Menorca: 3.5 Hour South Coast Boat Excursion

Menorca: 3.5 Hour South Coast Boat Excursion is a fantastic way to explore the island’s famous beaches, caves, and crystal-clear waters without the hassle of parking or crowded shorelines. For just $79 per person, you’ll spend 3.5 hours aboard a comfortable boat, visiting over a dozen coves along the south coast, with opportunities to swim, paddleboard, and enjoy local Menorcan snacks. This tour is ideal for those who want a relaxed, scenic, and authentic experience away from busy beaches.

What we love most about this trip is how it combines stunning natural scenery with informative guidance — you’re not just on a boat; you’re learning about the coast from a friendly captain, often with plenty of time for swimming and relaxing. Plus, the inclusion of local Menorcan appetizers makes it feel like a true taste of the island’s laid-back coastal life.

A couple of considerations: the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users, as it involves some steps and a small boat transfer. Also, it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy moderate activity and aren’t expecting a high-energy adventure but rather a smooth, scenic ride with flexibility.

This experience works well for couples, small groups, or solo travelers looking for a memorable half-day that balances sightseeing, swimming, and local flavor. If you love stunning coastlines, turquoise waters, and relaxed atmospheres, this tour is a great choice.

Key Points

• Stunning Coves and Beaches: Over 10 iconic spots, such as Turqueta, Macarella, and Es Talaier.
• Flexible Swimming Opportunities: Two 30-minute stops for swimming or relaxing in pristine waters.
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Includes access to paddleboards for a more active experience.
• Local Menorcan Snacks: Cheese, sobrasada, and bread served with drinks onboard.
• Expert Guides and Friendly Captains: Reviewers praise the knowledgeable, welcoming staff.
• Ideal for Relaxed Sightseeing: Small groups and personalized attention.
• Limited Accessibility: Not recommended for those with mobility challenges.
• Good Value: Combines scenic beauty, local food, and water activities at a reasonable price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Menorca South Coast Boat Excursion

Exploring Menorca from the water reveals a side of the island that’s often inaccessible from the shore. This 3.5-hour boat tour offers a chance to see the island’s famous beaches and coves from a comfortable vantage point, with the added bonus of swimming, paddling, and sampling local delicacies.

Itinerary Breakdown

The tour departs from either Oasis Cala Galdana or Portobello, with scheduled starts at 9:00, 13:00, and 17:00 from Don Pancho, and slightly later from Portobello. After boarding the boat, expect a smooth ride along the south coast, which is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, hidden caves, and turquoise waters.

The main stops include beaches like Son Saura, Es Talaier, Turqueta, Macarella, and Macarelleta. These are among the island’s most photographed and beloved spots, thanks to their crystalline waters and soft sands. The boat makes two 30-minute swimming stops, allowing passengers to dip into the calm, warm waters. These pauses are well-loved by reviewers for their flexibility — some gather the courage to swim in chilly weather or just relax and sunbathe.

The Unique Experience of Cove Exploration and Paddleboarding

One of the tour’s highlights is the chance to explore coves on a stand-up paddleboard. If you’re confident on your feet, this is a wonderful way to get closer to the coastline and observe marine life or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Reviewers often mention how accessible and fun the paddleboarding is, especially since the tour provides the equipment.

Food, Drinks, and Relaxation

Sampling local Menorcan cheese and sobrasada, a traditional cured sausage, is a delightful addition. These snacks are served alongside bread and drinks, creating an authentic taste of the island’s flavors. Several reviews mention how these snacks, along with cold drinks, enhance the experience — snacks are not just thrown in but thoughtfully prepared, adding a genuine local touch.

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The Captain and Guides

Guests repeatedly praise the knowledgeable and friendly captains, such as Nacho and Eneco, for their laid-back attitude and willingness to answer questions about Menorca’s history and landscape. Since the tour often involves small groups (a maximum of around 12 people), you’ll get plenty of personalized attention, making it feel like a private cruise at times.

Comfort and Practicalities

The boat’s stern platform makes it easy to access the water, with a ladder for quick dips. The boat itself is described as clean and spacious, with ample room to lounge and enjoy the views. Remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, and a towel — the tour doesn’t include sun protection, nor does it provide hotel transfers, so plan accordingly.

The Pros and Cons

While most reviews highlight the value for money, scenic beauty, and friendly staff, some travelers note that the tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility challenges or those who dislike small transfers on a smaller boat. Also, the itinerary can change depending on weather conditions, which might mean different beaches or caves are visited. However, this flexibility often results in better experiences, as guides adapt to weather and sea conditions.

Why Choose This Tour?

If your goal is relaxed sightseeing, with the chance to swim in some of Menorca’s clearest waters, then this trip hits the mark. It’s perfect for those who enjoy gentle water activities, appreciate local flavors, and want to avoid the crowds at the main beaches. The small-group setting and friendly guides give it a personal touch that larger tours can’t match.

It’s especially valuable during high season when parking at popular beaches is difficult, and the coastline can be busy. Traveling by boat offers a peaceful way to see the most famous coves without the hassle of parking or fighting for space on the sand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes an experienced captain, a Menorcan appetizer of cheese, sobrasada, and bread with drinks, and the use of a stand-up paddleboard.

Are there any additional costs?
No, all the listed activities and snacks are included. However, you should bring your own sun protection, towel, and comfortable shoes.

What should I bring on the trip?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and a towel for swimming. Comfortable shoes are recommended for boarding and disembarking.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While it’s generally family-friendly, it’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Always check with the provider if you have specific concerns about children’s age or comfort.

How many people are on the boat?
Most trips are small, with around 12 people, allowing for plenty of space and a more intimate experience.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour can be canceled or rescheduled with a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance. The guide will adapt the route based on weather conditions for safety and comfort.

Can I swim during the stops?
Yes, you’ll have two 30-minute stops to swim in the clear waters, and some reviews mention the opportunity to snorkel or paddleboard as well.

Is the tour accessible for everyone?
No, it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users due to the nature of boat transfers and steps involved.

Final Thoughts

This Menorca south coast boat excursion offers a memorable blend of scenic beauty, local flavor, and relaxed water activities. The balance of stunning coves, friendly guides, and delicious snacks makes it a standout way to experience the island’s coast. It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer a gentle pace, small groups, and authentic experiences over busy beaches or high-energy adventures.

While it might not be perfect for those with mobility issues, anyone looking to escape the crowds and see the best of Menorca’s coast from the water will find this trip well worth the price. The glowing reviews attest to its quality — many visitors call it a highlight of their Menorca stay. Pack your sun gear, bring your curiosity, and prepare for an afternoon of beautiful views and relaxing swimming.

To sum it up, this tour is for those who want a flexible, scenic, and authentic way to explore Menorca’s famous coves and caves. It’s a perfect half-day escape that combines natural beauty, local flavors, and friendly company — a true taste of the island’s relaxed life on the water. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group, you’ll leave with wonderful memories of Menorca’s coast, often feeling like a private adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: