Menorca: Full-Day Boat Tour with Paella Lunch

Menorca: Full-Day Boat Tour with Paella Lunch – A Detailed Look

If you’re planning a trip to Menorca, this full-day boat tour along the south coast offers a fantastic way to see some of the island’s most unspoiled beaches. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, I’ve studied plenty of reviews and details to give you an honest, practical rundown. It’s a popular experience for those wanting a mix of scenic beauty, good food, and a day out on the water without too much hassle.

What I really like about this tour is the attention to beautiful beaches—Cala en Turqueta and Son Saura—both are reputed to be picture-perfect and less crowded than other spots. Plus, the inclusion of a traditional paella lunch on board adds a nice local touch and makes it a meal to look forward to. On the downside, you’ll want to be ready for a full day with a fair bit of time on the boat and at the beaches, so packing light snacks or drinks might be helpful. It’s a good fit for those who enjoy nature, relaxed days, and tasty food without too much rigmarole.

This trip is especially suitable for those who want to combine scenery with a little culinary experience, and for travelers who appreciate a well-organized day with plenty of free time at the stops. It’s not a tour for anyone with mobility issues or who needs wheelchair accessibility, but otherwise, it’s quite straightforward and friendly for most travelers looking to make the most of Menorca’s coastline.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Beautiful beaches: Stops at Cala en Turqueta and Son Saura are highlights.
• Relaxed pace: Plenty of free time for swimming, relaxing, or just soaking in the views.
• Delicious food: Onboard paella, with a choice of sangria or a soft drink, is a real treat.
• Organized experience: Punctual guides, clear itinerary, and multiple language options.
• Worth noting: Bring your own snacks and drinks if you want variety or extra hydration.
• Visitor feedback: Generally very positive, especially about scenery, guides, and food value.

The Experience Breakdown: What to Expect

Departure and First Cruise

The adventure kicks off in the port of Ciutadella, where you’ll likely spot the unmistakable red boat marked “Fiesta.” The boat departs around 9:30 am, so arriving a bit earlier helps avoid any last-minute rush. From there, it’s about an hour of cruising along Menorca’s coast, giving you your first glimpse of the island’s rugged shoreline and hidden coves.

Stops at Cala en Turqueta and Son Saura

The real magic begins when you arrive at Cala en Turqueta. Here, you’ll have around two hours to swim, sunbathe, or just enjoy the pristine scenery. This beach is often described as postcard-perfect, with clear, calm waters and soft sand, making it perfect for relaxing or taking selfies.

Next, the boat heads to Son Saura for about an hour and a half. This stop is a favorite among reviews, with travelers highlighting the relaxed vibe and beautiful setting. You’ll have the chance to go for a swim, take photos, or simply lounge on the boat and enjoy the views. Keep in mind, during the first stop, the boat won’t let you back on for about 2.5 hours due to the paella cooking, so bring everything you need for that time—snacks, water, maybe a book.

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The Paella Lunch

A standout feature of this trip is the onboard paella, which usually includes a mix of meat and seafood (no pork). Many reviewers agree that the paella is delicious, with one describing it as “full of bones and hardly any meat,” but overall, most find it satisfying and a fun part of the experience. It’s served with a glass of sangria or a soft drink, adding to the laid-back, festive atmosphere.

Scenic View of Macarella and Macarelleta

After lunch, the boat glides over to Cala Macarella and Macarelleta, offering scenic views from the water. While you won’t stay long here, the boat cruise provides a different perspective of these famous coves, giving you plenty of photo opportunities.

Final Stop and Return

The last stop is at Son Saura again for about an hour and a half, giving you another chance to swim, relax, or explore. The boat then heads back to Ciutadella, arriving roughly around 6 or 7 pm, depending on the day’s schedule.

Who Will Love This Trip?

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of swimming, sightseeing, and good food in a relaxed setting. It’s a great option for those who enjoy scenic boat trips and don’t mind a full day out at sea. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to visit some of Menorca’s most beautiful beaches, with the benefit of local guides and a tasty meal, this trip hits a lot of marks.

However, if you’re someone who prefers a more active or flexible experience, or has specific dietary needs (like vegetarian options, which aren’t available here), you might want to consider other options. Also, if mobility is an issue, this tour might not be suitable due to the nature of boat access and walking on uneven beaches.

The Value of This Tour

For $63 per person, this tour offers a full day of exploring the coast, with multiple scenic stops and a hearty meal. Many reviews highlight that the value for money is high—you get plenty of free time, beautiful views, and a traditional meal included. Keep in mind that food and drinks beyond the essentials are additional, so bringing some snacks might make your day even better.

The guides are praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, which enhances the experience, especially if you’re not familiar with the area or if you don’t speak Spanish. The boat itself might be described as a little older, but comfortable enough for the group size.

Practical Tips for Your Day Out

• Bring plenty of water and snacks especially during the first beach stop when the boat is not accessible for a couple of hours.
• Pack swimwear, a towel, and sun protection—the sun can be strong, and you’ll want to make the most of your time in the water.
• Arrive early at the meeting point to avoid any stress and ensure you’re ready for departure.
• Check the weather forecast before you go—bad weather can affect the schedule and comfort.
• Be aware of the timing: the boat leaves early and returns late, so plan your day accordingly.
• Consider bringing a waterproof camera or phone case to capture the stunning coastlines and beaches.

FAQ

What is included in the price?
The full 7-hour cruise, guided commentary in multiple languages, free time at Cala en Turqueta and Son Saura, views of Macarella and Macarelleta, a paella lunch, and a soft drink or sangria.

Are drinks or snacks available for purchase?
Yes, small snacks, ice cream, and additional drinks are available on the boat, but you should bring extra water and snacks if you want variety or need to stay hydrated.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the reviews don’t specify strict age limits, the tour involves swimming and outdoor activities, so it’s best suited for older children or teenagers comfortable with boat trips. The tour is not explicitly family-focused.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?
It’s not mentioned that you can bring your own food or drinks on board, so it’s safest to assume that all consumables are provided or available for purchase.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, unless you select an option that includes it. The meeting point is at the port of Ciutadella, with a convenient location marked by a red boat.

How long are the beach stops?
Cala en Turqueta gets about 2 hours, Son Saura roughly 1.5 hours, and the second beach stop around 1.5 hours as well.

What should I bring?
Swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and any personal items you might need for swimming and relaxing on the beach.

Are guides available in different languages?
Yes, guides speak Spanish, English, French, Italian, and Portuguese, enhancing the experience for international visitors.

Is the boat accessible for everyone?
Not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility challenges, as the boat and beaches may involve uneven surfaces or steps.

Final Thoughts

This boat tour in Menorca offers a solid way to enjoy the island’s incredible coastline, with some of the most beautiful beaches, scenic views, and a traditional Spanish meal thrown in. The combination of free time at iconic beaches, a friendly crew, and local food makes it an appealing choice for those looking to relax and explore without much fuss.

While it’s not a tour for someone with specific dietary restrictions or mobility issues, for most travelers seeking a scenic, laid-back day with good food and great views, it’s a decent deal. Pack your essentials, bring a good attitude, and enjoy what many reviewers have called a “brilliant” day out.

In summary, if you’re after an uncomplicated, well-organized day in Menorca with beautiful beaches, delicious paella, and helpful guides, this tour ticks many boxes. Just be ready for a day full of sunshine, sea, and scenic beauty — and perhaps a few bones in the paella.

You can check availability for your dates here: