Mallorca: 4-Hour Tour of Formentor by Bus and Boat from North Area

Mallorca: 4-Hour Tour of Formentor by Bus and Boat from North Area
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (based on 11 reviews)
Price: $52.09 per person
Duration: Approx. 4 hours
Location: Mallorca, Spain

Quick Overview
This tour takes you from the northern resorts of Mallorca to the breathtaking Formentor peninsula. For just over four hours, you’ll hop aboard a comfortable convertible minibus—a neat feature that lets you enjoy the fresh air and panoramic views—and then hop onto a boat to explore the coastline from the water. The trip includes stops at Mirador Es Colomer, Formentor Beach, and the charming Puerto Pollensa, with plenty of opportunities for memorable photos, relaxing swims, and soaking in the scenery.

What we love about this experience is how it combines easy transportation with some of the most iconic views Mallorca has to offer—especially the spectacular vista from Mirador Es Colomer that gives you a sweeping look at the bay and cliffs. The boat ride to Puerto Pollensa is another highlight, allowing you to see caves, coves, and cliffs from a unique perspective. Plus, the chance to relax and swim at Formentor Beach makes it well-rounded for sun lovers.

One possible challenge is that the itinerary is weather-dependent—if rain or extreme heat hits, the convertible bus might be replaced with a more conventional vehicle, potentially affecting your experience. Also, some reviews note that the tour’s language might be faster-paced or not in French if that’s what you expected.

This tour is a great option for travelers craving scenic views and a taste of Mallorca’s rugged coastline without the hassle of organizing transport or guides. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy a balanced mix of sightseeing and leisure time.

Key Points

• Stunning coastal viewpoints like Mirador Es Colomer offer panoramic vistas.
• Boat trips provide a different perspective on caves, coves, and cliffs.
• Relaxing stops at beaches like Formentor Beach allow for swimming and sunbathing.
• Transport via convertible minibus enhances the experience, weather permitting.
• The tour is moderately priced for the value of views, transport, and stops.
• Weather dependence can impact the experience, especially the bus ride.

Exploring the Details of the Mallorca Formentor Tour

How the Tour Unfolds: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

This four-hour adventure kicks off at the Globales Condes de Alcudia meeting point early in the morning, around 9:45 am. From there, a comfortably-sized group, capped at 50 travelers, heads out in a convertible minibus. The small group size ensures a more intimate experience, though the actual size depends on demand.

The first stop isn’t just about transportation; it’s about setting the tone for the day. The guide emphasizes that every excursion should be memorable, with a focus on quality guides and carefully curated itineraries. Though the initial stop is brief, it’s your chance to get ready for the scenic day ahead.

Mirador Es Colomer: The Pinnacle of Panoramas

The highlight of the tour—and rightly so—is the visit to the Mirador Es Colomer. Here, you’ll spend about 30 minutes soaking up unmatched views of the Bay of Pollensa, Alcudia, and the vast Formentor peninsula. The viewpoint itself offers space to take photos, relax, or simply marvel at the vast sea and rugged coastline.

One review mentions that from this vantage point, you can also see the Albertcutx Watchtower, a historic remnant from the 16th century built for defense against pirates. This adds a touch of history to the stunning scenery, providing a reminder of Mallorca’s layered past.

Beach Time at Formentor

Next, the tour takes you down to Formentor Beach, famous for its crystal-clear waters and soft white sands. Previously, this beach was exclusive—but today, it’s open to all. You’re given about an hour here to sunbathe, swim, or just relax. Visitors often find this to be a highlight; the water is inviting and the scenery truly spectacular.

The Boat Ride: From Land to Sea

One of the most praised features of this tour is the boat ride from Formentor Beach to Puerto Pollensa. Weather permitting, you’ll glide over the water, witnessing cliffs, caves, and coves from a perspective that’s impossible from land. The boat ride lasts about an hour and offers lovely views of the Tramuntana mountain range, making it a relaxing and scenic experience.

Reviewers like Stefania comment on how the boat trip was a highlight, complimenting the scenery and the opportunity to see Mallorca’s coastline from a different angle. This part of the journey provides a great contrast to the land-based stops and is perfect for photography enthusiasts.

Exploring Puerto Pollensa

Once in Puerto Pollensa, there’s roughly 30 minutes to wander the port—a charming area with cafes, shops, and lively harbor views. While the time is limited, it’s enough to soak in the ambiance, maybe grab a quick snack, and enjoy the lively seaside atmosphere.

Return and Reflection

The tour concludes with the bus ride back to the original meeting point, giving you the chance to relax and reflect on the stunning landscapes you’ve experienced. The total duration is approximately four hours, making it a perfect half-day escape that balances sightseeing and leisure.

Transport and Comfort: What to Expect

The transport is part of the charm—convertible minibuses that allow for an open-air experience, weather permitting. This feature means you’ll get unobstructed views and fresh air, adding a layer of enjoyment to the scenic drive. It’s a practical touch that sets this tour apart, especially on clear days.

However, if rain or extreme heat is forecast, the operator might switch to a more traditional vehicle, which could slightly diminish the open-air experience but still allow you to enjoy the views from inside.

Group Size and Guide

With a maximum of 50 travelers, the group isn’t too large, allowing for some personal interaction with the guide. The guide provides commentary during the trip, enhancing your understanding of each stop, the scenery, and some historical context, such as the watchtower.

Cost and Value: Is It Worth It?

At just over $52 per person, this tour offers a good value considering the transportation, guide, boat trip, and multiple stops. The combination of land and sea experiences provides a richer perspective of Mallorca’s coastline, compared to solely sightseeing from a bus or boat alone.

Given that many travelers appreciate the beautiful views and relaxing stops, this tour delivers a solid balance of scenery, activity, and leisure. The inclusion of the boat ride is a particular bonus, often praised as a memorable part of the experience.

Authentic Experiences and Honest Feedback from Travelers

Despite its many positives, some reviews highlight potential downsides. Emilie from France expressed disappointment when the guide did not speak French as expected, and the entire commentary was in German and English, which she found rushed and lacking clarity. This points to the importance of confirming language expectations beforehand.

Others, like Ccile and Stefania, found the panoramic views and beaches genuinely stunning, with one emphasizing how the scenery was perfect for summer visits when the route is open. Gerardo highly recommends the excursion, citing the spectacular viewpoints and refreshing boat ride as must-do highlights.

A recurring theme is that while the tour offers excellent photo opportunities and scenic highlights, some travelers wish they could have stayed longer at certain stops for more swimming or exploration. Still, many felt the experience was worth the price, especially with the convenience of transportation and guided commentary.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience appeals most to those seeking a scenic, half-day trip with minimal planning—especially if you’re interested in stunning viewpoints, beaches, and coastlines. It’s perfect for travelers who don’t mind a moderate-paced schedule and want a combination of land and sea. Be prepared for possible weather changes, and keep in mind that the tour may not be ideal if you desire a very detailed or language-specific guide experience.

The Sum Up

This Mallorca Formentor tour offers a beautiful snapshot of the island’s rugged coastline and is particularly suited for travelers wanting a relaxed, scenic adventure with a mix of viewpoints, beaches, and boat rides. The combination of panoramic vistas at Mirador Es Colomer and the boat trip makes it a memorable way to see Mallorca from land and sea.

While not perfect—especially if weather disrupts the open-air experience or if language expectations aren’t met—it provides great value for the price, especially considering the convenience of round-trip transport and guided commentary. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a beautiful, stress-free half-day that captures some of Mallorca’s most iconic landscapes.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off in a convertible minibus, which enhances the open-air experience, weather permitting.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 4 hours, making it ideal for a half-day outing.

What stops are included?
You’ll visit Mirador Es Colomer for panoramic views, relax at Formentor Beach, enjoy a boat ride to Puerto Pollensa, and have some free time in the port area.

Is food or drinks included?
No, you’ll need to bring your own snacks or plan to buy at stops, as food and drinks are not included.

What should I wear?
Dress in smart casual. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat—especially since part of the tour is outdoors and in the sun.

Can I expect the tour to run in bad weather?
If it’s rainy or extremely hot, the convertible bus might be replaced with a regular vehicle, which may impact your open-air experience.

Is there a guide?
Yes, a tour guide will accompany you on the bus, providing commentary about the sights and local history.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, travelers book this tour about 18 days ahead, reflecting its popularity.

This Mallorca trip is a charming, scenic way to enjoy some of the most striking parts of the island without overcommitting. If you’re eager to see stunning viewpoints, enjoy a boat ride, and relax at a beautiful beach, this tour is worth considering—just be sure to check the weather and expectations for language and timing.