Speedboat excursion through the coves of northern Menorca

Northern Menorca is at its best from the water, where a fast, small boat can slip into coves that are awkward or impossible to reach by land. This three-hour trip covers a generous stretch of coast, from Port d’Addaia to Favaritx Lighthouse and several quiet swimming spots. I like the small private group and the chance to use both snorkeling gear and paddleboards without arranging extra rentals.

I also like the mix of scenery and water time. You get beaches, cliffs, caves, fish-filled Posidonia meadows, and several proper swim stops rather than one quick photo pause. The main drawback is practical: the boat leaves exactly on time, and the meeting point is at Port d’Addaia, not necessarily the port used by a cruise ship.

Key points to know before booking

• Up to 12 people: Your group has the boat to itself, making this a more personal outing than a large sightseeing cruise.
• Three hours on the north coast: The route includes Arenal d’en Castell, Son Parc, Cala Pudent, Cala’n Tosqueta, Favaritx Lighthouse, and Savinar de Mongofre.
• Swim gear is supplied: Snorkels, life jackets, a boarding ladder, and paddle surf boards are included.
• Jessica, also called Jess, captains the boat: She is praised for her friendly manner, clear explanations, and careful handling of the vessel.
• The price works best for a full group: At $534.07 for up to 12 people, the cost is about $44.50 per person if all seats are filled.
• Plan for active water time: The boat moves quickly between stops, and the main appeal is swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and coastal views.

Why a speedboat is a smart way to see northern Menorca

Northern Menorca has a different feel from the island’s more built-up beach areas. The coast near Port d’Addaia shifts between broad sandy bays, small untouched coves, rocky headlands, and open sea. A boat gives you a useful advantage: you can see several distinct places in one morning or afternoon without spending your time driving and walking between them.

This is not a slow sightseeing cruise. The semi-rigid motorboat is built for quick movement, so you cover ground between stops and still have time to get in the water. That matters on a three-hour outing. A slower boat might spend much of the trip traveling, while this route allows about two hours of stops, with the longest pauses at Cala’n Tosqueta and Savinar de Mongofre.

The boat holds up to 12 people, and the activity is private to your group. That makes the $534.07 price easier to justify for a family or group of friends. With 12 people, it comes to about $44.50 each. With six people, it is roughly $89 per person. A smaller group pays more, but you are also buying control over the outing and avoiding a crowded public boat.

Starting quietly at Port d’Addaia

The meeting point is Carrer Steward, 163, at Port d’Addaia. You should arrive at least 20 minutes before departure. This is not a flexible suggestion. The boat leaves on time and the trip will not run late to make up for a late arrival.

Addaia is a small natural port surrounded by open countryside and water. The first 30 minutes are allocated to the bay, both at the start and during the return. This gives you time to settle into the boat and take in the calm setting before the faster coastal run begins.

You will want to confirm your transport plans carefully. Round-trip private transport is available, but it is not included and must be arranged separately. Public transportation is nearby, though the information provided does not specify routes or schedules. If you are coming from a cruise ship, check the port location closely. A ship’s docking port may not be the same place as Port d’Addaia.

Arenal d’en Castell and Son Parc: broad beaches first

The first coastal stop is Arenal d’en Castell, a roughly 650-meter beach shaped like a horseshoe. Its shallow, clear water is sheltered from much of the wave action, giving the bay the feel of a large natural saltwater pool.

The setting is not wild. Tourist buildings surround the beach, so this is more of a scenic coastal pass and short stop than a remote escape. The planned pause is about 10 minutes. That is enough to appreciate the bay from the boat, but not enough for a leisurely swim or shore visit.

Son Parc follows, also known by several local names including Arenal de s’Olla de Son Saura and Arenal de Son Saura. It has a broad dune system, clear water, a gentle slope, and moderate waves. Like Arenal d’en Castell, it is a fairly open beach rather than a secret cove.

The 10-minute timing tells you how to treat these first two stops. Keep your camera ready and enjoy the changing coast, but save your expectations for extended water time for the smaller coves later in the route.

Cala Pudent: fish, sand, and Posidonia

Cala Pudent is where the character of the trip changes. This small, almost untouched beach has very few buildings, sand banks, and underwater Posidonia meadows. Those seagrass beds provide habitat for fish and help explain why this area is useful for snorkeling.

The stop lasts about 20 minutes. You can expect a short swim and a chance to look below the surface with the supplied snorkeling equipment. Water clarity, wind, and sea conditions always affect what you see, so treat the marine life as a possibility rather than a guarantee. Still, the combination of shallow water, seagrass, and low development gives this stop a strong natural appeal.

The boat has a ladder for getting in and out of the water, which is a small but important comfort. Boarding from a semi-rigid boat is easier when you have a firm ladder and a life jacket, especially after swimming.

Cala’n Tosqueta gives you the longest swim stop

Cala’n Tosqueta receives about 40 minutes, the first truly generous stop of the trip. It is one of the quieter coves on the route, with a rocky seabed and large Posidonia meadows. The underwater view is the main event here.

You can use the snorkeling equipment, swim in the clear water, or try the paddle surf boards supplied with the trip. The combination works well because it lets you choose your pace. You can stay close to the boat and look for fish, paddle along the cove, or simply enjoy a calm swim.

The cove is rocky, so water shoes may be useful, though they are not listed as included equipment. I would also remember that rocky seabeds can make entry and exit less comfortable than at a sandy beach. The boat’s ladder helps, but you still need reasonable balance and comfort in the water.

This is one of the stops that makes the trip more than a coastal photo ride. You are given enough time to use the equipment rather than rush through a single short splash.

Favaritx Lighthouse and the slate coast

The route then reaches Favaritx Lighthouse, one of Menorca’s most recognizable coastal markers. The white tower has a black spiral band and sits on a rugged cape surrounded by dark slate cliffs.

The scheduled stop is about 10 minutes. That means the lighthouse is mainly a viewing and photography point, not a land visit. The boat lets you see the structure from the sea, where the cliffs and open water frame it in a more dramatic way.

Do not expect a long walk around the lighthouse or time to explore the cape on foot. The value here is the change in scenery. After sandy bays and swimming coves, the slate cliffs give you a sharper, more exposed section of northern Menorca.

Savinar de Mongofre: the final long pause

Savinar de Mongofre Beach is a small isolated cove near Port d’Addaia. Access by land is difficult, which helps keep it quiet even during the busy summer season. The boat gives you a simple way to reach it without a long hike.

The planned 40-minute stop is ideal for a final swim or paddleboard session. The cove’s isolation gives this part of the route a slower feel, even though the boat has covered a lot of coast.

As at Cala’n Tosqueta, the best use of time depends on your group. Strong swimmers may want to snorkel farther from the boat, while others may prefer a short swim and a rest on board. The captain can explain the stop and help you make the most of the available water time, but conditions will determine exactly what is comfortable.

The guide and the feel on board

Jessica, often called Jess, acts as both local guide and skipper. That combination matters on a small boat. You are not being moved from one stop to another by a distant crew. The person driving the boat also explains the coast and helps organize swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.

The strongest praise for Jess focuses on her friendliness, safety, and local explanations. That is especially useful on a route with many place names and several different types of coastline. You can expect commentary along the way rather than a silent transfer between beaches.

The boat itself is described as clean and comfortable, with a semi-rigid design and room for 12 people. Speedboat travel can feel exciting, but it may not suit everyone. If you are uneasy with fast movement on open water, sit where you feel most secure and tell the skipper if you need help. Life jackets are supplied.

What is included, and what should you bring?

The price includes snorkeling equipment, paddle surf boards, life jackets, the boarding ladder, and all fees and taxes. Bottled water and soft drinks are available to buy on board, but they are not included.

I would bring sun protection, swimwear, a towel, and any personal snacks or drinks you want, while remembering that the listed drinks can be purchased on the boat. Keep belongings compact. A small boat has less room than a land vehicle, and wet equipment will be in use around you.

You should also be ready for a water-focused outing. The route includes sightseeing, but the best parts involve swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. If you prefer a boat trip with no expectation of getting wet, this may not be your ideal choice.

Weather, cancellations, and who should book

The trip depends on good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The provided details do not describe specific boat-access arrangements, so anyone with mobility concerns should confirm those details before booking.

I would choose this excursion for a couple, family, or friend group that wants a private coastal outing with real water stops. It is especially well suited to people who value quieter coves, small-group service, and the freedom to switch between swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.

Should you book this northern Menorca boat trip?

Book it if you can gather enough people to make the group price good value, want to see several northern coves in three hours, and are comfortable with a fast boat and active water stops. The strongest parts are the private format, the long pauses at Cala’n Tosqueta and Savinar de Mongofre, the supplied water equipment, and Jess’s friendly local guidance.

Think twice if your schedule makes a 20-minute early arrival difficult, if you need pickup from a cruise port, or if you want long time ashore at beaches and Favaritx Lighthouse. This is a sea-level view of Menorca, not a walking tour.

For the right group, it is a well-focused way to reach quiet coves, see the north coast from a fresh angle, and spend more time in the water than sitting in a vehicle.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat excursion last?

The excursion lasts approximately three hours.

Where does the boat depart?

The departure point is Carrer Steward, 163, 07740 Port d’Addaia, Illes Balears, Spain.

Where does the trip finish?

The boat returns to Port d’Addaia and the activity ends at the starting meeting point.

How many people can join the private tour?

The semi-rigid boat has capacity for up to 12 people, and only your group participates.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, life jackets, a ladder for entering and leaving the water, and paddle surf boards are included.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Bottled water and soft drinks are available to purchase on board.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure. The boat leaves on time.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the activity to be canceled.