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 vacation.

But this vacation won't 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 truly wonderful, and you can also take a trip around the island, 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 snorkeling equipment. It also includes lunch, a typical paella dish, and drinks so you don't have to worry about anything other than enjoying your vacation.

Why I like this option: I think it's definitely 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.

Boat trip around the northern coves of Menorca

This 3.5-hour excursion through the northern coves of Menorca will take you to discover famous beaches such as Cala Pregonda, Playa de Cavalleria, and Fornells. The northern coves 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 stop in the middle of the sea and at some of the coves. You will have the opportunity to swim and snorkel if you feel like exploring the underwater world. It also includes snacks throughout the activity so you can fully enjoy the curious coastline of northern Menorca.

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

Recommended if... you don't have much time for a boat tour or if, on the contrary, you want a complete experience along the coast of the 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 to sunbathe in comfort on board.

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 3.5-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 equipment is included in the excursion.

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 perfect for discovering the capital of Menorca from the sea. During the tour, you can admire the spectacular views of the coastline and the historic buildings surrounding the port, and learn about the local history and culture from 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 enjoyable 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're looking for a cultural experience without physical exertion, and with the best views of the port.

Recommended if... you want to see Mahón from a different angle, you don't have much time, or you're 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, each offering 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 northern beaches. Fornells Bay is particularly beautiful and uncrowded, 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'll stop for a swim and snorkel 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 kayak tour to add a little adventure to your visit to the north of the island. Otherwise, the best option is a boat trip around the northern beaches of the island.

Boat trips from Cala Galdana

Cala Galdana is one of the busiest beaches in the south of Menorca. Two of the island's largest hotels are located there, and many of the boat trips to explore the south depart from Cala Galdana. On this beach, you will find sun loungers, parasols, etc., which is why it does not have a special charm when sailing around it, but it will be very useful to have it as a reference point if you are staying there or in the surrounding area to embark on an excursion.

Macarella, Macarelleta, and Turqueta are quite close by, so paradise is just a few meters 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 you have to travel by car, be patient when looking for parking and expect it to take a while. You don't want to be late for your boat!

Boat trips from Ciudadela

Ciudadela is probably one of the most beautiful places on the island and perfectly combines the beach vacation you've been 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 among 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 explore the craft stalls in the port area, its little 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're lost, you'll find a street leading to the sea with spectacular views, and its port is surely 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 take you to see everything from the most emblematic spots to the most secret corners.

Sailing around Menorca has a romantic feel that is hard 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.

What's more, 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'll feel like you've spent a relaxing day enjoying the Mediterranean.

Of course, you should 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, don't 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 48per person per day. It all depends on the type of boat, the duration of the trip, and how many people are traveling on board. Some excursions include food, drinks, and equipment for kayaking or snorkeling, and these extras will increase the price of the excursion.

Fortunately, there is a wide variety of boat trips on the island of Menorca: you will find options for all tastes (and all budgets!). In general, the first thing you will need to choose is between a private boat trip or joining an organized 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 snorkeling 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). Select the number of passengers on board, the time and the departure point, and book your excursion. You will have to pay at the time of booking to secure your place.

Please 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, make sure you get 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 highly unlikely in summer), you will have more opportunities to postpone the trip and not miss out.

Almost all companies that organize boat trips in Menorca are equipped to welcome children: they can swim and have fun on board. Larger boats have space to store strollers, and Menorca's calm waters make seasickness virtually impossible. In addition, there are usually reduced rates for children and teenagers, and babies travel free.

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

All boats have toilets, which also makes the day on board easier with little ones. 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 reach the most inaccessible coves, so they'll be sure to appreciate it. Don't forget your hat and sunscreen... and enjoy the day with the whole family!

If instead of joining a tour or booking a private excursion with a crew, you prefer to rent a boat that you can drive yourself, that's also possible. These are usually small boats with fairly low-powered engines so that you can drive them safely.

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

Make sure you know how many passengers the boat can hold (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 license 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 meters in length. However, it is important to keep the following tips in mind:

• Documentation: It is essential that you have a valid ID with you 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 to 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 southern coves and the northern coves. The southern coves are usually better known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters. The northern beaches tend to be more rugged, but you will hardly find anyone there, which makes sailing 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's impossible to choose just one, so it's a good idea to book an excursion around the southern coves, so you can visit them all and, depending on the wind on the day or how busy it is, the skipper will choose the best place to stop for some snorkeling.

Some of these beaches are flanked by caves and rocks where marine life abounds. Take the opportunity to dive in with your goggles (almost all boat trips include snorkeling equipment) and be amazed by the colorful fish. No one could say you're not swimming in the Caribbean!

The northern coves

On the other hand, there are the unspoiled beaches of the north: if you book a boat tour of the northern coves of Menorca, 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'll be practically alone. Sounds good, doesn't it?

During your trip, you'll see the sunset from incredible spots on the island: its lighthouses, headlands, and hidden corners make every sunset magical. But if you're looking for something truly unique, you can watch the sunset from the middle of the sea, after taking a dip in the last rays of daylight and enjoying an aperitif on board.

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

However, if sunset is your favorite time of day, here's a guide on where to enjoy the last rays of daylight in Menorca: Best Sunset Spots in Menorca.

It's highly unlikely. To begin with, the waters surrounding 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 go on a boat, I recommend avoiding sailboats (when sailing, they tend to be more affected by the rhythm of the waves) and looking 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 vacation, 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.