Snorkeling in Cala Morell beach
In Cala Morell you can enjoy snorkel becouse of the shallow depth of the seabed and its calm and clear waters.
Cala Morell beach
Cala Morell is on the north coast of Menorca, some 11 km from Ciutadella. This is the name given to the cove and the small beach lying within the residential area that has sprung up around it. This bay is shaped like a backwards ‘L’ and is flanked by medium-height, sheer rugged cliffs, with very little vegetation on top. The small beach is sandy but with some pebbles and, since it might prove less than attractive than other beaches, a number of rocky platforms for sun-bathers and swimmers have been built.
It is interesting to note that here two of Menorca’s main rock types come into contact: the right-hand (east) cliff is composed of Jurassic rocks, the island’s oldest, while to the left (west) the cliffs are made out of more recent Miocene rocks like all of the southern half of the island. Another aspect of interest in this cove is the nearby of Cala Morell Necropolis, which consists of a group of 14 burial chambers hewn from the bare rock that were used from the pre-Talaiotic period up to the second century AD.
The seabed
Cala Morell is an excellent place for diving thanks to its shallow transparent waters that are a haven of peace and quiet. As well, its shape guarantees that it is protected from southerly and easterly winds; however, take care on days with strong westerly or northerly winds. The seabed is mainly sandy in the centre, although in the eastern part fallen rocks and large stones with a few patches of posidonia begin to appear, which become more evident as you approach the cove’s mouth.
If you swim out from the beach following the cove’s left-hand (western) edge, at a depth of just a few inches both young and old alike will be able to enjoy the great eye-catching variety of species that inhabit the shallow waters of rocky Mediterranean seabeds. For example, you will come across algae of many different types, textures and colours, mussels and other molluscs fastened onto the rocks, and also sea squirts, sponges and anemones such as the beadlet and snakelocks anemones.
This latter species, also known as the ‘sea-nettle’ in Menorca, can sting when alive but is often collected for culinary purposes. In the first few inches of shallow waters, it is easy to spot animals such as sea snails, crabs and rockpool prawns (very small and almost transparent). The most attractive fish here are, undoubtedly, ornate and Mediterranean rainbow wrasses and painted comber. A well, you may chance across white and saddled seabreams and groups of damselfish.
How to get there
Cala Morell is 9 km north of Ciutadella. From the town’s northern ring-road, take the road to Cala Morell. In 6 km, ignore the road off to Algaiarens on the right; in a further 2.5 km you will reach the residential area of Cala Morell. If you turn left after passing by the car park and entrance to Cala Morell Necropolis, you will reach the beach.
In the high season a bus runs from Ciutadella to Cala Morell. Check out bus times and frequencies (that vary according to the season).
Nearby sites of interest
• Cala Morell Necropolis: A group of 14 burial chambers hewn from the bare rock that were used from the pre-Talaiotic period up to the second century AD. Just before reaching the beach you will come to a small car park at the entrance to the necropolis. More information.
Map
See the map Snorkeling in Menorca in Google Maps
See our proposals of snorkeling in Menorca
Best places to snorkel in Menorca
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Menorca is an ideal place for snorkeling because its waters are relatively warm and very clear. Although any cove or rocky inlet can be good for diving or snorkeling and for investigating the seabed, the waters of the northern coast are especially recommendable since the restrictions on fishing ensure that its marine fauna is more abundant and just a bit more approachable. -
Caló Fondo (popularly known as Ses Olles) is a rocky bathing place in Binissafúller on the southern coast of the municipality of Sant Lluís. Its half-moon shape and the fact that it is sheltered by... -
S’Escala is an attractive place for diving since its waters are calm and transparent. Furthermore, its waters are shallow and cover a variety of seabed habitats... -
The seabed at Binimel·là and, above all, the three coves to the east have fascinating underwater habitats and, due to the restrictions on fishing in this zone imposed by the North Menorcan Marine Reserve. -
The most interesting places for the diver are where the tall cliffs plunge into the sea – above all at the eastern end of the beach – and the small caves and cavities that are found there.
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