Mallorca Catamaran Cruise with Scenic Views and BBQ Lunch

Coves, swimming, and BBQ on Mallorca’s coast. I love how this Mallorca catamaran cruise mixes real time in the water with on-board BBQ that feels like a day out, not a rushed checklist. You also get a fun change of pace from driving, with scenic cruising right out of Port d’Alcúdia.

My main caution is that the itinerary can shift with wind and safety, and the boat can feel crowded on busy days. Still, if you’re after sun, coves, and an easy meal included, the Anacaona experience is a solid half-day plan.

Key highlights at a glance

• Catamaran day from Port d’Alcúdia with multiple anchoring swim stops
• Platja Des Coll Baix and other coves you can’t easily reach by foot or car
• Longest stop includes lunch prep onboard plus free snorkel gear and kayaks
• BBQ menu with pasta salad, fruit, and bread served while you’re relaxing
• Aucanada lighthouse and Formentor views for photos and coastal scenery
• Drinks included during the meal with a bar for extras all day

Where the day starts: boarding the Anacaona near Passeig Marítim

The tour meets at Passeig Marítim, 18, 07400 Alcúdia, right where you want to be if you’re starting the day coastal. You’ll get a mobile ticket, and the listing notes the area is near public transportation, which helps if you’re not driving.

Once you’re on board, the vibe is straightforward: relax, find a spot, and get ready for stops where the boat anchors close to the water. This is a catamaran designed for days like this, not a stuffy cruise where you watch the world go by from a chair.

Stop 1 and 2: from Transports Maritims BRISA to Platja Des Coll Baix swim time

First, you depart with Transports Maritims BRISA, then you’re quickly heading toward the bay area where the catamaran style really pays off. The early minutes matter because the later part of the day gets busy fast, and you want to get your bearings before you’re in swim mode.

Then comes the first real highlight: Platja Des Coll Baix. This is described as a secluded beach cove that’s hard to reach on foot or by car, which is exactly the point of doing a boat day here. You’ll anchor, and you can swim, sunbathe, and just enjoy the calm of the Mediterranean without doing any hiking.

The stop is short, about 20 minutes, so treat it like a quick reset. Grab water, put on sunscreen, and be ready to get in early so you don’t spend your best light-time standing around deciding.

Cala d’Engossalba zone: the long anchoring stop where snorkeling and BBQ happen

Your longest stop is in the Bay of Pollensa area, at a cove described as Cala d’Engossalba, sometimes paired with the name Cala Murta. Either way, it’s the part of the day where you stop for long enough to actually enjoy the water activities and the meal.

About 1 hour 30 minutes is scheduled here, and this is where the crew handles the BBQ preparation. The timing is practical: you’re swimming first, then you settle in while lunch comes aboard. That sequencing makes the meal feel like part of the day, not a pause you’re stuck waiting for.

What you can do during the lunch stop

You’ll have snorkel equipment and kayaks available at no extra charge during this stretch. You can also swim near the catamaran and sunbathe on the nets and benches, which is one of those “why don’t more boat tours do this” details.

A couple of notes from a real-world point of view:

• If you care a lot about having snorkel gear the moment you want it, go in expecting it to be available, but also keep expectations flexible on busy days.
• If you’d rather not snorkel, you can still spend the time comfortably drifting and swimming without needing special skills.

The BBQ lunch or dinner menu

When the crew is ready, lunch or dinner is served on board. You get a selection of meats that includes chicken, pork, and sausages, plus freshly made pasta salad using Mallorca tomatoes and vegetables. There’s also bread, and dessert is seasonal fruit.

Drinks are included during the meal: orange and water, plus sangria. The exact number isn’t complicated, but it is limited to the included drinks during the meal window, and you can purchase more from the bar later.

From a value perspective, this is the heart of the trip. Eating while you’re already in “vacation mode” makes the whole day feel smoother, especially if you’re visiting Alcúdia and want an active plan without finding restaurants or managing transport.

After lunch: Aucanada Beach and the lighthouse viewpoint

Once everyone has eaten and unwound, you get another water-cool down stop, about 20 minutes, near Aucanada Beach by the lighthouse. This is less about swimming for a long time and more about cooling off and photos.

The lighthouse area is one of those classic Mallorca coastal looks, and it’s a nice contrast after the coves. If you’re the type who likes to build your day around photo angles, this is a good moment for it.

Formentor beach views on the way back

There’s also a nod to Formentor beach from the catamaran. The wording here is important: you enjoy views from the catamaran, rather than a guaranteed stop at Formentor itself.

That matters if you’ve got Formentor as a must-see stop in your head. If your dream is a full beach time there, plan another option for that. But if your goal is simply to see the coastline and enjoy the view from the water, you’ll get what you came for.

Port d’Alcúdia wrap-up: scenic return with time to take it in

The itinerary includes a longer final stretch back connected to Port d’Alcúdia, around 2 hours 45 minutes. In practice, that usually means cruising time where you can relax, take pictures, and watch the light shift on the water while the crew keeps things moving.

This is a good section for:

• grabbing an extra drink if you want one,
• putting your camera away and just enjoying the sea,
• and figuring out who you are as a catamaran person. Some people love it. Some people love it more on day two.

At the end, the tour returns to the meeting point at Passeig Marítim, so you can head straight back to wherever you’re staying.

Price and value: what $86.51 buys you in real life

For about $86.51 per person, you’re paying for a 5-hour catamaran outing that includes the big essentials: boat time, multiple swim stops, snorkel gear and kayaks, and a real meal cooked on board.

What makes the price feel reasonable is the mix:

• You’re not just paying for transportation. You’re paying for several anchored stops where you can swim.
• You’re not packing lunch or hunting for food. The BBQ lunch or dinner includes pasta salad, bread, fruit, and two included drinks during the meal.

Where you might spend extra is drinks after the meal window. There’s a bar on board with inexpensive prices (by local standards, and at least compared to many tourist zones), but it’s still a cost. If you’re trying to keep the day cheap, stick to the included drinks and bring a water plan.

Also, the tour is in English, and the operator is Nofrills Excursions. That matters if you want clear communication about the stops and what’s available on board.

What can affect your experience: crowds, music, and the sailing vibe

A lot of people love this cruise for how relaxing it feels. Many also point out the crew is friendly and helpful, and that boarding and getting in and out of the water is easy.

But there are a few practical realities you should know before you commit:

• Boat size and feel: The operator lists a maximum of 110 travelers, but you may still feel crowded if the boat is full, especially during departure or the busiest anchoring stop.
• Music levels: Some days can be more of a party feel, others can be calm. If you want silence, treat this as a “sun and sea” day, not a private retreat.
• Sailing expectations: The promotion can make sailing sound more dramatic than it feels day-to-day. Some trips focus on the cruising and stopping for swims, even if you might not always feel the under-sail moment.

Food can also be a wildcard depending on your needs. The BBQ and pasta salad are described clearly, but for vegetarian travelers, one report notes limited options like bread and pasta. If you’re vegetarian, I’d treat this as “BBQ day with some sides,” not as a fully vegetarian menu.

Finally, toilets are described as basic but clean in at least one account. If bathroom comfort is a big deal for you, keep expectations realistic.

Who this Mallorca catamaran BBQ cruise is best for

This tour is a great fit if you want an easy way to see Mallorca’s northern coastline without renting a car or hiking between viewpoints. You’ll enjoy it most if you like:

• swimming in anchored coves,
• using snorkel equipment and kayaks,
• and ending with a proper meal on board.

It’s also a popular choice for groups and celebrations. One report highlights a bridal party with a fun atmosphere and plenty of space to move. The mix of activities and included meal makes it workable for different ages as long as everyone is comfortable with water time.

If you want a strict itinerary where you definitely stop at specific landmarks on land, double-check expectations. You get Formentor views from the catamaran, and changes can happen due to weather and safety.

Quick tips to make your day smoother

A few small moves can make this cruise feel like a dream instead of “fine”:

• Bring suncream and reapply at the first swim stop, not later.
• Pack a simple towel strategy. Being on nets and benches is fun, but you will want something dry for the long cruise back.
• Bring your photo camera, especially for lighthouse and Formentor-view moments.
• If you’re picky about snorkel fit or want peace of mind, consider bringing your own small snorkel mask if you have one.

And if you’re sensitive to crowds, pick your day wisely. This type of tour can feel calm when it’s not packed.

Should you book the Mallorca Catamaran Cruise with BBQ lunch?

Book it if you want a classic Mallorca “sea day” with multiple swim stops, included snorkel and water toys, and a real BBQ meal on board. It’s a good value at this price because so much of what you pay for is time on the water plus food included, not just scenery from afar.

Skip it or adjust expectations if your main goal is a long stop at Formentor itself or a very quiet, minimal-music experience every time. Also consider your food needs in advance if you’re vegetarian, since options may be limited compared to the full BBQ setup.

If your perfect day is sun, swimming coves, and an easy lunch that happens for you while you relax, this one is worth placing on your Mallorca list.