A day on the south coast by boat sounds simple, then it hits you with real beauty. This Menorca cruise from Ciutadella mixes big cala scenery with long swim time and an on-board paella lunch that keeps the day moving without rushing. You get a guided coastal route plus free time in two standout swimming spots.

I love how the schedule gives you actual water time, not just a quick stop for photos. Cala en Turqueta is long enough to swim, float, and settle in, and Son Saura gives you a second chance to enjoy the coast on a quieter stretch of water.

The main drawback to plan around: the lunch is mixed paella (meat and seafood, no pork), and there doesn’t seem to be a vegetarian alternative. If you have strong dietary needs, bring your own backup options so you’re not stuck.

Key things to know before you go

• Two generous swim-and-relax stops with time to actually enjoy the coves
• Paella cooked on board plus a glass of sangria or a soft drink
• No snorkeling equipment included, so bring your own mask/snorkel if that’s your thing
• No sunbeds on the beaches, so shade is on you (a small umbrella helps)
• Food choices can be limiting if you don’t eat meat or seafood
• Not wheelchair friendly, so pick this only if steps and boat access work for you

Why Menorca’s south coast feels so different from the water

Menorca’s coastline looks good from shore. It looks better when you’re moving slowly past cliffs, coves, and white-sand beaches. This tour does that well by keeping the travel time tied to scenic cruising rather than long bus hops.

Starting from Ciutadella also matters. You’re not just visiting one beach and calling it a day. You’re sailing along the south coast and setting up your day around swims in places like Cala en Turqueta, Cala Macarella–Macarelleta, and Son Saura.

One practical upside: the boat gives you a “base” between stops. When you’re between calas, you can stay aboard, enjoy sea views, and avoid the stress of finding shade or transport on land.

Cala en Turqueta: your first long beach stop and lunch rhythm

Cala en Turqueta is the kind of place where you’ll want to pace yourself. You get about 2 hours of free time, which is enough to swim, float, and soak up the view without feeling like you’re on a tight leash.

Then lunch comes around on the boat. You’ll have a mixed paella served with meat and seafood (no pork), plus one glass of sangria or a soft drink. Lunch is planned as part of the day, not as an add-on you scramble for.

Here’s the thing to plan for: paella is cooked on board, and some people report that you may not be able to return to the boat immediately during part of that cooking period. Translation for you: bring what you’ll want for the first stretch—especially if you like having a drink, a snack, or anything that helps you relax without worrying about timing.

Also, don’t assume this is a soft, sandy “walk right off” situation everywhere. A couple of notes from real experience: wear sensible footwear for getting from the boat to the beach area, and be ready for hot sun and bright light.

Macarella–Macarelleta: the sea-view hit, then a change of scenery

After the first swim-and-lunch segment, the cruise shifts toward Cala Macarella–Macarelleta. Even when you’re not on the sand at this moment, the tour builds in a sea view of both names—an important detail because this stretch is all about coastline drama.

You’ll also spend time cruising to the next area. Expect about 1 hour of boat cruising around this phase, which keeps the day from feeling jumpy and gives you a chance to take in the rugged shoreline from the water.

What you’ll feel here is the rhythm of the day: swim, eat, then move on while the light and mood of the coast shift. That’s often the difference between a tour that’s just “two beaches” and one that feels like a real coastal outing.

Son Saura: a second swim window with a more relaxed pace

Next up is Son Saura, with about 1.5 hours of free time for swimming and relaxing. This stop is the one that often works best when you want to repeat the best parts of the first beach day—dip in, drift, and then slowly switch from swim mode to scenery mode.

You can treat this like your “cool down” stop. If the first cala felt like a lot of sun and effort, Son Saura gives you another chance to enjoy the water without stacking everything back-to-back.

From a planning standpoint: remember there aren’t stores right next to these stops. If you want extra drinks or snacks beyond lunch, it helps to know that you’ll rely on what’s available on board during the cruise, or you’ll need to bring your own supplies to use during beach time.

Paella on board: good value, but read this part if you’re picky

The tour’s signature meal is a mixed paella with meat and seafood (no pork). You also get one glass of sangria or a soft drink included with lunch.

Most people rave about it as a solid, fun part of the day—easy to eat in a moving setting and paired with a drink while you’re still surrounded by the sea. A key detail, though, is that paella quality can vary by preference. Some passengers found it fantastic; others felt it was more average or not meat-heavy enough.

If you’re worried about bones, texture, or a seafood-heavy mix: plan to be flexible or be strategic. And if you’re vegetarian, this is where you need to be careful. There’s no stated vegetarian option, and one account specifically notes disappointment when asked for an alternative.

My practical advice: if your diet is strict, don’t assume you’ll be able to swap the meal. Bring backup options you can eat during the tour so you’re covered, even if lunch doesn’t fit perfectly.

Boat comfort, music, and how to pack for the day

This cruise runs long enough that you’ll feel it if you underpack. Since the main activity is swimming and beach time, pack around that.

Bring swimwear and a towel—those are the essentials the tour asks for. If you plan to snorkel, bring your own snorkeling equipment, because snorkeling gear isn’t included.

If you’re not a confident swimmer, bring float aids if you want them. One helpful tip from real experience: nothing is provided for flotation, so for kids or non swimmers, it’s on you to feel safe and comfortable.

Footwear matters more than you’d think. People have recommended sensible footwear for getting on and off around the beach areas. It’s a small thing that can save you from awkward slips or sore feet.

Shade is another practical item. There aren’t sunbeds, and multiple people suggest taking your own beach umbrella if you want easy shade—especially because beach time in peak summer heat can be intense.

On board, you’ll also have access to drinks and snacks for sale, and at least one person mentioned ice cream being available. So you’re not totally stuck for extras, but it’s smart to treat included lunch as your main meal and budget the rest.

Finally, the boat atmosphere is part of the fun. One passenger highlighted the music playlist and mentioned the staff making drinks on board. Keep it relaxed: this is a party-free day at sea, more social than quiet, but not chaos.

Price and value: when $65 feels fair and when it won’t

At around $65 per person, this tour sits in the sweet spot for what you get: a full-day outing, real time in multiple coves, and an on-board meal. You’re paying for three things you’d struggle to replicate solo without extra planning—coastal cruising, swim stops, and lunch service.

You’ll feel the value most if:

• you want to see several calas without coordinating transport
• you’re happy with a seafood-and-meat paella format
• you’ll use the included drink with lunch rather than skipping it

You might feel it’s less of a deal if:

• you have strict dietary needs and need a guaranteed meal
• you’re expecting snorkeling gear or beach amenities like sunbeds (those aren’t included)
• you can only do very basic water access and need special accessibility support (the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users)

Overall, for a first-time Menorca coast day, this can be a strong use of money because it turns multiple scenic stops into one organized block.

Who should book this boat tour from Ciutadella

This is a great fit if you:

• want swim-focused beach time in two main calas
• like the idea of eating lunch while you’re still out at sea
• enjoy guided coastal context while still having freedom to relax

It’s also a good pick for people who don’t want to over-plan. You’re not chasing buses and parking spots across the island. The day is laid out around water stops with a clear return to Ciutadella.

Skip it (or think hard) if you:

• need vegetarian or allergy-friendly lunch choices (no option is stated)
• rely on wheelchair accessibility (it’s not suitable)
• want snorkeling gear provided (bring your own if you care)

Should you book this Menorca paella boat tour?

I’d book it if your top priorities are beautiful calas, generous time to swim, and a straightforward lunch that’s part of the experience. The structure makes it easy: sail out, swim long enough to enjoy it, eat paella on board, then swim again.

I’d pause before booking if your meal needs are strict or if you’re hoping for included snorkeling gear or beach shade comforts like sunbeds. In those cases, you may end up paying for the boat ride while improvising around food or equipment.

If you’re flexible with paella and you want a true day of south-coast water time, this is one of the more practical ways to do it from Ciutadella.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at a red boat that says Fiesta, at the Ciutadella port meeting point listed by the operator.

What time does the boat leave?

The boat leaves the pier at 9:30 am.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is optional. If you choose the pickup option, you’re picked up before the 9:30 am departure. Hotel drop-off is not included unless you select the option that offers it.

How long is the tour?

The cruise lasts about 7 hours, but the full day runs about 7 to 9 hours depending on the schedule.

How much time do you get at the main beach stops?

Cala en Turqueta has about 2 hours of free time, and Son Saura has about 1.5 hours of free time.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so if you want to snorkel, bring your own.

What is included with the paella lunch?

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

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. If you plan to swim or snorkel, bringing your own snorkeling gear can help since it’s not provided.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Are there extra drinks or snacks available?

Additional drinks and snacks are available for purchase on board, beyond the included glass with lunch.