4 Best Cruises and Boat Rides in Menorca

Menorca is one of the jewels of the Mediterranean Sea: its beautiful beaches will bring you peace, and exploring its towns and villages will give you a certain joy that can only be found on holiday.

But this holiday would not be complete without enjoying the most beautiful and unique view of Menorca. Seeing the island of Menorca from a boat in the middle of the sea is a marvel, and you can also take a trip around it, discover its coves and swim among the fish. Want to know the best boat trips around Menorca? Keep reading!

If you book a boat trip around the southern coves of Menorca, you should know that it lasts about 7 hours and will take you to discover the most famous coves. You will depart at around 9:30 a.m. from Ciudadella and head for the southern beaches. On this excursion, you will pass by Cala Macarelleta, Son Saura, Es Talaier and Cala'n Turqueta, among others.

You will have enough time to make several stops in the middle of the sea and at some of the coves, where you can swim among the fish and see the seabed with your own snorkelling equipment. It also includes lunch, a typical paella dish, and drinks so that you don't have to worry about anything other than enjoying your holiday.

Why I like this option: I think it is undoubtedly the best value for money. It's the longest tour, includes food and drinks, and you'll stop to swim and snorkel with your own equipment at the best spots along the coast.

Recommended if... you have enough time and want to spend a whole day at sea without breaking your travel budget.

This 3.5-hour excursion through the coves of northern Menorca will take you to discover famous beaches such as Cala Pregonda, Playa de Cavalleria and Fornells. The coves in the north are very unique, with reddish sand, a much wilder sea and dark cliffs. This makes it a completely different experience from the south.

Although it is a shorter trip, you will have enough time to make stops in the middle of the sea and at some of the coves. You will have the opportunity to take a dip and go snorkelling if you feel like exploring the underwater world. Snacks are also included throughout the activity so that you can fully enjoy the curious coastline of northern Menorca.

Why I like this option: It is a shorter tour and a completely different landscape that is worth seeing. It also includes snacks that you can enjoy during the stops, while you swim in the sea or snorkel.

Recommended if... you have little time for a boat tour or, on the contrary, you want a complete experience along the coast of the entire island.

It's hard not to be tempted by the luxury of joining a catamaran trip around the coves of northern Menorca. The boat is very stable, spends most of the time sailing with the wind and has plenty of space for sunbathing on board in complete comfort.

A catamaran can usually accommodate between 10 and 12 people, so privacy is guaranteed. Get your camera ready because you'll be the envy of all your friends!

Why I like this option: During the 3½-hour trip, you can enjoy a peaceful sunset aboard the catamaran. But you'll also have time to go for a swim or snorkel, as the excursion includes the equipment.

Recommended if... you fancy a relaxing day out in Menorca aboard one of the most comfortable boats around. What's more, the excursion is for small groups and includes complimentary snacks and drinks. Please note that this excursion is usually available in summer.

This 1-hour boat trip around the port of Mahón is the perfect way to discover the capital of Menorca from the sea. During the trip, you can admire the spectacular views of the coast and the historic buildings surrounding the port, and learn about the local history and culture thanks to the commentary provided by the expert captain/guide.

The tour includes a drink and is designed for you to relax, enjoy the sea breeze and discover iconic spots such as La Mola fortress and Santa María church, all from the blue waters of Menorca. It's a simple and very pleasant way to connect with the essence of Mahón without getting tired.

Why I like this option: It's a short, relaxing and very informative excursion. Ideal if you are looking for a cultural experience without physical exertion, and with the best views of the harbour.

Recommended if... you want to get to know Mahón from a different angle, you don't have much time or you are looking for a quiet activity with historical charm.

Before embarking on your trip along the coast of Menorca, it is important to consider where on the island the excursions depart from. The main departure ports are located in the north, south and east, and each one offers different routes and landscapes. Whether you are staying in Fornells, Cala Galdana, Ciudadela or Mahón, you will find ideal options for discovering Menorca from the sea:

Boat trips from Fornells

Boat trips departing from Fornells usually visit the beaches in the north. Fornells Bay is particularly beautiful and not very busy with visitors to the island, so parking there to embark on your trip will be quite easy.

For example, if you opt for a sailing trip, you will be carried by the wind to discover the northern beaches. You will stop for a swim and snorkelling along the way, and although the itinerary may vary depending on the wind direction, the skipper will make sure you get the most out of your sailing experience.

In Fornells, you can also book a kayaking excursion to add a little adventure to your visit to the north of the island. Otherwise, the best option is a boat trip along the beaches of the north of the island.

Boat trips from Cala Galdana

Cala Galdana is one of the busiest beaches in the south of Menorca. Two of the largest hotels on the island are located there, and many of the boat trips to explore the south depart from Cala Galdana. This beach offers sun loungers, parasols and other services, which means it doesn't have any particular charm when it comes to sailing, but it is very useful to have as a reference point if you are staying there or nearby and want to go on an excursion.

Macarella, Macarelleta and Turqueta are quite close by, so paradise is just a few metres away. For example, if you book a boat trip around the southern coves, there is a special stop in the afternoon to pick up and drop off passengers.

Of course, if you decide to embark or disembark here and have to travel by car, be patient when parking and expect it to take a while. You don't want to be late for your boat trip!

Boat trips from Ciudadela

Ciutadella is probably one of the most beautiful places on the island and perfectly combines the beach holiday you are dreaming of with the charm of a beautiful town full of atmosphere at all hours of the day. As it is one of the most popular attractions for tourists, there are many options for joining a boat trip from Ciutadella.

In fact, the most popular boat trip on the island, this boat trip around the southern coves departs from Passeig del Mol in Ciutadella and returns to the same starting point. After the boat trip, take the opportunity to visit the craft stalls in the port area, its bars and terraces and its cobbled streets.

Boat trips from Mahón

Mahón is a must-see on your trip to Menorca. When you think you've got lost, you'll find a street leading to the sea with spectacular views, and its harbour is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in Spain. So you don't need any more reasons to take advantage of your visit to go on a boat trip from Mahón.

The great advantage of taking a trip from Mahón is that its central location allows you to decide whether you prefer to visit the coves in the north or the south, as both are a similar distance from the city. And if you want to complete the experience, you can book a guided tour of Mahón and visit the city with a local guide who will show you everything from the most emblematic spots to the most secret corners.

Sailing in Menorca has a romantic feel that is difficult to compare to other boats. Letting yourself be carried away by the rhythm of the wind and the direction of the waves gives the excursion a touch of authenticity that other boats cannot achieve.

In addition, the small size of the sailboat (compared to other boats) means that groups are always smaller, allowing you to connect better with nature and the landscape: at the end of the day, you will feel like you have spent a relaxing day enjoying the Mediterranean.

Of course, you must bear in mind that, for better or worse, the speed of the sailboat is not excessive, so if you are looking for an all-terrain excursion where the more you see, the better, this is not for you. In any case, do not worry because the skipper will make sure you get the most out of the route according to the weather conditions.

You can book a boat trip in Menorca from around 42per person per day. It all depends on the type of boat, the duration of the trip and how many people are travelling on board. Some trips include food, drinks and equipment for kayaking or snorkelling, and these extras will increase the price of the trip.

Fortunately, there is a wide variety of boat trips on offer on the island of Menorca: you will find options to suit all tastes (and all budgets!). In general, the first thing you will need to decide is whether to take a private boat trip or join an organised tour. Another variable is the duration of the trip.

The price will also depend on the size of the boat. For example, spending the day on a catamaran in a small group (with only 10 people) can cost around €110 per person (including snorkelling equipment, paddle surfing, and food and drinks). The same option, but for only half a day, costs €66.

It is best to book your boat trip in Menorca online and in advance, especially if you plan to travel during the high season (mid-June to mid-September). Choose the number of passengers on board, the time and the departure point and book your trip. You will have to pay for it at the time of booking to secure your place.

Bear in mind that places on boat trips are quite limited (Menorca tries to avoid mass tourism), so as soon as you book your flight or ferry to get there, secure a place on the boat trip you want.

Another tip when booking your boat trip is to try to do it during the first few days of your trip. Firstly, because it will help you get your bearings and discover different coves that you can then return to on your own at a more leisurely pace, but also because if the weather is bad - which is quite unlikely in summer - you will have more opportunities to postpone the trip and not miss out on it.

Virtually all the companies that organise boat trips in Menorca are equipped to welcome children: they can swim and have fun on board. On larger boats there is space to store their pushchairs and the calm waters of Menorca make it virtually impossible for them to get seasick. In addition, there are usually reduced rates for children and teenagers, and babies travel free of charge.

If necessary, life jackets can be provided, or you can bring your own arm bands. In some cases, such as on the half-day boat trip, the boat has slides that make splashing around even more fun.

All boats have toilets, which also makes the day on board easier with young children. There are shaded areas on all boats where you can relax without having to be in the sun all day. For one day, you won't have to walk in the heat to the most inaccessible coves, so they're sure to appreciate it. Don't forget your hat and sunscreen... and enjoy yourself with the whole family!

If, instead of joining a tour or booking a private excursion with a crew, you prefer to hire a boat that you can drive yourself, that's also possible. These are usually small boats with fairly modest engines so that you can drive them without risk.

You can find them from around €200, and the price increases as the size of the boat increases. Rental is usually paid by the hour, and on the day of the excursion, the person in charge will give you the instructions you need to know how to operate the boat.

Make sure you know how many passengers the boat can carry (they are usually quite small) before renting it and plan which coves you would like to visit, as it will be more practical to rent the boat in one port or another to get to the area you are interested in more quickly.

Driving a boat without a licence in Menorca is possible and, in fact, accessible, thanks to local regulations that allow you to rent small boats, as long as they have a maximum power of 15 horsepower (approximately 11 kW) and are no longer than five metres in length. However, it is important to keep the following tips in mind:

• Documentation: It is essential that you carry a valid identity document when renting the boat.
• Initial training: In many cases, the rental includes a brief orientation session on how to operate the boat, including basic navigation rules and safety tips.
• Weather forecast: It is essential that you avoid days when the sea is rough or very windy. To do this, be sure to check the weather forecast.
• Accessible sailing areas: There are specific areas where it is easier to sail, such as Cala Macarella, Cala Turqueta and Cala Galdana.
• Safety: It is essential to wear life jackets and maintain a safe distance from other boats and, of course, swimmers.

As you know, you can explore the coves freely and on your own.

In Menorca, there are two main areas that capture the interest of all visitors: the coves in the south and the coves in the north. The coves in the south are usually better known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters. The beaches in the north tend to be more rugged, but you will hardly find anyone there, which makes sailing there very special.

The southern coves

The best known are Macarella (and its little sister Macarelleta), Turqueta, Son Saura...etc. But the truth is that it is impossible to choose just one, so it is a good idea to book an excursion to the southern coves, so you can visit them all and, depending on the wind on the day or the number of visitors, the skipper will choose the best place for you to stop and snorkel.

Some of these beaches are flanked by caves and rocks where a wealth of marine life thrives. Take the opportunity to dive in with your goggles (almost all boat trips include snorkelling equipment) and marvel at the colourful fish. No one could say you're not swimming in the Caribbean!

The coves of the north

On the other hand, there are the unspoilt beaches of the north: if you book a boat tour of the northern coves of Menorca, you should know that you won't find any beach bars or crowds of tourists. Most of the beaches are completely inaccessible on foot, so visiting them by boat is a great idea. Cala Tortuga, Cala Pilar, Cala Pregonda and Fornells are spectacular.

Here the sand is not as fine, but the water is just as clean, clear and turquoise as in the southern coves, but you will be practically alone. Sounds good, doesn't it?

During your trip, you will see the sunset from incredible places on the island: its lighthouses, capes and hidden corners make every sunset magical. But if you are looking for something truly unique, you can watch the sunset from the middle of the sea, having taken a dip in the last rays of daylight and enjoyed a snack on board.

At around 7 pm in summer, some boats head out into the waters of Menorca for the enjoyment of those seeking a unique experience. On the way back, you'll sail into the port late at night, rounding off the day with a little adventure.

In any case, if your favourite time of day is sunset, here's a guide to where to enjoy the last rays of daylight in Menorca: Best sunset spots in Menorca.

It's quite unlikely. For starters, the waters around the island are very calm and there are rarely any waves, even when it's windy. Even so, if you tend to get a little seasick when you get on a boat, I recommend that you avoid sailing boats (when sailing, they tend to be more affected by the rhythm of the waves) and look for an excursion on a large boat. Catamarans, llauts and large ferry-type boats are very stable and you won't notice a thing.

In addition to taking a boat trip around Menorca, there are many other things to do on the island to ensure you have an unforgettable trip. If you want to read about other things you can't miss on your holiday, keep reading here: What to do in Menorca.

And if after the boat trip you're still hungry for more maritime adventure, don't worry, Menorca has plenty more to offer. Why not try your hand at kayaking? Read how here: Kayaking in Menorca.