Full Day Excursion by Sailing Boat along the North Coast

REVIEW · MENORCA

Full Day Excursion by Sailing Boat along the North Coast

  • 5.029 reviews
  • From $82
Book on Viator →

Operated by Pachira Tours · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating★ 5.0 (29)Price from$82Operated byPachira ToursBook viaViator

A day on the water turns Menorca into something you can taste and see. This full-day sailing trip leaves from Fornells and strings together multiple swim moments, with onboard snacks and lunch, so you’re not just riding—you’re actually using the sea time. I love the small group size (max 8) and the practical extras included for your comfort: snorkeling gear, water, soft drinks, and a prepared meal. The one thing to plan around is that the exact stops can change with sea conditions, so flexibility matters more than checking a fixed checklist.

What really makes this feel worth it is how the day is set up for you to spend real time at the waterline. You’ll get snorkeling equipment and repeated opportunities to swim from anchorages, plus you’re fed along the way with snacks and lunch (alcohol is not included). And if you care about how a boat feels, recent feedback specifically praised Captain Marc for being attentive and professional, with knowledge about the island and the sailing process.

Here’s the main consideration: the route is adjusted depending on conditions, and some specific sites may not be visited. That’s normal for sailing on the coast, but if you’re the type who wants a guaranteed, exact-cove itinerary, you’ll want to know that going in.

Key highlights you’ll feel on the day

Full Day Excursion by Sailing Boat along the North Coast - Key highlights you’ll feel on the day

  • North coast sailing from Fornells with a full 7-hour rhythm instead of a short hop
  • 2+ anchorages guaranteed so you still get multiple swims, even if conditions shift
  • Snorkeling gear included, plus snacks and water/soft drinks throughout
  • Lunch included with Menorcan-style touches (not just bread and chips)
  • Max 8 travelers, which keeps the vibe calmer and easier to manage on board
  • Captain-focused experience with named praise for Marc’s service and local storytelling

Why sailing the north coast from Fornells is such a smart Menorca move

Full Day Excursion by Sailing Boat along the North Coast - Why sailing the north coast from Fornells is such a smart Menorca move
Fornells is a great base for a sailing day because it puts you on the north side of the island, where the coastline offers lots of sheltered spots for swimming. What I like about this trip is that it treats the sea as the main event, not an awkward transport phase. You’re scheduled for anchorages, snacks, and snorkel time, so the day flows like a sequence of short adventures.

Also, Menorca’s reputation for clear water isn’t just marketing. When you’re anchored and allowed to swim on your own time (instead of rushing through one stop), you can actually get comfortable in the water and take in what’s under the surface. This trip gives you repeated chances, not a single “quick dip.”

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Menorca.

Getting on board: 10:00 am start, about 7 hours, and a max of 8

You meet at Passeig Marítim Poeta Gumersind Riera, 58, in Fornells, and the tour starts at 10:00 am. It runs for about 7 hours and ends back at the same meeting point, which makes planning the rest of your day easier—no complicated transfers afterward.

The group size is capped at 8 travelers, and that matters more than it sounds. Smaller groups generally mean less waiting, smoother movement on board, and a better chance of getting help if you want it with snorkeling equipment or finding your rhythm in the water. It also tends to make the captain’s attention feel more personal.

Finally, the meeting point is described as near public transportation, so you’re not forced to make the whole day a taxi-only operation.

What’s included on the water (and what you’ll need to plan for)

Full Day Excursion by Sailing Boat along the North Coast - What’s included on the water (and what you’ll need to plan for)
This is one of the cleaner “value packages” I’ve seen for a sailing day, because the essentials are already built in:

  • Snorkeling equipment (so you don’t hunt for a rental)
  • Soda/pop and bottled water
  • Snacks
  • Lunch
  • Alcoholic beverages are not included

That means you can show up, do the snorkeling, and eat without keeping a mental running tally of extra costs. You’ll just want to bring what you personally need for comfort on a boat: sun protection, and anything you like for water shoes or extra head protection (if that’s your style).

Also, note the wording around snacks and lunch: some days meals can feel “light” compared with a full restaurant experience. In one set of feedback, lunch included pasta salad and a small piece of ensaimada, which is tasty and classic, but not a huge feast for everyone. You’ll probably feel fine if you come hungry, but if you’re a big-eater, consider having a solid breakfast before pickup.

The anchorage plan: why sea conditions change the stops

Full Day Excursion by Sailing Boat along the North Coast - The anchorage plan: why sea conditions change the stops
The schedule is designed around sailing reality. You’ll make multiple stops, and if the sea conditions aren’t favorable, the captain adapts the route. That means a particular site might not be visited. The key point you should hold onto is that you’ll always get 2 or more anchorages so you can enjoy the coastline views and go snorkeling.

This setup is smart for two reasons:

  1. You still get multiple swim windows, which is the heart of the experience.
  2. The captain can choose conditions that protect comfort, especially for anchoring safely and keeping everyone happy in the water.

So instead of trying to force a rigid itinerary, the day works like this: sail → anchorage → snack or swim time → sail again → another anchorage. You’re not stuck in the same place all day, but you’re not constantly “on the move” either.

What to expect at each stop (even when plans shift)

Because the specific stop locations aren’t fixed here, think of each stop as a chance for one of these:

  • A swim opportunity with snorkeling gear
  • Time to admire the coastline from the water
  • A break that resets the day with snacks

The good news: the trip doesn’t rely on one miracle cove. It repeatedly gives you a reason to be on deck and a reason to get in the water.

Snorkeling on this tour: practical tips for a better swim

Full Day Excursion by Sailing Boat along the North Coast - Snorkeling on this tour: practical tips for a better swim
Since snorkeling equipment is included, your job is mostly comfort and timing. I’d treat snorkeling as a “gentle exploration” rather than a goal-achievement contest. Spend your first swim adjusting your mask and breathing. Then use the next anchorage to slow down and look around.

A few practical things you can do to make the most of those repeated swim stops:

  • Go in early during each anchorage if you can, when you’re less tired and more alert.
  • Keep an eye on where you can stand or steady yourself when reboarding (boats can be a bit different from beach entry).
  • Rinse off after you can—saltwater tends to stick around, and it’s nicer to feel comfortable later at lunch.

And because the day is built around anchorages, you’re usually not dealing with tight schedules. That’s ideal if you want a calm, no-rush snorkeling session.

Lunch and onboard vibe: typical island food at sea level

Full Day Excursion by Sailing Boat along the North Coast - Lunch and onboard vibe: typical island food at sea level
Lunch is included, and the overall tone from feedback is that it’s not just a token snack. One comment highlighted the meal as flavorful and part of the charm, describing it as typical food from the island. Another mentioned specifics like pasta salad and ensaimada, which gives you a clear idea of what kind of meal to expect: filling enough for most people, with classic Menorcan flavors.

What I like about lunch on a sailing day is that you don’t have to do the “find food, navigate menus, lose time” dance. You eat, you rest a bit, and then you’re back out enjoying another anchorage.

Also, a calm onboard pace shows up in the feedback. People appreciated that the day doesn’t feel rushed and that they had time to swim without constant pressure. That’s exactly what you want on a 7-hour excursion.

Price and value: does $82 make sense for a full sailing day?

Full Day Excursion by Sailing Boat along the North Coast - Price and value: does $82 make sense for a full sailing day?
At about $82, you’re paying for a full-day structure with several real inclusions: snorkeling gear, water and soft drinks, snacks, and lunch. You’re also paying for the sailing work itself—finding anchorages, managing the boat, and keeping everyone comfortable in changing conditions.

The value is best if you’ll use the features:

  • If you plan to snorkel more than once (you will, thanks to 2+ anchorages)
  • If you want lunch handled for you
  • If you don’t want to pay extra for basic hydration and snacks

One cost reminder: alcohol isn’t included. If you want drinks with your lunch, you should budget for that separately.

Taken as a package, this price usually feels fair because the inclusions cover the “hidden add-ons” that can sneak up on you during day trips.

Who should book this sailing excursion on Menorca’s north coast

Full Day Excursion by Sailing Boat along the North Coast - Who should book this sailing excursion on Menorca’s north coast
This is a good match if you:

  • Want a full-day sea experience without ferry transfers or complicated logistics
  • Care about snorkeling time and not just a scenic boat ride
  • Prefer a small group (max 8) and a captain who explains what’s happening
  • Like the idea of a day that adjusts with sea conditions while still delivering snorkeling anchorages

It’s also a great option for solo travelers who want company without a big crowd. Recent feedback described the experience as especially pleasant for someone traveling alone, with kind, attentive service.

The main group to think twice:

  • If you need a guaranteed fixed route and exact sites, because the plan adapts when the sea changes.

Quick notes on weather and flexibility

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll get offered a different date or a full refund. Since sailing days are weather-dependent, this kind of flexibility is normal—and it protects the experience, not just the operator’s schedule.

There’s also a minimum number of travelers requirement. If the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered another date/experience or a full refund.

Should you book it? My practical verdict

I’d book this if your goal is a comfortable, small-group sailing day with multiple snorkeling chances and you want lunch and basic drinks included. The combination of included snorkeling gear, repeated anchorages (2+), and a captain-focused service experience makes it a strong value for a 7-hour Menorca outing.

I’d pause before booking only if you’re the type who needs a strict itinerary with guaranteed stops. Because the route is adjusted by sea conditions, you’re choosing a sailing day that prioritizes safe anchorages and swim time over a checklist of named coves.

If that sounds like your style, this is a very solid way to see Menorca from the water.

FAQ

What time does the sailing excursion start?

The tour starts at 10:00 am.

Where is the meeting point?

You’ll meet at Passeig Marítim Poeta Gumersind Riera, 58, 07748 Fornells, Illes Balears, Spain.

How long is the experience?

It lasts about 7 hours.

How many stops and anchorages will we have?

You’ll make several stops, and the captain adapts the route depending on sea conditions. You will always have 2 or more anchorages for snorkeling.

Does the route change based on sea conditions?

Yes. Depending on the sea conditions, the captain adjusts the route, and a particular site may not be visited.

The tour includes the use of snorkeling equipment.

What food and drinks are included?

Included are soda/pop, bottled water, snacks, and lunch. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 8 travelers.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Menorca we have reviewed

Scroll to Top

Explore the Islands

Every archipelago, and the best of each island in it.