Best water sports to try in Ibiza

When on vacation, you want to leave everything behind and relax under the sun. Sometimes, it’s easy to get too attached to the sunbed by the pool. However, holidays are also about enjoying some action and trying new experiences! And what a better way to pump up your adrenaline than water sports? 

Ibiza is not simply a good destination for sea activities. It is an aquatic sports paradise! Whether you prefer more intense and energetic activities or a chill water exploration, there is something to do for everyone in Ibiza. So, stop scrolling on your phone and make the best of your vacation on a paddle, a banana inflatable or a jet ski!

1. Jet skiing
2. Paddle boarding
3. Scuba diving
4. Snorkeling
5. Flyboarding and jetboarding
6. Inflatables
7. Kayaking

Ibiza: a water sports paradise for literally everyone!

1. Jet skiing

Among the most popular water sports in Ibiza, jet skiing is the ultimate fun activity for couples and groups of friends looking for an adrenaline rush. Take a fast ride on Ibiza’s crystal-clear waters and across the island’s impressive cliffs and stunning coasts.

A jet-ski adventure is for everyone, no matter your experience. If you haven’t tried it before, you can get training with a specialist and, once you feel more confident, you can start riding the waves on your own. The San Antonio bay, Ibiza’s water-sports heart, is the most popular spot and there are many places where you can rent a jet ski. There are also infrustructures in Santa Eulalia, Cala Bassa and Cala Conta.

Fast and furious: the “riding the waves” edition

2. Paddle boarding

Puddling gently on a SUP (stand-up paddle) on the transparent waters of Ibiza is one of the best ways to explore its wonderful seabeds and coves, such as as Cala Llonga, Cala Gració, Cala Bassa, Cala Vadella, and Playa des Figueral. You can even reach hidden beaches and sea caves!

Standup paddleboarding is not only relaxing and great for sightseeing, but also a great workout.  At first it might be hard to find your balance and row in a standing position, but you will soon become an expert with the help of a local professional, like the ones at Paddle Surf Ibiza!

Tip: though no prior experience is required, you must know how to swim to try puddling.

Relaxing, exploring and exercising: the three ingredients of an SUP ride

3. Scuba diving

Ibiza’s waters are ideal for scuba diving, as the luminosity of its waters allows visibility of up to 40 meters. This sport is for the courageous ones, but also very rewarding when you are discovering the underwater treasures of the Balearic sea. A qualified instructor will keep you safe and show you the techniques!

Some great places for a scuba-diving excursion are San Antonio, Marina Botafoch and the neighboring island of Formentera. However, the beaches close to Santa Eulalia town are definitely the best spots. There, you will enjoy fascinating dives along the Santa Eulalia reef, full of sea life, and explore a sunken beacon (The Lighthouse). The town’s Aqua Diving Center will provide you with all the diver services you need.

The transparent waters of Aguas Blancas beach in Santa Eulalia

4. Snorkeling

If you enjoy snorkeling, you can take a boat tour to visit some of Ibiza’s most beautiful caves and seabeds. These tours are a great opportunity to swim in isolated, scenic spots that you would normally be able to see only from a distance. Most snorkeling excursions depart from San Antonio bay and last 2-3 hours, with a 1-hour swimming stop.

One of the best beaches for snorkeling is the amazing Cala Salada in west Ibiza. Its cliffs have perfect snorkeling spots and are great for cliff diving. The beach’s rich underwater world has beautiful rocks of all shapes and a flourishing sea life. The gently sloping beach is also perfect for families.

Tip: if you are a lazy swimmer but love an adrenaline-filled adventure, try seabobbing. You just hold onto a little vehicle, lie down and speed off under (or above) the water like a fast fish!

The rocky snorkeling paradise of Cala Salada

5. Flyboarding and jetboarding

Flyboarding is one of the most exciting water sports out there. You just wear a pair of oversized boots powered by water jets and literally fly 10 meters over the water. This sport doesn’t require physical strength, just balance and self-confidence. If you are up for it, Ibiza Watersports in San Antonio is the place for you.

If you like paddle boarding and (wind)surfing but want something more thrilling, you need to try jetboarding. You ride an electric board and move along the waves controlling your board’s speed! At Take Off Ibiza in San Antonio bay, you will find instructors and equipment.

The thrill of fly(board)ing over the sea!

6. Inflatables

Inflatables are always a good option for groups of friends that want to have a lot of fun. Starting with the inflatables’ names, like 'The Flying Fish', 'The Sofa' or the classic 'The Banana Boat', you already know this experience will be wild, wet and make you laugh to tears!

There is a large inflatable variety to try: some just float and are easier to handle, while others move at a speed creating epic waves and throwing or making you fall off into the water. Visit Ibiza Watersports with your friends to find the most ridiculous one from their collection!

Group on a banana wondering who will fall off first

7. Kayaking

Last but not least is the classic kayaking, a popular sport you will enjoy in the clear waters of Ibiza. Though very calming, this aquatic sport requires some degree of fitness, so you don’t get too tired and sore too fast.

Across the entire island, and especially in the vicinity of Amàre and on the west coast, there are various routes, such as the Cala Salada – Ses Balandres route. You can row towards the sunset or, if you are lucky enough, next to dolphins!

The sun, the rocks, the sea, the calm rowing… the pure happiness of kayaking!

Ready to swim, dive, row, fly, and speed off (maybe also fall off sometimes) in the magical waters of Ibiza? Prepare for some serious adrenaline rush! All you need to do is to get super excited and book ferry tickets to Ibiza online on Ferryhopper, at no extra cost!

Tip: planning your trip to Ibiza and looking for the best way to travel to the island? Check out our complete guide on how to get to Ibiza.