Speedboat excursion through the coves of northern Menorca

Northern Menorca is best seen from the water, where a speedboat can reach coves that are difficult to access by land. This three-hour trip from Port d’Addaia combines fast coastal cruising with long swim stops at places such as Cala Pudent and Cala’n Tosqueta. I like the mix of scenery and water time, and I like that the boat carries snorkel gear and paddleboards rather than making you arrange them yourself.

The private format is another plus. Your group of up to 12 stays together, and skipper Jessica has been praised for her safe handling, friendly manner, and clear explanations. The main drawback is the meeting point: Port d’Addaia is not the same as every cruise-ship port on Menorca, and the boat leaves on time, so transport planning matters.

Key points at a glance

• Quiet Port d’Addaia departure: Start and finish in a small natural harbor rather than a crowded marina.
• Three hours on the northern coast: The route includes beaches, small coves, sea caves, Posidonia meadows, and Favaritx Lighthouse.
• Real time in the water: Cala Pudent and Cala’n Tosqueta allow generous stops for swimming and snorkeling.
• Paddleboards included: You can trade the snorkel mask for a paddleboard during the water stops.
• Private group of up to 12: The boat is shared only with your own group, not a large mixed crowd.
• Weather-sensitive activity: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

A fast start from Port d’Addaia

The excursion begins at Carrer Steward, 163, in Port d’Addaia. You need to arrive 20 minutes early, not at the scheduled departure time. That rule matters here because the boat leaves on time and the trip will not run late to make up for a delayed arrival.

Port d’Addaia is a calm starting point. The bay is surrounded by nature, and the harbor itself gives you a pleasant first look at how the built areas fit into the surrounding coast. You return here at the end, so there is no second pickup point to find after a swim-heavy morning.

The boat is a modern semi-rigid motorboat with room for up to 12 people. This type of craft is made for quick movement between coves, which is useful on a three-hour outing. You get more coastline than you would from a slow boat, but the ride can feel lively when the sea is choppy. If you prefer a very gentle, quiet cruise, this may not be your ideal boat trip.

What the private format really means

The price is $534.07 for the entire group, up to 12 people. That makes the value much better when you fill the boat. At 12 people, the cost works out to about $44.51 per person. A group of nine would pay about $59.34 each, while a smaller party of four would pay about $133.52 each.

That is not a cheap individual boat ride, but it is a sensible group price for a private three-hour charter with a skipper, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, a swim ladder, and life jackets. You are also paying for access to small coves that are harder to reach by road or on foot.

The private setup suits families, friends, or a small group that wants control over the pace. It does not mean you can guarantee a custom route or extend the tour. The timing is fixed, and the captain decides how to operate the boat safely. Still, the group-only arrangement avoids the feel of a crowded sightseeing vessel.

Arenal d’en Castell and Son Parc

The first coastal stops are Arenal d’en Castell and Son Parc. Each is scheduled for about 10 minutes, so think of these as scenic introductions rather than full beach visits.

Arenal d’en Castell curves around a horseshoe-shaped bay. Its water is transparent and shallow, and the shape of the bay helps keep waves low. From the boat, you get a good view of the broad beach and the surrounding tourist buildings. The setting is attractive, but this is not the most secluded part of the route.

Son Parc, also known as Arenal de s’Olla de Son Saura, has a wider beach area, dunes, a gentle slope, and clear water. The coast here feels more open, with a light breeze and moderate waves. The short stop gives you time to take in the shoreline, but it is not where you should expect an extended swim.

These early stops help you understand the range of northern Menorca. You see a developed beach with easy water access, then a beach shaped by dunes and open sea. After that, the route moves toward smaller, quieter coves.

Cala Pudent, a better place to snorkel

Cala Pudent is one of the more rewarding stops for anyone interested in what lies below the surface. It is a small, undeveloped beach with sandbanks and Posidonia meadows. These underwater seagrass beds provide shelter for fish and other marine life, which helps explain why this stop is used for snorkeling.

You get about 20 minutes here. That is enough for a swim and a look underwater, though you may need to choose between a relaxed swim and a longer snorkeling session. The boat provides the basic snorkeling equipment, so you do not have to pack your own mask and fins unless you prefer your personal gear.

The water around the northern coves is described as turquoise and clear, but conditions can change with wind and sea movement. Do not expect an aquarium every time you put your face in the water. The appeal is the combination of quiet surroundings, shallow coastal habitat, and the chance to see marine life without a crowded beach around you.

Forty minutes at Cala’n Tosqueta

Cala’n Tosqueta receives the longest water stop, about 40 minutes. That extra time makes a difference. You can swim without rushing, snorkel for a while, and use one of the paddleboards included with the trip.

The cove is known for its rocky seabed and Posidonia meadows. The bottom is not a smooth sandy pool, so water shoes may be useful, although they are not listed as included equipment. The rocky setting gives the stop a more natural feel, but it may be less comfortable for anyone who wants an easy, sandy entry.

A ladder is provided for getting in and out of the boat. That is helpful at a rocky cove, where stepping directly onto shore may not be practical. Life jackets are also supplied. You should still be comfortable around open water, since this is an active boat trip with swimming and snorkeling rather than a purely sightseeing cruise.

The paddleboards add variety. You can paddle quietly near the boat, then return for another swim or snorkel. The equipment is shared within the group, so a full boat may require a little turn-taking. That is a small point, but it matters if everyone wants a long paddleboard session.

Favaritx Lighthouse and the rugged coast

The boat makes a short stop near Far de Favaritx, the Favaritx Lighthouse. The lighthouse is easy to recognize, with a white tower marked by a black spiral band. It sits on a cape surrounded by dark slate cliffs and a stark, rocky setting.

The scheduled stop is about 10 minutes. This is mainly a viewing and photo opportunity, not a land visit. You will see the lighthouse from the water, and the boat gives you a different angle from the usual road approach.

This part of the route is a useful break from the soft beaches and swimming coves. Menorca’s northern coast changes quickly, from shallow bays to exposed rock and open water. If taking photos matters to you, keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray and movement on the speedboat.

Savinar de Mongofre, the quiet final cove

Savinar de Mongofre Beach is a small, isolated cove near Port d’Addaia. Land access is difficult, which helps keep it quiet even in the high season. The planned stop lasts about 40 minutes, giving you another substantial stretch of time for swimming and relaxing.

This is one of the strongest reasons to choose a boat excursion rather than a standard beach day. You can reach a place that is not straightforward to visit by land, without spending the day hiking or arranging a separate transfer. The cove is close to the starting harbor, but it feels removed from the busier parts of the island.

The route order and exact stopping pattern can depend on sea conditions and the captain’s judgment. You should treat the listed stops as the planned route, not as a promise that every stop will receive identical water time. That flexibility is sensible on the sea, especially when the tour depends on safe swimming conditions.

The skipper and the feel on board

Jessica, also referred to as Jess, acts as skipper and local guide. Her role is more than steering. She explains the coast as you travel, points out places of interest, and manages the swim and paddleboard stops.

The boat has been described as clean, comfortable, and well supplied. The semi-rigid design gives you a quick ride between stops, while the small capacity keeps the group personal. You should expect some engine noise and movement, especially when the boat is traveling at speed. Bring a secure bag for phones and cameras, and avoid carrying anything you would worry about getting wet.

The ride itself is part of the fun, but it will not suit everyone. Anyone prone to seasickness should consider how they handle fast boats. The captain’s safe operation is reassuring, yet no skipper can remove the motion of the sea.

What to bring and what costs extra

Snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, life jackets, the swim ladder, and all fees and taxes are included. Bottled water and soft drinks are available to buy on board, but they are not included in the price.

I would bring a towel, swimsuit, sun protection, a secure waterproof pouch, and any personal medication you need. The provided equipment covers the main activities, but you may prefer your own mask or water shoes. Since the tour includes several swim stops, wear clothing that dries quickly and keep valuables to a minimum.

Round-trip private transport is not included, though a shuttle can be arranged by contacting the provider. This is especially important if you are staying far from Port d’Addaia or arriving by cruise ship. One booking error reported for this type of outing involved confusing the cruise port with the boat’s actual departure port, so check the location before you commit.

Who will enjoy this Menorca boat trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to people who want several kinds of coastal scenery in a short time. You get developed beaches, dune-backed shore, isolated coves, rocky coastline, a lighthouse, and underwater habitat in one three-hour outing.

It is also a good fit for groups that want a private activity without hiring a much larger charter. Families with confident swimmers, couples traveling with friends, and small groups of up to 12 can make good use of the format. The paddleboards and snorkeling gear give you options beyond sitting on the boat.

The trip may be less suitable for anyone who dislikes speed, open-water swimming, or a fixed schedule. The tour includes only short stops at Arenal d’en Castell, Son Parc, and Favaritx Lighthouse. If your main goal is to spend a full day on one beach, choose a land-based outing instead.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. Still, the activity centers on boarding a boat, using a ladder, and entering the sea. If you have concerns about mobility or swimming, contact the provider before booking rather than relying on the general participation guidance.

Weather, timing, and cancellation

This is a weather-dependent experience. If poor conditions cause a cancellation, you can receive a different 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 less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off follows local Menorca time. Since the boat does not run late, arrive early and keep your schedule clear after the trip as well.

Should you book it?

Book this speedboat trip if you want a private northern Menorca outing with real swim time, not just a cruise past the coast. The best parts are the 40-minute stops at Cala’n Tosqueta and Savinar de Mongofre, the included paddleboards and snorkel gear, and the chance to reach coves that are awkward to access by land.

The value depends on your group size. With nine to 12 people, the price is quite reasonable for a private boat and skipper. With only two or three people, it becomes a costly three-hour activity.

I would skip it if you are staying near another port and have not arranged transport, or if fast boats and open-water swimming are not your thing. For the right group, though, this is an efficient and enjoyable way to see the wilder side of Menorca’s northern coast.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat excursion start?

The tour starts at Carrer Steward, 163, 07740 Port d’Addaia, Illes Balears, Spain.

Where does the excursion end?

The activity ends back at the Port d’Addaia meeting point.

How long does the boat trip last?

The excursion lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The boat can accommodate a group of up to 12 people, and only your group participates in the activity.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Are paddleboards available?

Yes. Paddle surf boards are included for use during the excursion.

Are life jackets provided?

Yes. Life jackets and a ladder for entering and leaving the water are provided.

Are drinks included?

No. Bottled water and soft drinks are available to purchase on board but are not included.

Is transportation from my accommodation included?

No. Round-trip private transportation is not included, though a shuttle service may be available if you contact the provider to arrange it.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

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