Mallorca : Speedboat, Snorkelling and Swimming Adventure

Formentor is best seen from the water, where its white beach, grand villas, old hotel, and rocky coves line up in one brisk 1.5-hour outing. Sea Adventure packs the coast, a sea cave, snorkeling, and a swim into a fast RIB ride from Port de Pollença. The speed is part of the fun, but the real reward is reaching clear water away from the port.

I like the chance to stop for roughly 30 to 40 minutes of swimming and snorkeling rather than spending the whole trip in motion. I also like the simple value: at $40, your boat, skipper, fuel, and snorkeling set are included. The main consideration is that sea conditions control the experience, and the cave may feel less impressive than the bay and open-water swim.

Key points at a glance

• A fast route to Formentor: See the coast from a RIB-style speedboat instead of relying only on the road.
• A proper swim stop: You get time to swim and use the supplied mask and snorkel in clear water.
• A sea cave with stalactites: The boat enters a cave on Formentor Island for photographs and a short look around.
• Several landmarks in one ride: Expect views of the lighthouse, white-sand beach, old hotel, villas, and rocky coastline.
• A compact half-day addition: The 1.5-hour length works well before or after other plans in Port de Pollença.
• Flexible booking terms: You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and payment can be delayed when that option is available.

Why Formentor works so well from a speedboat

Formentor’s coastline is a natural fit for a boat trip. From the sea, you see the famous beach as part of a wider sweep of pale sand, steep rock, clear water, and scattered villas. The boat also gives you a different view of the old Formentor hotel and the coast near the lighthouse.

I like this format because you are not committing a full day to a long cruise. The trip lasts 1.5 hours, so it gives you a taste of the peninsula without taking over your Mallorca schedule. You return to the same meeting point, Port de Pollença, which keeps the plan straightforward.

The speedboat matters, too. A RIB-style ride gets you along the coast quickly and adds a lively burst of motion between the scenic stops. If you want a calm, slow sightseeing cruise with a long lunch on board, this is not that. If you want views, speed, and a chance to get wet, it is a better match.

Leaving Port de Pollença for the Formentor coast

The activity starts and ends at Port de Pollença. Pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the port and arrive ready for the departure time you select.

The first part is the ride itself. Expect the boat to move briskly along the turquoise water while you take in the coast. The crew points out local landmarks, including the lighthouse and the Formentor area, so the ride is not simply transport from one swimming spot to another.

The sea can make a difference to comfort. On a calm day, the ride should feel like a thrilling coastal tour. In choppier conditions, the same speed can feel bouncy, especially if you are not used to small boats. Choose practical clothing, secure loose items, and bring a towel for the stop afterward.

The crew speaks Spanish and English. One guide named Miguel is described as especially attentive, including finding a better place to swim when jellyfish made one area less appealing. That kind of flexibility is useful on a short trip, because a good swimming spot matters more than following one fixed point on a map.

Seeing Formentor’s beach, villas, and old hotel

The boat route brings you past the white-sand beach of Formentor and the villas around the bay. From the water, the beach has a particularly good setting. You can see how the pale sand meets the bright sea, with the surrounding coastline framing the view.

You do not come ashore for a beach visit, so keep your expectations clear. This is a boat-level view and a swimming excursion, not a full beach day. If you want a sunbed, a long walk, or time at the hotel, you need a separate plan.

The old hotel and villas add interest to the ride. They give you something to look for between swimming areas and help make the coast feel like more than a succession of anonymous rocks. The lighthouse is another useful landmark, especially if you enjoy matching what you see from the water with the geography of the peninsula.

I would bring a camera, but protect it from spray. The supplied information specifically recommends one, and the combination of beach, cliffs, villas, and clear water gives you plenty of photo opportunities. Just remember that the boat ride and salt water are not friendly to unprotected electronics.

Entering the sea cave on Formentor Island

One of the more unusual parts of the outing is the boat’s entrance into a cave on Formentor Island. Inside, you can see stalactites and take photographs before heading back toward the swimming area.

The cave is worth including because it breaks up the ride and gives you a short change of scenery. It also adds a little adventure without requiring a separate cave excursion. You remain on the boat, so this is a look inside from the water rather than a walking cave tour.

I would keep expectations modest. The cave is a nice extra, but it may not be the strongest part of the trip for every person. One family found it a little disappointing compared with the speedboat ride and snorkeling. The open water, beach views, and time to swim are likely to be the main highlights.

Snorkeling in clear water

The boat stops in a suitable place for swimming and snorkeling. A mask and snorkel are included, which means you do not need to bring your own set. You can use the stop for a proper swim or simply enjoy the water from the boat if snorkeling is not your priority.

The clear blue cove is the heart of the experience for many people. It gives you time to slow down after the fast ride and see the coast from water level. You might spot local sea life, although the exact conditions and visibility will vary.

Bring sunscreen and apply it before boarding, then reapply as needed. Bring a towel, too. Snacks are recommended, though food is not included. The boat has provided cold drinks on the outing described, and they are a welcome touch after time in the water, but you should still bring any snack you will want during the trip.

Jellyfish can occasionally affect the swim. In spring, the water may still feel cold, and one group found it chilly but still enjoyable. The skipper may look for a more suitable place if conditions at the first area are not good. That is a helpful sign, but it does not guarantee warm water, perfect visibility, or a jellyfish-free stop.

How much fun is the speedboat ride?

The ride is not just a way to reach the cave. It is a central part of the outing. The boat moves fast enough to give the trip a sense of occasion, while the route supplies views of Formentor’s major coastal features.

Teenagers and families with older children are likely to enjoy this mix of speed and water time. The ride also suits adults who want an active break from beach lounging. I would be more cautious if you dislike bouncing boats, have a strong fear of open water, or need a very gentle sightseeing experience.

Do not treat the boat as a private charter based on the information provided. The exact group size is not stated, so the atmosphere and amount of personal space can vary. The short duration keeps the trip manageable, but it also means the route needs to stay focused.

What the $40 price really covers

At $40 per person, the price is strong for a 1.5-hour coastal trip that includes the boat, skipper, fuel, and snorkeling gear. You are paying for both transport and an activity, not just a quick ride around the harbor.

The value is best if you plan to swim. Someone who stays on the boat the entire time may still enjoy the scenery and speed, but the included snorkeling set and water stop are a large part of what makes the price worthwhile.

Food is not included, so bring snacks. Pickup and drop-off are also not included, but the meeting point is Port de Pollença and the trip ends there. That is easy to plan if you are already in or near the port, less convenient if you are staying elsewhere and expected hotel transport.

A complimentary drink can make the short trip feel even better, especially after snorkeling. Still, I would not book this as a food-and-drink cruise. The value comes from the coastal route, the fast boat, the cave, and the swimming stop.

Who should book this Formentor boat trip?

I would choose this outing for:

• Families with teenagers who want more action than a standard sightseeing boat
• Couples looking for a short coastal adventure with time in the water
• Swimmers who want to see Formentor from the sea
• Visitors based near Port de Pollença
• Anyone with only a few spare hours who still wants a memorable Mallorca activity

It is less suitable for pregnant women, who are specifically advised not to take the activity. It may also be a poor fit for anyone who becomes uncomfortable on fast boats or does not want to swim.

You must not join while intoxicated. That rule is sensible on a small, moving boat and around open water. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes if you plan to swim, and bring a dry layer for the ride back.

Weather, sea conditions, and cancellation

The sea can change the plan. If conditions do not allow the trip to run, you will be offered another date. That is better than forcing a rough outing, but you should avoid scheduling it as the one activity you cannot miss on the final day of your holiday.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available, allowing you to hold a place without paying immediately. Check the available departure times before booking, since the duration is fixed but the start time can vary.

The trip runs with Spanish and English instruction. If you need detailed commentary in another language, that is not listed as an option.

A simple plan for the day

Arrive at Port de Pollença with your towel, sunscreen, camera, and snacks ready. After boarding, settle in for the speedboat ride along the Formentor coast and watch for the lighthouse, beach, old hotel, and villas.

The boat then reaches the cave on Formentor Island. You can see the stalactites and take photographs before continuing to a swimming and snorkeling spot. Plan on making good use of the water time, since it is the part that turns this from a scenic ride into an actual adventure.

After the swim, dry off, enjoy a cold drink if available, and ride back to Port de Pollença. The boat returns to the original meeting point, so you can continue with lunch, a beach visit, or another Mallorca plan without arranging a separate transfer.

Is the Formentor speedboat trip worth booking?

Yes, if you want a short, lively outing that combines coastal views with real swimming time. The $40 price is fair because it includes the boat, skipper, fuel, and snorkeling gear, while the route takes in several of Formentor’s best-known sights.

Book it for the bay, the clear water, and the speedboat ride. Treat the cave as an extra rather than the main event. If you are comfortable on a fast boat, can handle cool or changing water conditions, and can reach Port de Pollença on your own, this is an easy activity to add to a Mallorca stay.

FAQ

How long is the Formentor speedboat tour?

The activity lasts 1.5 hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Port de Pollença.

Where does the activity end?

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

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. A snorkeling set is included.

Is food included?

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

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 the sea conditions are unsafe?

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