Two calas. One boat. One great lunch.

This full-day sail runs along Menorca’s south coast out of Ciutadella, with long beach-and-water breaks in coves like Cala en Turqueta and Son Saura, plus a real on-board paella moment.

I like this tour for two big reasons: the swim time feels generous (especially the 2-hour stretch at Cala en Turqueta), and the paella on board is part of the fun, not an afterthought. You’re eating while the coast keeps unfolding outside the window.

One thing to plan around: the included lunch is a mixed meat-and-seafood paella (no pork), and there’s no vegetarian alternative listed. If you don’t eat seafood, or you’re picky about what’s in the paella, bring a backup plan.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Long, practical beach stops: 2 hours at Cala en Turqueta and 1.5 hours at Son Saura for swimming and relaxing
• Paella built into the day: mixed paella served on board with sangria (or a soft drink)
• Views of Cala Macarella and Macarelleta: you’ll get a sighting hour from the water before the next swim stop
• Easy, active day: you’re on the boat a lot, but you still get meaningful time to cool off in the coves
• What to bring matters: swimwear and a towel are musts; snorkeling gear isn’t included
• Not for everyone’s mobility: it’s not suitable for wheelchair users

Sailing Out of Ciutadella: The Start That Sets the Tone

You meet around the port area in Ciutadella and look for the red boat labeled Fiesta. It’s the kind of meeting point that’s easy to spot even when the morning is busy—plus there’s free parking nearby if you’re driving.

The boat leaves the pier at 9:30 am, and if you opt for pickup, you’ll be collected before departure. From there, the day starts with a cruise that lasts about an hour—enough time to get your bearings, settle in, and start seeing why Menorca is so loved for its coves. The south coast tends to look rugged from the water, with that “island postcard” mix of pale sand and steep rock where calas fit like puzzle pieces.

Onboard, you’ve got a live guide speaking several languages (Spanish, English, French, Italian, and Portuguese). That matters because the coast can look similar until someone points out what you’re actually seeing. Even when you’re just relaxing, the guide adds context so the stops feel intentional, not random.

The Best Part: Cala en Turqueta and the Two-Hour Swim Window

Cala en Turqueta is your first real reason to get up early. You’ll have around 2 hours of free time, with time to swim, float around, and just enjoy that slow-cove feeling where the water does a lot of the work for you.

This stop is long enough that you can do a full routine: get in, swim a bit, then come back for sun, photos, and a breather. And if you like active days, it’s also the kind of beach where you can keep moving without feeling rushed. That balance is the secret: you don’t need to be an expert swimmer, but you also don’t feel stuck waiting for the day to “finally start.”

One practical note: during the first stop, the paella cooking happens on board, so you should plan on staying beach-side for the main break instead of counting on quick reboarding whenever you want. Pack what you’ll need for that time: water, a towel, and anything you want for shade or comfort.

If you’re wondering about comfort details, use your instincts. Some people advise sensible footwear from boat to beach because the transition can be awkward. There aren’t sunbeds, so a small umbrella can be a smart move if you burn easily.

Lunch on Board: Mixed Paella, Sangria, and Realistic Expectations

Lunch is one of the headline reasons to book—paella served on board, eaten while the sea trip continues. After your Cala en Turqueta swim time, you’ll have about 30 minutes for lunch.

Included with the paella:

• a mixed paella with meat and seafood (explicitly not pork)
• one glass of sangria or a soft drink

Here’s the honest value take: at this price point, you’re not paying for a gourmet restaurant meal. You’re paying for a full day of access to top coves and the convenience of food in the middle of a boat schedule. And many people rate the lunch highly for taste and organization.

Still, I’d keep expectations grounded. A few diners have said the paella wasn’t meat-heavy, and some mentioned bones in the seafood. That’s not a deal-break for everyone, but it is a reminder: if you’re sensitive to seafood (or you want vegetarian food), this is the part of the day that may not fit your needs. The tour data doesn’t list a vegetarian alternative, and the paella is built around meat and seafood.

If you’re in the “I can eat it, but I’ll be picky” category, eat a normal portion and enjoy it as part of the experience—then decide in advance what you’ll do if it doesn’t suit you perfectly. If you’re vegetarian, don’t assume the boat can swap your lunch.

Cruising Past Macarella and Macarelleta: Views Without the Crowds

After lunch, the schedule shifts from beach time to scenery time. You’ll get about an hour of cruising, with seaviews of Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta.

This is a nice change of pace. Instead of dragging your day around another long hike to a new bay, you get to see those famous calas from the water. For many people, this is where you really start to understand Menorca’s coastline: the way the coves sit in the cliffs, how the colors change with the angle of the sun, and how the shoreline design creates sheltered swimming spots.

It’s also a smart value move. Boat time is part of what you’re paying for here, and the views are the payoff for the travel between swimming coves. You’re not just “getting there.” You’re watching the island do its thing.

Son Saura: The Second Swim Stop That Closes the Loop

Your next major stop is Son Saura, with about 1.5 hours of free time to swim and relax.

If Cala en Turqueta is your long first session, Son Saura is the closing act: enough time to hop in, feel the water temperature, float around, and enjoy the bay before heading back toward Ciutadella. This is also a good place to slow down if the morning felt like it moved fast. By the time you arrive, you’ve already seen a lot of coast—and now it’s time to settle into the water-and-sand rhythm.

A couple of practical tips from how people talk about the day:

• Bring your towel so you’re comfortable after swimming.
• Consider shade. Some people note there’s nowhere to buy things like sunbeds or umbrellas, so if you need cover, plan for it.
• If you want to snorkel, snorkeling equipment isn’t included, so bring your own if you have it.

There’s also mention of a fun, active boat setup—people have talked about jumping from the back of the boat and even sliding to the water. The point for you: the tour is built for water time, not sitting quietly the whole day.

The Return to Ciutadella: Wrap-Up and What You’ll Remember

After Son Saura, the boat cruises back to Ciutadella. The ride back is about an hour—long enough to replay the day in your head and get the last photos without rushing.

This is also when you’ll notice how the day’s structure works. You’re not doing one quick swim and calling it a day. You’re getting two real beach-and-water sessions plus a lunch break that’s integrated into the cruise. That’s why the tour tends to get recommended: you feel like you “used” the day well.

By the end, you’ll likely remember the coves more than the clock. That’s the goal with Menorca boat days—because the beaches are the main event, and the boat is what grants access with minimal fuss.

Price and Value: Is $65 Actually a Good Deal?

At $65 per person, this tour can be a strong value if you want:

• a full day on the water
• two swim stops in major Menorca coves
• lunch included on board
• a guide in multiple languages

The math is fairly straightforward: you’re paying for boat time, the stops, and the included paella + one drink. If you tried to recreate this day independently, you’d likely spend money on transport, boat rentals, and timed coordination, then still have to solve the food problem.

Where the value can slip is the lunch fit. If you don’t eat seafood, the paella may not work for you. And if you want extra drinks, keep in mind additional drinks aren’t included (so you’ll be buying them on board). For some people, those purchases are fine; for others, they turn the total cost upward.

My advice: treat this as a “cove access + included lunch” tour. If paella works for you, it’s a great match for the price. If it doesn’t, you may want to either budget for an alternative lunch approach or pick a different style of tour.

What to Bring (So the Day Feels Easy)

You’ll save yourself hassle by packing for a swim-first day.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel

If you plan to snorkel:

• snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own if you have it.

If sun is a concern:

• people note there are no sunbeds, so consider a compact umbrella or shade option.

If you’re traveling with kids or you’re not a confident swimmer:

• I’d bring your own swim aids if you think you might need them. The tour info doesn’t list life jackets or float aids as included, and a few people specifically recommended bringing aids for children or non-swimmers.

And yes, think about shoes. There’s a boat-to-cove transition, and sensible footwear can make that part less annoying.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This boat tour is a good fit if you want an active day without the stress of driving around to multiple coves. It’s also ideal if you like the “boat + swim” rhythm and you’re happy to eat lunch in a practical, on-the-water way.

You’ll likely love it if:

• you’re excited to swim in unspoiled bays
• you want a guided day with clear narration
• paella lunch sounds like fun, not a chore

I’d be more cautious if:

• you’re vegetarian and need a guaranteed veggie meal (no vegetarian option is listed)
• you avoid seafood
• you need wheelchair accessibility (the tour isn’t suitable)

Should You Book This Menorca Paella Boat Tour?

If you want an easy, high-impact Menorca day—boat out of Ciutadella, two serious swim coves, and paella served as part of the trip—this is the kind of tour that usually delivers. The standout value is the long swim window at Cala en Turqueta plus the second swim stop at Son Saura, with the scenery of Cala Macarella and Macarelleta mixed in between.

Book it if paella works for you and you’re ready for a practical lunch setting. Skip it (or plan carefully) if your dietary needs require more than a standard meat-and-seafood paella, or if accessibility is a key factor for your group.

FAQ

Where does the boat depart from?

The tour departs from the port of Ciutadella de Menorca.

What time does the boat leave?

The boat leaves the pier at 9:30 am.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is optional. If you select the pickup option, you’ll be picked up before departure and dropped back at listed locations.

How long is the cruise?

The experience includes about a 7-hour cruise within a total duration of 7 to 9 hours.

Which beaches/coves do you visit?

You’ll stop at Cala en Turqueta and Son Saura, and you’ll also get seaviews of Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta.

How much free time do I get for swimming?

You get about 2 hours at Cala en Turqueta and about 1.5 hours at Son Saura for swimming and relaxing.

What’s included in lunch?

Lunch includes a mixed paella (meat and seafood, no pork) plus one glass of sangria or a soft drink.

Are snorkeling items provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment isn’t included.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at a red boat labeled Fiesta near the port area (meeting point shown on the provided map).

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.