Best spots for snorkeling in Menorca

Diving into the water with goggles and a snorkel will open up a world to explore that will surprise you. Menorca is one of the best places to snorkel in the Mediterranean, as its clean and clear waters will allow you to have a perfect view.

The rocks and vegetation surrounding its coves attract hundreds of unique species. But which are the best coves for snorkelling in Minorca? Here is a list and I recommend you to consider taking an excursion, since, on the one hand, you will be accompanied by an instructor and, on the other hand, there are certain coves and places that can only be reached by boat.

One of the favourite coves for visitors and Menorcans to enjoy a day at the beach with its fine sands and paradisiacal waters, it is also one of the best places on the island to explore the underwater life.

This cove is flanked by vertical walls of rock and vegetation that emerge from the depths of the sea, creating small nooks and crannies where fish seem to play hide-and-seek. Don't hesitate to put on a good pair of goggles and dive into the waters of Macarella to enjoy the best snorkelling.

If you book an excursion to the coves in the south of Menorca, you will have the snorkelling equipment at your disposal to snorkel in Cala Macarella. Don't hesitate!

Where: South coast, near Ciudadela and Cala Galdana - see on Google maps.

The posidonia walls of Cala Morell make it the perfect place to get up close to the island's marine fauna and enjoy large shoals of colourful fish.

Approach carefully and enjoy this marvel for the senses: this beach is shallow, so it's easy to swim through and there are platforms that have been strategically placed to facilitate access to the water. Dive in!

Where it is: North coast, near Ciudadela - see on Google maps.

Cala Tamarells is actually a set of three unspoilt coves in the east of the island and its turquoise waters and relatively long walk to reach it means that it is not too crowded, even in high season. That's why it's a great place to snorkel and enjoy the seabed in peace and quiet. At the depths you will see how the sand is completely covered by a layer of posidonia, the Mediterranean plant, which is the favourite food of many of the species that live there.

Walk around it little by little and enjoy the views and the scenery. You can also access it by kayak if you want to avoid having to walk too far.

Where it is: Mahón, in the Albufera des Grau Park - see on Google maps.

It is very close to the Favàrtix lighthouse, in the north of Menorca, and therefore, it is an unspoilt area very little frequented by tourists. There you will be able to enjoy a rocky landscape that looks like something out of another planet, and in its rocky bay you will find shallow waters, so you will be able to see up close the species devouring the posidonia around them.

It's best to explore it on a day with little wind to make sure the rocks are safe.

Where: North coast, near the Favàrtix lighthouse - see on Google maps.

This is not the place where you will find the greatest number of marine species, but the beauty of its surroundings is well worth a visit (and a dip). It's inaccessible by foot or car, so you'll have to get there either by kayak or on a boat or motorboat excursion that will allow you to get into its rugged relief.

Once there, you'll see the rock formations and the solitude of the place will make you feel like you're in an adventure film. If you know how to dive, it is also an ideal place to dive to the bottom.

Where: North coast, accessible by kayak or boat from Fornells Bay - see on Google maps.

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If you want to snorkel, I recommend that you book a snorkelling kayak tour in Menorca, as you will be accompanied by a professional instructor for no more and no less than 3 and a half hours, which is more than enough time to enjoy the activity regardless of whether you have done it before. In addition, you will explore the north coast of the island, get to know the marine reserve and have time to take a break on an idyllic beach.

But this is not the only option, you can also book a boat trip, either to the coves in the south or the north of Menorca, or even a catamaran trip. Here are a few options.

• Boat trip around the coves in the south of Menorca, from RM252: This activity lasts 3 and a half hours and you will discover paradisiacal beaches such as Son Xoriguer, Arenal De Son Saura and Cala'n Bosch or exclusive coves such as Cala'n Bosch, Es Talaier, Turqueta, Macarella, Galdana, Trebaluger or Mitjana.
• Boat trip to the coves in the north of Menorca from Fornells, from RM190 It is also an intense 3 and a half hour trip, but to the north of the island. Specifically, you will visit Cala Pregonda, Playa de Cavalleria or Fornells, among other places. And you can enjoy an aperitif.
• Catamaran excursion in Menorca, from RM206: This plan is shorter, lasting 2 hours and 15 minutes, but you will be able to enjoy the sunset and watch the sunset. Of course, there will be a stop for snorkelling or swimming depending on your preference. And it also includes a snack.

Price comparison table

Renting a kayak in Minorca will give a sporty and adventurous touch to your holidays, as well as allowing you to reach inaccessible places and enjoy the underwater species in a peaceful environment. On the other hand, from the Bay of Fornells, kayak trips are organised that will take you to virgin beaches to snorkel and enjoy swimming in peace and quiet.

The instructor will provide you with everything you need: the kayak, the paddle, the waistcoat, the goggles and the tube, so if you have never been out in a kayak, don't worry because you won't have to worry about anything and they will give you a couple of tricks so that you can handle it with ease from the very first moment.

Throughout the route you will be accompanied by the instructor, who will guide you to the best spots and tell you which are the best places to take a dip and snorkel. You will discover the Bay of Fornells and its unspoilt beaches and the Cueva de los Ingleses, a real jewel of nature that goes unnoticed by many tourists and that you, on the other hand, will be able to explore at your leisure.

Snorkelling, as such, is free. As long as you have a pair of goggles and a snorkel, you can jump into the water and explore on your own. However, you may not find the real underwater life that exists in the depths of the coves and rocks on the shore. Joining a boat trip that takes you deep underwater is a great option for snorkelling: options range from €28 to €110, depending on the route, duration and boat you choose.

If you snorkel in the coves of the north of Menorca, in its marine reserve you will see not only octopus but also other species such as moray eels and red mullet. This makes the north of Menorca a perfect place to snorkel and enjoy the island's underwater life.

Although you can snorkel off the shore of any beach, it is best to explore the most unspoilt coves, caves and the depths of the sea. To do this, consider taking a boat trip or kayak excursion to either the turquoise coves in the south or the unspoilt beaches in the north, the Bay of Fornells and the Cueva de los Ingleses (Englishmen's Cave).

The north coast of Menorca accumulates the largest number of species on the island, which is why the Reserva Marítima de Menorca was created more than 20 years ago, stretching from the Bay of Fornells to Cap Gros.

Of course you can. As long as they know how to swim, the experience is absolutely risk free and they will have a great time discovering the fish and colours they have seen so many times in cartoons and films. Don't be afraid to take the little ones snorkelling with you because it will be an unforgettable family experience.

Just look for goggles and a smaller snorkel to make sure they stay out of the water and enjoy the experience comfortably.

You can dive on both the north and south coast of Menorca. To dive in the deep waters of Menorca, as anywhere else, you will need the right certification and the necessary equipment. If you don't have either, but you want to try the experience, you can do a baptism in a swimming pool that will allow you to get the experience (and the qualification) necessary to dive in the sea waters.

Ask Diving Menorca about all the options: they are a local company of professionals and marine biologists who carry out expeditions that are totally respectful of the environment and the island's marine fauna. They will tell you everything you need to know to make the most of the experience.