A boat ride along Mallorca’s southeast coast is the shortcut. You get two cracking swim stops, crystal-clear water that shows fish, plus Es Pontàs for big-photo scenery. The main drawback to consider is time: at just 2.5 hours, you’ll want good snorkeling luck and you should accept that the stops are short and punchy.

I like how the tour mixes viewpoints with actual water time, not just driving past pretty places. The vibe also feels relaxed: small groups, a friendly skipper, and enough time to look, float, and take photos without a sprint.

One more consideration: it’s not ideal if you get seasick or if you’re not comfortable swimming. And in the rare case the operator has to use a smaller boat, you could feel a bit cramped compared with the usual setup.

Key Things You’ll Notice on This Mallorca Boat Tour

• Two snorkeling sessions around 35 minutes each, timed so you’re not rushing
• Es Pontàs natural stone arch as a photo stop, with classic coastal framing
• Caló des Moro and Cala Màrmols for turquoise water and that clear “fish-spotting” feeling
• Cala Figuera area cove-hopping that you’d waste hours hiking to reach
• Friendly skipper + small-group energy, often around a dozen people
• One included drink (beer or soft drink) while you take in the view

Entering the Day: Caló d’en Busques, Boat Energy, and What You’ll Actually Do

This tour starts at Caló d’en Busques, in the port area of Cala Figuera. You meet at the harbor, hop aboard, and quickly settle into the rhythm of a short coastal cruise: sail out, stop at a viewpoint, then jump into a couple of the best water spots on this stretch.

What I like is how quickly the day turns from land sightseeing into sea time. You’re not waiting around for ages between stops. The pace is designed around a simple goal: see the coastline from the water, then earn your snorkeling by spending real time in the coves.

Onboard, the essentials are handled: there’s a professional skipper, and you get snorkeling and safety equipment, plus a radio for clear coordination. That matters because when you’re in small bays, good timing is everything.

Es Pontàs Mirador Stop: The Natural Stone Arch Photo Moment

One of the first big scene-makers is the Mirador de Es Pontàs. You’ll get a photo stop focused on Es Pontàs, a natural stone arch that’s basically built for that postcard angle. From the boat, the coastline gives you strong perspective, and from the viewpoint stop you can line up the arch with the cliffs and sea.

What makes this stop valuable is contrast. Before you hit the swim zones, you get the “wow” from above-water scenery: rocks, light, and that dramatic coastal shape. It also helps you orient yourself for the rest of the day so the calas don’t feel random.

If you love photos, bring a lens-cleaning wipe or just rinse your glasses if needed—sea spray can be quick. And plan to stand where you can see the sea first, not just the rocks behind you.

Caló des Moro: Where the Water Looks Like It’s Turned Up

Your first real snorkeling stop is Caló des Moro, with about 35 minutes in the water. This is the kind of cove that makes you believe the color names you see on postcards, because the water stays clear enough to spot fish while you float and swim.

What you’re doing here is simple:

• swap land views for a real underwater look
• snorkel at your own pace inside a controlled stop
• take photos when you surface (the contrast is great)

One detail I really appreciate: the stop isn’t just a quick splash. The time is long enough to do a couple of passes—slow swim, look around, maybe drift a bit, then come back and resurface to enjoy the bay. You’ll also find that some parts feel reachable from the boat and shore line—great for those who want a “swim up to the beach” kind of moment.

For practical sanity, don’t try to exhaust yourself right away. If the water is calm, go gentle for the first few minutes so you’re not fighting panic-breathing later.

Cala Màrmols Snorkeling: Quiet Cove Energy and Another 35 Minutes

Next comes Cala Màrmols, another 35-minute snorkeling session, and it has a different feel than Caló des Moro. It’s described as virgin and quiet, and that matches the vibe you’re likely to want: less hustle, more calm-water focus.

This is where you’ll probably see the underwater world again in a new light—different rocks, different shadows, different fish patterns. If Caló des Moro is your “wow, turquoise” stop, Cala Màrmols can feel like your “okay, now this is why snorkeling exists” stop.

A small note for swimmers who are nervous: this tour isn’t for non-swimmers, but you’ll still be better off if you choose snorkeling-friendly gear and keep your breathing steady. In the real world, even confident snorkelers sometimes use floating support, so pay attention to what the skipper encourages on your boat.

The In-Between Stops: Pass-By Coves and Photo Moments That Actually Matter

Between the snorkeling highlights, you’ll cruise past and pause for a few other points along the coast. You’ll visit or stop for photo time around places like:

• Port de Cala Figuera
• Caló des Macs (pass by)
• Cala Llombards (photo stop)
• Cala s’Almunia (photo stop)
• Punta des Bauç (photo stop)

Here’s the practical value: these pauses help you break up the day so it doesn’t feel like nonstop water. They also let you see how the coastline shifts—bigger cliffs, gentler coves, and those little pockets of beach that are gorgeous but hard to reach by foot without planning.

If you want the best photos, keep it simple:

• shoot wide angles first from the best vantage
• then zoom in on one detail at a time (arch shapes, cliff edges, waterline textures)
• don’t waste time on every stop—pick the ones that match your photo style

Contraband Caves and Marés Stone: The Story Behind the Rocks

One of the cooler elements onboard is the running commentary about what you’re seeing. You’ll hear about caves and historical corners where contraband was hidden, and spots tied to marés stone extraction.

Even if you don’t go deep on local history, the effect is real: the coastline feels less like scenery and more like a lived-in place with a past. It turns the ride into a moving lesson, but it stays light—enough context to make the stops click.

If you’re the type who likes facts you can repeat at dinner, this is where you’ll pick them up. And if you’re not, it still adds meaning to the rock formations so they don’t blur together.

Small-Group Feel, Friendly Guides, and the Included Drink

A lot of people judge boat tours by how chaotic they feel. This one tends to land in the calmer lane. In multiple firsthand reports, the group size is often small (around a dozen people), which makes it easier to:

• hear instructions
• find space for photos
• avoid that “everyone is climbing over everyone” problem

Guide quality also shows up in the details. Names you might hear include Fernando, Matthias, and Carlos—and the common thread is friendly, clear guidance. Expect a skipper who helps you get comfortable fast and who keeps the stops running smoothly.

Then there’s the included drink: beer or a soft drink. It’s not a big party thing—it’s more like a small reward while you’re still riding the sunlight and sea air. Timing-wise, it hits during the cruising rhythm, so it feels natural, not forced.

If music is part of the mood on your day, don’t be surprised. At least some tours have that light touch, like a relaxed playlist while you bounce across the waves.

Price and Value: Does $53 Make Sense for 2.5 Hours?

For about $53 per person, this tour is priced like an experience that tries to do two things well: show you the best coastline fast and get you into the water long enough to count it as real snorkeling, not just a moment.

In practical terms, $53 is a good value if you care about:

• seeing hard-to-reach calas by sea (instead of long hikes)
• two snorkeling sessions with gear included
• not spending extra money on boats, guides, and equipment separately

It’s less of a value play if you’re only interested in views from above the water and you’re unlikely to snorkel. If that’s you, you might prefer a pure scenic cruise.

Still, for most people, paying for the combo makes sense. You’re paying for access, time management, and the fact the skipper handles the route so you’re not trying to figure out bays from your phone at sea level.

What to Bring (So You Don’t Regret It Halfway Through)

You’ll want to show up ready to be in and out of the water quickly. Bring:

• swimwear and a towel
• sunscreen and water
• a hat and sunglasses
• snacks if you tend to get hungry
• flip-flops or easy sandals for moving on the dock

Also bring your ID or passport, since it’s listed as required.

One trick: pack a dry bag or at least seal items in a waterproof bag. You’ll be on the water, and even when conditions are calm, spray happens.

And if you smoke, leave it at land. Smoking isn’t allowed on the tour.

Seasickness and Swimming Reality Check

This tour doesn’t fit everyone. It’s not suitable for non-swimmers, and it’s also not aimed at people who are prone to seasickness. That’s not just legal wording—small boats and short waves can feel intense if you’re sensitive.

If you’re on the edge, be honest with yourself:

• If you can swim confidently and you’re okay in open water for snorkeling, you’re in the right lane.
• If you’re likely to panic at the idea of putting your face in and floating, skip it and choose a calmer shore option.

Getting There: Meeting Point and the No-Pickup Factor

There’s no hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll need to get yourself to the meeting place at Cala Figuera port, specifically Caló d’en Busques.

This is where I suggest doing one small prep step: double-check how you’ll walk from the most obvious point on the map to the exact dock area. Harbors can be easy to miss, and sometimes the map routes are vague. Once you’re near the port, it’s usually straightforward to spot where people are gathering.

Who Should Book This Boat Tour (and Who Should Skip It)

I think this works best for:

• people who want a fast hit of southeast Mallorca without planning a whole transport day
• couples, friends, and families with teens who can swim and snorkel
• anyone who wants both the scenic coastline and actual time in the water

I’d skip it if:

• you don’t swim or you’re not comfortable snorkeling with a limited time window
• you get seasick easily
• you want a long, slow beach day with tons of wandering

Should You Book This Mallorca Boat Tour?

Yes—if you want the best of Mallorca’s coast in a short window, this is one of the most efficient ways to do it. The combination of Es Pontàs for big scenery and two 35-minute snorkeling stops is exactly the kind of trade-off that makes sense on a trip with limited days.

Book it especially if you like water that’s clear enough to see fish and you’re happy to spend your time where it counts. If seasickness is your deal-breaker or swimming confidence is low, choose a shore-based plan instead.

If you’re making your decision today, ask yourself one question: do I want to actually snorkel for close to an hour total, or do I just want postcards? If your answer is the first one, this tour is likely worth your time.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at Caló d’en Busques, at Cala Figuera port.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 2.5 hours.

What stops are included?

You’ll visit areas including Port de Cala Figuera, Mirador de Es Pontàs, photo stops at several coves, and snorkeling stops at Caló des Moro and Cala Màrmols.

Are snorkeling and safety gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and safety equipment are included.

How much time do you get for snorkeling?

You get about 35 minutes to snorkel at Caló des Moro and about 35 minutes at Cala Màrmols.

Is a drink included?

Yes. You get 1 drink (beer or soft drink).

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included.

What languages are the guide or tour guide available in?

The live guide is available in Spanish and English.

Who is this not suitable for?

It isn’t suitable for non-swimmers or people prone to seasickness.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.