Boat Tours and the Best Beaches
Ibiza is at its best from the sea. This guide covers the boat tours worth booking and the beaches and coves that make the island's coast so famous.
Why the coast is the main event
The island's defining feature is its coastline of clear coves, white cliffs and the rock of Es Vedra offshore. Seeing it from a boat unlocks places the roads cannot reach and gives the kind of views that fill an Ibiza photo album, which is why a boat tour tops most lists.
Es Vedra sunset cruises
The classic outing is a sunset cruise along the southwest coast that passes Es Vedra as the light fades. Leaving from San Antonio, these trips usually include drinks and a swim and deliver the island's signature sunset moment from the best possible angle.
Beach hopping by boat
A beach hopping cruise links the west coast coves of Cala Comte and Cala Bassa with swimming and snorkelling stops, often with paddleboards and food on board. It is the most relaxed way to sample several beaches without parking battles or long walks.
The coves worth seeking out
On land, the standout beaches range from busy, easy access bays to hidden coves reached by rough tracks. Cala Comte and Cala Salada are among the prettiest, while quieter spots like Cala Mastella reward the effort of getting there with calm, clear water.
Day trips to Formentera
The biggest day trip of all is the crossing to Formentera, where the beach at Ses Illetes rivals anywhere in the Mediterranean. A boat trip or ferry turns it into an easy full day, with bikes to rent and sandbars to wade across once you arrive.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best boat tour in Ibiza?
A west coast sunset cruise past Es Vedra is the classic choice, while a beach hopping cruise to Cala Comte and Cala Bassa is best for a full day of swimming.
Which is the most beautiful beach in Ibiza?
Cala Comte and Cala Salada are among the prettiest, with clear turquoise water. For white sand, the day trip to Ses Illetes on Formentera is hard to beat.
Do I need a car to reach Ibiza beaches?
A car helps for the hidden coves, but boat tours and buses reach many of the best beaches, and a boat hopping trip avoids driving and parking altogether.