Best Snorkel Experiences in Ibiza

Ibiza is famous for its transparent and warm waters, so come and experience an unforgettable activity. The most fascinating coves, caves and dreamy sunsets are just some of the things you can enjoy on a snorkelling experience in Ibiza.

Nicolas Reffray

Nicolas Reffray

8 min read

Best Snorkel Experiences in Ibiza

Snorkelling in Ibiza | ©Benjamin L. Jones

The island of Ibiza has a wide variety of places to explore, its colourful and eccentric city, its endless nights, and of course its paradisiacal beaches of white sands and crystal clear waters. If you're one of those who prefer the beaches, you can't miss out on one of the many water activities Ibiza has to offer, and what better way to get to know a place than to literally immerse yourself in it?

There are truly so many things to see and do in Ibiza, but snorkelling is an activity that allows you to contemplate the fascinating underwater world, without the need for heavy equipment. In Ibiza you can enjoy different snorkelling experiences that will allow you, as well as refreshing yourself and having fun, to get to know its most amazing places. Boat trips around the coves and caves, or a combination of snorkelling and stand up paddle, are some of the options.

1. Snorkelling boat tour around the beaches, coves and caves

Snorkelling in Ibiza| ©juan sosa
Snorkelling in Ibiza| ©juan sosa

This tour is especially aimed at delighting in the wonders of nature that form part of Ibiza. You will go aboard a comfortable boat, which will take you around the Natural Park located in the western region of the island. The Ses Salines Natural Park is home to the popular beach of Las Salinas, famous for being a favourite of many of the celebrities who visit the Spanish island. Continuing with the tour, you will have the opportunity to see the rocky caves that are so characteristic of the area.

From the boat you will be able to appreciate the best panoramic views of the coast. You will also have a good amount of free time to swim at the two places where you will stop. There you will be able to see marine wildlife swimming very close to you.

The cost you pay for this excursion includes full snorkelling equipment, two paddle boards and some drinks to cool you down after your swim.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 57 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 3 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: boat transfer for the duration of the excursion.
  • Advantages of this option: includes drinks and snacks to replenish energy.
  • Disadvantages of this option: does not include pick-up and drop-off van or minibus.

Book your boat snorkelling tour

2. 6 hour cruise with stops at Cala Bassa and Cala Comte

Bassa Cove| ©Michela Simoncini
Bassa Cove| ©Michela Simoncini

This is an ideal experience for those who want to make the most of their time by combining several experiences in the same tour.

On this tour, you will travel aboard a two-level cruise/catamaran. The boat has a glass floor so that you can contemplate the underwater beauty throughout the tour. Because it is so full of interactive activities, this is one of the best things to do with kids in Ibiza.

During the trip you will see the best beaches on the west coast of Ibiza. You'll make two intermediate stops, one at Cala Bassa and the other at Cala Comte. There you can take the opportunity to swim and snorkel, paddle boat and paddle surf.

The excursion includes snorkelling equipment, paddle boats, and some other floating water toys so you can have fun with your companions. In addition, the catamaran has trampolines and two slides that you can also use at your leisure (the kids love them!). Some snacks and refreshments are also included, although you are allowed to bring your own if you wish.

Interesting details

  • Price: from 64 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 6 hours.
  • Means of transport: no transfers are included, but the starting point is accessible by public transport for around 3 euros. The tour takes place on board a comfortable cruise ship.
  • Advantages of this option: you can combine several different activities in the same tour. In addition, a snack and all the necessary equipment is included for a complete experience.
  • Disadvantages of this option: the transfer to the port, from where the cruise departs, is not included.

3. Sunset on the beach with snorkelling and more water activities

Children snorkelling| ©Roberto
Children snorkelling| ©Roberto

This option also combines snorkelling with other types of water activities, such as paddle surfing and kayaking. Although here the main protagonist of the day is the sunset.

The proposal is to take a dip in the sea, while enjoying a few drinks and contemplating a privileged sunset. This is an absolutely marvellous spectacle, and for this reason, if you had to make a selection, this experience deserves its place among the 10 best activities in Ibiza.

During this activity you will be taken by boat from the port of San Antonio, to travel along the west coast and pass by some impressive places. You will be able to enjoy the beauty of coves such as Cala Bassa, Cala Comte, Cala Tarida, Isla Margarita, Cala Salada and Cala Saladeta.

You will have the opportunity to feel the warmth of the sun on board, and in the coves, take time to snorkel, swim, paddle kayak and paddle surf. All the necessary equipment for these activities is included. You can also enjoy drinks such as champagne, wine, beer or sangria, to toast while watching the sunset show.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 88 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 3 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: pick-up from your accommodation is not included. The trip is aboard a luxurious and comfortable boat.
  • Advantages of this option: this is an ideal way to relax. The groups are small, so it is practically a private tour. All necessary equipment and refreshments are included.
  • Disadvantages of this option: it does not include transfers from your accommodation to the departure point in the port of San Antonio, so you will have to get there by your own means.

4. Kayak, snorkel, stand up paddle and much more in Ibiza

Snorkelling day| ©Xavier Mas Ferrà
Snorkelling day| ©Xavier Mas Ferrà

This alternative includes everything you need for a more than complete aquatic day out in Ibiza. In addition to snorkelling, on this excursion you 'll be able to paddle a kayak, swim and stand up paddle, with all the necessary equipment included. If you're up for it, you'll also have the chance to jump off a cliff into the sea at one of the stops.

The boat that will take you to enjoy these activities has an atmosphere that invites total relaxation, parasols, sun loungers, lounge beds, Wi-Fi connection, relaxing music and even an open bar with drinks for all tastes. On the deck you have everything you need to enjoy the sun, which is why this is one of the best things to do in summer in Ibiza.

The tour starts in front of the emblematic Egg, in the Port of Sant Antoni and takes you along the beaches and coves of the west coast of the island, ending in the same place 3 hours later. It really is a very versatile option, combining luxury tourism, adventure and relaxation.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 86 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 3 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: pick-up and drop-off at the port is not included. The trip is aboard a luxury boat.
  • Advantages of this option: in just 3 hours you will have the opportunity to do several water activities and enjoy all the luxury in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. The necessary equipment is included. There is an open bar on board.
  • Disadvantages of this option: this experience is not recommended for people with heart conditions or for pregnant women. The boat is not wheelchair friendly.

5. Snorkelling on an excursion to Formentera by sailboat

Formentera| ©andreaferracani
Formentera| ©andreaferracani

This is a good option to combine your snorkelling experience with a sailing trip to the island of Formentera. This tour is done in groups of no more than 6 people so you can avoid crowds and stay in a totally relaxed atmosphere with personalised attention.

The starting point is in Cala Jondal at mid-morning. There you will set sail for Formentera, with two stops for snorkelling. The sailboat stops at S'Espalmador, a beach that can only be reached by boat. You will have approximately two hours to enjoy its beauty, explore its waters with your snorkel and take pictures.

The next stop is the paradisiacal beach of Ses Illetes, undoubtedly one of the most outstanding beaches on Formentera.

In addition to enjoying its white sands and clear waters you can also delight your palate in one of its many prestigious restaurants, including Chezz Gerdi Formentera, Es Molí de Sal and Tanga Restaurant.

The excursion includes all the necessary equipment for snorkelling, and also a paddle board for stand up paddle boarding if you wish. A perfect plan to get to know an incredible place and enjoy water activities, this is undoubtedly one of the best boat trips in Ibiza.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 140 euros per passenger.
  • Duration: approximately 8 hours from embarkation to return to the starting point.
  • Means of transport: transfer from your accommodation is not included. The trip is aboard a beautiful sailing boat. You also have a boat to reach the coast at the stops if you don't want to get wet and go swimming.
  • Advantages of this option: you will get to know the incredible island of Formentera in a calm and relaxed excursion. This experience includes all the necessary equipment.
  • Disadvantages of this option: lunch or any kind of snack or drink is not included.

What should I bear in mind if it's my first time snorkelling?

Snorkelling| ©maymonides
Snorkelling| ©maymonides

If this is your first experience with snorkelling, you may have some fears or doubts. First of all, you should bear in mind that this is an activity that can be done calmly even if you are not an expert swimmer, as long as you know how to float in the water without difficulty and can move around, that's enough. Snorkelling is done close to the surface. Children, if they meet these requirements and are over 10 years old, can also snorkel.

As for breathing and the use of the mask, you will receive the relevant instructions from the guides on your excursion, but basically you should keep your goggles on tight, but not too tight, and breathe through the snorkel (tube), i.e. always through your mouth. You will see that you will soon find the right way to do it correctly, and you will be able to enjoy this activity immensely.

Recommendations for your suitcase

Travel luggage| ©Swansway Motor Group
Travel luggage| ©Swansway Motor Group

Snorkelling in Ibiza is an activity you'll love, whether you're a fan of water activities or not. Thanks to the crystal clear waters, with the help of your mask you will be able to contemplate all the underwater beauty that the Mediterranean Sea has to offer.

When it comes to packing your suitcase you may be wondering whether you need your own snorkelling equipment or not. The answer is that it depends on your objective. If you just want to observe, it's enough to take one of the many excursions, which include the necessary equipment, and you won't have to take up extra space in your suitcase.

However, if you're a water fanatic and want to take every opportunity to dive into a new beach, it's best to get your own snorkelling mask to take with you wherever you go.

Another essential item to pack in your suitcase is a quick-drying towel. These towels really do take up very little space, so they're super handy to take with you on excursions, and as the name suggests, they take very little time to dry, so you won't have to deal with moisture in your bag.

Of course you can't forget to include sunscreen to keep your skin healthy while you're having fun. Remember that even if your body is submerged, your back, head and legs will be exposed to the sun's rays.