Ibiza from the water beats any beach day.

This private 3.5-hour outing runs on a Chaparral 276 SSX with real comfort (solarium bow and stern, Bluetooth sound, fridge, bathroom). I especially like the clear plan: you get cave time plus two swimming stops in some of Ibiza’s prettiest coves, not just a random cruise around the coastline. One more plus: it’s private for up to 9 people, so your captain can flex the day around what you want.

The trade-off is that it’s a short day on the sea. You’ll be busy—swimming, snorkeling goggles-on, then moving again—so if you want a slow, all-day beach vibe or a long lunch break, you may find this duration a bit tight.

Key Things to Know Before You Step Aboard

• Private boat for up to 9 people means less waiting and more control over the pace.
• Caves plus 2 swim stops: Cala Bassa and Cala Conta/Cala Comte are built into the route.
• Goggles included, tubes not included for snorkeling (and sharing tubes isn’t part of the setup).
• SUP is included (paddle surfing on board), so you’re not just watching the water—you’re on it.
• Free drinks are limited and adult-only, and lunch is not included.
• Good-weather reliant: the day can shift or refund if conditions are poor.

Private 3.5 Hours on the Chaparral 276 SSX: What You’re Buying

This is the kind of Ibiza day that feels made for people who are tired of standing in lines, squeezing onto party boats, or having a “swim stop” that lasts 12 minutes. You pay for a private group outing, capped at up to 9 people, for about 3 hours 30 minutes on the water.

The boat matters. You’re not on some bare-bones skiff. The Chaparral 276 SSX includes a bow and stern solarium, a bathroom, and practical comfort extras like a refrigerator and USB access for your phone. There’s also Bluetooth sound, so you can bring your own vibe without it turning into a messy, loud competition.

In reviews, the captain—often Jorge—comes up again and again for the same reason: you feel safe, and the day runs smoothly. That matters because in southwest Ibiza, sea conditions can change fast. A captain who communicates well and drives confidently turns “boat time” into real time.

Caves and Two Swimming Stops: A Practical Route

The day is built around three “payoff moments”:

1) cave sightseeing,

2) a swim stop in Cala Bassa, and

3) a swim stop in Cala Conta / Cala Comte.

The overall plan says you’ll tour caves along the southwest coast of Ibiza, then make two stops so you can actually get in the water and swim. That mix is smart. Caves are cool from the boat, but the day would feel incomplete without proper swim time—so the itinerary bakes that in.

A useful detail: you’ll get a captain who can take you through several caves depending on your preferences. In one case, the trip added cave time when the group asked to see them. The takeaway for you is simple: if you care about caves more than extra cruising, say it clearly at the start. Private tours work best when you’re direct.

Cave time reality check

Caves depend on sea and visibility, and it’s not always a guarantee that every cave everyone wants will be accessible. Still, you should expect a true cave-and-coast experience, not just “we passed by some rocks.”

Cala Bassa and Cala Conta: When to Swim and What to Expect

Cala Bassa is one of those places where the water looks staged for photos. The point of stopping here isn’t sightseeing from far away—it’s getting in and staying there. Bring swimwear you like enough to wear twice, because you’ll likely want to spend real time in the water.

Then you move to Cala Conta (Cala Comte) for a second swim. This is often where the day feels like it really clicks. You get a second chance to swim, snorkel with the included goggles, and reset your body for the return.

A small but helpful practical note from the setup: this trip keeps you moving between swim spots. You’ll have fun, but you won’t be able to treat this like a set-and-forget beach day with hours of lounging. If you like structure—arrive, swim, relax, then head out—you’re going to enjoy it.

Snorkeling Goggles and SUP: Activities You’ll Actually Use

The included water gear is snorkeling goggles (without tube). That’s important. If you’re used to snorkeling with a tube/snorkel, you’ll want to adjust expectations. Tubes aren’t part of the package, and after COVID the operator shifted away from shared tubes for safety.

So how do you make this work for you?

• If you snorkel often, consider bringing your own snorkel setup.
• If you’re mostly there for short looks at fish and underwater scenery, the included goggles are enough to enjoy the water up close.
• If you’re bringing kids, remind them they’re getting goggles, not full snorkel gear.

Now for the bonus: paddle surfing (SUP) is included. In reviews, this is a standout moment for families and mixed-age groups. It’s also a nice break from just floating. You get movement, laughs, and that “we’re part of the scene” feeling that boat trips rarely deliver.

There’s also entertainment value aboard: Bluetooth-powered sound, plus USB access for your phone. Translation: you can have your own playlist going while you’re cruising, and then power your camera/phone without hunting for outlets.

Comfort on Board: Solariums, Drinks, and the Cooldown Setup

Ibiza sun gets real fast. The boat has two solariums—bow and stern—so you can choose where you want to relax. That’s not just a comfort perk. It helps you manage the day: shade when you need it, sun when you want it, and a change of position between swim stops.

You also get onboard free drinks: water, beer, and a bottle of cava, with “limited” and adult-only noted in the inclusions. This is where you should plan carefully if you’re going with a mixed group (adults plus kids, or adults who want soft drinks).

One review flagged a misunderstanding about soft drinks, saying beer was assumed and other options weren’t obvious. That doesn’t mean soft drinks are absent, but it does suggest you should ask early what’s available beyond the alcohol. A quick question to the crew can prevent half an hour of confusion and let everyone enjoy the day.

And yes, sometimes you may see extra “sea-time” treats like a cocktail boat offering fresh cocktails at sea—one review called that out as a favorite moment. Treat that as a nice possibility, not a promise, because it’s not listed as a standard inclusion.

Price Per Group: Is $838.78 Good Value?

Let’s talk straight math. The price is $838.78 per group (up to 9). The value depends on how many people you bring.

• If you fill the boat with 9 people, it can work out to roughly $93 per person (before any personal spending).
• If you go with 4 people, you’re closer to $210 per person.
• With 2–3 people, it gets expensive fast—at that point you’re basically paying for the convenience of privacy.

So who gets the best value? Groups. Families. Friends who actually want to swim together, hang out on the solarium, and share the day without someone else’s itinerary taking over.

Compared with shared catamarans where you pay per seat but still get crowd energy, this private setup can feel fair—especially because you also get SUP and basic snorkeling gear included, plus the captain and fuel.

Getting There at Rita’s Cantina in Sant Antoni

The meeting point is Rita’s Cantina, Carrer de Madrid, 1, 07820 Sant Antoni de Portmany. The trip ends back at the same place.

One review highlighted an advantage many people care about: it’s easy by taxi and simple to return from. That matters because Ibiza logistics can be chaotic around nightlife.

Also, the area is not a dead zone. Reviews noted multiple places to grab breakfast or lunch near the meeting point, plus a supermarket nearby. That means you can top up with snacks, water, or snorkel add-ons before you sail—helpful since lunch is not included.

Small Risks and Considerations Before You Book

This is the part I want you to think about before you hit the reserve button.

1) Snorkeling gear is not “full kit”

You get goggles without tubes. If you want a snorkel tube, plan to bring your own or accept that you’ll snorkel with goggles only.

2) Drinks are adult-only and limited

The included beverages are listed as adults-only and limited. If you’re traveling with kids or you want guaranteed soft drinks for everyone, be ready to ask what’s available and supplement on your own.

3) Caves can vary by day and access

It’s a cave-and-cove route, but nature decides what’s reachable. One review pointed out that in their experience they didn’t do caves as expected. That doesn’t negate the overall experience, but it tells you the best strategy: set expectations early with your captain and ask what cave access looks like based on conditions.

4) It’s weather-dependent

The experience requires good weather. If it cancels due to weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Who This Private Boat Trip Suits Best

This tour fits best if you want:

• private boat comfort without the stress of managing crowds,
• a day with both sightseeing and real swimming,
• activities beyond “sit and watch,” especially SUP.

It’s also a strong match for families who want a fun, calmer break from Ibiza partying. Reviews included parents and kids, and people called it a favorite day because it mixes motion, water time, and onboard chill.

If you’re the type who needs a deep, hour-by-hour educational guide on maritime history, this probably won’t be your style. This is built around the water experience: swimming, caves, and enjoying the coast from a better angle.

Should You Book This Tour or Not?

Yes, I’d book it if:

• you’re traveling with 3–9 people and want the privacy to actually relax,
• you care about swimming in coves and don’t want to waste a half-day with bad timing,
• you like hands-on fun like SUP, and
• you’re okay with snorkeling goggles-only.

I’d think twice if:

• you need a full snorkeling kit with tubes,
• your group expects lunch to be included onboard,
• you’re going only for caves and want them guaranteed regardless of conditions.

For most people, this is one of the simplest ways to do Ibiza the way locals quietly love: from the sea, in your own bubble, with clear water and a plan that doesn’t drag.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the private boat trip from Sant Antoni de Portmany?

It runs about 3 hours 30 minutes.

How many people can join this private boat trip?

It’s a private tour for your group, up to 9 people.

Where does the trip start and end?

The meeting point is Rita’s Cantina, Carrer de Madrid, 1, 07820 Sant Antoni de Portmany. The trip ends back at the same place.

What stops are included during the trip?

You’ll visit caves along the southwest coast of Ibiza and make two swimming stops: Cala Bassa and Cala Conta.

What snorkeling gear is included?

You get snorkeling goggles, and they are included without a tube.

Are paddle boards included?

Yes. Paddle surfing (SUP) is included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so you may want to plan food before or after.