Boat hire, boat rental, charter, they all describe the same idea, paying to use a boat for the day. The differences that matter are whether you drive it yourself or take a skipper, what paperwork you need, what it costs and where you actually pick the boat up. This guide walks through each one for the Ibiza to Formentera crossing so there are no surprises on the morning.
With a licence or with a skipper
Self drive with a licence
If you hold a recognised boating licence you can hire many boats and drive yourself. This gives you freedom and saves the cost of crew. The catch is that the Formentera crossing involves open water and busy anchorages, so it suits people with real experience rather than a first timer who just got their licence.
Hire with a skipper
No licence, no problem. Most visitors hire a boat with a skipper, who handles the crossing and knows the coves. It is the easiest and safest route, and for the Formentera run it is what we recommend to almost everyone. If you would rather skip driving entirely, a Formentera day tour from Ibiza is a ready made option that includes the captain.
No licence boats
Some small low power boats can be hired with no licence at all. They are great for pottering between nearby coves on the Ibiza side, but they are usually too small and slow for a comfortable open crossing to Formentera. For the full crossing, plan on either a licence or a skipper.
The documents you need
- A valid boating licence if you self drive, in a form recognised in Spain
- Photo ID or passport for the rental contract
- A deposit, usually held on a card against damage
- Sometimes proof of experience for larger boats
If you are not sure whether your licence is valid in Spanish waters, ask before you pay. We can check what your licence covers so you do not turn up and find you need a skipper after all.
Average price for boat hire
Hire price tracks the boat size, the season and whether crew is included. A small no licence boat for a few hours is the cheapest. A mid size boat for a full day with a skipper is the common middle. A larger crewed boat is the top end. Fuel is usually charged on use rather than included, so factor that in. As always, peak August weekends carry the biggest mark ups, so booking ahead saves money.
| Hire type | Licence | Crossing suitable | Relative price |
|---|---|---|---|
| No licence small boat | Not needed | Ibiza coves only | Lowest |
| Self drive day boat | Required | Yes, with experience | Low to mid |
| Skippered day boat | Not needed | Yes, easiest | Mid |
| Crewed yacht | Not needed | Yes, most comfort | Highest |
Where to pick up the boat
Most hires leave from a marina or port on the Ibiza side, often Ibiza town, Marina Botafoch, San Antonio or Santa Eulalia depending on the operator. Agree the exact pick up point and time in writing, since marinas are large and a vague meeting spot wastes your morning. Your skipper or the rental desk will brief you on the boat, the safety gear and the route before you set off.
Hire versus charter, are they different
Not really. Hire tends to describe smaller or self drive boats and charter the crewed or larger ones, but the line is blurry and operators use the words interchangeably. If you want the fuller breakdown by group size, our boat charter guide lays it out. Either way, tell us your date, group size and whether you have a licence, and we will line up the right hire at a fair price with one message on WhatsApp.
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Frequently asked questions
Do you need a licence to hire a boat to Formentera?
Not if you hire with a skipper, which is what most visitors do. To self drive you need a recognised boating licence valid in Spain. Some small low power boats need no licence, but they are too small for a comfortable Formentera crossing.
How much does boat hire to Formentera cost?
It depends on the boat and the season. A small no licence boat for a few hours is the cheapest, a skippered day boat is the common middle, and a crewed yacht is the top end. Fuel is usually charged on use.
What documents do you need to hire a boat?
A valid boating licence if you self drive, photo ID or passport for the contract, and a deposit held on a card. Larger boats sometimes ask for proof of experience.
Where do you pick up a hired boat in Ibiza?
Usually a marina or port such as Ibiza town, Marina Botafoch, San Antonio or Santa Eulalia, depending on the operator. Always agree the exact pick up point and time in advance.
Is boat hire the same as a charter?
Broadly yes. Hire often means smaller or self drive boats and charter the crewed or larger ones, but operators use the terms interchangeably.
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