FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ

Ideally book the route in the first days of your stay in Menorca. This way, if the sea does not allow us to do the activity for safety reasons, we can reschedule it for another day during your trip.

There are clients who leave the route for the end of their holidays and, if the sea is rough on that day, they will not be able to enjoy it. Booking at the beginning gives you room for manoeuvre.

In terms of anticipation:

  • July and August: book several weeks in advance. These are the months with the highest demand and many slots close days in advance.
  • May, June, September and October: There is usually more availability, but booking in advance ensures your preferred time slot.

You can check availability in real time from the booking page for each route: Ruta de Cala en Porter y Es Canutells route.

In Rutas Kayak Menorca you have two guided routes, both along the south coast of the island, both 3 hours, and both with guide, snorkel, GoPro photos and entrance to sea caves. They do not cross paths or share caves. Whichever you choose, you'll get it right. That's the clear difference:

Route of the Caves of Cala en Porter - the classic route It runs along the coast towards Cales Coves entering in 4 sea caves, including the legendary Cave of Light, The snorkelling stop is at the Sant Josep Cave and, if the sea permits, a dive from some rocks into a natural pool. The snorkelling stop is at Cales Coves, The largest prehistoric necropolis in Menorca, in a protected cove with crystalline waters and plenty of fish.

More relaxed, more popular, ideal if it's your first time kayaking or you come with children.

Book the Cala en Porter Route >

Es Canutells Caves Route - the adventurous one It is the route with more caves of the whole south coast of Menorca: until 8 sea caves on a stretch of unspoilt coastline, with no houses or buildings in sight. You enter the majestic Ses Atxes Cave with its huge stalactite, in a cave so deep and dark that the guide uses a torch, and in narrow passages between cliffs. The snorkelling stop is at rock platforms or in a corner with a white sandy bottom between the cliffs, with no cove to stand in. It takes about 15-20 minutes longer to paddle than Cala en Porter.

More demanding, more unspoilt, ideal if you are looking for adventure and wild coastline.

Book the Es Canutells Route >

Quick comparison:

 Cala en PorterEs Canutells
Sea caves4Up to 8
SnorkelIn Cales Coves (sheltered cove, standing up)Rock platforms or cliffs (no standing)
Rowing timeStandard+15-20 min
Minimum age6 years7 years
ProfileRelaxed, familiar, first timeAdventure, unspoilt coastline, more demanding, more caves

Do you have several days in Menorca and do you like the sea? Doing the two routes on different days is worthwhile.They are completely different and complementary experiences.

If you are going kayaking as a family with children, we recommend the Route of the Caves of Cala en Porter. These are the reasons:

  • It is more relaxed and less paddling. Ideal if the children are young and do not paddle, or if it is their first time in a kayak.
  • The snorkelling stop is in Cales Coves., a protected cove where stands up, It is sheltered from the sea and children can bathe and rest in safety.
  • The minimum age is 6 years (in Es Canutells it is 7 years).
  • Children 6 or 7 years old go free of charge as a third occupant in the centre of the double kayak, between two adults.
  • Children from 8 to 12 years old pay 29 €. and occupy a child's place.
  • Children under 14 years of age must always be accompanied by an adult in the kayak.

The Es Canutells route can also be done with children from 7 years of age, but it is somewhat more demanding: you paddle for 15-20 minutes longer, you don't reach any sheltered coves and you may not be able to stand up at any point during the snorkelling stop. If, due to age or distribution, the child has to go in front or behind (not in the middle), the extra effort falls on the accompanying adult.

Book the Cala en Porter Route - the most recommended option for families.

The two guided routes (Cala en Porter and Es Canutells) last for 3 hours, including a 30 minute stop for snorkelling.

During these 3 hours approximately 1.5 hours between caves, and the remaining time is dedicated to the stops inside the caves, The guide's explanations, toilets, guide's explanations and the stop for 30 minutes for snorkelling.

We ask you to reach out 25 minutes before of the reserved time to check in, pick up the equipment and receive safety instructions and basic paddling technique from the guide before heading out to sea.

All slots are good, but each has its own character:

Route of Cala en Porter

  • 9:00 h - It is less hot and the sea is usually in better conditions. Ideal if you like to get up early and enjoy the calm sea.
  • 10:15 h - Comfortable and balanced time. Good temperature and light.
  • 12:00 h - The colours of the water are at their best and the sun is at its strongest. Ideal for photos.
  • 16:00 h - The light inside the Cave of Light (Cova de la Llum) enters at its best angle and looks spectacular. The most recommended option if you want to see this cave at its best.

Es Canutells route

  • 10:00 h - Calm sea and soft light in the caves. Ideal if you prefer morning.
  • 16:00 h - The evening light inside the caves and cliffs is very beautiful.

If you want recommendation according to your plan: tomorrow if you are looking for peace and quiet and less heat; noon if you are looking for the most intense colours of water; afternoon if you want to see the Cueva de la Luz at its best (only in Cala en Porter).

At Rutas Kayak Menorca we operate from May to October, the six months when the sea and the weather allow us to fully enjoy the sea caves in the south of the island.

The two guided tours have slightly different seasons:

  • Route of the Caves of Cala en Porter: from 23 May to 15 October.
  • Es Canutells Caves Route: from 15 June to 20 September.

When is it best to come?

  • May and June: less people, fresh but suitable water, beautiful light in the morning. Ideal if you are looking for peace and quiet.
  • July and August: full season, warm water, long days. Book early: many slots close days in advance.
  • September and first half of October: water still warm, less heat for paddling and the light inside the caves becomes spectacular.

If your trip falls outside of these months, it is not an operating season for safety reasons: the tramontana wind and the state of the sea in winter make the activity not advisable.

Book your kayak tour → kayak tour → kayak tour → kayak tour

The water temperature in Menorca during the kayaking season (May to October) ranges from 18°C in May to 27°C in August. These are the average ranges per month in the south of the island, where our routes take place:

  • May: 18-20 °C - cool, but perfectly suitable for calm snorkelling.
  • June: 20-22 °C - pleasant water, full sun.
  • July: 22-23 °C - ideal temperature to jump in without thinking about it.
  • August: 23-24 °C - the warmest month of the year, long bathing guaranteed.
  • September: 21-23 °C - water still very warm, less people.
  • October: 19-21 °C - cooler, but perfectly enjoyable on sunny days.

During the tour it is not necessary to wear wetsuit at any time. If you are particularly cold, a lycra or short-sleeved T-shirt will protect you from the sun and wind when you come out of the water wet after snorkelling.

The price of the guided tour of the caves is 41 € per adult y 29 € per child from 8 to 12 years old. These are the details according to the composition of the kayak:

  • Adult (from 13 years old): 41 €.
  • Child from 8 to 12 years old: 29 € (occupies a child's seat).
  • Child 6 or 7 years old as third occupant of the double kayak (in the middle, between two adults): free.
  • Child 6 or 7 years old occupying an adult seat (no third occupant): 29 €.
  • Minimum age: 6 years in Cala en Porter and 7 years in Es Canutells.


The price includes double self-bailing kayak, paddle, approved lifejacket, expert guide during the whole route, photo and video session with GoPro as a gift and watertight container for your personal belongings. Snorkelling goggles can be brought or rented during the booking process for a symbolic supplement.

Book your route and check availability in real time at the Caves of Cala en Porter Cave Route or in the Es Canutells caves route.

Yes, the guided kayak tour includes everything you need to enjoy the route without having to bring anything technical:

  • Double kayak top quality self-bailing.
  • Kayak paddle adjustable.
  • Lifejacket homologated for each participant.
  • Expert guide throughout the activity.
  • Photo and video session with GoPro gift, which we will send you in the days following the route.
  • Watertight canister to carry your personal belongings (mobile phone, keys, wallet) without the risk of getting them wet.

Snorkelling goggles are not included, but you can bring your own or rent them during the booking process for a nominal supplement.

For your comfort, we recommend that you bring your swimming costume, sun shirt, hat, sun cream, water shoes (booties) and towel. You have all the details in the question What to bring on the road?

Yes, it is essential to know how to swim. Although all participants wear an approved life jacket throughout the activity, swimming is a compulsory safety requirement.

No previous kayaking experience is necessary. The vast majority of our clients kayak with us for the first time and enjoy the route without any problems. Before setting off, the guide explains the basic paddling technique and the necessary safety instructions, and accompanies you throughout the trip at a pace that is comfortable for the group.

The route has low difficulty and is designed for everyone. The kayaks are double self-bailing, The kayaks are very stable, and you will always have the help of your kayaking partner.

The minimum age depends on the route:

  • Route of the Caves of Cala en Porter: 6 years.
  • Es Canutells Caves Route: 7 years.

The difference is due to the profile of each route: Es Canutells is somewhat more demanding (more paddling, no sheltered cove to stand in at the snorkelling stop) and for safety reasons we set a minimum age of one year.

Conditions for minors:

  • Children under the age of 14 must always be accompanied by an adult in the kayak.
  • Children from 14 years old can do the route without an accompanying adult in the kayak, as long as they have the express authorisation of their parents or legal guardians.
  • Children from 6 or 7 years old are the third occupant in the middle of the double kayak (free in CP).
  • Children from 8 to 12 years old pay 29 € and occupy a child's place.

More details about the best option if you go with children in the question about which route is best for family kayaking with children.

Yes, minors can kayak the route under the following conditions:

  • Minimum age: 6 years in Cala en Porter and 7 years in Es Canutells.
  • From 6 to 13 years old: must always be accompanied by an adult in the kayak, under the responsibility of their parents or legal guardians.
  • From 14 years of age: can do the route with a guide without the need to be accompanied in the kayak, as long as they have with the express authorisation from their parents or legal guardians.

In all cases, all participants wear an approved life jacket during the whole activity and it is essential to know how to swim.

If you are pregnant and want to do the route, you need a express consent of your doctor to authorise the activity. The route is in any case at your own risk.

The activity involves getting in and out of the kayak, paddling for about 1.5 hours and, depending on the state of the sea, receiving waves or occasional impacts. That is why it is important that the assessment is made by your doctor, who knows your specific case and the stage of your pregnancy.

If you have any doubts before booking, write us by WhatsApp or email and we will see together what is best for you and the route.

Yes, for safety and stability of the kayak we set the following limits:

  • Maximum weight per person: 100 kg.
  • Maximum height: 1,95 m.
  • Individual kayak: 100 kg maximum.


These limits are important for two reasons: the stability and response of the kayak during the route, and the safety in the event of a fall into the water. If a person exceeds the recommended weight and capsizes, it can be very difficult for the guide to assist them back into the kayak in the open sea.

If you have doubts because someone in the group is close to these limits or you want to assess the best kayak configuration (adult-child, couple, odd group), write us before booking by WhatsApp or email and we will advise you.

We recommend you come with:

  • Swimwear home-based position.
  • T-shirt to protect you from the sun during rowing (preferably lycra or quick-drying).
  • Cap, sunglasses with drawstring and sun cream waterproof.
  • Aquatic footwear (booties or sandals that do not slip off when swimming).
  • Towel.
  • Some water and a light snack for the snorkelling stop.
  • Snorkelling goggles (if you have them; if not, you can rent them during the booking).

Trick: secure all small objects with a cord (sunglasses, mobile phone, keys) to avoid losing them when getting in or out of the kayak.

We give you a watertight canister so that you can carry everything you don't want to get wet: mobile phone, keys, wallet, documentation.

What you don't need to bring: kayak, paddle, lifejacket and waterproof bottle - all technical equipment is included.

Yes. On the two guided routes (Cala en Porter and Es Canutells) we make a stop for snorkelling for about 30 minutes in crystal-clear waters, relax and bathe.

  • On the Cala en Porter Route, the stop is made at Cales Coves, A protected and shallow cove, ideal for all levels. It is the largest prehistoric necropolis in Menorca and has a bottom full of fish.
  • On the Es Canutells Route, the stop is made at rock platforms between waters (sea permitting) or in a corner with a white sandy bottom at the foot of the cliffs. There is no footing in this area, so it is necessary to know how to swim and stay comfortable in deep water.

Snorkelling goggles are not included in the tour: you can either bring your own or rent them during the booking process for a symbolic supplement. They are not essential to enjoy the activity, but they allow you to see the bottom and the fish better.

You can bring your own snorkelling goggles o rent them during the booking process for a symbolic supplement.

They are not essential to enjoy the activity: the stop for swimming and bathing is done in the same way and the water is crystal clear. But if you want a good view of the seabed and the fish, wearing them makes all the difference.

If you are travelling light, renting them is the most comfortable option. If you use them regularly, bring your own.

Photos and videos are sent within a maximum of 5 days from the date of your route, to the email address you provided when you made your booking.

During the entire route, the guide records with GoPro the most spectacular moments: the entry into caves, the jump from the rocks (in Cala en Porter, if the sea allows it), the snorkelling stop and the cliffs. It is a gift included in the price of the guided tour.

If you have not received anything after 5 days, check your spam or promotions folder first. If it is not there either, please write to us at [email protected] or also by WhatsApp indicating the name and date of the reservation, and we will check what has happened.

Free parking is available at both locations close to our premises, but at summer (especially July and August) is usually quite busy and it is advisable to go with plenty of time to spare. not to miss the exit.

Cala en Porter
Free parking on the beach, just a few metres from the restaurant. At July and August the car park fills up quickly and between the 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. it can be very difficult to find a place. If your route is at that time, arrive with plenty of time to spare.

Es Canutells
Free parking in the streets surrounding the restaurant. In summer it can also get crowded, especially at midday, so it's a good idea to come early.

In both cases, we ask you to arrive 25 minutes before the booked time to register, collect the material and receive the guide's instructions.

The two bases of Rutas Kayak Menorca are on the south coast of Menorca, just a few kilometres apart.

Caves of Cala en Porter Cave Route
Platja de Cala en Porter, 18 - 07730 Cala en Porter, Menorca.

  • By car: From Maó, 20 minutes on the Me-12. From Ciutadella, about 60 minutes on the Me-1 to Alaior and down to Cala en Porter. Free parking a few metres from the premises, right on the beach.
  • By bus: Regular line from Maó to Cala en Porter during the summer season. Check updated timetables on the website of TMSA Transportes Menorca.
  • By taxi: from Maó, about 25 €. From Ciutadella, about €60.
  • Maó Airport: 11 km, 15 minutes by car.


Es Canutells caves route

Carrer de s'Ullastre, 120 - 07712 Es Canutells, Menorca.

  • By car: from Maó, 10 km, 17 minutes on the Me-12. Free parking in the streets surrounding the premises.
  • By bus: Very limited service in season. We recommend to consult TMSA or arrive by car or taxi.
  • By taxi: from Maó, about €25.
  • Maó Airport: 8 km, 10 minutes by car.


It is essential to arrive 25 minutes before the booked time in order to check in, collect the equipment and receive instructions from the guide before going out to sea.

We do not have individual lockers, but if you are not coming by car and you need to leave a bag, suitcase or object, you can store it in our premises. during the route.

For the personal items you want to take with you in the kayak (mobile phone, keys, wallet, documentation), we provide you with a watertight canister where they are perfectly protected from the water during the whole activity.

Important: Rutas Kayak Menorca is not responsible for objects left on the premises. We recommend you not to bring valuable items that you do not need for the activity.

No, there are no changing rooms with showers in our facilities.

There are also no showers on the beach: the local councils have removed them to reduce water consumption and raise awareness of the scarcity of the resource, in line with the Hydrological Plan of the Balearic Islands in force since 2022.

We recommend coming from home with your swimming costume on and bring a towel to dry yourself after the route.

You can consult the real-time availability from the booking page of each route. Select in the calendar the departure time and the date you want to do the activity and in the tickets you will see how many kayaks are available.

If the date you are interested in is not available, please contact us by WhatsApp or at [email protected] in case we can offer you alternatives or let you know of any cancellations.

If you are an odd numbered group of 3, 5, 7 or more people, you must combine double kayaks + one single kayak in the same reserve:

  1. Book an individual kayak first in the calendar at the bottom of the booking page.
  2. Then book the remaining double kayaks in the upper calendar, for the rest of the group.


Important:
make sure there is availability for both single kayaks and double kayaks before completing the booking.

The single kayak is exclusively for the odd occupant of the group or for one person going alone. It is not possible for the whole group to go in a single kayak (more details in the next question).

If you have any doubts or you can't fit the reservation, write us by WhatsApp or email and we will help you to set it up.

No. The individual kayak is reserved only for the odd occupant of a group (3rd, 5th, 7th person...) or for someone coming alone.

There are two reasons why we cannot form a whole group with individual kayaks:

  • Capacity inside the caves. Some caves are narrow and can't fit as many kayaks at the same time if they are all single kayaks. With double kayaks, the same number of people occupy half the space.
  • Security and group management. We keep a maximum number of kayaks on the water so that the route is safe and the guide can attend to the group correctly.


If you go as a couple or in an even group, you will all go in double kayak. If there are odd numbers of you, we combine double kayaks + a single kayak (more details in the question about how to book for odd groups).

Yes, if you want to experience the route exclusively or if you are a large group, we have two options:

Private tour The route is reserved exclusively for your group, with no other clients. Ideal for stag or hen parties, company events, birthdays, anniversaries, large families or groups of friends who want to meet in the same area with total privacy.

Group on shared route If there are many of you but you don't need exclusivity, you can book as many kayaks as the group needs in a regular outing, according to availability.

For safety reasons and to ensure the quality of the experience, we do not accept groups of more than 20 people in the same time slot.. For larger groups, we organise several consecutive outings.

Private outings are not booked from the website: we manage them directly to coordinate the date, location (Cala en Porter or Es Canutells) and composition of the group.

To prepare the proposal we need to know: number of people, approximate date, preferred route and if there are children in the group.

Write to us at [email protected] or to the +34 667 550 853 (also by WhatsApp) and we will send you availability and conditions.

Yes, pets are welcome, provided that they comply with these conditions:

  • Size: must be a dog small or medium. The heavier the weight in the kayak, the more unstable it becomes.
  • Character: the dog must be accustomed to the sea and be calm, so as not to disturb the rest of the group or jeopardise safety during the activity.
  • Responsibility: the responsibility for the animal is always the responsibility of the owner. We recommend you bring its leash, water and everything it needs.


If you have any doubts about whether your dog can do the route, write to us before booking by WhatsApp or email and we will assess it together.

If from Rutas Kayak Menorca we are forced to cancel the route due to security reasons (adverse sea, strong wind, weather conditions), we offer you two options:

  • Reschedule the activity to another date within your stay, subject to availability.
  • Full reimbursement of 100 % of the amount paid.

The decision is always taken by the Rutas Kayak Menorca team, taking into account the actual sea conditions, the wind and the day's forecast. Your safety is a priority and so, when in doubt, we prefer to cancel and reschedule.

We will notify you as soon as possible by email or WhatsApp as soon as we make the decision, usually the evening of the day before or the morning of the route.

For this reason we recommend you to book the route in the first days of your stayIf you have to cancel due to bad weather, there is room to reschedule within your holiday.

If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected] or by WhatsApp.

Yes, you can cancel your booking and receive a full refund as long as you give notice. at least 3 days in advance regarding the time of departure.

  • Cancellation with +3 days notice: reimbursement of 100 %.
  • Cancellation with less than 3 days notice: the booking is non-refundable, but we can try to rescheduling to another date within the season according to availability.

To cancel or change your booking, please write to us at [email protected] or also by WhatsApp, indicating the name and date of the reservation.

You can consult all the detailed conditions in our Cancellation policy.

No, we do not have touring kayaks.

We work with self-bailing recreational kayaks (doubles and singles), designed for short and medium coastal routes with entry into sea caves. We do not have touring kayaks (sit-in, with closed cockpit and greater autonomy).

If you are looking for a coastal experience of a few hours, discover our guided tours of the caves or the kayak rental options by the hour in Cala en Porter and Es Canutells.

No, kayak rentals are for 2 or 3 hours only.

  • Single and double kayak, 2 hours: 25 y 30 €.
  • Single and double kayak, 3 hours: 30 y 35 €.

If you want to a more complete experience, we recommend the guided tour of the caves (3 hours with guide, snorkel and GoPro photos included), or check out the options of kayak rental by the hour.

They are two different services designed for different profiles. This is the clear difference:

Guided tour of the caves
A complete 3-hour experience in which an expert guide takes you along the south coast of Menorca, entering sea caves that can only be accessed from the sea and stopping for about 30 minutes to snorkel. Includes kayak, paddle, lifejacket, guide, photo and video session with GoPro as a gift, waterproof bottle and all the information about each cave and corner.

It is the ideal option if you want to discover the best of the south coast without worrying about anything, know the history and details of each cave, and experience the route safely. It works whether it's your first time kayaking or if you already have experience.

Kayak rental (without guide)
You rent the kayak for 2 or 3 hours and explore the area of SOLO Cala en Porter (NOT Es Canutells) on your own, at your own pace and wherever you decide, within the permitted area. Includes kayak, paddle, waistcoat and waterproof bottle.

This is the option for those who already have paddling experience, know the area or simply want a bit of sea time without a marked route. There is no access to the deepest caves (some require a guide with a torch) and there is no photo session.

Quick summary:

 Guided tourRental
Duration3 hours2 or 3 hours
GuideYesNo
Sea cavesYes, up to 8 depending on routeYou won't see them all
Organised snorkellingYesOn your own
GoPro photos/videosIncludingNo
Price from41 € and children 29 €. 25-35 €
Recommended forFirst time, families, couples, discovering the coastThose who already have experience

Not sure? The guided tour is the choice of most of our clients and the one we recommend if you want to see the best of the area. Book your place on the The Caves Route or see the options for kayak rental.

No. In Rutas Kayak Menorca we are dedicated exclusively to the kayaking on the south coast of Menorca: guided tours of the sea caves and kayak hire by the hour in Cala en Porter and Es Canutells.

We have chosen to specialise in just one activity in order to do it very well: to know every cave, every corner of the coast and to give the best possible kayaking experience.

If you are looking for a unique experience sailing between cliffs, entering sea caves that can only be seen from the sea and snorkelling in crystal clear waters, you are in the right place. Discover our kayak routes through the caves.

No, all our kayaks are conventional (not transparent). We work with top quality double and single self-drifting kayaks, designed for safe navigation between cliffs and entry into sea caves.

There are two reasons why we do not use transparent kayaks:

  • Security. The transparent kayaks are not self-bailing, which means a real risk of sinking in waves or receiving water inside the caves. Our routes are done in open sea and with changing conditions, so they do not comply with the safety measures that we require for this activity.
  • Experience. On the cave route the attraction lies in what you see outside the kayak: cliffs up to 50 metres high, sea caves and turquoise waters. To see the seabed and the fish, we stop for 30 minutes to snorkel in crystal clear water, which is the natural and complete way to enjoy it.


Discover our kayak routes through the caves.

No. Rutas Kayak Menorca's guided routes and kayak hire depart exclusively from two points on the south coast of the island:

  • Cala en Porter - Platja de Cala en Porter, 18 (07730).
  • Es Canutells - Carrer de s'Ullastre, 120 (07712).

We have chosen these two locations because they are the best areas of Menorca to explore sea caves in a single excursionThe south coast concentrates the largest number of caves accessible from the sea, with high cliffs, unspoilt coves and crystal clear waters perfect for snorkelling.

Whether you are staying in Fornells, Cala Galdana, Ciutadella, Maó or anywhere else on the island, getting to our bases is easy: most of the island is less than an hour's drive away.

Book your route on the Caves of Cala en Porter Cave Route or in the Es Canutells caves route.