Snorkelling in Menorca: the best spots and how to get there by boat

The best places to snorkel in Menorca on the south and north coasts, tips, and how to reach by boat the coves you can't get to on foot.
Snorkel en Menorca Snorkeling in Menorca

Snorkelling in Menorca is one of the best things to do on the island: crystal-clear water, posidonia meadows and fish just a few metres below the surface. As a skipper, I’ll tell you the best spots and how to reach the ones you can only get to by sea.

In short:

  • The south coast is the best area for snorkelling: sand and rock seabeds, turquoise water and shallow depths.
  • Isla del Aire, Cales Coves and the southern coves are among the best spots, and by boat you get there without walking.
  • Snorkel masks are included on our trips. With the Flyer 7, an underwater scooter too.

Why snorkelling in Menorca is so special

Menorca is a Biosphere Reserve and its water is very clean. The posidonia meadows filter the water and shelter lots of fish, so almost any cove with rocks is full of life: sea bream, rainbow wrasse, octopus, starfish and sea urchins. Best of all, you don’t need to dive: with a mask and snorkel, at the surface, you see everything.

The best places to snorkel in Menorca

South coast

  • Isla del Aire: one of the best spots on the island, with lots of life on the rocky seabed.
  • Cala Rafalet and Biniparratx: narrow coves between rocks, with very calm water.
  • Es Canutells cave and Cales Coves: rock walls and caves that look best from the water.
  • Macarella, Mitjana and Turqueta: white sand in the middle and rocks on the sides, where the fish are.

North coast

  • Illa Colom: sheltered water and varied seabeds.
  • Cala Presili and Cala Tortuga: crystal-clear water near Favàritx lighthouse.
  • Mongofre: small coves between rocks, with very clear water.
Snorkelling in Menorca from the boat in a cove with crystal-clear water

Snorkelling in Menorca from the boat

Many of the best spots are between rocks or in coves you can’t reach on foot. By boat you anchor right next to them, jump in and climb back on board by the swim ladder whenever you like. The skipper also picks the calmest coast every day, which is the one with the clearest water.

For snorkelling, the best choice is the south coast route. When the wind is from the south, the north coast route also has great spots.

What the trip includes for snorkelling

  • Snorkel masks on every trip.
  • Paddle board to move between coves.
  • With the Beneteau Flyer 7, an electric underwater scooter to go further without getting tired.

Snorkelling tips

  • Go in the morning: the water is usually calmer and clearer.
  • Look for rocky areas: that is where the fish are.
  • Don’t touch the posidonia or the animals, and don’t stand on the rocks on the seabed.
  • Put on sun cream before getting in or wear a T-shirt, because your back burns quickly.
Skipper’s tip: in the south, the waters around Isla del Aire are a magical place. In the north, Illa Colom.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best snorkelling in Menorca?

On the south coast, especially around Isla del Aire, Cales Coves and the rocky coves. On days without tramontana, Illa Colom in the north is also very good.

Do you need to be a strong swimmer?

Being able to swim is enough. If you don’t feel confident, you can wear a life jacket, which we carry on board.

Are the masks included?

Yes, they are included on all our trips.

When is the best time for snorkelling in Menorca?

From June to September, when the water is warmest. In September it is usually very clear too.

What happens if it is windy?

We go to the most sheltered coast. We check the AEMET marine forecast every morning.

If you want to snorkel in Menorca at the best spots without walking, check the available dates for the Karnic SL601 or the Beneteau Flyer 7, or write to us on WhatsApp.

Discover Menorca from the sea, with a local skipper

Private boat trips from Mahón Harbour and Es Canutells. Every day we choose the route and the coves according to the wind.

Karnic SL601 · up to 5 peoplefrom €420 Beneteau Flyer 7 · up to 7 people, snorkel and dronefrom €490

Written by Bily Orfila, skipper and founder of Nautic Charter Menorca. We sail the coast of Menorca every day and choose the coves according to the wind.

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