how to rent a boat in ibiza

How to hire a boat in Ibiza? The ultimate guide to your perfect boat day

Is it your first time planning a boat hire experience in Ibiza? With a multitude of beautiful beaches and coves surrounding the island, it may prove difficult to choose the right direction for your boat adventure. From the sea perspective you can explore hidden lagoons, secret caves and secluded beaches with turquoise waters that are not accessible from the land. Take a dip in crystal clear waters and discover the pristine nature of the Balearics. Choosing your stop for lunch is the next challenge. There are many beach restaurants dotted around Ibiza and Formentera coast but few of them are worth a visit. If you choose right, there are spots offering fresh seafood, live music and mind blowing art performances, delivering a unique feast for all senses. 

How to hire a boat in Ibiza and plan your perfect sea adventure with no FOMO effect? Let us guide you to your best day enjoying the island waters so you can make memories for life.

1. Choose the right boat for your group

A speedboat, yacht, a catamaran or a sailboat? Depending on your preferences, size of your group, oh, well… and your budget, we can help you choose the right boat for you. 

If you’re looking for a luxury experience, then charter a 50ft+ yacht like a modern open-plan Waterdream California 65 or if you prefer more privacy, go for Pershing 5x. 

Next in line, a stylish Pardo 50 or Vanquish VQ52 will make a great boat for a day for those with high expectations, and all fit up to 12 people onboard. A bit smaller yet spacious boats are Fjords 40, De Antonio 42 or classic Sunseekers. 

A more budget option to cruise the Mediterranean sea is to rent a RIB boat (rigid inflatable boat) called also a pneumatic boat, that is cheaper than yachts yet spacious and comfortable. Those boats are much lighter than others previously mentioned, so the fuel consumption will be much lower. 

For those looking for a budget motorboat option, we have several options, contact us to receive a personalised offer.

For all the motor boats keep in mind that fuel is not included and it’s calculated at the end of the charter based on the route. The fuel is charged per engine hour at the current petrol cost. 

If you prefer space over style then a catamaran should be your top choice. With plenty of room over the nets ideal to tan, dance and have fun. A catamaran is a preferable vessel for younger groups and families with kids. They are also significantly more stable than monohull boats, as they are designed with a twin-hull. This is good news for all those with the tendency to feel sea sick – worry not, on a catamaran it will not be the case.

For catamaran trips fuel is usually included in the price. Keep in mind that a catamaran is much slower than a speedboat but if you are on holiday why rush anyway? 

The most economic option for a boat hire in Ibiza is a sailboat charter. Live an authentic sea experience onboard one of the stunning vessels and feel like a real sailor. Those boats are great for families and chilled groups looking for a „bona fide” sea adventure. Fuel is also usually included in a charter fee for the sailboats and similarly to catamarans they are slower than speed boats with a top sailing speed of around 12 knots. 

If you still haven’t decided which boat is right for you, then just leave it in our hands. Send us a request with the charter date, group size and a budget to receive a personalised selection of the boats to hire.

Check our boat rental collection here.

2. How long is the boat charter?

Typically the boats to hire in Ibiza have a duration of 8 hours, especially if leaving from one of the Ibiza town ports. From those ports the usual route is Formentera, Ibiza’s smaller sister island, and to fully enjoy its beauty you need a full day on a boat.

You can also hire a boat for half day – morning or sunset, usually leaving from the San Antonio port which is surrounded by many coves and playas worth exploring. San Antonio is located on the West coast which makes it a perfect starting point for a sunset adventure. We have plenty of boat hire options, so whether you prefer a full or half day charter to explore Ibiza and Formentera, contact us and we will send you more information.

3. How to reserve your boat?

If you found your perfect boat to hire in Ibiza then wait no longer, it’s time to book it. Get in touch with us and we will send you the next steps to confirm your reservation, which implies to pay a deposit of 50% of the charter value. The remaining 50% can be paid anytime before your boat experience date. Voila, you have your boat booked.

4. What to bring with you and what is included?

All you need to bring with you for your boat day is a swimsuit, shades and sunscreen. Most of the motorboat charters have a fridge filled with drinks for you, with some water, beers, soft drinks, wine and ice. Ask what is included so you can figure out what to bring with you – yes you can bring your own booze. We also recommend to bring some snacks or fresh fruit to keep you going. If you have a Go Pro, then take it with you to record the best moments.

For motorboats, towels are included in your boat hire fee, but this is not the case for a majority of catamarans and sailboats. Those boats also normally won’t offer you drinks or ice but you can bring your own. When booking a charter just look through the offer to find out or simply ask what is included. You can also order a drink package and a catering with some fresh sandwiches, salads, meat or cheese boards, fruit platters, sushi or whatever you fancy, and have it delivered to your boat before the charter. Isn’t that great?

5. Choosing the perfect route for your boat hire

Ibiza – Formentera: Espalmador – Ses Illetes – Cala Saona

The most common route and in our opinion the best one. You will explore the beauty of Formentera, with the infamous Ses Illetes beach, also called the Caribbean of Europe. Your first stop would be Es Palmador, a small island surrounded by the most turquoise waters you could ever hope for. This area is a part of the Salinas Natural Reserve. You can stop for lunch in one of the beach restaurants (we will recommend you the spot later in this article) and then head to Cala Saona, a small cove with crystalline waters and dramatic cliffs that is a great spot to enjoy water toys, like Seabob or Jet Ski. Then, explore nearby caves you can swim into, that are only accessible from a boat. 

Ibiza – Formentera: Espalmador – Playa De Levante – Es Calo

Heading to Formentera but exploring its other side. Playa de Levante route is the second option to explore Formentera, and it has great spots to take a dip. You can stop for a swim in the pristine Es Pujols bay, then explore Cala en Baster with cave-like fishermen shelters. Your last stop will be Es Calo, a small fishing village with many unique spots to explore and incredible views.

Ibiza – Espalmador – Ses Illetes – Es Vedra

A route for those who want it all. Stop in the most popular (and the most stunning) hotspots in Formentera and head to Es Vedra, a mystical rock for the most spectacular Balearic sunset enjoyed from the deck of a private yacht.

Ibiza – Atlantis – Es Vedra – Cala d’Hort

Explore the mystical city of Atlantis, a majestic rock formation with natural pools near Es Vedra. Cruise around Es Vedra and listen to all the legends and stories around this isle. Visit Cala d’ Hort, a popular cove with unbeatable views and great restaurants. Stay for sunset or head back to make the last stop at Cala Jondal or Las Salinas, a part of Natural Reserve.

West Coast Route: San Antonio – Cala Comte – Cala Tarida – Es Vedra

Perfect for those who want to explore as many beaches as possible. The West Coast route takes you to the most iconic beaches such as Cala Bassa, Cala Comte, Isla Conejera, Cala Tarida, Cala Vadella all the way up to Es Vedra. Discover beautiful coves and caves one after another and take a dip into the most crystalline waters around the mystical Es Vedra.

North – West Route: Cala Gracio – Cala Saladeta – Islas Margaritas – Benirras 

Discover small coves heading North – West from San Antonio, definitely the most underrated route out there. Stop between Cala Gracio and Cala Gracioneta, then explore a unique rock formation called Punta Galera (a perfect stop for Sunset). Stop near Cala Salada and Cala Saladeta and swim around the beautiful bay with an abundance of fishes. Then head to Islas Margaritas, a tiny rocky isles and cruise through the natural stone arch. The last stop is Benirras, a sheltered bay known for hippie sunset drumming sessions. 

Santa Eulalia – Cala San Vicente – Portinatx – Es Canaret

Discover the tranquil north of the island with its many secrets. This is definitely a route for true nature lovers and explorer souls. Head along the East coast of Ibiza passing by many beautiful beaches like Cala Nova, Pou des Lleo, Aguas Blancas. Stop in the Cala San Vicente, with golden sand and clear waters. Swim in a bay around Faro de Punta Grossa, only accessible by boat with the most pure waters you could imagine. The next stop is Portinatx, a small resort town on the northern tip of the island with a majestic Lighthouse. The last stop is a secret Es Canaret bay with an abundance of sea life and incredible views.

Not sure which route to choose? No worries, hire a boat in Ibiza with us and let us plan your boat day.

6. Where to stop for lunch during a boat charter?

Juan & Andrea – located on the Ses Illetes beach, this iconic restaurant is the number 1 spot for lunch during a boat charter. With fresh seafood, great views, live music or DJ and dining with feet in the sand we have no doubts why. Opened in 1971 as a small family restaurant, now this place serves hundreds of covers daily during the season. Minimum spend applies for the tables close to the sea. What better place to drink cold sangria?

Chezz Gerdi – Located on a cliff in Es Pujols, Formentera this hippy chic beach restaurant has a lot to offer. Choose from a mediterranean cuisine, with paella, pizza, pasta and more and have it served to the tunes of live music with art performances. A true feast for all senses, Chezz Gerdi is one of the most favourite spots for lunch during a boat day.

Beso Formentera – a trendy restaurant in Ses Illetes serving Mediterranean cuisine with the Basque flavours and wonderful Cava Sangria. Beso is known for live music and a party atmosphere that brings everyone to dance and celebrate. This is a place for younger crowds, yet we believe anyone would have a great time there.

Es Moli de Sal – A fine dining restaurant located in an old Salt Mill with spectacular panoramic views over Ses Illetes. They have daily fish specials, wonderful paellas and grilled beef, not to mention a variety of Sangrias and wine to pair the meals with.

Casa Pacha – Located on the seafront of Migjorn in Es Calo, this place offers a unique dining experience brought to you by Pacha Group. They serve locally sourced products, mostly seafood dishes in an open kitchen concept. Relax in this authentic chiringuito, Pacha style.

Blue Marlin – Located in Cala Jondal, this iconic spot is more than a beach restaurant. Serving Mediterranean food and sushi, all exceptionally high quality. With sunbeds, tables and lounges you can be sure you will find a space for you. Enjoy delicious food cooked by world’s top chefs and sip the cocktail to the beat soothing from the DJ booth. From day to night, live music and art performances are the essence of the Blue Marlin experience.

Casa Jondal – Located in the bay of the same name, Jondal is the most recent addition to the restaurant scene in the area. Try their gourmet food served by world’s most talented chefs in a relaxed beach surroundings. The quality is one of the most important aspects of this chic chiringuito, and so the seafood is sourced from the island. Did we mention sun beds and aperitif menu?

Es Xarcu – an authentic Ibicenco restaurant offering the very best of Spanish cuisine: paella, seafood, grilled meat and Jamon Serrano with wonderful sea views of Cala Jondal area. You will find a selection of a locally sourced fish cooked in a traditional way, in the oven. Try their Spanish wines and sangrias – who can make them better if not locals?

7. Just wanna have fun! Choosing the water toys

Hiring a boat in Ibiza is one thing, but is it enough? Well, you can make your boat day even more fun. Let us tell you how. First of all, each of the boats have snorkelling equipment included for you to explore the underwater secrets. Some boats also have a paddle board included so you can swim around the coast and explore small caves on your own. But there is more…

Seabob 

To maximise fun, we recommend renting a Seabob, an underwater scooter, for your boat day. It costs around 300-350 euro, but you will have unlimited fun. Check out the below video to understand why Seabob is so much fun. Let us know if you’d like to add a Seabob to your boat hire.

Jet Ski

Enjoy a Jet Ski tour to explore secret caves or have a free ride in a circuit. Feel the speed on your skin with up to 300hp. You won’t need a licence to do it, but in that case you will be monitored by a guide. Let us know if you would like to add a Jet Ski experience to your boat charter and we will arrange it.

Jet ski rental

Flyboard 

It is a relatively new water sport where your boots are connected to a water hose with two powerful jets that lets you fly over the water. You can rent a Flyboard in Ibiza and Formentera, just let us know and we will arrange it. Check out the below video to see how much fun Flyboarding is.

Ready to hire a boat in Ibiza? Get in touch and let us plan your perfect sea adventure.

 

Discover our boat collection here.

On Key

Related Posts