Mallorca : Speedboat, Snorkelling and Swimming Adventure

A fast RIB ride into Formentor’s clear blue bays is the main event here. In 90 minutes, you’ll see the coast from the water, enter a sea cave with stalactites, and get time for a proper swim instead of only taking photos from the boat.

I like the mix of speed and still water. You get the thrill of racing along the coast, then slow down for roughly 30 to 40 minutes of snorkeling and swimming. I also like the simple value: for $40, your boat, skipper, fuel, and snorkeling gear are covered. The main catch is that the cave may not impress everyone, and sea conditions can affect the route and swimming stop.

Key points at a glance

• A 90-minute coastal ride begins and ends at Port de Pollença.
• Formentor’s white beach, villas, old hotel, and lighthouse are best seen from the water.
• Snorkeling gear is supplied, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel.
• The swimming stop is a real part of the trip, often lasting around 30 to 40 minutes.
• The Formentor sea cave has stalactites, though it may feel less impressive than the open coast.
• Sea conditions matter. If the water is not safe for the planned trip, you’ll be offered another date.

Why this short Formentor trip works

Formentor is one of Mallorca’s most striking coastal areas, and the boat gives you a view that roads and beaches cannot. You’ll see the pale beach from offshore, look up at villas set along the coast, and pass other points of interest, including the lighthouse.

The route also avoids one common problem with short boat trips: spending the whole time moving. Here, the boat ride is only half the fun. The stop in a clear cove gives you time to get into the water, use the supplied mask and snorkel, and cool off before returning to port.

That balance suits you if you want an active outing but do not want to give up half a day. At 1.5 hours, it fits neatly into a morning or afternoon in Port de Pollença. You can still have lunch, visit the beach, or continue exploring Mallorca afterward.

I would not choose it if you want a long snorkeling session, a full coastal cruise, or a quiet sightseeing boat. The ride is short and likely to feel lively. Its strength is variety, not depth.

Leaving Port de Pollença on a fast RIB

You meet at Port de Pollença, and the trip returns to the same place. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to make your own way to the port.

Once aboard, the RIB takes you out toward Formentor. The speed is part of the appeal. You feel the boat move quickly across the water, with the coast opening up around you. This is more exciting than a slow harbor cruise, but it also means you should be ready for a brisk ride rather than a gentle sightseeing trip.

The skipper handles the boat and fuel, while instruction is available in Spanish and English. Instructor Miguel has been singled out for being attentive, particularly when sea conditions and jellyfish affected where the group could swim. That matters because a good swimming stop depends on choosing a suitable place, not simply stopping at the first attractive cove.

You should expect the ride to be shaped by the sea. If conditions are unsuitable, the operator will offer another date. That policy is sensible for a small, fast boat, though it means you should keep a little flexibility in your plans.

Seeing Formentor from the water

The boat’s route takes in the magical bay of Formentor and several coastal sights. The white sand beach is the visual anchor, but the surrounding coast gives the trip more than one photo stop.

From the water, you can look back toward the beach and see how the coves, slopes, and villas fit together. The old hotel is another point of interest, and the lighthouse adds a clear landmark to the route. You are not stopping for a full visit to these places. Instead, you see them as part of a moving coastal picture.

That distinction is important. This is not a land tour with time to walk through the hotel grounds or explore the lighthouse. The value comes from the changing views and the ability to reach small coastal corners by boat.

Have your camera ready, but protect it from spray. The supplied information specifically recommends bringing one, and the cave and swimming stop offer different kinds of photographs. You may want a waterproof case if you plan to keep your phone close to the water.

Entering the Formentor sea cave

The boat enters a cave on the island of Formentor, where you can see stalactites and take photographs. It is a brief but unusual part of the route, especially if you have not seen this section of the coast from a boat before.

I would keep expectations sensible. The cave is not the strongest feature for everyone. One family found it a little disappointing, while the speedboat ride, clear cove, and swimming time made the overall trip well worth the cost.

That is a useful way to judge this stop. If you are booking mainly for a dramatic cave visit, this may leave you wanting more. If you see the cave as one piece of a short coastal outing, it adds variety and gives the skipper another reason to bring you close to the rock formations.

The cave can also make the trip feel more personal than a simple ride past the shore. You are not just looking at Formentor from a distance. You are getting into one of its coastal spaces, even if the visit is short.

Snorkeling and swimming in a clear cove

The best part of the trip is the water stop. You’ll have time to swim and use the snorkeling set supplied by the crew. A recent outing allowed about 30 to 40 minutes in a beautiful Formentor cove, which is a generous share of a 90-minute trip.

The water can be very clear and blue, making this the point where the trip feels most connected to the coast. You can swim away from the boat, look beneath the surface, and take in the cove at your own pace.

Sea life and conditions are not fixed. Jellyfish were present during one spring outing, and Miguel moved the group to a more suitable place for swimming. The water was also still cold in spring, even though the group enjoyed the chance to get in.

You should bring a towel and sunscreen. Snacks are also recommended, though food is not included. The formal inclusions cover the snorkeling set, boat, skipper, and fuel. Cold drinks were provided on one outing, but I would treat that as an extra that may not be guaranteed rather than plan around it.

If you are not a confident swimmer, the available information does not promise flotation equipment or a dedicated swimming instructor. You should be comfortable with the water before booking, and you should follow the crew’s directions closely.

What $40 really gets you

At $40 per person, the price is strong for a short boat trip in one of Mallorca’s most scenic coastal areas. You are paying for a fast boat, fuel, skipper, snorkeling equipment, a cave visit, a coastal sightseeing route, and a substantial swim stop.

The value is especially good if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride and snorkeling equipment. The trip also saves you the effort of reaching small coves by land, where roads, parking, and beach crowds can complicate the day.

Still, the low price reflects the limited duration. You are not getting a full-day sailing trip, a meal, hotel transport, or a long guided nature tour. Food is excluded, and pickup is not provided. You should compare it with what you want from the day, not just with the cost of other boat trips.

For a family with older children or teenagers, the combination of speed, swimming, and snorkeling gives the money several jobs to do. One family with two teenage daughters found it a holiday highlight. Couples and small groups who want a quick outing should also find the format easy to fit into a Mallorca schedule.

Who will enjoy this boat ride most

This trip is a good match for you if you want:

• A short adventure from Port de Pollença
• A fast ride rather than a slow cruise
• Time to swim in clear water
• Basic snorkeling equipment without packing your own
• Coastal views of Formentor, including its beach, villas, old hotel, and lighthouse
• A family-friendly activity for older children and teenagers

It is less suitable if you are pregnant, since the activity is specifically listed as unsuitable for pregnant women. It may also be a poor fit if you dislike speed, need a long and calm sightseeing cruise, or want guaranteed warm water and perfect visibility.

The sea can change the plan. That is not a flaw unique to this outing, but it is part of booking a small boat around Mallorca. A replacement date is offered if conditions do not allow the trip to run.

Practical tips for a better outing

Arrive ready to get wet. Wear practical swim clothing, bring a towel, and apply sunscreen before boarding. A camera is worthwhile, but a waterproof cover will make it easier to photograph the coast without worrying about spray.

Bring a small snack because food is not included. You can also bring water, even though cold drinks were available on at least one outing. Keep bags compact so they do not get in the way on a fast boat.

Check the starting time when you book. The activity lasts 1.5 hours, but several departure times may be available. An earlier trip may suit you if you want to avoid the strongest midday sun, though the supplied information does not promise a particular time or water condition.

Do not drink alcohol before the trip. Intoxication is not allowed, which is sensible on a small, fast boat where balance and attention matter.

The cancellation terms are useful if your plans are still moving: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility helps if your Mallorca schedule depends on weather.

Is this Formentor speedboat trip worth booking?

I would book it if you want a high-value, short coastal adventure with real time in the water. The fast RIB ride, Formentor views, snorkeling stop, and return to the same port make $40 feel fair, especially for families and younger groups.

I would not book it solely for the cave, and I would not expect a long snorkeling expedition. The cave is a minor stop, and the sea may be cold or affected by jellyfish. But if you treat it as a lively sampler of Formentor by sea, it offers plenty: speed, scenery, a swim, and a practical taste of the coast without taking over your day.

FAQ

Where does the Mallorca speedboat trip start?

The activity starts at Port de Pollença.

Where does the activity finish?

It ends back at the meeting point in Port de Pollença.

How long does the trip last?

The trip lasts 1.5 hours. Starting times are available when you check the booking calendar.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A snorkeling set is included.

What sights can I see from the boat?

You can see Formentor Bay, the white sand beach, surrounding villas, the old hotel, the lighthouse, and other coastal points of interest.

Does the trip enter a sea cave?

Yes. The boat enters a Formentor sea cave where you can see stalactites and take photographs.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The trip includes time for a refreshing swim and snorkeling in a suitable coastal spot.

What happens if sea conditions are unsuitable?

If sea conditions do not allow the trip to operate, you will be offered another date.