With its ambient sea temperatures and beautiful rocky coves, Ibiza's beaches make a great springboard for snorkelling in the summer. The water around our islands is of exceptional clarity, thanks to the Posidonia Oceanica seagrass meadows, and it's easy to see fish and other marine life.
Around the rocks, you can find much to interest you, including groupers, wrasses, and elusive octopi. In open water, you will be surrounded by shoals of the ubiquitous silver Saddled Seabream, with their distinctive black spot, the moment you throw out any bait.
Swimming above Posidonia beds, you are likely to see shoals of pretty silver-and-yellow salpa grazing amongst the seagrass. You might be lucky to spot flatfish and rays under the sandier bottoms.
Make sure you arrive prepared with a mask and snorkel. Flippers and aqua shoes are also a good idea, especially if there are rocks and sea urchins underfoot.
You will find that the best spots are always close to rocky areas such as the coastline and any small islets jutting out of the water. Read on to discover our top pick of them.
Cala Comte
With a combination of rocks, sand and converging currents, there's plenty to see at Cala Comte, and visibility couldn't be clearer.
Few visitors familiarise themselves with the great snorkelling areas to either side of the main beach, but there is a lot to be seen. To the left, as you approach Cala Comte, lies the beach of Racó d'en Xic. This area is favoured by nudists, but there's so much going on underneath the surface that your eyes won't be diverted! Behind restaurant Ses Roques, to the right, is a rocky bay that makes a great place to get into the water, away from the crowded beach. Keep an eye out for rock lobsters around here.
Cala Gració
Located due west of the resort of San Antonio, after Caló des Moro beach and accessible by a walking path, the coastline around Aquarium Cap Blanc is a great location for observing sea life. The Aquarium (well worth a visit if swimming conditions aren't great) is open to the sea, allowing water and marine life to flow in and out. The nearby Gració and Gracioneta beaches are also safe snorkelling spots for the youngsters.
Cala Xarraca and Cala Xuclar
The inviting aesthetics of Cala Xarraca and its little neighbour Cala Xuclar make these northern beaches ideal spots for snorkelling, especially because of the rocky seabed, outcrops of rock and the craggy coastline. The bays are well sheltered with crystal-clear shallow waters that teem with wildlife.
At Cala Xarraca, there is a rock in the middle of the bay, so you can cross over the meadows of Posidonia seagrass and do your own snorkelling tour around it. Just before sunset is the perfect time to go.
Cala San Vicente
Cala San Vicente is a long sandy beach in the northeast of the island where it’s also possible to see incredible fish. The very observant might be treated to a rare sighting of one of the most spectacular Balearic fish, the flying gurnard. It is known in Spanish as roncador because of the snoring sound it makes - honestly, if there is no noise around you, you may even hear it - as it lies on the seabed. Alternatively, you may catch sight of one 'flying' along the surface with its blue-fringed ‘wings’ outstretched.
Pou des Lleó
This tiny fishing port on Ibiza's east coast is a peaceful spot for snorkelling, with calm, clear water and a sandy seabed offering excellent visibility. Explore the rocky edges and caves of the coastline for the best chance of spotting a variety of fish and other marine life.
If you're feeling really adventurous, rent a kayak and head over to the neighbouring island of Tagomago for an exciting swim.
Ses Salines
From the beach bar Sa Trinxa, at the end of the beach Ses Salines, walk further along the coast towards the lookout tower known as Es Pouet. You will find good places for snorkelling anywhere along this stretch of the Ses Salines Natural Park (Parc Natural de Ses Salines d'Eivissa i Formentera), which covers roughly 3,000 hectares of land and over 13,000 hectares of marine environment and protects a rich biodiversity.
Es Caló, Formentera
To the south of Ibiza lies the sister island in our little archipelago, Formentera, where a wealth of snorkelling opportunities awaits. World-renowned for the clarity of the turquoise water, the island has 85km of undeveloped coastline just waiting to be explored.
Nevertheless, our favourite spot has to be at Es Caló. This picture-perfect little fishing cove is like a big, natural fishbowl. There are many boat slipways here to help you get in and out, but it is recommended to wear water shoes.
Once you're all equipped, all that's left to do is take the plunge and explore the wonderful life beneath Ibiza and Formentera's waters!
For those who prefer an organised trip, check out the many boat excursions departing from the major resorts. They all include a dip in the sea at some idyllic spots around the coast of Ibiza, with all snorkelling gear provided.
Header image | Cala Xarraca beach
