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Plan on small license‑free boats and compact RIBs starting around €400–€800 for a full day in spring and fall, with peak‑summer rates often higher. Mid‑size day boats and speedboats typically run €700–€1,500 per day. Classic sailing boats are commonly €600–€1,500 daily, spacious sailing catamarans about €1,200–€3,000, and premium motor yachts from roughly €3,000 to well over €10,000 per day in high season. Prices usually include the boat, standard safety gear, and basic refreshments like water or soft drinks; fuel is almost always extra and is settled based on actual use. If you add a professional captain, expect roughly €200–€300 per day, sometimes more for larger yachts or crews.
You’ll find fast RIBs and sleek day cruisers for cove‑hopping, comfortable sailing yachts for an easygoing day under sail, roomy sailing catamarans that are great for groups, and luxury motor yachts ideal for celebrations and quick hops to Formentera. Some operators also offer classic wooden gulets for a laid‑back, social cruise.
If you want to self‑operate, Spain allows license‑free daytime navigation on motorboats up to 5 meters with engines up to 15 hp, and sailboats up to 6 meters, within 2 nautical miles of the coast. Anything larger or more powerful requires a valid boating license that Spain recognizes (for example, an ICC or national equivalent) and you must be at least 18. Many visitors choose a captained charter so they can relax, access the best anchorages, and avoid paperwork; some larger yachts require a captain regardless of your license.
The main pickup points are in Ibiza Town at Marina Ibiza and Marina Botafoch, plus the adjacent moorings along the old port known as Marina Port Ibiza/Ibiza Magna. On the west coast, departures are common from the Port of Sant Antoni de Portmany, and on the east coast many boats operate from Marina Santa Eulària. Taxis know these marinas well, and your captain will confirm the exact meeting point the day before.
You can cruise past the UNESCO‑listed walls of Dalt Vila, swim the clear shallows of Cala Comte (Cala Conta) and Cala Bassa, and watch the sun drop near Sant Antoni’s famous sunset coast. Many itineraries swing by the Es Vedrà nature reserve for stunning views from the sea (landing is not permitted), and with a full day you can reach Formentera’s pale‑blue lagoons and the white sands of Ses Illetes.
For bareboat rentals beyond the small license‑free category, you’ll need a recognized certificate appropriate to the boat’s size and power. Visitors with non‑Spanish licenses can usually charter if their certificate is deemed valid for that vessel; local companies handle the standard Harbor Master validation. If you prefer not to worry about licenses, book with a professional skipper. Recreational charters in Spain are typically limited to 12 passengers plus crew.
Yes. Families are welcome and operators carry life jackets in a range of sizes; tell your captain the ages and approximate weights of children so the right gear is ready. Boats used for charters come equipped with required safety equipment, shaded areas are common, and swim ladders make getting in and out easy. For little ones and anyone prone to motion sickness, mornings are usually the calmest time to cruise.
Bringing your own snacks and drinks is widely allowed, and most boats provide a cooler with ice and water. Many captains can arrange catering or recommend a lunch stop ashore; popular full‑day plans include a swim‑and‑lunch combo with a tender drop‑off at a beach restaurant. For safety, glass is often discouraged while underway, and red wine or staining mixers may be restricted on certain decks.
Some boats accept pets—especially small or medium dogs—by prior approval and may charge a cleaning fee. Let the owner know your dog’s size and bring a towel or mat to protect decks. Note that pets are not allowed on some protected beaches and in certain nature areas, so your captain will advise where swim stops are feasible.
Summer seas are usually calm and sunny, with July and August the driest months. Late September and October can bring occasional wind or thunderstorms. Captains monitor marine forecasts and will adapt the route for comfort; if conditions are unsafe, trips are typically rescheduled or refunded according to the operator’s weather policy. If you’re flexible, weekday mornings offer the smoothest rides and easiest anchoring.
Absolutely. Motor yachts and catamarans are popular for celebrations because they offer space to mingle, great sound systems, and stable platforms for photos. Share your plan—guest count, vibe, and any surprises—so the crew can suggest the right boat, plot scenic swim stops, and manage details like ice, decorations that won’t shed confetti, and a sunset cruise finale.
Peak boating season runs June through September, when water is warm and marinas are lively; book well in advance for July and August. Shoulder months—May, early June, and late September into October—bring gentler crowds and slightly better rates. Big local moments include spring opening parties and the International Music Summit in late April, the midsummer festivities around June 23, major August holidays, and autumn club closings from late September into October. U.S. holidays like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day do not drive demand locally, but they overlap with busy summer weeks. For smoother logistics and pricing, choose weekdays over weekends and start early for calmer seas and easier restaurant reservations.
Yes—many full‑day charters cruise from Ibiza Town or the west coast to Formentera in roughly 45–90 minutes depending on the boat. You’ll anchor off pale‑sand shallows near Ses Illetes or Espalmador for swims and lunch. The area is part of protected marine habitats with Posidonia seagrass meadows, so skippers use sandy patches or designated moorings and avoid anchoring on seagrass. If you’re bareboating, the same license rules apply; with a captain, you can simply relax while they handle routing, moorings, and local regulations.