Ibiza & Formentera
Two islands, one cobalt sea. The most expressive week the Mediterranean offers — Es Vedrà at dawn, Formentera at noon, a sunset anchored off Cala Salada.
A cruising overview
Ibiza and its smaller sister Formentera form the most concentrated charter playground in the western Mediterranean — few cruising grounds pack this much contrast into such short sailing distances. From Marina Botafoch, the celebrated southern anchorages — Cala Bassa, Cala Comte, Es Vedrà — are within an easy morning's cruise, and Formentera lies barely forty minutes further south. Because distances are short, days here favour swimming, long lunches ashore and an early anchor for sunset over hours of open-water passage.
Formentera itself is a different kind of island altogether: white sand, shallow turquoise water, and beach restaurants reached only by tender. The pairing works because the two islands play different roles rather than competing for the same days — Ibiza brings old-town dinners, beach clubs and a lively marina scene for those who want them, while Formentera offers a quieter counterpart. That contrast is what keeps a single week here from feeling repetitive. It also suits both first-time charter guests, who benefit from short hops and simple logistics, and experienced sailors after variety without a demanding itinerary.
May – October
Peak season runs late June through early September. May and October are exceptional for quieter anchorages and warmer light.
7 days
Minimum: 3 days (weekend escape)
Recommended: 7 days covering Ibiza + Formentera comfortably
- Marina Botafoch — Ibiza Town's most polished marina — restaurants, boutiques and the old town a short walk away
- Marina Ibiza — a modern facility geared toward larger megayachts, right in the centre of town
- Marina La Savina — Formentera's small, picturesque harbour — the gateway to the island's beach restaurants
- Marina Santa Eulalia — a quieter east-coast town with a relaxed promenade and local seafood restaurants
The right yacht for these waters
Sailing Yachts 42–55ft
The most accessible Balearic charter — Jeanneau, Beneteau and Bavaria, bareboat or skippered. From €3,000/week.
Catamarans 42–52ft
Stable and shallow-draft — perfect for anchoring at Illetes or Cala Saona. Lagoon 46, Bali 4.6, Fountaine Pajot. From €6,000/week.
Motor Yachts 45–80ft
Fast and flexible — cover Ibiza, Formentera and back in a long weekend. Princess, Azimut, Sunseeker. From €15,000/week.
Luxury Crewed Yachts 80–150ft
Sanlorenzo, Riva and Sunreef superyachts with full crew. From €70,000/week.
How Much Does an Ibiza & Formentera Charter Cost?
Weekly rates vary by yacht type and season. Sailing yachts start from around €3,000/week, catamarans suited to the shallow anchorages of Formentera run from €6,000/week, fast motor yachts for covering both islands start from €15,000/week, and crewed superyachts start from €70,000/week.
Beyond the charter fee, budget for the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) on crewed and motor yacht charters — typically around 25–30% of the charter fee — which covers fuel, marina fees, food and drink and is reconciled against receipts at the end of the week.
July and August are peak season and berths are scarce, particularly at Marina Botafoch — book yacht and berths at least four months ahead for those weeks. Sailing yachts and catamarans can be chartered bareboat with the required licence, which keeps costs down.
Ibiza & Formentera, Area by Area
Ibiza Town & the Bay
Marina Botafoch and Marina Ibiza anchor the charter, with the walled old town of Dalt Vila, restaurants and boutiques within walking distance. Most charters start and end here.
The South Coast Calas
Cala Bassa, Cala Comte and the anchorage off Es Vedrà — the most photographed stretch of coastline on the island, reachable within a morning's cruise from Ibiza Town.
Sant Antoni & the West
Known for its sunset culture along the western bay — a natural spot to anchor for the evening before heading back to the marina.
Formentera
Forty minutes south by yacht — La Savina marina, the white sand and shallow turquoise of Illetes, and the Espalmador sand bar reachable on foot at low tide.
What you'll remember
Es Vedrà at sunset
The mythic rock off Cala d'Hort — the picture you came for.
Illetes Beach, Formentera
Lunch at Juan y Andrea or Beso Beach. The afternoon belongs to the water.
Espalmador sand bar
Anchor in shallow turquoise and walk across to Formentera at low tide.
Cala Comte & Cala Bassa
Two of the most photogenic anchorages in the Mediterranean.
Dinner ashore in Ibiza Town
From Lío to La Gaia — the marina is a short tender ride from the harbour.
Daytime DJ beach clubs
Blue Marlin Ibiza, Experimental Beach (Formentera), Beachouse — best arrived by yacht.
Good questions, good answers
- Should we base ourselves in Ibiza or Formentera?
- Most charters board in Ibiza (Marina Botafoch) and use Formentera as the southern anchor of the loop. La Savina marina in Formentera is smaller and used mostly for crew shore-leave.
- Is Ibiza only about nightlife?
- No. The famous clubs are easy to include if you wish, but most of our clients use a yacht to escape them — daytime in the calas, sunsets on deck, dinners in old-town Ibiza or quiet Santa Gertrudis.
- Can I sail to Mallorca during the week?
- Yes — the crossing is around 75 nautical miles. Most clients prefer a dedicated 10–14 day charter to combine the two islands without rushing.
- Are berths hard to get in August?
- Yes. We strongly recommend booking yacht and berths at least four months in advance for July and August.
- What's the dress code for restaurants?
- Beach-elegant. Linen, sandals, swimsuits-with-cover by day; smart casual in town by night.
- What is included in the charter price?
- Sailing yachts typically include the yacht and basic equipment. Crewed and motor yachts are usually quoted plus expenses (APA) covering fuel, marinas, food and drink.
- Are bareboat charters available in Ibiza?
- Yes — bareboat options exist for sailing yachts and catamarans, provided you hold the required licence. We can arrange skippered options if you prefer.
- Is Ibiza & Formentera suitable for a first-time charter guest?
- Yes. Distances between anchorages are short, the infrastructure at Marina Botafoch is among the most refined in the Balearics, and Ibiza's international airport connections make logistics simple.
- Do I need a visa or are there customs formalities?
- Ibiza and Formentera are part of Spain and the Schengen area, so EU and Schengen-area guests face no border formalities. Non-EU guests should check current Spanish visa requirements before travel.
- Is this destination good for families?
- Yes — the shallow, calm anchorages at Illetes and Cala Saona in Formentera are excellent for children, and short crossing times between islands keep days at sea relaxed.
A bespoke yacht charter, personally arranged.
Tell us your dates and preferences. We'll return with a tailored selection of yachts and a proposed itinerary within 24 hours.