5 Best Spots for Snorkeling in Menorca

Jumping into the water with your goggles and snorkel will open up a world to explore that will surprise you. Menorca is one of the best places for snorkelling in the Mediterranean, as its clean, clear waters will give you perfect visibility.

The rocks and vegetation surrounding its coves attract hundreds of unique species. But which are the best coves for snorkelling in Menorca? Below is a list, and I also recommend that you consider going on an excursion, as you will be accompanied by an instructor and 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 sand and paradisiacal waters, it is also one of the best places on the island to explore underwater life.

This cove is flanked by vertical rock walls and vegetation that rise 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 of southern Menorca, you will have snorkelling equipment at your disposal to practise in Cala Macarella. Don't hesitate!

Where it is: 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 schools of colourful fish.

Approach with caution and enjoy this wonder for the senses: this beach is shallow, so it's easy to swim across, and there are platforms strategically placed to facilitate access to the water. Dive in!

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

Cala Tamarells is actually made up of a group of three unspoilt coves on the east of the island. Its turquoise waters and the relatively long walk required to reach it mean that it is not too crowded, even in high season. This makes it a great place to snorkel and enjoy the seabed in peace. In the depths, you will see how the sand is completely covered by a layer of posidonia, a Mediterranean plant that is the favourite food of many of the species that live there.

Explore it slowly and enjoy the views and the landscape. You can also access it by kayak if you want to avoid walking too much.

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 is therefore an unspoilt area rarely visited by tourists. There you can enjoy a rocky landscape that looks like something from another planet, and in its rocky bay you will find shallow waters, so you can see the species devouring the posidonia around them up close.

It is best to explore it on a day when there is little wind to ensure that the rocks do not pose any danger.

Where it is: 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 makes it well worth a visit (and a dip). It is inaccessible on foot and by car, so you will have to get there either by kayak or on a boat or motorboat trip that allows you to explore its rugged terrain.

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

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

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If you want to go snorkelling, I recommend booking a kayak tour with snorkelling in Menorca, as you will be accompanied by a professional instructor for no less than three and a half hours, which is more than enough time to enjoy the activity regardless of whether you have done it before. What's more, you'll explore the north coast of the island, discover the marine reserve and have time to take a break on an idyllic beach.

But this isn't the only option; you can also book a boat trip, either around the coves of southern or northern Menorca, or even a catamaran trip. Here are some options.

• Boat trip around the coves of southern Menorca, from AED 279: This activity lasts three and a half hours and you will discover idyllic 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 and Mitjana.
• Boat trip around the coves of northern Menorca from Fornells, from AED 180: This is also an intense 3½ hours, but in the north of the island. Specifically, you will visit Cala Pregonda, Playa de Cavalleria and Fornells, among other places. And you can enjoy a snack.
• Catamaran trip in Menorca, from AED 181: This trip is shorter, lasting 2 hours and 15 minutes, but you can enjoy the sunset and watch the sun go down. There will be a stop for snorkelling or swimming, depending on your preference. It also includes a snack.

Price comparison table

Hiring a kayak in Menorca will add a touch of sport and adventure to your holiday, as well as allowing you to reach inaccessible places and enjoy the underwater species in a peaceful environment. On the other hand, from Fornells Bay, kayak trips are organised that will take you to unspoilt beaches where you can snorkel and enjoy a peaceful swim.

The instructor will provide you with everything you need: the kayak, paddle, life jacket, goggles and snorkel, so if you've never been kayaking before, don't worry because you won't have to worry about a thing and they'll give you a few tips so you can handle it with ease from the very beginning.

The instructor will accompany you throughout the route, guiding you to the best spots and showing you the best places to take a dip and go snorkelling. You'll discover Fornells Bay and its unspoilt beaches, as well as the Cueva de los Ingleses, a true natural gem that goes unnoticed by many tourists but which you'll be able to explore at your leisure.

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

If you go snorkelling in the coves of northern Menorca, in its marine reserve you will see not only octopuses but also other species such as moray eels and red mullet. This makes northern Menorca a perfect place for snorkelling and enjoying the island's underwater life.

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

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

Of course you can. As long as they can swim, the experience is completely 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 your little ones snorkelling with you, as it will be an unforgettable family experience.

Just make sure you get smaller goggles and a smaller snorkel to ensure that no water gets in and that they can enjoy the experience comfortably.

You can dive on both the north and south coasts of Menorca. To dive in the depths of Menorca's waters, as anywhere else, you will need the appropriate certification and equipment. If you don't have either, but would like to try the experience, you can do a trial dive in a swimming pool to gain the necessary experience (and certification) to then dive in the sea.

Check out all the options at Diving Menorca: this is a local company of professionals and marine biologists who organise expeditions that are completely respectful of the environment and the island's marine fauna. They will tell you everything you need to know to get the most out of the experience.