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Top tips for the best catamaran or sailboat cruise in Ibiza

Go on an unforgettable cruise in Ibiza with family and friends. Catamaran or sailboat cruises let you discover hidden coves and beaches. Book with a skipper and crew for more luxury and comfort. Explore your favourite place from a new perspective.

Ibiza: the ideal holiday destination for families, friends or children

Ibiza is one of those destinations that guarantees adventure, no matter who you’re going with. Known for being the party island of the Balearics, it is definitely the place to go if you’re looking for a good time but it is also so much more than that. The truth is, a holiday in Ibiza is full of possibilities, no matter how old or young you are.

An Ibizan cruise in a catamaran or sailboat promises to be full of captivating coves, spectacular sunsets, and crystal clear waters that are perfect for swimming or taking part in other water sports. The island also has a rich culture and history that enthrals all who visit. There are so many different atmospheres to experience, from wild, hidden coves to slightly more urban beaches that have all the services you could possibly need. Children will love the beaches, while the slightly older ones will love the swinging nightlife. In Ibiza, you can choose how you spend your sailing trip, embracing only the experiences you particularly want.

If you want to further enhance the experience of your Ibizan cruise in a sailboat or catamaran, you could even add some water sports equipment to your charter. Adults will surely love to try out things such as windsurfing, scuba diving, waterskiing, and snorkelling, while children will be thrilled by the inflatable water toys. On some of the larger boats, you might even be able to add a jet ski. The possibilities truly are endless when you set sail on a cruise in Ibiza, with plenty of fun for the whole family.

Go for a custom cruise on a sailboat or catamaran in Ibiza with a skipper and crew and sail in luxury and comfort

In Ibiza, while you can book an Ibizan cruise in a sailboat or catamaran either with or without a skipper and crew, we thoroughly recommend booking a crewed charter for the most extravagant experience possible. Booking a crewed charter allows you to simply enjoy your holiday and all the experiences that come with it without having to lift a finger, something that may put your mind at rest if you’re lacking in sailing experience. Even if you are an experienced sailor, you can still learn a lot from a skipper, who will have area-specific knowledge only known by locals.

Usually, if you book a cruise in a catamaran or sailboat with a skipper and crew, the cost will come out of the APA (provision of funds). The APA is money that customers pay so that the skipper can pay for any extra charges that might come up during the trip, including food and fuel. In Ibiza, captains will usually cost about €200 per day, hostesses €150 per day, and cooks €180 per day. The APA will usually be 20-35% of the base reservation price, and anything not used during the trip will be returned at the end.

It is also possible to set sail on your nautical adventure with just a skipper. In this way, you can still explore the island without having to worry about a lack of sailing experience or boating licence, but the cost will be slightly less.

If you have the necessary sailing licence and want a slightly more adventurous holiday, you can also hire without a skipper.

All the different types of charter experiences will typically come with additional charges, such as fuel, food, and mooring at marinas other than your starting port, so make sure you ask the owner before setting off about any extra costs you may face.

Is a cruise on a catamaran or sailboat better for your next boating holiday in Ibiza?

During a cruise in Ibiza, you can decide which boat you want to charter. Naturally, both have some advantages and disadvantages, which we have listed below to help you decide which is best suited to accommodate your needs. If you have any further questions, be sure to contact Click&Boat for help.

When people think about luxury boating holidays, catamarans are sure to be a part of the conversation on account of their spacious double hull structure. This structure also allows more stability, something which is better for those who suffer from seasickness. For this reason, a cruise in a catamaran generally comes highly recommended for large family groups with small children, as there is more space to do all the different tasks on board, such as cooking. Furthermore, due to the smaller draft, catamarans are able to get closer to shallower coves, which allows access to more areas. On the other hand, catamarans are slower and more difficult to manoeuvre than sailboats, as well as being more expensive, not just in the base charter price, but also in terms of mooring as they require more docking space.

Sailboats are much faster and more manoeuvrable than catamarans, creating a more authentic sailing experience. This increases their appeal to more experienced sailors, along with the cheaper prices. Modern sailboats are much more luxurious than past models, meaning you can still have a very comfortable holiday on board. However, being smaller with a monohull structure, there is less space on board and they are also less stable, meaning that seasickness is more likely.

What are the best destinations and sailing routes for your sailboat or catamaran in Ibiza?

Unlike most people’s perceptions, Ibiza is not just a destination for those who like to party. This small, Mediterranean island is undoubtedly a paradisiacal place, perfect for all purposes, whether you want to swim, snorkel, party, or explore. The vivid selection of colours captivate all who visit, with a different beauty around every corner. At Click&Boat, we suggest a very ambitious sailing itinerary for your Ibizan cruise, to really make your trip complete.

You should start your tour on the west of the island, in Sant Antoni de Portmany, the second most populated city. A key tourist destination on account of its well-equipped port, starting your journey here will allow you access to a wide range of different locations. From here, sail 3 nautical miles to Cala Bassa, known for being one of the most beautiful coves in Ibiza. Given its high profile as a desirable cove, it will undoubtedly be full of tourists, but from a catamaran or sailboat, you can enjoy the warm waters while distancing yourself from the masses. After a few hours, you should set sail again, this time to Cala Roja, where you should disembark to visit the Torre d’En Rovira, popular for its panoramic views. Finally, continue on to the cosy Cala Escondida, where you can spend the night in tranquility.

On the second day, you will only cover about two nautical miles in total as you head first to Sa Figuera Borda. Here you can see a high cape with the rock drilled in the centre, a sight which has long fascinated holidaymakers. Then, continue on to Cala Corral and Cala Tarida. The former is rocky and full of fishermen, while the latter is full of rolling hills and resplendent white sand. These are both perfect to spend some time before heading on to the secluded Cala Verana, the perfect location to dock for the night and watch a sensational sunrise the next morning.

The next day, you will stop first at Cala Vadella to bathe in the beautiful, natural pool. Next, you will sail 2 nautical miles until you reach Cala d’Hort. Truly enchanting, this charming cove offers great views of the nearby islet, Es Vedra, the next stop on your tour. Here you have to make time to see the famous lighthouse but don’t forget that in order to access this area, you will need to request a permit around 1 to 2 months in advance.

On the fourth day, you will make the long-awaited trip to Formentera. The island is a true paradise and one stop you certainly shouldn’t skip on this nautical adventure. You should spend a couple of days here, before returning to Ibiza, where you can let loose and party. The Eivissa and Talamanca Beach Clubs are the places to go for those who want to party, but if you’d rather continue with the itinerary, you can sail 6 nautical miles north to Cala Blanca, Santa Eulélia des Riu, and Cala Llenya.

On the last day of your Ibizan cruise in a sailboat or catamaran, you should visit Aigues Blanques, a local favourite. After this, navigate your way along the coast for a quick stop at the Punta Grossa lighthouse before continuing to the northernmost part of the island: Portinatx, Portitxol, and Torrest d’En Lluc. On your way back to your starting point, you should visit Punta Galera, a rugged coastline, full of rocky terraces. Here, you can catch the last rays of sun for a perfect end to your cruise in a catamaran or sailboat.

We understand that this itinerary is very ambitious, so feel free to change it up to ensure that you get to the parts you particularly want to see.

How much does it cost to go on a cruise in Ibiza?

The cost of an Ibizan cruise in a sailboat or catamaran varies greatly depending on a multitude of different factors. Apart from the type, size, and amenities on board the boat, the season when you want to sail also greatly affects the price. In Ibiza, high season falls in July and August. Due to the crowds, we instead recommend going sailing in the shoulder season, which runs from May to June and September to October. During these months the weather is still very pleasant, but there will be fewer people.

As a rough guide, a cruise in a catamaran in Ibiza will cost around €3000 per week in low season or €6500 per week in high season, while an Ibizan cruise in a sailboat will be cheaper, at €1500-2000 per week in low season or €3000-35000 per week in high season.

Best time to cruise in Ibiza?

Ibiza's sailing season begins in June with the festival of San Juan, and generally lasts until September or October depending on the weather. The busiest month in Ibiza is August, so if you want to relax it is best to avoid this time! If you want a more peaceful trip, we recommend going in the spring or the autumn.

Where to visit in Ibiza?

There are countless coves for you to visit in Ibiza, but without a doubt, the essential ones to discover by boat are: Cala Bassa, Cala Vadella, and Cala d'Hort. Also, don't forget to cross over Formentera and visit the amazing Ses Salines beach. Create your own personalised cruise in Ibiza!