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Go traditional with a llaüt boat
Built originally as fishing boats, the traditionally Balearic llaüt has a wooden construction and awning for shade perfectly designed for Menorcan waters. Not built for speed, it’s one of the most relaxing ways to cruise from cove to cove. It’s a fabulous way to spend the day swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing in secluded spots around the island. If a one-day trip isn’t enough, the boats also offer comfortable berths for overnight stays. Menorca En Llaut offer this overnight experience, or a full five-day tour takes in views of all seven of Menorca’s lighthouses from the sea.
Carrer Moll de Llevant, 176, Mahón, Menorca, Spain, +34 677 90 35 57
Llaüt boat | Courtesy of Menorca en Llaüt
Fish for your supper
Discover the coves of the island whilst learning the secrets of fishing lobster, shrimp or squid. You can do this on board an llaüt before heading back to Ciutadella where the skipper will cook your catch in a traditional fisherman’s cave with Mestral, or spend a full day swimming, snorkelling and fishing on a professional fishing boat around Calas Coves and Favaritx. Enjoy your catch right on board as the fish is cooked in front of you – it doesn’t get any fresher than that.
Passeig d’es Moll, 46-48, Ciutadella de Menorca, Menorca, Spain, +34 619 67 30 39
Sail off into the sunset
Watching the sunset from the sea in Menorca is a whole different experience from shore, and there are many operators on hand to show you the sun dipping into the horizon from their boat. You can combine the views with golden hour swimming and snorkelling still, but with the added bonus of not having to get up early – tours set off later in the day. Push the boat out and book a private sailing for maximum romance. Posidony give you both shared and private options, as well as other morning and afternoon tours.
Paseo Marítimo, Fornells, Menorca, Spain, +34 690 93 03 25
Menorcan sunset | Courtesy of Posidony
Board a glass-bottomed boat
If limited for time, spend an hour gazing into the subaquatic world on a glass-bottomed catamaran with Yellow Catamarans. Trips regularly leave from Moll de Ponet in Mahón’s main port area. Alongside the fascinating underwater viewing, the hour-long trip provides you with commentary of the island’s history as you pass coves, forts and colonial-style houses.
Carrer Moll de Llevant, 12, Mahón, Menorca, Spain, +34 971 35 23 07
Jump off the highest rocks
If the daredevil in you cannot resist jumping off rocks into water, then try some deep-water soloing – a form of rock climbing that relies upon the presence of water underneath to fall into. The climate and cliffs of Menorca are ideal for this form of climbing over water. Take a small, guided boat trip with Menorca En Llaut to the south cliffs on the island and free climb the craggy edges without ropes before plunging in. This boat trip includes snorkelling and secret caves along the way, so there’s plenty to still talk about in case you chicken out of jumping.
Carrer Moll de Llevant, 176, Mahón, Menorca, Spain, +34 677 90 35 57
Deep-water soloing | Image courtesy of Menorca en Llaüt
Get educated in marine biology
For a more personal experience, spend a day learning more about the sea you’re swimming in. Choosing a skipper trained in biology and with experience of marine research will make your day on a boat so much more. You still get to dip at the best swim spots and explore the sea caves, but you’ll finish the day knowing a little bit more about marine biology. Menorca en Barco can offer you just that with either shared or private tours from Cala Galdana on the south coast of Fornells on the north coast.
Serpentona, Menorca, Spain, +34 605 49 29 93
Sail your own private yacht
The climate and waters of Menorca make it a perfect place to learn to sail. RYA instructors at Menorca Cruising in Mahon harbour guide you through a day on a yacht as you pick up new skills along the way. For the ultimate luxury sail day, a 48- or 57-foot (14.6- or 17.4-metre) yacht is available for a premium. If you are more serious about learning to sail and want to gain certificates, then longer courses are offered in yachting or becoming active crew. These include accommodation on board and become a full holiday in itself.
Moll de Llevant 303, Port of Mahón, Menorca, Spain, +34 660 64 78 45
Take a snorkelling safari
Menorca is ideal snorkelling territory. Its excellent visibility and calm waters offer plenty of sealife to feast your eyes on. Take a boat trip to the best snorkelling spots to see the most interesting underwater life the island has to offer. There are many companies that offer dedicated trips and will provide you with all the necessary equipment. Companies like Blue Island Diving give you an exhilarating ride on one of their fast boats, which only adds to the adventure.
Passatge Riu 7, Cala Galdana, Menorca, Spain, +34 629 73 48 73
It’s still all about the beaches
Many of Menorca’s hidden corners are only accessible by boat. A great and relatively inexpensive option is to jump on board Taximar sea transport. The small eight-footer will take you to a selection of otherwise difficult to reach beaches such as the less explored Escorxada and Trebalúger. Once you’ve had a look at the five different beaches on offer, you pick which beach you want to stay at. The crew drops you off and will leave you alone until your pre-arranged pick-up time.
Carrer d’es Riu, 1, Cala Galdana, Menorca, Spain, +34 609 05 44 44
