Visiting Isla del Aire by boat is one of the best stops on the south coast of Menorca: turquoise water, seabeds full of life for snorkelling and a white lighthouse on an uninhabited islet. As a skipper, I’ll tell you what makes it special and how we visit it.
In short:
- Isla del Aire is an uninhabited islet off Punta Prima, in the southeast of Menorca.
- It has a lighthouse, a black lizard that lives only here and one of the best spots on the island for snorkelling.
- It can only be reached by sea. It is one of the stops on our south coast route, which leaves from Mahón harbour.
What is Isla del Aire
Isla del Aire (Illa de l’Aire in Menorcan) is a flat, uninhabited islet in the southeast of Menorca, opposite Punta Prima beach. At its highest point stands the Isla del Aire lighthouse, one of the island’s historic lighthouses, visible from much of the south coast.
There are no developed beaches or services: just rock, low vegetation and the sea all around. That is why the water is so clear and the seabed so well preserved.
The black lizard of Isla del Aire
The islet is home to a subspecies of Balearic lizard, Podarcis lilfordi, almost black in colour, which exists only here. It is a protected species and there are lots of them. If you get close to the shore you will see them sunbathing on the rocks. Just look, without touching or feeding them.
Snorkelling at Isla del Aire
Around the islet there are rocky seabeds and posidonia meadows full of life: sea bream, damselfish, octopus, starfish and sea urchins. With shallow, crystal-clear water, you can see everything from the surface with a mask and snorkel. Masks are included on all our trips, and the Beneteau Flyer 7 also has an underwater scooter. You will find more spots in our guide to snorkelling in Menorca.
How to get to Isla del Aire by boat
The islet can only be reached by sea. On our private trips with a skipper we leave from Mahón harbour, and Isla del Aire is one of the stops on the south coast route, together with Cala Rafalet, Biniparratx, Binibeca and Cala en Porter.
The southeast is an open area, so the skipper checks the wind every morning. If the sea is calm, we anchor near the islet to swim and snorkel. If not, we look for the most sheltered side or leave it for another time of day.
Skipper’s tip: Isla del Aire has the sandy seabed with the most beautiful blue in Menorca and the clearest water.
What else to see near Isla del Aire
- Binibeca: the white fishing village, seen from the sea.
- Cala Rafalet and Biniparratx: narrow, very quiet coves between the rocks.
- Es Canutells cave and Cales Coves: cliffs with caves above the water.
With 4 hours there is time to see Isla del Aire and a couple of coves. With 6 or 8 hours you can go further and have lunch at anchor.
Frequently asked questions
Can you go to Isla del Aire by boat?
Yes, and it is the only way to get there. It is one of the stops on our south coast route from Mahón harbour.
Can you go ashore on the islet?
It is a protected area with no jetty or services, and landing is restricted for groups of more than six people. The usual plan is to anchor nearby, swim and snorkel around it.
Is there good snorkelling at Isla del Aire?
Yes, it is one of the best spots in Menorca, with rocky and posidonia seabeds and very clear water.
How much does a boat trip to Isla del Aire cost?
From 420 € per boat for 4 hours on the Karnic SL601, skipper and VAT included. You can see all prices on the skippered boat rental page.
What happens if it is windy?
The skipper chooses the most sheltered part of the coast. We check the AEMET marine forecast every morning.
If you want to visit Isla del Aire by boat, check the available dates for the Karnic SL601 or the Beneteau Flyer 7, or message us on WhatsApp.
