Why a Menorca Boat Tour is the Best Way to See the Coast!

Menorca has, what seems like, a million beautiful coves up and down the south coast. However, it isn’t super easy to get from one to the other. UNLESS. You take a Menorca boat tour!

While you typically have to hike along the coast or drive inland and then back toward the coast (there isn’t a road that drives along the coast,) boating lets you hop from one cove to another in matter of minutes.

While I DO think you need to hike to a few of the beaches, there is no better way to easily hop from cove to cove or get the coastline view than via a boat excursion!

Here is everything you need to know about take a boat tour in Menorca including which boat tours to take, what to expect on the tour, price, what to bring with you and more!

While you can get great views from cliff side viewpoints and hiking trails, you get an entirely different view from the water.

Standing on cliffs that overlook coves is far different from seeing those cliffs from afar. While both are great, they are just different. And both worth seeing!

And the best, clearest waters are going to be several meters from the beaches. Menorca has INCREDIBLE blue waters, but up near the beach a lot of the water is murky and/or has sea grass.

The clearest water is best accessed by jumping off a boat!

And, again, boating along the coast is the fastest way to see multiple coves in just a few hours!

So taking a boat tour is a great idea. But which tour should you take?

There is no shortage of Menorca boat tour options. There are half day tours, full day tours, tours that are a little calmer, tours that include drinks and music and more. The best one really depends on your preference.

But here are a couple options that will likely suit those different preferences.

As a 34 year old solo traveler, I was looking for a boat tour that was pretty chill. I didn’t want to sit awkwardly in the corner while everyone else partied hard.

So I went with a boat tour that was a smaller group and relatively calm.

The Menorca boat tour with Marenostrum floats along the coast on a boat that only holding 12 passengers per tour making it more intimate and small-scale.

Tour Details: You will start in Cala Galdana, goes as far west as Son Saura and as far east as Cala Fustam and Escorxada. The tour stops in several coves to swim, snorkel and paddle board (supplies included.)

Marenostrom Boat Tour

Length: 3.5-4 hours
Price: $85 USD
Includes: Snacks, water/soda, snorkeling equipment, stand up paddle board
Meeting Point: Cala Galdana, near the bus stop accross from El Tobogán restaurant.

Book a Boat Tour!

However, while on my calm boat tour, I saw a couple boat tours that were quite the opposite.

If you are looking for a larger tour with music, drinks and more energy, consider taking a tour with Excursiones Menorca on a boat that literally says “fiesta!”

This tour visits many of the same coves as the other tour. However, it is a full day tour (~7 hours) and leaves from Cuitadella.

While my tour was pretty quiet and calm, this one comes with music throughout the tour and alcoholic beverages (1 Sangria included, rest are not) making it a bit more lively and upbeat. And, lunch is also included with this tour.

Excursiones Menorca Boat Tour

Length: 7 hours
Price: $65 USD
Includes: Snacks, water/soda, 1 glass of sangria, lunch, snorkeling equipment
Meeting Point: Cuitadella (pick up optional for a fee)

Book a Boat Tour!

**P.S If you want a more lively boat tour, but only want a half day tour, Amigo’s Boat Trips is a good alternative. It leaves from Cala’n Bosc, also on the west side of Menorca. This one is probably a bit more family-friendly than the full day tour.**

Here is first-hand experience on what to expect on the calmer boat tour that I actually took (don’t have personal details for the full day tour.)

When you arrive, you will hop on a small boat that will take you out to the anchored larger tour boat.

Once on the boat, there is space for you to store your belongings inside the boat cabin.

The water can be choppy. It wasn’t bad on my tour, but the south coast of Menorca didn’t get dramatic cliffs and coves by NOT having intense waves beating against the coast. It CAN be choppy. Be prepared if you get seasick.

You will see many of the most beautiful coves along the south coast of Menorca. However, you will only stop in two of them to swim.

Your two stops will allow you to snorkel and stand up paddle board free of charge (you’ll have to share the SUP.)

A small snack will be offered along with waters or sodas throughout the tour.

When you return, the small boat will take you back to the harbor.

Availability of Boat Tours

What to Wear & Bring With You

It is best to wear your swimsuit to the meeting point. However, there is a restroom on board the boat if you prefer to change there.

Sunscreen– Bring your own sunscreen. There is a little shade in the back of the boat, but it moves and you will have a lot of exposure to the sun either way.

Sun-blocking clothing– Again, you will have a lot of sun exposure. A hat and/or a long sleeve UV shirt isn’t a bad idea!

Waterproof phone case– If you want to take photos in the water or prevent water splashing on your phone, bring a waterproof phone case.

Travel towel– Towels won’t be provided, so if you don’t want to leave the tour soaking wet, a travel towel is a good idea.

Change of clothes– If you prefer, you can change clothes in the restroom at the end of the boat tour.

Shop

Private Charter

The easiest alternative is to hire a private charter. Though this can get expensive, if you are in a group of 4 or more people, it could end up being close to the same price as taking a group tour.

You can book a boat with an expert skipper through places like Sports&Kayak Menorca where you can get a nice boat, someone who knows how to drive it plus a stand up paddle board.

A private charter can run around $400 for half a day. However, again, if you have a group of people (most hold up to 6 people) and you split the price, this could be a great option!

Hire Your Own Boat for the day

If you are confident in your own boating abilities, another option is to hire your own boat for the day or half day.

Places like Minor Boats allows you to rent a boat for 4 or 8 hours and enjoy the coast at your own pace.

To rent, you do not need a boaters license, but you do have to put down a 100 euro deposit that will be refunded at the end of the trip.

Honestly, this is a great option if you are comfortable driving a boat on your own!

Be Your Own Skipper

Length: 4 or 8 hours
Price: Depends on season
Includes: Boat rental, dry box for belongings, cooler, awning, GPS tracker
Meeting Point: Cuitadella or Cala Galdana

Hire Your Own Boat