More about: Sailboat Trips from Menorca
Menorca is probably the most natural and best preserved island of the Balearic Islands. There you will enjoy the sea and nature as in few places in the world, especially if you join a boat trip in Menorca. If instead of a boat you choose to complete the trip with a sailboat ride, you will want to stay and live there (he who warns is not a traitor).
Let yourself be carried away by the swaying of the waves, the strength of the wind and the silence of the most spectacular unspoiled coves in Europe. I tell you which are the best excursions to embark on this adventure:
Menorca Sailing Cruise
Discover Menorca from the sea on a sailing yacht
Explore pristine coves and inaccessible corners by land on a sailing excursion in the Northern Marine Reserve. Includes lunch, drinks and snorkeling equipment.
If you want to discover the most authentic and quiet side of Menorca, this sailing excursion along the north coast of the island is just what you were looking for. Unlike the typical catamaran trips or big tourist boats, here you will travel in a small group sailing boat, which guarantees an intimate, relaxed and very special experience.
During the whole day you will sail through the Northern Marine Reserve of Menorca, making stops in virgin coves such as Cala Pilar, Cala Pudent or Cala Pregonda, corners that can only be accessed by sea. On board you will enjoy lunch and drinks included, and if you feel like it, you can use the snorkeling equipment to explore the underwater life. Ideal for those looking for tranquility, nature and a different way to experience Menorca from the sea.
Recommended if... you prefer a quiet and exclusive sailing excursion, away from mass tourism and with access to the most remote coves of the island.
How much does a sailing excursion in Menorca cost?
The prices of the sailing excursions are a bit higher than those of the more crowded boat trips. Keep in mind that you will travel in small groups and the experience is much more exclusive, so you will have to pay about 60 € for 4 hours of sailing or 110 € for the whole day.
Of course, keep in mind that sailing excursions usually include drinks and snacks. In the case of this 7-hour excursion, lunch is also included on board so you don't have to worry about anything else. If you are looking for something more economical, you can always join a larger organized tour, such as some of the excursions that pass through the southern coves (priced at 50 € for the whole day and 28 € for four hours).
Why a sailing excursion is worthwhile
The answer is clear: the experience is much more premium. For starters, the sailboats will fit, at most, 12 passengers, which makes them practically private tours. You will sail away from the crowds (and the noise) of the masses and the excursion will allow you to enjoy nature even more.
On the other hand, you will be able to get closer to the crew, ask your questions to the skipper of the sailboat, discuss your favorite spots so he can stop and you can swim, etc. In addition, sailing is not comparable to embarking on a much larger boat (there are boats that can accommodate more than 200 people).
At this point it is indisputable that the crystalline waters of Menorca are enjoyed much more and better from the sea. However, the offer of tours on the island is quite varied and you will find routes and excursions for all budgets. If sailing excursions don't suit you, don't worry, there are more options.
How to book a sailing excursion
The easiest way is to book online. In Hellotickets you can check schedules, price and availability. The main recommendation is to make the reservation in advance. Sailboats have a very limited capacity and if you travel in summer, the demand tends to be very high. Book your boat trip as soon as you have your plane tickets so you don't run out of space on board.
How long does a sailing excursion last?
If you are planning to book a sailing tour, you will be able to choose the duration. You will usually find full-day tours (the price is around 110-120 €) or half-day tours. In the case of half-day sailing excursions, they usually last about 3 and a half hours and it is usually enough to see the most important coves in the area.
Schedules of the excursions
If you choose the full day trip you will have to board in the morning (usually around 10:00) to make the most of the daylight hours. You will return to the port around 17:00 after having spent a spectacular day sailing along the coast of Menorca and having had lunch on board. If you choose the afternoon excursion, you will embark around 19:00 to watch the sunset from the boat and return to the port late in the evening.
Sailing excursions itinerary
Normally the sailing excursions usually depart from the north coast of the island. The home port will always be Fornells and from there you will sail, literally, wherever the wind takes you. And this should not worry you. First, because with the experience of the skipper you will reach the most spectacular and hidden places in the north and second, because the whole area is spectacular, so wherever you go, you will be amazed.
The best known coves of the north coast are Cala Tortuga, Cala Pregonda, Cala Pilar and Cap de Cavalleria. You will be amazed.
Other boat trips in Menorca
If you want to explore the turquoise waters that bathe the island of Menorca but you are not convinced to do it aboard a sailboat, I also recommend you the option of taking a catamaran excursion. If not, you can always consult my guide on the best boat trips in Menorca to know the best routes and the whole range of prices available.
If you want to make sure you find a boat trip close to your hotel or apartment, I have also made some lists of the best boat trips departing from each cove or important town of the island: