All you need to know about the best snorkeling spots in Northern Mallorca
One of the cheapest and easiest ways of exploring the sea & it’s enchanting creatures & plants is by using a snorkel – and luckily for visitors to this area, Northern Mallorca offers some of the best snorkeling spots on the Island.
Although snorkeling can be enjoyed directly from many beaches, the best spots are often found in rocky inlets, which coupled with excellent water clarity & a rich diversity of Mediterranean marine life make for ideal conditions.
The best spots feature sheltered coves and dramatic peninsulas ideal for swimming alongside schools of fish, or you can explore some of the North coasts’ fascinating sea-caves with a professional guide or on a boat trip.
Many of the finest sites can involve quite a hike or scramble to reach & for this reason many people choose to explore these places from the sea, often through boat trips in Mallorca, which provide access to unspoiled coves, less crowded areas, and snorkeling spots with optimal conditions. Alternatively why not take a private trip on a traditional Mallorcan Llaut or hire a luxury boat with Perfect Charter.
Choosing the right location and sea conditions are key. Exploring rocky areas, avoiding the busiest spots, and heading out on calm days will ensure that you get the most out of snorkeling in Mallorca.
Bear in mind that many of these coves have no facilities and you should always take care to bring plenty of water, sun protection, food and towels / beach mats etc & a bag to take away any rubbish!
Top Snorkeling Locations
Península de Formentor
The Formentor peninsula, located at the northern tip of Mallorca, is one of the most spectacular areas on the island for snorkeling. This setting, shaped by the Serra de Tramuntana, combines cliffs, deep waters, and secluded coves with exceptional water clarity.
Along Formentor, you’ll find some of the best snorkeling spots on the north coast of Mallorca, especially in less accessible areas where the water is clearer and the surroundings feel much more unspoiled. It’s a highly valued area for those looking for a more authentic experience, away from the busiest beaches.
Cala Figuera (Formentor): A stunning, untouched pebble cove on the Formentor peninsula reached via a short pine forest hike. The crystal-clear shallow water and rocky edges make it a premier underwater escape.
How to get to Cala Figuera:
By Bus: Take the local bus (322 from Pollença) heading toward the Formentor lighthouse and get off at the Cala Figuera stop (see bus info)
By Car & Restrictions: You can drive here outside of peak hours. From June 15 to September 15, private cars are banned on the road between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM. You must use the shuttle bus during these summer hours (see restrictions)
The Walk: Look for the wooden trail marker near the bus stop. Prepare for a steep, rocky 15-to-20-minute walk down to the water
Cala Murta: Tucked inside a protected pine-fringed inlet on the cape. It features calm, sheltered waters, rocky cliffs and seagrass beds.
How to get to Cala Murta:
By bus:
TIB line L-334 runs between 15 May and 18 October. It connects Alcúdia and Port de Pollença with several points on the peninsula, including the Cala Murta car park. From there, you have to follow the path on foot. It is worth checking the timetable before setting off because the frequency is limited.
By Car & Restrictions: You can drive here outside of peak hours. From June 15 to September 15, private cars are banned on the road between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM. You must use the shuttle bus during these summer hours (see restrictions)
Cala Sant Vicenç: Near Pollença, this area includes protected small coves like Cala Molins, Cala Clara, and Cala Barques The rocky perimeters boast great visibility and abundant small fish.
For snorkeling, the most interesting areas are away from the central zones, heading towards the rocky edges of each cove, where it’s easier to find fish and spots with greater biodiversity. The mix of sand and rock creates a well-rounded experience, ideal both for beginners and for those looking for something more.
How to get to Cala St Vicenç;
Access is straightforward by car right to the cove area, with several entry points into the water and no need for walking. It’s a very convenient and recommended option for those who want to snorkel in Mallorca without long distances or demanding routes.
Cala Bóquer: A rugged, remote fjord-like valley near Pollença. A scenic hike followed by a bit of a scramble leads to a completely wild stony bay with exceptionally transparent deep-blue water. Its secluded location makes it a peaceful spot for swimming and snorkeling, away from the crowds.
How to get to Cala Boquer:
The hike to Cala Boquer starts from the Boquer Valley near Port de Pollensa. This moderate trail takes you through a dramatic limestone valley, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains before descending to the beach. The hike is approximately 3km one way and takes about an hour.
Alcudia Peninsula
Mal Pas (Alcudia): The peaceful coves of Sant Pere and Sant Joan offer calm waves and rocky shelves that are great for beginner-friendly exploration.
How to get Mal Pas:
By Car from Alcúdia: Drive out of town on Calle de Xara, which becomes the Camino del Mal Pas, and follow the signs straight to the coast (about 1.5 km). Free street parking is usually available near the beach.
On Foot or by Bike: From Alcúdia: Enjoy an easy, scenic 20-minute walk or bike ride along the wide, tree-lined path of Camino del Mal Pas, which features a good pedestrian pavement.
Cala del Coll Baix (Alcudia)
Coll Baix is a beautiful, remote shingle beach, accessible only by foot or by boat. Its crystal-clear waters are framed by dramatic cliffs, making it one of the most picturesque beaches in the north of Mallorca. Located in the municipality of Alcudia, between the Bay of Alcudia and the Bay of Pollensa, in a completely natural setting surrounded by high cliffs.
The seabed is mainly rocky, with areas where it’s easy to spot fish and enjoy excellent visibility, especially on calm days. Unlike other northern coves, it’s not usually overcrowded, which makes for a much more peaceful and authentic experience.
How to get to Coll Baix:
The Trail: The trail to Coll Baix starts in the hills of the La Victoria peninsula in Alcúdia. With its starting point at the parking by the refugi de Coll Baix, this is a moderately challenging hike with some steep and rocky sections towards the beach – good footwear is a must. The path provides stunning views over Alcúdia Bay and the surrounding countryside, leading to the secluded beach after about a 45-minute walk
Alcanada (Alcúdia)
Alcanada, located just a few minutes from Port d’Alcúdia, is one of the most interesting areas on the north coast of Mallorca for snorkeling, especially if you’re looking to avoid more crowded beaches. Unlike the Bay of Alcudia, rocky seabeds dominate here and the water is usually very clear, which greatly improves visibility.
It’s a highly regarded spot for those seeking a quieter setting, with direct access to the sea and good conditions for spotting fish close to the shore. The combination of rock and seagrass creates small marine habitats where it’s common to find marine life, especially on calm days.
In addition, Alcanada offers open views across the bay and towards the small islet with a lighthouse just off the coast, adding an extra appeal to the experience.
How to get to Alcanada:
Access is easy by car from Alcudia, and you can get almost right to the swimming area. It’s not a typical sandy beach, so wearing suitable footwear is recommended for entering the water comfortably.
It’s also close to boat excursion routes departing from Port d’Alcúdia. One of the most complete options is the catamaran tour in Mallorca, which allows you to explore the coastline, stop for swimming, and reach different snorkeling spots in a single trip.
Cap Ferrutx
Cap Ferrutx on the north eastern tip of Mallorca, features dramatic limestone cliffs & rocky coves in the municipality of Arta. Due to the difficult terrain, access is very difficult from land and snorkeling here is best done via a boat tour. This area is a protected nature reserve, and the pristine waters are home to abundant and varied marine life.
One of the main attractions here is a trip to the Blue Cave where sunlight filters through the water to create an electric blue glow reflecting off the rock walls.
Staying safe when Snorkeling
Essential Safety Practices
- Never go alone: Always snorkel with a partner so you can watch out for each other.
- Check conditions: Look at the local weather and wind forecasts before entering the water; calm mornings offer the best visibility.
- Know your limits: Stay close to the shore and within your swimming depth.
- Watch for boats: Stay inside designated swimming zones and consider a surface marker buoy if you venture further out.
Equipment and Protection
Essential safety devices for snorkeling include low-profile inflatable vests for buoyancy, bright surface markers for visibility, and properly fitted gear to prevent fatigue.
- Purge Valve Snorkels: Feature a small valve at the bottom that lets you easily blow out water rather than inhaling it.
- Tempered Glass Masks: Shatter-resistant lenses that offer clear, safe underwater vision.GLOVES
- Proper fit: Use a mask that seals tightly to your face and a snorkel that clears easily.
- Sun protection: Wear a UV rash guard or waterproof, reef-safe sunscreen because floating face-down exposes your back to strong sun.
- Footwear: Put on water shoes to safely navigate rocky entry points where sea urchins commonly hide.
- Gloves: Rocky coves can have sharp edges and wearing suitable gloves can protect your hands from unwanted scrapes and cuts.
- Inflatable Snorkel Vests: Slim, low-profile jackets or horse-collar vests that let you add or release air via an oral inflator tube when you need to rest. Note that these are buoyancy aids, not official life-saving rescue jackets.
- Belt-Pack Floats: Compact waist pouches that stay out of the way until manually inflated.
Visibility & Signalling
- Bright Rash Guards: Neon or fluorescent swim shirts that make you easily noticeable to boat captains and other swimmers.
- Tow Floats / Surface Markers: Brightly colored inflatable buoys towed behind you on a short tether, ideal for open-water or coastal swimming where boats operate.
- Safety Whistle: Attached to your vest or rash guard to signal for help from the shore or a boat.
Protecting Nature
- Do not touch: Keep your hands to yourself. Avoid touching fish, coral, or reaching blindly into dark rock crevices where moray eels or urchins live.
- Protect seagrass: Do not stand on or damage the protected Posidonia ocean seagrass meadows.
- No feeding: Never feed the fish, as it disrupts their natural diet and ecosystem.
If you want to see the marine environment without getting wet There are also options such as a glass-bottom boat trip in Mallorca, which allow you to observe the seabed and reach different snorkeling spots without having to do the hike.
Discover more on TOTN
