What date could have been more auspicious for this maritime adventure than 1 June, the start of the summer?
As we boarded the Captain Nemo on the promenade of San Antonio, the conditions were ideal: a blue sky overhead, aquamarine waters beneath us, and the sun in all its Mediterranean glory above us.
Our destination on this four-hour voyage: the magical islet of Es Vedrá on the most southwestern tip of Ibiza and the coastal highlights in between.
Once we’d checked in at the kiosk on shore, we collected our paper cups—to drink the unlimited water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria on board—and then stepped up the gangplank.
Seated around the top deck were our fellow voyagers: a nice mix of families, couples, and groups of friends from all four corners of the globe, eagerly awaiting their cruise along the southwest coast of the island.
Our first stop was to pick up more passengers on the other side of the bay, Port d'es Torrent. Departing the bay, we passed by such iconic beaches as Cala Bassa and Cala Conta.
The thoughtful Captain Nemo team has even included a bean bag. One tiny traveller certainly approved!
One of many cheeky seagulls swooping in for a Pringles!
An unexpected treat was our stop at the rock cluster known as Es Farallons. It was here that our captain suggested we go below decks to view the seabed from the boat’s glass bottom.
Heading south, the green, pine-forested hills of the interior accompanied us. In the distance stood the island's highest peak, S’Atalaya.
The closer we got, the greater the hush of sheer awe that came over us. From the boat’s prow we were able to get up so close to Es Vedrá that we could touch it – congratulations to our captain for his skilled steering!
Eventually, the majestic sight of Es Vedrá appeared on the horizon. Hearts quickening, those on board made their way to the front of the boat.
Cleaving to the islet’s shore, we got a bird’s eye view of its extraordinary craggy features and caves.
The southwestern tip—a knife-like point—really is a perspective of the islet that you never get to see normally, which makes this excursion so special.
After that, it was full steam ahead for its sister islet, Es Vedranell, also a bird sanctuary. At this point, the swell increased slightly. It’s not a bad idea to take along some seasickness tablets, just in case.
Continuing on for a few minutes, we came to the coastal site popularly known as Atlantis. Officially called Sa Pedrera de Cala d’Hort, it was the quarry from which much of the sandstone that was used to build the walls of Ibiza Town was taken. Its unusual rock carvings make for a great photo op.
From there, we hugged the coast until we stopped at a tiny cove, just before the beach of Cala D’Hort. Here it was time for a 40-minute swim and snorkelling stop, followed by fresh fruit.
Cue frantic activity on the bow deck as everyone seized the chance to enter the gleaming turquoise water. You can access the sea by jumping, diving, climbing down the ladder or even sliding down the chute!
The boat provides everything you could need: float mats, inflatables, snorkelling gear and the like.
Exhilarated, we lounged and chatted as we returned to port, entering the Bay of San Antonio at two pm sharp. Thanking the helpful and friendly crew (a tiny bucket for tips is located by the gangplank), we set foot on land again.
What a fine excursion it had been!
The Es Vedrà excursion is available:
Daytime: every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 10:00-14:00
Sunset: every Tuesday and Thursday from 18:00 -21:00
Head here to book your sea adventure directly online with Capitan Nemo.
