Menorca: Coves and Beaches Boat Trip w/ optional Paella

If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, secluded beaches, and a relaxing day on the sea, the Menorca Coves and Beaches Boat Trip might just be your perfect match. Running from Ciutadella, this tour promises a taste of Menorca’s most beautiful spots, both from the water and on land, with options for a delicious Mediterranean lunch. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect, based on the experiences of hundreds of travelers who’ve taken this trip.

What we love about this tour is its focus on authentic, scenic spots—like Macarella, Macarelleta, Cala Turqueta, and Son Saura—which are often tricky to access by land. The friendly guides, the chance to snorkel in clear waters, and the tasty paella are all strong selling points. However, the tour’s size, especially during peak season, can mean crowded beaches and limited space for dining, which might impact your comfort slightly.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate natural beauty and are keen to see Menorca from a different perspective. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, if you love beaches, boat trips, and good food, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. Just keep in mind that the rocky paths and the boat’s busy atmosphere might not be ideal for guests with mobility issues.

Key Points

• Stunning Coastal Views: The tour offers scenic views of Menorca’s coves and beaches from the water, often only accessible by boat.
• Flexible Options: Choose between a half-day (3.5 hours) or full-day (7 hours) trip, depending on how much time you want to spend exploring and relaxing.
• Excellent Value: For $41, you get a well-organized boat trip with stops at several renowned beaches, plus a delicious paella lunch (full-day option).
• Authentic Experience: Guided by multilingual staff, the trip combines sightseeing with opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing.
• Food Highlights: The paella served on the full-day trip is highly praised, and it’s accompanied by sangria and orange juice.
• Considerations: The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues due to rocky shores and walking paths, and the boat can be crowded.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why You Might Want to Book This Tour

If you’re after pristine beaches and scenic views, this boat trip takes you right into the heart of Menorca’s most famous calas. It’s perfect for those wanting to avoid long drives and prefer exploring by water. The inclusion of lunch, especially the mediterranean paella, makes this a good value option for anyone looking to combine sightseeing and dining.

However, keep in mind that during peak season, the boat can be busy, which means beaches may feel crowded and seating for lunch might be limited. If you’re seeking tranquility and pristine solitude, some of the beaches might be a bit too popular.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point and Boarding

The trip begins at the old port of Ciutadella, with travelers meeting at pontoon number 1 under the sign for Menorca Blava. The crew, who are multilingual and friendly, are there to welcome you and assist with boarding. This setup ensures a smooth start, though some reviewers noted that the boat can get crowded, especially in high season, so arriving early might be beneficial.

Full-Day Option (7 hours)

This longer option offers a leisurely day at sea. You’ll set sail from Ciutadella and head along the west and south coasts of Menorca. The first stop is Son Saura, where you’ll have about 2 hours of free time. This beach is known for its soft white sand and calm shallow waters, perfect for relaxing, swimming, or just soaking up the sun. One reviewer mentioned how the beach’s tranquility allows for a peaceful swim, while others appreciated the option to walk along a rustic stretch of the Camí de Cavalls to reach Es Talaier, a remote beach rarely visited by travelers.

Next, the boat moves towards the coastline where a Mediterranean paella with sangria and orange juice is served—an experience many reviews highlight as a definite highlight. The generous portions and tasty seafood-based dish often surprise guests, especially those expecting typical “tourist” food. Some travelers, like Cristina, found the paella to be very good, with her calling it a “pleasant positive surprise.”

The journey continues with visits to Macarella and Macarelleta, two of Menorca’s most photographed beaches. These are small, stunning coves with pristine waters fringed by pine trees. The crew recommends bringing snorkelling gear to explore the seabed, and many travelers, including those in reviews, appreciated the opportunity to jump into the water directly from the boat.

The tour culminates with a 1.5-hour stop at Cala Turqueta, renowned for its vivid blue waters and pine-surrounded shorelines. Some reviews mention that this spot is often crowded because of its beauty, but visitors still manage to enjoy swims and snorkelling. If you’re lucky with the weather, you might catch a glimpse of marine life or even spot some fish hiding among the rocks.

More Great Tours Nearby

Half-Day Option (3.5 hours)

For those with limited time, this shorter version offers a quick taste of Menorca’s coastal gems. It starts with a one-hour sail to Son Saura or Cala Turqueta, depending on weather conditions. The stop allows for about an hour to relax on the beach or swim from the boat’s rear platform—some reviewers found that the time was adequate, while others wished for longer, especially at Turqueta.

The trip then continues directly to Macarella or Macarelleta, with a non-stop visit. The boat skirts the coast, sometimes stopping to visit caves if the weather permits, providing an additional scenic element. This option doesn’t include food or drinks, which can be a downside if you’re expecting a full meal.

What to Expect On The Water

The boat itself tends to be on the larger side, accommodating over 200 passengers during peak times, with many seating options both inside and outside. Reviewers note that the boat can be crowded, and some found seatings limited, especially during the busy summer months. Bringing a hat, sunscreen, and a good book or music can make the experience more comfortable.

The crew, praised for their professionalism and friendliness, keep the atmosphere relaxed. They also help with safety, especially when jumping into the water for snorkelling or swimming. However, some reviews mention that staff interaction was minimal, with a focus on safety rather than engagement.

The Food and Drinks

The full-day trip’s paella garners high praise, with many reviewers sharing how delicious and filling it was. Sangría and orange juice are included, and guests often mention how generous the portions are. Some reviewers found the drinks reasonably priced at the onboard bar, making it easy to enjoy a cold beverage after swimming.

Food availability is limited to the paella, so vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions should plan accordingly—they may need to bring their own snacks. Also, some reviews noted that the paella isn’t suitable for those with seafood, gluten, or certain food allergies, so check your preferences before booking.

Practical Tips

• Bring snorkelling gear if you want to explore underwater life.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking along rocky paths to beaches.
• Pack sunscreen, goggles, and swimwear for maximum enjoyment.
• Cash only; some reviewers noted that payment by card isn’t available onboard.
• Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially during busy months.
• Book the full-day option if you want more time for beaches and a proper lunch.

Authentic Experiences Shared by Travelers

Many reviewers emphasize how the crew’s friendliness made their day special. Cristina reminisces about singing happy birthday to her friend and enjoying the lively, family-friendly atmosphere.

The beaches themselves left a lasting impression. Conor described the ability to access hard-to-reach beaches as “fantastic,” highlighting how the boat allowed him to visit spots impossible to reach on foot. Others appreciated the timed stops that felt generous enough to relax without feeling rushed.

Several travelers, like João and Liz, mentioned the scenic coastline and the crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkelling and swimming. The quiet, untouched feel of Es Talaier and the beautiful scenery at Cala Turqueta stand out as highlights.

Some found the crowds at certain beaches a minor downside, with Robert noting that “the beaches can get crowded when boats arrive at the same time,” though most felt the experience was still well worth it. The boat’s capacity means you might need patience during peak season, but it also ensures a lively, social atmosphere.

Cost and Overall Value

At $41 per person, this tour offers good value considering the transport, guided commentary, and included lunch. The combination of several stops, scenic views, and the opportunity to swim and snorkel makes it a worthwhile expenditure for beach lovers and those wanting a hassle-free way to see Menorca’s coast.

Some reviews highlight the “generous portions” of paella and the friendly staff, which enhance the perceived value. However, the fact that food and drinks are limited to those included in the full-day option is worth noting—if you’re a vegetarian or have specific dietary needs, you might want to plan ahead.

Final Thoughts

This boat trip is best suited for travelers who want to combine sightseeing, swimming, and eating delicious food in a relaxed setting. It’s perfect for those eager to see Menorca’s iconic beaches without the hassle of land-based transport or crowded public beaches. Its scenic stops and friendly crew make for a memorable day, especially if you enjoy the water and are happy to share the experience with a lively group.

While it does have its limitations—like the busy boat environment, rocky shores, and limited mobility accessibility—the overall experience receives high praise for its authenticity and natural beauty. If you’re after a fun, scenic, and reasonably priced way to explore the coast of Menorca, this trip is a solid choice.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for young children or babies?
The trip involves rocky paths and some walking, so it’s not recommended for guests with reduced mobility or very young children.

What languages are available for the guided tour?
The tour is offered in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication for most travelers.

Does the full-day trip include drinks besides the paella?
Yes, the full-day option includes sangría and orange juice, both available during lunchtime and onboard.

Can I bring my own alcohol or snacks?
Outside food and alcohol aren’t allowed onboard, and coolers are not permitted. You’ll need to purchase drinks at the bar if desired.

What beaches will I visit?
You’ll visit well-known spots such as Son Saura, Cala Turqueta, Macarella, and Macarelleta, depending on weather and the chosen itinerary.

Is snorkeling equipment included?
No, snorkeling gear isn’t included but bringing your own is recommended for exploring the undersea life.

How long are the stops at each beach?
The full-day trip offers about 2 hours at Son Saura and about 1.5 hours at Cala Turqueta, with flexible time at Macarella and Macarelleta.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes for rocky paths, swimwear, sunscreen, and goggles are advisable. Bring a hat and a towel for beach stops.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, bad weather may lead to cancellation or rescheduling. Check the weather forecast before your trip.

Can I book the tour with flexible payment options?
Yes, there’s an option to reserve now and pay later, giving you flexibility in planning.

In essence, this boat trip offers a well-balanced day of scenic views, beach relaxation, and tasty food, making it a fantastic way to experience the best of Menorca’s coast. Perfect for beach lovers and adventure seekers alike, it delivers memorable moments wrapped in a friendly, lively atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here: