REVIEW · MENORCA
Fornells: Catamaran Sunset Cruise of Menorca’s Coast
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Katayak · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Sunset over Fornells is short, sweet, and sea-scented. I love the easy time on the water with snacks and drinks, plus the chance to get in for a quick swim and snorkel with snorkeling equipment. One catch: if clouds move in, the sunset you came for can be muted.
This is a small group catamaran cruise for 2 hours, with a live guide in English or Spanish. I also like how guides such as Jean-Pierrot and Gianpiero don’t just point at the horizon; when the sky doesn’t cooperate, they switch to stories about the nearby coast and cliffs.
In This Review
- Key highlights to know before you go
- Fornells Sunset by Catamaran: leaving the village and finding the light
- Snacks, drinks, and the real value of a 2-hour sail
- Swimming time: warm water, easy fun, and good photo breaks
- Snorkeling gear included: what to look for under the surface
- The sunset moment: photos, clouds, and what your guide might do instead
- How the 2-hour flow works on board (and what it feels like)
- Getting there: meeting point in Fornells and no hotel pickup
- Price and value: is $85 per person worth it?
- Who should book this Fornells catamaran and who should skip
- Should you book the Fornells Catamaran Sunset Cruise?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- How long is the Fornells catamaran sunset cruise?
- How much does it cost?
- What’s included in the price?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- Where do I meet the tour?
- Are there drinks on board?
- What languages are spoken by the guide?
- Is snorkeling gear provided?
- What should I bring?
- What’s the cancellation and payment flexibility?
Key highlights to know before you go

- Fornells departure: You sail right out from the village, so the experience starts immediately.
- Time in the water: Warm-water swimming is part of the plan, not just a photo stop.
- Snorkel setup included: Gear is on board, so you’re not hunting for rentals.
- Snack-and-drink rhythm: You eat and drink while you cruise, with a relaxed pace.
- Cloudy-sunset reality: If the sky is overcast, the guide may pivot to coastal history instead.
Fornells Sunset by Catamaran: leaving the village and finding the light

Most sunset cruises feel like they start when you reach the horizon. This one starts in Fornells, with you stepping onto the catamaran and getting that salty, coastal feeling right away. You’re on the water looking back at the village, then out toward open sea—so you’re not just waiting for the final act.
The view changes as you pull away. Early on, you get that clear “you’re out at sea now” moment when the water texture and coastline lines shift. Later, the horizon becomes the main character, especially if the sky is clear. Even when the sunset isn’t perfect, you still get a real sea-breeze reset: the kind that makes you stop checking your phone and start watching the water.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Menorca
Snacks, drinks, and the real value of a 2-hour sail
At $85 per person for a 2-hour outing, the question isn’t only cost—it’s what you get for that time. Here, you’re paying for three things working together: a catamaran ride, included refreshments, and guided access to the water (swim plus snorkel gear).
Once you’re on board, the vibe is simple: you relax, you nibble, you sip, and you look around. That matters because a sunset cruise can be awkward if you’re stuck standing, rushing photos, or managing your own logistics. This format is meant to feel easy—especially in a small group limited to 12.
The drinks and snacks are also part of the “why it’s worth it” equation. You’re not paying extra every time you want something cold. And you get that best-of-both feeling: you’re still enjoying the sea, not just boarding a floating viewing platform.
Swimming time: warm water, easy fun, and good photo breaks

The plan includes time to jump into the sea. The warm-water mention is important because it changes the whole experience. If you’re coming from hot sidewalks, the water stop can feel like the best payoff of the trip.
This is also one of those rare tours where you’re not just told to swim—you’re actually given the chance. You can go in for a quick dip, float and cool off, or linger if you find a comfortable spot. From the way the cruise is described, it sounds like the crew builds in a window where getting wet isn’t an afterthought.
Practical tip: bring swimwear you’re happy to see in photos. After you’re back on board, you’ll usually want to take a few shots right away while everything still looks fresh. And bring sunscreen, because sea-sun is still sun.
Snorkeling gear included: what to look for under the surface
Snorkeling is part of the cruise, with equipment provided on board. That’s a big deal for value and for convenience. You can show up, gear up, and get into the water without adding rental stops or extra cost.
What you’re likely to find under the surface is marine life close to the coast—things you can spot when the water is calm and visibility is decent. Exact sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the experience is designed to put you in the right conditions: you’re already on the sea during the best part of the day for watching what’s moving below.
Two practical notes:
- If you’re new to snorkeling, keep it simple. Focus on breathing and steady kicking, not on trying to chase every fish you see.
- If you’re more experienced, don’t expect scuba-level distances. This is still a relaxed cruise snorkeling window.
The sunset moment: photos, clouds, and what your guide might do instead
Sunset cruises live and die by the sky. If the day is clear, you’ll get that clean horizon line and a slow color shift you can photograph from multiple angles on the boat.
If the day turns cloudy, don’t assume the cruise becomes a dud. One guest experience reported a very cloudy sky where the sunset wasn’t visible as expected. In that situation, the guide reportedly offered history and explanations about nearby cliffs and the coastline. That’s a good sign of a well-run outing: the operator isn’t only dependent on perfect weather.
So plan for two outcomes:
- Clear skies: you’ll chase that golden-hour look.
- Overcast skies: you’ll still get time on the water, plus smarter storytelling than a blank lecture.
Also, bring your camera thinking like a sea photographer. Light changes fast. If you wait until the final minutes, you’ll miss the best color transitions.
How the 2-hour flow works on board (and what it feels like)
This is a tight, focused time window: 2 hours. That makes it ideal if you don’t want a long afternoon plan but still want something special.
The typical pacing is:
- Check in and get on board.
- Cruise while snacks and drinks keep the mood relaxed.
- Swim/snorkel during the active window.
- Return to the “watch and photograph” phase as the sky changes.
A small group (12 max) helps here. You can move around the boat without feeling boxed in. You can also spread out on deck, change your angle for photos, and actually talk to the guide instead of shouting over a crowd.
One more detail worth noting: a couple of experiences mention the idea of a small boat to reach the catamaran. That’s not stated as a universal detail, but if you notice that you’ll cross from a smaller vessel, be ready for a quick transfer and keep your expectations flexible.
Getting there: meeting point in Fornells and no hotel pickup
There’s no hotel pickup or drop-off with this tour. You’ll go to the shop receptionist to check in and get instructions. The shop is located between Cranc Pelut restaurant and Dune Dive Center.
That meeting point matters because it affects how easy the day is. If you’re staying in or near Fornells, it’s straightforward. If you’re farther away, you’ll want to plan your route so you arrive early enough to check in without stress.
If you’re the kind of traveler who likes a calm start, arrive a few minutes before the check-in time. The faster you get your bearings, the more you’ll enjoy the first minutes on the water.
Price and value: is $85 per person worth it?
Let’s talk value in plain terms. $85 for 2 hours is not cheap compared with a simple harbor boat ride. But it is reasonable when you break down what’s included:
- Catamaran cruise (not a tiny skiff)
- Snorkeling equipment
- Snacks and beverages
- A live guide in English or Spanish
- Small group size (12 max)
You’re essentially buying convenience plus access. You’re not dealing with gear rentals, separate ticketed swim activities, or constant extra purchases for drinks. The cruise format also saves you time: one booking gives you sailing, a water break, and a sunset-focused outing in a single package.
Where the value can shift is the weather. If the sky is clear, you’ll feel like the money went into the part you came for. If the day is cloudy, you might value the swim and snorkeling even more, and you’ll likely want to lean into the guide’s stories rather than the sunset itself.
Who should book this Fornells catamaran and who should skip
This tour fits best if you want an easy, high-comfort experience with real water time. You’ll especially enjoy it if you:
- Like swimming and want a structured chance to do it
- Want snorkeling without renting gear
- Prefer small groups over crowded boats
- Enjoy sunset outings but can handle cloudy skies
You might reconsider if:
- You need a guaranteed visible sunset. The sky can change fast.
- You strongly dislike any uncertainty around weather-based changes. One guest reported issues when the original time got canceled due to bad weather and the substitute time didn’t work, with a refund not granted in that case.
Should you book the Fornells Catamaran Sunset Cruise?
I’d book it if you’re looking for a relaxed, practical sunset experience with included snacks, drinks, and real time in the sea. The small group setup is a real quality signal, and the combo of cruise + swim + snorkeling gear makes the $85 price feel more justified than many sunset-only rides.
If you’re visiting Fornells and you’re flexible about the sky, this is a smart use of a couple of hours. You’ll get more than photos—you’ll get time away from land, with enough activity to actually feel like you used the ocean well.
FAQ
FAQ
How long is the Fornells catamaran sunset cruise?
The duration is 2 hours.
How much does it cost?
The price is $85 per person.
What’s included in the price?
The cruise includes the catamaran ride, snorkeling equipment, snacks, and beverages.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
Where do I meet the tour?
Check in at the shop’s receptionist. The shop is located between Cranc Pelut restaurant and Dune Dive Center.
Are there drinks on board?
Yes. Beverages are included.
What languages are spoken by the guide?
The live tour guide speaks English and Spanish.
Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.
What should I bring?
Bring swimwear and sunscreen.
What’s the cancellation and payment flexibility?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.






