Ibiza: Boat Trip to Margaritas Islands and Aquarium Ticket

Ibiza’s best coastal views often arrive from the water, and this three-hour catamaran trip gives you a handy sampler of the island’s northwest shore. You’ll pass coves and sea caves, visit Aquarium Cap Blanc inside a natural cliff cave, then stop for a swim near the Margaritas Islands, also known as Ses Margalides.

I like the easy mix of sightseeing and free time. You get an unhurried swim stop with snorkels, fins, floats, and pool noodles, plus included drinks and fruit. The main thing to consider is weather: rough seas can change the route, and the Margaritas Islands stop may not be possible on every departure.

At a glance

• A natural aquarium in a sea cave: Aquarium Cap Blanc sits inside a cliff cavern where seawater flows in naturally.
• The west coast from the water: See Cala Gració, Cala Gracioneta, Cala Salada, and Cala Saladeta without arranging separate beach trips.
• A proper swim break: The stop near Ses Balandres and Ses Margalides lasts about 30 minutes, with water gear supplied.
• Drinks included: Water, soft drinks, beer, sangria, and white wine are available onboard.
• Good family timing: Three hours is long enough for several sights but short enough for children who tire on full-day boat trips.
• Simple meeting point: Redeem your ticket at the Capitan Nemo booth by the large fountain on San Antonio’s promenade.

A gentle start from San Antonio

The boat leaves from Capitan Nemo Ibiza in San Antonio. To find it, go to the wooden Nautilus Ibiza booths directly in front of the boat and look for the booth marked CAPITAN NEMO, beside the large fountain on the promenade.

Allow a few minutes to locate the booth and redeem your ticket. This is not a dock hidden down a side street, but San Antonio’s waterfront can be busy, so arriving with time to spare will make the start calmer.

The boat is a spacious catamaran with upper and lower areas, an indoor bar, an onboard restroom, and a glass-bottom viewing area on the lower deck. The glass windows are set along the sides, giving you a look at the seabed as the boat moves. The lower area can feel hot, so you may prefer the open decks except when you specifically want to look through the windows.

The crew provides commentary in English and Spanish. You’ll hear facts about the coast as the boat passes coves, rock formations, and caves. Music also forms part of the trip, giving the cruise a light holiday feel rather than the atmosphere of a formal sightseeing lecture.

Aquarium Cap Blanc inside the cliff

After roughly 30 minutes of cruising, the first main stop is Aquarium Cap Blanc. This is not a large modern aquarium with rows of polished tanks. It is a natural sea cave cut into the coast, with seawater flowing in and creating a home for local Mediterranean marine life.

That setting is the real reason to visit. You see native species in a place connected to the sea itself, which gives the stop a stronger sense of place than a standard indoor aquarium. It also makes the visit easy for children: there is a clear, compact attraction before the boat continues along the coast.

The aquarium visit lasts about 20 minutes. That is enough time for a focused look, but it is not a long stop. If you are especially interested in marine biology, you may wish it lasted longer. Keep your expectations in line with the schedule: this is one part of a boat excursion, not a full aquarium visit.

The lower glass-bottom area on the boat adds another way to see Ibiza’s underwater world. It is useful for children or anyone who does not want to snorkel, though the viewing area is warmer than the open decks and is best used for a short look.

Cala Gració, Cala Salada, and the northwest coast

Back on the water, the cruise continues past some of Ibiza’s most attractive coves. Cala Gració and Cala Gracioneta are known for clear water and sandy shores, while Cala Salada and Cala Saladeta have a more secluded feel, with rocky edges and wooded surroundings.

From a boat, you get a different view from the usual beach visit. Instead of spending the whole afternoon at one cove, you pass several in one outing and see how the bays fit together along the coast. You also reach small caves and rocky corners that are difficult to approach from land.

This portion takes about 40 minutes. It is a good time to settle into a deck seat, take photos, and listen to the guide. If you want the clearest views, stay outside rather than spending the full cruise in the indoor bar area. Bring sunglasses, as bright light reflecting off the water can be strong.

The scenery is the main attraction here, not a long list of formal stops. The captain keeps the boat moving, so you should expect passing views rather than a chance to get off at each beach.

Swimming near Ses Balandres and Ses Margalides

The most active part of the trip comes at the swimming area near Ses Balandres and the Margaritas Islands, referred to in the route as Ses Margalides. The boat anchors in a protected area with clear water, giving you about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

You can enter the sea from the boat and use the supplied aquatic equipment. Snorkels, masks, fins, floats, and pool noodles are available, so you do not need to pack a full set of gear. This is particularly useful for families, since children can choose a float or noodle instead of committing to snorkeling.

The water may feel chilly outside the hottest summer months. That does not make the stop less worthwhile, but it is something to expect in spring or early season. Bring swimwear and a towel, and keep sunscreen with you. Towels and suncream are not included.

The water stop is not a beach landing. You swim beside the boat, with the coast and rocky islets around you. That makes it a refreshing break from sightseeing, but it may not suit you if you prefer to walk on shore or spend a long time on sand.

The crew pays attention to swimmers during the stop, and the boat keeps to the planned pickup time. Still, you should follow the crew’s instructions and stay within the swimming area. The stop is designed for fun in the water, not for a long independent snorkel session.

After the swim, the boat spends about 20 minutes at Ses Margalides for an aperitif and local snacks. The exact flow between the swim and snack portions can vary, but the plan gives you time to dry off, have a drink, and enjoy fruit or other light food before the return cruise.

Drinks, snacks, and what the $46 covers

At $46 per person, the price is strong for a three-hour outing because several extras are built into the fare. You receive:

• Catamaran transport
• Captain and live guide
• Aquarium Cap Blanc entry
• Swimming stop
• Snorkeling and float equipment
• Water, soft drinks, beer, sangria, and white wine
• An appetizer or light snack
• Fruit
• Onboard restroom and indoor bar

The included drinks make a real difference. You can get water and soft drinks, while adults can choose beer, sangria, or white wine. The boat also provides fruit, and the onboard food selection can include small pastries or sweets. Other food, such as ice lollies, may be available to buy separately.

I would not book this as a meal replacement. The food is a snack, not lunch. Eat something before boarding if you need a substantial meal, then treat the included fruit and appetizer as a pleasant extra.

The value is best for people who want several small experiences in one booking: a coastal cruise, a natural aquarium, a swim, equipment rental, and drinks. If you only want a quiet boat ride with no swimming or family activity, you may find the included extras less important.

How the three hours are paced

The full route is carefully divided:

• Around 30 minutes of initial sightseeing from San Antonio
• About 20 minutes at Aquarium Cap Blanc
• Around 40 minutes cruising along the coves
• About 30 minutes swimming and snorkeling near Ses Balandres
• Around 20 minutes for the aperitif and local snacks at Ses Margalides
• Around 40 minutes cruising back to San Antonio

This rhythm keeps the outing moving. You are rarely stuck in one place for too long, which helps younger children. At the same time, anyone wanting a longer swim or a slow visit at the aquarium may find each stop brief.

A technical issue with the public-address system can affect commentary on occasion. If that happens, the guides may need to speak over the engine and waves, so you might miss some information. The scenery and stops still carry the trip, but the spoken explanation is less reliable than the route itself.

Weather is the main variable. Strong conditions can prevent the boat from reaching the Margaritas Islands, so the captain may alter the route for safety. This is worth keeping in mind if that specific stop is your main reason for booking.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

This outing suits families especially well. The aquarium gives children a clear point of interest, the swimming stop adds action, and the boat supplies floats and snorkeling equipment. The three-hour length is also easier to fit around naps, meals, or a beach afternoon than a full-day cruise.

Couples can use it as a relaxed way to see the west coast without hiring a boat. The included sangria, wine, and coastal scenery add a holiday feel, while the swim gives the outing more substance than a simple harbor cruise.

It also works for first-time visitors who want an introduction to Ibiza beyond nightlife. You see coves, cliffs, caves, and protected islets in one compact trip. You will not explore every beach in detail, but you will gain a useful sense of the coast.

You may want to skip it if you dislike boat movement, want a quiet adult-only setting, or prefer spending most of your day on land. Music, families, drinks, and water activity give this a social holiday atmosphere rather than a hushed nature trip.

Practical tips before you board

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, flip-flops, and a camera. Sunscreen and towels are not included, and the open deck gives you little shade protection if you forget the basics.

Wear something that can handle sea spray and bring a secure way to carry small items. Keep your camera protected near the swim area, since the boat provides easy access to the water.

If you want commentary and broad coastal views, choose an outside position. Visit the lower glass-bottom section briefly rather than sitting there for the whole trip, since it can feel hot.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check the available departure before booking. The tour operates with English and Spanish guides.

Should you book the Capitan Nemo cruise?

Book it if you want good value in a short time. The combination of Aquarium Cap Blanc, west-coast scenery, a proper swim stop, equipment, and included drinks is hard to match for $46.

I would choose it for families, couples, and first-time Ibiza visitors who want a relaxed half-day activity. Just keep two limits in mind: the aquarium visit is brief, and poor weather can change the Margaritas Islands route. If you accept those conditions, this is a practical and enjoyable way to see Ibiza from the sea.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip depart from?

It departs from Capitan Nemo Ibiza in San Antonio. Redeem your ticket at the Nautilus Ibiza wooden booths in front of the boat, at the booth marked CAPITAN NEMO near the large fountain on the promenade.

How long does the excursion last?

The boat trip lasts three hours, including the coastal cruise, Aquarium Cap Blanc visit, swim stop, snack period, and return cruise.

Is Aquarium Cap Blanc included?

Yes. Entry to Aquarium Cap Blanc is included in the ticket price, and the scheduled visit lasts about 20 minutes.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks are water, soft drinks, beer, sangria, and white wine. An appetizer and fruit are also included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Aquatic equipment is available onboard, including snorkeling gear, fins, floats, and pool noodles.

Do I need to bring a towel and sunscreen?

Yes. Towels and suncream are not included, so bring both along with swimwear, sunglasses, and comfortable clothing.

Can the Margaritas Islands stop be changed?

Yes. Weather can affect the route, and the boat may be unable to reach the Margaritas Islands in unsuitable conditions.