Most people think they know Ibiza. The clubs, the sunsets, the White Island reputation. But there is another Ibiza — quieter, wilder, and accessible only from the water. That is the one worth knowing.
A private yacht charter in Ibiza puts you in a completely different relationship with the island. Instead of fighting for space on a beach, you anchor in a cove that has no road access and no other boats. Instead of watching the sunset from a bar, you watch it from the deck with the cliffs of Es Vedrà rising out of the sea in front of you.
This is our guide to sailing Ibiza properly.
Why Charter a Yacht in Ibiza?
Ibiza has 210 kilometres of coastline, and a significant portion of it cannot be reached by land. The island’s interior road network leaves entire stretches of coast — particularly on the north and west — completely isolated. The only way in is by boat.
The water quality around Ibiza is exceptional. Posidonia oceanica, the protected seagrass meadow that covers much of the seabed around the Balearic Islands, acts as a natural filter. The result is water with extraordinary clarity — often 20 metres of visibility or more. It is the kind of water that makes snorkelling feel like flying.
And then there is the light. The quality of light in Ibiza is something painters and photographers have been coming here for decades to capture. On the water, with nothing between you and the horizon, it is something else entirely.
The Best Areas to Sail in Ibiza
The West Coast — Sunsets and Drama
The west coast of Ibiza is the most iconic sailing area on the island. The combination of dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and the extraordinary rock formation of Es Vedrà makes this stretch of coastline unlike anywhere else in the Mediterranean.
Es Vedrà is a 413-metre limestone rock that rises almost vertically from the sea about two kilometres offshore from Cala d’Hort. Sailors have been anchoring here for centuries, drawn by a combination of the scenery and the mythology that surrounds the rock. From a yacht at anchor, with the last light hitting the cliffs, it is genuinely one of the most striking sights in European waters.
Best anchorages: Cala d’Hort, Cala Carbó, Cala Vedella.
The North — Wild and Unspoiled
The north of Ibiza is a different island from the one most visitors know. The coastline here is rocky and dramatic, with few beaches and almost no tourist infrastructure. Cala Xarraca and Cala Aubarca are large, sheltered bays that see a fraction of the boat traffic of the more famous spots to the south. The water is deep, clear, and cold — and the snorkelling around the rocky outcrops is exceptional.
Punta Galera, on the northwest coast, is worth a visit purely for the geology — flat limestone platforms that slope into the sea, carved into extraordinary shapes by centuries of erosion. It is a favourite anchorage for those who know the island well.
Best anchorages: Cala Xarraca, Cala Aubarca, Punta Galera.
The South — Formentera and Open Water
The channel between Ibiza and Formentera — Es Freus — is one of the most sailed stretches of water in the Mediterranean. The crossing takes about an hour from Ibiza Town, and the destination is worth every minute.
Formentera is everything Ibiza used to be before the crowds arrived. The island is small, flat, and mostly car-free. The beaches at Ses Illetes and Espalmador are consistently ranked among the best in Europe — long, white sand in water that is almost Caribbean in colour. Anchoring off Ses Illetes on a calm day is one of those experiences that redefines what a beach day can be.
Best anchorages: Ses Illetes (Formentera), Espalmador, Cala Saona.
The East Coast — Quiet Coves and Local Spots
The east coast of Ibiza gets less attention than the west, which is precisely what makes it worth visiting. The coves here are smaller and more sheltered, the water is calmer, and the crowds are significantly thinner. Cala Mastella is a narrow inlet surrounded by pine trees — one of the most peaceful anchorages on the island. Cala Boix, further north, has dark sand and dramatic cliffs.
Best anchorages: Cala Mastella, Cala Boix, Cala Nova.
When to Charter in Ibiza
May and June
The ideal time for those who want the experience without the crowds. The weather is warm and settled, the water is clean and clear, and the island has not yet reached its summer peak. Anchorages that are packed in August are quiet and accessible. Water temperatures sit around 20–22°C — perfectly comfortable for swimming.
July and August
Peak season in every sense. The weather is reliably hot, the days are long, and the water is at its warmest (24–26°C). Popular anchorages — particularly around Formentera — fill up quickly, and local knowledge becomes essential. A crew who knows the lesser-visited spots makes a significant difference.
September and October
Our recommendation. The summer crowds have left, but the sea stays warm well into October. September in Ibiza offers some of the best sailing conditions of the year — settled weather, warm water, and anchorages you can actually enjoy in peace. The island also returns to a more authentic character once the high season ends.
Ibiza to Mallorca: A Multi-Day Charter
For those with more time, a multi-day charter combining Ibiza and Mallorca offers one of the great sailing experiences in the western Mediterranean. The passage between the two islands takes approximately eight to ten hours under sail — long enough to feel like a genuine crossing, short enough to do comfortably in a day.
A typical itinerary might spend two or three days exploring the west coast of Ibiza, cross to Formentera for a day, then make the passage north to Mallorca and spend the remaining days working along the Mallorcan coast. It is a route that covers some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe and leaves most people wondering why they ever holiday any other way.
What to Expect on a Private Charter in Ibiza
A private charter in Ibiza works exactly as it sounds — the boat is yours, the itinerary is yours, and the day is yours. We handle the navigation, the safety, and the local knowledge. You decide where you want to go and what you want to do when you get there.
Do I need sailing experience? None required. The crew takes care of everything on board. Your only job is to enjoy the experience.
Can we go to Formentera? Absolutely. A day trip to Formentera is one of the most popular charters we do — the crossing is straightforward and the destination is exceptional.
How many people can come? Depending on the yacht, between 2 and 10 guests. Get in touch and we will match you with the right boat for your group.
What should we bring? Light clothing, sun protection, a towel, and an appetite for a good day. We provide snorkelling equipment on board.
Book a Charter in Ibiza with BlauYachts
BlauYachts offers private yacht charters in Ibiza and across the Balearic Islands. Whether you want a single day exploring the west coast, a crossing to Formentera, or a multi-day voyage between islands, we will put together the right experience for you.
Get in touch and tell us what you have in mind. We will take care of everything else.