Ibiza: Discover the best coves in a boat driven by yourself

Reviewed · BEACH HOPPING & HIDDEN CALAS

Ibiza: Discover the best coves in a boat driven by yourself

4.3 · 6 reviews From $283 Operated by Ibizawinds · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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Captain for a few hours, no license needed. You steer a stable motor catamaran yourself to secret corners of Ibiza’s coast, where the best views are from the sea and many beaches are only reachable by boat. I love the easy-first-timer setup (large solariums, a steering wheel, and simple engine start), and I love the real swim stops like Cala Bassa and Cala Comte. The main drawback is you’re responsible for the helm, so you’ll want a few minutes to get comfortable and you won’t have all-day hanging on any one beach.

This is a private group outing for up to 6 people, leaving from Sant Antoni de Portmany. You check in at the P6 dock of the public port of San Antonio, and the team you’ll meet (Javier and Joel) can help you get your bearings fast. It’s also priced for a group, and with a 4.3 rating from 6 reviews, it’s a good sign that people find it simple and fun.

Key highlights to know before you go

Ibiza: Discover the best coves in a boat driven by yourself - Key highlights to know before you go

  • No-license boat driving: you steer the catamaran yourself, with a setup aimed at beginners
  • Gorgeous coastal coves: breaks for swimming and photos at spots like Cala Bassa and Cala Comte
  • Flexible route choices: north, south, or an option that reaches island areas like Isla del Bosque and Isla Conejera
  • Comfort included on board: solarium mats, canopy, life jackets, and a Bluetooth speaker
  • Value for groups: one price for up to 6 people, with insurance and GPS included (gas is extra)

Entering Ibiza’s coastline from the helm: how the no-license catamaran works

Ibiza: Discover the best coves in a boat driven by yourself - Entering Ibiza’s coastline from the helm: how the no-license catamaran works
The core idea here is simple: you don’t just ride in a boat. You drive it.

You’ll be on a motor catamaran built for stability and easier handling. It seats up to 6 people, with large solariums so you’re not stuck in cramped seating. The steering uses a steering wheel, and the engines are 15 hp with an electronic start system designed to fire up easily. There are folding awnings and life jackets for safety, plus practical extras like a bathroom ladder for getting back in after a swim.

Even if you’ve never driven a boat before, the setup is the point. You’re not trying to learn nautical skills for hours. You’re getting enough time at the controls to feel confident, then spending the rest of the day enjoying Ibiza from the water—where the coastline actually makes sense.

One more detail that matters: the included equipment list isn’t just “nice-to-have.” You get a GPS tracker and safety equipment, and there’s an ice box for keeping drinks cool during the hotter stretches.

More Ibiza beach hopping and hidden cala runs we keep going back to

Where you start: San Antonio port logistics that can save you time

Ibiza: Discover the best coves in a boat driven by yourself - Where you start: San Antonio port logistics that can save you time
This outing departs from Sant Antoni de Portmany, but you meet at the port in San Antonio. And yes, there are two ports. You want the public port—not the nautical club.

Go directly to the boat for check-in. The catamarans are moored at the P6 dock of the public port of San Antonio. The dock is right in front of the ticket sales stands. If you’re navigating by taxi or rideshare, tell the driver public port of San Antonio and then walk to P6.

If anything is unclear, you have contact numbers: Javier (+34 625 778 803) and Joel (+34 645 796 58). Having real people on the ground is a big part of why this feels “simple and fun” rather than stressful.

For check-in, bring a passport or ID card (a copy is accepted).

Picking your route: north, south, or the wild islands option

Ibiza: Discover the best coves in a boat driven by yourself - Picking your route: north, south, or the wild islands option
You can choose from three self-drive routes, and they all depart from the port. Each route follows the same overall pricing structure; the only change in cost is based on rental duration.

North route: Cala Salada and more shoreline stops

The north option focuses on picturesque corners of the northern coast of San Antonio, including Cala Salada. This is the choice if you want a more scenic sweep of coves and shoreline viewpoints rather than one big destination.

South route: Cala Bassa as a main stop

The south route is built around one of Ibiza’s most famous beach areas: Cala Bassa. If you want a classic cove experience with time to cruise, look around from the boat, and then swim, this is the route to lean toward.

Wild islands route: Isla del Bosque and Isla Conejera

The wild islands option extends the south route and adds Isla del Bosque and Isla Conejera. This is for you if you like the idea of more “nature on the edges” and you’re hoping to see wildlife and plant life along island coasts.

A practical note: because these are self-drive routes, your exact experience will feel a bit “you-led.” You’re not stuck on someone else’s schedule minute-for-minute. That freedom is a huge part of the value.

Timing your day: half-day vs full day schedules

Ibiza: Discover the best coves in a boat driven by yourself - Timing your day: half-day vs full day schedules
You can book either a half-day or a full day. Starting times depend on availability, but these are the schedule windows:

  • Half day (morning): 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Half day (afternoon): 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Full day: 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

If you’re new to boat driving, I’d pick a half day first. You’ll get the main experience—steering, cruising, and a couple of swim/photo breaks—without the pressure of filling an entire day at the helm.

If you already feel comfortable with the controls (or you’re a confident driver), the full day gives you more time to enjoy multiple legs of the route.

The real itinerary flow: speed legs, then swimming breaks

Ibiza: Discover the best coves in a boat driven by yourself - The real itinerary flow: speed legs, then swimming breaks
Your day has a repeating pattern: short speed segments to move you along, then stops where the water matters most. The itinerary below shows the rhythm clearly, even if your chosen route changes the exact beaches you hit.

Stop 1: Start at BOATS NO LICENSE IBIZA

You begin right at the dock area. This is where the “no stress” part should happen: check in, get familiar with the steering wheel/engine controls, and confirm you know where you’re headed next.

Stop 2: Speedboat leg (15 minutes)

The first speed segment is your warm-up. It’s long enough to settle in, but short enough that you’re still fresh. This is also a good moment to glance around at how the catamaran rides—its stability is a big part of why beginners feel comfortable.

Stop 3: Another speed leg (15 minutes)

Second leg keeps building confidence. By now you should feel the boat respond smoothly to steering. Use this time to grab photos of the coastline, because once you hit coves, you’ll be busy with swimming and snorkeling.

Stop 4: Cala Bassa (visit and boat cruise, 20 minutes)

This is the first true “destination” stop. You’ll visit Cala Bassa with a boat cruise and time on the water. Twenty minutes is not a long beach nap. It’s enough to enjoy the view from the boat, take photos, and decide where you want to swim.

If your route is south-focused, this is a main reason to book.

Stop 5: Speed leg (25 minutes)

This is the connector segment. You’ll be traveling again, and it’s a good window for cooling down slightly on the solarium while still watching the coast. On a catamaran, these legs can feel relaxing because you’re not bouncing like you might on a smaller skiff.

Stop 6: Cala Comte (photo stop, swimming, snorkeling, 20 minutes)

This stop is action-based: photo stop, swim time, and snorkeling time—again, 20 minutes. If you want more time in the water, don’t plan on it. The schedule moves, and that’s the trade-off for seeing more coves in one outing.

Bring (or wear) what you need for snorkeling if you have your own gear. The stop is clearly designed for it, but the provided info doesn’t list snorkel equipment.

Stop 7: Longer speed leg (1 hour)

This is your bigger travel stretch and often the “sit back and enjoy” part of the trip. With a one-hour leg, the coastline views matter more than the clock on the beach.

Stop 8: Return to BOATS NO LICENSE IBIZA

You come back to the start point, ending where you began.

Why these coves feel different from shore days

Ibiza: Discover the best coves in a boat driven by yourself - Why these coves feel different from shore days
Ibiza’s beaches look good from land. But the coast turns into a different world from the water. You see the beach shape, the cliffs, and the way the coves tuck into the shoreline like natural bowls.

That’s why the format works.

  • Cala Bassa is a visual anchor. You get to approach and view the cove area from the sea, then take a quick taste of the beach environment before moving on.
  • Cala Comte adds a “stay in the water” element with swimming and snorkeling time. It’s the kind of stop where you want to hop in quickly, because the schedule won’t wait for a second thought.

And if you choose a north or wild islands route, you’ll trade a single famous beach moment for more variety: north-coast coves such as Cala Salada, or island coasts tied to Isla del Bosque and Isla Conejera.

Comfort on board: shade, solarium space, and keeping drinks cool

Ibiza: Discover the best coves in a boat driven by yourself - Comfort on board: shade, solarium space, and keeping drinks cool
A boat day can be either great—or annoying. Here, the comfort choices are practical.

You get:

  • Solarium space with mats, so you can sprawl without sitting on hard benches
  • A canopy / folding awnings for sun cover
  • Life jackets and safety equipment
  • A Bluetooth speaker for your own soundtrack
  • An ice box (handy for cold drinks during the warm hours)
  • A bathroom ladder that helps swimmers return to the boat

Two small reality checks:

  • Food and drinks are not included, so bring your own water and snacks if you get hungry.
  • “Ice” itself is listed as not included, even though you have an ice box. If your plan depends on ice, plan ahead.

Cost and value: $283 for up to 6 plus gas

Ibiza: Discover the best coves in a boat driven by yourself - Cost and value: $283 for up to 6 plus gas
The price is $283 per group up to 6 people. That’s what makes this a smart pick for friends or a small family. Instead of paying per person like many boat trips, you’re splitting one group cost.

Then there’s gas, which is the only obvious extra you should budget for:

  • €20 for half day
  • €40 for full day

Also, the price bundle includes taxes and insurance, and there’s a GPS tracker included. That reduces “surprise fees” risk.

So is it good value? For me, it is when:

  • You want genuine sea access to coves that are hard to reach any other way
  • You care about having control of your day (you drive)
  • Your group is small enough that $283 doesn’t feel like a big personal spend

If you’re traveling solo and can’t fill the group, it may feel pricier. This is built for groups.

Who this suits best (and who should be cautious)

Ibiza: Discover the best coves in a boat driven by yourself - Who this suits best (and who should be cautious)
This works best for:

  • People who like hands-on experiences and don’t mind being the driver
  • First-timers who want training-by-practice rather than a long, complicated briefing
  • Small groups who want a private outing and don’t want to fight crowds on crowded beach days

It might not suit you if:

  • You want a fully guided, step-by-step sightseeing script the whole time
  • You get anxious about driving on open water, even with a beginner-friendly boat
  • You’re the type who needs long, relaxed beach hours without interruptions

If you fall in the middle—curious but slightly nervous—start with a half day. You’ll still hit major highlights and you can decide if you want to extend next time.

Practical tips to get the most from your captain day

  • Arrive with time to check in and get oriented at P6. Rushed check-ins can kill the vibe.
  • Bring sunglasses and sun protection. The solarium is great, but the sun is real.
  • Pack your own water and snacks. Food and drinks are not included.
  • If you plan to snorkel at Cala Comte, bring your own mask/snorkel if you have it. The stop is short, so comfort matters.
  • Use the Bluetooth speaker early if you want music. Once you’re in “swim and photo” mode, you’ll forget you had a soundtrack plan.

And if you want to feel confident fast: when you meet the team, ask questions about what you should do first. Joel and Javier are the contacts on-site, and help from real people is part of why this day feels approachable.

Should you book this self-drive Ibiza boat day?

Book it if you want one of the most efficient ways to see Ibiza’s coast without joining a crowd. The value comes from the combination of no-license driving, a beginner-friendly catamaran, and real swim/photo stops like Cala Bassa and Cala Comte. It’s also a solid option for groups up to 6 because the base price is per group, not per person.

Think twice if your idea of a boat day is purely passive lounging with no responsibility. This one puts you at the helm. If that sounds like fun, you’re in the right place.

FAQ

Do I need a boat license to drive?

No. This rental is designed for driving the boat without a license.

How many people can be on the motor catamaran?

The catamaran has a maximum capacity for 6 people.

Where do we meet in Ibiza?

You meet at the P6 dock of the public port of San Antonio (Sant Antoni de Portmany). Go directly to the boat at that dock.

What routes are available?

You can choose a north route (including Cala Salada), a south route (including Cala Bassa), or a wild islands route that extends the previous one and includes Isla del Bosque and Isla Conejera.

What departure times are available?

Half day morning runs 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., half day afternoon runs 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and the full day runs 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Is gas included in the price?

No. Gas is an extra cost: €20 for a half day and €40 for a full day.

What should I bring for check-in?

Bring a passport or ID card (a copy is accepted).