Boat trip through the coves of northern Menorca from Fornells

Northern Menorca looks best from the water.

I love how this trip gives you easy access to secluded coves without a hike, and you can switch between swimming, snorkeling, and just hanging out onboard with included appetizers. My main heads-up is that the boat can feel busy, so if you’re set on paddle boarding or using the water mat at the same time, you may want a bit of patience.

You’ll start in the fishing town of Fornells, then cruise along the dramatic north coast toward beaches that are hard to reach on foot. With a maximum group size of 50 and multiple swim stops, it’s a practical half-day outing for friends and families who want the coast and the water, not a long bus ride.

Key things I’d bank on before you go

• Two main swim stops in high-impact coves, plus shorter water time opportunities along the way
• Included snorkeling kit and water toys like stand up paddle boards, a giant floating mat, and a slide entry
• Cabo de Cavalleria lighthouse and Illa des Porros are built into the route, so you get nature and views, not just beach time
• Fornells at the start and end keeps the day feeling simple, like you didn’t lose half a day to logistics
• Chill pace with lots of options, from relaxed lounging to active snorkeling and paddle boarding
• Weather matters, so go in with a flexible mindset if wind or sea conditions change

Fornells boat trip: the north coast shortcut that feels surprisingly easy

If you’re basing yourself in the south, getting to northern Menorca can take real effort. This is the solution: you show up at Fornells, get out on the water, and come back after 3.5 hours with your “north coast” checkmark done.

What makes it work is the rhythm. You’re not stuck on the boat for hours without a payoff. You get several land-and-sea moments, then you get the time you actually want, beach swimming and snorkeling in places that feel remote.

And yes, the vibe is chilled. You can be active if that’s your style, or you can just float, swim, and watch the coastline slide by.

Price and value: what $50.69 really covers

At about $50.69 per person, this is good value for what you get in-water. The big reason is that the tour includes the stuff most people end up renting or paying for separately.

Here’s what’s included:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Stand up paddle boards
• A giant floating mat
• A slide to jump into the water
• A ladder for getting in and out
• Lifevests
• A restroom on board
• All fees and taxes

So you’re not just buying boat seats. You’re buying structured access to Menorca’s north coves plus equipment for being in the water. That’s why families like it, and why groups of friends find it easy to organize without anyone needing to pack every piece of gear.

Not included is also clear, and it matters for budgeting: snacks, coffee or tea, bottled water, soda, and alcoholic drinks are sold onboard. If you want a full meal or lots of beverages, plan to buy add-ons. If you snack lightly, you’re usually fine.

Where you meet, how the timing feels, and why arriving early matters

The meeting point is Passeig Marítim Poeta Gumersind Riera, 55, Fornells. The tour ends back at the same spot, which keeps your day from turning into a transportation puzzle.

The boat leaves on time, and you’re asked to arrive 20 minutes early. That sounds fussy until you’re standing in the sun wondering if you’ll be late. Arriving early just makes the whole thing smoother.

The experience runs for about 3 hours 30 minutes. It’s also limited to 50 travelers, which is big enough to have a lively atmosphere but small enough that you’ll still feel like you’re on a real boat trip, not a floating bus.

Fornells Bay and the quick stroll with lighthouse history

You start and end in Fornells, and that matters. You get a look at Fornells Bay when you arrive, then you have it again at the end, so the day feels anchored in a real place, not just “walk down to the boat and go.”

During the short walk, you pass by details tied to the north coast’s identity:

• Near Cabo de Cavalleria Lighthouse, including the fact it’s the island’s second oldest lighthouse and perched above cliffs more than 90 meters high
• A view toward Illa des Porros, described as the northernmost point of the Balearic archipelago, protected because of bird colonies and native lizards

The walking time is brief, so don’t expect a long viewpoint circuit. Think of it as a way to set the scene and give context before you hit the water.

One practical note: the walking portion is short, but you are moving as a group and getting back to boarding. If you’re traveling with kids or anyone who tires easily, it helps to be ready right after arrival so you don’t feel rushed.

Platja de Cavalleria: a large northern beach with “hard to reach” energy

One of your best early payoff moments is Platja de Cavalleria. It’s one of the larger beaches on Menorca’s north coast, and it’s described as virgin and surrounded by wild nature, watched by the Cabo de Cavalleria Lighthouse.

You make a first swim stop here, if the sea allows it, for about 30 minutes. That’s enough time to get your bearings, snorkel for a bit, and either relax on the beach or climb back onboard before you get too cold or too sunburned.

What makes this stop especially worth it is the access story: it’s less frequented because it’s difficult to reach by land. From the boat, that “quiet factor” is real. You feel like you’re seeing something you might miss if you only visit the easy beach towns.

A downside you should plan for: “quiet” doesn’t always mean “empty.” On a popular half-day trip, you can still find crowds at the waterline, especially during peak summer. If you want elbow room, time your snorkel moments and be flexible about where you settle.

Cala Pregonda: snorkeling, paddle boards, and a break from the crowd

The other main swim stop is Cala Pregonda, often praised as one of the north coast’s most loved beaches, surrounded by dramatic views and part of a Natural Area of Special Interest.

You anchor for around 30 minutes. This is where the “water toys” matter most. You can swim and snorkel, use paddle surf boards, and, if you want a break between water times, you can relax on board.

The experience also includes onboard refreshments. In particular, many people highlight a local drink served during the trip, with strawberry mojito also coming up in the experience. Either way, this stop is a nice rhythm change: water time, then a moment to chill and reset.

One thing to consider: jellyfish risk. There are reports of jellyfish at swim spots and one mention of a sting. I’d treat that as a heads-up, not a guarantee. Still, it’s smart to bring swim-safe habits, keep an eye on conditions, and consider water shoes if you’re sensitive.

The “in-between” coves and ports: how you get more than two beaches

Between the two big beach moments, the route includes several coves and coastal landmarks that add variety without adding a lot of extra effort for you.

You pass by:

• An absolutely virgin cove with limestone rock and clear water where you can see the seabed
• A cove described as being divided into three small areas of sand
• Puerto de Sanitja, linked to the Roman city of Sanisera, described as an ancient natural port
• Cala Rotja, named for red clay remnants that give the sand a distinctive color tone

These sections are why this feels like a boat trip rather than just “two beach visits.” Even if you don’t get in the water at every point, you still get the drama of northern Menorca’s coastline, plus short glimpses of nature that you likely wouldn’t find by following the easiest road.

And because the coves are small and visually intense, even a quick stop feels meaningful.

Making the most of snorkel and paddle board time (without getting annoyed)

This is an active tour, but it’s also designed so you can go with the flow. The equipment helps a lot, especially if you’re traveling without gear.

A few practical tips based on what you should expect:

• Bring swimwear that dries fast, and pack a towel you don’t mind getting sandy
• Use the ladder and slide when you feel ready. It’s more fun when you’re not rushing
• If you want paddle boarding, don’t assume you’ll have uninterrupted time. There are limited boards and limited gear onboard, so share the moment
• If you’re relying on the snorkeling kit provided, try to handle it carefully. One review mentioned hygiene concerns, so if you’re picky, bring your own snorkel mask
• Pay attention at swim stops. Even quick spots can have hazards, like jellyfish

Also, if you care about sunset timing, pay attention to the day’s schedule. There’s a note about the captain positioning the boat to help everyone see the sunset, which can turn an average afternoon into a memorable one.

Who this tour fits best: families, groups, and mixed-energy travel days

This is one of the easier “group peace” activities in Menorca. You don’t need the whole group to love the same thing.

• Families like it because there’s a slide, a giant floating mat, and lifevests. That means kids can play without you spending the whole time building a beach setup.
• Friends like it because it’s relaxed and social. You get swim breaks but also time to talk, snack, and enjoy the ride.
• Couples like it because you get coastal views plus water activities, without committing to a full day of driving and hiking.

One important consideration: it’s not a quiet private boat. If your top priority is solitude, you may find the shared boat atmosphere a bit lively. Still, for most people, the tradeoff is worth it because you’re packing in the north without the hassle.

Weather, sea conditions, and why flexibility is part of the deal

This experience requires good weather. That’s common in the Mediterranean, but it matters here because swimming stops depend on sea conditions, including whether the boat can safely go into a beach area.

If weather turns, the tour can be canceled, and you’re offered a different date or a full refund. Go into it with a flexible mindset. If you’re traveling in a weather-bumpy season, you’ll feel happier if you keep one extra day in your plan.

Should you book this Fornells boat trip?

I’d book it if you want a straightforward way to see northern Menorca’s coves, especially if you’re staying somewhere like the south and don’t want to spend half a day getting around.

Book it if you care about value because the included kit means you can actually use the sea time, not just watch it. And it’s a strong pick for families and mixed groups because there are enough options onboard that different ages can enjoy the day.

Skip it, or at least go in with eyes open, if you’re extremely sensitive to crowds or if you need lots of guaranteed time with the paddle boards and water mat. Also, if you react badly to stings or you’re nervous about jellyfish, plan smart with water shoes and cautious swimming.

Overall, this is one of those “simple, effective, hard to mess up” Menorca outings: you show up at Fornells, you get the north coast by sea, and you come back with sore legs from climbing in and out and a phone full of shoreline photos.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip from Fornells?

It runs for approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Passeig Marítim Poeta Gumersind Riera, 55, Fornells, Illes Balears, Spain and ends back at the same meeting point.

What swimming and water equipment is included?

You get snorkeling equipment, stand up paddle boards, a giant floating mat, a slide to jump into the water, a ladder to get in and out, and lifevests.

Are meals or drinks included?

Appetizers are included. Snacks, coffee or tea, alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and soda can be purchased onboard.

How much time do you spend at the main beaches?

You have about 30 minutes at Platja de Cavalleria and about 30 minutes at Cala Pregonda.

What should I do if the weather is poor?

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