Northeast Mallorca Snorkelling: Shelves, Reefs & Clear Morning Water
Where to Go Around Alcúdia & Pollença
The north’s rocky peninsulas and shelves mean consistent clarity on calm mornings. From Palma Cathedral, plan ~55–70 minutes via the Ma-13 to reach Mal Pas/Bonaire, Aucanada, Cala Sant Vicenç and Formentor’s early sections.
- Sheltered rock shelves with easy step-in entries
- Bright morning light for visibility and photos
- Cafés and facilities within a short stroll at most spots
- Simple day combos with beaches and viewpoints
🧭 Orientation & Drive Snapshot from Palma
| Area | Typical Drive | Why Go | Who It Suits |
| Mal Pas / Bonaire (Alcúdia) | 55–65 min | Shelves, small drop-offs, bright viz | All levels |
| Aucanada (Alcanada) | 55–60 min | Low reef tongues, lighthouse views | Confident beginners |
| Cala Sant Vicenç (Barques/Molins) | 60–70 min | Twin coves, rocky sides, quick circuits | Intermediate |
| Formentor edges (start-of-peninsula) | 70–80 min | Photogenic blues, rocky points | Calm-day explorers |
🗺️ Northeast Pins to Save
Tip: If your first cove has chop or jellyfish, hop to the next pin — they’re 10–20 minutes apart.
🐠 Best Spots and How to Swim Them
Mal Pas / Bonaire – Shelves & Easy Drop-Offs
Low rocky ledges give quick access to clear water. Work the edges toward the headlands, staying inside swim buoys. Lovely morning light and usually simple parking on residential streets.
From Palma: ~55–65 min via Ma-13 to Alcúdia → Mal Pas/Bonaire
| Entry | Best Window | Family Factor | Watch For |
| Rock steps / shelves | 09:00–11:00 | Medium–High | Slippery algae on steps, limited shade |
Aucanada (Alcanada) – Reef Tongues & Lighthouse Views
A mix of pebble-sand and rocky tongues ideal for lazy circuits close to shore. Visibility holds well on calm days; aim for early or late light.
From Palma: ~55–60 min via Ma-13 → Port d’Alcúdia → Aucanada
| Entry | Best Window | Family Factor | Watch For |
| Pebbles/sand → rock | Morning / golden hour | Medium | Boat traffic near the outer line |
Cala Sant Vicenç – Barques & Molins Twin Coves
Two neighbouring coves with rocky sides and quick depth — perfect for short, fishy loops. Choose the leeward cove for the day’s wind; both have cafés a short stroll away.
From Palma: ~60–70 min via Ma-13 → Pollença → Cala Sant Vicenç
| Entry | Best Window | Family Factor | Watch For |
| Steps/rocks, some sand | Early / late | Medium | Swell at cove mouths, boat lanes |
Formentor Edges – Photogenic Blues on Calm Days
At Platja de Formentor and its rocky shoulders, hug the inside edges for calmer water and fish life. If wind or swell pushes in, switch to a bay on the Pollença side.
From Palma: ~70–80 min via Ma-13 → Pollença → Formentor
| Entry | Best Window | Family Factor | Watch For |
| Sand → rocky points | Early morning | Medium | Afternoon breeze, car-park crowding in peak |
🧳 What to Pack for the North
- Low-volume mask + short fins
- Reef-safe sunscreen (apply 20 min pre-swim)
- Thin water shoes for shelves, microfibre towel
- 1–1.5 L water pp, light snacks, small dry bag
- Optional: tow float for visibility, compact shade where permitted
🚗 Getting There from Palma
| From Palma Cathedral → | Route | Drive Time | Parking Notes |
| Mal Pas / Bonaire | Ma-13 → Alcúdia | ~55–65 min | Residential street bays; be respectful |
| Aucanada | Ma-13 → Port d’Alcúdia → Aucanada | ~55–60 min | Street + small bays; bring water |
| Cala Sant Vicenç | Ma-13 → Pollença → CSV | ~60–70 min | Village streets; arrive early in summer |
| Formentor | Ma-13 → Pollença → Formentor | ~70–80 min | Car parks can fill; morning is best |
🌊 North-Coast Conditions at a Glance
| Months | Sea Temp | Crowds | Our Take |
| May–Jun | 18–22 °C | Moderate | Bright viz, mild air |
| Jul–Aug | 24–27 °C | High | Go early; pick leeward coves |
| Sep–Oct | 22–24 °C | Softer | Golden light, warm water |
| Nov–Apr | 14–17 °C | Low | Short dips with neoprene layers |
🛟 Safety & Good Style
- Stay inside swim buoys and away from cove mouths when boats are active.
- Choose leeward coves on breezy days (swap Barques ↔ Molins; Bonaire ↔ Mal Pas).
- Float over posidonia; don’t stand on seagrass meadows.
- If jellyfish cluster, change cove — there are many options close by.
- Snorkel with a buddy; teach kids to clear masks before heading deeper.
👟 Easy Day Plans from Palma
North Sampler: Palma → Aucanada morning loop → picnic → Mal Pas second swim → sunset stroll in Port de Pollença.
Cove Pairing: Palma → Cala Sant Vicenç (Molins first) → coffee → switch to Barques if wind changes.
❓ FAQ
Which spot is best for beginners?
Aucanada and Mal Pas have friendly shelves and quick access to clear water. Pick calm mornings.
Can I snorkel at Formentor with kids?
Yes on calm days — stay along the inside edges and avoid the cove mouths when boats are moving.
Do I need fins?
Short fins aren’t essential but help with gentle currents and make loops more relaxed.
Where’s parking easiest?
Usually Mal Pas/Bonaire residential streets or Aucanada side streets. Formentor fills early in peak season.
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