Mallorca : Speedboat, Snorkelling and Swimming Adventure

Formentor looks best from the water. This 1.5-hour trip from Port de Pollença combines a fast RIB ride with time to swim and snorkel in the clear coves around the Formentor peninsula. I like the mix of speed and quiet water time, and the $40 price is strong for a short coastal outing that includes a skipper and snorkeling gear. The main thing to weigh is the cave stop, which may feel less impressive than the beach, coves, and open-sea views.

You get a close look at Formentor’s white sand beach, old hotel, grand villas, and other coastal sights without committing to a full-day boat trip. I also like that you can spend around 30 to 40 minutes in the water, weather permitting, rather than rushing through a quick photo stop. The sea can still feel cold in spring, and jellyfish may affect where you swim.

This is a lively choice for families with older children, couples, and anyone who wants a short burst of sea time. Spanish and English are available, and guide Miguel has been praised for keeping a close eye on swimmers and finding a better place to get in when conditions were not ideal.

Key details before you book

• A 1.5-hour speedboat outing: You leave from Port de Pollença and return to the same meeting point, making this easy to fit into a morning or afternoon.
• Swimming near Formentor: Plan on a useful swim break, often around 30 to 40 minutes, with time for snorkeling in clear water.
• A small cave stop: The boat enters a Formentor island cave where you can see stalactites and take photographs, though the cave may be less memorable than the open coast.
• Views from the sea: The route includes Formentor Beach, nearby villas, the old hotel, and, according to the boat experience described, the lighthouse and other points of interest.
• Equipment is supplied: A snorkeling set, boat, skipper, and fuel are included. Complimentary cold drinks have also been provided on the trip.
• Weather matters: If sea conditions are unsafe, you are offered another date. Pregnant women and anyone who is intoxicated should not take part.

Leaving Port de Pollença by speedboat

The trip begins at Port de Pollença, on Mallorca’s northern coast. You meet there and return there, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride back from another harbor. Pickup and drop-off from your hotel are not included, so allow time to reach the port on your own.

The boat ride is part of the attraction, not just transport. A RIB, or rigid inflatable boat, gives you a low, open view of the coast and a much livelier ride than a large sightseeing boat. You feel the boat pick up speed between stops, then slow down when the skipper points out a cove, landmark, or swimming area.

That contrast gives the outing its shape. One moment you are watching the coast slip past at speed. Soon after, you are floating in still water with a mask and snorkel. For $40, that combination offers better value than a simple harbor cruise, especially if you want active time rather than only photographs.

A speedboat is not the best choice for every person. The ride may feel bumpy, and anyone who prefers a calm, slow boat should think about that before booking. You should also bring a towel and sunscreen, since the trip is built around time in the open air and water.

Seeing Formentor from the sea

Formentor is famous for its pale beach, clear water, and dramatic coastal setting. From the boat, you see the parts that are easy to miss from land, including the shoreline around the bay and the villas set above the water.

The old Formentor Hotel is another visual marker along the route. Seeing it from the sea gives you a different angle on the area than a road trip or beach visit. You may also pass the Formentor lighthouse and other points of interest, depending on the exact route and sea conditions.

I like this part of the trip because the boat lets you cover several coastal views in a short time. You are not spending the whole 90 minutes anchored in one place. At the same time, the schedule is short enough that you can pair it with a beach day, lunch in Port de Pollença, or another Mallorca activity.

Do not expect a full guided history tour. The supplied information confirms Spanish and English instruction, and the crew can explain local landmarks and sea life, but the main appeal is the scenery and the ride. If you want a detailed lecture about the peninsula, this may feel light. If you want a fast, visual introduction to Formentor, it fits well.

The Formentor cave and its stalactites

One of the planned stops is a cave on the island of Formentor. The boat enters the cave so you can see its stalactites and take photographs from the water.

This sounds like the most unusual part of the route, but it is wise to keep your expectations measured. One family found the cave a little disappointing, while the speedboat ride, swimming, and other views made the trip well worth the money. That is a useful warning: treat the cave as a short extra stop, not the main reason to book.

Caves can also look different depending on light, sea conditions, and how long the boat can safely remain inside. You may get a good photograph, but this is not a long underground tour with a walkway or extended exploration. Your view comes from the boat.

The cave still adds variety. Instead of only racing along the coast and stopping at a beach, you get a change in scenery and a chance to see a natural feature from close range. Keep your camera ready, but protect it from splashes.

Snorkeling and swimming in clear coves

The strongest part of the experience is the water stop. You get a snorkeling set, and the boat heads for one of the better swimming spots around Formentor. The exact location depends on conditions, which is a good thing. The skipper can look for a calmer or more suitable place rather than forcing the group into rough water.

A typical water break can last about 30 to 40 minutes. That is long enough for a proper swim, a little snorkeling, and time to cool off without turning the excursion into an all-day program. You can use the mask and snorkel to look below the surface, then simply swim or float if that is more your style.

Clear turquoise water makes this stop especially appealing. The supplied experience describes beautiful water and good snorkeling areas, but marine conditions are not fixed. In spring, the sea may still be cold. Jellyfish may also be present, as they were during one spring outing, so you should be prepared for the possibility that the skipper changes the swimming spot.

That flexibility matters. Guide Miguel was praised for staying attentive and finding a place where the family could swim despite cold water and jellyfish. I would see this as a practical strength of a boat trip: local judgment can make the difference between a pleasant swim and a frustrating one.

Bring your own towel, sunscreen, and camera. Snacks are also recommended, although food is not included. Cold drinks have been provided, and they are especially welcome after the swim, but you should not plan this as a meal. Eat before the trip or carry a simple snack if you need one.

What the speedboat ride feels like

This is a small, active outing rather than a formal cruise. The boat’s speed gives the route a sense of fun, and families with teenagers may especially enjoy it. One family described it as a holiday highlight for two teenage daughters, thanks to the fast ride, clear cove, and friendly driver.

You will spend some time seated while the boat moves between stops. The pace may change often, with faster stretches followed by slower passages near landmarks and the cave. Hold onto personal items and keep cameras secure, since an open speedboat exposes you to spray.

The crew is an important part of the experience. The skipper handles the boat, points out landmarks and sea life, and watches the group during the swim. Miguel was specifically praised for being attentive and kind. Spanish and English are the stated languages, so you should be able to follow the main instructions in either language.

The trip is not suited to intoxicated participants, and it is not suitable for pregnant women. Those rules make sense for a fast boat with open water stops. If you have concerns about the ride or swimming, ask before departure rather than assuming the boat will be calm.

Is $40 good value for 90 minutes?

At $40 per person, this is a good-value short excursion if you want several experiences in one outing. The price includes the boat, skipper, fuel, and snorkeling equipment. You also get coastal sightseeing, a cave visit, and a swimming stop, with cold drinks provided on the outing described.

The best value comes from the combination. A boat ride alone might feel brief after 90 minutes. A swim stop alone would not show you as much of Formentor. Put together, the trip gives you a quick sample of the peninsula from the water and leaves the rest of your day free.

There are limits. Food is not included, hotel pickup is not included, and the trip depends on sea conditions. You are paying for an active coastal experience, not a full-day charter or a private tour. If the cave is your main interest, the price may feel less compelling because that stop is short and may not impress everyone.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later reduce some booking risk. If the sea is unsuitable, the operator offers another date. That is useful in Mallorca, where wind and water conditions can change the plan.

Who should book this Formentor boat trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A short activity that fits around other Mallorca plans
• A fun speedboat ride rather than a slow sightseeing cruise
• A chance to swim and snorkel in clear coastal water
• Sea views of Formentor Beach, villas, the old hotel, and the lighthouse
• A family outing for older children or teenagers
• A reasonably priced way to see the coast from a new angle

I would be more cautious if you dislike bumpy boat rides, dislike swimming in open water, or want a long cave visit. You should also consider the season. Spring water may be chilly, and jellyfish can affect the chosen swimming area.

This trip is less about luxury and more about using 90 minutes well. You get fresh air, speed, photographs, and time in the sea without giving up an entire day. That makes it a practical choice for a first look at Formentor from the water.

What to bring and how to prepare

Pack a towel, sunscreen, camera, and snacks. Sunscreen is especially important because the boat exposes you to direct sun, and reflected light from the water adds to the glare.

Keep your camera protected during the faster sections. The cave and coastal views are worth photographing, but the boat may move quickly and spray can reach your belongings.

Wear something suitable for a swim and bring only what you need. There is no food included, so have something to eat before departure or bring a snack. If you are hoping to snorkel, remember that the supplied set removes the need to bring your own mask and snorkel.

Check the forecast and sea conditions before you go. If the sea does not allow the trip to operate, you will be offered another date. The flexibility is reassuring, but it also means you should avoid planning the boat ride as the only fixed highlight of a tightly packed day.

Final verdict: book it for the water time

Book this experience if you want a lively, affordable way to see Formentor from the sea. The strongest reasons are the fast RIB ride, the 30 to 40-minute swim, the clear coves, and the range of coastal sights included in a compact 1.5-hour route.

I would not book it mainly for the cave. That stop adds interest, but it may be modest. The real payoff is the combination of speed, swimming, snorkeling, and views, plus a crew that can adjust the swim location when water conditions are cold or affected by jellyfish.

At $40, it offers a lot for a short outing. Choose it for fun and flexibility, bring your towel and sunscreen, and keep your expectations focused on the coast and the water rather than a major cave attraction.

FAQ

Where does the Mallorca speedboat tour start?

The activity starts at Port de Pollença.

Where does the tour finish?

The boat returns to the original meeting point at Port de Pollença.

How long does the activity last?

The speedboat, snorkeling, and swimming experience lasts 1.5 hours.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. A snorkeling set is included in the price.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, so you should bring snacks if needed.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, camera, snacks, and sunscreen.

What languages are available?

Instruction is available in Spanish and English.

What happens if sea conditions are unsafe?

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