Boat excursions in Mallorca: the ultimate guide to choosing wisely (and avoiding mistakes)

Why Mallorca from the sea feels like a different island (and why choosing well matters)

There is something you only truly understand once you have sailed around Mallorca: the island changes completely when you see it from the water. Cliffs that look distant from land reveal their wild character when you approach them by boat. Coves that appear as tiny dots on Google Maps turn into sheltered havens with impossibly clear water. And that Mediterranean blue, already stunning from the beach, reveals shades ranging from turquoise to emerald depending on depth and time of day. But then comes the question every traveller eventually asks: which type of boat excursion should I choose? Because sailing along the north coast of Mallorca on a speedboat is not the same as doing it on a wooden boat with history. A catamaran with music and a lively atmosphere is very different from an intimate vessel where the only sound is the water brushing against the hull. This guide is the result of years navigating these waters and hundreds of conversations with travellers who, after their excursion, told us what they expected and what they actually experienced. Some made the perfect choice. Others, very honestly, admitted they would have chosen differently if they had known then what they know now. To make sure you are in the first group, here is everything you need to know before booking.

The first step: understand what kind of traveller you really are

Before comparing boats, there is a more important question: what are you really looking for in a day at sea? It sounds obvious, but most disappointments come from not thinking this through. Let’s be direct.

If you are travelling with small children, safety and comfort are your priorities. A speedboat may sound exciting to you, but for a four-year-old who needs space to move, eat on time and maybe take a nap, it can quickly become stressful. On the other hand, there are family-friendly boat excursions designed with a different rhythm, where children can enjoy the experience without pressure.

If what you want is to truly disconnect, think about what that means to you. Does disconnecting mean lying in the sun with a drink in hand and music in the background? Then a catamaran might be perfect. Or does it mean silence, contemplation and feeling far away from everything? Then you need something more intimate.

If snorkelling and exploring marine life are high on your list, make sure the excursion actually allows enough time for it. Some tours stop so briefly that you barely have time to put your mask on. The best snorkelling spots near Alcudia require calm and time to be truly enjoyed.

And if you are celebrating something special — a birthday, a farewell, an anniversary — the key question is whether you want to do it privately or don’t mind sharing the moment with strangers. Here, the difference between a private and shared boat tour changes everything.

Ready to Experience It Yourself?

Book your unforgettable boat tour in Alcudia today

An honest comparison: speedboat, catamaran and classic boat

Now let’s get straight to the point. Each type of boat offers a radically different experience. There is no universally better option, but there is one that is better for you depending on what you are looking for. Here it is, without sugarcoating.

1Speedboats: adrenaline and access to the unreachable

Speedboats are the choice for those who prioritise excitement and efficiency. They can reach remote coves in minutes, offer that thrilling sensation of speed over the water, and are usually shorter but more intense excursions.

Best part: Access to places larger boats cannot reach. If you want to see several coves in a short time, this is the most practical option. Perfect for groups of friends looking for adrenaline.

What you should know: Space is limited, so comfort is not their strong point. Engine noise makes conversation difficult during navigation. They usually do not include food or onboard services beyond the basics. And if the sea is a bit rough, the impact can be uncomfortable for sensitive people or small children.

Ideal for: Adventurers, groups of friends, travellers with limited time who want to see a lot.

2Catamarans: space, atmosphere and a social experience

Catamarans are the kings of group excursions. Their double hull provides great stability, they offer large sunbathing areas, and most include food, drinks and music. These boats are designed to enjoy the atmosphere as much as the scenery.

Best part: Stability (very little rocking), plenty of space to move around, relax and socialise. They often include drinks or open bar options, and some offer activities such as paddle boarding or snorkelling. Perfect if you are travelling with a large group or want to meet new people.

What you should know: Privacy is almost non-existent. You may share the boat with 30, 50 or even more people. The atmosphere is usually festive, with music you cannot control. Stops are often at popular coves shared with other catamarans. If you are looking for peace and a deep connection with the sea, this may not be your place.

Ideal for: Groups of friends, stag or hen parties, celebrations, solo travellers who want to socialise, anyone looking for a party atmosphere.

3Classic boats: authenticity, calm and an intimate experience

Classic boats (llüts, schooners, traditional wooden vessels) are in a category of their own. They do not compete on speed or capacity, but on something harder to measure: the soul of the experience.

Sailing on a wooden boat that has navigated these waters for decades is a way of connecting with Mediterranean maritime tradition. The pace is slow, groups are small (usually fewer than 12 people), and the experience is designed to savour every moment. These are the boats chosen by travellers who have already tried other options and are looking for something different.

Best part: Real intimacy, personalised attention from the skipper, and routes that avoid overcrowded coves. They often include local gastronomy (not just generic catering) and generous time for swimming and snorkelling. The silence when the engine stops and you hear only the sea is something you never forget.

What you should know: They are slower, so routes cover less distance. They do not have the amenities of a modern catamaran (no jacuzzi here). And because they are intimate, you need to book earlier as places sell out quickly.

Ideal for: Couples, families seeking calm, photographers, travellers who value authenticity over quantity, intimate celebrations, anyone who truly wants to disconnect.

The sailing area: why it matters as much as the boat

A common mistake is choosing the boat without thinking about the route. Mallorca has very different sailing areas, and each one offers a unique experience. If you are staying in Alcudia or nearby, you have access to one of the most protected and beautiful bays on the island.

The Bay of Alcudia stands out for its calm waters, perfect for families and for those who want to swim without waves. From here you can reach gems such as the Alcanada lighthouse or hidden coves only accessible by boat. It is an ideal area for classic boats that sail without rushing and for those who want to combine scenery, swimming and Mediterranean gastronomy.

If your idea is to explore different parts of the island, we recommend our guide to choosing a boat tour by area in Mallorca. Each coast has its own personality: the Tramuntana is wilder and more dramatic, the south has more accessible coves, and the east combines cliffs with sandy beaches. Knowing where you want to sail will help you choose better.

The 7 most common booking mistakes (and how to avoid them)

After years in this industry, we see the same patterns again and again. These are the mistakes that most often ruin experiences that could have been memorable.

1. Choosing only by price. The cheapest tour is rarely the best value. It often means more people on board, less time at each stop, poorer food (or none), and a generic experience. A €50 excursion where you spend the day cramped can end up costing more than an €80 one that includes everything.

2. Not checking sea conditions. The Mediterranean is usually gentle, but on some days the tramontana or easterly winds completely change conditions. A speedboat excursion with waves can be very uncomfortable. Always check the forecast — we have a guide to weather and sailing in Mallorca that can help.

3. Underestimating duration. A 2-hour excursion is a quick ride. If you want to snorkel, eat on board and truly relax, look for tours of at least 3–4 hours.

4. Not asking how many people will be on board. A catamaran for 20 people is very different from one with 60. A classic boat with 6 passengers feels intimate; with 15, it starts to feel crowded. Always ask about capacity.

5. Forgetting the essentials. Sunscreen, hat, towel, extra swimwear… the number of people who arrive without the basics is surprising. Check our what to bring on a boat tour checklist before heading out.

6. Booking the wrong day. If your only free day is Sunday, half the island will be at sea. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually much quieter.

7. Not considering the time of day. Mornings offer better light and calmer seas. Afternoons give you the chance to see the sunset from the water. Think about what you prefer.

Questions you should ask before booking

Not all companies provide the same information upfront. Here are the key questions we recommend asking before confirming any booking:

A serious company will answer without hesitation. If you notice vague or generic responses, consider it a warning sign.

Our honest recommendation (and why we stand by the classic boat)

We won’t pretend to be neutral. After trying every option and listening to hundreds of travellers, we truly believe the classic boat offers something the others cannot replicate: a genuine connection with the sea and with the essence of Mallorca.

It’s not for everyone. If you want a party, loud music and socialising, a catamaran will make you happier. If you want speed and to see as much as possible in a short time, a speedboat will do the job. But if what you want is to slow time down, feel that you are living something authentic, and return home with the sensation of having truly disconnected… then a boat with history is your place.

At Coral Boats, we sail a traditional Mallorcan llüt in small groups, along routes that avoid overcrowded coves. We include local gastronomy, real time for swimming and snorkelling, and a close, personal approach because we believe that is how the Mediterranean should be experienced. It is not the cheapest option nor the fastest, but it is the one you will remember.

If this resonates with you, we invite you to discover our boat excursions from Alcudia. And if you still have doubts, write to us. We would rather help you choose well — even if it’s with another company — than sell you something that is not right for you.

The sea of Mallorca deserves to be enjoyed. Choose how you want to experience it, and do it right.