Mallorca: Snorkeling tour with diving instructor from a boat – Cap de Formentor

If you’re after a short but packed aquatic adventure in Mallorca, this snorkeling tour might just be what you need. It’s a chance to see some of the island’s underwater beauty without committing to a full-day activity. This experience offers a blend of scenic boat rides, expert-guided snorkeling, and the chance to spot colorful fish and marine life—ideal if you want a taste of Mallorca’s coast and marine environment.

What we really appreciate about this trip is how it combines professional equipment with a small, intimate group, which can make the whole experience more comfortable and personal. Plus, the boat ride along the rocky coastline offers impressive views of the Cap de Formentor and surrounding cliffs—so you get a bit of sightseeing along the way.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the duration is around 2.5 hours, which might feel a little short if you’re hoping for a full-day exploration. Also, this tour isn’t suitable for very young children or people with mobility issues, so it’s better suited for confident swimmers and those comfortable in open water.

This snorkeling trip is a good pick for travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic, and guided underwater experience with a focus on community and safety. It’s especially appealing if you prefer smaller groups and professional gear, and if you love the idea of exploring Mallorca’s stunning coast from the water.

Key Points

• Small group setting keeps the experience personal and less crowded
• Professional gear from trusted manufacturer MARES enhances comfort and safety
• Scenic boat ride along Mallorca’s rocky coast offers beautiful views before snorkeling
• Diverse marine life like schools of fish, octopuses, and groupers makes snorkeling rewarding
• Experienced guides help with equipment and spotting marine creatures, plus take photos
• Short and sweet activity perfect for fitting into a busy Mallorca itinerary

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect During the Tour

We’ll start at the SCUBANEO diving center in the afternoon, where you’ll check in and get your gear—everything from masks and snorkels to wetsuits, fins, and neoprene shoes. The equipment is high-quality, coming from MARES, which means you can focus on enjoying rather than worrying about comfort or safety. The staff is friendly and helpful, and they’ll assist you in finding the best mask fit for a leak-free experience, which makes a big difference when you’re floating in open water.

Once suited up, you’ll hop aboard a speedboat for about 15 minutes along the coast toward a quiet bay at Cap Pinar or Cap Formentor. The ride itself is a treat—sit in the shade at the bow and take in the rugged, rocky scenery, which sets the mood for an adventure away from the crowds. This scenic part is a highlight for many, offering impressive views of the coast and cliffs that make this part of Mallorca so iconic.

Snorkeling and Marine Life

The main event is the about 50 minutes in the water, where your guide will accompany you, pointing out marine life and helping you get the most out of your time. Many reviewers mention how knowledgeable guides are—they keep the group safe, help spot interesting creatures like octopuses, starfish, or groupers, and even take photos during the outing (most of which they send for free afterward).

During this time, you’ll have the chance to see schools of fish, small groupers, octopuses, starfish, and more. The variety of marine life is part of what makes this trip special, especially since the guide is with you the entire time, offering support and insights.

Post-snorkel refreshment and scenery

After your underwater stretch, you’ll climb back onto the boat, where snacks and water are available to recharge. Most reviews highlight the small touches like cookies or fresh water as a nice ending to the activity. On the way back, you’ll enjoy another scenic ride along the coast of Pollenca Bay, giving you a chance to relax and soak in the views one last time before returning to the starting point.

The Itinerary Breakdown

• Meeting point: SCUBANEO diving center at Av. del Mal Pas, 1
• Safety briefing: Around 15 minutes to get everyone comfortable with the equipment and procedures
• Boat ride: 15-minute cruise along Mallorca’s rocky coast, with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and get excited for what’s coming
• Snorkeling: 50 minutes in the water, exploring the underwater world under supervision of a professional guide
• Return cruise: 15-minute ride back to the starting point, with refreshments and relaxation
• End at the dive center: The experience wraps up where it began, making logistics simple

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What the Reviews Say About the Experience

The majority of reviews are quite positive, with a 4.6 out of 5 rating based on 47 reviews. Many travelers highlight the friendly, attentive staff and the good quality gear as standout features. One reviewer from Germany appreciated the “good briefing” and the “clean, well-maintained equipment,” while others enjoyed the boat ride for the scenic views along the coast.

A Swiss traveler called it a “beautiful outing” with a friendly crew and perfect group size, while an Italian reviewer appreciated the photos taken during the trip, calling out the guide “Gracias Lidia.” Several reviews mention how much fun they had spotting marine creatures, with one German traveler noting they saw “small and medium-sized fish, sea urchins, and an orange starfish.”

However, not all reviews are glowing. A few pointed out that the experience felt a little short—some thought the actual time in the water was less than the declared duration. One German reviewer noted that the second guide was less motivated, and the boat staff was somewhat reserved, which might affect the overall vibe.

This highlights the importance of choosing a tour with experienced guides, as their knowledge truly enhances the experience and helps you see more marine life.

Pricing and Value

While the exact price isn’t mentioned here, the tour is priced to be accessible for most travelers seeking a half-day, guided snorkeling adventure. Given the small group size (limited to nine participants), professional equipment, and the personalized guidance, the value is quite good for those looking for a hassle-free, scenic, and educational experience.

Considering that most of the photos are taken by the guide and shared afterward for free, this adds extra value to the overall package—especially if you want memories without extra effort. The activity’s duration is around 2.5 hours, making it a compact yet satisfying experience that fits well into a Mallorca day without feeling rushed or overly long.

Suitability and Considerations

This tour is best suited for travelers who are confident swimmers and comfortable in open water but don’t need advanced diving skills. It’s not recommended for children under 6, or for individuals with mobility issues, as the activity involves jumping or using a ladder to get in and out of the water.

If you’re traveling with non-swimmers, this might not be the best fit, but for those who enjoy light water activities and want a guided tour with marine wildlife spotting, it hits the right notes. Since the tour is offered in English, German, and Spanish, language isn’t a barrier unless you’re expecting a multilingual guide.

The Sum Up

This Mallorca snorkeling trip from Cap de Formentor offers a balanced mix of scenic boat rides, professional gear, and the chance to see Mallorca’s marine life up close. It’s an experience that prioritizes safety, small-group intimacy, and knowledgeable guidance, which makes it stand out from larger, more generic tours. If you love exploring in a relaxed setting—especially with a guide who is eager to share insights—this could be a memorable part of your holiday.

However, keep in mind the shorter duration and specific age restrictions; it’s not ideal if you’re looking for a full-day adventure or traveling with very young children. Still, for active, curious travelers wanting a taste of Mallorca’s underwater world without much fuss, it delivers.

Ultimately, this tour suits those who appreciate well-organized, guided, and scenic water activities in a small-group environment. It’s a perfect option for anyone wanting a quick, engaging splash of Mallorca’s coast and marine life—whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends.

FAQ

Is the snorkeling activity suitable for children?
Not for children under 6 years old, as the activity involves jumping or using a ladder to get in and out of the water. It’s best suited for confident swimmers and older children.

Do I need prior snorkeling experience?
No, you don’t need previous experience. The guides give a briefing beforehand, and equipment is high-quality and fitted to your comfort.

What should I bring?
Swimwear and a towel are enough. The rest—like wetsuits, masks, and fins—is provided.

How long is the snorkeling part?
Approximately 50 minutes, giving you enough time to explore marine life without feeling rushed.

What can I expect to see?
Schools of fish, small groupers, octopuses, starfish, and other marine creatures. The guides are good at pointing out and helping you spot these.

Is the boat ride scenic?
Absolutely. The boat ride along Mallorca’s rocky coast provides impressive views of Cape Formentor and Pollenca Bay.

What is the group size?
Limited to 9 participants, ensuring a more personal and relaxed experience.

Are photos included?
Most guides carry cameras and take photos during the activity, which they send afterward for free.

What about safety?
The tour is guided by experienced professionals, and all equipment is high-quality. Safety instructions are given before entering the water.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility in your planning.

Overall, if you’re looking for a friendly, scenic, and well-organized snorkeling trip that highlights Mallorca’s marine beauty without overextending your time or budget, this tour is definitely worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: