Want to head out on your own boat for the day in Menorca? Our guide will tell you how.
The ability to charter a boat privately isn't something that we at Along Dusty Roads ever really factor into our travel planning.
Neither of us grew up sailing boats, and it's definitely something we've always considered more of a luxury travel activity i.e. too dear for us.
In Menorca though, this doesn’t have to be the case; it’s so straightforward that everyone can feel like a millionaire or Succession family member for the day!
The small Balearic island has a sumptuous coastline, with irresistible turquoise waters, hundreds of intimate calas, and gorgeous paradise beaches. Many of the very best are only accessible on foot or by sea (we discuss this in more detail in our 'Best Beaches in Menorca' post), which means that renting a boat is a practical option to visit several of them, as well as offering the chance to spend the day swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing on your very own boat.
Now, a natural concern would be that you've got no experience driving a boat or don't have the necessary qualifications.
Thankfully, the most popular type of boat rental in Menorca doesn't require either, with the majority of companies offering boat rental with no licence required (sin titulación in Spanish) and no previous experience necessary. The reason this is possible is due to the compact size and limited power of the boats and the level of skill required to drive them i.e. not very much at all!
You really can simply turn up and head out on your own, unguided. It's legal and safe to do so, with everything just involving a motor, a steering wheel, and some simple pedals / levers, with the briefing before you set off taking just 5-10 minutes.
It isn't a cheap activity though, especially if you're a couple, but is actually much more affordable than you may expect for groups of friends or a family.
In this post, we've shared the key details and advice on self-drive Menorca boat rentals - with a specific focus on those where no licence is required - so that you can plan ahead with confidence, avoid common mistakes, save a bit of money, and have the best (responsible) experience possible out on that heavenly blues of the Balearic Sea.
If you are looking to charter a boat where a licence is required, you can find advice and resources at the end of the post.
boat rental essentials
// Start in Cala Galdana or Ciutadella
// No licence or experience required for small vessels
// Season runs from May to October
// Big price difference between peak summer and shoulder season
// Good weather and responsible sailing are vital
Should You Rent A Self-Drive Boat in Menorca?
Now, just because you can do something, doesn’t mean it’s for everyone.
Some of you may prefer to have zero stress or worries out on the water, with someone else taking care of the driving so you can focus on swimming and sunbathing. Alternatively, you may want to have a few drinks or not take on responsibility for choosing the best route or thinking about timings to get back to port, or making everyone get back in when time is running out.
In that case, you should instead consider joining a group / shared boat tour in Menorca with a skipper.
They'll take you out on a larger, more comfortable vessel to the best swimming spots as well as the beaches and coastline, taking care of drinks, food, and the schedule. These group or shared boat trips are usually cheaper on a per person basis than the self-drive boats without a licence, but there are obviously pros and cons associated relative to the experience available.
A few highly-rated shared options or private small-group boat trip tours can be found here.
Do note that some tours offered involve large boats and groups, which may not offer the best experience.
You are also able to privately charter a boat with a skipper, but this is the most expensive option and one that’s more suitable for a romantic splurge or if budget is no concern.
BOAT CATEGORIES & THE SHORT RENTAL SEASON
The boats available range from very fancy to quite basic.
The smallest, cheapest ones are about four metres in length with a 15 horse power engine. They’d be ideal for a couple but, although they can hold 4/5 people, would be a bit of a squeeze for a full group of adults (note that from a pricing vs capacity perspective, children count the same as adults).
The larger, 5/6 person boats give a lot more room to hang out and sunbathe, with more seating and a larger bow or sun deck.
You can also get quite luxurious, flashy self-drive options as well, which will be far better for the ‘gram, deck sunbathing, or just acting like you’re in Wolf of Wall Street for the afternoon, but not all companies offer these boats and they do cost considerably more to rent.
Some companies only offer a single boat type, whilst others offer a wider selection from small to large, basic to luxury, skippered to unskippered.
Whatever the size or strata of the vessel, all should come with an awning / sun shade, cool box or small fridge, GPS tracker, and a ladder for getting in & out of the sea. It’s worth double-checking this before you set off, particularly the awning and the ladder which are absolutely essential to a positive experience (namely one where you don’t get completely sunburned or have to clamber back into the boat from the water each time).
The rental season coincides with the tourism season in Menorca, starting in May and ending in late September / mid-October. Some companies only open up in June, some start to close or limit operations in September, whilst some will continue until the weather shifts or low season demand dries up in late October.
The peak season is July and August, where the increased demand sees availability limited and prices increased across the board.
WHERE TO HIRE A BOAT IN MENORCA
Although you can go on boat trips and tours all across the island, there are only two places where renting your own boat for the day without a licence is common - the southern resort town of Cala Galdana and the city of Ciutadella.
There are various reasons for this, but it's largely due to their location and the layout / accessibility / attractiveness of the nearby coastline. On the north of the island, much is a protected marine reserve, therefore sending a lot of tourists in small boats up there doesn't make a lot of sense in comparison to the south and west sections.
Cala Galdana is in close proximity to several of the best beaches in Menorca, meaning you're only 10-30 minutes by sea from paradise. Its popularity as an accommodation base for visitors to the island and the easy access to the sea also make it a natural choice for the boat companies to set up shop.
Ciutadella, the beautiful old capital on the west of the island, has fewer companies and route options; it does however offer up the possibility to experience a quieter section of the coastline.
For ease and convenience, and to enjoy the signature Menorca boat experience, most of you reading this post should opt for Cala Galdana. Due to the number of companies there, it's the easiest place to find availability at short notice, get a better price, and to have a clear idea on the best route to take in your boat.
The town is also easily accessible by rental car or public transport in summer, so you don't necessarily have to stay there in order to avail yourself of the opportunity to hire a boat. A day trip will therefore suffice, but bear in mind that Cala Galdana is also the access point for walking to two of the most famous beaches on the island so, although it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, a first-timer in Menorca may find it a convenient base.
What's most important to note though is that, due to the costs and timings of boat rental in Menorca, you shouldn't necessarily base your decision on the beaches you will visit. We think it's a waste to pay good money to rent a boat as a means of transport to reach them in order to lie on the sand. Although you can anchor down and swim in to the sand or to trails, that’s really not what the point is.
Instead, the experience is about being out on the water for the day and living the high life, swimming and snorkelling in isolation, looking back on the coastline, sunbathing and snacking upon your vessel and riding the waves - renting and departing from either Ciutadella or Cala Galdana will give you access to all of those vibes.
Lastly, you can also hire a boat at more rag-tag operations, like on the beach in Son Bou; they charge less than the established companies but you can rent boats on the day, and pay with cash. In the north, the town of Fornells offers guided boat trips rather than self-drive without a licence. Cala en Bosc also has a few operators.
HOW LONG IS A SELF-DRIVE MENORCA BOAT RENTAL?
All the boat companies offer half-day and full-day rentals.
The half-day session is typically 4 hours, and you can choose to have a morning slot (generally 9am - 1pm or 9.30 am - 1.30 pm) or an afternoon slot (2 pm - 6 pm or 3 pm - 7 pm). In Ciutadella, a 5-hour half-day is more commonly offered due to the requirement to drive further to reach certain calas and beaches.
The full-day is 8 hours, generally running from 10am - 6pm.
Note that companies differ slightly on start & end times, whilst you are able to sometimes negotiate a 5 or 6-hour rental depending on season and availability.
So, which should you pick?
We were told several times that the 4-hour slot is the most popular with tourists, but this is likely due to price (more on costs in the next section), rather than any other factor.
However, we were also told that the boat companies field calls on a daily basis from people out on the boat asking if they can extend their booking as they're enjoying it so much. Of course, this is nigh on impossible to actually do during the summer season due to the demand (i.e. your half-day boat will also be booked for the afternoon slot).
If renting for half a day, you will have to limit your route and the calas you visit to ensure you’re able to drive back in time as well as give yourself time to enjoy the experience. Although spots are just 10-30 minutes drive from Cala Galdana, factor in the 30 minutes out and 30 minutes back, and you’ve already lost a quarter of your allocated time.
If you can afford to be out all day, we’d recommend that. If the maximum you can afford is the half-day, then by all means just do that and make the absolute most of it, but we would specifically advise against renting in Ciutadella for a half-day and hoping to make it all the way to the southern beaches.
WHERE DO YOU GO?
When renting a self-drive boat without a licence, you are not entitled to drive wherever you want or as far as you want; instead there are set routes and itineraries to follow, which are pretty much the same across all companies.
The main difference is where you’re able to go from Ciutadella vs. where you’re able to go from Cala Galdana, and the fact that you can cover much more ground if you’ve got the boat for 8 hours.
From Cala Galdana | Go west to Macarella & Macarelleta (10 mins), Cala en Turqueta, Es Talaier (30 mins), and Son Saura. Alternatively, go east to Cala Mitjana (10 mins), Trebaluger, Fustán & Escorxada (30 mins), and possibly Binigaus.
For half-day rental, it’s recommended to only go east or west rather than trying to cover both.
From Ciutadella | Go south via Cala Santandria and others to Son Saura, Cala en Turqueta, Macarella & Macarelleta. Alternatively, go north via Pont d’en Gil and Cala en Brut to Cala Morell and Cala Pilar.
Many of these beaches are featured in our ‘Best Beaches in Menorca’ post, so feel free to head over there for more information or inspiration.
Note that companies will advise you on their own recommend routes and limits of travel for your boat type and rental length, typically this involves advising you of the beach you can’t go beyond. Route directions and suggested itineraries may also be subject to change due to wind conditions (see more on this really important point in the penultimate section).
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST + WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Right, down to brass tacks.
The costs to charter a boat in Menorca vary depending on the following factors:
1. The size & quality of the boat
2. Half-day rental vs. full-day
3. Your rental company
4. Your departure point
5. Time of year
The most economical option is to go for the small, no-frills boat that hold up to 4/5 passengers.
After the boat type and rental length, time of year is the next most important pricing factor. High season (July to August, possibly also running into September) will see increases across the board, as well as no availability for last-minute spontaneous bookings.
From May to June, and September to mid-October, you will get a better rate or be able to negotiate slightly on price, especially if booking in person.
For the small boat with no licence required, the cheapest rates are €160 - €200 for the 4-hour half-day, but some companies charge upwards of €300-380 in high season. For 8-hour full-day rentals, we were quoted €240, €300, €340 in low season, with prices going as high as €440 - €580!
We reckon you should budget €200 and €350, but prices may be more for high season rentals.
This means that the activity may be a prohibitively expensive activity for couples, but becomes relatively affordable on a per person if you're a family or group of friends (i.e. €100 each if you're a couple, but only €50 per person for a group of 4 renting a half-day).
Indeed, we'd say €50 is pretty good value for a memorable experience in Menorca. Companies to take a look at are:
barcosdealquiler / MonkeyBoat / Minorboats /marenostrum / MyBoatMenorca /Macarella Boats/ iguana boats / Surf & Sail Menorca
If the cost is too much for you, then consider heading out on a group boat trip like this one, where prices start at around €35 per person.
Prices typically include all the boat equipment we mentioned above and fuel, but some companies intentionally low ball their up-front price by charging for fuel in addition (typically €20/4 hours, €30-40/8 hours). Basic liability and passenger insurance is also usually included, but we can’t comment on the scope or robustness of this, or whether your own travel insurance will cover you for any claims.
Drinks and snacks are usually separate, but companies sometimes include them as a promotional incentive to get your business.
It’s also important to note that you will always be expected to provide a deposit before you set off, which covers late returns and damage. The amount and process varies across companies, but it’s typically in the range of €100 - €200 and you’re required to pay it in cash at the port before boarding (unless it’s already been held against your online payment). Complaints about losing some money over minor disputes or slightly late returns are not uncommon, so do bear this in mind.
The deposit is also very important to bear in mind when it comes to potential cancellations…
CHECK THE WEATHER!
A really important point about Menorca boat rental is the grounds for cancellation.
In short, with most companies, they will only cancel because of strong winds creating unsafe sailing conditions, not due to lack of sun or a bit of rain. Further, it's always their call on whether the level of wind constitutes a safety risk.
Therefore, a last-minute cancellation by you due to a poor forecast or sub-optimal conditions does not automatically mean you’ll get a refund. You enjoyment isn’t the concern of the boat companies though, but rather your safety (and their liability), so it’s left to their discretion.
Now, Menorca generally has wonderful summer weather, so this isn't something to fret massively about, but it is worth bearing in mind if you’re visiting outside of June-August. When we had our month in Menorca from late-August to late-September, there were several dull, overcast days where we wouldn't have wished to be out on the sea at all, let alone having paid quite a bit for the privilege. The winds are however the most important factor in Menorca for sailing and beach days - something we go into a bit more detail on in 23 Things To Know Before You Visit Menorca - and the best place to check the predictions for this is WindGuru.
Therefore, if booking last minute or for a few days times, be sure to check the weather forecast before paying for anything: if it’s not a clear, sunny day with a pleasant breeze, then the experience isn’t going to be what you hope for.
Lastly, when the company does cancel on you due to unsafe conditions, this is likely to be at short notice - either the day before or on the day of rental. This will obviously be very frustrating if you’ve gone out of your way to travel to the departure point. When the companies cancel, they will typically offer you an alternative day first rather than a refund, but if you are unable to head out on the alternative dates, a refund in full should be given without argument.
As ever, check each company’s specific terms & conditions on cancellation to make sure you understand your options.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL TIPS + WHAT TO BRING
Each company will give you a short briefing on responsible sailing and safety advice, with a specific focus on anchoring and how to operate the engine. However, a few universal points to take note of in advance are:
· Be fully aware and respectful of snorkelers, swimmers, and kayakers in and around the coves, and when approaching or starting the engine to leave.
· It is not permitted to drive under the influence of alcohol, so have a designated driver.
· Don’t be a dickhead, don’t litter, and don’t pollute the water.
· You cannot go beyond the yellow buoys with your boat, on to the sand/beach, or into caves.
· Drop anchor only in sand, never ever in dark areas or on posidonia (also known as Neptune Grass). This is a hugely important cog in sea life ecosystem, and should not be impacted by tourists dropping anchor upon it.
· Have a fully charged mobile phone for emergency calls and to keep in touch with boat company if there are issues.
· Turn up early and check-in on time for your rental, so you can go through the briefing properly and not eat into your time slot.
· Keep an eye on the clock and your location to ensure you can return the boat on time - fines are regularly handed out for late returns.
· Bring a towel, swimsuit, plenty water, suncream, a hat, sunglasses, ID, snacks, and a dry change of clothes (if you like).
· Don’t underestimate the strength of the Menorcan sun - slap on the suncream, make use of the awning, and don’t stay under it for 8 hours straight.
