast, more remote scenery, and a stronger sense of getting away from the busiest coves. Several people who chose the longer outing felt the extra time was worth it.

The tradeoff is simple: the longer trip means more boat time and no swimming at Caló des Moro. If your priority is a famous cove, choose short. If your priority is a remote setting and a generous swim stop, choose Cala Màrmols.

Late departures can be special. An evening trip may catch sunset light over the coast and offer a calmer return through the harbor. Ask about the available start times when booking, since the exact schedule changes with availability and conditions.

Price, inclusions, and overall value

At about $48 per person, this is a fair price for a small-group coastal outing. Fuel alone matters on a speedboat route of this length, and the price also includes the skipper, snorkeling gear, insurance, and one soft drink or beer.

You are not paying for a meal, beach chair, or long stop on land. Food is not included, so eat beforehand or bring whatever is permitted and practical for the boat. The value comes from access: you see coves, caves, rock formations, and Cala Màrmols from the water in one outing.

The small group improves that value. A compact boat can enter tighter coastal spaces, and you avoid the feel of a large, crowded cruise. The downside is that every bump is felt more clearly. In calm weather, that gives the trip energy. In rough weather, it can become the main event.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A fast, scenic way to cover several southeast Mallorca coves
• A small-group boat rather than a large cruise
• A real swim and snorkeling stop
• Close views of caves, sandstone cliffs, and Es Pontàs
• A remote finish at Cala Màrmols
• An evening outing with the chance of sunset views

I would be more cautious if you suffer from seasickness, have back problems, dislike getting wet, or feel nervous swimming from a boat into deep water. The skipper may change the route or cancel a departure when weather makes conditions unsafe. That is the right call, but it means you should keep some flexibility in your Mallorca plans.

The level of guiding also varies. The crew can be friendly, relaxed, and attentive, but detailed commentary is not guaranteed throughout the ride. Think of this as a scenic sea outing with local place names and practical boat handling, not a full history tour.

Practical details before you go

You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option helps if your plans are still shifting. Departures may run late, so avoid scheduling a tight connection afterward.

The tour is offered in Spanish, Catalan, and English. Children under 18 need an accompanying adult. Weather can cancel the trip without notice, and the skipper has final say over route changes, swim locations, or cancellation.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and a secure way to protect your phone. You receive a drink, but not food. If you need a life vest, have mobility concerns, or do not swim confidently, say so before the boat leaves rather than waiting for the swim stop.

Should you book the Cala Màrmols boat tour?

Book it if you want Mallorca’s southeast coast in concentrated form, with the added pleasure of swimming in clear water and seeing remote coves from a small boat. The longer Cala Màrmols route offers the best overall sightseeing, while the shorter version is better for a quick outing or a Caló des Moro swim.

Skip it if you need a smooth, spacious boat, shallow-water swimming, or a detailed guided talk at every stop. For confident swimmers who enjoy a little spray and motion, this is a strong-value way to see a part of Mallorca that is hard to appreciate fully from the road.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour depart from?

The meeting point is the RedstarTours Excursiones office at Carrer Verge del Carme, 34, in Cala Figuera, Santanyí.

How long does the tour last?

The available trips last either about 1 hour 50 minutes or 2 hours 50 minutes, depending on the option selected.

What is the longer tour called?

The longer option continues to Cala Màrmols after visiting the southeast coast and nearby coves.

Can I swim at Caló des Moro?

On the shorter route, you may swim at Caló des Moro or S’Almunia for about 40 minutes, depending on the wind. The longer Cala Màrmols option does not include a swim stop at Caló des Moro.

How long is the swim at Cala Màrmols?

The stop at Cala Màrmols lasts about 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling from the boat.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The price includes one soft drink or one beer. Food is not included.

What languages are available?

The tour is offered in Spanish, Catalan, and English.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. The skipper may change the route, swim location, or cancel the trip because of weather and safety conditions.

Can children join the tour?

Yes, but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.