Alcudia: Boat Trip to Coll Baix

Clear water, quiet coves, and a short swim stop. This two-hour boat trip from Alcúdia is a simple way to see the north coast without committing to a full-day cruise. I like the views toward Alcanada lighthouse and Coll Baix, and I like that the trip includes time to jump into the sea. The main catch is that the advertised glass-bottom boat has only a few small viewing windows, so you should book it for the scenery and swim, not for serious underwater viewing.

The price is about $34 per person, which feels fair for a coastal outing with a swimming stop and onboard snacks available to buy. I also appreciate the several pickup points around Alcúdia Bay, though the extra stops can use up roughly 30 to 40 minutes and make the boat feel crowded at times.

Key points to know before you go

• The swim is the star: You usually get about 15 to 30 minutes in clear water, depending on conditions and how efficiently people board and leave the water.
• Alcanada and its lighthouse add the best views: The boat passes attractive stretches of coast before heading toward Coll Baix.
• The glass bottom is modest: Expect four small side windows or limited viewing panels, not a wide underwater viewing deck.
• Morning departures work well: The 10 AM trip is a smart choice for cooler air, softer heat, and good views from the upper deck.
• Several pickups can stretch the ride: The boat may collect passengers from different jetties before reaching open water.
• Bring your own snorkeling gear: A mask can help you see more around the swimming stop, although the boat does not promise a reef or formal marine-life presentation.

A relaxed way to see Alcúdia Bay

This is not a grand yacht cruise or a full-day coast expedition. It is a compact outing that combines a boat ride, coastal sightseeing, and a quick swim. That honest description matters because the trip works best when you want a pleasant half-day break, not an elaborate marine tour.

You meet at the Alcudia Sea Trips kiosk operated by Transportes Marítimos Brisa on Passeig Marítim in Puerto Alcudia. Several departure points around the bay may be available, so check the exact pickup location before setting off. One useful detail came up more than once: some people only discovered later that they could have boarded closer to their accommodation. Confirming the jetty can save you a taxi ride.

The boat is generally easygoing and family-friendly. Children can enjoy the sensation of being on the water, and the route is short enough that it is unlikely to become tedious. Still, the boat may fill up after several pickups. If you want the best views, aim for the upper deck and arrive early enough to choose your seat.

The first 30 to 40 minutes: pickups and bay views

The route begins at Port Alcudia, but the boat may make several short stops along the bay to collect passengers. This part is useful if you are boarding from a nearby jetty, but less exciting if you are already onboard and eager to reach Coll Baix.

Allow roughly 30 to 40 minutes for this process. One itinerary description gives 40 minutes for the ferry portion, while several accounts describe three or four pickup stops. That explains why some people feel the actual sightseeing time is shorter than expected. The trip may last around two hours, or closer to two and a half hours according to one passenger, but part of that time is spent loading people.

Once underway, the views improve. You see Alcúdia Bay from the water, with beaches and rocky shorelines opening out around you. This is the part of the trip that gives the outing its value. From a boat, the bay feels wider and more varied than it does from the promenade.

The upper deck is the best place for a broad view. It also gives you a better chance of feeling fresh air and watching the horizon if you are prone to seasickness. One passenger with motion sickness found the 10 AM departure especially comfortable, before the day became too hot and humid.

Alcanada lighthouse and the north coast

The boat passes Alcanada beach and its lighthouse, one of the route’s most recognizable sights. The lighthouse sits offshore near a small island, giving the water a particularly attractive blue-green appearance in good weather.

I would keep your camera ready here. The boat’s movement makes sharp photographs harder, but the coastline, lighthouse, and open bay create the kind of views that are best captured in a few quick shots rather than carefully staged pictures.

There is no regular narration described for the trip. That means you may not receive a detailed explanation of every headland or island. If you enjoy learning the names and stories behind places, this may feel thin. If you prefer a quiet ride with your own company, music, or conversation, the lack of commentary may not bother you.

The route has a laid-back feel rather than a formal sightseeing format. Staff are generally described as friendly, and the boat has a bar with snacks and drinks for purchase. A gin and tonic received special praise, while other passengers found the food and beverages reasonably priced. Since these purchases are not included, bring a payment method and do not assume lunch is part of the fare.

Coll Baix: beautiful water, but not a beach landing

Coll Baix is the main reason to book the trip. This secluded coastal area is protected by steep mountain scenery and has clear turquoise water. The boat typically stops offshore, allowing you to swim from the vessel rather than walk onto the beach.

That distinction is important. The experience is not a visit where you step ashore and spend an hour on Platja del Coll Baix. You remain on the boat and enter the sea from a ladder or jump from a safe point under crew direction. Some descriptions also mention Alcanada or the lighthouse area as an alternative swimming location.

The swimming period can be about 15 to 30 minutes. Conditions and crowding affect the exact time. Some people get in quickly and enjoy a proper swim, while others wait in line at the ladder and end up with only a few minutes in the water.

There may be just one ladder for entering and leaving the sea. That can create a slow queue, especially when children or less confident swimmers gather around the exit. The crew may also change the stop if the current is strong. On one rough day, the boat skipped swimming at Coll Baix and moved toward the lighthouse or Formentor area instead. That is a sensible safety decision, but it means you should treat the swim location as weather-dependent.

The water can be deep beneath the boat. This is not always suitable for young children who cannot swim confidently. A family with children aged four and seven enjoyed the ride and the glass windows, but expected the children might not be able to enter the sea. That is a good way to think about it: the boat is family-friendly, but the swim itself is not a shallow-water beach activity.

What the glass-bottom boat really offers

The glass-bottom feature needs a realistic explanation. You should not picture a large transparent floor or an underwater viewing cabin. The boat has small viewing windows, described by passengers as four modest panels on the sides or limited glass sections near the bottom.

The windows may be hard to use in bright heat, and some have been described as needing a cleaner surface. You may see fish or marine life, but the underwater view is limited and there is no guarantee of a special feeding presentation or guided marine-life talk.

I would treat the glass windows as a bonus for children and curious passengers. They add a little interest during the ride, especially for younger children who enjoy peering through the panels. They are not the main reason to pay for this trip.

The better value comes from seeing the coast from the water and swimming near a secluded cove. If underwater viewing is your top priority, you may be disappointed. If you want a short scenic cruise with a chance to get wet, the boat delivers much more reliably.

How the timing affects your day

At two hours, this is a manageable outing. You do not lose a whole day at sea, and you can fit it between breakfast and lunch or add it to a relaxed afternoon in Alcúdia. The short format also helps families and anyone who gets restless on longer cruises.

The tradeoff is that every delay matters. Three or four pickup stops, boarding queues, and a single swimming ladder can make the sightseeing portion feel brief. Some people consider 30 minutes of swimming plenty. Others wish the stop lasted longer.

The 10 AM departure is worth considering. It tends to offer cooler conditions and less intense midday heat. It also gives you the rest of the day afterward. Sitting on the second floor can improve the view and may help with motion sickness because you can watch the horizon.

Sea conditions matter more than the calendar. On calm days, the ride should feel smooth and easy. Rougher water can change the route and may make some passengers uncomfortable. If you are sensitive to motion, sit where you can see the horizon, avoid staring down at the glass windows for long periods, and consider choosing a morning departure.

Price, comfort, and overall value

At about $34 per person, I consider this good value for a short coastal trip. You get a boat ride around Alcúdia Bay, views toward Alcanada and Coll Baix, and a swimming opportunity. The friendly crew and reasonably priced onboard food and drinks add to the convenience.

The value is weaker if you expect a full beach visit, a large glass floor, guided commentary, or a long swim. Those features are not what this outing is built around. It is better understood as a short and sweet introduction to Mallorca’s north coast.

The boat may become crowded after the pickups, but there is usually enough room to move around and find a different viewing spot. Boarding and leaving the water can be less orderly than you might like, especially at the swim stop. Pack light because large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Bring swimwear, a towel, beachwear, and a camera. A mask or snorkeling set is also a smart addition if you already own one. The boat does not include food or drinks, but you can buy refreshments onboard, so you do not need to carry a full picnic.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A reasonably priced coastal outing from Alcúdia
• A short boat ride rather than a full-day cruise
• A chance to swim from the boat in clear water
• Scenic views of Alcanada, its lighthouse, and Coll Baix
• An easy activity for children who enjoy boats
• A relaxed plan that leaves most of your day free

I would hesitate if you need step-free access or have a mobility impairment, since the boat and swimming ladder are not suited to every passenger. I would also think twice if you dislike crowds, queues, or rough water.

Solo visitors can enjoy it too. One solo passenger found the trip worthwhile despite some seasickness. You do not need a large group to make the ride enjoyable because much of the pleasure comes from the views and the water itself.

Practical advice before boarding

Check your departure point carefully. Transportes Marítimos Brisa uses several locations around Alcúdia Bay, and boarding near your accommodation may be possible.

Arrive with enough time to visit the kiosk and receive the correct boarding instructions. One passenger found that a QR code alone was not accepted at the boat and that a paper ticket had to be collected at the booth. I would not leave this until the final minute.

Keep your bag small. Large luggage is not allowed, and there is little reason to bring anything beyond the basics. Wear swimwear under your clothes if you want to get into the water quickly.

Finally, set your expectations around the word glass-bottom. The boat offers limited underwater viewing, not a major aquarium-style display. Think of it as a scenic ride with a small marine-life extra.

Should you book the Alcúdia boat trip to Coll Baix?

Yes, if you want an affordable, uncomplicated way to see Alcúdia Bay and swim in clear Mediterranean water. The scenery, friendly staff, and short format make it a solid choice for families, couples, solo visitors, and anyone looking for a break from the beach.

Book it with realistic expectations. The swim may be brief, the boat may collect passengers from several jetties, and the glass-bottom windows are small. Choose a morning departure, sit upstairs, bring a towel and mask, and treat the trip as a scenic coastal ride with a refreshing swim, not as a full beach excursion or specialist marine tour.

FAQ

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

The advertised duration is two hours. Some departures may take closer to two and a half hours, depending on pickup stops and conditions.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at the Alcudia Sea Trips kiosk operated by Transportes Marítimos Brisa, on Passeig Marítim, 07410 Puerto Alcudia, Illes Balears. Other pickup points around Alcúdia Bay may also be available.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat stops for swimming, usually near Coll Baix, Alcanada, or another suitable location depending on sea conditions. You swim from the boat rather than necessarily landing on the beach.

How long is the swimming stop?

The planned swimming stop is about 15 minutes in the itinerary, while some departures allow around 20 to 30 minutes. The exact time can change with conditions and boarding queues.

Is the boat really glass-bottom?

The boat has limited glass viewing windows. It is not a large transparent floor or full underwater viewing area, so the main attractions are the coastal scenery and swimming stop.

Can I buy food and drinks onboard?

Yes. Food, snacks, and drinks are available to purchase on the boat. They are not included in the ticket price.

What should I bring?

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