Ibiza: SpeedBoat trip to Atlantis & Es Vedra Snorkel+Paddle

The best of Ibiza is offshore. This three-hour speedboat trip from San Antonio takes you past west-coast coves to Es Vedrá and Atlantis, with time for swimming and snorkeling along the way. I like the mix of fast boat travel and calm water stops, and I like that the route reaches rocky places you cannot see properly from land. The main drawback is time: with so much coastline to cover, some people may want longer in the water.

You will also stop at Cala Comte, one of Ibiza’s most famous swimming spots, before returning to San Antonio. The trip costs $101 per person and includes a skipper, fuel, snorkeling gear, water, soft drinks, and a small snack. That is fair value if you want a lively coastal outing without arranging a boat rental yourself, but it is not a full meal or a slow, leisurely cruise.

Key points to know before booking

• Es Vedrá and Atlantis are the main event: After about an hour on the water, you reach Ibiza’s famous rocky islet and the Sa Pedrera quarry.
• Two swimming stops are included: You get time to snorkel near Es Vedrá and later swim again at Cala Comte.
• The speedboat is part of the fun: Expect wind, quick travel, and wide views of the west coast rather than a quiet sailing trip.
• The route shows off inaccessible coves: You pass beaches, caves, and rocky inlets that are easiest to appreciate from the sea.
• The food is modest: Snacks and soft drinks are supplied, but you should eat before departure if you need a proper meal.
• Plan for a 30-minute early arrival: Check in at the office on Carrer del Far 6, under Hotel Es Mitjorn, before walking about two minutes to the boat.

Why this speedboat trip works well for Ibiza

Ibiza has two very different personalities. Inland, you have villages, clubs, restaurants, and roads leading to busy beaches. From the water, the island feels quieter and more rugged. This excursion gives you that second view without asking you to operate a boat or plan a route around the coves.

The speedboat matters. You are not simply being carried from one beach to another. The ride itself brings a sense of motion, with the wind and open water making the coast feel larger and more dramatic. If you enjoy a little adrenaline, the crossings are likely to be as memorable as the stops.

At the same time, this is not an all-action outing. The journey includes several scenic stretches where you can sit back and look toward the cliffs and beaches. The balance is useful: energetic boat rides between destinations, then time to swim, snorkel, and cool off.

The experience is led by a professional skipper, with Spanish, English, and French available. A private group option is also offered, which may appeal to couples, families with older children, or friends who want a more personal setup.

Starting in San Antonio and getting organized

The meeting point is at Jet Ski Ibiza Es Vedrà Tours & Boat Rentals, on Carrer del Far number 6 in San Antonio de Portmany. Look for the office directly under Hotel Es Mitjorn and the large Yamaha flag at the door.

If you drive, Plaza España parking is about one minute away. You should arrive 30 minutes before departure, not at the listed start time. The office is about two minutes from the boat at the port, so the early check-in allows time for registration and the short walk.

You can leave a small backpack at the office if you do not want it on board. Bring only what you need for the sea: swimwear, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and a towel. A glass bottle is not allowed, and alcohol and drugs are prohibited.

A small backpack is better than a large beach bag. Boats have limited room, and wet towels, sunscreen, and phones quickly create clutter. Keep your phone in a waterproof pouch if you want photos during the ride.

The west coast by speedboat

The first part of the trip follows Ibiza’s west coast from the bay of San Antonio. The route passes popular beaches and coves, including Cala Bassa, while the skipper points out scenery from the water.

The Cala Bassa section is mainly a scenic pass and photo opportunity rather than a long beach stop. That distinction matters. You will see the cove from a useful angle, but you should not expect to get off and explore its shore.

Several sailing stretches are built into the route. Some are listed at about 25 to 30 minutes, giving you time to settle into the boat and take in the coast. If you want the best views, keep your eyes open during these crossings instead of saving all your attention for the swimming stops.

This part of the journey is also where the speedboat earns its keep. A road trip around Ibiza cannot give you the same view of the coves, caves, and cliffs. From the sea, the coast appears as a series of changing rock shapes, small inlets, and bright patches of water.

The trade-off is that a fast boat can feel exposed. You may get wind, spray, and a bumpy ride depending on conditions. Anyone prone to motion sickness should consider that before booking, especially since the activity is built around a rigid speedboat rather than a large, slow vessel.

Reaching Es Vedrá and Atlantis after about an hour

The central stop is at Es Vedrá and the quarry of Sa Pedrera, often called Atlantis. Es Vedrá is the striking rocky islet associated with Ibiza’s myths and legends. Its shape and isolated position give the area a strong sense of drama, even before you enter the water.

The boat stop lasts about 30 minutes. You have time for photos, swimming, snorkeling, and looking at the rock formations. The water is described as crystal clear, making this the best part of the trip for seeing the coast from below.

The snorkeling is not presented as a long guided marine-life session. Think of it as a chance to put on the supplied mask and equipment, swim near the rocks, and look into the Mediterranean. Marine life viewing is included, but what you see will depend on the conditions and the area reached on the day.

Atlantis adds another layer to the stop. Sa Pedrera is an old quarry shaped by stone extraction, and the unusual rock forms have helped give the place its mythical name. The value here is the combination of natural rock, human-made cuts in the stone, and clear water around the site.

Do not expect a long shore visit or a detailed walk through the quarry. This is a boat-based view with free time in the water. You will appreciate it most if you are happy to see the site from the sea rather than needing to explore every corner on foot.

Snorkeling, swimming, and what you actually get

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with bottled water, soft drinks, and snacks. That makes the trip easier to manage because you do not need to rent a mask separately or carry a cooler.

The snack is small. It is meant to enjoy during the stop, not replace lunch. Eat before you arrive if you tend to get hungry after swimming or if you are booking close to a normal meal time.

The first water stop at Es Vedrá is the more distinctive one because of the surroundings. You are swimming near the famous islet and Sa Pedrera, rather than at a standard beach. The setting gives the stop its character.

The second stop is at Cala Comte on the return journey. It also lasts about 30 minutes and includes swimming and snorkeling. Cala Comte is known for clear turquoise water and a beautiful setting, so this stop gives you a different kind of pleasure: less myth and rock drama, more classic Ibiza beach scenery.

The two stops make the price easier to justify. You are not paying only for a sightseeing ride. You are getting two chances to enter the water, use the equipment, and cool down after the speedboat crossings.

Still, the schedule may feel tight if swimming is your priority. One direct comment about the outing was that the route included many beautiful places but would be better with fewer stops and more time in the water. That is a useful warning. This is a sightseeing trip with swimming, not a dedicated snorkeling expedition.

Cala Comte on the way back

Cala Comte is the final major stop before the return to San Antonio. Its clear water and attractive setting make it a popular place to swim, and the boat gives you a view without requiring a separate beach visit.

The stop is short enough that you should get ready before the boat anchors or slows down. Have your sunscreen, mask, and towel within reach. You do not want to spend half the stop sorting through a bag.

Cala Comte also gives you a chance to compare two types of Ibiza coast. Es Vedrá feels rocky and mysterious. Cala Comte feels more like the island’s familiar beach postcard, with clean water and an easy swimming setting.

After Cala Comte, the boat returns through more scenic stretches before arriving back at the original meeting point. The listed route includes more viewpoints and coastal cruising, so the return is not simply a direct transfer.

What the $101 price includes

At $101 per person, this is not a budget beach shuttle. The price covers a three-hour guided outing on a Capelli RIB boat, fuel, a professional skipper, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, soft drinks, and snacks.

I consider the value reasonable for someone who wants several experiences in one booking. You get a boat ride, west-coast sightseeing, Es Vedrá, Atlantis, two swimming stops, and transport back to San Antonio. Hiring a boat separately would require more planning and would not necessarily include equipment or a skipper.

The value is weaker if your only aim is to spend as long as possible swimming in one cove. A slower beach day could give you more water time for less money, depending on your plans. This trip charges for movement and access as much as for the swimming itself.

The supplied drinks are a welcome practical touch, especially in the sun. Just remember that soft drinks and snacks are not a meal. Bring no glass, and do not count on buying lunch during the three-hour outing.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this trip to couples, friends, and active families with children old enough for a fast boat and open-water swimming. Children under five are not accepted. People with back problems should also avoid it, since the ride can be jolting.

This is a good match for you if you want:

• A strong mix of speed and swimming
• A look at Es Vedrá and Atlantis without arranging a private boat
• Two chances to snorkel
• Coastal views from the water
• A three-hour activity that begins and ends in San Antonio

It is less suitable if you want a quiet sailing experience, a full meal, a long beach visit, or a detailed land tour of Sa Pedrera. The boat ride is central to the outing, so you should enjoy the journey between stops, not just the stops themselves.

The skipper can speak Spanish, English, and French. That helps with basic instructions and sightseeing information, though the supplied details do not promise a long formal commentary at every site.

Practical tips for a smoother outing

Arrive 30 minutes early at the office, even though the boat is only a short walk away. Wear swimwear under your clothes so you do not waste water-stop time changing.

Use sunscreen before departure and bring more for later. A towel is not supplied, and you will want one after both swimming stops. Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially for moving around the office and boat area.

Pack light. You can leave a small backpack at the office, but anything you take onto the boat should be secure. Keep phones and cameras protected from spray.

If you prefer the calmest possible water ride, ask about conditions when you check in. The trip is not described as suitable for people with back problems, which tells you that the boat ride may be firm rather than gentle.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Ibiza schedule is still changing.

Should you book this Ibiza boat trip?

Book it if you want to combine speedboat excitement, Es Vedrá scenery, and two swims in a compact three-hour outing. The strongest points are the access to rocky coastal sites, the clear water, the friendly service, and the chance to see coves that are difficult to appreciate from land.

Skip it if you want a slow day, a full meal, or much longer snorkeling sessions. The route covers a lot, and that means the stops are measured rather than sprawling.

For most visitors staying in San Antonio, the $101 cost is sensible when you value variety and convenience. Arrive early, eat beforehand, bring a towel, and treat the snacks as a bonus rather than lunch. With those expectations, this is a lively and well-rounded way to see Ibiza’s west coast from the water.

FAQ

How long is the Ibiza speedboat trip?

The activity lasts three hours and returns to the original meeting point in San Antonio.

Where does the boat trip start?

It starts at Jet Ski Ibiza Es Vedrà Tours & Boat Rentals, Carrer del Far number 6, San Antoni de Portmany, under Hotel Es Mitjorn.

How early should I arrive?

You should check in 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

What places does the boat visit?

The route passes west-coast beaches and coves, including Cala Bassa, then continues to Es Vedrá and the Sa Pedrera quarry, also called Atlantis. The return includes a stop at Cala Comte.

Are swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. You have a swimming and snorkeling stop at Es Vedrá and another swimming and snorkeling opportunity at Cala Comte.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the activity price.

Are food and drinks included?

Small snacks, bottled water, and soft drinks are included. A proper meal is not provided.

Is the trip suitable for young children or people with back problems?

The activity is not suitable for children under five or for people with back problems.