Ibiza: Cala Salada & North Cruise with Drinks & Snorkeling

The north coast is Ibiza’s quieter side. This six-hour catamaran trip from San Antonio combines the island’s best simple pleasures: clear-water swimming, a scenic cruise past Ses Margalides, time at Cala Salada, and drinks served on board. I especially like the included aquarium visit and the chance to reach a swim stop that cannot be reached by car.

I also like the relaxed tone. Music plays, but it is not usually a full-on party boat, so families and older visitors can enjoy it too. The main drawback is that Cala Salada can feel crowded in high summer, and the rough path between Cala Salada and Cala Saladeta is not easy for everyone.

For $53, this is a strong-value day if you want several Ibiza experiences in one outing. You get the boat, guide, drinks, snacks, snorkeling gear, water toys, aquarium entry, and a long beach stop without paying separate admission for each part.

The best parts of the day at a glance

• Ses Margalides by boat: See Ibiza’s rugged northern coast and offshore islands from the water, with commentary in English and Spanish.
• A secluded one-hour swim stop: Swim, snorkel, or use the included bodyboards, donuts, and floating equipment in a bay reached by boat.
• Two Cala beaches: Spend up to three hours around Cala Salada and Cala Saladeta, with a sandy beach, rocky shore, restaurant, and walking path between them.
• Aquarium Cap Blanc: Take a short visit to this small natural aquarium, with admission included.
• Open drinks and snacks: Beer, sangria, cava, soft drinks, water, fresh fruit, pastries, and sweets are available on board.
• A family-friendly boat atmosphere: The music adds energy without making the trip feel like a nightclub cruise.

Starting at San Antonio with the Nemo boat

Your meeting point is the Float Your Boat kiosk in front of the fountains, beside the Egg roundabout in San Antonio. Look for the Nemo boat. Check in at the wooden kiosk before boarding and collect your boarding card.

The harbor has a two-hour parking limit, so do not leave your car there for the whole excursion. Parking elsewhere in San Antonio is free, and private parking opposite ITACA is less than five minutes on foot from the boats.

The excursion uses a large, double-decker motorized catamaran. You can sit upstairs in the sun, find shade, or use lower areas with viewing windows. One useful detail for families is that younger children can watch the water below while older children and adults swim during the stops.

The boats are operated below full capacity, according to the activity information, but comfort can still vary. One outing felt too crowded for some people, so arrive early if you want a preferred seat, particularly upstairs.

The morning departure time can vary, so check your confirmation carefully. Some schedules describe departure around 10:30 or 11:00, with the beach portion running roughly from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. The full experience lasts about six hours.

Aquarium Cap Blanc, a short and unusual first stop

The first stop is Aquarium Cap Blanc, also called the Natural Aquarium. The visit is scheduled for about 20 minutes, though the actual time inside can feel shorter if the boat is running behind.

This is not a large public aquarium with hours of exhibits. It is a small coastal sea-life setting built into a natural cave, so it works best as a quick introduction to Ibiza’s underwater world rather than a major attraction in its own right.

I would treat this stop as a pleasant extra, not the reason to book the cruise. The admission is included, which adds value, and the visit gives you something different from the usual beach-and-boat routine. If you prefer more swimming time, you may find the stop a little rushed.

The boat also has glass-bottom viewing areas. That gives non-swimmers and children a way to see below the surface without getting wet.

Cruising north toward Ses Margalides

After the aquarium, the catamaran follows Ibiza’s northern coast toward Ses Margalides. This is where the trip earns its place beyond a standard beach transfer.

The north feels quieter and less developed than the party image often linked with Ibiza. From the boat, you see rocky headlands, small coves, offshore formations, and open sea without needing to navigate narrow roads or search for parking.

The guide provides commentary in English and Spanish. The information is intended to point out the coast and islands rather than turn the cruise into a formal history lecture, which suits the easygoing pace.

This section is also a good reason to move around the boat. Sit upstairs for the broadest views, then retreat to shade when the sun becomes strong. Bring sunscreen, and consider packing a towel and sturdy shoes for the beach stop. Sunscreen is specifically recommended, while good footwear is useful because parts of the beach access are rough.

The one-hour swim stop at Ses Balandres

The most praised part of the trip is usually the one-hour stop at a secluded bay near Ses Balandres. The boat anchors offshore, and you can jump into the water for swimming and snorkeling.

This bay is reached by boat, which gives it a different feel from Cala Salada. The water stop can be especially rewarding when there are few other boats around. You get a clear stretch of sea, rocky surroundings, and no need to carry beach equipment down a road.

Snorkeling masks and other equipment are included, along with bodyboards, donuts, and additional water toys. If snorkeling is your priority, collect your equipment early. The supply can go quickly when many people head into the water at once.

The stop suits different energy levels. You can swim out and look for marine life, float on a water toy, sit on the boat, or watch through the lower viewing windows. A lifeguard is present, which adds reassurance for families, although you still need to judge your own swimming ability.

One practical limitation is that everyone tends to gather around the same attractive area. If you expect a quiet, private snorkeling session, set your expectations lower. The value here is the chance to get into the sea from a boat, not a guided underwater tour.

Cala Salada and Cala Saladeta from 2 to 5

The main land stop is Cala Salada, where the boat remains for about three hours. You can get off and spend time on the beach, walk toward Cala Saladeta, eat at the restaurant, or stay on board and return to San Antonio earlier.

Cala Salada itself has a rocky shore, sun loungers, parasols, and a restaurant. Cala Saladeta is the more sandy option, reached by a short path from Cala Salada. That walk is not perfectly smooth, so wear proper shoes rather than flip-flops if you plan to visit both.

The two beaches are attractive, but they are not enormous. In July and August, they can become crowded, and the rough ground may be difficult for anyone with limited mobility. The beach stop is best for people who enjoy a few hours of free time rather than those expecting a completely empty cove.

You have three sensible choices here:

• Bring your own lunch and eat on board or at the beach.
• Book a table at the Cala Salada restaurant in advance.
• Spend the time swimming, walking, or relaxing without buying a meal.

Restaurant food is not included. Reservations must be made ahead using the phone number on your voucher, and this is worth arranging if you want a proper lunch during the stop. Some people have enjoyed paella and hot dogs there, but you should not count on finding a table without planning.

If the beach does not appeal, you can stay on the boat and return to San Antonio at about 2:00 p.m. The later ferry back usually leaves between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. Check the exact return arrangements on the day, since the boat used for the return may be smaller and may not offer the same drink selection.

What you get for $53

The price makes more sense when you add up the separate pieces. A short boat ride alone can cost a fair amount in Ibiza, while this trip also includes aquarium admission, an hour in the water, beach access, equipment, snacks, and drinks.

The open bar includes beer, sangria, cava, wine, soft drinks, and water. Fresh fruit, pastries, and sweets are also provided. This is not a full meal, so bring lunch if you need something substantial, especially if you are not planning to use the restaurant.

The drinks are a major part of the value for adults who expect to use them. If you do not drink alcohol, the included water, soft drinks, fruit, and pastries still help, but the financial advantage is less dramatic.

The boat itself has comfortable seating in both shade and sun, and the music is generally kept at a level that works for a mixed-age group. You get a social holiday atmosphere, but this is not marketed as a wild party cruise. That balance is one reason the trip works for couples, families, and groups of friends.

The small details that affect comfort

Bring sunscreen, a towel, and walking shoes. A swimsuit is essential, and a dry bag or small waterproof pouch would be useful for valuables, although one is not listed as included.

Arrive with enough time to check in at the kiosk and collect your boarding card. The harbor parking rule matters, since the two-hour limit does not cover the whole cruise.

The north coast is protected by environmental restrictions. Cars can no longer reach some areas, and boats may not anchor inside certain bays. That means the route can change slightly, especially in poor weather, but it also helps preserve the coastline that makes this trip attractive.

If weather conditions are unfavorable, the operator may use a similar alternative route. Boat schedules can also be affected by mechanical trouble. One past outing lost time while an engine problem was assessed, so avoid scheduling an important airport transfer or fixed evening plan immediately afterward.

The activity allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your Ibiza schedule depends on weather.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this trip if you want a full half-day on the water without committing to a party boat. It is a good fit for:

• Families with children who want swimming, water toys, and glass-bottom viewing.
• Couples who want coastal scenery, drinks, and a relaxed beach afternoon.
• Friends looking for good value and a social atmosphere.
• First-time visitors who want to see Ibiza’s north coast without renting a car.
• Swimmers who care more about clear water and easy access than serious guided snorkeling.

I would be more cautious if you need step-free access, dislike crowded beaches, or want a quiet, small-boat experience. Cala Saladeta requires walking on rough ground, snorkeling equipment may be in high demand, and the aquarium visit is brief.

The trip also may not suit you if you want a long, uninterrupted cruise. The itinerary is divided among the aquarium, sightseeing, swimming, and beach time. That variety is the point, but it means no single activity receives the whole day.

Should you book the Cala Salada cruise?

Yes, if you want the best mix of swimming, scenery, drinks, and beach time for a reasonable price. The secluded swim stop is the strongest part, while the north coast gives you a calmer view of Ibiza than the island’s nightlife reputation suggests.

Book the beach restaurant ahead if you want lunch there, arrive early for snorkeling equipment and good seating, and wear shoes suitable for the path to Cala Saladeta. Skip it if you want a private boat, guaranteed solitude, or a long technical snorkeling session.

For most visitors based in San Antonio, this is an easy and well-priced way to spend six hours at sea. The short aquarium stop and possible crowds are fair trade-offs for the included drinks, equipment, beach access, and memorable swim in a bay reached only by boat.

FAQ

Where does the Ibiza north cruise start?

It starts at the Float Your Boat kiosk in San Antonio. Look for the Nemo boat in front of the fountains, beside the Egg roundabout.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts about six hours. The beach stop generally runs from about 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., while those who stay on board can return to San Antonio at around 2:00 p.m.

Is food included?

Light snacks are included, including fresh fruit, pastries, and sweets. Food at the Cala Salada beach restaurant is not included, and you can bring your own lunch on board.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beer, sangria, cava, wine, soft drinks, and water are included on the main boat.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, bodyboards, donuts, and other water toys are included for the one-hour swim stop. Equipment can be in high demand, so collect it early.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now-and-pay-later option.