There is an Ibiza that cannot be seen from the road. An Ibiza that mass tourism will never reach, that does not appear on the posters of conventional travel agencies, and that only reveals itself from the sea. Its deepest coves, its most spectacular cliffs, its most crystalline waters: all of this belongs to those who dare to set sail. And at MobyDick Boats, we have spent years guiding you to that secret Ibiza.
This guide is born from the accumulated experience of hundreds of navigations through the waters of the Pitiusas. It is not a generic list of beaches. It is the real map, the one we use, the one that will allow you to design the perfect day at sea, whether on board a sailboat, catamaran or yacht. Because knowing the routes is just the beginning; knowing when to go, how to anchor and what awaits you in each cove makes the difference between a nice excursion and an experience you will remember for a lifetime.
Why Ibiza and Formentera Are the Mediterranean's Most Coveted Yacht Charter Destination
Before talking about specific routes, it's worth understanding why this archipelago has become the yacht charter paradise in Europe. The answer lies in a unique combination of geographical, climatological, and cultural factors.
Perfect distances for sailing. The channel separating Ibiza and Formentera is barely 6 nautical miles wide. This means that any vessel can cross it in less than an hour, even in calm conditions. This allows for the design of varied itineraries in a single day: set sail from Ibiza in the morning, anchor in Formentera at midday, explore a cove in the afternoon, and return at sunset. A complete route, unhurried, with the entire Mediterranean to yourself.
Waters protected by Posidonia. The seabed between Ibiza and Formentera is declared a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to the Posidonia oceanica meadows, a marine plant that acts as a natural water filter. The result is that impossible turquoise colour, that transparency that looks computer-edited and which you've seen in photographs so many times. Here it's real. And from a boat, you can touch it.
Exceptional climate from May to October. With over 300 days of sunshine a year and moderate winds during the sailing season, the Pityusic Islands offer ideal conditions for navigating. Westerly and northwesterly winds are predictable, and weather patterns allow for advance planning. The high season (July-August) offers the longest and warmest days; the mid-season (May-June and September-October) provides for more relaxed sailing with fewer boats in the coves.
A top-tier gastronomy, accessible from the sea. Many of the best restaurants in Ibiza and Formentera have direct access from the sea or are just a few metres from a mooring. Arriving by boat and eating with your feet almost in the water is one of those experiences that can only be had here.
Route 1: The El Clásico Ibiza-Formentera (Full Day)
This is the most popular route, and rightly so. It combines the beauty of both islands in a single itinerary that can be adapted to any type of boat and any type of sailor.
Departure: Ibiza Port or Botafoch Marina
The morning is the ideal time to set sail. Before 10 am, the coves are still almost empty, the light is perfect for photography, and the sea is usually calm. If you have hired the boat with MobyDick Boats, the skipper will know the best times to leave based on the day's forecast.
First stop: Ses Salines
Just a 10-minute sail south from Ibiza's port lies Ses Salines, the island's most iconic beach. Declared a Natural Park in 1995, its waters are an electric blue thanks to the Posidonia seagrass meadows that stretch beneath the surface. Dropping anchor here first thing in the morning, before the daily charter boats arrive, is one of the great pleasures of sailing around Ibiza.
From Ses Salines, there are direct views of Formentera. On clear days, which are most days, the neighbouring island stands out perfectly on the horizon, inviting you to continue your journey.
Second stop: Illetes, Formentera
Crossing the channel and anchoring in Illetes is like crossing to another world. Illetes beach, on the northern tip of Formentera, is consistently rated as one of the ten best beaches in the world. And you wonder why until you see it from the water: a tongue of white sand surrounded by waters that range from emerald green to turquoise blue in just a few metres of depth, with the uninhabited island of S’Espalmador in the background.
Anchoring in Illetes requires experience and local knowledge, as the accumulation of boats during high season can be significant. The skippers at MobyDick Boats know the best anchoring spots to ensure safety and peace of mind.
Lunch break: Juan and Andrea or anchored
Restaurante Juan y Andrea, located on the very beach of Illetes, is an institution in Formentera. They have been a gastronomic benchmark on the island for decades and have moorings for boats. If you prefer a more intimate experience, onboard catering prepared before setting sail allows you to eat at anchor, with the turquoise waters all around and no sound other than the wind and the waves.
Afternoon: It's Pas and the return along Ibiza's south coast
Es Pas is that magical place where Llevant and Illetes beaches converge, forming a semi-submerged sandbar that links Formentera with the uninhabited island of S’Espalmador. During low tide, you can walk across it. From the boat, the view is simply spectacular.
Returning towards Ibiza, the route along the island's southern coast reveals some of its wildest coves: Cala Jondal, Cala d’Hort with views of Es Vedrà, and the Comte coves at sunset, when the Mediterranean light turns the horizon into a palette of oranges and pinks.
Route 2: Ibiza's North Coast (For Those Seeking Wild Ibiza)
The north of Ibiza is another world. Less visited, wilder, more authentic. Its cliffs drop straight into the sea, its coves are small and difficult to access by land, and its waters have that dark depth of rocky seabeds that contrasts with the brighter blue of sandy surfaces.
Cala Boix and Cala Mastella
To the northeast of the island, these two coves represent the quieter side of Ibiza. Cala Mastella is especially famous for its small fish restaurant, El Bigotes, which can only be accessed by sea or by a dirt path. Arriving by boat and eating there is a ritual for those who truly know the island.
Punta Grossa and the Ibizan Costa Brava
The Punta Grossa area, at the island's far northeast tip, offers impressive rock formations, caves accessible only from the sea, and an extraordinary wealth of seabed. There is no beach, no beach bar, nothing but the island in its pure state and the transparent Mediterranean at your feet.
Port of Sant Miquel
One of the few protected natural bays in northern Ibiza. The surrounding cliff provides unique midday shade and protection from the Tramuntana wind. Within the harbour, there are a few restaurants with sea access and a tranquility that is a complete contrast to the south of the island.
Route 3: Ibiza South's Secret Coves Circuit
The south of Ibiza boasts the most spectacular coves, some of which are only accessible by boat. This route is designed for those who want to explore without a fixed destination, following the coast at a reduced speed and stopping wherever the view beckons.
Cala Conta (Comptes Beaches)
One of the most photographed coves in Ibiza, and for good reason. Its shallow waters and the small island off the coast create a protected lagoon environment ideal for swimming and snorkelling. The sunsets from Cala Conta are legendary; arriving by boat at sunset and watching the sun sink below the horizon opposite the islands is one of those moments that stays with you.
Cala d’Hort and Es Vedrà
Cala d'Hort offers the best possible view: the monolithic rock of Es Vedrà, which rises 382 metres above the sea and is, according to legend, the island of the lotus that Homer mentioned in the Odyssey. Pairs of seabirds nest on its inaccessible cliffs. Sailing slowly around Es Vedrà, feeling the magnetic energy that sailors have been describing for centuries, is an experience that is difficult to put into words.
Atlantis (Sa Pedrera)
This is the wildest and most spectacular cove in all of Ibiza. An abandoned stone quarry covered by the sea, with reddish and orange rock formations, small natural pools, and an absolutely unique end-of-the-world atmosphere. There is no sand, the bottom is rocky, but the snorkelling here is on another level. Only comfortably accessible by sea; the walk from land requires special footwear and over half an hour's trek over rocks.
Which boat to choose for each route
At MobyDick Boats, we have a diverse fleet because each route, each group, and each experience deserves the right boat.
Velero: The ultimate romantic option. Ideal for leisurely routes, for couples, for those who want to feel the wind and experience sailing in a more intimate and authentic way. Sailboats allow you to anchor in smaller coves and access areas where larger boats cannot go.
Catamaran The perfect choice for groups and families. Its stability, spaciousness and deck space make it the most comfortable option for a day at sea. The two hulls create independent living areas, affording privacy to each group on board. Ideal for long Ibiza-Formentera routes or for days out sailing with a group.
Motor yacht For those who prioritise speed and luxury. A motor yacht allows you to cover more distance in less time, reaching more secluded coves without sacrificing comfort. Perfect for those short on time who want to make the most of every hour at sea.
Practical Tips for Your Ibiza Charter Day
Book in advance during peak season. July and August are the most in-demand months. The most popular boats are booked weeks in advance. If you have specific dates, don't wait: contact MobyDick Boats and secure your day at sea.
Leave early. The most beautiful coves get busy at midday. Setting sail at 9 am or even earlier guarantees you the best anchorages all to yourself for the first few hours.
Wear reef-safe sunscreen. Posidonia meadows are a protected ecosystem and very sensitive to the chemicals in conventional sunscreens. Use reef-safe sunscreens.
Listen to the pattern. Our skippers know these waters better than anyone. Their recommendations on the day's itinerary, anchorages, and weather conditions are invaluable. Flexibility is the key to the best day at sea.
On-board hydration and nutrition. The Mediterranean sun, sea breeze, and swimming dehydrate more than you might think. Bring plenty of water and plan your meals. We can help you with catering options so you don't have to worry about a thing.
MobyDick Boats: Your Gateway to the Most Authentic Ibiza
At MobyDick Boats, we don't just hire out boats, we create experiences. Every vessel in our fleet is maintained to the highest standard, our skippers are professionals passionate about these waters, and our objective is always the same: that when you return to shore, you're already planning your next day out on the water.
The routes we've described in this article are just the starting point. The sea has an infinite capacity to surprise you, and we've been discovering it for years. Get in touch, tell us what you're looking for, and together we'll design the perfect day on the Mediterranean.
Because the best version of Ibiza and Formentera is only seen from the sea. And we'll take you there.
Ready to set sail? Contact MobyDick Boats at mobydickboats.com and book your charter in Ibiza and Formentera. Sailboats, catamarans and yachts available with or without skipper.
