Every summer, thousands of people arrive in Ibiza with the same dream: to spend a day sailing through those turquoise waters they've seen in countless photographs. And every summer, some of those people make the same avoidable mistakes: booking late and not finding the boat they wanted, not understanding what the charter price includes, setting out without adequate supplies, or choosing the wrong vessel for their group.
At Moby Dick Boats, we've spent years witnessing how good planning transforms an ordinary outing into an extraordinary experience. This guide is the culmination of everything we've learned. Read it slowly, keep it, share it with whoever is coming with you, and when you reach the sea, all you'll have to do is enjoy yourself.
Step 1: Define What Kind of Experience You Are Looking For
Before looking at boats, prices or dates, there is a fundamental question you must answer: what do you want to experience at sea?
It's not the same wanting an authentic sailing experience, feeling the wind and setting sail for Formentera, as it is wanting to spend the day anchored in a quiet cove, swimming and enjoying a good meal. It's not the same going with four friends for a celebration as it is going with young children looking for peace and quiet and safety. It's not the same having the whole day available as it is only a morning or an afternoon.
These answers will determine everything else: the type of boat, the duration, the itinerary, and the budget. Take five minutes to think about it before you continue reading.
Typical customer profiles at MobyDick Boats
Couples looking for romance. The combination of a sailboat, sunset in Cala Comte, and dinner on board is, for many couples, the most romantic experience they've ever shared. If you're looking for something special for an anniversary, a proposal, or simply a day out of the ordinary, the Ibizan sea has it all.
Groups of friends celebrating. Birthdays, stag dos, class reunions: a boat is the perfect venue for all kinds of celebrations. The intimacy that being at sea, far from mass tourism, provides creates an unrepeatable atmosphere. The catamaran, due to its space, is the favourite option for these groups.
Families with children. Families are one of our most frequent customer profiles, and also the ones who most appreciate good pre-trip advice. The choice of boat, itinerary, and stops are crucial for the children to enjoy themselves. The sheltered, shallow waters of Formentera are ideal for the little ones.
Travellers seeking nature and snorkelling. The Posidonia meadows and seabed of the Pitiusas Islands are a first-rate underwater world. For lovers of snorkelling and marine nature, some itineraries are specifically designed to explore the best seabeds.
Corporate clients. Team-building events, product launches, meetings with key clients: a boat offers a unique and memorable setting for any corporate event. The sense of focus that comes from being at sea, free from the distractions of the outside world, has a proven positive effect on team dynamics.
Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Boat
Once you’ve decided what you’re looking for, choosing a boat becomes much easier. Here are the basics (for a more detailed comparison, read our specific article on sailboats vs catamarans vs yachts):
Velero: Best for small groups (2-6 people), couples, sailing enthusiasts, those looking for the most authentic experience and a more accessible price.
Catamaran Best for medium to large groups (6-12 people), families, those who prioritise space and stability, and celebrations where the boat is also the social venue.
Motor yacht Best for those who want speed, luxury and flexibility. Ideal for ambitious itineraries, premium events and clients who want the very best without any time constraints.
Step 3: With a pattern or without?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions we receive. The answer depends on two factors: your nautical qualification and your actual sailing experience.
Charter with skipper (professional captain)
It is the most in-demand option and, for most visitors, the most recommended. Hiring a professional skipper has advantages that go far beyond simply having someone to steer the boat:
Unrivalled local knowledge. A good skipper knows these waters in all their dimensions. They know which coves are calm at any time of day, which anchorages are safest, when it's best to set off according to the wind forecast, which restaurants have the best moorings and which secret spots never appear in tourist guides.
Total security. The skipper is responsible for the safety of the vessel and everyone on board. They have the training, experience, and knowledge to manage any situation that may arise at sea: unforeseen weather changes, minor breakdowns, emergency manoeuvres.
Freedom to enjoy. When you have a charter, you have no operational responsibilities. You don't have to worry about navigation, anchoring, harbour manoeuvring or the weather. Your only job is to enjoy the day.
The pattern as a cultural guide. The best guides don't just navigate: they explain the history of the coves, talk about marine life, recommend restaurants, and share island anecdotes. Ultimately, they are ambassadors for the territory.
Rent-to-own
If you have the PER (Recreational Craft Skipper) or an equivalent nautical qualification, and you have real experience handling boats, bareboat charter offers you the ultimate freedom. You decide the itinerary, the pace, and the stops. No one else is in command on board but you.
For this type of rental, at MobyDick Boats we verify your qualifications and assess your declared experience. The safety of the vessel and its occupants is always our priority.
Important advice: Holding a PER certificate is not the same as having experience. If you haven't been sailing for years, or if the vessel is significantly larger than what you're used to handling, we strongly recommend hiring a skipper. The Ibizan sea is beautiful, but it has its complexities, especially during peak season with high boat traffic.
Step 4: Understand what is included (and what is not included) in the charter price
One of the most frequent mistakes inexperienced customers make is not carefully reading what the rental price includes. In the nautical sector, the differences between companies can be significant.
What a full charter generally includes
- The vessel during the contracted period
- The pattern (if hired with a skipper)
- Boat insurance and third-party liability insurance
- Fuel for normal navigation (up to a limit in some companies)
- Mandatory safety equipment (life jackets, flares, life raft)
- The anchoring equipment (anchor, chain, rope)
- Basic kitchen equipment and cutlery on board
What it generally does NOT include and you need to foresee
- Additional fuel If you plan to do a lot of sailing and use the engines more than usual, there may be an additional fuel charge.
- Food and drink Most charters do not include catering. You must plan what you will take on board or if you prefer to eat in restaurants accessible from the sea.
- Snorkel and Watersports Equipment normally not included, although can be hired.
- Mooring in private harbours: If you wish to moor in specific marinas, there may be mooring fees that are not included in the base price.
- Tips although they are not compulsory, they are customary in the nautical sector when the service has been excellent.
At MobyDick Boats, we are transparent with prices from the outset. Before confirming your booking, we will detail exactly what is and isn't included, so there are no surprises on the day of your charter.
Step 5: When to Book (And Why Booking in Advance is a Good Idea)
If there's one piece of advice we repeat again and again to all our clients, it's this: book in advance. Especially if you have specific dates in mind and if those dates fall within peak season.
In July and August, the best charter boats in Ibiza are almost fully booked. The most popular boats, the most highly rated skippers and the most sought-after options (catamarans for large groups, skippered sailboats for couples at sunset) are booked weeks in advance.
When to book according to the season
High season (July-August): Book at least 3-4 weeks in advance. If you have large groups or specific needs, 6-8 weeks is ideal.
Mid-season (June and September): A week's notice is usually sufficient, although the sooner you book, the greater the choice available.
Low season (May and October): In many cases you can book 48-72 hours in advance. Demand is lower and availability is higher.
Step 6: Prepare for the Perfect Day
Advance planning makes the difference between a good outing and an extraordinary experience. Here's everything you should prepare before setting sail:
The ideal luggage for a charter day
Clothing and sun protection
- Swimsuit (two if possible: one for getting wet and a dry one for afterwards)
- Light summer clothing for when you're not in the water
- A light layer for the afternoon (the sea breeze can be cool in the evening)
- Beach shoes or sandals (the boat deck can be hot or wet)
- Sunscreen (preferably reef-safe formula)
- Sunglasses with a cord (the wind can blow them away)
- Hat or cap
Food and drink
- Plenty of water: at least 2 litres per person for a full day
- Food: sandwiches, salads, fruit, snacks. If you prefer not to cook, there are restaurants accessible from the sea where you can eat in or get a takeaway.
- Drinks: if you wish to bring alcoholic beverages, the skipper will advise you on reasonable quantities for a safe day at sea.
Entertainment and activities
- Snorkelling equipment (mask, snorkel and fins): if you don't have any, please ask us
- Waterproof camera or waterproof phone case
- Waterproof Bluetooth speaker for music
- Books, card games or any entertainment for anchoring hours
First aid kit
- Seasickness pills (especially if you're sailing and not used to it)
- After sun lotion
- Plasters and antiseptic
- Antihistamine (jellyfish and other marine animals can cause minor irritations)
Step 7: The Rules of the Sea Every Passenger Must Know
Sailing in the Mediterranean has its own rules, both legal and those of courtesy among sailors. Knowing them will make you a better passenger and protect the environment you enjoy so much.
Mooring regulations
The anchoring areas in Ibiza and Formentera are regulated to protect the Posidonia meadows. It is forbidden to anchor on Posidonia (the green seabed that looks like seaweed but is a protected marine plant). The best anchoring spots are on sand, and your skipper will always know which ones.
Marine ecosystem protection
- Don't throw anything into the sea. No cigarette butts, no plastics, no food scraps.
- Don't touch the seabed when snorkelling. One touch can kill corals and organisms that have taken decades to grow.
- Do not feed the fish. It seems innocent but it unbalances the ecosystem.
- Use reef-safe sunscreens. The chemical filters in conventional sunscreens are highly toxic to the marine ecosystem.
On-board safety regulations
- Always follow the instructions of the pattern. Without exceptions.
- Life jackets are compulsory for children under 14 when the vessel is underway.
- Alcohol has its limits at sea, just as it does on the road. The skipper has the authority to manage any situation affecting safety.
- Do not sit or lean on the ship's railings when it is underway.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boat Hire in Ibiza
Do I need a nautical qualification to rent a boat? It is not necessary if you rent with a skipper. If you want to captain the boat yourself, you need the PER or an equivalent qualification recognised in Spain.
Can I rent a boat with no prior experience? Yes, perfectly. You contract with the skipper, and they take care of everything. Many of our clients have never been on a boat before, and they come back every year.
What if the weather is bad on the day of my charter? At Moby Dick Boats, we have a flexible cancellation policy for adverse weather conditions. Safety always comes first. In the event of unfavourable conditions, we work with the customer to reschedule or, ultimately, offer a refund.
How many people fit on a boat? It depends on the type of boat. A 40-foot sailboat can usually accommodate between 6 and 8 people. A 45-foot catamaran can comfortably carry up to 10-12 people. A motor yacht varies by model. Contact us with the exact number of people and we'll recommend the ideal boat.
Can I bring my own food and drink? Yes, absolutely. At MobyDick Boats, we don't charge a corkage fee or have any unreasonable consumption restrictions. However, we do ask that you manage waste properly on board.
Is there an age limit for children? There is no minimum age limit, although we recommend that babies under 6 months do not sail in rough seas. For the little ones, we always recommend that they bring life jackets adapted to their weight.
Why Choose MobyDick Boats for Your First (and All Subsequent) Boating Experiences in Ibiza
There are many charter companies in Ibiza. We give you the specific reasons why clients from all over Europe choose MobyDick Boats:
Complete transparency. The price you see is the price you pay, with everything clearly detailed. No surprises, no hidden charges, no small print that changes the terms.
Fleet maintained to the highest level. Every vessel in our fleet undergoes regular maintenance and safety checks. You don't have to worry about a thing: setting sail with MobyDick Boats means setting sail with peace of mind.
Passionate and professional patterns. Our skippers don't just know how to navigate; they love these waters, know every corner of the coast, and have the ability to make any day special. Many of our clients return year after year for the experience our skippers provide.
Personalised advice. Before booking, we'll chat with you to understand exactly what you're looking for. Our aim isn't to sell you the most expensive boat – it's to recommend the option that best suits your group, your expectations, and your budget.
Quick response and flexibility. In the world of charters, circumstances change: date changes, changes in the number of people, last-minute special requests. At MobyDick Boats, we are agile and flexible to adapt to your needs.
The sea of Ibiza and Formentera is one of the most beautiful in the world. It doesn't deserve to be seen from the shore. Set sail with us and discover the version that only sailors know.
Is this your first time on the Ibiza sea? Contact MobyDick Boats on mobydickboats.com and we advise you without obligation. Sailboats, catamarans and yachts with and without a skipper for all groups and budgets
