Ibiza: SpeedBoat trip to Atlantis & Es Vedra Snorkel+Paddle

Hold on tight, Ibiza gets wild offshore. This three-hour speedboat trip from San Antonio combines fast coastal cruising with stops for swimming and snorkeling at Es Vedrá, the quarry of Sa Pedrera, and Cala Comte. I like the mix of excitement and quiet water time, and I like that the boat reaches coves and rocky corners that are difficult to see from land. The main drawback is time: with several scenic passes and two swimming stops, you may wish for longer in the water.

I also like the small touches, including bottled water, soft drinks, snacks, snorkeling equipment, and a professional skipper. Captain Iker has earned especially warm praise for making the trip fun and keeping the stops interesting. Just remember that the food is only a light snack, not a meal, and the boat ride can feel rough for anyone with back problems.

Key points before you book

• Es Vedrá and Atlantis are the main event: After about an hour on the water, you reach Ibiza’s most famous rocky setting for swimming, snorkeling, and photos.
• Two proper swim stops: You get about 30 minutes at Es Vedrá and another 30 minutes at Cala Comte, with snorkeling equipment provided.
• A fast, open-air ride: The Capelli RIB boat gives you a lively view of Ibiza’s western coves, beaches, caves, and cliffs.
• San Antonio departure: Check in at Carrer del Far 6, under Hotel Es Mitjorn, then walk about two minutes to the port.
• Good value for an active half-day: At $101 per person, the price covers the boat, fuel, skipper, drinks, snacks, and snorkeling gear.
• Not ideal for everyone: Children under five cannot join, and the experience is not suitable for people with back problems.

What this Ibiza boat trip is really like

This is not a slow sightseeing cruise where you sit quietly and watch the coast slide past. It is a brisk ride on a small speedboat, with wind, spray, sharp turns, and a close view of Ibiza’s western shore.

You leave from the bay of San Antonio and head toward the island’s famous coves. The boat passes beaches and rocky inlets that are best appreciated from the sea. At times, the ride itself is the main attraction. You get a sense of how folded and varied this stretch of coast is, with open water giving way to narrow coves and rugged rock.

The journey to Es Vedrá takes about an hour, including several scenic cruising sections. That timing matters. You are not being taken straight to one beach and left there. The outing is designed as a moving tour, with the coastline providing a steady stream of views between the swimming stops.

The Capelli RIB boat is supplied with fuel and operated by a professional skipper. The format gives you a more direct experience than a large sightseeing vessel, but it also means less space to stretch out. If you want a calm ride with room to wander around, this may not be your best choice. If you like speed and a close-to-the-water view, it makes good sense.

Meeting in San Antonio without confusion

Your starting point is Jet Ski Ibiza Es Vedrà Tours & Boat Rentals at Carrer del Far number 6 in San Antonio de Portmany. The office is directly under Hotel Es Mitjorn, with a large Yamaha flag at the door.

You should check in 30 minutes before departure. The boat is at the port, about two minutes from the office, so allow time to find the office first rather than walking straight to the waterfront.

If you arrive by car, Plaza España is the closest parking option, about one minute from the meeting point. You can leave a small backpack at the office if you would rather not carry it onto the boat. That is useful because a compact boat is not the place for bulky luggage.

Wear comfortable shoes to the office and bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel. Towels are not included. Glass objects, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed, and the operator asks that drinks and snacks be enjoyed during the stop rather than treated as a full onboard meal.

The first hour: Cala Bassa and Ibiza’s western coves

The trip begins with a scenic boat ride from San Antonio. One of the early points of interest is Cala Bassa, seen during a short pass and photo stop. You do not get a long visit here, so think of it as a coastal view rather than a beach stop.

That distinction is important when setting expectations. The route takes you past several popular beaches and coves, but the tour does not give you time to get off at each one. You might see a beautiful inlet, take a quick photograph, and then move on.

The speedboat makes this possible in a short three-hour outing. You cover more coastline than you could on foot, and you avoid spending the whole day at a single beach. The tradeoff is that the schedule feels active. If you prefer lingering over one cove, the pace may seem too quick.

The route includes several cruising sections of roughly 25 to 30 minutes. These stretches are useful for simply enjoying the scenery, but they also make the boat’s comfort and sea conditions worth considering. Bring sunscreen and secure anything you carry. The boat provides the excitement, but the open water provides the bumps too.

Es Vedrá and Atlantis: the central stop

After roughly an hour, the boat reaches Es Vedrá and the quarry of Sa Pedrera, often called Atlantis. This is the emotional center of the excursion, and it is where you get the most time to swim, snorkel, take photos, and look at the rock formations.

Es Vedrá is famous for its unusual shape and the legends surrounding it. The tour presents the islet through both its natural setting and its mythical reputation. You do not need to know every story to appreciate the place. The combination of steep rock, open sea, and clear Mediterranean water gives the stop a strong sense of place.

The stop lasts about 30 minutes. That is enough time for a swim and a look below the surface, but it is not a long beach visit. If you want to snorkel carefully, take photos, and enjoy a snack, you will need to manage your time.

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with bottled water, soft drinks, and a small snack. One especially useful detail is that the drinks are available during the stop, when you are most likely to want them. Still, do not arrive expecting lunch. Bring a meal only if the operator permits it and you need more than a light snack, but remember that food arrangements beyond the included refreshments are not part of the stated package.

The stop also gives you the best chance to appreciate marine life and the underwater rock formations. Visibility can vary with sea and weather conditions, so the value is not only in seeing fish. Even if the water is less clear than expected, you still have the unusual setting of Es Vedrá and Atlantis around you.

The return route and Cala Comte

After Es Vedrá, the boat turns back toward San Antonio. Another cruising section gives you time to take in the coast from a different angle. Familiar shapes can look quite different from the return direction, and this is one of the pleasures of a boat route rather than a road trip.

The second swimming stop is Cala Comte, one of Ibiza’s best-known beaches. The water is known for its clear turquoise appearance, and the stop lasts about 30 minutes. You can swim, snorkel, and enjoy the cove before returning to the boat.

I see this second stop as a smart part of the schedule. Es Vedrá provides the drama and rock formations, while Cala Comte gives you a more classic beach setting. The two stops are similar in length, but they offer different moods.

Again, the half-hour limit matters. You can get into the water, snorkel, and cool off, but you probably will not feel as if you have spent a whole afternoon at the beach. One review specifically wished for fewer sightseeing points and more swimming time. That is a fair criticism if swimming is your main reason for booking.

On the other hand, reducing the route would remove some of the experience’s appeal. The scenic passages and coastal views are not filler. They show you how much of Ibiza’s west coast is inaccessible or difficult to understand from land.

How much time is spent swimming?

The advertised schedule gives about 30 minutes at Es Vedrá and about 30 minutes at Cala Comte. That means around one hour of swimming and snorkeling within a three-hour trip, with the remaining time used for the route, photo views, and scenic cruising.

This balance suits you if you want a taste of several parts of the coast. It is less suitable if you want long, relaxed snorkeling sessions. The tour aims to combine transport, sightseeing, and water activities rather than focus on one sport.

You should also factor in the time needed to board, move around the boat, listen to the skipper, and get ready at each stop. The practical swimming time can feel shorter than the clock suggests, especially if you want to take photos or enjoy the snack.

Price and what you get for $101

At $101 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Ibiza’s coast. The value depends on how much you would otherwise spend on separate transport, a boat outing, snorkeling equipment, and drinks.

The price includes:

• Capelli RIB boat and fuel
• Professional skipper
• Snorkeling equipment
• Bottled water
• Soft drinks
• Small snacks

You are paying for access to a coastal route that would be hard to cover independently in three hours. You are also paying for the boat’s speed, which lets you reach Es Vedrá and return to San Antonio within a half-day schedule.

The value is strongest for couples and small groups who want a lively outing without committing a full day. It is also useful if you do not have your own boat and want to see coves that are not practical to reach by road.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a long period in the water. A beach day at Cala Comte may offer more swimming for less money, while this trip gives you variety, movement, and access to Es Vedrá.

There is also a private group option. The supplied details do not state the private-group price or exact capacity, so you would need to check availability before deciding. A private format could make sense for a group that wants more control, but do not assume it changes the route or swimming times unless the operator confirms that.

Who should book this trip?

I would recommend it to active adults, couples, friends, and older children who enjoy speedboat rides and short swimming stops. You will get the most from it if your ideal day includes wind, sea spray, coastal views, and a few chances to jump into clear water.

It suits people who want to combine several Ibiza sights in one outing. You can see Cala Bassa, pass the western coves, visit Es Vedrá and Atlantis, and stop at Cala Comte without arranging separate transport.

It is less suitable for anyone with back problems, since the ride can be lively and the boat is not designed for a soft, slow journey. Children under five are not accepted. You should also think twice if you dislike sun exposure, open water, or a schedule that keeps moving.

The language options are Spanish, English, and French. That gives you a better chance of following the skipper’s instructions and learning about the area in a language you understand.

Small details that improve the day

Check in 30 minutes early, even though the office is close to the port. This avoids a rushed start and gives you time to find the Yamaha flag and leave a small bag if needed.

Bring your own towel. It is easy to overlook because swimming gear is included, but the towel is not.

Use sunscreen before you arrive and bring it with you if permitted. The boat offers little shade compared with a beach, and the combination of sun, wind, and reflected water can catch you off guard.

Keep your belongings compact and avoid glass. A small backpack is practical, while a large beach bag is awkward on a speedboat.

Do not count on the included refreshments as a meal. The tour provides snacks, water, and soft drinks, but the operator clearly describes the food as light. Eat beforehand if you need a proper breakfast or lunch.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. Starting times vary, so check the schedule before planning the rest of your day.

Should you book the Es Vedrá speedboat trip?

Book it if you want a lively three-hour introduction to Ibiza’s western coast, with Es Vedrá as the main prize and two chances to swim. The combination of speedboat travel, unusual rock formations, clear water, snorkeling gear, and included refreshments gives the trip solid value at $101 for the right kind of day.

Skip it if you want a slow beach outing, a full meal, or long stretches of uninterrupted snorkeling. The strongest praise goes to the skipper-led atmosphere, the beautiful swimming spots, and the chance to reach coastal areas that are difficult to see from land. The clearest caution is the limited time at each stop.

For most active visitors staying in or near San Antonio, this is a well-rounded way to see Ibiza from the water. Just arrive early, bring a towel, eat before you go, and expect the boat ride to be part of the fun, not merely transport.

FAQ

Where does the Ibiza speedboat trip start?

It starts at Jet Ski Ibiza Es Vedrà Tours & Boat Rentals, Carrer del Far number 6, San Antonio de Portmany, directly under Hotel Es Mitjorn.

How early should I arrive?

You should check in 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

How long does the experience last?

The boat trip lasts three hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

What places does the boat visit?

The route includes views of Cala Bassa, Es Vedrá, the quarry of Sa Pedrera known as Atlantis, Cala Comte, and other coves and beaches on Ibiza’s west coast.

Are snorkeling equipment and drinks included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, soft drinks, and small snacks are included.

Is a meal included?

No. The included food is a small snack and is not a full meal.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Towels are not provided.

Is the trip suitable for young children or people with back problems?

Children under five cannot join, and the activity is not suitable for people with back problems.