Best spots for snorkeling in Menorca

If Menorca is fascinating, its underwater life will not leave you indifferent. Do not hesitate to take a dip and dive into the sea to explore its depths. I tell you how and where

Carmen Navarro

Carmen Navarro

9 min read

Best spots for snorkeling in Menorca

Enjoying under the sea | Jakob Owens

Diving into the water with goggles and a snorkel will open a world to explore that will surprise you. Menorca is one of the best places to snorkel in the Mediterranean, as its clean and clear waters will allow you to have a perfect view.

The rocks and vegetation surrounding its coves attract hundreds of unique species. But, which are the best coves for snorkeling in Menorca? Here is a list and I also recommend you to consider taking an excursion, because, on the one hand, you will be accompanied by an instructor and, on the other hand, there are certain coves and places that can only be reached by boat.

1. Discover Cala Macarella with an excursion to the southern coves with snorkeling

Macarella Cove| © Alejandro Muñoz Cabrisas - Trabajo propio
Macarella Cove| © Alejandro Muñoz Cabrisas - Trabajo propio

One of the favorite coves for visitors and Menorcans to enjoy a day at the beach with its fine sands and paradisiacal waters, it is also one of the best places on the island to explore the underwater life.

This cove is flanked by vertical walls of rock and vegetation that emerge from the depth of the sea, creating small nooks and crannies where fish seem to play hide-and-seek. Don't hesitate to put on a good pair of goggles and dive into the waters of Macarella to enjoy the best snorkeling.

If you book an excursion to the coves in the south of Menorca, you will have the snorkeling equipment at your disposal to practice in Cala Macarella. Don't hesitate!

Where: South coast, near Ciudadela and Cala Galdana - see in Google maps.

Book a snorkeling excursion in the south of Menorca

2. Explore Cala Morell with a snorkeling excursion

Snorkeling| © Channey
Snorkeling| © Channey

The posidonia walls of Cala Morell make it a perfect place to get close to the island's marine fauna and enjoy large schools of colorful fish.

Approach carefully and enjoy this marvel for the senses: this beach is shallow, so it will be easy to swim through and it also has platforms that have been strategically placed to facilitate access to the water. Dive in!

Where: North coast, near Ciudadela - see on Google maps.

Book a boat trip to the coves of the north of Menorca

3. Get to know Cala Tamarells in depth with a snorkeling activity

Snorkeling in crystal clear waters| ©Ishan Seefromthesky
Snorkeling in crystal clear waters| ©Ishan Seefromthesky

Cala Tamarells is actually formed by a set of three unspoiled coves in the east of the island and its turquoise waters and requiring a relatively long walk to access it, makes it not too crowded, even in high season. That's why it's a great place to snorkel and enjoy the seabed in peace and quiet. At depth you will see how the sand is completely covered by a layer of posidonia, the Mediterranean plant, which is the preferred food of many of the species that live there.

Walk around it little by little and enjoy the views and the scenery. You can also access it by kayak if you want to avoid having to walk too far.

Where it is: Mahón, in the Albufera des Grau Park - see on Google maps.

Book a boat trip to the northern coves of Menorca

4. Relax with a snorkeling activity in Cala S'Escala

Cove in Menorca| ©Joao Branco
Cove in Menorca| ©Joao Branco

It is very close to the Favàrtix lighthouse, in the north of Menorca, and therefore, it is a virgin area very little frequented by tourists. There you will be able to enjoy a rocky landscape that seems to be taken from another planet and in its rocky bay you will find little depth, so you will be able to see closely the species devouring the posidonia that they have around them.

It is best to explore it on a day with little wind to make sure that the rocks do not pose any danger.

Where: north coast, near the Favàrtix lighthouse - see on Google maps.

Book a boat excursion to the coves of the north of Menorca

5. Get into the nature with an excursion and snorkeling in the Cueva de los Ingleses

Snorkeling in caves| ©Jakob Owens
Snorkeling in caves| ©Jakob Owens

It is not the place where we will find the greatest number of marine species, but the beauty of its surroundings is well worth a visit (and a dip). It is inaccessible on foot and by car, so you will have to get there either by kayak or on a boat or motorboat excursion that will allow you to get into its rugged relief.

Once there, you will see its rock formations and the solitude of the place will make you feel like the protagonist of an adventure movie. If you know how to dive, it is also an ideal place to dive to the bottom.

Where: North coast, accessible by kayak or boat from the Bay of Fornells - see on Google maps.

Book a boat trip to the coves of the north of Menorca


Get to know different snorkeling options

If you want to snorkel, I recommend you to book a snorkeling kayak tour in Menorca, as you will be accompanied by a professional instructor for no more and no less than 3 hours and a half, an interval of time more than enough to take advantage of the activity regardless of whether you have practiced it before. In addition, you will explore the north coast of the island, get to know the marine reserve and have time to take a break on an idyllic beach.

But this is not the only option, you can also book a boat trip, either by the coves of the south or the north of Menorca, or even a catamaran excursion. Below, I show you some options.

  • Boat trip in the coves of the south of Menorca, from $60 This activity lasts 3 hours and a half and you will discover paradisiacal beaches such as Son Xoriguer, Arenal De Son Saura and Cala'n Bosch or exclusive coves such as Cala'n Bosch, Es Talaier, Turqueta, Macarella, Galdana, Trebaluger or Mitjana.
  • Boat trip to the coves of the north of Menorca from Fornells, from $44 It is also 3 hours and a half intense but through the north of the island. Specifically, you will visit Cala Pregonda, Playa de Cavalleria or Fornells, among other places. And you can enjoy a snack.
  • Catamaran excursion in Menorca, from $48: This plan is shorter, since it has a duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes but you can enjoy the sunset and watch the sunset. Of course, there will be a stop for snorkeling or swimming depending on preference. And it also includes a snack.

Price comparison table

  • Menorca Snorkeling Tour
  • From $63
  • 3 hours
  • Boat excursion to the coves in the south of Menorca
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Expert guide
  • Book now
  • Menorca Northern Beaches Boat Tour
  • From 44
  • 3 hours and a half
  • Boat trip to the coves in the north of Menorca
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Snacks
  • Book now
  • Menorca Catamaran Cruise
  • From 48
  • 2 hours and a quarter
  • Catamaran excursion in Menorca in small groups
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Snacks and drinks
  • Book now

Add a sporty touch to your vacation with a kayak excursion

Binigaus beach, Menorca| ©Joan Mesquida
Binigaus beach, Menorca| ©Joan Mesquida

Renting a kayak in Menorca will give a sporty and adventurous touch to your vacations, as well as allowing you to reach inaccessible places and enjoy the underwater species in a quiet environment. On the other hand, from the Bay of Fornells kayak trips are organized that will take you to pristine beaches to snorkel and enjoy swimming in peace and quiet.

The instructor will provide you with everything you need: kayak, paddle, vest, goggles and tube, so if you have never gone out in a kayak, do not worry because you will not have to worry about anything and they will give you a couple of tricks so you can handle it with ease from the first moment.

Throughout the route you will be accompanied by the instructor, who will guide you to the best spots and will tell you which are the best places to take a dip and snorkel. You will discover the Bay of Fornells and its virgin beaches and the Cueva de los Ingleses, a real jewel of nature that goes unnoticed by many tourists and that you, on the other hand, will be able to explore in peace.

Rent a kayak in Menorca

How much does it cost to snorkel in Menorca?

Discovering the seabed| ©Jakob Owens
Discovering the seabed| ©Jakob Owens

Snorkeling, as such, is free. As long as you have a pair of goggles and a snorkel, you can jump into the water and explore on your own. Of course, you may not find the real underwater life that exists in the depths of the coves and rocks on the shore. Joining a boat excursion that takes you to the bottom is a great option for snorkeling: there are options from 28 € to 110 €, depending on the route, duration and the boat you choose.

Book a catamaran excursion in Menorca

How and where to see octopuses in Menorca

Octopus| ©Viatour Cathy
Octopus| ©Viatour Cathy

If you snorkel in the coves of the north of Menorca, in its marine reserve you will see not only octopus but also other species such as moray eels and mullets. This makes the north of Menorca a perfect place to snorkel and enjoy the underwater life of the island.

Book a boat trip to the coves in the north of Menorca

Where is best to snorkel in Menorca

Snorkeling| ©Adam Dillon
Snorkeling| ©Adam Dillon

Although you can snorkel in the shore of any beach, the best thing to do is to go into its most virgin coves, its caves and the depths of the sea. To do so, consider taking a boat trip or a kayak excursion either to the turquoise coves in the south or to the virgin beaches in the north, the Bay of Fornells and the Cave of the English.

Book a snorkeling tour in Menorca

Where is the Maritime Reserve of Menorca?

Fornells Bay| ©CC BY-SA 3.0 - Wikipedia
Fornells Bay| ©CC BY-SA 3.0 - Wikipedia

The north coast of Menorca accumulates the largest number of species of the island and for this reason the Reserva Marítima de Menorca was created more than 20 years ago, which reaches from Fornells Bay to Cap Gros.

Book a snorkeling excursion in the south of Menorca

Can I snorkel in Menorca with children?

Child snorkeling| © Nicontents .
Child snorkeling| © Nicontents .

Of course you can. As long as they know how to swim, the experience is absolutely risk free and they will have a great time discovering the fish and colors they have seen so many times in cartoons and movies. Don't be afraid to take the little ones with you to snorkel because it will be an unforgettable family experience.

Just look for goggles and a smaller size snorkel to make sure they don't get in the water and enjoy the experience comfortably.

Book a snorkeling tour in Menorca

Where to dive in Menorca

Diving| © Laya Clode
Diving| © Laya Clode

You can dive both on the north and south coast of Menorca. To dive in the deep waters of Menorca, as in any other place, you will need the proper certification and the necessary equipment. If you don't have either of the two things, but you feel like trying the experience, you can do a baptism in a swimming pool that will allow you to get the experience (and the qualification) necessary to dive in the sea waters.

Consult Diving Menorca for all the options: they are a local company of professionals and marine biologists who do expeditions totally respectful with the environment and the marine fauna of the island. They will tell you everything you need to know to make the most of the experience.

Book a boat trip to the coves in the north of Menorca