Cool water, even cooler views.

This is a 2-hour boat trip around Alcúdia Bay in Mallorca, heading toward scenery like Alcanada beach and its lighthouse before going on to Coll Baix. I like that the focus stays on what you can actually see and do: clear coastal views, plus a break to get in the water.

My favorite part is the swim time at Coll Baix or Alcanada, usually near mint-green, clear water where you can jump off and cool down. The one thing to watch: the so-called glass bottom experience may be smaller and more limited than you expect, and on some days it may not feel like a true see-through floor.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Alcúdia Bay scenery: big open Mediterranean views on the way to Coll Baix
• Swim stop at Coll Baix (or Alcanada): jump off the boat and cool down
• Lighthouse area views: a stop that frames the coast nicely for photos
• Short, doable duration: about 2 hours total, including travel time
• You can buy onboard drinks/snacks: helpful if you did not plan ahead
• Motion-sickness tip: looking toward the horizon can help

From the Dock: How This Alcúdia Sea Trips Tour Actually Starts

You’ll meet at the boat kiosk for Alcudia Sea Trips (Transportes Marítimos BRISA) on the Paseo Marítimo in Puerto Alcúdia, at Passeig Marítim, 07410. The boat is listed as TM Brisa, and the crew runs a straightforward flow: check in, get to the right boarding spot, then settle in for a short ride.

What matters here is your expectations. This is not a slow, narrated cruise with long stops. It’s a quick coastal run with photo windows of scenery and one main chance to swim—so if that’s what you want, the schedule works.

Also plan for a bit of waiting. Pickup and transfer time can eat into the timetable, so come relaxed and ready to enjoy the ride rather than hunting for minute-by-minute perfection.

The 2-Hour Route: Your Time Breakdown and What Each Part Feels Like

This tour is built around a simple rhythm: get you out on the water, show you a few key coastal sights, then park near the swimming area for a short break.

1) Ferry time and coastal sightseeing (about 40 minutes + 30 minutes)

After boarding at the Alcúdia Sea Trips port, the route includes a ferry segment (listed at 40 minutes) plus around 30 minutes of scenic sailing around Alcúdia. This is the “settle in” stretch.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, this is where you’ll feel it first. A good trick is to sit higher if possible and keep your eyes on the horizon instead of staring down. Reviews point out that some people feel better that way, and it’s easy to do once you’re seated.

For photos, this is also your warm-up round. You’ll see plenty of coastline before you get anywhere near Coll Baix.

2) Arrival and the swimming stop at Coll Baix (Plaja del Coll Baix)

The tour’s big action moment is the swim stop at Plaja del Coll Baix, listed at about 15 minutes. In practice, that window can feel a bit longer or shorter depending on conditions, loading/unloading, and safety choices.

The water here is the payoff: people talk about the clarity and that turquoise, bright look that makes Mallorca’s north coast so addictive. If you’ve brought a mask, this is also when you might get the best chance to spot fish around the boat.

A practical note: getting on and off can take time. One ladder is common for boarding, and when lots of people are trying to swim at once, expect some queueing. If you swim with calm confidence, you’ll glide right through the logistics.

3) The in-between water transport segment (about 30 minutes)

After the main swim time, the itinerary includes another 30 minutes of water transport as you finish the loop and head back. This part often feels more about the views than an organized sightseeing lecture.

If you’re expecting a detailed spoken narration about what you’re seeing, don’t count on it. Some people note there’s little to no onboard commentary, so you’ll want to rely on your own eyes and camera.

Coll Baix vs. Alcanada: Where You’ll Actually Swim

The plan is Coll Baix, described as one of Mallorca’s more secluded natural spots with mountainous shelter and bright turquoise water. That’s exactly the type of place you want for a quick splash—small, scenic, and visually dramatic.

But here’s the honest reality: conditions can change where you stop. The tour description also mentions Alcanada as an alternative swim option, and some days you might end up near the lighthouse area instead, based on current strength and safety calls.

What this means for you: if Coll Baix is your top priority, plan to stay flexible. Even if you swim elsewhere, the coast you see on the way is still a big part of the value, and the water break is still the point.

The So-Called Glass Bottom: Worth It, With Real Talk

This tour is advertised as a glass bottom boat experience. In reality, what many people get is more like small glass windows rather than a full see-through floor.

That’s not necessarily bad—kids in particular often enjoy looking down and watching the water move under the boat. But if you’re picturing a huge panoramic glass platform, you may feel let down.

A few practical tips:

• Go with the mindset of scenery + swimming, not floor-view snorkeling
• If you want to see marine life, bring a simple snorkeling mask if you have one
• Sit where you can look down comfortably; some windows are easier to use than others
• Don’t be surprised if glass clarity varies—heat and visibility can make it harder to spot details anyway

Getting the Best Views: Where to Sit and When to Go

Two choices make a noticeable difference: departure time and where you sit.

Pick the 10 AM trip if you can

If you’re booking by time, aim for the earlier departure. People strongly recommend 10 AM because it’s usually cooler and less humid, meaning you’re more comfortable outside on the deck and not trapped in heat.

Sit higher for panorama

If the boat has multiple levels, try the second floor for broader views. Reviews mention that higher seating gives more panoramic coastline views, and it can also help if you’re trying to reduce motion sickness by watching the horizon.

This isn’t a luxury detail. It’s the difference between tolerating a ride and actually enjoying it.

Money and Value: Is $34 a Smart Buy?

At about $34 per person for roughly 2 hours, you’re paying for three things:

1) a real boat ride around Alcúdia Bay

2) a short stop near a swimmable spot

3) the convenience of a guided route with onboard access (no need to figure out your own boat logistics)

What’s not included: food and drinks. You can buy snacks and beverages onboard, and prices are described as reasonable, but you’ll still need to budget if you plan to snack.

So is it good value? For the right traveler, yes—especially if you want a low-effort Mallorca highlight that includes swimming. If you want long beach time, extended snorkeling, or a full day on the water, this short format may feel too quick. In that case, you’d likely want a longer boat tour instead.

What to Bring (and What Not to Bring)

This is a small, practical tour, so pack like it’s a swim day.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera (photos are a big part of the payoff)
• Beachwear

Not allowed:

• Luggage or large bags

If you travel light, you’ll have a smoother time moving around the boat. Keep belongings simple, dry where you can, and plan to change into swim gear fast at the right moment.

Onboard Comfort: Snacks, Staff, and the Mood

The onboard vibe is mostly laid-back. Crew members are described as friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is calm enough that solo travelers still seem to enjoy it.

There’s also a bar setup where you can buy drinks. One review specifically mentions a good gin and tonic, which is funny, but the bigger point is this: if you forgot snacks or you want something after swimming, you’re not stranded.

One small caution: in rougher sea conditions, loading and unloading can feel a bit hectic. Even then, the crew tends to adapt the plan and keep safety in mind.

Who This Boat Trip Suits Best

I’d point you toward this tour if you want:

• a short, scenic Mallorca water experience
• a real swimming moment
• a trip that works for solo travelers and families who want a fun “boat day” without planning a full itinerary

It may not be ideal if:

• you have mobility limitations (it’s listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments)
• you need a fully accessible transfer plan
• you’re expecting a long, quiet, narrated nature cruise

The Main Tradeoffs: What You Gain and What You Sacrifice

This tour is strong because it’s simple and focused. You get coastal views, then you get a swim, and you’re back without burning the whole day.

But tradeoffs show up in three areas:

• Swim time is short, so you’ll want to be ready to go when the boat stops
• glass bottom expectations can be a bit oversold if you’re expecting a full floor experience
• pickup and queueing can add a little chaos when everyone boards or climbs down to swim at once

None of this ruins the trip—just know what kind of day you’re buying.

Quick Booking Checklist Before You Choose

If you’re deciding between this and another Mallorca boat tour, use this fast checklist:

• Do you mainly want views plus a swim, not a long day?
• Are you okay with a limited glass-view experience?
• Can you arrive ready to move quickly and accept a short schedule?
• Are you packing only swim essentials (no big bags)?

If you answered yes, this one fits well.

Should You Book Alcúdia Boat Trip to Coll Baix?

Yes—if your priority is a short, good-value boat outing from Port Alcúdia that includes a swimming stop and classic north-coast scenery. At $34, the math works out best when you use the swim moment and spend most of the ride enjoying the coastline, not expecting a museum-level underwater viewing experience.

Skip or reconsider if you’re mobility-limited, you hate any chance of motion sickness, or you truly need a full glass-bottom floor experience with lots of time to examine the water below. In those cases, you’ll likely want a different style of tour.

If you go in with the right mindset—scenery, quick swim, light packing—this is one of those Mallorca half-day memories that feels worth the ticket.

FAQ

How long is the Alcúdia boat trip to Coll Baix?

The duration is listed as about 2 hours, so it’s a short outing.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at the boat kiosk of Alcudia Sea Trips (Transportes Marítimos BRISA), Passeig Marítim, 07410 Puerto Alcúdia, Illes Balears.

Is swimming included, and where do you swim?

Yes. The tour includes a stop to swim at Coll Baix (Platja del Coll Baix). The description also mentions swimming at Alcanada.

Are food and drinks included in the ticket price?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though you can buy snacks and beverages onboard.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a camera, and beachwear.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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