Ibiza is a fabulous destination to go snorkelling given its countless coves with crystal-clear waters, gently sloping seabed and rocky areas where fish, anemones, shellfish and other sea animals hide. Also, the scarce presence of dangerous currents makes it safe to practice this fun and relaxing water activity. Even so, we always advise you to ask the lifeguards about the bathing and diving conditions in the cove or beach before going into the water. Make sure there are no rare circumstances that make it inadvisable to go snorkelling, such as strong ebb currents, moderate to intense waves or a school of jellyfish, for example.
© Canal d'en Martí. © visitsantaeulalia.com
5 beaches to go snorkelling near Es Canar
Practically all coves and beaches around Es Canar are great for snorkelling. Out of all the ones in the area, the Guía del Mar (Water sports Guide) published by the Town Council of Santa Eulària des Riu suggests eight circular snorkelling routes, and we’ve chosen our favourite ones out of their list. If you want to see the entire list, download the PDF guide and check the highlighted recommendations on each route sheet.
Cala Martina
A pleasant walk from Hotel Ánfora will take you to this shallow cove where you can follow a 400m route that goes over a posidonia meadow, where you’ll spot schools of salps or sea squirts, red mullet and sea bream, as well as octopuses. And after the route, why not order a paella at the Cala Martina beach bar?
Cala Nova
If you want to go snorkelling with the kids, only a few minutes from Es Canar, in the nearby Cala Nova, you’ll find a route with hollows and crevices hiding pelaya, sea bass, white sea bream, barred serrano fish, octopuses... This route is not only suitable for families, but also for keen divers as they’ll find areas that match their level.
S’Argamassa
This is another family-friendly route that goes over a rocky fractured seabed home to salps, rainbow wrasse and white sea bream. And if you're patient and keep your eyes wide open you’ll even spot red mullet hiding in the sand. After snorkelling, you can also go kayaking or foilboarding in this cove.
Pou des Lleó and Canal d’en Martí
If you’re a skilled diver, this stretch on the coast, 10km from Hotel Ánfora and Es Canar, is one of the most beautiful snorkelling routes in Ibiza. Gudgeon, rainbow wrasse, bogue and damselfish are some of the fish species swimming in the vast posidonia oceanica meadow.
Es Figueral
If the wind isn’t coming from the east, you can follow this route that’s suitable for beginners but also has other areas for keen divers and goes through a maze-like landscape inhabited by octopuses, barred serrano, white sea bream, green wrasse and other species. Other activities available on this beautiful beach in Ibiza are paddle surf and kayak.
Cala Olivera. © visitsantaeulalia.com
5 beaches in Ibiza to bring your snorkel mask
And if you venture beyond Es Canar and its surrounding area, heading over to the south, north or west coasts, you’ll also find fantastic places to go snorkelling in Ibiza.
Cala Olivera
This small, charming, unspoilt cove is popular among the locals, bathers seeking peace and skilled amateurs of snorkelling and free diving, as there’s a very attractive route that is up to 6 metres deep.
Cala Molí
This cove on the western coast of Ibiza has a mostly rocky seabed and is great for snorkelling beginners, as the walls at each side are great to observe all the activity under the surface. If you add it to your list of beaches to visit, don’t forget to take water shoes.
Cala Xarraca
This is one of the most popular beaches on the north coast of Ibiza and it’s frequented by families and people looking for peace and quiet. It’s ideal for kids practising snorkelling thanks to its gently sloping seabed and its rocky areas that are great to spot fish.
Es Portitxol
You’ll need about 40 minutes to walk down to this cove hidden below a cliff and it will take some effort to walk back up. But it’s protected from the wind and currents and is a natural bay that’s perfect to lose track of time while you’re diving.
Cala d´Hort
On the south-west coast of Ibiza –a 40km drive from Hotel Ánfora–, this stunning cove with a view of Es Vedrà islet is safe for kids to swim and start snorkelling. However, it’s also a favourite place among jellyfish. Remember! You’ll find two typical Ibizan restaurants serving paella on this beach.
A hotel for your snorkelling days in Ibiza
If you always pack your snorkel mask, don’t think twice and book a room at our modern 4-star hotel in Es Canar, an excellent base to explore and enjoy all the coves on the east coast of Ibiza, perfect to go snorkelling, whatever your level. And if you're thinking about signing up for a beginner’s PADI diving course, ask us and we’ll recommend places specialising in these courses in the coves near our hotel.
Book now your room or suite at Hotel Ánfora and enjoy all our facilities, including two swimming pools, jacuzzi, pool bar, lounge bar, massage room, gym and two restaurants, one of them Amaru, which specialises in nikkei food.
Main picture: Daniel Torobekov / Pexels
