hartering a yacht in Ibiza is one of those experiences that is significantly better with two days of preparation than without. The choice of boat shapes the day far more than guests anticipate; the choice of anchorage and the time of arrival often matter more than the choice of restaurant; small logistics — sun cream brand, drinks preferences, the children's snorkel sizes — determine whether the day feels effortless or improvised.
This is the office's working guide, written from the perspective of having planned several hundred Ibiza charters. It is intended as the single reference page a first-time charterer or a returning client can read before getting in touch.
01The season
The Ibiza charter season runs roughly from mid-April to late October. Within that, the substructure matters: April and early May are technically open but the water is still cold (16–18°C). The genuine swimming season starts mid-May. June is the office's favourite month — water 21°C, days long, beaches uncrowded. July and August are peak in every sense (weather, prices, crowds). September is the best month for couples who have done August once and want to come back at half the intensity. Mid-September to mid-October is the locals' favourite — water 24°C, restaurants quiet, perfect light.
02Picking the right boat
The single biggest decision is yacht type. Each type does a different day well.
Sport boats (12–16m) — fast, fun, day-charter focus. Great for two to twelve guests on a single-day outing, particularly if you want the speed for the Formentera crossing. Less comfortable for overnighting; small cabins.
Flybridge motor yachts (18–28m) — the workhorses of the Mediterranean charter fleet. Good for multi-day with families, comfortable salon, real cabins, fast enough to move between anchorages without losing the day. The office's most-quoted format.
Superyachts (28m+) — long-stay charters, full crew (chef, stewardess, bosun), genuine separation between guest and crew areas. The right call for week+ charters with twelve guests.
Sail yachts — quieter, slower, more romantic. The office has a small selection. Right for couples and small parties who prioritise the feel of sailing over reach.
03The anchorages worth knowing
The west coast (Cala Bassa, Cala Comte, Cala Salada) — calm, family-friendly, sandy bottoms, the staple of a one-day west-coast loop. Es Vedrà — the iconic sundown anchorage in the south-west. Atlantis — the hidden quarry cove south of Es Vedrà, by yacht only. Cala Jondal — the south-coast lunch cove with the Blue Marlin table. The east coast (Tagomago, Cala Mastella, Pou des Lleó) — quieter, less developed, often empty when the west is full. Formentera — Espalmador and Playa Illetes are the bucket-list destinations on the south-east.
04Ashore — the tables worth a tender ride
Blue Marlin (Cala Jondal) — the south-coast lunch institution. Loud, expensive, brilliant fish. Reservation essential.
Es Boldadó (Cala d'Hort) — the cliffside table with the Es Vedrà view. Smaller, quieter, the catch of the day.
Juan y Andrea (Playa Illetes, Formentera) — the classic Formentera beach lunch. Feet in sand. Reservation essential weeks ahead in August.
Es Ministre (Playa Illetes) — newer, more dressed-up, equally good.
El Bigotes (Cala Mastella) — one sitting per day, one dish (bullit de peix). For guests who like a story with their meal.
05Logistics on the day
Embarkation: most charters board between 10:30 and 12:00. The office sends a driver to your villa or hotel; from arrival on the pontoon to leaving the harbour is typically 20 minutes. Marina Ibiza is the most common departure point; Marina Botafoc (just north) is the preferred upgrade.
What to bring: swimwear, casual clothing, soft-soled shoes (no black-soled shoes on teak), sunglasses, sun hat. Soft luggage only (rigid suitcases don't store well on board). The boat provides towels.
What we provision: sun cream (reef-safe), aftersun, fresh fruit, water, ice, basic spirits. Tell the office anything specific (favourite gin, preferred sun cream brand, dietary restrictions) and we provision it.
06Booking — what to ask before you commit
Six questions worth asking any broker before signing a charter contract. First — is the yacht owner-direct or retail-brokered? (Affects price by 10–15%.) Second — what's included in the day rate, and what's APA? Third — what's the cancellation policy? (Industry standard is 50% non-refundable at signing, full at 60 days.) Fourth — what crew is included, and are tips on top? Fifth — can the captain decide the route, or is it pre-fixed? (The good answer is 'route shaped to the wind on the morning.') Sixth — what happens if weather forces a cancellation? (Reschedule with no fee is the right answer; some charter operators only offer credit.)
07Working with the office
Aurelius Society is a private members' collective. Membership is by introduction, but enquiries from prospective members are always welcome. The office handles the entire charter — marine logistics, provisioning, transfers, restaurant reservations, photographer, DJ, helicopter if needed — through a single point of contact and a single invoice. Reply within the hour, in working hours (09:00–23:00 CET).
08Questions we hear
When is the best time to charter a yacht in Ibiza?+
Mid-September to mid-October is the office's favourite — water 24°C, fewer day-boats, restaurants quiet, rates 30–40% below August. June is the best of the early season. July and August are peak weather and peak prices.
How many guests can a single yacht charter take?+
Maritime safety regulations limit each yacht to a maximum of 12 guests, regardless of size. For groups of 13+, the office arranges a second yacht so the party sails together.
Do I need any sailing or boating experience?+
No. Every Aurelius charter includes a full crew (captain + stewardess minimum; chef and bosun on larger yachts). Guests do nothing operationally — the day runs around your preferences.
Can the chef accommodate dietary restrictions?+
Yes — fully. Send the office your restrictions a week before the charter and we brief the chef. We regularly accommodate kosher, halal, vegan, gluten-free, FODMAP and any combination thereof without compromise.
What's the cancellation policy?+
Industry standard: 50% non-refundable at signing, full balance at 60 days. The office's contract permits one no-fee reschedule within the season if weather forces a cancellation, and full refund if the office cannot deliver due to vessel failure.
Is gratuity expected for the crew?+
Yes. Industry standard is 10–15% of the base charter rate, distributed by the captain at the end of the charter. Tips are at your discretion but are an expected part of the crew's compensation.
The office
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