A boat ride in northern Menorca is a shortcut to wow. This one feels chill and active at the same time, starting in Fornells and bouncing you from one clear-water cove to the next, with snorkel-friendly stops and included appetizers. I really like the mix of a short shore walk (hello Cabo de Cavalleria) plus real time in the water, and I also like the playful extras on board like a slide and paddle boards. The main drawback to plan around is that the boat can feel crowded, and some gear like paddle boards is limited.

You’ll get a taste of how different the north coast looks and feels from the south—less built-up, more wild, and very swim-first. It’s family-friendly, it works for friends who want laughs and photos, and it gives you access to beaches you’d struggle to reach on foot.

Key Highlights Worth Marking on Your Map

• Fornells start and finish: a simple, scenic round-trip that keeps logistics easy.
• Cabo de Cavalleria walk: lighthouse views and protected-islet bird life.
• Two main swim/float sessions: time for snorkel and paddle board, not just a quick dip.
• Cala Pregonda stop: a calmer stretch where you can relax on board after swimming.
• On-board fun: slide entry, ladder access, giant floating mat, and life vests included.
• Local drink included: Menorca-style pomada shows up during the ride.

Northern Menorca From the Sea: Why This Feels Worth the Ticket

Northern Menorca has a different personality. From land, some areas can feel hard to reach, and even when you can get there, you don’t always get the full picture. From the boat, you see the coast as it’s meant to be seen: cliffs, coves, and that bright, clear water that makes you want to stop everything and put your face in.

This trip is built around that idea. It’s not a long, exhausting day with constant driving and rushing. Instead, you spend about 3.5 hours in total, with enough stops to reset the day between swims. The pace is friendly—relaxed when you want it, active when you don’t.

And there’s a practical upside: you don’t need to be a strong swimmer or a gear expert. You’ll have snorkeling equipment and water-access helpers on board, plus the boat has a ladder for getting in and out.

Fornells First: Fishing Village Vibes and a Cape Lighthouse Walk

You start at Passeig Marítim Poeta Gumersind Riera in Fornells, and right away the tour anchors you in the local setting. Before you head into the coves, there’s a short chance to look around Fornells Bay and stroll the village. It’s the classic small fishing-town feel, not a tourist paste.

Then comes the most scenic shore moment. As the day moves along, you pass near Cabo de Cavalleria and its lighthouse—one of the island’s most distinctive landmarks and the second oldest on Menorca. The cliffs are over 90 meters high, so even if you’re just walking near the waterline, the views stretch out across the north coast.

A nice detail that adds depth to the scenery: you can spot the islet called Illa des Porros nearby. It’s the northernmost point of the Balearic archipelago, and it has special protection because it supports colonies of birds and native lizards.

This part isn’t long, but it helps the trip feel more than just “boat, swim, repeat.” You get context for why the north coast is so protected and so special.

Platja de Cavalleria Swim Stop: A Big North Beach With Land-Locked Access

Next, you shift to the big north-coast beach everyone points at: Platja de Cavalleria. This is one of the largest beaches on Menorca’s northern side, and it’s still very much surrounded by wild surroundings. The good news is that you get a proper swim slot. The practical note is that it can be less visited on land because access is difficult by foot.

The stop is designed for real water time. If sea conditions allow, this is where the tour gives you a chance to swim, relax, and snorkel. The snorkeling gear is included, and you’ll have support items on board too, which makes it easier to enjoy even if you’re not a confident swimmer.

One caution: the north coast can be lively in ways you can’t predict. Some stings have been reported at swimming stops, so you’ll want to be careful and stay aware while you’re in the water (especially if you’re snorkeling close to the surface).

Virgin Coves and Puerto de Sanitja: Clear Water and Roman-Era Echoes

Between the bigger stops, the route works in the kind of scenery you usually only see from postcards—or from a boat. You pass an absolutely virgin cove with limestone rock and crystal-clear water, where you can often see the seabed from the surface. One detail I liked from the descriptions is that the sand area is split into three small sections, which makes the water feel more varied even in one cove.

Then there’s Puerto de Sanitja, described as an ancient natural port connected to the Roman city of Sanisera. Even though you’re seeing it from the water as part of the navigation, the idea matters. It’s not just pretty coastline—it’s coastline that people have used for centuries because it offers shelter and access.

This section is where the trip earns its value. You’re not paying only for two “swim and out” stops. You’re paying for the drive-by education and the visual payoff: cliffs, protected spots, and those north-coast coves where the water looks almost too clear to be real.

Cala Pregonda Anchor Time: Mojito Relaxing, Snorkel, and Paddle Boards

Cala Pregonda is one of the best-known and most appreciated beaches on the north coast. It’s in a protected Natural Area of Special Interest, and the setting is the kind that makes you slow down—less rushed, more quiet.

The boat anchors there for about 30 minutes. That’s enough time to get your swim in, rinse off a little (as best you can on a boat day), and then either snorkel or just float and watch what’s happening underwater. The tour also gives you options here: you can use the paddle surf boards, and you can relax on board afterward.

There’s also a built-in refreshment moment. The experience includes time to enjoy a mojito on board, and one review specifically praised the strawberry mojito. If they offer a variation like that, it’s a fun little reward after you’ve done the work of getting into the water.

Drawback to keep in mind: this is a popular north-coast stop. If the boat is full, you may wait your turn for paddle board time, and it can feel busier than you expected. If peace is your main goal, plan to go for swimming and snorkel first, then let the downtime do the heavy lifting.

On-Board Comfort That Actually Helps in the Water

A lot of boat trips say they’re easy. This one is easier because the gear is practical and built for quick, safe entry.

Included equipment:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Stand up paddle boards
• Giant floating mat
• Life vests
• A slide to jump into the water
• A ladder to get in and out
• Restroom on board

That ladder is the quiet hero. It matters when you’re getting back in after a swim, or when sea conditions are a little choppy. The slide and floating mat add the “fun factor,” especially if you’re traveling with kids or you just want to act like a kid for 20 seconds.

The boat also has a restroom on board, which sounds basic until you’re out on a 3.5-hour sea outing with limited shore time. It keeps the day from turning into a stressed scramble.

What You Eat and Drink: Included Appetizers Plus On-Board Purchases

This tour doesn’t just hand you a cookie and call it a snack day. Appetizers are included, and there’s also a complimentary traditional drink—pomada, a Menorca classic.

Pomada is often served in a small shot size, so think of it as a taste, not a full cocktail meal. But it’s part of the fun and it sets the vibe.

You can also buy more on board. Snacks are available for purchase, as are coffee and tea, alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and soda. So if you’re the type who wants a full lunch feeling, it’s smart to eat something before you arrive—then use the on-board buys as extras.

If you have strong preferences (tea only, no alcohol, etc.), bring that mindset. The included items cover the basics, and the rest is optional.

Crowds, Jellyfish, and Limited Paddle Boards: The Stuff to Know Before You Go

The biggest reality check is crowding. The tour caps at 50 travelers, and several comments point out that the boat can feel crowded. That matters most at the swim stops because water time is shared time. Paddle boards are limited, and a giant floating mat can only support so many people at once, so there can be a bit of waiting.

Also, keep your expectations grounded about wildlife. Some people reported jellyfish stings at swimming spots and noted there wasn’t much immediate help besides what the crew could manage. That doesn’t mean the entire experience is unsafe—it means you should treat the water like you’re in the real ocean, not a theme park pool. Keep an eye on conditions, move carefully while entering and exiting, and consider water shoes if you’re sensitive.

One more practical note from a review: a person raised hygiene concerns about the snorkel gear. The equipment is included, so you don’t have to buy anything, but if hygiene is a big deal for you, you might prefer bringing your own snorkel gear.

And if you’re listening for English narration, expect that the audio may be muffled at times on board.

Value for Money: Why This Ticket Often Feels Like a Deal

At about $50.69 per person for roughly 3 hours 30 minutes, this is priced like an efficient north-coast “sea access” package. The value comes from what’s included, not just from the scenery.

You’re getting:

• Snorkeling equipment and gear support
• Paddle boards and a floating mat
• Safety items (life vests)
• A ladder and slide access
• A restroom on board
• Appetizers and a traditional drink
• Multiple stops focused on swimming and seeing coves

If you were to price these pieces separately—boat transport, snorkel rentals, and guided stops—you’d usually end up paying more. The tour is also designed so you can be relaxed or active. Sit back on the ride if you want. Or use the provided toys and equipment if you want your day to feel like a mini water playground.

The only time the deal feels less perfect is if you’re the kind of traveler who hates crowds or you want a super-luxury, quiet boat with lots of private space. In that case, you might be happier with a smaller private charter.

Who Should Book This and Who Might Want a Different Style

This trip fits best if you:

• Want northern Menorca highlights without complex planning
• Like mixing a short walk with real swim time
• Travel with friends who want group fun (slides, mats, paddle boards)
• Travel across ages and want something that works for kids and grandparents
• Are staying in the south and want a straightforward way to reach the north coast

It may be less ideal if you:

• Want minimal crowding and fast access to equipment
• Are extremely sensitive about wildlife risks like jellyfish
• Want a longer, more secluded beach day

But for most people, it’s the right middle ground: a half-day that feels like you did something big, without burning the entire day.

Where to Meet and Timing That Keeps the Day From Stalling

You’ll meet at Passeig Marítim Poeta Gumersind Riera, 55, 07748 Fornells. The meeting point is near public transportation, and you’ll use a mobile ticket.

The boat leaves on time. It’s essential to arrive about 20 minutes early. No late arrivals get waved on board. If you’re coming by car, give yourself extra buffer so you’re not sprinting along the waterfront and ruining your first impression.

Confirmation comes when you book, so make sure your phone battery is alive and well for that mobile ticket.

Should You Book This Boat Trip From Fornells?

Yes, if your goal is northern Menorca coves with included snorkel gear, real swim time, and a fun on-board setup—all without complicated logistics. The Fornells start plus the Cabo de Cavalleria lighthouse walk gives you variety, and the stops at Platja de Cavalleria and Cala Pregonda are the kind of north-coast water moments people remember.

I’d book with extra care if crowding would stress you out or if you’re very noise-sensitive about onboard narration. And if you’re planning to be in the water for a long time, treat jellyfish risk like part of the ocean equation.

Bottom line: this is a good-value, half-day way to see the north coast when you want fun plus clear-water swimming, not a long grind.

FAQ

What is the duration of the boat trip?

It runs for about 3 hours 30 minutes.

How much does it cost per person?

The price is listed as $50.69 per person.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with life vests.

Are paddle boards and other water toys included?

Yes. Stand up paddle boards and a giant floating mat are included.

Is an appetizer included?

Yes, appetizers are included.

What drink is included, and can I buy more on board?

A traditional drink (pomada) is included, and additional drinks and snacks can be purchased on board, including coffee/tea, alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and soda.

Are there places to buy food besides the included appetizers?

Yes. Snacks are available for purchase on board.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Do I need good weather for this to run?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How early should I arrive at the meeting point?

Arrive at least 20 minutes in advance, since the boat leaves on time.

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