Alcudia: Boat Trip to Coll Baix

Coll Baix is a swim you can plan. This short boat trip from Port d’Alcúdia takes you along Mallorca’s north coast, with standout Alcanada shoreline scenery and the chance to get into clear water at a secluded stop. You get a “boat day” without needing to sacrifice half your life to the schedule.

I especially like the way the route balances viewpoints with an actual water break. You’ll cruise around the bay first, then head toward Coll Baix with turquoise water and rocky, mountainous cover that makes the cove feel apart from the rest of Alcúdia. It’s a great setup if you want photos plus a swim, not just sitting on a boat.

One possible drawback: the “glass bottom” experience can be underwhelming. Some people find the glass area small or limited to side windows, and in some cases the glass setup may not work as advertised, so you should plan on it primarily as a sightseeing boat with a swimming stop, not a full-time underwater viewing show.

Key things to know before you go

• Coll Baix swimming from the boat is the main event, with short but refreshing time in the water
• Alcanada lighthouse and shoreline views are a big reason this feels scenic even though it is only about two hours
• The glass bottom may be limited (small viewing areas or windows), so manage expectations
• Motion sickness tip: sit where you can see the horizon, especially on the upper deck
• Multiple boarding stops can make the boat a bit crowded and the schedule a little slower than you expect
• No large luggage is allowed, so pack light for the dock

The route: Port d’Alcúdia to Coll Baix in about two hours

This is a short, north-coast cruise that runs around two hours. The key idea is simple: you leave from Alcúdia, you cruise around the bay and nearby coast, and then you head to Coll Baix for a swimming break. It is not a long expedition. Think “best highlights, then off the boat for a swim.”

The boat starts at Alcudia Sea Trips (Transportes Marítimos BRISA), at the kiosk on the Passeig Marítim. After departure, you spend time moving along the coast while the boat works in a few stops and pickups. Then you reach the water stop near the cove and spend the majority of your “stretch break” time there.

If you’re the kind of person who likes to keep the day flexible, this format is handy. You can do this in the morning when the air is cooler, then still have time for lunch and a beach afternoon on your own.

Starting point and getting set for the ride

Meet at the boat kiosk for Alcudia Sea Trips, Transportes Marítimos BRISA, on the Passeig Marítim (Puerto Alcúdia). That matters because the experience is fast. Arrive a bit early so you can get sorted without stress, especially if you are swapping a digital ticket for a paper one at the booth.

Two practical notes before you go:

• Bring swimwear and a towel, because the swimming stop is the highlight.
• Pack light. Luggage or large bags are not allowed, so keep what you bring small enough to manage on the boat.

Also, bring your camera. The north-coast views around Alcúdia and the water colors near the cove can be photo-worthy, even for phones. One of the easiest ways to get good shots is to sit where you have a wide view of the coastline while the boat is moving.

The first leg: cruising around Alcúdia and heading for Alcanada

Right after departure, you’re on the move. The schedule includes a chunk of time where you are cruising along the Alcúdia area and taking in scenic coastal views. In plain terms, this is when the trip earns its keep. You get to see the bay from the water, with the coastline doing most of the work for your photos.

A big plus here is the Alcanada area. The tour route includes viewpoints toward the Alcanada beach and lighthouse, which gives you that “north Mallorca” feel right away. If you like coastline structure, you’ll appreciate the mix of sea walls, cliffs, and shoreline shapes that you simply cannot see from the promenade.

Where you sit makes a difference. If you’re hoping for the best panoramic views, try the upper deck. People prone to seasickness often do better with fresh air and a forward view of the horizon.

Coll Baix swimming: what you really get (and what to watch for)

The core reason most people book this is the swimming stop near Platja del Coll Baix. The published schedule shows a swim stop of about 15 minutes, though people may report slightly longer or shorter time depending on conditions and how the boat handles boarding and ladder traffic.

Here’s what you should expect in reality:

• You swim from the boat, not from a beach you walk onto.
• Entry can feel a little organized, then slightly chaotic in peak moments, because the boat typically has limited ladder access.
• You’ll queue to go down and then queue to come back up. It is usually not a disaster, but it is not a quiet spa ladder either.

The water is described as clear and turquoise blue, and the cove setting makes it feel special. This is also a good moment to try simple snorkeling if you have it. One practical tip that helps: bring a snorkeling mask (or at least something to protect your eyes) if you want to check out the marine life near the boat during the stop.

One more thing to keep in mind: water conditions matter. On at least one day, stronger current meant the boat adjusted the plan and the swim near Coll Baix was not possible, with the route redirected toward another nearby area. So if you are booking with zero flexibility, keep your expectations realistic.

About the “glass bottom boat” claim

Let’s talk honestly about the glass bottom. The tour is marketed as a glass bottom experience, and you may see viewing windows. But many people found it less impressive than the photos suggest. In some cases, the glass area is small, with limited views from the side windows rather than a big clear floor.

Add in a second factor: there can be days when the glass bottom is not functioning as expected. If that happens, you are still on a boat trip with the scenic cruise and the swim stop, but the underwater viewing becomes mostly a bonus instead of the main event.

So my advice is to treat the “glass” part as a plus, not your primary goal. If you want underwater spotting, plan to rely more on what you can see at the surface while snorkeling or looking from the deck, especially during the swim stop.

Onboard vibes: seating, bar, and how the boat feels

This trip is short, so the onboard experience is more about comfort and access than amenities. You’ll find seating and enough space to move around during the cruise. The boat can get crowded because the route may include several short boarding pickups along the way.

There is also a bar on the first floor where you can buy food and drinks. People have noted snacks and beverages are reasonably priced compared to many tourist add-ons, and it can help if you get hungry or want something cold during the ride. If you plan to snack, don’t wait until the moment you reach the swim stop, because the boat’s focus shifts quickly to water access.

Noise and crowd levels vary by time of day. The tradeoff for the good value is that you are sharing the boat with other groups, including families and solo passengers.

Timing tip: the 10:00 AM slot can feel easier

If your schedule allows it, consider an earlier departure like 10:00 AM. People tend to enjoy this time more because it is not yet as hot and humid, so you feel fresher while you’re outside on deck. It also makes the swim more comfortable.

If you go later, you can still have a great time, but bring extra water awareness for yourself and take sun protection seriously. This is an outdoor cruise with a short window to jump in and cool off.

Motion sickness and comfort: small changes that matter

If you are sensitive to motion, you have options here. The ride can involve gentle waves, and some people get seasick even on a short trip.

A few strategies that often help:

• Sit where you have the best view ahead, ideally with a clear sightline to the horizon
• Stay on the upper deck if you can, for cooler air and better balance cues
• Focus your eyes on distant points instead of the deck immediately around you

Also, don’t overpack your day with other intense activities. This is a sea ride first, swim second.

Who this tour fits best

This boat trip is best for people who want a quick dose of Mallorca coastline and a real swim break without committing to a full day at sea.

It works well if you are:

• Visiting Alcúdia and want north-coast scenery fast
• Traveling with kids who enjoy boats and short swimming time
• Going solo and still want a social setting with a simple plan
• Looking for a value-friendly outing under a few hours

It is not a fit if you have mobility impairments, because swimming access and the boat layout make movement and boarding difficult.

Value for $34: what you get for the money

At about $34 per person, this is a value play if your goals are scenery and a swim stop. You are paying for transportation, a guided-style route, and the highlight moment when you can get into the water from the boat.

The best value comes from how the schedule is built. You get:

• Coastline viewing around Alcúdia Bay
• The Alcanada lighthouse area during the cruise
• A swimming stop at Coll Baix, which is the part most people remember

The only place value can feel weaker is if you expected the glass bottom to replace swimming and sightseeing. If you set your expectations as “short scenic cruise plus swim,” the price feels fair.

Common headaches to plan around

A few practical issues can affect how smooth your day feels:

• Pickups take time, so you may spend extra minutes getting everyone aboard before the main route
• Swim access can be slow if the boat has limited ladder entry and lots of people trying at once
• Limited narration: if you want commentary about what you are seeing, you might not get much, so reading the scenery visually is part of the experience
• Paper ticket needs: even if you receive a digital QR code, you might still need to stop at the booth to exchange for a paper ticket at least some of the time

None of these ruin the trip. They just help you plan your mindset.

Should you book Alcúdia Boat Trip to Coll Baix?

Book it if you want a short, affordable boat outing with standout water color and a real chance to swim from the boat. It is especially good if you time it for morning and you’re the type who enjoys photo stops and quick adventures.

Skip it if your main goal is a truly dramatic glass bottom “floor-to-sea” experience. In this trip, the viewing side windows and glass elements may be limited, and some days the glass setup may not work as expected. Also skip if you need mobility-friendly access.

If you go in with the right plan, you’ll likely love it: coastline views up front, Coll Baix for the swim, then you’re back in Alcúdia without losing the rest of your holiday to one activity.