Water sports are becoming ever popular with travellers. While some water sports, such as diving, demand careful preparation in advance as well as a certain level of fitness, others such as snorkelling and paddle boarding are suitable for almost anyone.
Paddle boarding brings all the benefits of exercise, but is also fun and exciting. The sport is all the rage in Ibiza; the island has over 200 km of coastline and more than 40 islets, making this an ideal destination for anyone who wants to try rowing while balancing on a paddle board.
This discipline was invented by the Polynesian peoples and, along with surfing, became popular in the 60s on the beaches of Waikiki. As it does not require waves, paddle boarding has become a perfect way to go out on the open sea and discover places that are only accessible from the water.
- Paddle boarding in Ibiza: discover the best places to try it
- What paddle boarding options are available?
Whether you’ve tried this sport before or whether it’s your first time, we reveal the perfect spots for paddle boarding in Ibiza, as well as the different options available to try it: with young children, as a couple or as an unforgettable day out with friends. Put your sense of balance to the test and remember that if you fall over, all you have to do is climb back up on your paddle board. You’ve got to start somewhere!
Paddle boarding in Ibiza: discover the best places to try it
One of the main attractions of paddle boarding is that you can explore parts of Ibiza which would be practically impossible to access in any other way, so climb on your paddle board and get ready to discover some of the island’s secrets:
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The Cala Xuclar caves
In the northern part of Ibiza lies this practically unspoiled beach, enclosed by cliffs and pine forests.If you go on a paddle boarding expedition around here, you will see the most amazing caves which can only be reached from the sea.In the most rocky areas, you can see through the crystal-clear waters to the seabed, teeming with fish, and incredible posidonia meadows, which have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This expedition will take you through several underwater caves, some of which you will need to enter lying down flat on your paddle board. An exciting experience that you really cannot afford to miss.
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The Cala Vadella caves
This beach, famous for its waters of deepest turquoise, is a favourite among Ibiza’s inhabitants. It is located on the south-western side of the island, and you can plan a paddle boarding itinerary that will enable you to see its hidden caves. One of the first caves is on the right-hand side, and here you can take some brilliant photos to contrast with the blue of the water. The second cave is to the left of the cove, with the horizon at your back, and you can go for a swim inside the cave itself, as it is quite large. If the sea is calm, you can continue along the coast to see some of the places nearby.
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The islet of Es Vedrà
A thrilling way to get close up to Ibiza’s most magical and mysterious islet is to paddle board up to it, as access is otherwise very restricted, and a special licence is needed to visit the island, due to its ecological importance. On this excursion, a boat takes you close to Es Vedrà, and then the paddle boarding expedition circles the coastline of this curious islet. You could round off this itinerary with a visit to Atlantis, the former quarry with incredible rock formations, where you could take the opportunity to do some snorkelling.
Among the many possibilities for paddle boarding in Ibiza, Cala Salada, Cala Llenya, Portinatx and Talamanca can all be recommended, as they all have undersea caves which can only be accessed from the water. There are numerous companies who will design an itinerary that best suits you, although you can go out unaccompanied if you are already familiar with this sport.In any case, it is advisable to go out accompanied by an instructor who knows the area, the sea conditions, and the necessary safety precautions.
What paddle boarding options are available?
The companies that specialise in this sport on the island, such as SUP Paradise Ibiza offer packages that include a boat transfer to the point where the excursion begins, the equipment required for paddle boarding and also for snorkelling, in addition to a barbecue and drinks on the boat, photographs, and a qualified tutor. This can be an excellent way to spend a day with your friends in Ibiza.
If you’re looking for a private excursion as a couple, this can also be arranged. A paddle boarding expedition in the romantic atmosphere of the caves to be found along the coast, with the sunset as a backdrop, can be a very original treat for that special someone. And a light snack with a musical interlude on the boat at the end of the excursion will put the icing on the cake.
There are also any number of options for paddle boarding with young children. In this case, the excursions last about two hours and children have their own paddle boards, which are attached to an instructor’s board until they can cope on their own, as safety must always be the top priority. This sport is recommended for children over the age of eight.
Would you like to try something different? Then opt for SUP Yoga —a yoga class where you balance on a paddle board. Having the sea all around and contact with the natural world makes these sessions a remarkable experience. The calm waters in a corner of any cove in Ibiza will allow you a chance to put your strength to the test without sacrificing any of the benefits of yoga. Would you like to end the day watching the sunset as you breathe deeply? Then don’t miss this opportunity.
