Snorkeling and Kayaking Experiences in Menorca

If you're thinking about spending a few days basking in the sun on this beautiful Mediterranean island, and you want to know what to see and do in Menorca, I can tell you that the options are endless, although it must be said that water activities are everyone's favorite.

That's why this time I'm going to tell you everything you need to know about where to do two of the most interesting activities in Menorca: snorkeling and kayaking, the best places to dive, the spots and attractions you can visit, and much more. Are you ready? Let's dive in!

This island has incredible coastlines, but without a doubt its biggest attraction is its coves. Here you'll discover some of the best coves in Menorca, which, although all of them are exceptional, some are better suited to snorkeling than others. Let me tell you more:

• To the north of Menorca, you will find Cala Morell, a cove characterized by its very calm waters and sheltered location. Cala Morell is very shallow, making it an ideal option if you are visiting Menorca with children. Diving into its waters, you will see incredible marine species such as sea urchins, damselfish, anemones, and various shells.
• Also in the north is Cavalleria beach, which has a rocky seabed and another sandy one. This makes it interesting for varying the views you can enjoy while swimming.
• Very close to this beach you will find Cala Rotja, an unspoilt beach ideal for snorkeling, as it is uncrowded and the marine life is less disturbed, meaning you can see many more species than in areas crowded with tourists.
• Cala Tamarells is located within the Albufera des Grau Natural Park and is subdivided into three small unspoilt coves, which are also very quiet in terms of the number of people. This makes them splendid for enjoying your snorkeling.
• However, if you like deeper waters, I suggest Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta, where you can encounter starfish, fish such as amphipods, and schools of moret fish. These are undoubtedly some of the best places for snorkeling in Menorca.
• Another cove with deep waters is the famous Cala Fondo (Ses Olles). Its crystal-clear waters offer excellent underwater visibility, making it almost like a natural swimming pool where you can observe fish such as red mullet, white seabream, and damselfish.

Kayaking in Menorca is an increasingly popular and attractive activity, both for enthusiasts and for those who want to discover this beautiful Balearic island in a different way. With a kayak, you can explore secluded coves and beaches that are difficult to access, and have a lot of fun while doing so. You can choose from a variety of routes, either guided or unguided.

• One of the best kayaking routes is across Fornells Bay. This route runs close to the shore, covering around 11 kilometers of unspoiled beaches. The trip takes almost 3 hours.
• Cala Galdana - Cala Mitjana is another excellent place for kayaking, covering a total of about 5 km to discover one of Menorca's most beautiful treasures.

If you go about 8 km, you can do the Es Grau-Cala sa Torreta route. Of all these, this is one of the most popular areas for kayaking.

• Santo Tomás-Cala Escorxada Beach is one of the best unspoilt beaches you can reach by kayak, just 8 kilometers away. Although it is difficult to access, it is well worth a visit for its great beauty.
• Heading to the southern part of the island, an excellent route to cross by kayak is Es Grau-Cala Mesquida. The round trip will take about 3 and a half hours at a leisurely pace.
• Finally, the two longest routes among the best for kayaking in Menorca are: Cabo de Cavalleria, approximately 20 kilometers long, where you can discover the beautiful Cala Tirant and S'Olla; and the Cala Viola de Ponent-Cala Pregonda route, almost 16.5 kilometers long. Its length is compensated by its exceptional beauty.

Kayaking is an experience you shouldn't miss during your stay in Menorca. Thanks to the small size of this lightweight boat, you can explore the island in a unique way, discovering its countless wonders as you go.

Kayaking also allows you to get some exercise, go at your own pace, and enjoy the scenery in a relaxed way.

In Menorca, you will find a wide range of guided tours with planned itineraries so that you can make the most of your trip and see more places. Many of these excursions go all the way around the island, so you can see all its beaches. Other excursions have several routes with different beaches grouped together depending on which one you choose.

Hiring a guided tour is the best option if it's your first time kayaking or if you have little experience**. This way, you'll learn navigation techniques and have the safety of being supervised by **an experienced guide.

Useful information

• Price: adults from €35, children from €25.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.

Kayaking around the entire island of Menorca is an adventure that many choose to experience. As always, you have the option of doing it on your own or in a group led by a guide. Let me tell you that this expedition takes a total of 7 days, and you will have to paddle an average of 4 to 6 hours a day.

Keep in mind that although you don't need to be an expert to enjoy this adventure, it is recommended that you go on a few short trips beforehand to get used to the kayak and familiarize yourself with the basics of the sport.

If you go on your own, you'll need to bring all the necessary equipment, a change of clothes, and snacks in the kayak's watertight compartments.

The kayak rental centers will provide you with maps and directions to successfully complete your trip, as well as the best advice to keep in mind. The maps will show you the coves where you can stop to sleep or rest, as well as places where you can stock up on whatever you need.

As this is a trip that takes several days to complete, I recommend planning ahead to coordinate your stay in Menorca.

Useful information

• Price: $40–$60 per day (kayak rental for self-guided tour) + lodging and food; $740 total for the guided tour.
• Duration: variable for the self-guided option; 8 days/7 nights for the guided option.

The coast of the island of Menorca is dotted with caves that have been formed naturally over the years. A unique and privileged way to appreciate the landscape formed by these cavities is from the sea, and what better way to do so than from aboard a kayak.

Guided tours are available in Menorca that take you along the so-called cave route, which usually covers the area from Cala Porter to Cala Coves. The latter boasts the most sea caves and impressive cliffs on the island.

On this guided tour, you will learn much more about the history of these caves and discover fascinating places.

Between Sant Climent and Alaior, on the Menorcan coast, lies the famous Necropolis of Cales Coves. This is an impressive necropolis located in a charming natural setting.

It is known that this site was used around the 11th century BC during Roman rule. It has around 90 cavities in the ravines and rocky walls of the coast and is currently considered an important archaeological heritage site.

Many remains found in these tombs, as well as on the surrounding seabed, have been sent to the Museum of Menorca.

An excellent way to access this spot is, of course, by kayak, whether you take the cave route or a guided tour of Cala Coves.

On this route, in addition to visiting the Talayotic necropolis, you can see interesting limestone cliffs, countless rock cavities, beige-colored fossil dunes, and, of course, enjoy the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

I recommend bringing your snorkel gear, because this spot is also ideal for stopping and taking a dip to explore the depths of Menorca up close.

Useful information

• Price: guided tour €40 per person; kayak rental €40–60 per day.
• Duration: variable depending on how long you want to paddle.

The Natural Park of s'Albufera de Es Grau is the perfect place to enjoy the most amazing underwater flora and fauna. This authentic green lung located in the northeast of Menorca stands out for its beautiful landscapes and great biodiversity. Its coastal area boasts majestic beaches such as Cala Tortuga and Platja d'Es Grau.

This site is usually accessed almost exclusively by kayak, approaching the beaches of Sa Torreta, and then from Tamarells you can swim with your snorkel mask and contemplate the underwater spectacle that is this protected area.

You can book snorkeling trips in Menorca's Natural Park from $40 per adult. As this is a protected area, only guided dives are allowed.

This place is not only fantastic for snorkeling, but it is also one of the most beautiful spots in Menorca, so don't miss it during your stay here.

Boat trips in Menorca are one of the island's classic activities. An unmissable experience on your trip, as the crystal-clear waters and beautiful landscapes will make the trip unforgettable.

By booking a boat trip, you will discover the most idyllic beaches and coves. Almost all of these excursions make several stops at different points along the coast, so you can swim and enjoy the many natural wonders of the underwater world with your snorkel mask.

This is an activity that can be adapted to suit all tastes, as you can choose from full-day boat trips that include meals and drinks, or half-day trips if you want to combine this excursion with another activity.

You can even rent a private boat for you and your loved ones (if you are traveling in a group), with the advantage of being able to choose the route and make stops for as long as you like. This is usually a very popular option among groups of friends.

Useful information

• Price: $46 per person.
• Duration: approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.

On the north coast of Menorca is the Cueva de los Ingleses. This site can only be accessed by kayak or by boat from Fornells Bay.

In the Cueva de los Ingleses you will find a large number of rock formations, semi-submerged and far from the hustle and bustle, giving you an unbeatable feeling of peace. Due to the characteristics of the area, the marine species that inhabit it are very numerous and diverse.

The area around the Cueva de los Ingleses is a great place for diving in Menorca if snorkeling doesn't allow you to dive deep enough and you want to go even further into the depths.

This trip is often included in the Cave Route, and although you can also get there on a boat trip, the feeling of paddling in your own kayak is incomparable and makes the experience much more interactive.

If you've already tried kayaking and loved it so much that you'd like to learn more about this sport and its techniques, you can do so on a kayaking course designed especially for anyone who wants to get started in this activity.

At places like Menorca en Kayak, you can take courses where you will learn about the origins of sea kayaking, the different parts of the boat, kayak control and paddling techniques, types and techniques of movement, and even how to rescue a companion in an extreme situation.

This course is open to anyone aged 12 and over, and although no previous kayaking experience is necessary, you must be able to swim.

You can even continue your learning by taking a more advanced course, in which you will learn other safety techniques to apply in accident or dangerous situations, improve your paddling style to enhance your performance in this sport, and in even more advanced instances, maneuvers to return the kayak to its position in case of capsizing, without leaving it.

The great advantage of taking a kayaking course is that you will have the freedom to handle this boat independently, being able to travel your own routes at your own pace and knowing how to handle yourself correctly in any situation that may arise while sailing.

Useful information

• Price: $65 per person per level.
• Duration: variable depending on level.

If you're a fan of water activities, when packing your suitcase it's important to include the right items, starting with a good quick-dry towel.

On boat or kayak trips, you'll usually take more than one dip to go snorkeling, and there's nothing more unpleasant than dealing with the smell of a wet towel among your belongings. A quick-dry towel, as its name suggests, dries in just a few minutes, so you can put it away almost immediately without transferring moisture or odors to the rest of your belongings. Plus, thanks to its material, it takes up very little space when folded.

Snorkeling is a completely free activity if you have the necessary equipment, so if you enjoy it, I recommend investing in your own snorkel mask. It will be much cheaper than renting one every time you want to take a dip, and you won't be limited in how long you can use it.

Even better if you can also get your own swim fins to move around more easily in the crystal clear waters of this beautiful island.

Don't forget to bring a light jacket, as after a few hours in the sea your skin will become hypersensitive and you may feel a little cold.