Colònia de Sant Jordi: Es Trenc Boat Tour with Snorkeling

The best part of this trip is the clear water around Es Trenc, where the boat anchors for swimming and snorkeling in blue and emerald sea. I like the two swim stops and the relaxed onboard mood, with music, drinks for sale, and a crew that includes local captains such as Danny. The main caution is simple: rough water can make the ride uncomfortable if you get seasick.

I also like the choice between a 4-hour daytime outing with a BBQ and one drink, or a shorter 3-hour afternoon cruise suited to families and sunbathers. Parking around the port can be difficult, so arrive early if you are driving, and remember that this is a boat day, not a guided tour of Mallorca’s towns or monuments.

Key points to know before you book

• Swim twice near Es Trenc: The boat makes two stops at beaches along the southern coast, including Es Trenc.
• Two trip styles: Pick the 4-hour daytime cruise with BBQ and sangria, or the 3-hour afternoon option for swimming, sun, and music.
• Snorkeling gear is provided: Masks are available onboard, along with life jackets and a bathroom.
• A friendly local crew: Captain Danny has been praised for sharing island stories and treating children warmly.
• Small extras can vary: Some departures have included a slide and a place for jumping from the boat, but these should not be treated as guaranteed features.
• Plan your arrival carefully: You must exchange your voucher at the ticket counter, and parking near Colònia de Sant Jordi is limited.

Sailing out of Colònia de Sant Jordi

The trip begins at the attractive port of Colònia de Sant Jordi, a practical base for exploring Mallorca’s southern shore by sea. Depending on the option you choose, the exact meeting point and departure time can vary, so check your booking details rather than assuming every cruise leaves from the same spot.

You board a traditional Mallorcan boat and head along the coast. The ride is as much about slowing down as it is about reaching Es Trenc. From the water, you get a different view of the coves and beaches than you would from a road or footpath.

The boat has a relaxed holiday feel. Music plays onboard, the crew is present throughout, and drinks can be purchased during the trip. You can sit back in the Spanish sun, look toward the shore, or prepare for the first swim stop.

This is not a silent sailing trip, and it is not designed as a formal sightseeing cruise with a long list of historical commentary. The focus is the sea, the views, and time in the water. That makes it a good match for people who want a pleasant half-day outside rather than a packed schedule.

Two swim stops near Es Trenc

The main attraction is the Es Trenc Maritime Natural Park, where the boat anchors in notably clear water. The color can shift from blue to green as the depth changes, and the visibility makes this a particularly good place to use the supplied snorkeling mask.

You can enter the water from the boat and look beneath the surface for marine life. The experience is simple but effective: instead of squeezing onto a crowded beach, you swim directly from the boat and return onboard when you are ready.

There are two swim stops in total. One includes Es Trenc, one of Mallorca’s best-known beaches, while the other takes you to another attractive stretch of the southern coast. The exact order and anchoring point can depend on sea conditions and the captain’s judgment.

I like this format because it gives you enough time to enjoy the water without turning the whole trip into a single long stop. You can swim, snorkel, take photographs, and then dry off or relax before the boat moves on.

The water is not always perfectly calm. One recent departure encountered rough sea, which made the ride less comfortable for people prone to seasickness. If that sounds like you, bring any usual motion-sickness treatment and choose a seat where you feel steady. The sea itself may be beautiful, but conditions can change.

Snorkeling, jumping, and time on deck

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask. Life jackets are also available, and the crew assists throughout the passage. You should still bring a towel, beachwear, sunscreen, and a sun hat.

Several recent trips have included a small slide and a place for jumping into the water. Children in particular have enjoyed these features, and the crew has been praised for being gentle and attentive with families. Still, these extras are best treated as possible features rather than promises, since the supplied tour details formally guarantee swim stops and snorkeling masks, not a slide or roof jumping.

The boat also has a bathroom, a small but useful detail on a trip lasting three or four hours. You can stay onboard between swims without needing to return to port.

The deck is made for relaxed time in the sun. You might spend one stop snorkeling and the next simply floating or sitting with a drink. If you prefer shade, bring your hat and use the covered areas available on the boat when possible. Sunscreen matters here, since the breeze can make the heat feel milder than it is.

Choosing the 4-hour daytime cruise

The daytime option lasts four hours and includes a BBQ plus one drink, described as sangria. It is the better pick if you want the fullest version of the outing and expect to spend most of your time swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the boat.

The meal adds real value to the $46 price, especially because you are also getting the boat ride, crew, swim stops, snorkeling mask, life jackets, and insurance. It is not a luxury yacht meal, and the details of the BBQ are not specified, so you should book it for the complete sea outing rather than for the food alone.

This option suits confident swimmers and people who want a proper day on the water. It also gives you more time to take photographs of the southern coast and settle into the rhythm of the trip.

The daytime departure is less suited to someone who mainly wants a short scenic cruise. Four hours can feel long if you do not enjoy swimming or sitting in the sun. For active sea lovers, though, the extra time is useful.

Choosing the 3-hour afternoon cruise

The afternoon option lasts three hours and is aimed at a slower, more flexible outing. It includes the same basic pattern of coastal sailing and two swim stops, but it does not list the BBQ and drink included with the daytime trip.

This is the option I would consider for families with children, couples who want a shorter activity, and anyone who prefers a late start. You can swim, sunbathe, listen to music, or buy a drink onboard without committing to most of the day.

The shorter duration also reduces the chance of children becoming restless. Families have especially appreciated the friendly crew, and Captain Danny has been singled out for taking time with young children and sharing stories about the islands.

The tradeoff is value. At the same advertised price of $46 per person, the daytime trip includes a BBQ and one drink, while the afternoon departure gives you less time and does not include that meal. The afternoon cruise can still be the smarter choice if its timing fits your plans, but compare the inclusions before booking.

A crew that adds warmth to a simple trip

A boat excursion like this depends heavily on the crew, and the available feedback points to a friendly, attentive team. Captain Danny has been noted for talking about the islands and telling local stories, while the crew has been quick to help when passengers need something.

That personal touch matters most on a family outing. One especially warm moment involved Danny inviting a four-year-old to feed fish near Es Trenc and sharing his own snack. You should not expect a private interaction like this on every departure, but it gives you a sense of the informal, family-friendly tone.

The captain and crew are responsible for the passage and assist throughout the trip. They also make decisions about where to anchor, which matters when the sea is rough or conditions change.

The atmosphere is relaxed rather than formal. Music plays, drinks are available for purchase, and the boat can feel more like a pleasant beach afternoon than a sightseeing lecture. If you want constant commentary, this may feel light. If you want an easygoing day with a helpful crew, it fits well.

Is $46 a fair price?

At $46 per person, this is reasonable value if you use the included features. The price covers the boat tour, two swim stops, captain and crew, snorkeling mask, life jackets, insurance, and, on the daytime option, a BBQ and one sangria.

The value improves if you would otherwise rent snorkeling equipment or pay separately for a boat trip and lunch. You are also paying for access to attractive swimming water without arranging your own transport by sea.

The price does not include pickup and drop-off. Optional pickup is available in some cases, but you need to check the exact arrangement for your booking. Drinks bought onboard are also extra.

The trip can feel particularly good value when the boat is not crowded. Recent departures have sometimes had plenty of room, and one couple even found themselves almost alone with the crew. Group size is not guaranteed, so do not book expecting a private charter, but the possibility of a less crowded boat is a welcome bonus.

Practical details at the port

If you drive to Colònia de Sant Jordi, allow extra time for parking. Finding a space near the port is not easy, especially when the area is busy. Arriving late can create problems because changes for late arrivals depend on availability.

You need to exchange your voucher at the ticket counter before boarding. Do not walk straight to the boat without checking this step.

If you use the optional bus pickup, look for a blue sign in the window marked Es Trenc boat. The driver can help with questions and has a list of names, but you should still confirm the pickup details in advance.

Bring:

• Sunscreen and a sun hat
• A towel
• Beachwear
• Any personal seasickness remedy you normally use

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. The boat has insurance, but you should follow the crew’s instructions when using the ladder, slide, or jumping areas.

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. The vessel involves boarding and entering the water, so anyone with limited mobility should check carefully before reserving.

Who will enjoy this boat tour most?

I would recommend it most to people who value swimming time over sightseeing stops. You will get the most from it if you are happy to spend several hours around the sea, enjoy snorkeling, and like a casual onboard atmosphere with music.

Families can find the afternoon option especially useful. The shorter trip, friendly crew, bathroom, and possible slide make it easier to keep children entertained. Parents should still remember that the sea may be rough on some days.

Couples and friends looking for a simple Mallorca highlight should consider the daytime version. The clear water, coastal views, included meal, and two swim stops create a full half-day without much planning.

This is less suitable for people who dislike boats, need guaranteed calm water, want extensive historical commentary, or are looking for a completely private trip. It is also not the right choice if you want a long stay on Es Trenc beach itself. You visit the area from the boat and swim nearby rather than spending the day ashore.

Should you book the Es Trenc boat tour?

Book it if your idea of a good Mallorca day involves clear water, snorkeling, warm sun, and a friendly crew. The strongest reasons are the two swim stops, the easy access to snorkeling gear, and the chance to enjoy Es Trenc from the sea rather than from the sand.

Choose the 4-hour daytime trip if you want the BBQ, sangria, and more time in the water. Choose the 3-hour afternoon trip if you prefer a shorter family-friendly outing or simply want time to relax onboard.

I would skip it if you are prone to seasickness and cannot tolerate a rough ride, or if you need wheelchair access. For everyone else, $46 is a fair price for a relaxed coastal cruise with real swimming time, provided you arrive early, plan for limited parking, and bring the essentials for a day in the sun.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start?

The tour starts at the Port of Colònia de Sant Jordi. The exact meeting point can vary according to the option booked.

How long does the experience last?

The listed options last three or four hours. Availability details may show a wider duration range, so check the selected option and departure time when booking.

What is included in the daytime option?

The daytime excursion includes the boat tour, two swim stops, a BBQ, one sangria, a snorkeling mask, life jackets, insurance, and the captain and crew.

What is included in the afternoon option?

The afternoon excursion includes the boat tour with two swim stops, a snorkeling mask, life jackets, insurance, and the captain and crew. A BBQ and included drink are specified for the daytime option.

Are snorkeling masks provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks are available onboard for use during the swim stops.

Does the boat have a bathroom?

Yes. The boat is equipped with a bathroom.

Are drinks included?

The daytime option includes one sangria. Additional drinks can be purchased onboard. The afternoon option does not list an included drink.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard tour details. Optional pickup may be available, depending on the booking.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.