A day on the water, minus the crowds. This private 3.5-hour cruise along southwest Ibiza is all about getting to coves and caves with minimal fuss, plus real downtime for swimming. I love the comfort details on the Chaparral 276 SSX (bow and stern solarium, Bluetooth sound, and charging), and I love the practical lineup of stops: Cala Bassa and Cala Comte for turquoise-water swims. One thing to consider: you get snorkeling goggles only (no tube), and the included drinks are limited and adults-only.

Your captain matters here, and the experience is clearly built around that. Many groups highlight Jorge for friendly hosting, safe-feeling driving, and excellent pre-trip communication. You’ll also be back at the start point, which makes the rest of your day in Sant Antoni easy to plan.

Below is how to judge if this fits your style of Ibiza. It’s great when you want sea time, quick swims, and a boat that feels like a lounge. If you’re chasing a guaranteed, long cave-hopping marathon, keep expectations flexible.

Key things to know before you go

• Private boat, up to 9 people: You set the vibe with your own group.
• Two fixed swim stops: Cala Bassa and Cala Comte are the anchor of the itinerary.
• Snorkel setup is simple: goggles included, tube not provided.
• SUP is built in: paddle surfing on board is part of the package.
• Cooling and music are handled: Bluetooth audio plus a fridge and ice.
• Drinks are limited: water/beer/cava included for adults, not a full bar.

A 3.5-Hour Private Ibiza Sail From Sant Antoni

This tour is designed like a perfect middle-of-the-day break. You get a half-day experience without committing to a full-day boat plan. That matters in Ibiza, where the best days often feel like a mix: a little sightseeing, a big swim, and time to cool off before dinner.

You’ll head out from Sant Antoni de Portmany and spend about 3 hours 30 minutes on the water. The big win is focus. Instead of stopping at a dozen places with rushed swims, you get time at two classic coves where the water is clear and the views are strong from the boat.

The route includes caves along the way, plus time for swimming stops. In real life, cave time can vary based on conditions and what the captain decides is doable that day, so think of caves as a bonus you’ll likely enjoy rather than a scripted checklist.

This is also a private activity, meaning you’re not sharing the boat with random strangers. With a maximum of 9 people per group, the boat doesn’t feel like a crowded ferry. It feels like a small, controlled “hang on the sea” setup.

The Boat Setup: Chaparral 276 SSX Comfort at Sea

The boat is a Chaparral 276 SSX, and the layout supports an easy, lounge-and-swim day. I like that the design gives you places to move without chaos. There’s a solarium at the bow and stern, so you can pick your own spot depending on sun and breeze.

There’s Bluetooth sound equipment onboard, so you can listen to music without hauling speakers around. If your phone dies, you’ll also have a USB mobile connection on board for charging. That’s a small detail, but it matters when you’re trying to grab underwater photos and keep your maps ready for after the ride.

Comfort extras are practical: a refrigerator and ice for cold drinks, plus a bathroom onboard. This keeps the trip from turning into the kind of day where everyone’s constantly asking for basic needs.

In terms of water access, the included snorkeling gear is basic by design. You get snorkeling goggles, but not a snorkel tube. If you love snorkeling with the full set, plan to bring your own tube or be ready to keep it to mask-style floating and quick looks.

If cleanliness matters to you, take comfort in what people consistently say: the boat is well kept, and the captain runs a tight, safety-minded operation.

Swim Stops at Cala Bassa and Cala Comte

The itinerary’s core is simple: you make two swim stops. Cala Bassa is the first. Expect a classic Ibiza-cove feel: clear water, strong color in daylight, and a setting that’s great for easy floating and swimming right from where the boat anchors.

Then you head to Cala Comte, another favorite for turquoise water and scenery that photographs well even if you don’t try too hard. From the boat, you also get a different view than the one most people see from the shoreline. That viewpoint is half the point of booking a boat day at all.

Here’s how to think about the swim time. This is not one long, all-day snorkeling mission. It’s multiple shorter water sessions that fit inside a 3.5-hour window. You’ll want to treat each stop like a mini-reset: jump in, swim a bit, snorkel with goggles (no tube), then get back to shade or sun on the solarium.

If you get motion sickness easily, this is still a manageable trip length. Just remember: the sea can be choppy on any coast day. The captain’s driving style and your timing (sunny calmer water vs windier hours) can change how smooth the ride feels. The good news is that most groups describe the captain as careful and safety-focused.

Caves: What You Get Beyond the Scenic Drives

Caves are part of the promise, and that’s one of the reasons this trip feels more interesting than a basic “anchor and swim” tour. The plan is to tour caves along the southwest coast, and you’ll also have chances to see cave areas while the boat is moving through the coastlines.

Still, here’s the practical takeaway: cave viewing can change. One group example notes they asked to see caves and the captain drove them through several cave areas, while another group’s experience didn’t include cave time as expected. That tells me the cave portion is not always the same every day.

So how should you handle this? Keep your expectations flexible, but be clear in what you want. If caves are your priority, ask early and politely. With a private setup, your preferences carry more weight than on a big-group tour where the schedule is fixed.

When caves do happen, you’ll enjoy them from the water, which is the only way they really make sense. You’re not looking at them from land. You’re passing them, catching the light on the rock, and then returning to swim stops where you can cool down fast.

Onboard Extras: SUP, Bluetooth Music, Goggles, and Drinks

This trip quietly stacks useful extras, and they don’t feel like afterthoughts.

First, SUP (paddle surfing) is included. That’s a fun add-on because it turns one of the swim stops into an active session, not just passive floating. If you can stand and balance, you’ll likely have a great time. If you’re a bit wobbly, you can still enjoy it as a quick try and hold onto the board while someone steadies you.

Second, snorkeling gear is included as goggles only, without a tube. That affects how long you’ll stay down near the water surface, especially if you like breathing comfortably while watching underwater. I’d treat goggles as quick-scan snorkeling. If you want the full snorkel experience, bring your own tube.

Third, music is handled through Bluetooth audio. It’s a small vibe upgrade, especially if your group wants to make it feel like a floating beach party without needing to bring a speaker.

Now the drinks. You get refreshing drinks on board for free: water, beer, and a bottle of cava. It’s listed as limited and only for adults. That means this isn’t an unlimited alcohol cruise, and it’s not a full kid-friendly bar setup. If you have kids, or you’re all alcohol-averse, bring your own non-alcohol drinks or snacks so nobody feels stuck waiting.

One more real-world detail: at least one group described fresh cocktails served at sea by another boat. That’s not guaranteed in the core description, but it’s a good reminder that sometimes extra fun pops up when you’re out there.

Price and Value: $838.78 for Up to 9 People

The price is $838.78 per group, up to 9 people. That can sound steep if you think per person. But the value equation changes fast when you do the math with a group.

For 9 people, the effective cost lands around $93 per person for about 3.5 hours on a private boat with swim time, goggles, SUP, captain service, and included drinks. If you only bring 2–3 people, it becomes a luxury splurge, but for families and small friend groups, it often feels like paying for a shared day that would otherwise cost more once you add separate taxis, boat rentals, and gear.

The best part is what you get for the money beyond “just a boat.” You’re paying for:

• a private, controlled experience
• two high-quality swim stops
• SUP included
• a captain and fuel covered
• basic snorkeling equipment and onboard essentials

And because it’s only your group onboard, the day feels smoother. No waiting in line. No negotiating for space on a crowded deck.

Timing, Meeting Point, and Easy Start 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 spot, so you’re not stranded across town.

This part matters more than most people think. A boat day is only as good as your start. I like that the meeting location is workable for taxi drop-offs and pick-ups, and it’s near public transport.

Also, plan to arrive a bit early. There are plenty of places nearby for breakfast or quick snacks, and there’s a supermarket in the area where you can grab supplies. If you want extra non-alcohol drinks for kids or soft drinks for adults beyond what’s included, this is the easiest place to do it before you board.

What to bring:

• Your swimwear and a towel if you like drying off properly afterward
• Sun protection (it’s a full sea-sun day)
• If you prefer a snorkel tube, bring your own since only goggles are included
• A light layer for the boat ride back if it cools down

Who This Trip Fits Best (and Who Should Skip)

This is ideal for people who want a sweet, efficient Ibiza day. Think: couples, small families, and groups of friends who want swimming and a bit of cave sightseeing, without the stress of booking schedules.

You’ll be especially happy if:

• you care about not sharing your boat with strangers
• you want two swim coves instead of constant movement
• you enjoy SUP as a fun extra
• you want onboard comfort like music, shade options, and a bathroom

Consider skipping or adjusting expectations if:

• caves are your #1 priority and you need a guaranteed cave route every single time
• you need full snorkeling gear with tubes
• you expect unlimited drinks or a full meal onboard (lunch is not included)

One more note: the experience is offered in English, which helps if you want clear communication with the captain during the trip.

If you’re allergic to water time or you hate being on a boat, obviously this won’t be your kind of day. But for most sea-lovers, it’s a strong match.

Should You Book This Private Boat Trip?

I’d book this if you want a private, high-comfort swim-and-sightseeing day that starts and ends in Sant Antoni, with enough structure to feel easy. The mix of Cala Bassa and Cala Comte stops plus caves keeps it interesting, while SUP adds play time beyond just floating.

It’s also a good choice for groups because the price is per group, not per person, so the value improves when you fill the boat up to 9. And the consistent highlight is the captain experience: friendly hosting, good communication, and safe, careful navigation.

Book with a little flexibility on cave time, and plan for goggles-only snorkeling. If you do those two things, you’ll get a very satisfying Ibiza day from the water.

FAQ

How long is the private boat trip from Sant Antoni?

The experience lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes.

What’s the group size limit for this private tour?

It’s a private activity for your group, with a maximum of up to 9 people.

What stops are included during the trip?

You’ll visit caves and make two swimming stops: Cala Bassa and Cala Comte.

What snorkeling gear is included?

The tour includes snorkeling goggles, but snorkeling tubes are not included.

Are drinks included, and are they limited?

Yes. Included drinks are water, beer, and a bottle of cava, listed as limited and only for adults.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Is paddle surfing (SUP) included?

Yes, paddle surfing (SUP) is included on board.

Where do we meet and where does the trip end?

You meet at Rita’s Cantina, Carrer de Madrid, 1, 07820 Sant Antoni de Portmany, and the trip ends back at the same meeting point.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.