Ibiza snorkeling guide – Where to go & what to see

Ibiza is a stunning Spanish gem lying just off the coast of Barcelona, belonging to the Balearic Islands. Although it is known as a party hub, this beautiful island charms and enthralls visitors time and again with its natural attractions. You are practically guaranteed to find the best possible beach for your own personal preferences, no matter you wish to just sunbathe or go on an underwater adventure. The so-called “White Island” turns out to be a Mecca for divers and snorkelers with gorgeous coves and golden beaches. Are you interested? Then keep reading to learn what the best Ibiza snorkeling places are and what creatures you can see!

Written by Anett Szaszi

Anett is a certified scuba diver, freediver, and an expert in snorkeling with more than 10 years of experience. She fell in love with the ocean while snorkeling in the Red Sea on a vacation to Egypt back in 2008. Since then, she has been traveling to discover the world’s best snorkeling spots and sharing her experience and tips to inspire others. Find her photos on @anett.szaszi Instagram too!

Best time to go snorkeling in Ibiza

The Balearic Islands have a pleasant climate that features warm summers and mild winters. These conditions make Ibiza an all-time vacation destination, but the sea isn’t warm year-round. Therefore, water sports are limited to the summer.

To go snorkeling in Ibiza, the best period is between July and September when the water temperatures can reach 78-80F/26-27 C, while the air temperatures are over 86F/30C during the day. The sea is not only pleasantly warm during these months, but also the visibility is excellent making underwater activities, no matter it’s diving, freediving or snorkeling extremely enjoyable.

Tip: Make sure to read our Spain snorkeling guide too!

Best 8 Ibiza snorkeling beaches

Cala Comte Beach

Although Cala Comte (Playa Cala Conta) is one of the most popular beaches of the island, you cannot neglect it when you are looking at the best Ibiza snorkeling beaches.

Tourists come here for the incredible views of turquoise-hued waters, so it will always be busy everyday in season, but nevertheless it is an ideal spot for snorkeling in the clear waters. Your goggles and snorkel are really all that you need here to enter into this underwater paradise.

Cala Codolar

For a one of a kind island creek experience to go and snorkel in Ibiza, you should not miss Cala Codolar. There is no overgrown developed area here, but only stones and crystal-clear water. The beach is also calm and sheltered where snorkeling is simply a blast. The place is also frequented by locals if you want a chance to mingle with the actual Ibizans.

Cala Codolar lies along the west coast of the sunny island. Getting here is easy if you follow the signs from San Antonio or San Jose down to Cala Tarida and Cala Vadella. The distance from Ibiza town is about 15 miles (24 kilometers) and around five miles (9 kilometers) away from San Jose. Parking lies both directly on and off the beach. Services here include chaise lounges and sun umbrellas. After sunbathing and swimming, try out one of the fish restaurants nearby where you can enjoy the island’s best sea food.

Insider tip: when visiting Cala Codolar, don’t miss out hiking up to the nearby Puertas Can Soleil monument (also known as the ‘Time and Space’ sculpture). The attraction consists of 13 columns with a more than 65 ft /20 m tall one in the middle. The idea of creating this ‘Ibiza Stonehenge’ comes from Guy Laliberte, the founder of Cirque du Soleil.

There are several excellent accommodations available near Cala Codolor; our favorite is 7Pines Resort Ibiza by Hyatt, a fabulous resort just 250 m from the beach and Villa Arola, a modern 4-bedroom villa with private pool.

Playa Cala Xarraca

Playa Cala Xarraca is called the beach destination with the clearest waters on Ibiza, making it a contender for the best spot for snorkeling in Ibiza. The beach is also unique in another important way.

It possesses a substantial slope with naturally occurring clay that is only present within this unique cove. It is wonderful for your skin, so be sure to apply it liberally after you finish your great snorkeling adventure.

Are you considering staying near this relaxing Ibiza beach? Then you will love Villa Samira, which is just a fifteen-minute walk away.

Related articles:
Top 10 Mallorca snorkeling spots
Where to go snorkeling in Menorca

S’Illot d’es Rencli Beach

S’Illot d’es Rencli Beach lies along the road near Cala Xarraca en route to Portinatx. This little cove does not boast the fine golden sand of other beaches on the island, but it is a wonderful spot to go snorkeling in Ibiza thanks to the rocky bottom.

The waters are supremely clear here and you can obtain an excellent view of the islet from which the beach derives its name. After your snorkeling adventure, do not forget to stop by the restaurant over the cliff and stroll past the boatyard houses. Enjoy a fantastic fish lunch or dinner beneath the pine tree shade!

Cala Gracio

Found within the beating heart of Ibiza, the Cala Gracio is a mere less than one mile (two kilometers) north of San Antonio town as well as only several minutes away from the island’s best resorts. It is a typical Ibizan beach. Although this typical Ibizan beach lies near the center of the bustling San Antonio, surprisingly it does not get overcrowded by tourists.

The sand is fine while the waters are pristine at this beautiful beach that occupies around 240 ft/80m of expanse. It is also ideally connected to both buses and ferry services. On top of this, you can even walk to the beach from San Antonio center in around just 15 minutes. The beach is well-sheltered and so both tranquil and safe. The cove is deep water yet boasts a mostly gentle decline offering perfect conditions to go snorkeling in Ibiza. It is a great location for beginners.

You should not come to Cala Gracio and miss the short stroll along its strand to the neighbor cove of Cala Gracioneta beach. Your reward is a little beach that has almost no people mobbing it. The Mambo Ibiza restaurant and beach club are found here too. Aside from offering great snorkeling options, you can enjoy an excellent local cocktail at the end of your snorkeling day while taking in the renowned Ibizan sunset.

Guests’ favorite is The Signature Level at TRS where you’ll get celebrity treatment and world-class service. If you want a more budget-friendly option, check out Marble Stella Maris Ibiza, a good family hotel with a well-kept garden and polite, helpful staff.

Cala Salada

Along the southeast of Ibiza is the tinier and more peaceful beach that boasts some of the most amazing Ibiza snorkeling opportunities with clear, calm waters that are safe for kids too. While this place is a bit difficult to get to, this shouldn’t stop you from packing your own beach umbrella, blanket, towel, and picnic lunch with drinks.

The beach is best outside of peak heat hours since it is a trek. Lying as it does on the West coast of the island equates to the sun staying out until past 9 pm and delivers cooler evening temperatures with sunlight. This is also a great beach for taking in the incomparable sunset of Ibiza in the late evening.

Just about 1km from this beach, Cala Salada Sunset Villa is a spacious 6 bedrooms villa with a big outdoor swimming pool and fantastic sunset views; perfect for family and romantic vacations too!

Punta Galera

Punta Galera is often referred to as among the more memorable locations on all of the “White Island.” The beach does not have any gravel or sand. Instead, it is populated by smooth rocks lying at various heights and levels. You are able to leave your towel on them for stretching in the glorious sun while you go snorkeling within the turquoise colored waters of the Mediterranean here.

Be warned that this is a harder place to get to. It has also transformed into one of the island’s best-known naturist beaches. Yet this does not detract from it being one of the best Ibiza snorkeling destinations.

Cala d’en Serra

There is a mountain top here from which you can take in the scene of this tiny cove and beach. The views from atop are simply breathtaking. After you reach the beach below, you will see a virgin natural landscape with verdant vegetation surrounding the sand as well as the renowned fishermen’s huts. There are just a couple of hammocks and a snack bar here in the way of amenities.

The steep cliffs and mountains covered in green vegetation give a stunning backdrop to Cala d’en Serra. The sand is a medium grain. Beneath the sea the rocks are algae-covered, influencing the amazing palette of colors making up the water. This place is described as an ideal place for both snorkeling and diving. Without a doubt this beach is part of the wildest and least spoiled places remaining on all of Ibiza.

Nearby recommended accommodations in Portinatx:
Barceló: modern Mediterranean-style adults-only resort
Apartamentos Portinatx: spacious, air-conditioned apartments with a sea view
Sandos El Greco: 4-star resort with 250 rooms set in a beautiful hillside location offering stunning views

Snorkeling tours in Ibiza

If you prefer joining a snorkeling tour and traveling around the island’s most iconic Calas and beaches, there are several options available that fit any budget:

What to see while snorkeling in Ibiza

The clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea are known for featuring rich marine life and Ibiza is the perfect example that this region offers some of the best snorkeling in Europe. The extensive Posidonia seagrass meadows not only provide home to a wide range of sea creatures (over 1000 species), but also help to keep the waters clean by acting as a natural purifying system.

Common marine species in Ibiza:

• grouper
• sea bream
• barracuda
• octopus
• sea urchin
• red starfish
• sea sponges
• crab
• moray eel
• seahorse
• lobster
• cuttlefish
• stingray

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