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A whole sea of experiences

The Pitiusas
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Anchoring in paradise
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Anchoring recommendations
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The Pityusic Islands

Ibiza and Formentera are jointly known as the Pityusic Islands, a name given by the Greeks due to the large number of pine trees found here, perfect setting to represent the paradise.

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Ibiza

Ibiza is a magical island, one-of-a-kind in the Mediterranean and in the world, with fascinating contrasts throughout the year. In little more than 570 km2, it provides an all-round sensory experience to visitors, who are wowed by the beauty of the island’s landscapes and its positive energy.

The 210 kilometres of coastline in Ibiza are made up of 112 beaches and coves where you can enjoy fine white sand and turquoise waters. Dive in and admire the marine life. Ibiza is easy to travel around, with only 41 kilometres between the north from the south of the white island and 15 kilometres east to west. The largest of the Pityusic Islands is home to the Santa Eulalia del Rio river, which descends from the highest point on the island, Sa Talaia, at 475 metres.

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Formentera

Formentera is a place where time stands still. There’s no place for everyday problems or urban stress. You go to Formentera to disconnect from the daily toil and connect with your inner self and put your senses to work.

Formentera is a place where time stands still. There’s no place for everyday problems or urban stress. You go to Formentera to disconnect from the daily toil and connect with your inner self and put your senses to work.

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Anchoring in paradise

The privilege of sailing to amazing places that can only be reached by sea

One of the great privileges of arriving to Ibiza by boat is that you can visit hidden corners of Ibiza and Formentera that can’t be reached by land. Picture yourself taking a dip in the gin-clear waters of an off-the-beaten-track cove or marvelling at a stunning sunset while surrounded by nature, calm and the sound of the waves gently lapping against your yacht.

Coves in Ibiza

Coves in Formentera

Anchoring recommendations

To avoid any issues, before anchoring make sure that you check the type of seabed on which your boat is located, the length of the chain, the wind forecast for the day, the local currents, and all the regulations in force.

Free anchoring: you can anchor freely off coves and beaches with a sandy seabed, always bearing safety regulations in mind and making sure that the anchor and chain don’t damage the Posidonia.
Buoy-regulated anchoring:
• Red buoys: boats less than 8 metres LOA
• White buoys: boats between 8 and 15 metres LOA
• Yellow buoys: boats between 15 and 25 metres LOA
• Green buoys: boats between 25 and 35 metres LOA
Restricted anchoring: these are areas with special buoys that indicate that anchoring is prohibited, such as on Posidonia meadows.

The three areas designated for buoy-controlled seabed anchoring, with prior reservation, are: Caló de s’Oli, Ses Salines in Ibiza and S’Espalmador in Formentera.

View the interactive map of marinas, buoys and free anchoring in Ibiza and Formentera

May and June are the best months to anchor. It’s a time of the year when there aren’t too many boats around, although September and October are just as good because you can still enjoy the excellent weather, warm water and lower levels of tourism.

View the interactive map of marinas, buoys and free anchoring in Ibiza and Formentera

Here are some guidelines about how to anchor responsibly:

  • You can anchor off beaches and coves whenever there’s a sandy seabed, but make sure you prevent the anchor and chain from damaging the Posidonia.
  • Before dropping anchor, it’s essential to check the length of the chain, the local winds and currents, and the regulations in force.
  • Drop the anchor vertically on the water and without creating a splash.
  • Sign the anchor with a black sphere placed on the bow, or lights on the entire horizon of the boat at night.
  • When at anchor, keep an eye on the boat as currents and winds can cause the anchor to drag.
  • Constantly monitor movements and keep an eye on the boat swinging at anchor, especially in tidal areas.
  • Anchoring overnight is an incredible experience, but make sure you know the weather conditions and the wind direction in advance.
  • If there’s a storm warning, head straight to a berth until everything is calm again.
  • Watch out for the islets off Ibiza (called Freus), as there are many and they can’t be seen with the naked eye.
  • Empty black water and waste in the marina or in permitted places, and not off coves or beaches when at anchor. Wastewater is an environmental problem, as well as a hygiene and sanitation problem on the coast where other people go swimming or fishing.

There are certain areas where anchoring is prohibited by law, such as the Ses Salines Nature Park. This is because some parts of the park are extremely sensitive to the impact of anchors. If you break the law, you’ll receive a fine.

The meadows here have the maximum protection of Spanish and European Union legislation.

These prohibited areas are signed by buoys.

Respect the marine flora and fauna both on the surface and on the seabed. Do not anchor in protected areas.
Moderate your speed, which will protect the environment and help you save fuel.
Pay special attention if you’re sailing through the Ses Salines Nature Park off Formentera. Please respect the restricted anchoring areas and take care of our surroundings.

Warning!

Watch out for Posidonia.

Anchoring in Posidonia meadows is prohibited. These prohibited areas are indicated by buoys.

Designated areas

There are three areas designated for buoy-controlled anchoring, with prior reservation: Caló de s’Oli, Ses Salines and S’Espalmador.

Sand Anchoring

You can anchor off beaches and coves whenever there’s a sandy seabed, but make sure you prevent the anchor and chain from damaging the Posidonia.

All the information about our Eco-Marina