The south coast by boat is the shortcut to Menorca’s best swimming spots. You get two proper beach breaks plus a lunch that’s genuinely part of the day, not an afterthought. My favorite part is how the route mixes shore time with sea views, including Cala en Turqueta for clear-water snorkeling; the main drawback to plan for is weather—wind and waves can make stops feel tougher.

This tour also gives you options once you’re on the water: swim from the beach, swim from the boat, and even take a short walk option near Son Saura if you want more scenery. One more practical consideration: the day is long and involves moving on and off the boat and walking at beach level, so if mobility is an issue, it may not feel comfortable.

Key highlights before you go

• Cala en Turqueta snorkel time with the option to swim from shore or straight off the boat
• Son Saura beach freedom for around two hours, plus a walk option to Es Talaier cove
• Cape views including Cap d’Artrutx lighthouse both on the way out and on the return
• Macarella and Macarelleta seen by sea, perfect for photo stops even when you’re not landing
• Paella lunch is included (mixed paella with sangria and orange), with restrictions on substitutions
• Onboard bar for extra drinks, with sales like coffee, water, chips, and ice cream

South Menorca by boat: why this route feels worth the time

If your goal is classic Menorca—calm coves, pale sand, and that feeling of being far from everyday life—this kind of south-coast cruise is one of the most efficient ways to do it. In roughly 7 hours, you cover a lot of coastline without spending your whole day driving and parking.

What makes this itinerary work is the mix of “get out and move” time with “sit back and look” time. You’re not just floating between places. You actually get a proper landing at Platges de Son Saura, then another beach break at Cala en Turqueta, while the middle of the day is spent on the water admiring coves like Macarella and Macarelleta from the sea.

And yes, you’ll see Cap d’Artrutx lighthouse twice—once going and once returning. That little loop turns the trip into more of a full-day coastal circuit, instead of a one-way transfer.

Price and food: what you get for $66.37

At $66.37 per person for about 7 hours, the “value math” comes down to two things: (1) you’re paying for boat time and access to multiple coves, and (2) you’re getting a lunch that’s included.

Here’s what’s actually part of the price:

• Lunch: mixed paella plus sangria and orange
• Time on the water: multiple swim/bathing moments during the day
• You’re also free to relax on deck while the boat cruises and slows down at the coves

Two important notes that affect real-life expectations:

• There’s no alternative to paella. If you don’t eat it, that doesn’t change the ticket price.
• If you have intolerances, you can bring your own food on board. That’s the practical workaround.

Also, don’t count on drinks being included beyond the sangria/orange at lunch. The onboard bar is extra. The upside? The bar is available if you want something during the day, and you’ll find more than just typical “beer and soda” options like coffee and snacks.

Meeting at Passeig des Moll: how to set yourself up for an easy day

The tour starts at 10:00 am and meets at Passeig des Moll, Ciutadella. It ends back at the same spot, so you’re not stuck figuring out transport later.

A few details that matter:

• You’ll use a mobile ticket.
• The tour is offered in English.
• The group size is capped at 170 travelers, so it’s not a private charter, and you should expect a lively atmosphere rather than something quiet and intimate.

Before you go, think like a practical island day planner:

• Wear swim clothes under what you’ll be comfortable in on the deck.
• Bring sunscreen and a hat—there will be deck time, and sun can be strong.
• If you plan to snorkel, bring your own snorkeling gear. The best swim stops are made for people who show up ready.

One more gear rule: coolers and similar items aren’t allowed on board. So pack smart—use a normal bag for essentials, not a hard-sided cooler.

Stop 1: Platges de Son Saura, plus a 15-minute path to Es Talaier

Platges de Son Saura is your first real chance to stretch your legs and commit to “beach mode.” You get about 2 hours there, and you’re not rushed. That’s enough time to do the full set: swim, sunbathe, take photos, and decide if you want more walking.

The standout bonus is the optional 15-minute path that leads toward Es Talaier cove. This is a good add-on if you want a change of scenery without needing a full new plan. In practice, it works like this: you spend your main time at Son Saura, then you can hop on the short walk if you feel like exploring a bit more.

What I’d watch for:

• Beach conditions can vary. On rough or windy days, you may find seaweed or less “sparkly” water near shore. It doesn’t ruin the trip, but it can change how pleasant the beach swim feels.
• This stop is about freedom, not a guided walk. If you love structure, you’ll still enjoy it, but you’ll do the exploring at your own pace.

The sea-view part: remote coves, Macarella, and Macarelleta

Between beach breaks, the boat cruises along stretches of coastline where Menorca shows off its “from-the-water” beauty. You’ll spend time on the boat to contemplate remote coves and enjoy key scenery from the sea.

A couple of coves get special mention:

• A remote cove that can be visited on foot from the Son Saura area
• Macarella and Macarelleta (famous for their look and reputation), viewed from the water

This is a smart use of time. You get the big photo-worthy viewpoints without trying to fit too much hiking into a day that’s already focused on swimming.

A practical reality: because these are sea-view moments, you should expect less time on land here. If your priority is “maximum sand time,” you’ll likely feel happiest when the schedule lands you at Son Saura and Cala en Turqueta. If your priority is “maximum coastline views,” the cruising segments will feel like the perfect pacing.

Stop 2: Cala en Turqueta and why it’s so good for snorkelers

Cala en Turqueta is the big swim-and-snorkel moment of the day. You get about 1 hour 30 minutes, and the key detail is how you can enjoy it:

• You can bathe from the sand
• You can also swim from the boat

It’s one of the reasons snorkelers tend to love this stop. The water is often described as the clearest on the island, and that clarity makes a difference once you’re actually in the water.

If you want to get the most out of it, here’s my advice:

• Bring snorkeling gear, and use it during this stop rather than saving it for later.
• If you find the beach area crowded (especially in peak months), snorkeling directly from the boat can feel easier and less chaotic.

This is also the stop where wind and waves can matter most. Even with a good day, the boat ride to and from the coves can be bouncy. If you’re even mildly sensitive to motion, plan for that before you arrive.

Onboard life: shade, deck time, and the bar you’ll actually use

Boat days are all about balancing sun and shade. One reason this trip works for many people is that you can choose your comfort level: relax on deck, then cool down when you need it.

The onboard vibe is straightforward: you’re there for sea time, beach time, and lunch. There isn’t a lot of “entertainment” pressure, but the boat stays active—cruising, slowing down at coves, and getting you ready to jump in.

About the onboard bar:

• Drinks are not included in the ticket price.
• You can buy items like coffee, water, chips, and ice cream, plus standard drink options.
• Prices are described as market-level, so you’re not getting “airport-price shock,” but you should still treat it as pay-as-you-go.

If you care about staying comfortable, this is worth knowing early: having a bar available means you can top up water or grab a snack without needing to be strategic about your packing.

The one thing that can change everything: weather and sea conditions

This tour depends on good weather, and that’s not just policy—it affects how the day feels.

When wind picks up:

• The boat can roll more than you expect
• Beach conditions can change, including the look of the water near shore
• Boarding and timing become more cautious

Some days are calm and smooth, which makes the whole experience feel effortless. Other days can feel choppier. So don’t plan this as your “I only do perfect conditions” day trip. Plan it as a real sea outing: go with a flexible mindset.

If you want to protect your comfort:

• Pack motion-sickness support if you know you need it.
• Bring a light layer for the ride even in summer. Wind off the water can feel cooler than you expect.
• Stay practical about footwear—be ready for moving between boat and beach areas.

Who this trip suits best (and where it may not fit)

This is a strong fit for:

• People who want multiple Menorca swimming stops without driving around
• Snorkelers who can’t wait to use their own gear in clear water at Cala en Turqueta
• Families who want a simple day plan (beach breaks plus food plus a crew that keeps things moving)

It may not be your best match if:

• You have mobility concerns. The day involves more movement and beach access than a straight “walk around town” tour.
• You’re hoping for lots of personal social mixing. This is capped at 170 travelers, so you’ll likely share space with large groups rather than forming tight buddy clusters.

If you’re a solo traveler, you can still have a great day—especially if you’re there for scenery and swimming first. Just manage expectations about how “social” it feels when there are bigger group dynamics.

Should you book this southern Menorca beach boat with paella?

Book it if you want a day that’s built around coastline access, swimming opportunities, and an included lunch. The combination of two beach breaks, the lighthouse scenery, and a proper included meal (mixed paella with sangria and orange) is a real value play for $66.37—especially when you factor in that boat time is the hard part of reaching these coves.

Skip it—or choose carefully—if:

• You’re highly sensitive to wind and waves
• Mobility is an issue for you
• You want a customizable lunch menu (because paella is the standard, and there’s no replacement)

My final take: this is the kind of tour that works best when you treat it as a sea day first and a sightseeing day second. If that matches your style, you’ll love how much Menorca you can pack into one afternoon with minimal hassle.

FAQ

What time does the boat tour start?

It starts at 10:00 am.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Passeig des Moll, Ciutadella, Illes Balears, Spain.

How long is the experience?

It runs for about 7 hours.

What’s included for lunch?

Lunch includes mixed paella, sangria, and orange.

Is there an option to choose something other than paella?

No. There is no paella alternative. If you have intolerances, you can bring your own food on board.

Are drinks included besides lunch?

Only the sangria and orange with lunch are included. Drinks from the onboard bar are not included.

Do I need snorkelling gear?

You’re encouraged to bring your own snorkeling gear for the swim stops.

Which beach stops are part of the trip?

You’ll visit Platges de Son Saura and Cala en Turqueta. There’s also a walk option near Son Saura toward Es Talaier cove, plus sea views of Macarella and Macarelleta.

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