More about: Snorkeling in Menorca
If you are thinking of spending a few days lying in the sun on this beautiful Mediterranean island, and you want to know what to see and do in Minorca, the options are endless, although it must be said that water activities are one of everyone's favourites.
That's why this time I'll tell you everything you need to know about where to do two of the most interesting activities in Menorca: snorkelling and kayaking, which are the best places to dive, the spots and attractions you can visit, and much more. Are you ready? Let's dive in!
1. The best coves for enjoying snorkelling
This island has some incredible coasts, but without a doubt its greatest attraction is its coves. Here you will find some of the best coves in Menorca. Although all of them are exceptional, some of them are a better option for snorkelling than others.
In the north of Menorca, you will find Cala Morell, this cove is characterised by very peaceful waters and is an area sheltered from the wind. In Cala Morell there is very little depth, that is why it can be an ideal option if you have gone with children to Menorca.
Diving into its waters you will be able to see incredible marine species such as sea urchins, sea urchins, sea urchins, anemones and various snails.
Also in the north is Cavalleria beach, which has a rocky seabed and a sandy seabed. This makes it interesting for varying the views you can have while swimming.
Very close to this beach you will find Cala Rotja, this is a virgin beach ideal for snorkelling, as thanks to being uncrowded the marine fauna is less altered and you can see many more species than in areas crowded with tourists.
Cala Tamarells is located within the Albufera des Grau Natural Park, and is subdivided into three small unspoilt coves, which are also very quiet in terms of crowds. This makes them splendid to enjoy with your snorkel.
Although if you like depth, I suggest Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta, in their waters you can come across starfish, fish such as amphibians or groups of moret fish. They are undoubtedly some of the best places for snorkelling in Minorca.
Another cove with deep waters is the famous Cala Fondo (Ses Olles). Its crystal clear waters will allow you to have a very good underwater view, which makes it almost a natural swimming pool where you can observe fish such as red mullet, bream and damselfish.
2. The best routes in Menorca to enjoy in Kayak
Kayaking in Menorca is an increasingly popular and attractive activity, both for amateurs and for getting to know this beautiful Balearic island in a different way. With a kayak, you can explore unspoilt coves and beaches that are difficult to access, and also have a lot of fun while doing it.
You can do different routes, both guided and on your own. One of the best kayaking routes is across the Bay of Fornells. This route is close to the shore and runs along 11 kilometres of unspoilt beaches. The trip lasts almost 3 hours.
Cala Galdana - Cala Mitjana is another excellent place for kayaking, a total of 5 km to get to know one of the most beautiful treasures of Menorca.
The Es Grau - Cala sa Torreta route is about 8 km long. This is one of the most popular areas for kayaking.
The beach of Santo Tomás-Cala Escorxada is one of the best unspoilt beaches that you can discover by kayak, and it is only 8 kilometres long. Although it is difficult to access, it is well worth a visit for its great beauty.
Heading towards the southern sector of the island, an excellent route for kayaking is the Es Grau-Cala Mesquida route. The round trip will take you about three and a half hours at a leisurely pace.
Finally, the two longest of the best routes to kayak in Menorca are: Cabo de Cavalleria, with approximately 20 kilometres, where you can visit the beautiful Cala Tirant and S'Olla; and the Cala Viola de Ponent-Cala Pregonda route, of almost 16.5 kilometres. Its length is compensated by its exceptional beauty.
3. Enjoy the guided kayak excursions
Kayaking is an experience you should not miss during your stay in Menorca. Thanks to the small size of this light craft, you will be able to explore the island in a unique way, discovering its countless wonders as you go.
Kayaking will also allow you to get some exercise, drive at your own pace and enjoy the scenery in a relaxed way.
In Menorca you will find a wide range of guided excursions with a planned route, so that you can make the most of the trip and get to know more places. Many of these excursions go all the way around the island, so that you can get to know all its beaches. Other excursions have several routes with different beaches grouped together depending on which one you choose.
Hiring a guided tour is the best option if it's your first time kayaking or if you have little experience, this way you will learn the techniques of navigation and you will have the security of going under the supervision of an experienced guide.
There are many companies that offer guided kayak excursions, but among the most recommendable are the following:
Menorca in Kayak
Kayak Menorca
Katayak
**These excursions have an average duration of between two and three hours. The cost for adults starts from 35 euros and for children from 25 euros.
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4. Kayak around the island
Kayaking around the island of Menorca is an adventure that many choose to experience. As always, you have the option of doing it on your own or in a group with a guide. Let me tell you that this expedition takes a total of 7 days, and you will have to paddle an average of 4 to 6 hours a day.
You should bear in mind that, although you don't need to be an expert to live this adventure, it is recommended to do some short trips beforehand to get used to the kayak itself and to familiarise yourself with the basics of this sport.
If you do it on your own, you will need to carry all the necessary equipment, change of clothes and refreshments in the watertight compartments of the kayak.
The same kayak rental centres will provide you with maps and indications to successfully complete this trip, as well as giving you the best advice to consider. The maps will indicate the coves where you can stop to sleep or rest, as well as the places where you can stock up on supplies.
As this is an excursion that takes several days to complete, I recommend you plan it in advance in order to coordinate your stay in Menorca correctly.
The approximate cost of this activity is between 40 and 60 Euros per day for the kayak rental, plus accommodation at each stop and food expenses.
The guided activity has an average price of 740 Euros, lasting about 8 days and 7 nights.
5. Tour the Minorcan caves in kayak
The coast of the island of Menorca is full of caves that have formed naturally over the years. A peculiar and privileged way to appreciate the landscape formed by these caves is from the sea, and what better way to do so than on board a kayak.
In Menorca there are guided tours that offer the so-called cave route, which usually runs from Cala Porter to Cala Coves. The latter boasts the most sea caves and impressive cliffs on the island.
On this guided activity you will learn much more about the history of these caves and get to know fascinating places.
6. Talayotic necropolis of Cala Coves
The famous Necropolis of Cales Coves is located between Sant Climent and Alaior, in the heart of the Menorcan coast. This is an imposing necropolis located in an enchanting natural setting.
It is known to have served its purpose around the 11th century BC during Roman rule. It has some 90 cavities in the ravines and rocky walls of the coast, and is now considered an important archaeological heritage site.
Many remains found in these tombs, as well as in the surrounding seabed, have been sent to the Museum of Menorca.
An excellent way to reach this spot is, of course, by kayak, whether you take the cave route or a guided tour of Cala Coves.
On this route, in addition to discovering the Talayotic necropolis, you will be able to contemplate interesting limestone cliffs, countless rocky cavities, fossil dunes that stand out for their beige colour, and of course enjoy the bright blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
I recommend you take a pair of snorkelling goggles, because this spot is also ideal for stopping and taking a dip to get a closer look at the Minorcan depths.
This activity can be done on a guided tour at an approximate cost of 40 euros per person. If you wish to do it on your own, the daily rental of a kayak costs between 40 and 60 euros.
7. Snorkelling in the Natural Park
A perfect place to enjoy the most amazing underwater flora and fauna is the Natural Park of s'Albufera de Es Grau. This authentic green lung located in the northeast of Menorca stands out for its beautiful landscapes and great biodiversity. Its coastal area has majestic beaches such as Cala Tortuga and Platja d'Es Grau.
This site is usually only accessible by kayak, approaching the beaches of Sa Torreta, and then from Tamarells you can swim with your snorkelling mask, contemplating the underwater spectacle that is this protected area.
You can get snorkelling excursions in the Natural Park of Menorca from 40 Euros per adult. Due to the fact that this is a protected area only guided dives are allowed.
This place is not only fantastic for snorkelling, but it really is one of the most beautiful places in Menorca, so you can't miss it during your stay here.
8. Boat trips with snorkelling stops
Boat trips in Menorca are one of the island's classics. An unmissable experience on your trip, as its crystal clear waters and beautiful scenery will make your trip unforgettable.
Hiring a boat excursion, you will get to know the most paradisiacal beaches and coves. Almost all of these excursions make several stops at different points of the sea, so that you can swim and enjoy the many natural wonders of the underwater world with your snorkelling goggles.
This is an activity that can be adapted to all tastes, as you can choose from boat trips that last the whole day and include meals and drinks, or midday trips if you want to combine this excursion with another activity.
There is even the possibility of renting a private boat for you and your party (in case you are travelling in a group), with the advantage that you can choose the route and make stops as long as you like. This is a very popular option for groups of friends.
**A guided tour of this type lasts 3.5 hours and costs an average of 46 euros per person.
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9. Enjoy the peace of Cueva de los Ingleses with your snorkel
On the north coast of Menorca is the so-called Cueva de los Ingleses. This site can only be reached by kayak or small boat from the Bay of Fornells.
In the Cueva de los Ingleses you will find a large number of rock formations, semi-submerged and far from the hustle and bustle, so the feeling of peace you will get here is unequalled. Due to the characteristics of the area, the marine species that inhabit it are very numerous and diverse.
The area of the Cueva de los Ingleses is a very good place for diving in Menorca if snorkelling does not allow you to dive deep enough and you wish to go even deeper.
This tour is often included in the Cave Route, and although you can also get there on a boat trip, the feeling of paddling in your own kayak is incomparable and makes the experience much more interactive.
10. Learn how to kayak in Menorca
If you have already lived the experience of kayaking and you have been so fascinated by it that you would like to learn much more about this sport and its techniques, you can do it in a kayaking course specially designed for anyone who wants to get started in this activity.
In places like Menorca en Kayak, you can take courses where you will learn about the origins of sea kayaking, the different parts of the boat, the regulation of the kayak and paddling techniques, the types and techniques of displacement, and even how to rescue a companion in an extreme situation.
This course can be taken by anyone from the age of 12, and although it is not necessary to have previous kayaking experience, it is a prerequisite to know how to swim.
You can even continue your learning by taking a more advanced course, in which you will learn other safety techniques, to apply in situations of accidents or danger, improvement of the paddling style, to improve your performance in this sport, and in even more advanced instances, manoeuvres to return the kayak to its position in case of capsizing, without getting out of it.
The great advantage of taking a kayaking course is that you will have the freedom to handle yourself in this craft independently, being able to navigate your own routes at your own pace, and knowing how to handle yourself correctly in any eventuality that may arise during the navigation.
**On average, the courses cost 65 euros per person, each level.
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Recommendations for your suitcase
If you're a keen water sports enthusiast, it's important when packing your suitcase to include appropriate items, starting with a good, quick-drying towel.
You'll often take more than one dip on a boat or kayak trip to go snorkelling, and there's nothing more unpleasant than dealing with the stench of a wet towel in your belongings. A quick-drying towel, as the name suggests, dries in just a few minutes, so you can put it away almost immediately without transmitting moisture or odour to the rest of your belongings. And thanks to its material, it takes up very little space when folded.
In the case of snorkelling, it is a completely free activity if you have the necessary elements, so I recommend that if you enjoy this activity you invest in your own snorkelling mask, it will be much cheaper than renting one every time you want to take a dip, and also you will not see limited time of use.
Better still if you can also get your own swim fins to make it easier to move around in the crystal clear waters of this beautiful island.
Don't forget to bring a light coat, because after a few hours in the sea your skin becomes hypersensitive and you might feel a bit cold.