Our base and the starting point for almost everything
Ibiza
Ibiza is our base and the island we know best. It has a little over two hundred kilometres of coastline and, within that perimeter, room for almost everything: sandy coves with turquoise water, pine-covered cliffs, a walled old town that is a World Heritage site, and an islet, Es Vedrà, that has become the image of the island.
How Ibiza is sailed
You can go right round the island in one long day, but that is not what we recommend. What works is picking one coast and doing it calmly: two or three stops, time to swim and an unhurried lunch. The route is decided in the morning from the forecast, because the same day can be perfect in the south and uncomfortable in the north.
The usual departure ports are Ibiza town, Marina Botafoch and Sant Antoni. Choosing the right one matters: from the south, Formentera is half an hour away; from Sant Antoni, you have to go round half the island.
Dalt Vila from the water
The walled town rises above the harbour, and from the sea you understand at once why it sits where it does. The Renaissance walls, the cathedral at the top and the maze of white houses running down to the marina make one of the finest harbour approaches in the Mediterranean, particularly at the end of the day when the stone turns gold.
Ses Salines and the posidonia
The south of the island is taken up by the Ses Salines natural park, with the salt pans that were Ibiza’s economic engine for centuries. At sea, the park protects the posidonia meadow in the channel towards Formentera — a World Heritage site and the direct reason the water is as transparent as it is.
Recommended beaches and coves
Cala Comte
Turquoise water and islets offshore. The island’s postcard and one of its best sunsets.
Cala Bassa
A wide, protected bay with a sandy bottom. The easiest anchorage on the west coast.
Cala Salada and Saladeta
Between pine cliffs north of Sant Antoni. Far better by sea than by road.
Cala Tarida
Sand, clear water and the old wooden boat shelters cut into the rock.
Cala d'Hort
The beach that faces Es Vedrà. Unbeatable views, especially as the sun goes down.
Cala Vadella
Deep and sheltered by pine hills. The safe choice on windy days.
Cala Benirràs
The Cap Bernat islet and the Sunday sunset drums.
Cala Xarraca
Small, shallow and intensely turquoise. Excellent for snorkelling.
Ses Salines
A long fine-sand beach inside the natural park, with plenty of atmosphere in season.
Es Cavallet
Longer, wilder and quieter than its neighbour. Dunes and pine forest behind.
Recommended restaurants
Opening times, prices and services change every season. If you want to eat at one of them, tell your skipper and we will book ahead.
Es Torrent (Porroig)
On the beach in a discreet south-western inlet. Fish and rice dishes, built for arriving by boat.
Cala Bassa Beach Club
Several kitchens on one site and a dinghy pick-up service for anchored boats.
Cala Molí
A west-coast classic since the eighties. Terrace above the cove, Mediterranean and Ibizan cooking.
Sa Caleta
In the cove of the same name, known for its bullit de peix. Best ordered in advance.
Aiyanna (Cala Nova)
On the east coast, bohemian feel and open views. Mediterranean cooking.
Cala Jondal
Several restaurants in the same cove, a busy yacht scene and dinghy pick-up.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need to see Ibiza by boat?
One day covers one coast properly. Two or three let you combine west, north and south without rushing, and add Formentera.
Which port is best to depart from?
It depends on the plan. For Formentera and the south, Ibiza town or Marina Botafoch. For the west coast and sunsets, Sant Antoni.
Can you sail in Ibiza outside the season?
Yes. April to October is the usual season, and May, June and September are the best months for quiet and price.
Shall we plan your day?
Tell us what you feel like and we build the route around it, with skipper and crew included.
Image credits
The photographs on this page come from Wikimedia Commons and are used under their respective free licences.
- RoxFuchs · CC BY-SA 4.0
- M.carmens · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Stavros1 · CC BY 3.0
- Lesbardd · CC BY-SA 4.0
- IsabeauOttolini · CC BY-SA 4.0