Northern coves by boat feel like cheating, and this trip is built to help you do it at easy pace. I love that you get appetizers included and real time at lesser-known bays on the north coast, not just a slow cruise with no payoff. One thing to keep in mind: the boat can run busy, so swim time and paddle-board turns may feel a bit “first come” at the stops.

If you want options—active or relaxed—this is a good fit. You’ve got a slide, ladder access, snorkeling gear, and paddle boards, plus a restroom onboard. Your main decision is how long you’ll stay in the water, because the best moments happen during the anchoring stops.

Key highlights

• Fornells Bay right up front: a short walk plus harbor views before you head north
• Cabo de Cavalleria and Illa des Porros: lighthouse cliffs and protected wildlife zones from the water
• Virgin coves with multiple sand pockets: clear water and limestone scenery at the less-accessible spots
• Two serious beach-and-swim stops: Platja de Cavalleria and Cala Pregonda
• Water fun for different comfort levels: slide, ladder, snorkel gear, paddle boards, and a floating mat

From Fornells to the north coves: how this trip is actually paced

This is a half-day boat outing that keeps things simple. You start and end in Fornells, then spend your time moving along the north coast’s famous headlands and remote little coves—without the hassle of getting to them by car and on foot.

The whole ride runs about 3 hours 30 minutes. Most of that time is doing something: cruising, listening for landmark callouts, and then dropping anchor for swimming. You’re not stuck watching from a deck the whole time.

The group size is capped at 50 people. That matters, because it helps explain what you’ll feel onboard: friendly and lively, but not a private charter vibe. If you like breathing room, plan to go early in the swim window and be ready to share the water fun.

Meet the route: Fornells and the north-coast landmarks you pass

Stop 1: Fornells Bay stroll (quick, useful orientation)

You begin at the harbor area on the Passeig Marítim in Fornells. Right away, you get views over Fornells Bay, and you also have a short chance to stroll the town’s streets for about 10 minutes.

This quick walk isn’t just for photos. It helps you orient yourself so that when you come back later, you understand what you just saw from the sea and how the harbor fits into the coast.

Cabo de Cavalleria: the lighthouse with real cliff drama

As the boat heads into the north-coast scenery, you’ll pass near Cabo de Cavalleria Lighthouse, described as the island’s second oldest and known for its distinctive look. The cliff drops are over 90 meters high, so even from the water, the scale is impressive.

Why it’s worth caring about: this lighthouse zone is one of the main reasons the north coast feels so different from the more easygoing coves around the south of Menorca. You’re seeing the raw coastline shaping the sea.

Illa des Porros: a protected islet at the northern edge

Next up is Illa des Porros, an islet tied to the northernmost point of the Balearic archipelago. It’s protected because it supports colonies of birds, plus native lizards.

From a visitor perspective, this is one of those moments where the boat quietly delivers a biology lesson without making it boring. You’re simply passing through a conservation-relevant zone, and that’s part of why the trip feels meaningful beyond swimming.

Virgin cove stop-in-the-mix: limestone, clear water, and three sand pockets

There’s also a described “absolutely virgin cove,” with limestone rock and crystal-clear water that lets you see the seabed. Its signature is that it’s divided into three small sand areas.

This kind of spot is what people mean when they talk about Menorca’s clear water—visibility is the star. The snorkeling gear helps, but even without it, you’ll get a strong underwater view because the water is clear and the bottom stays visible.

Puerto de Sanitja and Roman Sanisera: ancient coast, natural port vibes

You’ll pass by Puerto de Sanitja, described as an ancient natural port tied to the Roman city of Sanisera. The point here isn’t history class. It’s that the coastline you’re cruising isn’t only scenic—it also makes sense as a place where people once sheltered ships.

If you like understanding why a place looks the way it does, this is a nice in-between detail.

Cala Rotja: calm, with a color story from red clay

Later along the route, you’ll see Cala Rotja, which is a quiet option—especially in summer. Its name comes from red clay that breaks loose from the stones, giving the cove a characteristic color.

The takeaway: this is the type of stop that helps you feel the rhythm of the north coast. Not just “pretty water,” but small changes in color and mood across coves.

Platja de Cavalleria: the first big swim break

The first longer anchoring stop is Platja de Cavalleria, one of the larger north-coast beaches. It’s described as virgin, surrounded by wild nature, and watched by the Cavalleria Lighthouse.

There’s typically a plan to swim here for about 30 minutes, if the sea conditions allow it. The beach itself is noted as being less frequented because access by land is difficult. On the ground it’s fine sand with stones, so it’s not a slick sand postcard.

What to do with your 30 minutes:

• If you snorkel, you’ll get the best results by going in early, when the water is calmest.
• If you just want a soak, skip the overthinking and use the ladder access to get in comfortably.

One practical tip: bring or wear water-friendly footwear if you’re sensitive to stones. The tour setup includes ladders and swimming aids, but the beach surface is still what it is.

Cala Pregonda: the stop that usually makes the trip feel complete

If Platja de Cavalleria is the warm-up, Cala Pregonda is the payoff. It’s one of the best-known and most loved north-coast beaches, in a protected natural area.

You anchor here for about 30 minutes, and this is where the trip leans into play. You can swim and snorkel, and you’ll also have access to:

• paddle surf boards
• a giant floating mat
• and a chance to relax onboard (including a mentioned mojito at this stage)

Why this stop matters for value: this is where the tour stops acting like sightseeing and starts acting like a beach day you don’t have to plan. You just show up, gear up, and enjoy.

A real-world consideration: the boat can feel lively, and gear is limited. Even with multiple swimming aids, if you’re hoping for paddle boarding without waiting, go at the start of the swim window rather than trying to fit it between busy moments.

And check the water conditions. One downside that shows up in firsthand accounts is that swimming can come with surprises like jellyfish. If you’re unsure, stick closer to the crew’s guidance and keep an eye on how others are reacting before you go full snorkeling mode.

The onboard experience: slide, ladders, snorkeling gear, and comfort basics

This tour isn’t just about where you go. It’s also about how the boat lets you join the water quickly.

Included gear and features you can plan around:

• Snorkeling equipment (plus lifevests provided)
• stand up paddle boards
• giant floating mat
• ladder for easier entry and exit
• a slide to jump into the water
• a restroom onboard

From a comfort standpoint, the restroom is the quiet hero on a half-day trip. And the ladder matters if you’re not into the idea of jumping in right away.

What you should expect about food and drinks:

• Appetizers are included.
• There’s also mention of a traditional drink and people specifically talk about a strawberry mojito onboard.
• If you want more food, you can buy snacks and beverages onboard, but those extra items are not included.

Portion reality check: some folks feel the included snack/appetizer is small. If you’re the type who gets hungry fast, eat a proper meal before you arrive, then treat onboard bites as a bonus.

Hygiene note: snorkeling gear is provided, and that’s convenient, but if you’re picky about cleanliness, bring your own snorkel mask if you can.

Group vibe and timing: why arriving early helps

Because the boat leaves on time and you’re expected to arrive 20 minutes early, showing up late is how you lose your best view and maybe your peace of mind.

With a group of up to 50, logistics are real. Getting there early helps you:

• find a good seat
• get your gear sorted quickly
• and be ready to move when the swim windows happen

Also remember: the sea schedule can change. There’s an explicit note that the experience requires good weather, and the sea conditions determine whether you can swim at certain stops.

So your best strategy is to arrive ready to swim, stay flexible about which stop feels best, and not plan your whole day around one exact minute.

Who this trip is best for (and who should consider another option)

This is a strong match for:

• families: the slide, floating mat, and gear make it easier for kids and mixed-age groups
• friends who want sun + swimming without a lot of planning
• couples who want a relaxed boat day but still want real water time
• people staying in the south who want a quick, low-effort route to the north coves

It’s less ideal if:

• you hate crowds and want space for long, quiet snorkeling sessions
• you’re very sensitive to water surprises (like jellyfish) and want a guaranteed calm lagoon
• you want a slow, scenic cruise with minimal boarding and swim activity

Value check: what $50.69 gets you on a Menorca water day

At about $50.69 per person for roughly 3.5 hours, this is priced like a true activity, not just a scenic ride. The value comes from the combination:

• you get swim time at multiple north-coast sites
• snorkeling gear and paddle boards are included
• you have multiple ways to enjoy the water (slide, ladder, floating mat)
• and you’re not paying extra for the basic boat-day tools

Could you spend more for a smaller boat or more intimate access? Sure. But for a shared format, this is one of the more “activity-heavy” options—especially because the itinerary includes more than one meaningful swimming anchor.

If you’re booking for a group, the value feels even better because the included gear keeps everyone in the fun with minimal add-ons.

Tips to get the most out of it

A few practical moves will make this feel smoother:

• Bring swim essentials: swimsuit, towel, sunscreen. If you have a rash guard, it can help with comfort.
• Wear water shoes if you’re bothered by stones at beaches.
• Bring a dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone.
• If you want the best snorkel experience, go during the start of the swim stop and keep an eye on water conditions.
• Eat beforehand. Included bites are nice, but don’t count on them replacing a full snack/meal if you’re hungry.

And if the weather looks questionable, stay calm. Good weather is part of the deal for a reason.

Should you book the Fornells northern coves boat trip?

I think you should book this if you want a fun, no-car way to see Cabo de Cavalleria, experience Menorca’s northern vibe, and spend real time in the water at Platja de Cavalleria and Cala Pregonda. The included snorkeling setup and paddle-board options make it feel like a full water day, not a sightseeing-only outing.

Skip it if your top priority is solitude. The boat setup is shared, the swim windows can get popular, and gear access can feel tight when everyone hits the water at once.

If your dream day is half-day sun, multiple swim breaks, and north-coast scenery without the logistics headache, this one is an easy yes.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip from Fornells?

It runs about 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at Passeig Marítim Poeta Gumersind Riera, 55, 07748 Fornells, Illes Balears, Spain.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with lifevests.

Are paddle boards included?

Yes. Stand up paddle boards are included.

How many swimming stops are there?

There are two main swimming/beach time stops: Platja de Cavalleria and Cala Pregonda, each for about 30 minutes.

What food and drinks are included?

Appetizers are included. Snacks and drinks like coffee/tea, bottled water, soft drinks, and alcohol are available to purchase onboard.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is it family-friendly?

It can be a good choice for families, with features like a slide into the water and onboard floating and water-access equipment for different ages.

What if weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Do I need to arrive early?

Yes. It’s essential to arrive 20 minutes in advance because the boat leaves on time.