Speedboat rides and turquoise water almost always beat sitting still. On this 3-hour northern Menorca excursion, I love how you get to multiple coves by boat without the long land drives, and I love that you’re actually using the water time with snorkeling + SUP stops (not just watching from the rail). The main thing to plan for is timing: the boat leaves on schedule, and it doesn’t run late.

You’ll start at the quiet Port d’Addaia and spend the day in a small-group setting with a local guide who also steers the boat—captain Jess is named in multiple accounts. The itinerary is built for short, focused swim breaks, so you get variety without feeling dragged through transit.

One practical consideration: if you’re coming from a cruise ship, make sure you’re not mixing up ports—there’s at least one documented hiccup when the cruise dock and the excursion departure weren’t the same place.

Key reasons this speedboat feels worth it

• Small capacity (up to 12) and a private-group format, so the pace stays personal rather than crowded
• Multiple swim moments built into the route, including snorkeling spots and calmer “pool-like” water
• Hands-on gear included: snorkeling equipment, a ladder for easy entry/exit, and paddle surf boards
• North-coast variety: horseshoe bays, virgin-feeling sand pockets, rocky coves, and a lighthouse viewpoint
• Expert local skipper-guide who’s running the show while sharing what you’re seeing out there

Where the tour starts and why timing matters at Port d’Addaia

Port d’Addaia is the right kind of starting point for this trip: small, natural, and already surrounded by water and countryside. You’ll meet at Carrer Steward, 163, 07740 Port d’Addaia, Illes Balears, Spain, and the experience ends back at the same meeting point. That round-trip simplicity is a big deal on a short day.

You do need to show up early. You should arrive 20 minutes in advance, because the boat leaves on time and won’t end later than the agreed time. If you’re the type who likes to linger over coffee, set a timer and give yourself buffer.

The tour uses a mobile ticket, which is convenient on vacation. Also, there’s mention that this is near public transportation, so you’re not locked into one specific transfer plan if you’re traveling without a car.

The boat style: fast, comfortable, and built for swim stops

This is a motorboat, semi-rigid style, with a stated capacity for 12 people. That matters because it changes the feel: you’re not stuck in a huge group, and the boat can work the coastline efficiently. Several accounts highlight that the ride is quick in a fun way, and that the vessel seats are comfortable and clean.

The guide is more than a narrator. The description says the local expert also acts as the skipper, so you get a real local on the controls and in the information. In accounts, captain Jess is specifically praised for being friendly, knowledgeable, and focused on safety.

Safety gear is provided. You’ll have life jackets, plus there’s a ladder to enter and exit the water. That ladder detail is underrated. It makes swim breaks feel less stressful, especially if you’re not a confident swimmer.

Stop-by-stop: how the north coast unfolds in 3 hours

This tour is designed as a string of short chapters. You’re out about 3 hours total (approx.), with a series of timed stops that build from calm water to more rugged scenery, then back again.

Port d’Addaia (start and return): the quiet bay setup

You get a first look at Port d’Addaia right at the start, and then you’ll return for a final viewing period. It’s part of the tour’s rhythm: a calm beginning, then a series of water moments, then another chance to soak in the surroundings as you come back.

The added bonus here is how the departure and arrival both happen at the same place. You don’t have to figure out logistics at the end of the trip.

Arenal d’en Castell: the horseshoe “saltwater pool” feel

Next up is Arenal d’en Castell. It’s described as about 650 meters long, with shallow, clear water and a horseshoe-shaped bay that reduces waves. In plain terms, this is one of the stops that tends to feel easy for swimming.

The time here is around 10 minutes. That’s short, so treat it like a quick swim and a reset—get in, enjoy the water clarity, and keep your eyes open for fish near the shallows.

Son Parc (Arenal de s’Olla de Son Saura / Playa de Son Parc): dunes and gentle conditions

Then you’ll head to Son Parc, also known by several names in the itinerary. This inlet has medium dimensions, an extensive dune system, light breeze, and moderate waves. The slope is gentle and the water is transparent.

Again, the stop is about 10 minutes, so your best move is to come ready to move fast: suit on, towel secured, and any snorkeling basics handled quickly if you plan to use them.

Cala Pudent: small, quiet, and prime for marine life

Cala Pudent is where the tone shifts. It’s described as a small, “totally virgin” style beach with hardly any buildings nearby. More importantly for what you’re doing on this tour, it’s tied to Posidonia meadows, which support fish and marine life.

You get about 20 minutes here—long enough to actually enjoy the water rather than just dipping in. If snorkeling is high on your list, this is the kind of stop that helps you see why Menorca’s underwater habitats matter.

Cala’n Tosqueta: the quieter cove with a rocky seabed

Next is Cala’n Tosqueta, framed as one of the more unknown and quiet coves. The setting is rocky, and the itinerary points out many Posidonia meadows and a spectacular seabed.

This is a longer stop (about 40 minutes), which matters. A longer window gives you time to snorkel without feeling rushed, and it gives you room to relax if the water is calm.

One caution: rocky seabeds can mean you’ll want to watch where you place your feet and where you enter the water. The ladder helps with that, but you still want to be mindful.

Far de Favaritx: lighthouse views and rugged cliffs

Then comes Far de Favaritx—the lighthouse at the cape of the same name. This is one of the “look and shoot photos” moments, with a distinctive white tower and a black spiral band. The area is rugged, surrounded by slate cliffs.

You’ll have around 10 minutes here. That’s basically a viewpoint break. Bring your best patience stance: quick in, quick out, and then back to water time.

Savinar de Mongofre: isolated cove near the port

Finally, there’s Savinar de Mongofre, a small isolated cove next to Addaia. Even in high season, it’s described as practically empty because getting there by land is difficult.

This stop is about 40 minutes, which is a strong chunk of time for what’s otherwise a tight route schedule. If you like feeling like you found a quiet spot without trying too hard, this is the one that can deliver that mood.

Then you return to Port d’Addaia for about 20 minutes.

Snorkeling and SUP: what’s included and how to use it well

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, plus paddle surf boards. You’ll also have a ladder to enter and exit the water, and you’ll wear life jackets.

Here’s how I’d think about it as a practical plan:

• Snorkeling gear is provided, so you don’t need to rent or pack your own set.
• SUP boards are included, so if you’ve been curious, this is a low-friction way to try it in a controlled tour setting.
• Because stops are timed, you’ll get the most out of it if you decide quickly what you’re doing at each stop.

If you’re new to snorkeling, keep it simple: prioritize short, steady swims and watch for fish near seagrass areas. The itinerary explicitly points to Posidonia meadows at key bays, which is where marine activity is most likely to show up.

Money and value: is $534.07 per group reasonable?

The price is $534.07 per group (up to 12). That can sound high until you break down what you’re paying for: boat time along protected-feeling coves, a local guide who steers, and included equipment (snorkeling kit, SUP, life jackets, and even the ladder setup).

If you’re traveling with a few people, the per-person cost can drop quickly. In a group of four, you’re effectively sharing the boat cost instead of paying full rate as a solo passenger. In a group of two, it’s harder to call it “cheap,” but it can still feel worth it if you value water time you can’t get the same way from shore.

Also, this is a private tour/activity in the sense that only your group participates. That’s another value driver. You’re not competing for shared boat space or waiting around for strangers to board.

If your “must-do” in Menorca is hands-on sea time—snorkel, SUP, swim—this is the kind of outing that can feel like paying for access, not just transport.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This trip is a good match if you want:

• a short, efficient taste of northern Menorca by boat
• real swim breaks, not just sightseeing
• included equipment so you can spend money on experience rather than rentals
• a small-group pace with a skipper-guide like captain Jess

It may be less ideal if:

• you want long beach time. Most stops are 10–20 minutes, with only a couple taking you to about 40 minutes
• you’re very worried about schedule adherence. The boat leaves on time and won’t run late
• you have tight timing for getting to the meeting port, especially if you’re also dealing with cruise schedules

The description says most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. Still, this is water-focused and requires good weather, so plan for conditions rather than assuming a perfect day.

What to expect onboard: the practical bits that shape the trip

You’ll start with a calm port phase, then move quickly between coves. The boat travel is part of the fun—fast enough to make “far apart” places feel close—while the stops keep you from getting numb from transit.

There’s no mention of meals. What you should expect instead is water-snack style flexibility: bottled water and soda/pop are available to purchase on board. If you’re sensitive to sun and heat, I’d plan to buy water when you see the chance rather than relying on memory at the next stop.

Also keep a light packing strategy. You’ll likely only have what you need for swim time, plus a way to secure small items. If you’re the type to bring a lot of gear, remember the stops are short.

Planning tips that keep the day smooth

A few tips that make a noticeable difference:

• Arrive early at Carrer Steward and don’t gamble with late arrivals. The trip is strict about leaving on schedule.
• If you’re coming from a cruise, double-check which port the excursion uses. One past booking had a mismatch between the cruise dock and the boat’s departure point.
• Bring sun protection even if you think the boat will keep you cool. You’ll still be in bright coastal light.
• Decide your “water order” ahead of time: snorkeling at the seagrass stops, SUP during a longer cove window, and quick swims at the shorter bays.

Should you book this speedboat excursion?

If you’re excited by the idea of speedboat access to coves, and you want a day that actively uses the water—snorkel, swim, and try SUP—then this is a strong buy. The included gear and the small-group, skipper-guided format are the parts that turn it from a simple boat ride into a complete experience.

I’d skip it only if you mainly want hours on a sandy beach, or if your schedule is so tight that you can’t reliably make the on-time departure from Port d’Addaia. For most people aiming for a classic Menorca north-coast sea day, this one hits the sweet spot.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat excursion?

The tour duration is about 3 hours.

What’s included for snorkeling and swimming?

You get snorkeling equipment, life jackets, paddle surf boards, and a ladder to enter and exit the water.

How many people are on the boat?

The boat is semi-rigid and has capacity for up to 12 people, and it’s a private tour for your group.

Can I buy drinks onboard?

Yes. Bottled water and soda/pop are available for purchase on board.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Where do I meet, and when should I arrive?

You meet at Carrer Steward, 163, 07740 Port d’Addaia, Illes Balears, Spain. You should arrive 20 minutes in advance because the boat leaves on time.

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