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

Es Vedrá is the star here, but the real treat is reaching it by fast boat. You skim past Ibiza’s west-coast coves, stop near the rocky Atlantis quarry, then swim and snorkel in clear Mediterranean water before a second stop at Cala Comte. It packs a lot of coastline into three hours.

I like the two proper water stops, and I like the way the route turns the boat ride itself into part of the sightseeing. You also get snacks, soft drinks, water, snorkel gear, fuel, and a professional skipper in the $101 price. The tradeoff is simple: with several scenic passages, some people may want more than 30 minutes in the water at each stop.

• Es Vedrá and Atlantis: Reach Ibiza’s legendary offshore rock and Sa Pedrera quarry by boat, with time for photos, swimming, and snorkeling.
• Two swim stops: Spend about 30 minutes at Es Vedrá and another 30 minutes at Cala Comte.
• West-coast views: Pass Cala Bassa and other popular coves that are difficult to appreciate from land.
• Fast, compact format: Cover a lot of coast in three hours aboard a Capelli RIB with a professional skipper.
• Useful inclusions: Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, soft drinks, snacks, skipper, boat, and fuel are included.
• Easy San Antonio meeting point: Check in under Hotel Es Mitjorn, then walk about two minutes to the boat.

Why Es Vedrá Makes This Boat Trip Special

Ibiza’s west coast is best understood from the water. Roads can bring you close to beaches and viewpoints, but they do not show you the full shape of the coves, cliffs, caves, and offshore rock formations. From a speedboat, you get a moving view of the coast instead of one fixed beach stop.

Es Vedrá gives the outing its sense of occasion. The rocky islet is wrapped in local myths, but you do not need to take the legends literally to appreciate the place. Its isolated position and stark rock formations make it a memorable backdrop for photographs, especially when seen from the water.

The trip also visits Atlantis, the informal name for the quarry at Sa Pedrera. This is not a polished attraction with signs and exhibits. It is a rugged coastal site shaped by stone extraction and sea erosion, best appreciated for its unusual rock walls and natural swimming setting.

For me, the value lies in combining both places with the ride between them. You are not spending three hours at one beach. You are using a fast boat to connect several coastal sights that would otherwise take more effort to see in one outing.

Starting in San Antonio and Getting Oriented

The meeting point is at Carrer del Far number 6 in San Antoni de Portmany, directly under Hotel Es Mitjorn. Look for the large Yamaha flag at the door. If you arrive by car, Plaza España is the closest parking option, about one minute away.

Plan to check in 30 minutes before departure. The office is not directly beside the boat, but the walk to the port takes about two minutes. That is useful to know because arriving at the office at the last minute is not the same as stepping straight aboard.

You can leave a small backpack per person at the office if you would rather not carry it on the boat. Bring only what you need for the water: swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, and comfortable shoes. Glass objects, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed.

The boat is a Capelli RIB, a rigid inflatable boat suited to quick coastal runs. A speedboat is more exposed than a large sightseeing vessel, so pack belongings carefully and expect the ride to feel active. The experience is not suitable for children under five or for people with back problems.

The First Hour: Cala Bassa and Ibiza’s West Coast

The opening section is a scenic run from San Antonio past the west coast. One listed passage includes Cala Bassa, with time to view and photograph the coast from the boat rather than stop on shore.

Cala Bassa is one of Ibiza’s best-known beaches, but this outing treats it as part of a wider coastal sequence. That is a good approach if you want variety. You see the beach, surrounding coves, and rocky edges without using up one of the main swim stops.

The boat then continues past more popular coves and beaches. The schedule allows roughly 25 minutes for one sailing section, followed by about five minutes around Cala Bassa, then another 25-minute passage. These timings are a useful guide to the rhythm of the trip: ride, look, photograph, and ride again.

This is also where expectations matter. The boat ride is not just transportation to Es Vedrá. You will spend a large share of the three hours moving along the coast. If you love the feeling of speed, wind, and changing views, that is part of the appeal. If you want a long, quiet snorkeling session, the scheduled stops may feel brief.

Es Vedrá and Atlantis: The Main Stop

After about an hour, the boat reaches the Es Vedrá and Atlantis area. The stop lasts around 30 minutes and combines several activities: free time, photographs, sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and views of marine life.

That sounds like a lot for half an hour, and it is. You will need to decide how you want to use the stop. You can stay in the water with the provided snorkeling equipment, focus on the rock formations, or split your time between the two. Trying to do everything at once may leave you feeling rushed.

The water is described as crystal clear, which makes the stop well suited to a quick look below the surface. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel. You should still bring a towel, since one is not supplied.

The setting has a different feel from a standard beach visit. There is no long stretch of sand to settle into. Instead, you are surrounded by rock, open water, and the dramatic outline of Es Vedrá. The atmosphere is more about the natural setting than comfort.

A small snack and soft drinks are served at the stop. Bottled water and additional soft drinks are included, but this is not a full meal. Eat beforehand if you need something substantial, particularly if you plan to swim and are sensitive to motion on a fast boat.

One especially positive outing was led by Captain Iker, who took the group to several attractive spots and kept the mood light. Guide assignments can vary, but the named captain gives you a sense of the personal scale of the experience. This is not a large vessel with a formal lecture. It is a skipper-led trip where the boat, route, and water stops do most of the talking.

The Return Run and Cala Comte

The return route includes another roughly 30-minute sailing section before reaching Cala Comte. This famous beach is the second water stop, with swimming and snorkeling in clear water.

Cala Comte is a strong choice for the final stop because it provides a contrast with Es Vedrá. The first stop centers on the offshore rock and Atlantis formations. Cala Comte is more directly associated with turquoise water and a famous beach setting. You get another chance to cool off and see the coast from the sea.

Again, the planned stop is about 30 minutes. That is enough for a swim and a short snorkeling session, but not enough for a slow beach afternoon. You do not get a long shore break here, and the route does not include a meal at the beach.

After Cala Comte, the boat continues back toward San Antonio, with another scenic passage of about 30 minutes before returning to the starting point. The full outing lasts three hours, though exact departure times depend on availability.

One useful point from the practical details: the title refers to snorkeling and paddle, but the included equipment specifically lists snorkeling gear. Do not assume a paddleboard or other paddling equipment is provided unless the operator confirms it before booking. The clearly advertised water activities are swimming and snorkeling.

What the $101 Price Really Covers

At $101 per person, this is not a cheap beach transfer. You are paying for a guided speedboat route, fuel, a professional skipper, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, soft drinks, snacks, and access to two coastal water stops.

The price makes more sense if you value time and access. In three hours, you see several coves, Cala Bassa, Es Vedrá, Atlantis, and Cala Comte. The boat also lets you view parts of the coast from a position you cannot reach by car or on foot.

I would compare it with the cost of arranging separate transport, beach visits, and snorkeling equipment. That comparison is not exact, since the experience is a guided boat outing rather than a set of independent visits, but it shows where the value sits. You are buying a compact coastal route and a skipper who handles the navigation.

The snacks should be treated as a bonus, not lunch. Soft drinks and water help during the outing, but the activity does not include a full meal. Have food before departure or plan to eat afterward in San Antonio.

Who Will Enjoy the Speedboat Format

This trip suits you if you want to see a lot of the west coast in a short time. It is especially good for people who like active sightseeing, quick changes of scenery, swimming in open water, and the feel of a fast RIB.

It also works well for couples and small groups looking for a more focused outing. A private group option is available, which may be worth considering if you want the boat experience arranged around your own party rather than joining a standard group.

You should think twice if you have back problems. The boat is built for speed and coastal movement, and the activity explicitly excludes people with back issues. It is also not suitable for children under five.

This is not the right pick if your ideal beach day means lying on sand for hours. The schedule gives you about 30 minutes at each main water stop, with substantial time spent traveling between locations. The route is the point, not extended time at one beach.

Practical Tips for a Better Day on the Water

Wear swimwear under your clothes and use sunscreen before you arrive. You will have limited time at the stops, so changing after departure is not something to count on.

Bring a towel. It is specifically excluded from the price, and you will need one after two water stops. Comfortable shoes are also recommended, especially for getting to and from the boat and moving around rocky coastal areas.

Keep your belongings small. The office allows one small backpack per person to be left behind, which is useful if you do not want to take everything onto the boat. Do not bring glass.

Arrive early, not merely on time. The office is under Hotel Es Mitjorn, while the boat is at the port a short walk away. Checking in 30 minutes before departure gives you time to find the office, store a bag, and walk to the boat without a frantic start.

Ask about the day’s exact departure time when booking. The activity lasts three hours, but starting times vary according to availability. The skipper speaks Spanish, English, and French, so you can request the language that works best for you.

The cancellation terms are forgiving: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, useful if your Ibiza plans are still shifting.

Is This Ibiza Boat Trip Worth Booking?

I would book this if your priority is seeing Es Vedrá and Atlantis while adding two chances to swim and snorkel. The route offers a good mix of speed, scenery, and water time, and the included equipment and drinks keep the practical costs under control.

The main question is how you feel about the schedule. You get a lot in three hours, but the same efficiency means neither water stop is long. If you want a relaxed half-day at Cala Comte, choose a beach outing instead. If you want a fast coastal sampler with a memorable Es Vedrá stop, this is a strong use of a morning or afternoon.

The $101 price is easiest to justify for someone who would otherwise struggle to reach these places independently. Add the skipper, fuel, snorkeling gear, snacks, and soft drinks, and the package is reasonably complete. Just arrive early, bring a towel, and do not mistake the snacks for lunch.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

Meet at Carrer del Far number 6 in San Antoni de Portmany, directly under Hotel Es Mitjorn. Look for the large Yamaha flag at the entrance.

How early should I arrive?

Check in 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts three hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

What places does the route visit?

The trip departs from San Antonio and passes west-coast coves and beaches, including Cala Bassa. It stops at Es Vedrá and Atlantis, then at Cala Comte before returning to San Antonio.

Are swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. The trip includes swimming and snorkeling stops at Es Vedrá and Cala Comte, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

Are food and drinks included?

Bottled water, soft drinks, and a small snack are included. The snack is not a full meal.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. A towel is not included.

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.