Half-day experience of the unspoilt coves of southern Menorca

If you’re thinking about spending a half-day soaking up the natural beauty of Menorca’s southern coast, this boat tour might catch your eye. It promises a glimpse of unchanged beaches, clear waters, and scenic coastlines, all from the comfort of a boat. For those who love a dose of nature without the hassle of strenuous trekking or crowded spots, this experience offers a chance to enjoy the island’s quieter, less commercialized side.

What we really like about this tour is its focus on authentic, unspoilt beaches—places that are difficult to access via car or foot. Plus, with stops offering direct beach access, you get the chance to swim, relax, or just marvel at the scenery for a good chunk of time. On the flip side, some reviews hint that the experience might feel a bit rushed or not quite as comprehensive as some travelers hoped, especially if you’re expecting multiple stops or longer beach time.

This tour is probably best suited for those who enjoy a scenic boat ride and want a quick, straightforward glimpse of beautiful coves. If you’re after a full day of beach hopping or detailed guided explanations, you might find this a bit limited. But if you’re after a relaxed, scenic outing that highlights the natural beauty of Menorca’s south coast, it could be a solid choice.

Key Points

• Focus on untouched beaches with crystal-clear waters.
• One main stop with a dedicated beach time of approximately one hour.
• Includes visits to iconic landmarks like the Far d’Artrutx lighthouse.
• Good for travelers wanting quick scenic views rather than in-depth exploration.
• Group size is capped at 170, offering a relatively comfortable experience.
• Price point around $40.52 per person offers decent value considering the scenic stops.
• Short duration—about 3.5 hours—fits well into a busy day.
• Mixed reviews about the length of time on the boat and the number of stops.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

This half-day tour kicks off from Ciutadella de Menorca, with your meeting point at Camí de sa Farola. From there, the adventure begins with a boat ride along the south coast, offering sweeping views of Menorca’s rugged coastline. One of the standout features is the chance to see one of Menorca’s seven lighthouses, the Far d’Artrutx, easily recognizable thanks to its striking black-and-white stripes and impressive height. It’s a photo-worthy moment that adds a bit of local character to the voyage.

Exploring the Coveted Beaches

Stop 1: Platges de Son Saura

You’ll enter Son Saura, which is actually made up of two beaches—Banyuls facing west and Bellavista facing east. This spot gets high marks from travelers for its white sand and turquoise waters, perfect for a quick dip or just lounging with the postcard views. One reviewer noted, “It was nice to get to the sandy beach WHEN we finally did get there,” pointing out that the beach is lovely but the journey there can feel a little rushed, especially if you’re eager to relax. The tour allocates roughly an hour here, providing enough time for a swim or some sunbathing but not much more.

Stop 2: Cala Turqueta

Next, you’ll explore Cala Turqueta, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and tranquil vibe. The boat will anchor nearby, giving you about an hour to enjoy the beach. Travelers often describe this as “a wonderful beach with clear waters,” and the one-hour stop is enough to dip in, take photos, or simply soak in the serenity. Several reviews mention that this is a highlight, with one saying, “the beauty of this beach makes every moment worth it,” even if the trip involves a boat ride that some found longer than they’d like.

Other Notable Sightings

While the major stops are Son Saura and Cala Turqueta, the boat also passes by Coves of Macarella and Macarelleta, which you can observe from the water. These are among the most photographed and celebrated spots on the island, and it’s a treat to see them from the sea, especially if you’re short on time or prefer to avoid the crowds.

What Travelers Say

Authentic reviews give us a good picture of what to expect. Several mention that the boat itself is large and spacious, making it a comfortable ride. For example, one reviewer appreciated the “big boat and a good choice if you only have three hours,” which suggests the vessel can accommodate a decent number of passengers without feeling cramped.

Beach time varies, with some feeling the hour-long stops are perfect, while others think they could be longer. One traveler noted, “the time on the boat was too long,” and the beach visit “felt rushed,” which is worth considering if you’re a beach lover wanting more downtime.

Pricing is seen as fair by some, especially considering the scenic value, but a few critics felt it was a bit steep, especially if they expected more stops or longer beach access. One person pointed out that the €35 rate suddenly jumped to €40 when booking online, which can be a point of confusion or frustration.

The overall ambiance is described as pleasant, and many reviewers recommend it for those who want a snapshot of Menorca’s coast without the hassle of planning multiple trips or long hikes.

Practical Details: Transportation, Timing, and Group Size

The tour begins at Camí de sa Farola in Ciutadella, with a meeting point that’s accessible via public transport, so getting there shouldn’t be a problem. The total experience lasts about 3 hours and 30 minutes, fitting neatly into a morning or early afternoon plan.

The boat can carry up to 170 travelers, which means it’s a fairly popular choice but still manageable for groups. The group size can influence the overall vibe—larger groups might feel busier, while smaller ones could make for a more intimate experience.

Pricing at approximately $40.52 per person makes it a reasonable option for a scenic boat trip, especially since the tour includes live narration and stops at two beautiful beaches. The price also covers the admission to the beaches during the stops, which adds value.

What You Should Know Before Booking

• Duration is just under four hours, so plan accordingly if you want a relaxed experience.
• There are only one or two stops, so if you’re hoping for extensive beach time or multiple stops, this might fall short.
• The tour includes a 1-hour stop at either Son Saura or Cala Turqueta, giving you enough time for swimming or relaxing.
• Be prepared for a long boat ride, which some find a bit tiresome, especially if the weather is warm.
• The price is around average for similar experiences, but the value depends on your expectations for time and stops.
• Weather-dependent, so if the weather’s poor, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This experience is ideal for travelers who prioritize scenic views over extensive stops. If you want to see some of Menorca’s most beautiful coves without the hassle of driving and prefer a relaxed boat ride, it’s a good fit. It also suits those with limited time on the island, offering a quick but picturesque tour.

However, if you’re craving more beach time or detailed guided commentary, this might feel a bit rushed. Also, if you’re traveling with children, bear in mind the boat ride can be lengthy, and some reviews mention the experience can feel a tad short on beach relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including the boat ride and stops.

What stops are included?
It features one main stop at Son Saura or Cala Turqueta, with about an hour of beach time. The boat also passes by Macarella and Macarelleta coves for scenic views.

Is there any transportation included?
No, private transportation isn’t included. You’ll need to meet at the specified point in Ciutadella.

How many people can join?
The group is capped at 170 travelers, so it’s a popular choice but usually manageable.

What’s the price?
It costs about $40.52 per person, which covers the boat ride and beach access.

Is the experience family-friendly?
It’s suitable for most travelers, but consider the length of the boat ride and the short beach stops if traveling with young children.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and perhaps some snacks or water, though drinks and snacks are available on the boat—at reasonable prices.

Final Thoughts

This boat tour of southern Menorca offers a beautiful snapshot of the island’s less developed coastlines, perfect for those wanting quick access to stunning beaches without the hassle of land transportation. While some reviews note the experience can feel a little rushed or limited in stops, the scenery and the chance to swim in crystal waters make it a worthwhile option, especially if you’re short on time.

It’s a good pick for scenery lovers, casual beachgoers, and travelers wanting a comfortable, scenic boat trip. Just keep in mind that the tour emphasizes the beauty of the coast over lengthy beach stops or detailed commentary. If that matches your travel style, you’ll likely leave with some lovely memories of Menorca’s untouched coves.

Happy sailing and beach exploring!