Snorkeling Spots Alcudia:
Alcanada, Coll Baix & The Cathedral
Three of the most spectacular and protected marine locations in northern Mallorca, all reachable exclusively by sea aboard Elysium, our 100% electric llaut.
The Hidden Coastline
of Alcudia Bay
The northern coast of Mallorca holds some of the clearest water and richest marine life in the entire Mediterranean. Alcudia Bay is protected as a Natura 2000 site, which means the seabeds remain intact, the Posidonia oceanica meadows are still healthy, and the fish populations are thriving.
Most of these locations are inaccessible by road. The only way to reach them is by sea, which is why every Elysium experience includes time at anchor in at least one of these spots. Below is what you will find at each one.
Illa d'Alcanada · Alcudia Bay
Alcanada
Island
Illa d'Alcanada is a small uninhabited island sitting roughly 800 metres off the coast of Port d'Alcudia. It is one of the most iconic landmarks of northern Mallorca, crowned by the historic Alcanada lighthouse, which has guided sailors since 1861.
The waters surrounding the island are part of the Natura 2000 protected marine network. Motorised vessels are not permitted close to shore, which keeps the seabed undisturbed and the water exceptionally clear. This is one of the finest snorkeling locations in the entire Bay of Alcudia.
The seabed alternates between sandy patches, rocky outcrops and extensive meadows of Posidonia oceanica, the endemic Mediterranean seagrass that acts as a natural filter and nursery for marine life. Visibility frequently exceeds 15 metres.
- Sea bream (Dorade)
- Grey mullet
- Sea bass
- Octopus
- Starfish
- Sea urchin
- Wrasse
- Needlefish
Coll Baix · Puig de Sant Martí
Coll
Baix
Coll Baix is a wild pebble beach set at the foot of the Puig de Sant Martí cliffs, one of the most dramatic natural backdrops in Mallorca. There is no road access. The only way to arrive without a long mountain hike is by boat, which means the beach remains quiet even in the height of summer.
The water at Coll Baix is exceptionally transparent, with a vivid turquoise tone produced by the white pebble bottom and the depth of the bay. The surrounding rocky coastline shelters a complex marine environment: underwater boulders, natural ledges, small caves and dense Posidonia beds that support a rich ecosystem.
This is one of the best snorkeling sites in northern Mallorca for observing larger species. Grouper and moray eel are regularly sighted along the rocky walls. Sea bream school in open water above the meadows, and octopus are frequently found tucked into rock crevices just below the surface.
- Grouper (Mero)
- Moray eel
- Sea bream
- Octopus
- Wrasse
- Damselfish
- Salema porgy
- Painted comber
The Cathedral · Cova del Bou · Cap des Pinar
The Cathedral
& Bull Cave
Along the Cap des Pinar headland, where the cliffs drop straight into deep water, two extraordinary sea formations await: La Catedral and Cova del Bou, known in English as The Cathedral and Bull Cave. Both are accessible only from the water.
The Cathedral is a vast natural arch carved by centuries of wave action into the limestone cliff face. Its interior soars several metres above the waterline, with light filtering through the opening in shades of deep blue and green. The acoustics inside are striking: the silence of an electric engine makes the experience complete.
Bull Cave sits nearby and is navigable by dinghy or by swimming from a moored boat. Inside the cave system, the walls host sponges, anemones and small crustaceans. The outer rocky face below the waterline is a habitat for moray eels, sea bass and large grouper that shelter in the shadow of the cave entrance.
- Grouper (Mero)
- Sea bass
- Moray eel
- Shrimp
- Sea anemone
- Sponges
- Conger eel
- Scorpionfish
What Makes These
Waters Special
Alcudia Bay is one of the most ecologically intact stretches of Mediterranean coastline. Its protection status means what you see underwater has not changed in decades.
Posidonia Oceanica
The endemic Mediterranean seagrass that covers large parts of the bay floor. Posidonia is a protected species: it produces oxygen, filters sediment and acts as a nursery for dozens of marine species. Its presence indicates excellent water quality.
Natura 2000 Protection
Alcudia Bay carries European Natura 2000 designation. This restricts industrial fishing, anchoring in sensitive zones and the use of noisy motorized vessels. Electric navigation like Elysium is the most compatible form of access.
Water Clarity
The combination of limited boat traffic, healthy Posidonia beds and the natural flushing of the bay produces visibility that frequently exceeds 15 metres in summer. Colours remain vivid at depth, making snorkeling remarkable even for non-divers.
What to Know
Before the Trip
- All three locations are visited during Elysium's private experiences.
- Not all stops are guaranteed: sea conditions and wind direction affect routing.
- Snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel) is provided on board.
- Electric sea scooter available for underwater exploration.
- No prior diving experience needed: most snorkeling is at 2 to 5 metres.
- Best season: May to October. Peak visibility in July and August.
- Water temperature: 18°C in May, up to 28°C in August.
- Bring sunscreen, towels and swimwear. Everything else is included.
Our Boat,
Our Promise
- 100% electric propulsion: no noise, no fumes, no vibration at anchor.
- Traditional wooden llaut, fully restored and certified.
- Skipper Fabrizio speaks Spanish, Italian and English.
- All experiences are fully private: your group only, never shared.
- Maximum 7 guests per trip.
- Departing from Port d'Alcudia, northern Mallorca.
- Zero emissions per trip: compatible with Natura 2000 regulations.
- Book by phone or through the experience pages on this site.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Can you visit Alcanada Island by boat from Port d'Alcudia?
Yes. Alcanada Island is approximately 800 metres from the coast and is a regular stop on Elysium's private experiences. Motorized vessels must maintain a distance from the protected shore, but electric boats like Elysium are permitted to approach more closely given their zero-emission profile. Guests can swim and snorkel directly from the boat.
How do you get to Coll Baix beach?
Coll Baix has no road access. The two options are a 2-hour mountain hike from the Ermita de la Victòria, or arriving by boat. Elysium anchors in the bay in front of the beach and guests can swim ashore or explore the snorkeling around the rocky headland directly from the boat.
What is The Cathedral in Alcudia?
The Cathedral (La Catedral) is a large natural sea arch carved into the limestone cliffs of Cap des Pinar, near Alcudia. It is one of the most dramatic coastal formations in Mallorca and is only accessible from the sea. Elysium can navigate directly through or alongside the arch, allowing guests to experience it from the water.
Is snorkeling at Alcanada suitable for beginners?
Yes. The water around Alcanada Island is calm, shallow near the rocks (2 to 5 metres) and has exceptional visibility. It is ideal for first-time snorkelers. All equipment is provided and the skipper gives a brief orientation before entering the water.
What fish can you see snorkeling in Alcudia Bay?
Common sightings include sea bream, grey mullet, wrasse, damselfish and salema porgy in open water above the Posidonia meadows. Around rocks and caves near Coll Baix and The Cathedral you may encounter grouper, moray eel and octopus. The electric engine means the boat does not disturb the fish before you enter the water.
Are all three locations visited on every trip?
Routing depends on the experience chosen, the duration of the trip and the sea conditions on the day. Shorter experiences (3 hours) typically include one or two stops. The full-day Elysium Day experience allows for up to three stops. The skipper selects the best route based on wind, current and guest preference.
See These Places
From the Water
Alcanada Island, Coll Baix and The Cathedral are part of Elysium's private experiences departing from Port d'Alcudia. Choose your trip and we take care of the rest.
View All Experiences