Balearic Islands · Spain
- Position
- 38.9°N · 1.4°E
- Region
- Balearic Islands, Spain
Overview
The White Isle from the water
Ibiza, Eivissa in Catalan, is the third-largest of Spain's Balearic Islands, in the western Mediterranean. Its capital, Ibiza Town, sits on the southeast coast below the fortified old town of Dalt Vila, and the island of Formentera lies about 6 km to the south across the strait of Es Freus.
The island's famously clear water owes a great deal to its underwater meadows of Posidonia seagrass, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture," inscribed in 1999. Protecting those meadows shapes how boats moor here, and a good captain plans every stop around them.
A typical Ibiza charter is a full day on the water: a run south to Formentera and its shallows, or a cruise along the west coast past Es Vedrà and its sandy coves, with time to swim, lunch on board or at a beach restaurant, and a sunset on the way back. Motor yachts dominate the market, with catamarans and sailing yachts also available, especially in high summer.
Marinas
Where Ibiza charters depart
Ibiza's marinas are spread across the island, and the best one depends on your route. Marina names in Ibiza Town change with port concessions, so we confirm the exact berth for your vessel.
Ibiza Town
Marina Ibiza and the Botafoc marina across the harbor, plus IGY Ibiza Marina for superyachts below Dalt Vila. Closest to Formentera.
Southeast coastSant Antoni
The port of Sant Antoni de Portmany and the Club Nàutic Sant Antoni on the west coast, convenient for Es Vedrà, the western calas and sunsets.
West coastSanta Eulària
Marina Santa Eulalia on the quieter east coast, around 14 km from Ibiza Town.
East coast
Where you'll cruise
Formentera, Es Vedrà and the calas
Your captain will choose between the south and west routes according to the wind, and suggest sheltered coves on breezier days.
Ses Illetes
The famous white-sand peninsula and shallow turquoise water at Formentera's northern tip, inside the Ses Salines Natural Park. It is in Formentera's waters, a short crossing from Ibiza.
S'Espalmador
A privately owned islet in the natural park. In its bay, boats use a regulated buoy field booked through the Balearic ports authority instead of anchoring.
Es Vedrà & Cala d'Hort
The dramatic rock of Es Vedrà rises offshore from Cala d'Hort. Sailing around the islets is allowed, but landing needs authorization and party boats are not permitted in the nature reserve.
Cala Comte & Cala Bassa
Sandy coves with clear water and views of the western islets, classic swim and snorkel stops.
Talamanca
A sheltered, shallow bay close to the port, handy for a relaxed swim at the start or end of the day.
Posidonia rules
Protecting the meadows that keep the water clear
Under the Balearic government's Posidonia decree of 2018, anchoring on Posidonia seagrass is prohibited throughout Balearic waters, and uncontrolled anchoring is not allowed. Boats anchor on sand where permitted, or use authorized buoy fields, such as those managed by the Balearic ports authority at s'Espalmador, Platja de Ses Salines and Caló de s'Oli. Environmental agents patrol in summer.
In practice this is your captain's job, but it explains why some coves have buoys, why stops are planned carefully and why the water is so clear.
Seasons
Season: charter activity is concentrated from about May to October, peaking in July and August.
Sea temperature: roughly 19 °C in May, 25 °C in July and 26 °C in August.
Wind: Ibiza and Formentera are more sheltered than Mallorca and Menorca, but northerly winds can make north-facing anchorages uncomfortable, and the Mistral is most common in winter and spring.
Current fleet & availability
Ask about yachts in Ibiza
Tell us your dates, group size and whether Formentera, Es Vedrà or a sunset cruise is on your list. We will check the yachts and catamarans available in Ibiza.
Related destinations
More of the Mediterranean
Ibiza FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Yacht Charters in Ibiza
Straight answers to the questions travelers ask most about chartering in Ibiza. If yours is not here, ask us when you request a quote.
Can we visit Formentera on a day charter from Ibiza?
Yes, it is the classic Ibiza day charter. Formentera lies just south of Ibiza, about 12 nautical miles from Ibiza port, and timing depends on the vessel and the weather.
Can boats anchor anywhere around Ibiza?
No. Anchoring on Posidonia seagrass is prohibited in Balearic waters, and some areas use regulated buoy fields. Your captain anchors on sand where permitted or uses authorized buoys.
Can we anchor at s'Espalmador?
In the bay at s'Espalmador, boats use a regulated buoy field booked through the Balearic ports authority rather than anchoring.
Can we land on Es Vedrà?
Not without authorization. Boats may cruise around Es Vedrà and its islets, but party boats are not permitted in the nature reserve.
Where do Ibiza charters depart from?
Mainly from the marinas of Ibiza Town, Sant Antoni on the west coast or Santa Eulària on the east coast, depending on the vessel and route.
How warm is the sea in Ibiza?
Roughly 19 °C in May, rising to around 25–26 °C in July and August.
Can we stop at Ibiza beach clubs by boat?
Many guests do, but tender service, reservations and entry are set by each venue. We help you check arrangements in advance.
Is the snorkeling good around Ibiza?
Yes, over sand and seagrass in clear water. Diving in the Es Vedrà and Bledes marine reserves requires authorization.
Is Ses Illetes in Ibiza or Formentera?
Ses Illetes is in Formentera, on the white-sand peninsula at the island's northern tip, inside the Ses Salines Natural Park. The entry fee there is a land-access charge for cars and motorbikes, not a charge on boats.
Is it windy on the water around Ibiza?
Ibiza and Formentera are more sheltered than Mallorca and Menorca, but northerly winds can make north-facing anchorages uncomfortable, and the Mistral is most common in winter and spring. Your captain chooses between the south and west routes according to the wind.
Which Ibiza marina is best for Es Vedrà and the sunset?
Sant Antoni, on the west coast, is convenient for Es Vedrà, the western calas and sunsets. Ibiza Town's marinas are closest to Formentera, and the exact berth for your vessel is confirmed when you request a quote.