Boat Trips from Cala Galdana

Surrounded by the most idyllic coves on the south coast of Menorca, Cala Galdana is the nerve centre of tourism on the island. There you will find two of the largest hotels, a beach equipped with sun loungers and parasols, and large groups of tourists and families. You may not be tempted by the idea of spending the day on the most crowded beach, but keep it in mind for a boat trip around the southern coves.

The well-known coves of Macarella, Turqueta and Mitjana are very close to Cala Galdana, and although they require a long walk or long queues at the car parks if you go by car, a good way to visit them is by joining one of the many boat trips offered in Menorca. I'll tell you all the details:

You're in luck, because one of the cheapest boat trips in Menorca leaves from Cala Galdana: for £29, you can embark on a tour that will take you to discover Macarella, Trebalúguer, Turqueta and Cala Mitjana, among many others. If you prefer, you can choose this same option but enjoy a whole day of sailing for £50, but you will have to travel to Ciudadela.

So you can compare it with other boat trips and excursions offered on the island, the price of a full day on a boat is usually around £45 if you sail on a large boat and around £100 if you decide to spend the whole day sailing on a sailboat with only 10 other passengers.

A mid-range option is to sail on a catamaran for half a day, which can cost around £65. As you can see, Menorca has options for all tastes and budgets.

If you are travelling with your family, be sure to check if there are special rates for children, as they usually offer reduced prices for kids.

The most important thing to bear in mind is that you should book as far in advance as possible, especially if you are travelling in high season (from mid-June to mid-September). The best way to do this is to check online. On Hellotickets, for example, you can compare itineraries, prices, dates and the capacity of each boat.

Although there is a wide variety of options, demand is very high, so if you want to secure a place on the boat at the time that suits you best, you should book well in advance. When making your reservation, check what each excursion includes: most offer snorkelling or paddle surfing equipment, food, snacks and drinks on board, etc. Take your time to choose the one that suits you best!

One of the great advantages of sailing around the coves of southern Menorca is that there is a wide range of options available, so you can choose the time and duration of your tour: from sailing first thing in the morning to late afternoon, choosing between half-day or full-day routes.

If you are going to join a boat trip, you should know that you can choose between half-day trips and full-day trips. If you choose a full-day trip, boarding is usually around 10 a.m. and you will return to port between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. If you'd prefer a shorter tour, these usually last between three and four hours and you can choose between a morning or afternoon tour.

The itinerary will be the same regardless of the duration and the captain will make sure you visit the most important coves. Of course, with a full-day excursion you will have more time to enjoy swimming, snorkelling and, above all, relaxing on board with a snack and a delicious paella.

All boat trips departing from or passing through Cala Galdana will take you to Cala Macarella and its little sister Macarelleta. You will also pass by Cala Trebalúguer, Cala Mitjana and Cala Turqueta. Their fine white sand, crystal-clear waters and surrounding caves will make the trip a real journey through the Spanish Caribbean.

Get your camera ready and don't worry about a thing, because the skipper will provide you with goggles and a snorkel so you can explore the caves and discover the island's fascinating underwater life. Let yourself be guided by the crew's recommendations: they will make sure to stop for a swim at the best spots depending on the wind and waves on the day.

If you haven't found an option that suits your needs departing from Cala Galdana, don't worry. Ciutadella, for example, is very close by and also offers daily boat tours. If you want to discover the north of the island, you can embark in Fornells and from the capital, Mahón, you can choose which itinerary you want to follow. Here's all the information you need:

From Ciutadella

Ciutadella looks like something out of a fairy tale. Before or after embarking on a boat tour from Ciutadella, you'll have to stroll through its cobbled streets and enjoy its exquisite cuisine. But back to what interests us, the boat trips. You should know that the most popular trip on the coast of Menorca departs from Ciutadella. This day trip around the coves of southern Menorca will take you to discover the island's most popular coves for only £45, and best of all, you can enjoy a traditional paella served on board the boat.

From Fornells

Fornells is another key point from which you can embark on a boat trip. The bay is beautiful: its village of white houses is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and just a few minutes away, the landscape becomes unspoilt and rugged. There, you will find it hard to think of anything other than the waves, the sea and the wind. You can sail aboard a romantic sailboat or a luxurious catamaran and swim in the middle of the day or go out at dusk to see the best sunset on the island. The north has a lot to offer, so keep it in mind when planning a boat trip from Fornells.

From Mahón

Mahón is the capital of Menorca and, as befits the island's main city, its port has a huge amount to offer. Once there, you will see the large ferries arriving from the mainland docking and departing from its beautiful port. The best thing about its location is that it is equidistant from both the northern and southern beaches. This means that a boat trip from Mahón allows you to choose your itinerary and route without any problems, which is a great advantage.

By the way, don't miss its picturesque streets before or after your boat trip. You won't regret it!

Without leaving the water, you can continue enjoying the crystal-clear sea that bathes Menorca on a kayak excursion that will add a touch of adventure to your holiday. The bay of Fornells is the perfect setting to join an expert guide who will take you either to the unspoilt coves of the north or to the rugged Cuevas de los Ingleses. The choice is yours. Don't stay on land, check here for all the details to join a kayak tour in Menorca.

The sea is clearly one of the island's main attractions, but Menorca is much more than just sun and beaches. That's why you should venture inland to discover the island's hidden corners.

A local company of Menorcan experts has organised an exclusive sunset safari to take you to discover the most rugged cliffs, a traditional farm where you can try local Menorcan delicacies and the best sunset on the island. I don't want to give away any more, because the tour is well worth discovering for yourself. If you're up for it, here are all the details on how to take part in this Jeep safari in Menorca.