Mallorca : Speedboat, Snorkelling and Swimming Adventure

Formentor looks best from the water. This 1.5-hour trip from Port de Pollença combines a fast ride along Mallorca’s northern coast with time to swim, snorkel, and see the Formentor cave from the sea. I like the short, lively format and the chance to reach coves that are hard to appreciate from land. I also like that the price includes a snorkeling set and, according to the experience details, cold drinks on board.

The main drawback is simple: the cave may feel less impressive than the bay and swimming stop. Sea conditions can also affect the route, and the water may be chilly outside the warmest months. Still, at $40 per person, this is a strong choice if you want a quick taste of Formentor without giving up half a day.

Key points to know before you book

• Formentor from the water: You’ll see the white sand beach, nearby villas, the old hotel, and other coastal sights from a speedboat.
• A real swim stop: You get roughly 30 to 40 minutes for swimming and snorkeling in a clear cove, depending on the day’s conditions.
• A small sea cave: The boat enters a Formentor cave where you can see stalactites and take photos.
• Port de Pollença departure: You must make your own way to the port, and the trip returns to the same meeting point.
• Good value at $40: The price includes the boat, captain, fuel, and snorkeling equipment.
• Weather matters: If the sea is not safe for the trip, you’ll be offered another date.

Why Formentor works so well by speedboat

Formentor is one of those places where the view changes completely once you leave the road behind. From the sea, the white beach, steep coast, old hotel, and handsome villas come together in one sweeping view. You are not simply heading from one point to another. The ride itself is the sightseeing.

A speedboat also lets you cover more coast in a short period. The trip includes views toward the lighthouse and other points of interest, so you get a quick sense of the wider Formentor area rather than sitting in one cove for the whole outing.

I think the 1.5-hour length is one of the strongest parts of this experience. You can fit it around a beach morning, lunch in Port de Pollença, or another Mallorca plan. You also avoid the commitment of a full-day boat excursion, which can be too much if you mainly want a swim and a burst of sea air.

The tradeoff is that the ride is compact. You will see several places, but you should not expect long stops at every landmark. The emphasis is on movement, scenery, and one proper swim break.

Starting at Port de Pollença

The meeting point is Port de Pollença, and the boat returns there at the end. Since pickup and drop-off are not included, you need to arrange your own transport to the port and arrive ready to board.

Port de Pollença is a practical base for this trip because the outing begins right on the water. There is no long transfer before the fun starts. Once aboard, you can settle in for the quick ride toward Formentor.

The boat has a captain, and instruction is available in Spanish and English. One guide named in the experience feedback is Miguel, who was praised for being attentive and for finding a suitable place to swim when the water was cold and jellyfish were present. That detail matters. A good captain does more than steer quickly. He watches the sea and adjusts the swimming location when conditions call for it.

You should bring sunscreen, a towel, a camera, and snacks. The boat trip includes snorkeling equipment, but snacks are not included. Cold drinks are provided according to the experience details, which is a welcome touch after time in the water.

The speedboat ride along Formentor

The first part of the outing is the ride itself. Expect a fast RIB-style boat experience, with the water, cliffs, villas, and coves passing around you. The pace adds a little thrill without turning the trip into a pure adrenaline activity.

I like this mix. You get the excitement of a speedboat, but the purpose remains sightseeing. The route takes in the magical Bay of Formentor, with views of the pale beach and clear water that make this part of Mallorca famous.

The old hotel is another visual marker along the coast. From the water, buildings and villas look different than they do from a road. You notice how the developed parts of the bay sit beside open coastline and rocky shore.

The lighthouse and other coastal points are also part of the view. Exact stops can depend on the sea, so think of these as sights along the route rather than guaranteed long visits. Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray. A waterproof case is a sensible choice even though one is not supplied.

The ride can be lively, so this is not the right outing for someone who wants a slow, quiet cruise. It is also not suitable for pregnant women, and intoxication is not allowed. You need to be comfortable with a moving boat and able to follow the captain’s instructions.

Snorkeling and swimming in Formentor’s clear water

The central reward is the swim stop. You’ll have time to get into the water, use the mask and snorkel, and look around the cove. The stop usually provides about 30 to 40 minutes of swimming time, though the precise duration may change with conditions and the schedule.

The water is described as turquoise and crystal clear, which makes snorkeling appealing even if you are not an expert swimmer. You do not need to treat this as a serious underwater expedition. The pleasure is in floating, seeing the coast from water level, and cooling off in a scenic place.

The season makes a difference. During spring, the sea can still be cold. One family enjoyed their swim despite chilly water, but jellyfish were present, so the captain selected a more suitable spot. You should bring realistic expectations: the sea is natural, not a swimming pool, and conditions can change from one cove to the next.

Sunscreen is essential, even on a short trip. Sun reflecting off the water can catch you quickly, especially while snorkeling. Apply it before boarding, and remember that a towel is not included.

The snorkeling set is included, which improves the value of the trip. You do not need to rent a mask and snorkel separately or carry your own equipment. If you prefer simply to swim, that is fine too. The stop is designed to give you a refreshing break, not force you into snorkeling.

Entering the Formentor sea cave

The cave is one of the more unusual parts of the route. The boat enters the island’s cave so you can see stalactites and take photographs from inside. It gives the ride a small sense of discovery without requiring a long walk or difficult climb.

I would keep expectations modest here. The cave is interesting because you see it from a boat, but it may not be the visual high point of the trip. One family found it a little disappointing, while still rating the whole outing highly because the speedboat ride, clear cove, and swimming time were stronger parts of the day.

That is a fair way to judge it. Treat the cave as an extra stop rather than the main reason to book. The sea, bay, and moving views are the real stars.

Photography inside a cave can be tricky. Light levels change quickly, and the boat may not remain still for long. A camera that handles low light will help, but do not spend the whole stop chasing the perfect image. You are there for a brief look before heading back toward the open water.

What the $40 price really gets you

At $40 per person, this trip offers a good amount for the time. The price covers the boat, captain, fuel, and snorkeling equipment. You also receive a fast coastal tour, a sea cave visit, and a proper swim stop.

The value is strongest if you are already staying near Port de Pollença. Since transportation to the port is not included, your total cost will depend on how easily you can reach the meeting point. If you are nearby, the short duration keeps the outing affordable and easy to add to your day.

The trip is also a good option for families with older children and teenagers. Two teenage daughters enjoyed the speedboat and snorkeling on one outing, and the complimentary drinks were useful afterward. You still need to judge your family’s comfort with boat movement, open water, and a potentially brisk ride.

For couples and friends, the format works well because it combines activity and scenery. You are not paying for a long meal or a full-day cruise. You are paying for a focused coastal experience with enough time in the water to make the trip feel worthwhile.

The value is less convincing if you want extensive snorkeling, a long beach stop, or a slow tour with lots of narration. In that case, a longer boat outing may suit you better. This trip is about making the most of 90 minutes.

Who should book this Formentor boat trip

I would recommend it most strongly to you if you:

• Want to see Formentor from the sea rather than only from the road
• Enjoy a fast boat ride but also want time to swim
• Have about 90 minutes available
• Are staying in or near Port de Pollença
• Like simple activities with equipment included
• Are traveling with teenagers or active family members
• Want a reasonably priced introduction to the northern Mallorca coast

It is less suitable if you are pregnant, dislike speedboats, or want a completely calm cruise. It may also not be ideal if you need guaranteed warm water or a fixed route. Sea conditions can change the plan, and a different date may be offered if the water is not safe.

You should also avoid arriving intoxicated. The operator does not allow it, and that rule makes sense on a small boat where safety depends on everyone paying attention.

Timing, weather, and practical planning

The activity lasts 1.5 hours, but you should allow extra time to reach Port de Pollença and get organized before departure. Starting times vary, so check availability when choosing your date.

The sea has the final say. If conditions prevent the tour from operating, you’ll be offered another date. This is worth remembering when planning a tight schedule around flights, ferry connections, or a same-day drive to another part of Mallorca.

A flexible booking policy helps here. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now without paying immediately. Those terms are useful if your Mallorca plans are still moving around, though you should still check the exact booking conditions for your chosen date.

Bring only what you need. A towel, sunscreen, camera, and snacks are listed as useful items. Keep loose belongings secure because a speedboat ride can involve spray and movement. A small dry bag would be sensible, though it is not included.

The captain’s language support is Spanish and English. If you need clear instructions for boarding, snorkeling, or swimming, let the crew know. The captain’s judgment is especially important if jellyfish or cold water affects the planned swim location.

The best way to judge the experience

The strongest parts are clear: the fast ride, the coastal views, and the time spent swimming in a beautiful cove. The tour also gives you a useful view of Formentor’s landmarks without requiring a full day.

The weaker part is the cave, which may feel brief or less dramatic than expected. The water can also be cold outside summer, and natural conditions such as jellyfish may affect where you swim. Those are not flaws unique to this outing. They are simply facts of taking a small boat into open coastal water.

I would judge the trip by the complete package rather than one stop. If you want a scenic burst of Mallorca with real time in the sea, the cave is a bonus. If the cave is your main reason for booking, you may come away underwhelmed.

The rating of 4.8 from 29 ratings fits the experience’s strengths: it is short, active, scenic, and fairly priced. The most important praise centers on the speedboat ride, the clear cove, the attentive captain, and the good use of time.

Should you book the Formentor speedboat adventure?

Yes, if you want an affordable and energetic way to see Formentor from the water. At $40, the combination of a speedboat ride, snorkeling gear, a cave visit, coastal views, and a 30 to 40-minute swim makes good sense, especially for families, couples, and teenagers based near Port de Pollença.

Book with a little flexibility if you are visiting outside the warmest months. Expect the cave to be a short extra, not the main attraction, and let the captain choose the safest swimming spot if the sea or jellyfish make the first plan unsuitable.

If that sounds like your kind of Mallorca afternoon, this is an easy trip to add to your schedule.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour start?

The tour starts at Port de Pollença and returns to the same meeting point.

How long does the activity last?

The activity lasts 1.5 hours. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for your chosen date.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. A snorkeling set is included in the experience.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, so you should bring snacks if you want something to eat.

What languages are available?

The instructor service is available in Spanish and English.

What happens if the sea conditions are unsafe?

If sea conditions do not allow the tour to operate, you’ll be offered another date.