From Fornells: North Coast Beaches Cruise with Swim Stops

The best beaches are often reached by water. This 3.5-hour cruise from Fornells takes you along Menorca’s rugged north coast, stopping at Cavalleria Beach and Cala Pregonda for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and a bit of boat-slide fun. I like the mix of sightseeing and water time, especially the chance to see coves that are difficult to reach by land. I also like that the equipment is included, so you do not need to hire a paddleboard or bring snorkel gear.

The main thing to consider is the sea. Conditions can be choppy, and there is no seasickness medicine sold on board. The boat has a bar for drinks and snacks, but food and beverages are extra. At $47 per person, I think this is good value for a half-day outing, provided you want an active boat trip rather than a quiet, polished sailing excursion.

The best reasons to choose this cruise

• Cavalleria Lighthouse and Cape: See Menorca’s northernmost point, dramatic cliffs, and the lighthouse perched above the sea.
• Two proper swim stops: You get roughly 30 to 40 minutes at Cavalleria Beach and about 40 to 50 minutes at Cala Pregonda.
• Free water equipment: Snorkels, paddleboards, floating mattresses, noodles, life jackets, and a slide are available during the stops.
• Cala Pregonda by boat: The final stop brings you to one of Menorca’s most striking beaches, with rocky islets and clear water.
• A useful historical glimpse: The route passes Port of Sanitja, the site of the ancient Roman city of Sanisera.
• Easy half-day timing: The 3.5-hour schedule leaves room for lunch, an afternoon at Fornells, or another activity.

Setting out from Fornells Bay

The cruise starts at the end of the dock in Fornells Bay, in front of Casa Emilio. Look for the boat rather than waiting inside the restaurant. If you are driving, allow extra time to park and walk to the pier. One practical tip is to arrive about 30 minutes early if you want a better choice of seats, as the boat can fill up before departure.

Fornells is a sensible starting point for this trip. The bay provides a calm beginning before the boat reaches the open water, and the route quickly shifts from harbor views to the rougher coast of northern Menorca. You can settle into a seat, listen to the recorded commentary, and watch the shoreline change.

The boat is described as spacious and includes a toilet. It is not presented as a luxury yacht, and I would set your expectations accordingly. This is a practical sightseeing boat built for a mix of cruising and swimming. That makes it a good fit for families and groups who want room to move around, but less suitable if you are hoping for an intimate sailing experience.

The commentary is available in Spanish, English, French, Italian, German, and Portuguese. Live crew communication is available in Spanish, English, Italian, French, Catalan, and Portuguese. The narration helps give context to the beaches and landmarks, though the real attraction is outside: red-gold cliffs, pale sand, low scrub, and open Mediterranean water.

Cavalleria Lighthouse and the northern cliffs

One of the first major sights is Cavalleria Lighthouse, set above the northernmost point of Menorca. From the water, the lighthouse has a more dramatic setting than it does on a simple drive past. It sits above the cliffs at Cavalleria Cape, where the coast feels exposed and wild.

I like this section because it gives you a good sense of why a boat is useful here. From land, you can visit certain viewpoints and beaches, but the water offers a different angle on the cliffs. You see the rock faces from below and get a better view of the small inlets that do not connect easily with roads.

The route also passes the Port of Sanitja, a natural harbor linked to the ancient Roman city of Sanisera. This is not a long archaeological visit, so do not expect time to walk through ruins. Instead, it is a short historical detail woven into the coastal cruise. For many people, that is enough context to make the shoreline feel like more than a series of pretty coves.

The sea can be lively around this part of the island. If you are prone to motion sickness, take your usual medication before boarding. No anti-seasickness tablets are provided on the boat. Sitting outside and looking toward the horizon may help, but it is wise to prepare rather than hope for calm water.

Cavalleria Beach, the first swim stop

Cavalleria Beach is one of the main highlights of the trip. It is known for its clean, open setting and reddish tones, and the boat stops nearby for about 30 to 40 minutes of swimming.

That time is long enough for a proper swim, but not so long that the trip turns into a beach day in one place. You can jump into the water from the boat, use the floating equipment, or simply stay aboard and enjoy the view. Life jackets and floats are available, which is helpful for children or anyone who is not a confident swimmer.

This is also a good point to try the paddleboards and snorkel gear. The equipment is included, but supply is shared among the people on board. You may need to wait briefly if several passengers want the same item at once. I would not plan on an extended solo paddleboarding session, but there should be enough time to have a go.

The boat also carries a floating mattress, pool noodles, and a slide. The slide is aimed squarely at fun rather than elegance, and that is part of the appeal. Families in particular may find that the children remember the slide more clearly than the lighthouse. There is also the option to jump from the boat, subject to the crew’s instructions and conditions.

If you prefer a quiet swim, this stop may feel busy when the boat is full. The water activities are a strength, but they also mean the swimming area around the boat can be lively. You can avoid some of the commotion by swimming toward the beach or using the snorkel equipment near the rocky edges, while staying within the safe area set by the crew.

Cala Mica and the small-cove scenery

After Cavalleria Beach, the boat continues toward Cala Mica, a tiny sandy cove shaped like a shell. This is more of a scenic pass than a long stop, so keep your camera ready and pay attention to the shoreline.

Cala Mica shows the quieter side of Menorca’s north coast. Its small scale contrasts with the wider beach at Cavalleria. From the boat, you can appreciate the shape of the cove without needing to climb ashore or find a path through the scrub.

This part of the route is also where the value of the cruise becomes clearer. A road trip can take you to major beaches, but a boat gives you a continuous view of the coast. You are not packing up towels, walking back to a car, and searching for another parking place every hour. The boat handles the movement while you stay focused on the water and cliffs.

Cala Pregonda, the main event

Cala Pregonda is the final and most substantial stop. You get around 40 to 50 minutes of free time here, enough for a proper swim and a look around the surrounding coves.

Pregonda is famous for its unusual coastal shapes, pale sand, and rocky formations rising from the water. The setting feels more secluded than the larger beaches, though a boat stop naturally brings other people into the area. If your picture of Menorca includes clear water around small rocky outcrops, this is the stop most likely to deliver it.

The boat provides snorkel equipment and paddleboards at no extra charge. You can use the snorkel gear to look around the underwater rocks, or paddle out for a closer view of the cove. The floating mattress and slide remain available for those who prefer simple fun over quiet exploration.

I would use this final stop carefully. Forty to 50 minutes passes quickly once you collect equipment, swim, and return it. If you want to snorkel, start with that rather than saving it for the last few minutes. If you are with children, agree on a return time before anyone gets into the water.

The crew manages the swim stops and provides life jackets and floats. Even so, you are responsible for following instructions and judging your own ability. Conditions can change, and the most enjoyable approach is to treat the water activities as optional rather than feeling you need to try everything.

What is included, and what costs extra

The $47 price covers the 3.5-hour boat cruise, multilingual recorded commentary, two swim stops, and the water equipment. That is a solid package for Menorca, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for snorkel hire, paddleboards, or a beach excursion.

The boat has a bar selling drinks, cocktails, coffee, ice cream, snacks, and other refreshments. These are not included in the fare. Prices for snacks and soft drinks have been described as reasonable, while alcohol can cost more. Bring a payment method and do not count on the bar as a free part of the trip.

A small drink or snack may sometimes be served, but I would treat that as an occasional extra rather than something guaranteed. Bring water if you know you will want regular drinks, along with sunscreen and a towel. Swimwear is essential, and comfortable clothing makes the cruising sections easier.

The value is strongest for anyone who plans to use the equipment. If you only want to sit on a boat and look at the coast, a simpler sightseeing cruise might offer similar scenery for less. If you intend to swim, snorkel, paddle, and use the slide, the included gear makes the price more attractive.

Comfort, timing, and the feel on board

The total duration is 3.5 hours, though some passengers have described the outing as closer to four hours. The schedule includes the outward coastal cruise, two swim stops, and the return to Fornells Bay. The exact amount of time spent at each point can depend on sea conditions and the day’s operation.

The boat has a clean toilet, which matters on a half-day trip. There are also several ways to spend the time: sit and watch the coastline, listen to commentary, take photographs, or move around during the water stops.

This is an active excursion, but it is not physically demanding in the way a long coastal hike would be. The main challenges are sun, sea movement, and getting in and out of the water. Wheelchair users cannot take this tour, so anyone with mobility concerns should check carefully before booking.

Families should find plenty to like here. The slide, floats, paddleboards, and swimming time give children something to do, while the boat ride and coastal sights keep the outing from being just another pool session. One useful detail is that crew members have been especially attentive to children when the water has been choppy.

Couples and solo visitors can enjoy it too, but the tone is lively rather than romantic. Expect a shared boat, people moving between seats and water activities, and a good deal of casual holiday energy.

Practical tips for getting the most from it

I would pack light, but bring the items that matter:

• Swimsuit and towel
• High-factor sunscreen
• Sunglasses and a hat
• Motion sickness medication if you need it
• A waterproof case or bag for your phone
• Water, especially if you do not plan to buy drinks

Apply sunscreen before boarding. There is little point waiting until the first stop, since the open boat can expose you to strong sun during the cruise.

Arrive early enough to find the pier and board without rushing. The meeting point is at the end of the dock in front of Casa Emilio. If you are using a car park near Menorca Nord, allow time for the short walk and look for the blue and white flags that help identify the boat area.

Choose your seat with the sea in mind. If you are prone to motion sickness, a position with a clear view of the horizon may be more comfortable than sitting inside or facing sideways. If you want photographs, keep your camera ready during the lighthouse and cliff sections, since the boat will not necessarily pause for every view.

Listen to the crew before entering the water. The equipment is available to make the stops more enjoyable, not to encourage unsafe swimming. You do not need to use the slide, paddleboards, or snorkel gear to get value from the trip.

Should you book the Fornells north coast cruise?

I would book this cruise if you want a reasonably priced way to combine Menorca’s coastline with two proper swim stops. It is especially well suited to families, groups of friends, and anyone who likes a boat day with plenty to do. The most praised features are the friendly crew, clean and well-kept boat, useful swim-stop length, and range of free water equipment.

I would think twice if you dislike choppy water, need step-free access, or want a quiet luxury sailing trip. The boat can feel lively, refreshments cost extra, and the sea is not always smooth.

For most visitors staying near Fornells, this is a strong half-day choice. The route gives you Cavalleria Lighthouse, Port of Sanitja, Cala Mica, Cavalleria Beach, and Cala Pregonda without the work of moving between beaches by car. At $47, the combination of scenery, commentary, swimming, and included equipment makes it one of the better-value ways to see Menorca’s north coast from the water.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart 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 cruise last?

The advertised duration is 3.5 hours, including the coastal cruise, two swim stops, and the return to Fornells Bay.

Which beaches are included in the route?

The cruise stops for swimming at Cavalleria Beach and Cala Pregonda. It also passes Cala Mica and travels near the Port of Sanitja and Cavalleria Lighthouse.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with paddleboards, a floating mattress, a slide, floats, noodles, and life jackets for use during the swim stops.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Drinks, coffee, cocktails, ice cream, snacks, and other refreshments are available to purchase at the boat bar.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. If you are susceptible to seasickness, bring your own medication because no anti-seasickness pills are offered on board.