North Ibiza looks better from a boat.

This cruise turns San Antonio Harbour into a launch point for unspoiled coves and wide sea views, with a swim stop you can only reach by water. I like the simple mix of stops—an aquarium visit, time on two beaches, plus snorkeling gear and toys—without feeling rushed every minute.

One thing to keep in mind: the Cala Salada area can be rough underfoot, so bring good walking shoes if you want an easy time heading between Cala Salada and Cala Saladeta.

Key Reasons This North Ibiza Cruise Works

• North-coast scenery that feels calmer than the south side of Ibiza
• A secluded swim bay accessible only by boat, with equipment included
• Aquarium Cap Blanc entry included, even though it’s a quick visit
• Cala Salada + Cala Saladeta with real beach time (not just a photo stop)
• Open-bar refreshments plus fruit, pastries, and sweets onboard

Why Ibiza’s North Coast Feels Like a Different Planet

Ibiza’s north has a quieter mood. You trade big party energy for rugged coves, sea views, and that sense that you’re seeing “real” coast instead of just another postcard. As the boat cruises, the on-board guide provides commentary along the route, and you’ll get a better feel for what you’re actually looking at—especially around areas like Ses Margalides.

This is also a cruise that’s shaped by modern environmental rules. Eco-restriction laws limit access in the area and affect how boats behave (boats may not anchor in the bay, and cars are no longer allowed where they used to be). Practically, that means you don’t get the old-school “drop anchor in any spot you want” experience—but you do get a calmer coastline to enjoy.

Getting to Float Your Boat and Checking In Like a Pro

Your meeting point is easy to spot once you know what to look for: find the Nemo boat, in front of the fountains, next to the Egg roundabout at the Float Your Boat kiosk.

Do not just show up and hope you’re fine. You have to check in at the wooden kiosk (in front of the boat) to get your boarding card before you step onboard. It’s a small step that saves you stress.

Parking tip: don’t park your car at the harbor if it’s the harbor area with time limits. There’s a 2-hour limit there; the rest of San Antonio is free. There’s also private parking in front of ITACA, less than 5 minutes’ walk to the boats.

Aquarium Cap Blanc: Quick, Included, and Actually Useful

The itinerary includes a visit to Aquarium Cap Blanc for about 20 minutes, with your entrance ticket included. That short time is intentional: it gives you context on the sea life you’ll be swimming over later, without turning the day into a museum crawl.

If you want a long, slow aquarium experience, this may feel brief. But as a first “sea-life warm-up” before the swim stop, it works well. You’ll be able to spot local marine life themes, then take that curiosity straight out onto the water.

One more thing: if you’re the type who hates being rushed, treat this as a “watch, look, then move on” stop. The real payoff is still the time on the boat and at the coves.

Ses Balandres Swim Stop: Secluded Water Time That’s the Heart of the Day

The cruise’s main break happens at Ses Balandres. This is your 1-hour swim and snorkeling stop, with the bay described as secluded and only accessible by boat.

Snorkeling equipment is included, and there are also water toys such as bodyboards and donuts. You also get help and safety oversight from the crew—one guest specifically noted a lifeguard, which is reassuring when you’re figuring out gear and conditions.

Here’s how to make the most of the hour:

• Grab your snorkeling setup early so you’re not trying to assemble it while everyone else is already in the water.
• Start with a calm swim first. If you’re newer to snorkeling, you’ll usually get more confidence before you start scanning for fish.
• Bring sunscreen, because the sun is strong and you’re out on open water for stretches of the day.

Also note the eco rules: boats may not anchor in the bay. So you’re not looking at a chaotic anchoring scene—you’re usually enjoying a controlled, managed stop that keeps the area protected.

Cala Salada and Cala Saladeta: Two Beaches, Two Feels, One Choice

After the swim stop, the boat docks for beach time at Cala Salada, with about 3 hours on shore (scheduled 2–5 PM). You’ll also have time to explore both Cala Salada and Cala Saladeta.

This is where the details matter:

• Cala Salada: often described as more rocky, with sunloungers and parasols. It’s a great place to relax, but shoes help when you’re moving around.
• Cala Saladeta: the vibe shifts toward sand, and it’s reachable via a path (a short walk). If your priority is “easy footing,” this is the one to gravitate to.

You can also plan your time around food. There’s a beach restaurant at Cala Salada, but lunch isn’t included. If you want that restaurant meal (paella is mentioned by at least one guest), you need to book it in advance through the phone number on your voucher.

Good news for flexibility: you can bring your own lunch onboard and then eat it once you’re on the beach.

A practical note from the field: the terrain around the beaches can involve some uneven ground and slopes. If you’re traveling with older people or anyone who has balance issues, prioritize supportive shoes.

Drinks, Snacks, and the On-Board Vibe (No, It’s Not a Party Boat)

For a cruise around Ibiza, the onboard setup is surprisingly comfortable. Boats are filled to only half capacity to keep the journey pleasant, and you’ll find seating across decks so you can choose sun or shade.

The big win is the drinks and snacks. You get beer, sangria, cava, soft drinks, and water, plus fruit, pastries, and sweets onboard. The atmosphere tends to be chill—music on board is mentioned as nice and not too loud—so you can actually hold a conversation without shouting.

The day is designed to feel like: cruise → swim/snorkel → beach → cruise back. You’re not trapped. You can lounge on board, put your feet up, then go back out when it’s time.

If you’re curious about food beyond the included snacks: you may find additional snack items sold onboard, and at least one person called out hot dogs as good value. Just don’t assume a full sit-down meal plan is part of the ticket.

Timing Details: When You Get Off, and When You Might Stay On Board

Your beach stop is the key block of time: roughly 3 hours around 2–5 PM. After that, there’s a ferry back to San Antonio port in the 4–5 PM window.

There’s also an optional choice: you can stay on the boat and not get off at the beach, arriving around 2 PM. That’s handy if:

• you prefer cruising time over walking on rocky ground,
• you want to avoid the beach restaurant setup entirely,
• you just want the sea views and skip shore time.

One trade-off to think about: some people report that the return leg can feel like a different boat setup with fewer drink options later on. If drinks are a major part of your plan, consider that when deciding whether to stay on board.

Price and Value: Why This Day Can Beat Buying Everything Separately

At $53 per person for a 6-hour outing, the value is mainly in what you don’t pay extra for:

• Boat tour and tour guide
• Aquarium entrance included
• Snorkeling equipment included
• The swim stop (with water toys)
• Beach time at Cala Salada (and access to Cala Saladeta)
• Open drinks plus fruit, pastries, and sweets onboard

If you try to recreate that day on your own, you’d be paying separately for transport, boat hire (or tour ticket), and those “nice extras” like snorkeling gear and aquarium entry. Even if you personally value one stop more than the others, the ticket still covers multiple activities in one go.

This is the type of cruise that works best when you want a guided “north coast highlights” day without planning routes, parking, and timing between scattered coves.

Weather and Route Changes: Don’t Stress, but Check Expectations

Weather can always play a role at sea. The operator notes that in unfavorable conditions, the cruise will take a similar alternative route.

What that means for you: don’t plan on seeing the exact same bay lineup no matter what. The core idea stays intact—water time, coastline views, and the main beach stop—but the specifics can shift slightly.

Also remember the eco restrictions again. Because boats may not anchor in the bay, the swim stop approach may be managed differently than older-style tours.

Who Should Book This Cruise—and Who Might Prefer Another Option

This tour is a strong fit if you:

• want Ibiza’s north coast without renting a car,
• like snorkeling but don’t want to organize gear and timing,
• prefer a day that mixes “see” and “do” (boat views + water + beach),
• appreciate included drinks and snacks, not just a hard-sell party vibe.

It might be less ideal if you:

• want long, detailed time inside the aquarium (the aquarium stop is short),
• hate any chance of crowds at a shared snorkeling area (everyone goes in at once),
• need very easy terrain everywhere (Cala Salada can be rocky and the path areas aren’t always smooth).

Should You Book This North Ibiza Catamaran Cruise?

I’d book it if your goal is a relaxed day on the water with good included value, real time at Cala Salada/Cala Saladeta, and a proper swim/snorkel stop in a bay that feels far from the main roads.

I’d think twice if your top priority is an extended aquarium visit or a totally easy walking experience. In that case, you may spend part of the beach time thinking more about footwear and movement than swimming and sun.

If you go, do two things: pack sunscreen and bring solid shoes. Then settle in for the north coast—you’ll spend the day outside, and that’s where this tour really wins.

FAQ

How long is the Ibiza Cala Salada and North Cruise?

The experience runs for about 6 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at the Float Your Boat kiosk by the Nemo boat, in front of the fountains next to the Egg roundabout.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What aquarium stop is included?

You visit Aquarium Cap Blanc, and entrance tickets are included (about 20 minutes).

What’s included for snorkeling?

Snorkeling equipment is included, plus bodyboards, donuts, and other water toys.

What’s included in the drinks and snacks onboard?

You get beer, sangria, cava, soft drinks, and water, along with fresh fruit, pastries, and sweets.

How much beach time do I get at Cala Salada and Cala Saladeta?

You get a 3-hour beach stop (scheduled 2–5 PM), with time to explore Cala Salada and Cala Saladeta.

Can I bring my own lunch?

Yes. You can bring your own lunch onboard and then eat it at the beaches.

What should I do before boarding?

Check in at the wooden kiosk in front of the boat to get your boarding card.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If weather conditions are unfavorable, the cruise will take a similar alternative route.