Mallorca : Speedboat, Snorkelling and Swimming Adventure

The best part of this Formentor speedboat trip is the mix of quick coastal sightseeing and time in the water. In 90 minutes, you race across turquoise bays, pass the white beach and grand villas, enter a small cave with stalactites, and stop for a swim.

I like the generous swim stop, often around 30 to 40 minutes, and the simple value: at $40, your boat ride and snorkeling set are covered. I also like that the route gives you a sea-level view of Formentor that you cannot get from the road.

The main caution is that this is a short, active trip, not a slow sightseeing cruise. The cave may feel underwhelming, and spring water can be cold. Sea conditions can also change the route or date.

Key points to know before booking

• A fast route around Formentor: See the bay, beach, lighthouse, villas, and old hotel from the water.
• A real swim stop: Plan on roughly 30 to 40 minutes in a clear cove when conditions allow.
• Snorkeling gear included: Masks and snorkels are provided, so you do not need to bring your own set.
• A small cave visit: The boat enters a cave with stalactites, though this is less impressive than the swimming and scenery.
• Port de Pollença departure: You arrange your own way to the port and return there after the trip.
• Good value at $40: The short duration keeps the price modest, especially if you want a taste of a boat day rather than a full-day outing.

What this 1.5-hour Formentor trip feels like

This is a compact coastal adventure built around motion. You leave Port de Pollença by speedboat, ride along the Formentor coast, pause at a scenic swimming spot, and return to the same port.

That format suits you if you want several highlights without giving up half a day. You get the thrill of a fast RIB-style boat, but the outing still leaves time to look around and take photographs.

The speedboat itself is part of the appeal. The ride gives you changing views of the cliffs, coves, beach, and villas. It also makes the coast feel more immediate than it does from a road or viewpoint.

Do not expect a long narration or a full historical tour. The focus is on the water, the views, and a refreshing stop. Guides speak Spanish and English, and Miguel has been singled out for being attentive, friendly, and good at pointing out local landmarks and sea life.

Leaving Port de Pollença for Formentor

The trip starts and ends at Port de Pollença, with no hotel pickup or drop-off. That matters because you need to build your own transport time into the plan. Once you reach the meeting point, the boat handles the coastal sightseeing.

Port de Pollença is a practical starting point for this route. The boat can reach the Formentor area quickly, allowing more of the 90 minutes to be spent along the coast rather than simply getting out to sea.

The pace may not suit everyone. A speedboat ride can feel lively, especially if the water is choppy. If you prefer a calm boat with plenty of room to wander, this is not that sort of outing. If you enjoy a brisk ride and open views, the speed is one of the main reasons to book.

Bring sunscreen before you board, not only after you are already on the water. The boat offers little escape from the sun, and the water can make the heat feel deceptive.

Seeing Formentor from the water

Formentor is best understood from several angles. The boat lets you see the white-sand beach, surrounding villas, the old Formentor hotel, and other coastal points without dealing with road traffic or finding a place to park.

The beach is a visual highlight. From the water, you get a broad view of the pale sand and clear water, with the coast rising around it. The boat does not turn this into a beach day, so your main chance to swim comes from the chosen stop rather than a long stay on the sand.

The villas add a different note. From the sea, you see private homes set along the coast, with a perspective that is difficult to get on foot. The old hotel is another useful landmark, giving the ride a sense of place beyond blue water and rock.

The route can also include views toward the Formentor lighthouse and other points of interest. These details make the trip worthwhile even when you are not swimming. Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray and hold it securely during the faster sections.

The cave and its stalactites

One stop takes the boat into a cave on Formentor Island. Inside, you can see stalactites and take photographs in a setting that feels very different from the open coast.

I would keep expectations modest here. The cave is a pleasant extra, but it may not be the strongest part of the trip. Its value comes from the change of setting and the chance to see a natural feature from the boat, not from a long underground visit or a major geological tour.

The boat does not turn this into a cave expedition. You remain with the group and spend a limited amount of time inside. If caves are your main reason for booking, this outing may feel too brief. If you want a quick change of scene between the coastal ride and the swim, it fits nicely.

This is also a good moment for photographs, though the light can be uneven. A phone camera may struggle inside, so do not let the perfect picture become the main goal.

The swim and snorkeling stop

The swim is the heart of the experience. When sea conditions allow, you get enough time for a proper dip, with some departures allowing roughly 30 to 40 minutes in the water.

The stop is chosen for swimming and snorkeling, so you can use the included mask and snorkel to look below the surface. The clear water is the main attraction, and even a short session gives you a break from the boat’s motion.

You should bring your own towel. The snorkeling set is supplied, but the formal inclusions do not list towels, food, or hotel transport. Pack snacks if you need something to eat before or after the outing.

The water is not always warm. One spring departure had water that still felt cold, and jellyfish were present. The guide found a more suitable place to swim, which shows why local judgment matters. Conditions can affect the exact stop, and the goal is a safe, enjoyable swim rather than forcing the original plan.

If you are nervous in open water, ask the guide what to expect before getting in. The supplied information does not promise flotation equipment or lifeguard service, so you should be comfortable following the guide’s instructions and managing your own time in the water.

Drinks, gear, and what to pack

A snorkeling set is included, along with the boat, skipper, and fuel. Cold drinks have also been provided on departures, a welcome touch after time in the sun and salt water.

Food is not included. Bring snacks if you need them, but avoid carrying anything that could spill easily during the fast ride. You will want both hands free at times, especially when the boat accelerates or turns.

Your useful packing list is short:

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Camera
• Snacks
• Swimwear
• A secure bag for small items

The tour information specifically asks you to bring a towel, camera, snacks, and sunscreen. I would treat those as essentials, not suggestions. There is no hotel pickup, so you also need to arrive at Port de Pollença ready to board.

Do not arrive intoxicated. Intoxication is not allowed, and that rule makes sense on a fast boat and in open water.

Is $40 good value?

At $40 per person, this is strong value if you want a short taste of Formentor by boat. The price covers 1.5 hours on the water, the skipper, fuel, and snorkeling equipment. You also get several sights in one outing and a proper swim stop.

The limitation is the short duration. You are not buying a full-day boat charter, a long beach visit, or a meal at sea. The boat needs to cover the route, make the cave visit, allow time for swimming, and return to port within 90 minutes.

That makes the trip a good choice for a free morning or afternoon. It also works well if you are staying in or near Port de Pollença and want an activity that does not take over your day.

Families with older children and teenagers should find the combination appealing. The speed adds excitement, while the swimming and snorkeling give the trip a clear purpose. Very young children, anyone uncomfortable with fast boat rides, and pregnant women should choose another activity, since the experience is not suitable for pregnant women.

Sea conditions can change the plan

The sea controls this outing more than any timetable does. If conditions are not suitable, the operator will offer another date.

That policy is worth taking seriously. The exact swimming location may change, and the guide may choose a calmer spot if jellyfish, cold water, or rougher conditions affect the original plan. Flexibility helps you get a safer and more comfortable experience.

Try not to schedule this as the one activity you cannot move. The booking terms allow free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options are useful if your Mallorca plans are still shifting, though you should check the current terms when booking.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A short, active outing rather than a full-day cruise
• A fast ride with coastal views
• Time to swim and use a snorkeling set
• A low-cost way to see Formentor from the water
• A family activity suited to older children or teenagers
• A trip with Spanish or English instruction

You may want to skip it if you want a quiet, slow cruise, a long beach stay, or a substantial cave visit. The cave is brief, and the focus stays on the boat ride and swim.

It is also not a good match if you cannot tolerate changing sea conditions. The route and swimming place may be adjusted, and the trip can be postponed if the sea is unsafe.

Should you book the Formentor speedboat adventure?

Book this trip if you want the most activity possible in 90 minutes. The boat ride, Formentor views, cave visit, and swim work well together, and the included gear keeps the $40 price sensible.

I would give the swim and the fast coastal views more weight than the cave when making your choice. The cave is an extra, while the clear water and the chance to see Formentor from the sea are the real reasons to go.

Choose a day when you can stay flexible, pack sunscreen and a towel, and arrive at Port de Pollença ready for a brisk ride. If those conditions suit you, this is an easy, good-value way to add a splash of adventure to a Mallorca holiday.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour start?

The tour starts at Port de Pollença.

Where does the activity finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Port de Pollença.

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts 1.5 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

What languages does the instructor speak?

The instructor speaks Spanish and English.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. A snorkeling set is included.

Is the boat and skipper included?

Yes. The boat, skipper, and fuel are included.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off provided?

No. Pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included. You can bring snacks.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, camera, snacks, and sunscreen.

What happens if sea conditions are poor?

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