Thinking you might want to hire a boat in Ibiza during May? Wondering if it’s a good idea?
Good question!
Weather, prices, where to go and cool things to do can change dramatically from month to month. So this summer, the Boats Ibiza bloggers will be giving you the low-down on what to consider when renting a boat in Ibiza, depending on your dates.
Hire a boat in Ibiza in May – the clued-up way
In our quest to save you time, cash & hassle, we’ve laid out all the facts in one quick, easy read. And we’re pretty darn certain that by the end of this article, you’ll know all you need to know about:
- Weather, winds, sea conditions
- Routes
- Things to do in the sea
- Places to go for lunch
- Beaches to visit
- Stunning sunsets
- Boat charter prices
- Recommended boat rental of the month
So you can plan your perfect Ibiza boat tour, then go ahead & have a ball with your gang.
Let’s get straight down to it.
Weather, winds & sea conditions
The weather in Ibiza during May is for some, the best of year.
Why’s that?
Well! For starters, the Ibiza summer season has officially arrived. Warm sunshine returns, with temperatures averaging out around 18C, with lows of 13C and highs of up to 28C. Yes, 28C!!
We have around 13 hours of daylight & 12 of those hours are wonderfully sun-drenched. There is still a chance of rain (as really, it’s still spring) but mainly, it’s dry, sunny & most definitely tanning weather.
Daylight arrives around 7am and the sun sets between 8.15-9pm. The sunsets around this time of year tend to be particularly stunning, with enough fluffy clouds around to produce those amazing sunset colours.
The Balearic sea is still a bit nippy for some, with a temperature of 18C. The sea-breeze can be brisk, sometimes making for a choppy sea. For that very reason, sailing is very popular during May.
Tip: Despite moderate spring temperatures, the sun can still burn strongly. Take your factor 50 when you hire boat in Ibiza during May & be careful!
The best routes
Whilst it’s possible to visit most places in May, it is a particularly wonderful time to visit Formentera. Beaches, such as Playa Illetes, that are heavingly full in high season, are quiet, peaceful & serene. Sit down at one of the island’s gorgeous beach bars & nibble (at your leisure) on delicious fresh Paella whilst listening to the waves lap onto the shore, admiring those amazing views.
Sunsets at Cala Saona are legendary & it’s an awesome spot to zen out with a spot of yoga on deck.
Secret tip: ask your captain about the Formentera cave jump / plunge pool 😉
Recommended west routes from San Antonio
South-West to Cala Conta & Cala Bassa | passing by Cala de Bou, Playa Pinet, Port Des Torrent.
South to Formentera | passing by the whole SW coast (Past Cala de Bou, Playa Pinet, Port Des Torrent, Cala Conta, Cala Tarida, Cala Vadella & many more.
North-West to Cap Negret | passing by Cala Gracio, Cala Gracioneta, Punta Galera & the Margarita Islands.
Recommended east routes from Ibiza Town
South East to Blue Marlin | passing by Playa d’en Bossa, Es Cavallet, Salinas, Es Codolar, Sa Caleta to Cala Jondal.
South to Formentera | passing by Playa den Bossa, Es Cavallet, Salinas & Espalmador.
Things to do in the sea
As mentioned above, the month of May in Ibiza makes for great sailing weather. On calmer days, kayaking, canoeing & paddleboarding (provided on our fleet of gorgeous Sunseeker yachts) are all great fun too. Likewise, watersports such as wakeboarding and waterskiing can be enjoyed during May (we’d recommend a wetsuit).
Swimming in the sea is most invigorating!
Tip: May is a great month for dolphin spotting, particularly around dusk and dawn. A magical sight and very common in the seas around Ibiza & Formentera.
Best beach restaurants to stop at for lunch
Formentera’s legendary beach restaurant, Juan y Andrea (see photo above) located on the Caribbean-like Playa Ses Illetes, is open from May 4th. For the classic ‘dining with your toes in the sand’ experience. Popular with royalty, celebs & VIPs of all kinds, prepare to spend a few quid. But fear not, you most definitely get what you pay for plus your boat charter company can organise your reservation & water taxi for you.
Zero stress.
Es Calo, a little further down Formentera’s Playa ses Illetes is also open from May. A little quieter than Juan y Andrea & nice for those seeking a touch of romance.
If it happens to be a Sunday though, it’s got to be super glamorous Blue Marlin down on Cala Jondal.
Starting from May 6th, the mighty Pete Tong begins his Sunday sessions from 11am – midnight. Expect the finest DJs invited personally by Mr Tong spanning eight Sunday events between May and September.
Here are the 2018 dates for your diary.
May 6 & 27 | July 1 & 22 | August 5 & 26 | September 9 & 23
Best beaches to visit in Ibiza & Formentera in May
Beautiful Cala Bassa, Ibiza – for a swanky lunch at CBbC
Gorgeous Cala Gracioneta, Ibiza – for secluded elegance, warm shallow waters & amazing seafood restaurant amongst the pine trees, El Chiringuito
Glamorous Cala Jondal, Ibiza – Rub shoulders with the glitterati and have it large to Pete Tong sessions on Sundays at Blue Marlin
Cala Saona, Formentera – for stunning sunsets
Playa Ses Illetes, Formentera – for those who like their beaches Caribbean-esque
Stunning Ibiza sunsets from a boat in May
Ibiza sunsets have a magic quality about them at any time of year.
There are a whole heap of stunners to choose from.
But since May is the beginning of the Ibiza summer season, we recommend the quintessential sunset spot, right in front of Cafe del Mar. Open from May. Full of beautiful people in their classic Ibiza whites gazing elegantly at the horizon.
Crucially, the bay is not yet so packed out with yachts that folks watching from the shore get upset as their view of the sunset is blocked (eek).
#Consideration!
Boat charter prices are cheapest in May
Perhaps the best news of all are the boat rental prices this month. May is low season ladies & gents, so it’s the cheapest time to hire a boat in Ibiza.
In fact, you can get a private sunset boat charter at this time of year for as little as €500, fully inclusive of Captain, fuel and a free bar.
It gets better.
If you sign up for newsletters or follow your favourite boat company’s social media channels, you’ll often hear about last minute special offers.
Meaning you save a big chunk of cash.
#PriceHack
Recommended rental boat of the month
For the month of May, we recommend the iconic 47ft Sunseeker Camargue. Why?
- She’s large & comfortable even if the sea is choppy
- Prices are super affordable – a sunset or morning charter for x 12 including captain, fuel and a free bar costs just €750. That’s just €62.50 each between a group of x 12!
- Fabulous sun-lounging pads to the front & rear of the boat
Click here for more photos, info or to get a quick quote
Click to read a review of a day out with 5 fabulous British Bloggers on the Camargue last May
And that just about wraps up our guide to hiring a boat in Ibiza during May.
Have you rented a boat in Ibiza at this time of the year? How did you find it? Did we miss anything out?
We’d love to hear about your experiences and/or tips in the comments, ooo aaar 😉
Coming soon… everything you need to know about renting a boat in Ibiza during June.
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Words | Jane C Images | various, see captions
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