Ibiza’s north coast feels worlds away from the party strip. This 6-hour catamaran outing mixes big sea views with practical fun: snorkeling gear, a secluded boat-only swim bay, and time on Cala Salada and Cala Saladeta. I especially like the included aquarium entry plus an onboard open bar, so you’re not doing mental math every time you buy a drink.

Two other things that make this trip worth your time: you get a guided cruise with commentary along the north shoreline to Ses Margalides, and you also get a long-enough beach window to actually relax, not just take photos. One consideration: the beach terrain can be rough, so good shoes matter—Cala Salada in particular isn’t a sandy stroll.

Quick hits before you go

• Secluded swim stop in a bay that you can only reach by boat, with gear included
• Aquarium Cap Blanc with entry tickets included (quick stop, then back to the sea)
• Cala Salada + Cala Saladeta gives you a choice: rocky relaxation or sandy strolling
• Open bar on board: beer, sangria, cava/wine options, plus soft drinks, water, fruit, and sweets
• 3 decks with glass-bottom views so non-swimmers still get marine spotting
• Eco rules are in play in this protected area, shaping how access and boat behavior work

North Ibiza by catamaran: what you’re really paying for

This isn’t a “drive-by” sightseeing cruise. You’re paying for a full day chunk of sea time—views, swimming, and beach hours—packaged into one simple plan. The north of Ibiza has a quieter rhythm than the south, and the catamaran format helps you see that difference without switching transport.

The best part is how the trip balances motion and downtime. You sail along the coast with a guide onboard, then you stop for water time in a secluded bay, then you get a real beach break. Even if you’re not a hardcore swimmer, the combo of snorkeling equipment, glass-bottom viewing, and calm “hang out” time keeps the day from feeling one-note.

Getting to Float Your Boat and boarding cards (don’t skip this)

Plan to arrive a little early at the meeting point: the Nemo boat in front of the fountains next to the Egg roundabout at the Float Your Boat kiosk. This is one of those tours where the timing at check-in matters.

You’ll need to check in at the wooden kiosk in front of the boat to get your Boarding Card. If you miss that step, you’ll slow down the line at the wrong moment.

Parking tip that actually saves stress: avoid parking right at the harbor (there’s a 2-hour limit). The rest of San Antonio is free, and there’s private parking in front of ITACA—less than 5 minutes on foot to the boats.

Aquarium Cap Blanc: short and included, not a full museum day

The aquarium stop is scheduled as a quick visit, about 20 minutes, with entry tickets included. For your time, it’s a practical add-on: you get a taste of local marine life before heading back out to the open water.

Think of it as a “warm-up stop.” If you’re hoping for a long, slow museum experience, this isn’t that. But if you like the idea of seeing sea creatures and then immediately testing the water yourself, it hits the sweet spot.

Ses Balandres swim + snorkeling: the reason many people book

Your most important block of the day is the 1-hour swim and snorkeling stop at Ses Balandres. The boat anchors/moors for a secluded swimming bay accessible by boat, and the whole point is easy water play: sunbathe, swim, snorkel, or bodyboard.

A few practical notes that will help you enjoy this part more:

• Grab snorkeling gear fast. One schedule rhythm doesn’t always allow a calm “browse first” approach.
• If you’re a non-swimmer, you’ll still have options. There are viewing windows and glass-bottom viewing on the boat decks, so you can watch without going in.
• This area is clear-water friendly. The day’s vibe goes from sightseeing to “wow, look at the sea” once you’re in.

In terms of safety and support, there’s mention of staff/lifeguard help during the swim area, which is reassuring if you’re traveling with kids or you’re not totally confident in the water.

North coastline to Ses Margalides: guide commentary that adds real context

Between stops, you cruise along Ibiza’s north coastline toward Ses Margalides. This is where the guide commentary matters—not because it’s a lecture, but because it helps you connect what you’re seeing with why it’s protected and why it looks the way it does.

You’ll be looking at a section of the island that feels less built-up than the south. The ride is also designed to be comfortable: boats are filled to only half capacity to keep the journey pleasant, and there’s space upstairs and downstairs across the double-decker setup.

If you like getting value from sightseeing without turning it into a full-day walking tour, this is the format. You get movement, views, and story, then you shift gears to water time.

Cala Salada and Cala Saladeta: pick your beach mood

This is your main land time: a 3-hour beach stop from around 2 to 5 PM (timing can vary slightly based on how the day runs). You’ll dock at Cala Salada, then you’ll have time to enjoy both Cala Salada and Cala Saladeta.

Here’s how the beaches tend to feel in practice:

Cala Salada

Cala Salada is described as a rocky beach with sunloungers and parasols and a restaurant option. The “sun and chill” part is great, but the terrain can be rough. If your feet don’t like uneven ground, bring proper shoes. One older traveler actually fell on the rocky path in the access area, so treat this as a “wear grip” situation, not a casual flip-flop stop.

Cala Saladeta

Cala Saladeta is more of the sandy, easy-walk vibe. People like it because it’s a short walk along the path from the Cala Salada area. If you want sand underfoot instead of rocks, this is the one to favor.

Lunch reality check

There’s a beach restaurant at Cala Salada, but food there is not included. If you want lunch there, you’ll need to reserve in advance via the phone number on your voucher. You can also bring your own lunch onboard and eat once you’re on the beach.

Open bar and snacks: where this tour’s value really shows

At around $53 for about 6 hours, this trip’s best value is the onboard package. You’re not just buying access to a boat ride—you’re also getting drinks and food basics that would add up fast if you were doing it on your own.

On board, you can expect:

• Beer and sangria (often described as plentiful)
• Soft drinks and water
• Fruit, pastries, and sweets
• Wine/cava options listed as part of the drinks selection

On the entertainment side, the mood is relaxed. People describe chill music that isn’t blasting, more “holiday soundtrack” than party chaos. That matters if you’re traveling with a mixed group—kids, couples, and older travelers all seem able to enjoy the day.

One small logistics detail to keep in mind: a few mentions indicate the drinks setup can change depending on which boat you’re on at different points. If you care a lot about the full drinks lineup, it’s smart to ask what the return boat includes on the day of the tour.

Boat comfort and what to do if you don’t want to snorkel

This is a catamaran with multiple decks, and there are descriptions of glass-bottom viewing and viewing windows. That means the tour has a built-in plan for people who want the sea experience without swimming.

If you’re snorkeling, the “fun per minute” rises quickly, especially when the bay is quiet. If you’re not, you can spend your time watching from below, sipping something cold, and using the water time as a “choose your own adventure” moment.

It can get crowded depending on the day. A couple of comments mention seat pressure or not having the exact kind of seating they wanted. Your best move is simple: pick your spot early after boarding, and if you want shade, take it quickly.

Weather and the eco rules: how the day can shift

Sea plans depend on weather, and the operator notes that they’ll use an alternative route if conditions are unfavorable. That’s normal, and it helps prevent a day derailing completely.

Also important: the area is under eco restrictions intended to preserve the beauty of this part of Ibiza. Car access is limited, and boats may not anchor in the bay. In practice, that affects how the swim stop is handled. The key takeaway for you: don’t plan around a “classic postcard anchoring moment” and instead plan for the important part—time in the water.

Who should book this North Ibiza cruise?

This fits best if you want:

• A full half-day to full-day feeling without changing transport plans
• Swimming and snorkeling with included equipment
• Beach time at more than one shore
• Value-heavy inclusions (drinks + aquarium entry + fruit/snacks)

It’s also a good option if you’re staying in or near San Antonio and you don’t want the hassle of independent driving to the north coast. The route is close enough that it works as a day plan, yet you still get that “north is quieter” feeling.

You might prefer a different style of tour if:

• You want a long aquarium visit (this one is quick)
• You hate rocky ground and don’t want to walk on uneven paths
• You’re extremely sensitive to crowding on boats (capacity is managed, but some days still get busy)

Price and value: is $53 a good deal?

For roughly $53 per person for a 6-hour outing, the math works because the tour includes several things that usually cost extra on Ibiza day trips.

You’re getting:

• A boat tour plus a guided cruise
• Aquarium entry tickets
• A swim stop with snorkeling equipment
• Bodyboards and water toys (plus donuts/float options mentioned)
• A meaningful open bar: beer and sangria plus soft drinks and water
• Fruit and pastries/sweets onboard
• A multi-hour beach window

In other words, even if you only use part of the included drinks/food, the structure still makes sense. It’s also priced in a way that feels more like buying “access to a day” than paying for a handful of photo stops.

Should you book this cruise?

I’d book this if you want an easy, value-focused day where the water is the main event. The north coastline cruise plus aquarium entry plus a secluded swim bay is a strong combo, and the included drinks + fruit/snacks make it feel like you’re getting more than just transport.

Before you go, do one quick check with yourself: are you okay with rocky terrain at Cala Salada and the short walk between beaches? If yes, you’ll likely love how relaxed and fun the day feels. If not, plan to focus more on the sandier option (Cala Saladeta) and bring shoes with grip.

FAQ

FAQ

Where do I meet for the Ibiza Cala Salada and north cruise?

Meet at the Float Your Boat kiosk area and look for the Nemo boat in front of the fountains next to the Egg roundabout.

What do I need to do before boarding?

You must check in at the wooden kiosk in front of the boat to get your Boarding Card before you board.

What’s included in the aquarium stop?

Aquarium entry tickets are included, and the aquarium visit is about 20 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for the swim stop.

How long is the swim stop and where does it happen?

There’s a 1-hour swim and snorkeling stop at a secluded bay only accessible by boat.

How much time do I get on the beaches?

You get about a 3-hour beach stop around 2–5 PM at Cala Salada, with time to enjoy Cala Salada and Cala Saladeta.

Are drinks and food included?

Yes. Beer, sangria/cava and soft drinks, plus water, fruit, pastries, and sweets are included onboard. Food at the beach restaurant is not included.

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