Menorca: Coves and Beaches Boat Trip w/ optional Paella

Menorca shines when you see it from the water. This cruise out of Ciutadella turns beach time into a full day of coves, cave views, and swimming stops.

I especially love how the route builds in real time on places like Son Saura and Cala Turqueta, where you can go down to the sand or jump from the boat. I also really like the optional full-day lunch: chicken and seafood paella served with sangria (or orangeade). One drawback to plan for, though, is that the paella option has limitations, so if you avoid meat, seafood, or gluten, you cannot count on a suitable substitute.

Key highlights you should know before you go

• Son Saura first, with a proper 2-hour beach window to swim, relax, or just soak up the views.
• Es Talaier on foot from Camí de Cavalls, a short rustic stroll to reach one of the island’s more remote-feeling coves.
• Cala Turqueta gets 1.5 hours in full-day mode, with pine trees framing the water and a chance to snorkel using your own kit.
• Paella lunch is included only on the full-day option, and it comes with sangria or orange juice.
• Half-day moves faster and does not include food or drinks, so it is better if you want the water stops and not the lunch setup.
• Rocky paths mean good shoes matter, and this trip is not recommended for mobility impairments.

Entering the Menorca Blava experience at Passeig des Moll

Your day starts along the waterfront at Passeig des Moll, with the meeting point tied to Menorca Blava at pontoon number 1. Look for the Menorca Blava sign at the door of that pontoon, and an employee will be there to welcome you.

This matters because the schedule runs on boat time, not leisurely stroll time. Get there early enough that you can find your boarding area without stress, especially if the harbor is busy.

Full day or half day, how to pick the right version

You have two ways to do this, and the difference is mostly about lunch and time on land.

If you choose the full-day 7-hour option, you’ll get the long-format route along the west and south coast with multiple water stops plus a paella lunch on board. It is built for people who want a classic day at Menorca’s beaches, with enough time to actually enjoy each place instead of just “arriving and leaving.”

If you choose the half-day 3.5-hour option, you move quicker and you do not get food or drinks included. You’ll spend about an hour at Son Saura or Cala Turqueta depending on weather, then head toward Macarella and Macarelleta with a non-stop visit, and possibly a cave stop if conditions allow. It is a good fit if you already plan to eat on your own later and you want the key coves without committing the whole day.

Son Saura: why this first stop sets the tone

In full-day mode, Son Saura is your big opening moment, with 2 hours of free time. This is your chance to choose your style: lounge on the sand, wade in calm, shallow water, or just reset your brain after travel.

Expect a beach experience that feels natural and easy to get into, not the kind of place where you spend half your time figuring out where the water access is. In reviews, people consistently praise the swim time and the sheer beauty of the water, and you can see why when you arrive after the sail out.

The practical catch is sunscreen and footwear. You want sunscreen that actually stays put, and comfortable shoes if you plan to walk any of the paths nearby.

The Camí de Cavalls stroll to Es Talaier

One of the most interesting parts of the full-day plan is the 15-minute walk along a rustic stretch of Camí de Cavalls to Es Talaier. This is not a long hike, but it gives you that different feeling you cannot get from staying on the boat the whole time.

What you gain here is a more untouched, remote feel. What you trade off is comfort. The footpaths can be slightly rocky, and this is why the trip is not recommended for people with reduced mobility.

If you want that “we got off the tourist highway” feeling for a short time, this stop is a big part of why the full-day option works.

Macarella and Macarelleta: classic Menorca coves from the water

After the earlier beach stops, the day shifts to sailing and enjoying Macarella and Macarelleta from the boat. Even when you are not on land for long stretches, these coves are still the point, because the best views come with the changing angles of coastline and cliff lines.

For full-day visitors, you’re not rushing straight from one stop to the next. Instead, you get that slow, scenic rhythm that makes the boat feel like part of the experience, not just transport.

For half-day visitors, you still get the Macarella-Macarelleta area, and you do it as a non-stop visit, so it feels more like a scenic sweep than a “hang out” stop. If you hate feeling rushed, the full day will feel more forgiving.

Cala Turqueta’s pine-framed beach time

Cala Turqueta is the stop many people talk about because the water looks clear enough to make you want to grab a snorkel. In the full-day option, you get about 1.5 hours here, which is a good amount of time for swimming plus a little hanging around.

The way the plan works is simple: you arrive, you get free time to swim, and you can also jump straight out of the boat into the water. If you bring snorkeling gear, you can explore the white sand seabed and marine life.

The drawback is crowd math. Cala Turqueta is popular, and if several boats line up around the same time, it can feel busy. The good news is that the water itself still delivers, and you can usually find a spot to swim without turning it into a full-contact sport.

Lunch on board: paella, sangria, and what to do if you have restrictions

If you pick the full-day option, lunch is part of the value. You’ll be served a mixed paella (chicken and seafood) with sangria and orange juice (the option is described as sangria or orangeade/juice depending on what you select). In the reviews, people praise the paella as a strong point for a boat trip, and several mention going back for more.

Here is the key planning note: paella is the only food option. It is not suitable for people who cannot consume meat, seafood, or gluten. If you have intolerances, the data is clear that you should bring your own food, and you will not get a discount if you do not eat the paella.

So if you are vegetarian, have seafood or gluten restrictions, or you prefer a different diet entirely, the half-day option might feel safer since you are not locked into the lunch inclusion at all. Either way, do not count on an alternative meal on board.

What the boat trip feels like on the day

This is a busy, high-season style cruise, which you should treat as a “good day with shared space” situation, not a private charter. Several reviews talk about large crowds and packed seating, so plan to be flexible.

The boat does give you basics covered:

• Multilingual live guide during the experience
• Washroom and bar onboard
• Seating available, with the option for different decks reported by passengers

You also get the small but meaningful moments that add up on a day like this: staff help, smooth sailing, and the simple pleasure of jumping in from the boat platform when you want a reset.

Practical tips that make the difference (and prevent regrets)

These are the things that matter most for comfort and enjoyment.

Bring what you need for water time

• Swimwear
• Sunscreen
• Goggles
• Your own snorkeling gear, since it is not included

Wear the right shoes

The itinerary includes walking portions with a slightly rocky nature, especially around the rustic Camí de Cavalls stretch. Comfortable shoes make the short walk feel manageable instead of annoying.

Plan for the bar

There is an onboard bar, and you can buy drinks there. Some people reported that payment can be limited, with at least one mention of cash being required. If you want zero friction, bring cash just in case.

Know what is not allowed

No smoking indoors, and no cooler. Keep it simple, bring your swim essentials, and you will be fine.

Price and value: is around $47 a fair deal

At about $47 per person, the value comes from combining three things you would otherwise piece together:

1. Boat transport to coves that are hard to reach by car alone
2. Multiple swim opportunities, including a beach stop plus the option to jump from the boat
3. On the full-day option, a structured lunch with paella and drinks

If you are choosing the full-day format, you are effectively paying for the day’s flow: time in the water plus a meal that keeps you from needing to hunt for lunch in town. Several reviews specifically highlight the paella quality and the overall smoothness of the lunch setup.

If you pick the half-day option, you are paying for the faster route and the key coastline stops, but you will need to handle food and drinks on your own later.

Who this cruise is best for (and who should skip it)

This works best for:

• People who want beach time with minimal planning
• Swimmers who like the idea of jumping from the boat platform
• Full-day visitors who want a meal included and do not mind that the menu is paella-only
• Anyone comfortable with walking on uneven, rocky paths for short stretches

It is not a great fit if:

• You have mobility impairments or reduced mobility, since the footpaths can be rocky
• You need a meal other than the provided paella for dietary reasons (meat/seafood/gluten restrictions)

If you fit the “comfortable on your feet and ready for sun” category, this cruise delivers exactly what you came to Menorca for.

Should you book this Menorca coves and beaches boat trip?

I’d book it if you want an easy, high-impact day that takes you to Son Saura, Es Talaier, and Cala Turqueta without dealing with driving, parking, and searching for beach access. The full-day option is the one that feels like the best bargain because you get time on the water plus a solid paella lunch.

I would think twice if paella and its dietary limits do not work for you, or if mobility is an issue. In those cases, the half-day version might still be appealing for the scenery, but you should plan your own food and be ready for the walking surfaces around stops.

If you bring sunscreen, good shoes, and your own snorkeling kit, this is the kind of Menorca day that stays in your memory for the right reasons: water first, then food, then back to the harbor with the sense you actually saw the island.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the boat trip?

You meet at Passeig des Moll, at pontoon number 1. Look for the Menorca Blava sign at the door of pontoon number 1.

Is paella included in both options?

No. Paella lunch, sangria, and orange juice are included only with the full-day option. The half-day option does not include food or drinks.

How long is the full-day cruise?

The full-day excursion runs for about 7 hours.

How long is the half-day cruise?

The half-day excursion runs for about 3.5 hours.

Are snorkeling gear and goggles included?

No. Snorkeling gear is not included.

What languages is the live guide available in?

The tour offers a live guide in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.

Do I get hotel pickup or drop-off?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, goggles, and snorkeling gear.

Can I bring a cooler on board?

No. Coolers are not allowed.

Is it safe for people with reduced mobility?

This trip is not recommended for people with reduced mobility due to slightly rocky footpaths.

When does the tour run?

The tour runs from May to September.