Palm coves beat Palma traffic. This 4-hour tour is all about Mallorca’s coastline beyond the usual stops. I like that it mixes quiet swims with optional cliff jumping, led by local guides who know where to go and when. My one caution: you’ll move over rocky, uneven paths, so comfy shoes and basic fitness matter.
What makes it especially worth your time is the small size: it’s capped at 8 people. You meet at the Bendinat municipal pool area, walk to sea caves and hidden coves, then end at the Ermita de Portals Nous for big views and photos. If you’re not a strong swimmer (or you don’t want any rocky walking), this won’t be the best fit.
In This Review
- Key things I’d plan around before you go
- Palma’s Hidden Coves Start at Bendinat Municipal Pool
- Rocky Paths, Real Coves: The Body Check You Shouldn’t Ignore
- Bendinat to Mirador de Rafael: Views Plus Local Backstory
- Secret Cove Stops: Swimming, Snorkeling, and Optional Cliff Jumps
- What you should expect underwater
- Hiking Between Spots: A Moderately Active Morning
- Ermita de Portals Nous: A Cliffside Chapel Finish With Big Photos
- Price and Value: Why $52 Works for What You Actually Get
- What to Bring (So Your Day Stays Fun)
- Local Guide Energy: The Pace, the Care, and the Extra Touches
- Who This Tour Is For (and Who Should Skip It)
- Should You Book Mallorca Secrets for Hidden Coves?
- FAQ
- How long is the Palma de Mallorca SmallGroup tour?
- How many people are in the small group?
- Where do we meet the guide?
- Is food included in the tour price?
- Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
- What should I wear and bring?
- What swim gear is provided?
- What languages are the guides speaking?
- How do I get there by public transport?
- Is there a cancellation option if plans change?
Key things I’d plan around before you go
- Max 8 people for a personal, local-feeling pace
- Rocky access paths plus swims in small coves (wear proper shoes)
- Optional cliff jumps with safety-minded guidance
- Snorkel time in clear water, with gear like swim goggles and water shoes
- Cliffside chapel ending with sea views and a quick photo stop
Palma’s Hidden Coves Start at Bendinat Municipal Pool
This tour’s vibe is simple: you get out of town, down to the water, and onto spots that most people never find on their own. You start at the Bendinat municipal swimming pool area, at Av. República, 15, 07181 Bendinat, Illes Balears. The meeting directions are very specific: after the roundabout, walk straight ahead to the end of Avenida República, and look for your guide waiting in front of the blue fence.
Why I like this start: you’re already near the coast, so the day feels practical. You don’t waste time figuring out what bus goes where or how to get a bunch of gear to a beach. And because the group stays small, you can actually hear the guide’s story while you’re walking.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Mallorca.
Rocky Paths, Real Coves: The Body Check You Shouldn’t Ignore
This isn’t a sit-on-a-boat kind of excursion. The route includes a forest path and coastal walking, and you’ll cross rocky, uneven terrain. That matters because it shapes your experience: if you prepare well, the day feels fun and adventurous; if you show up in the wrong shoes, it turns annoying fast.
Plan around two things:
- Wear comfortable shoes that handle rocks. Flip-flops are a no.
- Bring water and some snacks. It’s not a food tour, and you’ll be outside moving for several hours.
Also, it’s not suitable for non-swimmers, people with low fitness, or hearing-impaired participants. That isn’t nitpicking—water time and safety guidance are part of the whole flow.
Bendinat to Mirador de Rafael: Views Plus Local Backstory
One of the best parts of this outing is that it doesn’t treat the coast like just a backdrop. Early on, you head to an old military base in Bendinat. The setting gives you great coastline views, and the guide shares what that site meant locally and how it fits into Mallorca’s past.
Then you move to a viewpoint stop called Mirador de Rafael. It’s short—about 15 minutes—but it’s timed well for a quick reset: you get the wide-angle sea views, then you’re back on the move toward the coves.
If you like history but don’t want a museum day, this is a nice middle ground. You get context while you’re already outdoors, and you don’t lose your energy before the best swimming parts.
Secret Cove Stops: Swimming, Snorkeling, and Optional Cliff Jumps
This is the heart of the tour. You’ll hit two main sea stops, with guided time and then free time to enjoy the water at your own pace. Each one is about 1.5 hours, and both are centered on the same goal: clear, calm water in quieter spots.
At the first secret stop, you follow a forest path to a quiet cove that’s known mostly to locals. You get time to swim, float, and explore smaller sea caves. The water tends to look crystal-clear, and the tone of the group becomes more relaxed here—less talking, more play.
This is also where the snorkeling setup matters. Included gear includes water shoes and swim goggles, and you’ll use them in the rocky, cave-adjacent water where you’d otherwise have to be careful with footing.
And then comes the optional adrenaline: cliff jumping. The tour includes optional cliff jumping, and the guides help you decide if you want to do it. From what I’ve seen on similar small-group coastal days, the biggest difference isn’t the jump itself—it’s having someone local set up the moment and keep an eye on safety. Reviews specifically call out cliff jumping as a highlight, with guides like Joan and Marc helping the experience feel fun, not forced.
What you should expect underwater
You might see fish and other sea life during snorkeling. Some guests have even mentioned spotting things like an octopus and a seastar. Even if you don’t spot wildlife, the water visibility and the cave edges usually make snorkeling feel worth the effort.
Hiking Between Spots: A Moderately Active Morning
Between the sea moments, you’ll walk. Expect some uphill or uneven sections, and plan on a day where your legs get a workout in a casual way. One guest described the hiking as a moderate stretch around a few miles and also noted the rocky parts where the guide helped keep the group comfortable.
What I’d tell you plainly: bring water shoes (you’ll get them) but also bring the right mindset. This is an active local outing, not a beach stroll.
If you’re traveling with kids, older relatives, or anyone who struggles with stairs or uneven ground, consider swapping to a calmer option. The goal here is movement, views, swimming, and a bit of adventure.
Ermita de Portals Nous: A Cliffside Chapel Finish With Big Photos
After the second cove stop and free swim time, you end with a scenic coastal walk to Ermita de Portals Nous, a small chapel set on a cliffside. You get a 15-minute photo stop here.
This final part is a smart way to wrap the day. You’ve spent hours wet, sandy, and salty, and now you get dry land, sea views, and a moment that feels slower. It’s a good spot to take photos where you’re not constantly watching for slippery rocks.
You finish at Portals Nous Plaza, so you can transition to lunch or a relaxed afternoon without having to figure out a complicated pickup.
Price and Value: Why $52 Works for What You Actually Get
At $52 per person for about 4 hours, this is the kind of activity that’s priced like a “small access” experience. You’re paying for:
- A local guide’s route choices and timing
- Time in multiple secluded coastal areas
- Water shoes and swim goggles
- Optional cliff jumping support
- A small group size (max 8), so you’re not packed in with strangers
Food isn’t included, and transportation is on you. That’s important. If you’re hungry, you’ll need to snack. But the trade-off is that the money goes into getting you to places, not into a meal you might not even want.
Also, the small-group format can make the day feel more efficient. Instead of spending time searching for coves on your own, you follow a route that’s already been tested, and you arrive with less stress.
What to Bring (So Your Day Stays Fun)
The tour gives you key water gear, but you’re still responsible for your comfort. Wear and bring:
- Swimsuit and sunscreen
- Comfortable shoes for rocks
- Water, plus beachwear
- Some snacks (recommended)
If you want a simple checklist, it’s this: sun protection, water, shoes that handle uneven ground, and a swimsuit you don’t mind rinsing.
One small practical note: because the day includes swimming and rocky areas, you’ll be happier if you keep your valuables secured and your towel plan simple.
Local Guide Energy: The Pace, the Care, and the Extra Touches
Guides are central to how this day feels. Several guests mention Joan and Marc by name, and they describe guides who are attentive, adaptable, and enthusiastic. One of the most repeated themes is that the coves can feel truly private—small groups, quiet water access, and fewer people around you than you’d see on the big public beaches.
You might also find guides offering extra care after swimming. Guests have mentioned things like homemade gazpacho made by the guide, GoPro-style photo capture for moments, and even hair care like conditioner or a hair mask after saltwater. Those are not guaranteed in the same way as the included gear, but they show the kind of local hospitality this tour tends to bring.
If you like conversations—culture, everyday Mallorca, local language tidbits—this kind of tour can be more engaging than a quick sightseeing loop. You’re outside with a guide long enough to actually learn something beyond the obvious postcard facts.
Who This Tour Is For (and Who Should Skip It)
This is a great fit if you want:
- Quiet coves and clear-water swimming near Palma
- A small group with a local guide
- Optional adventure like cliff jumps (if you’re into it)
- Time for snorkeling and cave exploration
It’s not the right choice if:
- You’re a non-swimmer
- You have low fitness or trouble with rocky uneven walking
- You need accessibility support for hearing-impaired participants
If you’re in Palma for a short stay, this is also a smart early-day activity. It helps you see a side of Mallorca that doesn’t require beach-hunting, and it often gives you ideas for where to return on your own.
Should You Book Mallorca Secrets for Hidden Coves?
Yes, if your ideal Mallorca morning includes a little hike, a lot of swim time, and the chance to jump off cliffs only if you want to. I think it’s strong value for the price because so much of what you’re paying for is access: route knowledge, secluded spots, and small-group attention.
Book it if you’re comfortable with rocks and water and you can swim confidently. If you prefer beaches with flat sand and minimal walking, you’ll probably feel more stress than excitement.
If you do book, I’d go in with the right gear and a relaxed attitude. This works best when you treat it like an active coastal hangout with a local—saltwater fun, sea caves, and a cliffside chapel to end on.
FAQ
How long is the Palma de Mallorca SmallGroup tour?
The tour lasts 4 hours.
How many people are in the small group?
The group is limited to a maximum of 8 participants.
Where do we meet the guide?
You meet at the Bendinat municipal swimming pool, Av. República, 15, 07181 Bendinat. The guide waits in front of the blue fence.
Is food included in the tour price?
No, food is not included.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
Yes. The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, and swimming is part of the experience.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear a swimsuit and comfortable shoes for rocky paths. Bring sunscreen, water, and beachwear. Snacks are recommended.
What swim gear is provided?
You’re provided water shoes and swim goggles.
What languages are the guides speaking?
The tour has live guidance in English, Spanish, German, and Catalan.
How do I get there by public transport?
A bus option is listed: Bus L108 leaves from Palma’s main station (Estació Intermodal) at 8:50 a.m.
Is there a cancellation option if plans change?
Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
