You’ll board in San Antonio for a laid-back family adventure: cruise past Ibiza’s iconic bays toward Conillera island with live marine talks and guided snorkeling (gear included), plus paddle surfing for all ages. Enjoy fresh-cooked paella onboard before kids join a pirate treasure hunt while adults relax or swim. It’s one of those days that feels both simple and special.
I didn’t expect the boat to smell like sunscreen and coffee at 9:30 in the morning, but that’s exactly how our day started in San Antonio. The crew was already joking around as we walked up from Palapa Ibiza Restaurant—one of them waved us over, calling the kids “pirates” in Spanish (my daughter grinned so wide). We set off past Cala Bassa and Cala Comte, those turquoise bays you see in postcards—except real life is messier and there’s always someone dropping their sunglasses or pointing out fish before you even spot them. The sea was calm but salty on my lips. I kept thinking how bright everything looked out here, even with sunscreen smudged on my glasses.
Our guide—I think her name was Marta?—gave this talk about Balearic sea creatures while we drifted closer to Sa Conillera. She pulled out a plastic model of a posidonia plant and let the youngest kids poke it; one little boy asked if it was edible (it’s not). When we anchored near the island, they split us into groups for snorkeling. I’m not usually good with masks but they had vests for everyone—even my son who can’t swim yet. The water felt cold at first but then you forget because there’s just so much moving down there: silvery fish, some weird spiky thing Marta called an erizo de mar. My daughter kept shouting through her snorkel every time she saw something new. I guess that’s what you want from a family boat trip to Conillera island—kids loud and happy, adults floating nearby pretending not to be nervous.
The chef started cooking paella right on deck—chicken and pork, no fish bones (which honestly made my life easier). The smell drifted everywhere; I still think about that part when I catch saffron back home. Lunch was messy and perfect—rice stuck to plastic plates, watermelon juice dripping down elbows. While the grownups tried paddle surfing (I fell off twice), the kids went off on a treasure hunt led by a guy dressed as a pirate. He had this fake gold tooth that kept slipping out when he laughed—it cracked me up more than it should have.
On the way back to San Antonio, someone handed out coloring sheets and pencils for the kids (mine drew a lopsided octopus). We were all sun-tired by then—the kind where your skin feels tight but you don’t really care because it’s been a good day. If you’re looking for something easygoing but full of those little moments that stick with you, this is it.
The tour departs at 9:30 AM from San Antonio de Portmany.
Yes, all snorkeling gear including masks and life vests are provided for all ages.
Yes, lunch is included—a chicken & pork paella cooked onboard with vegetarian options available.
Yes, infants and small children are welcome; strollers can be brought onboard.
No swimming certification is needed; life vests are provided and guides supervise everyone.
Yes, there’s a pirate-led treasure hunt and coloring activities for kids during the return journey.
The exact sailing time varies but includes stops at Cala Bassa and Cala Comte along the way.
Your day includes boarding just steps from Palapa Ibiza Restaurant in San Antonio with pickup by friendly crew; all snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, life vest), guided snorkeling designed by a marine biologist, paddle surfing sessions for all ages, live marine species presentation onboard, chicken & pork paella lunch freshly cooked on deck (vegetarian option available), seasonal fruit dessert like watermelon or pineapple, drinks including mineral water from the bar, plus pirate treasure hunt games and art supplies for children before returning in the afternoon.
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