Menorca: Coves and Beaches Boat Trip w/ optional Paella

Menorca: Coves and Beaches Boat Trip with Optional Paella

Imagine cruising along the rocky southern coast of Menorca, with the wind in your hair and some of the most beautiful beaches and coves just a splash away. This boat trip from Ciutadella offers a chance to see hidden gems like Macarella, Macarelleta, Cala Turqueta, and Son Saura—some of the island’s most picturesque spots. For around $41 per person, you can choose between a half-day or full-day adventure, both promising memorable views, relaxing stops, and a taste of authentic Spanish cuisine.

What we particularly appreciate about this experience is the opportunity to enjoy swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters—especially at Cala Turqueta, where you can jump directly into the sea from the boat. Plus, the paella lunch, served with sangria and orange juice, makes it a complete feast for the senses. On the flip side, you should be aware that the group size can be quite large, and the rocky paths to some beaches might not be suitable for everyone. This trip suits travelers who love a mix of scenic boat rides, beach relaxation, and good food in a lively, friendly setting.

Key Points

• Stunning Coastal Views: Cruise past some of Menorca’s most beautiful beaches and coves.
• Beach and Snorkel Stops: Ample time for swimming, snorkeling, and soaking up the sun.
• Authentic Meal: Enjoy a delicious, traditional paella with sangria on board (full-day option).
• Flexible Options: Choose between a shorter half-day or a full-day journey to suit your schedule.
• Friendly Crew: Guides and staff are praised for their professionalism and warmth.
• Good Value: Fair price for a full day of sightseeing, swimming, and dining.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Menorca Boat Trip: What You Can Expect

Starting Point and Logistics

The adventure begins at the old port of Ciutadella, with clear instructions on where to find Menorca Blava staff waiting at pontoon number 1. Once onboard, you’ll be greeted by a multilingual guide who ensures everyone feels comfortable. The boat itself is sizable, accommodating around 240 passengers, which adds a lively, social atmosphere but also means you might want to arrive early if you prefer a bit of space.

The Itinerary: A Day of Beauty and Relaxation

Full-Day Option (7 hours)

This extensive trip takes you along the west and south coasts of Menorca. The first major stop is Son Saura, a long, white-sand beach where you’ll have about 2 hours. The reviews highlight that this is “the perfect spot for relaxing or dipping into calm waters,” with some travelers describing it as “beautiful” and “not crowded at all” when the boat arrives early. The optional 15-minute walk along the Camí de Cavalls to reach Es Talaier offers a taste of rugged, untouched nature—ideal for those who enjoy quiet, pristine beaches.

After lunch, which features the mediterranean paella served with a glass of sangria, the boat heads toward Macarella and Macarelleta. These twin coves are renowned for their turquoise waters and scenic surroundings. The 1.5-hour stop at Cala Turqueta is a highlight—here, you can jump straight into the water, snorkel, or simply relax among the pines and white sand. The reviews mention that snorkeling gear is recommended, and many guests find the seabed teeming with marine life. The trip concludes with a gentle sail back to Ciutadella, with lovely views of the coastline receding into the distance.

Half-Day Option (3.5 hours)

This shorter version is perfect if you’re short on time or prefer a more relaxed pace. It covers the main highlights—cruising along the coast, with stops at either Son Saura or Cala Turqueta (depending on weather) and a quick visit to Macarella and Macarelleta. Reviews note the limited time at each beach—around one hour—so if you’re eager to swim and explore in depth, the full-day option might be better.

What’s Included and What to Bring

Included are the multilingual guide, paella lunch with sangria and orange juice (full-day only), free parking, and onboard amenities like washrooms and a bar. Keep in mind that snorkeling gear is not provided, so bringing your own is advisable if you plan to explore underwater.

What to bring? Comfortable shoes for rocky paths, swimwear, sunscreen, goggles, and snorkeling gear if desired. The tour discourages smoking indoors and prohibits coolers, which is worth noting if you like to bring snacks or drinks.

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Dining and Special Considerations

The paella, a traditional dish, is the only food option, and reviews are generally favorable, describing it as “delicious” and “generous.” However, it’s not suitable for vegetarians, vegans, or those with gluten or seafood allergies. Some guests mentioned that the sangria can be watered down, but most found it refreshingly enjoyable. If you have specific dietary restrictions, it’s best to bring your own snacks or drinks.

Accessibility and Weather

The tour is not recommended for people with reduced mobility due to rocky paths leading to some beaches. Also, the trip is weather-dependent—bad weather may result in cancellations, so it’s wise to check the forecast before booking.

Reviews and Authentic Voice

Guests consistently praise the stunning scenery, with comments like “so many beautiful beaches and deep blue waters.” The friendly crew and their attentiveness seem to make a big difference, with reviews highlighting the helpfulness and professionalism of staff—“they looked after everyone,” and “made it a smooth, safe trip.” Many travelers mention the value for money—especially considering the full-day option, the included lunch, and the chance to see parts of Menorca that are tricky to reach by land.

Some criticisms include crowded beaches and large group sizes, which might make finding a quiet spot a challenge. A few reviewers noted that timing at each stop could be tighter, wishing for more time at the beaches or more space on the boat for everyone to be comfortable.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This boat trip is ideal for travelers who love beautiful scenery, beach time, and authentic local food—especially those who enjoy social atmospheres. If you’re traveling with family, friends, or even solo and looking to meet others, the lively group setting can be quite enjoyable. However, those seeking quiet, secluded experiences might prefer smaller boat tours or land-based excursions.

The Sum Up

The Menorca boat trip delivers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, relaxation, and cultural flavor. It’s particularly valuable for visitors wanting to see the island’s most iconic coves without the hassle of organizing individual boat rentals or multiple excursions. The inclusion of a delicious paella lunch and guided views adds a local touch that makes the experience feel genuine and satisfying.

While it’s not perfect—large groups and rocky paths may be a downside—it offers great value for the price, especially for those eager to combine sightseeing with some good old-fashioned fun in the sun. This tour is best suited for travelers craving an active, scenic day with opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying authentic cuisine.

If you’re after an easy, well-organized day on the water, with friendly guides and stunning vistas, this trip from Ciutadella is hard to beat.

FAQ

Is this boat trip suitable for children?
Yes, children who are comfortable on boats and enjoy beaches will likely have a good time, especially since there’s plenty of swimming and relaxing. Keep in mind, the rocky paths might be less suitable for very young or mobility-challenged children.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
Yes, snorkeling gear is not included, so if you want to explore underwater, bring your own or plan to rent or buy it locally.

Can I get off the boat at the beaches?
Yes, you can go ashore at stops like Son Saura or Cala Turqueta. The time allocated at each beach varies—about 1 to 2 hours for the full-day trip—so you’ll have time to swim, relax, or take a quick walk.

What if the weather is bad?
In case of poor weather, the trip might be canceled. It’s advisable to check the forecast and perhaps book with flexible cancellation options.

Is lunch included, and what does it consist of?
For the full-day trip, a traditional paella served with sangria and orange juice is included. There are no other food options, so vegetarians or those with allergies should plan accordingly.

Are there any age restrictions?
There are no specified age restrictions, but the activity isn’t recommended for people with mobility issues due to rocky terrain and potentially crowded conditions.

How long does the tour last?
You can choose between approximately 3.5 hours (half-day) or 7 hours (full-day), with the latter offering more beach time and a longer cruise.

Are there restroom facilities on board?
Yes, the boat has onboard washrooms, ensuring comfort during the trip.

Can I pay by card?
Payment is primarily cash-only, so it’s wise to bring enough cash for onboard purchases or extras.

Whether you’re looking for your first glimpse of Menorca’s famous coves or a leisurely day soaking in the sun and sea, this boat trip offers a well-rounded experience full of scenic beauty, good food, and friendly company.

You can check availability for your dates here: