Menorca: Coves and Beaches Boat Trip w/ optional Paella

Crystal coves are the whole point here. This boat trip strings together Menorca’s best beaches from Ciutadella, with plenty of time to swim and the option for a proper paella lunch onboard.

I like how the day feels flexible once you’re on the water, especially at the big beach stops where you can choose sand time or time jumping right off the boat.

One thing to consider: some landings involve rocky paths, so it’s not a great fit if you have mobility issues.

Quick highlights

• Son Saura and Es Talaier time for beach relaxation and a short walk when conditions allow
• Cala Turqueta stop with the option to swim and snorkel from the boat
• Paella lunch onboard on the full-day option with a drink (sangria and orange juice, or orangeade if selected)
• On-water cave sightseeing on the half-day if weather permits
• Bring-your-own snorkel gear since snorkeling equipment is not included
• Packed boats can happen during peak season, so plan for limited elbow room

Why Menorca coves feel different from the boat

Menorca’s coast looks great from shore. From a boat, it looks different, because you get the scale. You see how small the coves really are, how the water changes color as the shoreline curves, and how pine-covered hills drop down to the sand.

On this trip, you’re not just “cruising.” You’re landing. That matters. The itinerary is built around a mix of time on popular beaches and time on quieter stretches that many people can’t reach easily on their own. The best part for me is the rhythm: sail for views, stop for swimming, sail again, repeat.

And yes, you also get a meal onboard on the full-day option. It’s not a sad boxed lunch. The chicken and seafood paella is the only food offered, and on the full day it comes with a drink (sangria plus orange juice, or orangeade if that’s the option you choose).

If you want a low-effort day that still feels like you saw real Menorca, this one makes sense.

Full day vs half day: what changes in your day

You can pick either a full-day cruise (about 7 hours) or a half-day cruise (about 3.5 hours). The biggest difference is not just time. It’s how much beach time you get and whether lunch is included.

Full-day option (about 7 hours)

This is the “do the whole coast” choice. You start from the old port of Ciutadella, then you head toward Menorca’s south and west coves. The day includes:

• A first major stop at Son Saura with 2 hours of free time
• A chance to take a short 15-minute stroll along the Camí de Cavalls to reach Es Talaier, which is described as more remote and untouched
• Lunch onboard: mixed paella (chicken and seafood) plus a drink (sangria and orange juice, or orangeade if selected)
• A longer stop around Cala Turqueta with about 75 minutes to swim

The full day is also the option that best matches your “I want photos and swims” mood.

Half-day option (about 3.5 hours)

This is for a quicker taste, when you still want the boat experience but don’t want to commit to a full day.

• After boarding in Ciutadella, you sail about 1 hour
• You reach either Son Saura or Cala Turqueta depending on weather
• You get about 1 hour at the stop, either on the beach or swimming from the rear platform
• You then sail toward Macarella and Macarelleta with a non-stop visit
• A cave visit can happen if the weather permits
• You return to port afterward

Important practical difference: the half-day option does not include food or drinks.

Getting on board at Passeig des Moll, Ciutadella

You’ll be dealing with a straightforward harbor setup, but do give yourself a few minutes to find the right pier.

Your starting point is Passeig des Moll. The meeting instructions say to look for Menorca Blava on the sign at the door of pontoon number 1. A Menorca Blava employee is there to welcome customers at the boarding point.

A few things that help you feel prepared:

• Comfortable shoes matter more than you might expect. Even when you’re on vacation mode, you may walk along slightly rocky footpaths to reach beaches.
• If you’re parking your car, the tour includes free parking, which is a nice perk for this part of the island.
• There’s a washroom and bar onboard, which helps if your beach time runs long or you just want a break from the sun.

Also, this is a seasonal activity, running May to September. That time window is part of the “why” the boat can be lively, especially in summer.

Son Saura: long beach time and that calm-water feeling

The big first anchor on the full-day route is Son Saura, with 2 hours of free time. This is the stop that sets the tone. You’re looking at a stretch where you can either relax on the sand or dip your toes into the calmer shallows.

One detail I appreciate is the built-in flexibility. You’re not forced into a strict “walk here, stand there” plan. You can:

• Spend more time at the beach if you want sand-and-sunscreen time
• Or hang back and enjoy the water from the boat after you’ve got your bearings

There’s also a walking option in the mix: a 15-minute stroll along the Camí de Cavalls to reach Es Talaier, described as remote and untouched. That’s the sort of choice that makes the full day feel more like an exploration than a checklist.

Possible consideration: if you’re not steady on your feet, the rocky footpaths are the part to think about early. This isn’t a wheelchair-friendly day, and the beach access can be uneven.

Es Talaier via Camí de Cavalls: short walk, big reward

If you pick the Es Talaier option, you’re basically choosing the “less crowded and more rugged” branch of the day.

The walk is described as about 15 minutes, along the Camí de Cavalls, which is known for being a historic walking route on Menorca. On this specific trip, it’s used as a quick way to access a beach that feels more private.

What makes this stop worth it is the contrast. Son Saura gives you wide beach time. Es Talaier gives you a sense that you’re slipping away from the busy coast. Even if you only do the short stroll portion, it helps you feel like you saw more than the most obvious beach.

Just keep it practical:

• Wear shoes with grip.
• Expect some uneven ground.
• Go at your pace. You’re not in a footrace.

Lunch onboard on the full-day cruise: chicken and seafood paella

On the full-day option, lunch is one of the strongest parts of the day. It’s served onboard, and it comes as mixed paella with chicken and seafood. You also get a drink with lunch: a glass of sangria and orange juice, with orangeade as an alternative option if selected.

Two important realities to plan around:

• Paella is the only food option on the trip.
• It’s not suitable for people who cannot consume meat, seafood, or gluten. If you have intolerances, the instruction is clear: bring your own food onboard. You aren’t entitled to a discount if you don’t eat the paella.

So if you’re vegetarian, or you need a gluten-free meal, this is likely the wrong fit unless you’re comfortable bringing your own food and treating paella as optional.

Also, there’s a bar onboard, so once you’re done with lunch you’re not trapped with only seawater hydration. For some people, it’s a good way to cool down after sun time.

Cala Turqueta, Macarella, and Macarelleta: the stops that sell this trip

This part of the day is where the coast really shows off.

After your lunch and sailing segments, you head toward Cala Turqueta, with about 75 minutes of free time. This stop is described as a small beach with blue waters surrounded by pine trees. And you don’t just wade in. You can jump straight out of the boat into the clear water.

If you bring a snorkel kit, you can explore:

• The white sand seabed
• Marine wildlife in the water

That “bring your own snorkel gear” point is not small. Snorkeling gear is specifically listed as not included, so if you want to see what’s under the surface, pack goggles and snorkel before you arrive.

Now, the day also references Macarella and Macarelleta as coves you sail to. You may not get a long beach stay at every one of these names, but you’ll still get the benefit of seeing them from the water. For a lot of people, that’s the value of a boat day: you experience several places without spending the whole day driving between them.

Possible drawback: these coves can be popular. When multiple boats are in the same general area, the beaches you land on can feel busy at peak times. The time you get still helps, but it’s worth keeping expectations realistic.

The half-day cave chance: weather decides

If you choose the half-day option, expect more “highlights” and less “slow beach day.”

You’ll sail for about 1 hour, then stop at Son Saura or Cala Turqueta depending on weather. You get about 1 hour total at that stop, so it’s a quick swim decision:

• Go down to the beach for your hour, or
• Stay onboard and swim from the rear platform

After that, there’s a non-stop visit toward Macarella and Macarelleta. Then you return to Ciutadella by skirting the coast.

One nice feature is the possible cave stop. The schedule says a cave visit may happen on the way back if weather permits. So if you’re booking the half day, you’re also booking some uncertainty. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s part of how this route stays flexible.

Boat comfort, seating, and what to pack for a long sun day

The boat experience is mostly about two things: smooth sailing and practical access for swimming. The trip is designed for that, with places to sit and the ability to swim from the boat.

A couple of practical notes that matter when the boat is full:

• The boat can be packed during peak season. If you care about finding a good seat fast, arrive on time.
• Some boats in this category offer both upper and lower deck options, which can help you spread out if you’re flexible about where you sit.

What to pack is also very clear, and I’d follow it closely:

• Comfortable shoes
• Swimwear
• Sunscreen
• Goggles
• Snorkeling gear (not provided)

One extra thing I’d add is a water-and-sun strategy. You’ll have multiple sun hours plus swim time, so treat this like a whole-day outdoors plan, not just a short cruise.

Also check the onboard rules: no smoking indoors and no coolers. Those constraints are part of how they keep things simple onboard.

Finally, payment and supplies can surprise you. Some people report that on-board purchases may be cash-only, so bring some cash if you want flexibility at the bar.

Who should book, and who should skip this one

This is a strong match if you:

• Want multiple beach stops in one day without renting a car
• Like swimming, and you’re comfortable with the idea of jumping in
• Appreciate a set lunch plan, especially the full-day paella lunch

This trip is trickier if you:

• Need mobility accommodations. The activity is not recommended for reduced mobility and is also listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments due to the rocky nature of footpaths.
• Have dietary restrictions. The paella is the only food option, and it’s not suitable for people who avoid meat, seafood, or gluten. If you have intolerances, plan to bring your own food.

If snorkeling matters to you, the good news is you can do it, but you must bring your own snorkel kit since gear isn’t included.

Price and value: what $47 really gets you

At about $47 per person, the value depends on which option you choose.

For the full-day cruise, you’re paying for:

• A multilingual guide
• Boat transport around coves
• Multiple beach stops with real time to swim
• A paella lunch plus a drink (sangria and orange juice, or orangeade if selected)
• Onboard amenities like a bar and washroom
• Free parking

That combo is why it can feel like a good deal. You’re not just buying a ride. You’re buying access. Boat access gets you into coves like Son Saura and Cala Turqueta that are hard to “DIY” in a way that still feels relaxed.

For the half-day option, the pricing is still part of the equation, but you get less time and no food or drinks. In that case, you’re mainly paying for a shorter water day plus a quick beach swim. If you’re trying to keep costs down, it can work, but you’ll need to plan your own snacks and drinks.

Should you book Menorca Blava’s coves and beaches cruise?

I’d book this if you want a straightforward Menorca day with swim time at top coves and, on the full day, a satisfying onboard meal. The full-day version is the one that feels most “complete,” especially because paella lunch turns the day into more than just beach hopping.

Skip it if you have mobility limits or strict dietary needs that paella can’t solve. Also think twice if you hate crowds, because peak-season departures can run very full.

If you go, do it smart: arrive early enough to find your pier, wear shoes you can trust on rocky paths, and bring your snorkel gear if you want to see the underwater world.

If you want, tell me which month you’re going and whether you prefer full day or half day, and I’ll help you pick the better option for your priorities.

FAQ

What is the difference between the full-day and half-day options?

The full-day option runs about 7 hours and includes a paella lunch with sangria and orange juice (or orangeade if selected), plus multiple beach stops including Son Saura and Cala Turqueta. The half-day option is about 3.5 hours, includes no food or drinks, and typically has a shorter stop at Son Saura or Cala Turqueta.

Where do I meet the boat?

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

Is paella included, and is it the only food option?

Paella is included on the full-day option. Paella is the only food option on the trip, and it is not suitable for people who cannot consume meat, seafood, or gluten. If you have intolerances, you are advised to bring your own food.

Does the trip include snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling gear is not included, but if you bring your own goggles and snorkel kit you can snorkel during the swimming stops.

What time of year does the tour run?

The tour runs from May to September.

Is this boat trip suitable for people with mobility issues?

It is not recommended for people with reduced mobility and is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments due to the rocky nature of footpaths.