Clear water. Short trip. Big payoff.

This boat cruise around Alcúdia Bay mixes famous north-coast views with a stop at Coll Baix, a secluded area with bright turquoise water where you can get in from the boat. It’s marketed as a glass-bottom tour, and even if that part feels smaller than the photos, the overall route and the swim time are the point of the day.

What I like most is the mix of scenery and water time. You get cruising views past Alcanada (including the lighthouse area) and then a swim stop you can actually plan your day around. The other big win is value: at about $34 for a two-hour outing with a dedicated swimming moment, it’s a low-stress way to experience Mallorca’s north coast without committing to a long day tour.

One drawback to factor in: the glass-bottom experience can be more limited than expected, and sometimes the sea conditions or currents can affect how long you spend in the water. Also, the trip isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments, and there’s no room for luggage or large bags.

Key points before you go

• Secluded swim at Coll Baix: turquoise water, with the highlight being jumping in from the boat
• Alcanada lighthouse views: you pass by one of the north-coast landmarks as you head out
• Short, well-paced timing: about two hours total, with time spent collecting passengers and cruising
• Glass-bottom reality: it can mean small viewing windows rather than a huge clear floor
• Boarding is simple, but bring swim gear: towel and swimwear matter more than anything else

Alcúdia Bay to Coll Baix: what you’re really buying for $34

This is the kind of tour that fits real holiday schedules. You’re not signing up for a long itinerary with tons of stops; instead, you’re paying for one thing: a scenic boat ride plus a swim stop at a secluded spot.

At around $34 per person for roughly two hours, the math works because the experience is built around time on the water. You also have the option to buy snacks and drinks onboard, so you’re not stuck paying for meals away from the port later. If you want Mallorca sea time but don’t want a half-day or full-day commitment, this is a sensible choice.

The key is to match your expectations to the format. This isn’t a private charter. It’s a shared cruise with some time spent picking up passengers around the bay, then moving into the main swim-and-sightseeing window.

Where you meet the TM Brisa in Port d’Alcúdia

Your meeting point is at Alcudia Sea Trips | TM Brisa, the boat kiosk on the Passeig Marítim in Puerto Alcúdia.

Go early enough to get your bearings and avoid a last-minute sprint. Part of the experience is that the boat may take time to collect passengers from the area before heading out, so you don’t want to feel rushed when you arrive.

Also note the practical rules:

• No luggage or large bags
• Bring only what you can comfortably handle for a boat day (especially if you plan to swim)

Boarding time and why the first part can feel slow

The schedule includes a ferry/transfer-style segment before you settle into the sightseeing cruising. Plan on some waiting and moving around at the start, because the boat can run a route that gathers passengers at multiple points around Alcúdia Bay.

In plain terms: the first part is about getting everyone onboard and positioned. Once you’re moving, the pace feels more like a relaxing coastal cruise than a strict tour with rapid-fire stops.

If you’re hoping for a calm, quiet ride the second you step on, give it a little time to settle. After the boarding/collection phase, that’s when the views start to do the heavy lifting.

Alcanada lighthouse area: the views you get before Coll Baix

As you head around Mallorca’s north coast, you pass through some of the most photogenic coastline in the Alcúdia area. One of the standout sights for many people is the Alcanada stretch, including the lighthouse area, where the coast looks crisp and dramatic from the water.

This is the part of the trip where you’ll want your camera ready. Not because you’re hunting for a specific landmark, but because the Mediterranean light off the shoreline can turn normal coastline into something you’ll actually remember later.

If you’re motion-sensitive, it also helps to choose your spot wisely (more on that below). Keeping your eyes on the horizon can make the ride feel steadier.

The Coll Baix swim stop: how to time your photos and your legs

Coll Baix is the reason to book this tour. It’s described as one of the more secluded natural areas on Mallorca’s north side, sheltered by mountains, with turquoise-blue water.

How long is the swim? You should plan for a short window. The itinerary shows a swim stop around 15 minutes, while the experience can feel closer to 15–30 minutes depending on timing and conditions. That means you’ll want to act fast:

• Put your feet in the water quickly
• Capture the main photos early
• Then relax and enjoy the clear water for whatever time you actually get

One practical tip: don’t wait until the end to try snorkeling. If you have a mask, this is where it’s most likely to pay off. You might not see a movie’s worth of fish, but you can get enough marine life to make the effort worthwhile in clear water.

Also keep your expectations flexible. Current can be stronger at times, and safety decisions may shift where you can swim or how the boat handles the stop. If water access is limited, you may still get the scenic payoff from the boat rather than a full swim session.

Is it really a glass-bottom boat? Here’s what to know

It’s marketed as a glass bottom boat, but the on-the-water reality can be less dramatic than the photos.

In practice, you might find:

• The glass viewing area is smaller than you’d expect
• Some boats use small viewing windows rather than a large open clear floor
• The glass can be affected by conditions or maintenance, which may change what you see

That said, you can still get value from the ride even if the glass part is underwhelming. The best results come when you treat the windows as a bonus, not the main event.

If your goal is photos, position matters. You’ll usually get better viewing from the sides/windows when the boat is slowing near the stop areas. If the sun is bright, you may also want to wipe condensation or glare from the viewing area if the crew allows it (and if it’s feasible).

Best spots on the boat for views and less seasickness

Where you sit can change the whole experience.

A practical tip from people who are prone to motion sickness: sit higher and look at the horizon. If the boat has multiple levels, the upper seating often gives you a more stable visual reference, which can reduce that rocking feeling.

For views, many people prefer the upper areas too. From there, you can take in more of the coastline and the open water feel as you head out toward Coll Baix.

And yes, if you’re taking videos, higher vantage points also help you frame the coastline without cutting it off behind the railings.

Snacks, drinks, and what the onboard bar actually means

Food and drinks are not included in the price. But there is a bar onboard where you can buy snacks and beverages, including drinks that can be a nice treat after the swim.

Why this matters: if you spend most of your day on the water, you don’t want to be hunting for lunch immediately after. The onboard bar lets you keep the day easy, especially when you’re traveling as a couple, with kids, or solo and don’t want to plan a restaurant right after you get back.

On many boat days, the biggest challenge is dehydration and sun. Having drinks available onboard makes it easier to stay comfortable without running back into town.

The full itinerary, stop by stop (and what each one feels like)

Here’s how the timing works in real-world terms, based on the tour flow:

1) Starting location (Alcudia Sea Trips | TM Brisa)

You’ll check in at the kiosk area on the Passeig Marítim. This is also where you get set for the first phase of the route.

2) Ferry / transfer phase (~40 minutes)

This is the “getting up and going” part. Expect some movement, boarding/collection energy, and less time for calm photos at the start.

3) Alcúdia sightseeing and scenic cruising (~30 minutes)

Once the boat is past the initial shuffle, you get a more classic viewpoint: coast lines, shore shapes, and that bright Mediterranean feel. This segment helps you ease into the trip so you’re ready for the swim stop.

4) Platja del Coll Baix swimming stop (~15 minutes planned)

This is the highlight. The boat stops so you can swim from the water. Bring your towel and swimwear ready so you’re not scrambling when the boat docks.

5) Other water transport (~30 minutes)

This is the cruising/route time that fills out the rest of the two-hour experience. It also accounts for the nature of the shared tour where the boat may be managing passenger logistics.

6) Return to Alcudia Sea Trips | TM Brisa

You’ll head back to the same kiosk area where you started.

If you want maximum value from the time you have, think in priorities: swim first, photos second, and then enjoy the cruising views on the way back.

What to bring (and what to skip)

This is a simple boat day, but the right items make it much easier.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera
• Beachwear (something comfortable for after the swim)

Skip:

• Any luggage or large bags. The tour rules don’t allow them, and you’ll only create stress for yourself and the crew.

If you have snorkeling gear (mask/snorkel), bring it. Clear water can mean you actually get some marine viewing from the boat area.

Who should book this Coll Baix boat trip, and who shouldn’t

This tour fits best if you want a short, scenic outing with a real swim moment.

It tends to work well for:

• Couples who want sea time without a long day
• Solo travelers who enjoy sitting back and taking in views
• Families with kids who like the novelty of getting in from the boat
• Anyone who prefers a simple plan over complicated logistics

It may not be ideal if:

• You need mobility-access support (it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments)
• You’re expecting a long snorkeling session or lots of time on land
• You’re arriving with big bags or luggage
• You’re very sensitive to motion and want a guaranteed calm ride (no boat ride is ever 100% predictable)

Should you book the Alcúdia Sea Trips to Coll Baix?

If you want a low-cost, short boat trip with a real swimming stop, this is a strong yes. The value comes from the time-on-the-water format: you’re paying for scenery plus Coll Baix water access, not for a long schedule or a big lunch.

I’d book it if:

• You can handle a brief swim window (around 15–30 minutes)
• You’re okay with the glass-bottom setup being limited
• You want an easy plan from Port d’Alcúdia that doesn’t eat your whole day

I’d skip or choose something else if:

• You need full accessibility support
• Your main goal is lots of time swimming or snorkeling
• You want guaranteed glass-bottom visibility or a long, slow sightseeing pace

FAQ

How long is the boat trip from Alcúdia to Coll Baix?

The duration is about 2 hours.

What is the price per person?

It’s listed at $34 per person.

Where do I meet the boat?

You meet at the boat kiosk of Alcudia Sea Trips (Transportes Marítimos BRISA) on the Passeig Marítim, 07410 Puerto Alcúdia, Illes Balears.

Is there a swim stop at Coll Baix?

Yes. The itinerary includes a stop at Platja del Coll Baix for swimming, and the trip is designed around that water break.

Is food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but there is a bar onboard where you can buy snacks and beverages.

Is the boat truly glass bottom?

It’s marketed as a glass bottom boat, but the glass viewing can be limited and may not match photos perfectly.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a camera, and beachwear.

Are luggage or large bags allowed?

No. Luggage or large bags are not allowed.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No, it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.