From Paguera: Dolphin Watching Cruise in a Glass-Bottom Boat

If you’re dreaming of seeing dolphins in their natural habitat while enjoying the stunning coastline of Mallorca, this dolphin watching cruise might interest you. Offered by Cruise Cormoran, it promises a calm, enjoyable outing where you can spot playful dolphins and take in beautiful scenery—all from the comfort of a boat with a glass-bottom section. It’s a popular choice among travelers looking for a relaxing day at sea, with options for a quick 1.5-hour tour or a longer trip with a swimming stop.

Two things we really like about this experience are the genuine chance to see dolphins swimming freely—which many reviews highlight—and the friendly, humorous guides that make the trip engaging and fun. The cruise also gets good marks for value, with reasonable prices for food, drinks, and photos, making it more than just a quick nature sighting.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that the glass-bottom section is somewhat limited, with some reviews mentioning that it’s not very clear or large. Plus, the trip isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments, so it’s worth considering if anyone in your group has mobility issues. This tour suits those who want a relaxed, scenic experience with a good chance to see dolphins and enjoy Mallorca’s coastline without too much fuss.

If you’re into wildlife, love the sea, or are traveling with family or friends looking for a peaceful yet memorable outing, this cruise could be just right. It’s especially appealing if you appreciate knowledgeable guides, a relaxed atmosphere, and the option to combine sightseeing with a swim in a beautiful cove.

Key Points

• Genuine dolphin sightings are common, with many reviews mentioning seeing dolphins and even baby dolphins.
• Friendly and humorous guides make the trip more enjoyable and help everyone catch a glimpse of the dolphins.
• Good value for money with reasonably priced food, drinks, and photos onboard.
• Limited glass-bottom viewing may disappoint some, as the glass sections are small and not very clear.
• Options for a longer tour with a swim stop provide a nice balance of wildlife watching and relaxation.
• The tour is not suitable for mobility-impaired travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Departure

The adventure begins at the jetty in Playa Tora, right in front of Bar Tora, a spot that’s easy enough to find with the provided coordinates. Be sure to arrive about 20 minutes early—this isn’t just a courtesy but a practical tip, especially during the busy high season when traffic and parking can be unpredictable. The boat departs promptly, so punctuality pays off to ensure you don’t miss the start of what could be a highlight of your trip.

The Itinerary and What You Can Expect

The cruise usually departs from Santa Ponsa, sailing along Mallorca’s southwest coast, offering scenic views of the coastline and the open sea. The core activity is dolphin spotting, with experienced captains guiding the boat to areas where dolphins are most active. According to reviews, the dolphins often swim alongside the boat, leap out of the water, and play in the waves—a spectacle that feels genuinely wild and natural.

The tour options vary between a shorter 1.5-hour dolphin-focused trip and a longer 2- or 2.5-hour journey that includes a swim stop in a picturesque cove. The longer trips are particularly popular among those wanting a more relaxed experience, with time to swim, enjoy the scenery, and potentially connect with the Mediterranean in a more personal way.

Dolphin Sightings and Wildlife

Many reviews describe how reliably they saw dolphins—some even saw multiple pods. One reviewer noted, “We saw a family of dolphins and it was the most amazing experience!” This isn’t a guaranteed sighting, but the tour’s high success rate (around 97-99% based on reviews) suggests plenty of chances to see these animals in the wild.

The dolphins are free to swim and leap around the boat, creating magical moments for everyone onboard. Guides often point out mothers feeding their babies or pods riding the wake of the boat, which adds a layer of intimacy to the experience. The thrill of seeing these creatures in their natural environment is what makes this tour a standout for wildlife lovers.

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The Glass-Bottom Section: A Nice Touch, But Not a Showstopper

The boat features a glass-bottom area, which sounds promising for getting a peek beneath the waves. However, several reviews mention that this area is quite small, with limited visibility, and the glass isn’t very clear. One reviewer said, “Glass bottom part not so much, just a few holes underneath and couldn’t see anything.”

While this might be a minor disappointment if you’re hoping for underwater views, most travelers find that the main deck offers plenty to see and photograph. The views of the coastline, the dolphins, and the open sea are more than enough to make this trip worthwhile.

The Swim Stop: A Refreshing Break

For those opting for the longer tour, the swim stop in a scenic cove is a real highlight. The reviews describe the water as warm and inviting, perfect for a quick dip. The boat’s crew often shut off the engines and let the dolphins approach, giving everyone a chance for closer encounters—on the dolphins’ terms, of course.

A reviewer mentioned, “The captain shut off the engines and let the pod come over to us,” which adds a feeling of harmony with nature. Just remember, the water can be quite deep, and the seaworthiness of the boat makes it unsuitable for anyone with mobility issues or those prone to seasickness.

Food, Drinks, and Onboard Atmosphere

Food and drinks are available onboard at reasonable prices, which is a plus. You can buy hot dogs, pizzas, and even vegan options, along with drinks like sangria, beers, or soft drinks. Multiple reviews praise the quality and affordability of the snacks, with one saying, “Food and drinks onboard were very reasonably priced.”

The atmosphere onboard tends to be friendly and relaxed, with crew members often described as helpful, funny, and multilingual. Many reviews comment on how the guides make the trip fun and engaging, often speaking several languages, which makes for an inclusive experience.

Crew and Overall Organization

From reviews, the crew is consistently praised for their helpfulness and friendliness. Several mention how guides and captains do their best to help everyone see the dolphins, often with humorous commentary that makes the trip even more enjoyable.

One reviewer said, “The staff are all so friendly and do anything to make you feel welcomed and help you enjoy.” The boat itself is described as clean, modern, and comfortable, which adds to the overall positive vibe.

Considerations and Downsides

While most reviews are glowing, there are a few points worth noting. The small size of the glass-bottom section might leave some disappointed if underwater viewing is a priority. The boat isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments, and seasickness could be an issue in rough weather, so bringing medication if you’re prone to it is wise.

Another minor point is that the second stop for picking up more passengers can sometimes feel like it prolongs the trip unnecessarily. One review noted, “It felt like it dragged on a bit,” but most found the overall experience still enjoyable.

Who Will Love This Trip?

This cruise is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking for a gentle, scenic outing. If you’re someone who enjoys relaxed boat trips, appreciates the chance to see dolphins in the wild, or simply wants a beautiful day on the water with the option of swimming, this tour checks most boxes. It also suits travelers who value good guides and affordable food options aboard.

But if underwater viewing is your main goal, or you require accessible facilities, you might want to consider other options or be prepared for some limitations here.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
You can choose between a 1.5-hour dolphin-focused trip or a longer 2- or 2.5-hour tour that includes a swim stop, giving you flexibility based on your schedule and interests.

Where does the tour depart from?
The meeting point is at the jetty in Playa Tora, in front of Bar Tora. Arrive about 20 minutes early to avoid missing the departure.

Is there a guarantee to see dolphins?
While sightings are highly likely (around 97-99% based on reviews), they’re in the wild, so there’s no absolute guarantee. Most travelers, however, do see dolphins during their trip.

Can I swim during the tour?
Yes, the longer tours include a swim stop where you can relax in the water. The crew often shut off the engines to allow dolphins and swimmers to come close, making it a memorable experience.

Is the glass-bottom section worth it?
Many reviews suggest that the glass-bottom part is small and not very clear, so don’t rely on it for underwater viewing. The main deck offers better views of the dolphins and scenery.

Is this tour family-friendly?
It’s suitable for families, especially those comfortable with boat trips. However, it’s not recommended for travelers with mobility impairments or those prone to seasickness.

What’s included in the price?
The tour fee covers the boat ride, guide, and the chance to see dolphins. Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard at reasonable prices, and photos can also be bought.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a laid-back yet exciting way to see dolphins and enjoy Mallorca’s coastline, this glass-bottom boat tour offers a lot of value. The chance to spot dolphins, combined with the friendly guides and comfortable boat, makes it a worthwhile outing. The inclusion of a swim stop on longer trips adds an extra layer of relaxation and fun.

While the glass-bottom feature might not blow you away, the overall experience—beautiful scenery, close encounters with dolphins, and good onboard amenities—more than compensates. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who want a relaxed, wildlife-focused day without heavy planning or crowds.

For wildlife lovers, families, or anyone looking for a memorable day at sea, this tour hits the right notes. Just remember to arrive early, bring seasickness medication if needed, and keep expectations realistic about the glass area. But, above all, prepare to enjoy a genuinely special encounter with Mallorca’s marine life.

Happy dolphin watching, and I hope your trip to Mallorca is full of unforgettable moments!

You can check availability for your dates here: