Menorca: Full-Day Boat Tour with Paella Lunch

Exploring Menorca’s Coast: A Full-Day Boat Tour with Paella Lunch

If you’re craving a day out on the water that combines scenic beauty, authentic local flavors, and a relaxed pace, this Menorca full-day boat tour might just be what you’re looking for. Starting from Ciutadella port, you’ll spend about 7 to 9 hours sailing along the south coast of this tranquil Balearic island. For a modest $63 per person, you get plenty of time to soak up the sun, take dips in crystal-clear bays, and enjoy a hearty paella on board.

What we love most about this tour is the chance to visit some of Menorca’s most famous beaches—Cala en Turqueta and Son Saura—both celebrated for their untouched beauty and calm waters. Plus, the onboard lunch is a highlight, with delicious seafood and meat paella, paired with a refreshing glass of sangria or soft drink. A second favorite feature is the guided cruise, which offers insightful commentary, making the experience both relaxing and educational.

One thing to keep in mind is that food and drinks aren’t available for purchase at the beaches, so we recommend bringing your own essentials. Also, the paella is cooked with gas, which means you won’t have access to the first beach for reentry after the meal—so plan accordingly. This tour suits travelers who value beautiful scenery, authentic local cuisine, and a flexible, laid-back itinerary.

This experience made our article of We Rank The 12 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Menorca.

Key Points

• Stunning beaches: Visit unspoiled bays such as Cala en Turqueta and Son Saura, perfect for swimming or just relaxing.
• Authentic meal: Enjoy a hearty paella featuring seafood and meat, with a choice of drinks.
• Flexible stops: Ample free time at beaches to swim, sunbathe, or explore.
• Scenic cruising: Take in the coast’s beauty from the water, with guided commentary.
• Family-friendly: Kid-friendly atmosphere with snacks and relaxed stops.
• Limited shopping: Bring essentials, as there are no food or drink vendors on the beaches.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Menorca Boat Tour

Starting Point and Departure

The adventure kicks off at Ciutadella port, with the boat marked by a bright red “Fiesta” sign. The boat departs around 9:30 am, and optional hotel pickup can be arranged depending on where you’re staying. It’s worth confirming your pickup time, as it varies based on your location, and you’ll want to be ready early. The meeting point is straightforward, with free parking nearby, making it easy for those driving.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour is thoughtfully organized to maximize your experience of Menorca’s coast. After an initial one-hour cruise along the city’s waterfront, you’ll arrive at Cala en Turqueta, a sparkling bay renowned for its calm, turquoise waters and pristine sands. Here, you’ll have two hours of free time, enough for swimming, sunbathing, or simply soaking in the scenery. As one reviewer mentioned, “The beaches were so picturesque,” and we agree that these spots justify the trip.

Next, the boat moves to Cala Macarella, where you’ll enjoy views from the water—this bay is famous for its spectacular cliffs and clear waters. The cruise offers another hour of sightseeing before heading to Son Saura, where you’ll spend about an hour and a half. This second beach activity provides ample time for a swim or a walk along the shoreline. Several travelers appreciated the relaxed pace and generous time at each stop, making it ideal for families or those wanting a laid-back day.

Lunch and Refreshments

Lunchtime is a centerpiece of the tour. The paella served on board is cooked with gas, which means you’ll need to make the most of your 2-hour stop at Cala en Turqueta for swimming or exploring before the meal. As one reviewer pointed out, “The paella was DELICIOUS,” with a good variety of seafood and meat, and the drinks—sangria or soft drinks—are included. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal that offers good value, especially considering that similar tours often don’t include food.

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Scenic Cruising and Final Stops

After lunch, the boat takes you past Macarella and Macarelleta, two bays celebrated for their beauty and tranquility. We loved the way the boat’s vantage point showcased these coves—perfect for photos and appreciating the rugged coastline. The boat then heads back toward Ciutadella, with the final cruise lasting about an hour.

Reviews and Authentic Experiences

Reviewers consistently praise this trip for its friendly staff and beautiful scenery. Charlotte called it “brilliant,” highlighting the “picturesque beaches” and fun jumping off the boat at the second beach. Vetrithirumagal appreciated the friendly crew, noting, “Nice paella,” which confirms the food’s quality.

Sania appreciated the punctuality and organization, mentioning that beach stops were well timed and that the staff was very kid-friendly. The overall feedback emphasizes good value—with many people saying they’d happily return, especially for the relaxed, scenic experience and tasty local food.

Considerations for Travelers

While the tour offers a fantastic day out, remember that food and drinks are limited at the beaches, so pack water, snacks, and sun protection. Also, the paella is cooked with gas, and if you miss the reentry window at Cala en Turqueta, you might not be able to return to the boat until the next stop. This might matter if you prefer to stay longer at your favorite beach.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, as access at some stops may be limited. Still, for most able-bodied travelers seeking scenic beauty, good food, and a relaxed cruise, this trip hits the sweet spot.

Why This Tour Is a Great Choice

This boat trip is best suited for beach lovers, families, and those wanting a taste of local cuisine in a relaxed setting. It offers ample free time to enjoy the beaches, which are among Menorca’s most celebrated spots, and the included paella lunch really adds to the value. The friendly guides and crew make the experience even more enjoyable, with many reviews praising their helpfulness and humor.

If you’re after an authentic, laid-back day on the water, with plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to unwind, this tour checks all those boxes. It’s also a great way to see the coast’s natural beauty without the hassle of planning multiple transport links or boat rentals yourself.

FAQs

How long is the boat trip?
The full tour lasts between 7 and 9 hours, including stops, cruising, and lunch.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the 7-hour cruise, a guide in multiple languages, free time at two beaches, seaviews of Macarella and Macarelleta, paella lunch, and a glass of sangria or soft drink.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Since drinks and snacks are only available for purchase on the boat, it’s best to bring your own water, snacks, and essentials, especially for the beach stops.

Is hotel pickup included?
Pickup is optional and varies depending on your accommodation. The meeting point is easy to find, with clear instructions and free parking nearby.

Are there any restrictions?
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users and requires some mobility to enjoy the beaches comfortably. It’s also advised to bring swimwear and sun protection.

What is the best time to take this tour?
Morning departures are typical, with the boat leaving at 9:30 am. Check availability for specific times.

How is the lunch served?
The paella is cooked onboard with gas and served on the boat, with sides and drinks included.

Can I participate if I have dietary restrictions?
Vegetarians might find limited options, as the main dish is seafood and meat paella. Bringing your own food is recommended if you have specific dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

This Menorca boat tour offers a wonderful blend of scenic cruising, unspoiled beaches, and hearty local cuisine. For travelers seeking a relaxed day out with plenty of photo-worthy moments and swimming opportunities, it’s hard to beat. The friendly crew, stunning bays, and delicious paella make for a memorable experience, especially if you’re partial to outdoor adventures and authentic flavors.

While it’s wise to be prepared—bring your essentials, plan for limited shopping options, and consider your mobility—the overall value is clear. You’ll enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of Menorca in a way that’s both genuine and laid-back. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or as a couple, this tour offers a delightful slice of island life.

In summary, this boat trip is a flexible, scenic, and tasty way to explore Menorca’s coast. It’s perfect for those who love beautiful beaches, want to avoid the hassle of self-organizing transport, and appreciate good local food in a relaxed setting. With friendly guides and stunning views, it’s a day worth planning into your Menorca itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: