More about: Sailboat Trips from Menorca
Menorca is probably the most natural and best preserved island of the Balearic Islands. There you will enjoy the sea and nature like in few other places in the world, especially if you join a boat trip in Menorca. If instead of just any boat you choose to complete your trip with a sailing trip, you'll want to stay and live there (forewarned is forearmed).
Let yourself be carried away by the swaying of the waves, the strength of the wind and the silence of the most spectacular unspoilt coves in Europe. Here are the best excursions to embark on this adventure:
Menorca Sailing Cruise
Discover Menorca from the sea on a sailing boat
Explore untouched coves and inaccessible corners by land on a sailing excursion in the Northern Marine Reserve. Includes lunch, drinks and snorkelling equipment.
If you want to discover the most authentic and peaceful side of Menorca, this sailing excursion along the north coast of the island is just what you're looking for. Unlike the typical catamaran trips or big tourist boats, here you will travel in a small group sailing boat, which guarantees an intimate, relaxed and very special experience.
During the whole day you will sail through the Marine Reserve of the North of Menorca, stopping at unspoilt coves such as Cala Pilar, Cala Pudent or Cala Pregonda, places that can only be reached by sea. On board you will enjoy lunch and drinks included, and if you feel like it, you can use the snorkelling equipment to explore the underwater life. Ideal for those seeking tranquillity, nature and a different way of experiencing Menorca from the sea.
Recommended if... you prefer a quiet and exclusive excursion on a sailing boat, far from mass tourism and with access to the most remote coves of the island.
How much does a sailing excursion in Menorca cost?
The prices for sailing excursions are a little higher than the more crowded boat trips. Bear in mind that you will be travelling in small groups and the experience is much more exclusive, so you will have to pay around 60 € for 4 hours of sailing or 110 € for the whole day.
However, bear in mind that sailing excursions usually include drinks and snacks. In the case of this 7-hour excursion, lunch is also included on board so you don't have to worry about anything else. If you're looking for something more economical, you can always join a larger organised tour, such as some of the excursions that pass through the southern coves (priced at €50 for the whole day and €28 for four hours).
Why a sailing excursion is worthwhile
The answer is clear: the experience is much more premium. For starters, the sailboats will hold a maximum of 12 passengers, making them virtually private tours. You'll sail away from the crowds (and the noise) of the masses and the excursion will allow you to enjoy nature even more.
On the other hand, you can get closer to the crew, ask your questions to the skipper, discuss your favourite spots so that he can stop and you can swim, etc. Furthermore, sailing is not comparable to embarking on a much larger boat (there are boats that can accommodate more than 200 people).
At this point it is indisputable that the crystal clear waters of Menorca are best enjoyed from the sea. However, the range of tours on the island is quite varied and you will find routes and excursions to suit all budgets. If sailing excursions don't suit you, don't worry, there are more options.
How to book a sailing excursion
The easiest way is to book online. In Hellotickets you can check timetables, prices and availability. The main recommendation is to book in advance. Sailboats have a very limited capacity and if you travel in summer, the demand tends to be very high. Book your boat trip as soon as you have your plane tickets so you don't run out of space on board.
How long does a sailing trip last?
If you're planning to book a sailing trip, you'll be able to choose the duration. You can usually find full-day tours (the price is around 110-120 €) or half-day tours. Half-day sailing trips usually last around 3.5 hours and are usually long enough to see the most important coves in the area.
Excursion timetable
If you choose the full day trip you will have to board in the morning (normally around 10:00) to make the most of the daylight hours. You will return to the port at around 17:00 after having spent a spectacular day sailing along the coast of Menorca and having had lunch on board. If you choose the afternoon excursion, you will embark around 19:00 to watch the sunset from the boat and return to the port late in the evening.
Sailing excursions itinerary
Sailing trips usually start from the north coast of the island. The base port will always be Fornells and from there you will sail, literally, wherever the wind takes you. And this should not worry you. Firstly, because with the skipper's experience you will reach the most spectacular and hidden places in the north and secondly, because the whole area is spectacular, so wherever you go, you will be amazed.
The best known coves on the north coast are Cala Tortuga, Cala Pregonda, Cala Pilar and Cap de Cavalleria. You will be amazed.
Other boat trips in Menorca
If you want to explore the turquoise waters that bathe the island of Menorca but you are not convinced about doing it on board a sailing boat, I also recommend the option of taking a catamaran excursion. If not, you can always consult my guide to the best boat trips in Menorca to find out the best routes and the full range of prices available.
If you want to make sure you find a boat trip close to your hotel or flat, I have also put together a list of the best boat trips departing from every major cove or town on the island: