From Fornells: North Coast Beaches Cruise with Swim Stops

Cala Pregonda is the star of this 3.5-hour north coast cruise from Fornells. You sail past cliffs, caves, beaches, and the Cavalleria Lighthouse, then get proper time in the water rather than a rushed photo stop. I especially like the two swim breaks and the useful gear supplied on board, including paddleboards, snorkels, floats, and a slide. The main drawback is simple: on a choppy day, the open-water ride can feel rough, and seasickness medicine is not provided.

You’ll also get a clean, well-kept boat with a toilet, a small bar, and recorded commentary in several languages. Arrive early if you want a better seat, since the boat can fill well before departure. There is no individual guide name listed, but live language support is available in Spanish, English, Italian, French, Catalan, and Portuguese.

Key points to know before booking

• Two genuine swim stops: Plan on about 30 to 40 minutes at Cavalleria Beach and 40 to 50 minutes at Cala Pregonda.
• Cala Pregonda is the highlight: The sheltered-looking cove, reddish shore, and small offshore formations make this the most memorable stop.
• More than a sightseeing boat: You can use paddleboards, snorkeling equipment, a floating mattress, pool noodles, life jackets, and the boat slide.
• A useful view of Menorca’s north coast: The route includes Cavalleria Lighthouse, Cavalleria Cape, Port of Sanitja, Cala Mica, beaches, cliffs, and sea caves.
• Good value at $47: The price includes the cruise, commentary, two swim stops, and water equipment, though food and drinks cost extra.
• Plan for sun and motion: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and seasickness medication if you need it.

Leaving Fornells Bay for Menorca’s north coast

The boat leaves from the end of the dock in Fornells Bay, in front of Casa Emilio. Fornells is a practical starting point because the bay gives the boat calmer water before it reaches the more exposed north coast.

This is not a small private sailing trip. You’ll be on a larger excursion boat with shared seating, a bar, toilet, and space to move around. That makes it a better match for families and mixed-age groups than for anyone seeking a quiet, highly personal sailing experience.

Arrive about 30 minutes before departure if choosing a good seat matters to you. One earlier arrival of 15 minutes found the boat nearly full. The front of the boat can be fun for children, but it also gets more spray and motion. A middle or rear seat may suit you better if you are prone to seasickness.

The boat carries a recorded audio guide in Spanish, English, French, Italian, German, and Portuguese. Live tour support is also available in Spanish, English, Italian, French, Catalan, and Portuguese. Commentary is used as the boat pauses near notable sites, so you can learn something about the coast without listening constantly during the ride.

Cavalleria Lighthouse and the island’s northern tip

As the boat heads north, you’ll pass Cavalleria Lighthouse, perched on a rocky point at the island’s northernmost end. The setting is striking because the lighthouse sits above the rougher, more exposed waters around Cavalleria Cape.

This part of the trip is about seeing Menorca from a different angle. Roads and walking paths can take you near several northern beaches, but a boat lets you view the cliffs from below and reach coves that are not practical to visit overland. The rock faces, narrow inlets, and open sea give the ride its sense of place.

The coastline is not just a series of pretty beach views. It has a harder, wilder character than the resort areas farther south. On a calm day, the water can look smooth and clear. On a windy day, the boat may roll, and the north coast feels much more exposed. That contrast is worth keeping in mind when choosing your date.

The crew has been praised for being friendly and helpful, including with children. That matters on a boat where the mood depends heavily on weather and how well the crew manages boarding, swimming, and movement around the deck.

Port of Sanitja and the remains of Sanisera

The route continues toward Port of Sanitja, a natural harbor linked with the ancient Roman city of Sanisera. You won’t be visiting an archaeological site on foot, but the stop adds useful context to what could otherwise be a straightforward beach cruise.

From the water, the port shows how sheltered inlets shaped life on the island. It is a quieter section of the route, giving you a break from the larger cliffs and open sea. The recorded commentary provides information as the boat passes points of interest.

If your main goal is swimming, this part may feel like a pause between active stops. If you like knowing what you are looking at, it helps give the coast a human story rather than leaving you with scenery alone.

Cavalleria Beach gives you the first proper swim

Cavalleria Beach is the first major water stop, with about 30 to 40 minutes to swim. It is known as one of Menorca’s more pristine northern beaches, with a broad natural setting and clear water.

The time is long enough for a proper swim and a little play, though not long enough for a slow beach afternoon. Since the boat remains the base, you can use the supplied equipment without needing to bring your own. Life jackets and floats are available, and the crew manages access to the water.

This is a good point to test the conditions. If the sea feels lively, stay close to the boat and use the floating equipment. If it is calm, you can swim, snorkel, or try a paddleboard. Snorkeling conditions depend on water clarity and wind, so expect a pleasant extra rather than a dedicated underwater wildlife trip.

The boat also has a slide, which gives the stop a playful edge. Children and adults who enjoy jumping or sliding into the sea will get more from this cruise than someone who only wants to sit in the sun. The slide, floating mattress, pool noodles, and paddleboards turn the swim break into an activity session.

Cala Mica, a small cove shaped like a shell

After Cavalleria Beach, the boat passes Cala Mica, a tiny sandy cove shaped like a shell. This is a viewing stop rather than one of the main swim breaks, so keep your camera ready and do not expect to go ashore.

Cala Mica shows why a boat trip is useful along this coast. From land, reaching every small inlet can take time and may involve walking. From the water, the boat can move close enough for you to appreciate the shape of the cove without adding another transfer or hike.

This is also where the scale of Menorca’s smaller beaches becomes clear. Some coves are too small for a large beach crowd, while others are best appreciated from offshore. You get both kinds of views on this route.

Cala Pregonda is the main event

The final stop is Cala Pregonda, one of the most memorable places on Menorca’s north coast. You’ll have about 40 to 50 minutes here, giving you more time than at Cavalleria Beach.

The cove is known for unusual rock shapes, sandy shorelines, and a setting that feels more remote than the developed beaches near resort towns. The boat may move close into the cove, which makes the approach part of the experience. You can admire the coast from the deck before choosing how active you want to be.

Use the paddleboards to explore near the boat, or take a mask and snorkel to look below the surface. The floating mattress is useful for relaxing once you have had enough swimming. The slide provides an easy way back into the water, especially if your group wants something more lively than a quiet swim.

The stop lasts long enough for you to choose your own pace. You can spend the entire break in the water, remain on deck, or combine a short swim with snorkeling and a paddleboard session. That flexibility is one of the tour’s strongest points.

Do not expect Cala Pregonda to be empty. Its reputation and beauty make it a popular part of Menorca’s north coast. The boat gives you access and a good view, but it does not turn a famous beach into a private one.

What the boat provides, and what costs extra

The $47 price is strong value if you plan to use the water equipment. You are paying for a 3.5-hour boat ride, two swim stops, multilingual commentary, and access to paddleboards, snorkeling gear, a floating mattress, a slide, and safety floats.

The boat also has a toilet, which is a small but important comfort on a half-day trip. A bar sells drinks, snacks, ice cream, coffee, and cocktails. Food and drinks are not included, so bring money if you want something during the ride. Small snacks and drinks have been described as fairly priced, while alcohol may cost more.

Some departures may offer a small drink or snack, but you should not book this expecting meals or complimentary refreshments. Bring water if you prefer to keep costs down, and use sunscreen regularly. The north coast offers little shade once you are out on deck.

The boat is clean and well maintained, according to the supplied trip details. It is not presented as a luxury yacht, and you should choose it for the route and activities rather than polished private-boat comfort.

Timing, comfort, and the return to Fornells

The cruise lasts three and a half hours, including the outward ride, sightseeing, swim stops, and return to Fornells Bay. Reports of the route describe roughly 50 minutes of cruising before a water stop and a similarly scenic return, though exact timing can change with sea conditions and the day’s operation.

The trip can feel longer if you dislike sitting in the sun or if the sea is choppy. Comfortable clothing, swimwear, a towel, and strong sun protection are essential. If you are susceptible to motion sickness, take your usual medication before boarding. No anti-seasickness pills are offered on board.

Families should find plenty to do, especially during the swim stops. The slide, floats, paddleboards, and snorkeling equipment give children options, while the commentary and coastal views keep adults occupied during the cruising sections.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. The practical setup involves boarding a boat and getting in and out of the water, so anyone with mobility concerns should check carefully before paying.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later. That is useful when your Menorca plans depend on weather, but the sea conditions still matter on the day itself.

Who should book this Fornells cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want to see several northern beaches without arranging separate transport, walking routes, or beach access. It is especially good for families, couples who want a half-day outing, and groups with mixed interests.

You should also book it if the water activities appeal to you. The supplied boards, floats, snorkels, and slide add real value and make the swim stops more than brief opportunities to cool off.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet sailing trip, private service, or a serious snorkeling excursion. This is a shared boat with commentary, active swim stops, and a bar. On rough days, the ride may be uncomfortable for anyone sensitive to movement.

The experience has a 4.7 rating from 455 reviews, with especially strong praise for the crew, boat cleanliness, family-friendly service, and the length of the swim stops. Those are the points I would use when judging its value: you get a well-organized coastal outing with plenty to do, not just a ride past the beaches.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

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

How long does the boat trip last?

The full cruise lasts three and a half hours.

Which beaches are used for swimming?

The two main swim stops are Cavalleria Beach and Cala Pregonda.

How long are the swim stops?

The Cavalleria Beach stop lasts about 30 to 40 minutes. Cala Pregonda provides about 40 to 50 minutes of free time.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the cruise price.

Are paddleboards available?

Yes. Free paddle surf boards are provided during the water stops.

Does the boat have a slide?

Yes. A slide, floating mattress, pool noodles, floats, and life jackets are available for use.

Are food and drinks included?

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

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. If you are prone to seasickness, bring your own medication because none is supplied on board.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a reasonably priced way to see Menorca’s north coast and spend real time in the water. The combination of Cavalleria, Cala Mica, Cala Pregonda, coastal cliffs, and onboard equipment makes $47 a fair price.

Choose another outing if you need a private boat, guaranteed calm seas, or a fully accessible experience. For most families and active couples staying near Fornells, though, this is a practical half-day trip with strong scenery, helpful crew service, and enough water time to justify the fare.