Tabarca
Two hours from Santa Pola. A marine reserve, clear water and a perfect anchorage to stretch out day one before the crossing.
Santa Pola – Ibiza sailing crossing
The crossing from Santa Pola to the Balearics is one of the longest and finest trips you can make aboard Mojito. Here's how long it takes, when to cross and which stopovers are worth stringing together.
Distances and approximate duration
Distances are approximate nautical miles in a straight line; times assume an average of 5–6 knots, the usual cruising speed for a sailboat of this size. Wind and sea state can stretch them.
| Santa Pola → Tabarca island | ≈ 8 nm | 1 h 30 – 2 h | The classic short hop: marine reserve, anchoring and swimming. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Pola → Ibiza (Sant Antoni) | ≈ 75 nm | 13 – 15 h | Direct crossing to the west coast of Ibiza. |
| Santa Pola → Ibiza (Eivissa) | ≈ 90 nm | 15 – 18 h | Rounding the south towards Eivissa bay. |
| Ibiza → Formentera | ≈ 12 nm | 2 – 3 h | Es Freus: the channel between islands, very exposed to wind. |
When to cross: the weather window
The crossing is done in one leg, with hours of open sea and no ports in between, so the call is made with the forecast in hand rather than with the calendar. We look for a stable window of at least 24 hours: moderate wind from a favourable direction, low swell and no fronts coming in. May to October offers the most windows; easterly weather and strong westerly gusts are the two usual reasons to delay or postpone.
- Usual departure: at dusk or before dawn, to arrive in daylight.
- Part of the passage is sailed at night, with watches on board.
- The date is confirmed 48–72 h ahead, once the forecast is reliable.
- If the window doesn't appear, we reschedule. Safety comes first.
Stopovers worth making
Sant Antoni and the west coast
The first landfall coming from the mainland. Coves sheltered from the east and the island's best-known sunsets.
Eivissa and Ses Salines
The southern bay, with the old town behind you and the Ses Salines natural park close by.
Formentera
Across Es Freus. Sandy anchorages, clear water and the usual finale of the trip.
How it works aboard Mojito
Mojito takes up to 10 guests on day trips and a smaller group when sleeping on board, which is the norm on a crossing to the Balearics. It can be chartered with a skipper, or bareboat if you hold the licence and offshore experience required. Itinerary, days and stopovers are agreed with you before departure.
Thinking of crossing to Ibiza this season?
Tell us the dates you have in mind and how many you are, and we'll put together a proposal with stopovers and pricing.