Visit the 8 most beautiful beaches in the South of Menorca Marenostrum

Menorca’s south coast feels made for swimming. I love the small-group boat style here, because you get multiple incredible calas in one half day without doing a marathon of car stops or long hikes.

Two swim breaks anchor the trip. At Cala en Turqueta you get a chance to snorkel in turquoise water, and at Cala Escorxada the boat brings you to a hard-to-reach inlet for an included aperitif and even a shot at paddle-surf. One heads-up, though: most other coves are quick looks from the boat, so plan on seeing beaches more than setting foot on them.

Quick hits before you go

• Max 12 passengers for a relaxed, not-chaotic boat feel
• Two main bathing stops with about 25 minutes each for swimming and photos
• Snorkel time at Cala en Turqueta and a fun activity at Cala Escorxada
• Boat access replaces a 1.5-hour walk to reach Cala Escorxada
• Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks included, plus an easy social vibe on board
• English offered, and the crew explains the coast while you cruise

Setting Out From Cala Galdana: How the 3.5-Hour Plan Works

This tour is a half-day outing at roughly 3 hours 30 minutes. You start from the bus stop at Cala Galdana Playa, Passatge Riu, 2, 07750 La Serpentona and you return to the same spot at the end.

Because it runs on the water, timing is also about conditions. Good weather matters, and the itinerary is built around short stops that let you get the views and still have swim time. Also, the trip is small, with a maximum of 12 travelers, which makes the boat feel like a day with friends instead of a crowded bus ride.

Practical tip: if you can, come a bit early to Cala Galdana so you are not rushing in flip-flops. The tour uses mobile tickets, and you get confirmation within 48 hours of booking.

Why a South-Coast Boat Route Beats the “One Beach at a Time” Game

Menorca’s south is all about contrast: famous coves you’ve seen in photos, plus smaller pockets that feel quieter and wilder. The boat route is valuable because it strings together several of the coast’s most scenic inlets in one go.

Here’s what that changes for you:

• You save the effort of walking to the more remote spots.
• You get sea-level angles that are hard to replicate from land.
• You can actually relax between swims, rather than constantly moving on foot.

The route also keeps things realistic. Most stops are short (often around 15 minutes), which means you’ll see the shape, color, and cliff lines quickly, then move on. The tour is not designed as a “park your feet on every beach for hours” day. It’s designed as a swim-and-sightsee circuit.

Cala en Turqueta: The Turquoise Swim Stop You’ll Remember

Cala en Turqueta is usually your first bathing stop. The schedule gives you about 25 minutes here, and the point is clear: turquoise water and a chance to snorkel in one of Menorca’s best-known coves.

What I like about this stop is the timing. You’re not just coasting by. You get enough time to cool off, swim, and have a look around with snorkeling without turning it into a full beach day. If you want that classic Menorca effect where the water looks almost unreal, this is where you see it.

One consideration: in busy periods, the cove can be popular. Your experience still depends on weather and conditions, so your best move is to treat this as your “make it count” swim stop.

Cala Escorxada: Boat Access, Aperitif, and Paddle-Surf Fun

Cala Escorxada is the kind of place that makes the boat portion feel worth it. It’s described as having a U-shaped sea inlet and being linked to the mouth of the Torrent de sa Torre. But the access on foot is tough, with a walk of about 1.5 hours from Cala Mitjana.

So instead of making you earn every view, the tour brings you there by sea. This stop is also another 25-minute bathing break, and it comes with included extras: an aperitif and the chance to try paddle-surf that’s on board.

If you like active breaks, this is the “different from just swimming” stop. Paddle-surf also helps you shift from photo mode to play mode, and that usually makes the whole day feel more like a holiday and less like a checklist.

Macarelleta and Macarella: Two Coves Close Enough to Compare

After Turqueta and Escorxada, the itinerary turns into shorter viewing stops. Cala Macarelleta is the postcard-styled one, with fine white sand and turquoise-blue water. It’s the kind of cove where you look over the edge and immediately understand why Menorca gets so many beach photos.

Next up is Cala Macarella, the neighboring virgin beach. It’s a little bigger, and it tends to be more frequented in summer. The best way to use these stops is to compare them visually from the boat:

• Macarelleta, fine and bright.
• Macarella, slightly larger and often busier.

You’ll likely get less time on the spot than you do at the bathing stops, so come with the mindset of quick, sharp viewing.

Trebaluger and Son Saura: Isolation Meets Classic South-Cove Style

Cala Trebaluger is described as very isolated and difficult to access by land. That isolation is part of its appeal. Expect white sand and turquoise water, plus a small river that flows into the sea.

Then comes Platges de Son Saura, one of the south’s most famous “virgin beach” style spots. This one has great amplitude and is split into two parts. Access is easier than Trebaluger, but it can still be quite frequented in summer.

This is a good pairing because it shows you two sides of the south:

• Trebaluger for the idea of being far from everything.
• Son Saura for wide-open beach energy without losing the natural look of the coast.

Cala Galdana’s Neighborhood: Mitjana and Mitjaneta for Clear Water and Wildlife Notes

Cala Galdana is your starting point and it’s one of Menorca’s most well-known coves, with plenty of services nearby but still strong natural beauty in the water and cliffs.

From there, the route moves to Cala Mitjana and Cala Mitjaneta. They sit next to each other, and together they’re part of that “you could stare for a long time” coastline: virgin beaches and crystal clear water.

What makes these stops extra interesting is the wildlife angle. The route notes include:

• peregrine falcon
• bats (different species)
• frogs, toads, and shrews

You probably won’t be tracking wildlife on this short boat stop, but knowing the area hosts it changes how you look at the cliffs and pine edges. It also gives you a better reason to pause and take in the whole coastline, not just the water.

The Tiny Coves Between: Why Anchoring Rules Matter

Menorca’s south has pockets that are small and wind-sensitive, and the tour route actually calls out that sort of detail. There’s mention of a very isolated, virgin seabed area characterized by fine white sand near shore, a pine forest close to the coastline, and dunes further back.

The important part for you: the route also notes that it is not advisable to anchor in one of these tiny coves because there are reefs called Escull near the natural mouth. That’s exactly the kind of practical information that keeps this tour feeling safe and sensible. It also explains why the captain might choose a particular spot for swimming rather than dropping anchor everywhere that looks tempting.

In other words, you’re not only getting views. You’re benefiting from local seamanship.

Cala Fustam: A Quarter-Circle Inlet With Pine to the First Line

The itinerary also includes Cala Fustam, described as a sea inlet in the shape of a quarter circle. It’s very small, flanked by cantiles (rocky outcrops) covered in thick pine forest reaching the first line of the coast.

Expect:

• fine white sand
• exposure to southeast to south-southwest winds
• a light breeze
• calm, crystal clear water
• low influx of bathers and tourists

The route description also gets very practical about boat conditions for anchoring. Underwater conditions for anchoring are said to be optimal as long as air masses from the south do not come in, because they can cause strong waves in this open roadstead.

You don’t need to memorize the meteorology. The real takeaway is that the captain’s choices are likely based on knowing where the water gets rough and where it stays calm.

Snacking, Gear, and the Crew Style That Makes the Boat Feel Easy

Food and comfort are part of the value here. The tour includes appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks. On the water, it matters that these breaks happen during the trip, not after. You get a mid-boat rhythm, snack, and then another chunk of water time.

For activities, Cala en Turqueta is the swim-and-snorkel focus, and Cala Escorxada is where paddle-surf comes in. Snorkeling gear is described as being available, so you can show up without needing to bring your own kit.

Also, the small-group setup makes a difference in how the crew can talk to you. The captain and crew are described as friendly and informative, with multi-language explanations. If you’re English-speaking, this matters because you get context while you’re actually seeing the calas, not just at the dock.

Price and Logistics: Does $84.69 Make Sense?

At $84.69 per person, this tour is not the cheapest thing in Menorca. But it’s also not just a scenic boat ride either.

You’re paying for:

• a 3.5-hour guided coastal circuit that hits multiple major south calas
• two main bathing stops with about 25 minutes each
• snorkeling and paddle-surf time built into the schedule
• included appetizers and drinks
• a small boat holding up to 12 people, which keeps it comfortable

So the value depends on your travel style. If you love swimming, snorkel play, and want one day that covers a lot of coastline without transport headaches, this price often feels fair.

If you mainly want to stretch out on a beach for hours and walk the sand, you might find the short stop format a bit limiting. Even the famous beaches tend to be viewed from the boat more than visited on foot.

Best For Who? Who Will Love This Most

This is a great fit for:

• families and friend groups who want activity without constant planning
• couples who want romantic views plus swim breaks
• solo travelers who like meeting people in a small group
• anyone who prefers getting to remote coves by boat rather than by a tough walk

It’s less ideal if you hate boats, get motion sick easily, or you’re expecting to land and explore every beach for long stretches.

My Quick Booking Verdict: Should You Book It?

If you want the south of Menorca in one half-day outing, with snorkel time, an aperitif stop, and a try-at-paddle-surf moment, I think this is an easy yes. The max-12 feel, the included snacks and drinks, and the way the route uses boat access to reach places like Cala Escorxada make it a strong value.

Book it if your top priority is water time and coastline views, not walking every beach.

Don’t book it if your ideal day is a quiet beach chair for hours at a time and zero time spent on a boat.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The experience lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at the Bus Stop – Cala Galdana Playa, Passatge Riu, 2, 07750 La Serpentona, Illes Balears, Spain.

What activities are included at the stops?

The plan includes swimming at Cala en Turqueta and Cala Escorxada, with snorkeling available at Cala en Turqueta. Paddle-surf is offered at the Cala Escorxada stop. Appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks are included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Can children join, and is the price different?

There is no difference in price between children and adults. Service animals are allowed as well.