Spain, Balearic Islands
Ibiza and Formentera make a week of short hops: from Sant Antoni or Ibiza town the sand anchorages of Formentera are 10 to 15 NM away, the Posidonia meadows of Es Freus keep the water clear and are protected for it, and July and August bring the crowds to match.
YACHT TYPES
Catamarans 37 to 42 ft are most of the bookable fleet and suit the shallow sand anchorages; sailing yachts 36 to 50 ft; motor yachts in Ibiza town and Santa Eulària for skippered weeks.
A typical week from Sant Antoni
Saturday to Saturday, anticlockwise: Formentera early in the week, Ibiza town in the middle and the north-east coast at the end.
Day 1, Sant Antoni to Cala d'Hort (10 NM). South down the west coast past Cala Bassa and Cala Vedella, to anchor on sand off Cala d'Hort, facing the rock of Es Vedrà.
Day 2, to S'Espalmador, Formentera (12 NM). Across to the north tip of Formentera: the buoy field between Badia de s'Alga and S'Espalmador is booked through Ports IB; Ses Illetes, next door, is a sand anchorage that is full by noon in summer.
Day 3, to Cala Saona (7 NM). Down the west coast of Formentera to the sand bay of Cala Saona, with the island's port, La Savina, a short hop away for provisions.
Day 4, to Ibiza town (15 NM). North through Es Freus, by day and on the chart, to Ibiza town: a marina berth for Dalt Vila, the walled old town, or the anchorage off Talamanca.
Day 5, to Santa Eulària (8 NM). Up the east coast with a lunch stop at Cala Llonga, to the marina town of Santa Eulària.
Day 6, to Portinatx via Tagomago (15 NM). Round the islet of Tagomago and along the north-east coast to the bays of Portinatx.
Day 7, to Sant Antoni (15 NM). West along the cliffs of the north coast, back in Sant Antoni by Friday afternoon.
Two weeks can add Mallorca, about 50 NM from the north of Ibiza to Sant Elm, or a slower pace with a night on each side of Formentera.
Practical points for an Ibiza charter
Licences and park rules
The Spanish rules apply: a licence from your EEA country of nationality or residence, or a title on the Spanish list such as the ICC or the RYA Coastal Skipper, and most operators ask for a VHF certificate. The Ses Salines natural park covers the south of Ibiza, Es Freus and the north of Formentera: anchoring on sand only, no jet skis, and no landing on the islets except S'Espalmador.
Wind and sea
In summer the two islands give a lee from almost every wind direction, so the week can be reshuffled day by day around the forecast. Es Freus, the strait between them, is shallow and rocky in places: cross it in daylight, on the chart, at moderate speed. In July and August the challenge is less the wind than the crowd: arrive early or keep a second anchorage in mind.
Moorings and fees
Anchoring on Posidonia is banned, with fines from 300 euros and patrol boats from June to October. Only three regulated buoy fields exist here, Platja de Ses Salines, Badia de s'Alga to S'Espalmador and Es Caló de s'Oli, booked through Ports IB at about 36 euros a night for 12 m and 53 euros for 15 m, three nights at most; elsewhere, anchor on sand. The Ibiza marinas do not publish their summer rates, so ask for a quote before planning a night in town.
Getting there
Ibiza airport is about 7 km from Ibiza town, 20 km from Sant Antoni and 22 km from Santa Eulària; Formentera has no airport and is reached by ferry from Ibiza town. Supermarkets in all three base towns.
Is a night on Formentera worth it?
Yes: the buoy field at S'Espalmador or the sand at Cala Saona gives you the island once the day boats have left. In July and August, book the buoy as soon as your dates are fixed.
Catamaran or monohull?
Catamaran: the anchorages are shallow sand, the legs are short and most of the fleet is catamarans. A monohull makes sense for a crew who wants to sail across to Mallorca.
Is August a mistake?
For the nightlife, no; for a quiet anchorage, yes. June and September give the same water, buoy fields with space and lower prices.
What does Seeksail need to advise us?
Dates, cabins, licence held, skipper or not, nightlife or quiet coves, and we shortlist three yachts from Sant Antoni, Ibiza town or Santa Eulària with a recommendation.
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