From Fornells: North Coast Beaches Cruise with Swim Stops

Menorca’s north coast is at its best from the water, where cliffs, caves, and small beaches come into view without a long walk in the sun. This 3.5-hour cruise from Fornells combines sightseeing with two proper swim stops, so you get more than a boat ride past the shore.

I like the generous time in the water and the useful gear on board, especially the paddleboards, snorkels, floating mattress, and slide. I also like the mix of scenery and history, from Cavalleria Lighthouse to the remains of ancient Sanisera at Port of Sanitja. The main drawback is the sea: on a choppy day, the ride can be uncomfortable, particularly if you are prone to seasickness.

Key points to know before booking

• Two real swim stops: Expect roughly 30 to 40 minutes at each stop, with time for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.
• A full view of Menorca’s north coast: The route passes Cavalleria Cape, Cavalleria Lighthouse, Port of Sanitja, Cala Mica, and Cala Pregonda.
• Water toys are included: Snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, floats, life jackets, a floating mattress, and a slide are available during the stops.
• A boat with practical comforts: There is a clean toilet and a small bar selling drinks, snacks, ice cream, coffee, and cocktails.
• Good value at $47: The price covers 3.5 hours on the water and active swimming time, not just a short coastal sail.
• Arrive early for your preferred seat: The boat can fill up before departure, and arriving about 30 minutes early gives you a better chance of choosing where to sit.

Starting from Fornells Bay

You meet the boat at the end of the dock in front of Casa Emilio. If you are driving, the Menorca Nord area and nearby car park are the useful landmarks, but allow a little time to walk from the car park to the pier.

I would arrive around 30 minutes before departure. One recent departure was nearly full 15 minutes before sailing, and the best seats can go quickly. That matters because you may want a shaded place, a clear view, or easy access to the bow, depending on your priorities.

The boat leaves from Fornells Bay and heads toward the northern tip of Menorca. The ride itself is part of the experience. You get time to watch the coast change from the sheltered bay to open water, with recorded commentary available in Spanish, English, French, Italian, German, and Portuguese. A live crew can also assist in Spanish, English, Italian, French, Catalan, or Portuguese.

The commentary is useful for identifying beaches and landmarks, but the real pleasure is simply being offshore. From the boat, the coastline feels more remote than it does from the road. You see rocky headlands and small coves that are difficult or impossible to reach directly from land.

Cavalleria Lighthouse and the northern cliffs

One of the first major sights is Cavalleria Lighthouse, perched above the island’s northernmost point. It is a striking marker on the coast, and the boat gives you a water-level view of the cliffs around Cavalleria Cape.

This section is best for scenery rather than swimming. The northern shore is exposed, rugged, and open to the sea, so the ride can become lively if conditions are rough. On calm days, you can concentrate on the rock formations and the changing colors of the water. On windy days, hold on and expect a more active crossing.

I would bring sunscreen and a hat, but keep both secure. You are spending several hours outside, and shade may not be available in the exact place you want. Comfortable clothes are sensible, and swimwear under your clothes saves time when the first stop arrives.

Port of Sanitja and the remains of Sanisera

The route continues toward Port of Sanitja, a natural harbor connected with the site of the ancient Roman city of Sanisera. This gives the cruise a little more depth than a simple coastal sightseeing trip.

You do not get a long land visit here. Instead, the boat lets you see the harbor from the water while the commentary points out the area’s historical importance. It is a short but worthwhile pause in the route, especially if you like having a sense of how people used the coast in earlier periods.

The changing scenery also helps break up the cruise. You move from exposed cliffs and lighthouse views to a more sheltered natural port, then onward to the beaches and coves where the swimming begins.

Cavalleria Beach: your first swim stop

Cavalleria Beach is described as one of Menorca’s most pristine beaches, and it is the first main stop for getting into the water. Plan on roughly 30 to 40 minutes here, enough time for a proper swim rather than a quick dip.

The boat provides snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, life jackets, floats, pool noodles, and a floating mattress. You can choose the pace that suits you. Swimmers can head into the clear water, children can use the floats and life jackets, and more active passengers can take a paddleboard or look beneath the surface with the supplied snorkel gear.

The slide is another draw, particularly for families and anyone who likes a bit of harmless silliness between scenic stops. You can also jump from the boat, provided you follow the crew’s instructions and use the designated area.

The useful point here is that the stop is not only for strong swimmers. The equipment gives less confident swimmers more support, though you should still bring your own judgment and stay within your comfort level. The crew manages the stop, and life jackets are available.

Cavalleria Beach is also a good place to remember that this is a shared boat outing. You will not have the cove to yourself, and the swim area may feel busy when everyone gets into the water. If your ideal beach day means complete quiet, this is not the right format. If you want easy access to attractive water without carrying your own paddleboard or snorkel set, it works well.

Cala Mica, a small change of pace

After the first swim, the boat continues toward Cala Mica, a tiny sandy cove shaped like a shell. This is more of a scenic passage than a long shore visit, so keep your camera ready as the boat moves close enough to show the curve of the inlet.

Cala Mica helps show why a boat is useful on this part of Menorca. Small coves can be hard to reach, and from the water you can appreciate their shape without committing to a hike or a full beach stop.

You may find that the most enjoyable moments here are quiet ones: watching the boat turn into the cove, listening to the commentary, and seeing the coast from a new angle. It is a short section, but it adds variety to the route.

Cala Pregonda and the second swim

The final major stop is Cala Pregonda, one of the most memorable spots along Menorca’s north coast. You get about 40 to 50 minutes of free time here, according to the schedule provided for the cruise, though the general description also presents the swim stops as roughly 30 to 40 minutes. Allow for some variation based on sea conditions and the running time of the trip.

Cala Pregonda is known for its unusual coastal shapes and striking setting. The stop gives you time to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or simply sit on the boat and look toward the shore.

The supplied equipment makes this the most active part of the outing. Take a paddleboard if you want to explore the water at a gentle pace. Use the snorkel gear to look around the rocky edges. The floating mattress is good for relaxing, while the slide gives the stop a playful, family-friendly feel.

I would not treat this as a guided snorkeling excursion. The equipment is provided, but there is no promise of a marine biologist or a structured underwater tour. You are free to explore at your own pace, which is convenient but means you should manage your own expectations.

The water stop is also a useful test of your own comfort with open-water swimming. Some people will spend the whole time in the sea. Others will prefer the boat, a float, or a short swim close to the vessel. All are reasonable choices.

The boat, bar, and onboard routine

The boat is spacious enough for a long half-day outing, and the clean toilet is a welcome practical feature. That may sound minor, but three and a half hours at sea is long enough for a toilet to matter, especially for families.

A bar sells soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, snacks, ice cream, coffee, and cocktails. Food and drinks are not included in the $47 price, so bring payment if you want something during the cruise. Prices for snacks and soft drinks have been described as fair, while alcohol can cost more than expected.

Some departures may offer a small drink or snack, but you should not book this expecting meals or complimentary refreshments. Bring your own water if you prefer to control your supply, and remember that food and drinks are otherwise an extra purchase from the onboard bar.

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. They help with the equipment, keep the swim stops organized, and assist children and less confident swimmers. The boat is reported to be clean and well maintained, though one person’s idea of a comfortable boat may differ from another’s. This is a working excursion boat with active swimming facilities, not a quiet luxury yacht.

How much value do you get for $47?

At $47 per person, the price is fair if you want several things in one outing. You get a 3.5-hour cruise, coastal sightseeing, recorded commentary, two swim stops, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, floats, and a slide.

A cheaper short cruise might give you views but no meaningful time in the water. A private boat would likely cost much more. This trip sits in the middle: it is a shared experience, but it covers a lot of coastline and includes equipment that would be inconvenient to bring yourself.

The best value comes from using the facilities. If you plan to swim, snorkel, or paddleboard, the price makes sense. If you intend to remain seated for the full journey, you may find a shorter sightseeing cruise better suited to your needs.

The cruise also saves you the trouble of planning separate visits to several northern beaches. You see Cavalleria, Cala Mica, Cala Pregonda, and the coast around Port of Sanitja in one outing, though the tradeoff is limited time on land. This is a coastal sampler, not a beach-hopping day with long stays at each beach.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it most strongly to families, couples, and small groups who want scenery plus activity. Children have the slide, floats, and paddleboards, while adults can enjoy the cliffs, lighthouse, coves, and historical commentary.

It also suits anyone staying in or near Fornells who wants a half-day on the water without arranging a private charter. The 3.5-hour length leaves part of the day free for a meal, a walk, or another Menorca outing.

Swimmers and snorkelers get the most from the tour, but you do not need to be highly athletic. The equipment includes life jackets and floats, and you can choose how much time to spend in the water.

I would be more cautious if you suffer from seasickness. The north coast can be choppy, and no seasickness medication is supplied on board. Take your usual medication before departure if you need it, and choose a position on the boat that helps you feel steady.

The cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users. It is also less suitable for anyone seeking a quiet, private, or highly formal sailing experience. With a shared boat, onboard commentary, active swim stops, and a slide, the mood is relaxed and social.

What to bring and how to prepare

Keep your packing simple:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable clothes
• Seasickness medication if needed

A waterproof pouch for your phone can be useful, though it is not listed as provided. Secure loose items before the boat gets moving, especially if the sea is rough.

Arrive at the end of the pier in front of Casa Emilio and look for the boat there. Giving yourself 30 minutes is wise, both for finding the meeting point and for choosing a good seat.

The cruise operates in several languages, with both a live multilingual crew and recorded commentary. Check the available starting time when you book, since departure times can vary by date.

Cancellation is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. That is useful when your Menorca plans depend on the weather.

Should you book the Fornells north coast cruise?

Book it if you want a well-priced mix of coastal views and water time. The two swim stops are long enough to feel worthwhile, the crew is helpful, and the included equipment adds real value. Cavalleria Lighthouse, Port of Sanitja, Cala Mica, and Cala Pregonda give the route plenty of visual variety.

Think twice if you dislike choppy water, prefer empty beaches, or want a private boat. For everyone else, this is a practical way to see Menorca’s northern shore from the right angle, with enough swimming and playful extras to keep the trip from becoming a simple sightseeing ride.

FAQ

How long is the boat cruise?

The cruise lasts 3.5 hours, including the coastal sightseeing route, two swim stops, and the return to Fornells Bay.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is at the end of the dock or pier in front of the Casa Emilio restaurant in Fornells.

Which beaches are included on the route?

The route includes Cavalleria Beach, Cala Mica, and Cala Pregonda, along with views of the coastline around Cavalleria Cape and Port of Sanitja.

How long are the swim stops?

The swim stops are generally about 30 to 40 minutes each. The free time at Cala Pregonda is also described as approximately 40 to 50 minutes, so exact timing may vary.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, floating equipment, life jackets, a floating mattress, and a slide are available during the swim stops.

Are food and drinks included?

No. The onboard bar sells drinks, snacks, ice cream, coffee, cocktails, and other refreshments for an additional charge.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.