Cala en Porter by boat

Limestone cliffs falling sheer, and carved into the wall about thirty metres above the water, the Cova d'en Xoroi: that's how Cala en Porter looks from the sea, a sight you'd never guess from the road. That's why Cala en Porter is worth doing by boat: we set off in the Capeador 43, our Menorcan llaüt (the island's traditional wooden boat), from the port of Es Canutells, on the south coast.

How we get there under way

Es Canutells and Cala en Porter both sit on the south coast of Menorca, in the municipality of Alaior, and very close to each other: heading east along the coast, you have it in front of you in a little over half an hour of easy sailing. On the way you pass Cales Coves, so the approach is already part of the trip.

We go at llaüt pace, in no hurry and without the noise of a big engine, hugging the coast so you see the rock wall up close. It's worth saying plainly: the plan depends on the sea and the wind on the day. With a southerly the south coast picks up and sometimes we have to change course, even cross to the north coast. That's why I never promise we'll always reach a particular cove; the skipper decides as we go what's safe and what's worth it.

What you'll find at Cala en Porter

Cala en Porter opens at the mouth of one of the longest ravines on the island, shell-shaped between two headlands. The beach, fine pale sand about a hundred metres long, lies at the back of the inlet, with water that shelves gently: that's why it's one of the calm coves for swimming.

What really sets it apart are the two flanks. The western side is unspoilt cliff, pure limestone topped with vegetation, of good height. The eastern side is covered by the resort and, above all, by the Cova d'en Xoroi: a natural cave opened in the cliff about thirty metres above the water, with windows onto the Mediterranean. By day it's a viewpoint and bar; by night, a music venue since the sixties. From the boat you see it from below, like a balcony hung on the wall, a perspective no one watching from land can have.

From the water you also understand the whole picture better: the open mouth, the sheltered bay and, just to the west, the stretch of coast towards Cales Coves, one of the parts of Menorca with the most sea caves.

Snorkelling and swimming

The bottom of the swimming area is sandy and shelves little by little, so for an easy swim it's perfect. For snorkelling, the good stuff is along the edges: by the rocks of the two flanks and towards the mouth, where the bottom gets richer and the water stays clear thanks to the posidonia meadows in the area.

We drop the anchor in the inlet, bring out the snorkelling kit, which we carry on board, and to climb back up there's the bathing platform at the stern. We also have a paddle board, a cooler with ice for the drinks and the bow shower to rinse off the salt before moving on. If the day is kind, the stretch of coast between Cala en Porter and Cales Coves, with its caves, is some of the best you can do around here with mask and snorkel.

Which trip to choose for Cala en Porter

Being so close to Es Canutells, Cala en Porter fits almost any trip. On a half day there's plenty of time to get there, anchor, swim at leisure and look in on Cales Coves on the way back. On a full day you can combine it with more southern coves depending on the wind, without watching the clock. And if what you fancy is seeing the cliffs in low light, the sunset trip leaves the wall of the Cova d'en Xoroi a colour that's hard to forget.

Remember the boat is private: it's just your group that sails, up to 7 people, never shared. You can see the detail of each trip in our boat trips around the south of Menorca and check the per-boat rates on boat hire prices.

Frequently asked questions

Can you anchor in front of the beach at Cala en Porter?

Yes, the inlet is sheltered and small boats anchor off the beach. We always look for the most protected spot for the wind on the day.

How long does it take by boat to Cala en Porter?

From Es Canutells, sailing at llaüt pace along the south coast, a little over half an hour. It depends on the sea; if there's a chop we go slower or adapt the route.

Do you need a boating licence?

No. You go with a qualified professional skipper who knows the coast. All you have to do is enjoy yourself and swim.

Is it good for going with children?

Yes. The water shelves gently and the bay is calm. We carry children's life jackets on board. That said, the llaüt is not adapted for wheelchairs.

Can you see the Cova d'en Xoroi from the boat?

Yes, and better than from land: it sits on the eastern cliff, about thirty metres above the water, and from the sea you see the whole wall from below.