Ibiza yacht charter may resume in June as Spain Coronavirus curve flattens

By Katia Damborsky 11 May 2020

The Spanish Maritime Authority has set out new regulations for superyachts in Spain, which includes the Balearic Island of Ibiza, and has stated that from June 8 there will be no restrictions to yachts other than general COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

New clarification for superyachts in Spain has been issued by the Spanish Maritime Authority, which states that the country's yachting activity will return to 'a new normality' from June 8.

The Spanish Official Gazette issued a publication yesterday (May 10) (TMA/400/2020) providing more information about private yacht charter and mobility between the islands of Spain, and has stated that the country will begin gradually introducing more connections by air and sea between the mainland and the Balearic Islands.

In the meantime, Spain will go through four stages of easing the lockdown in the nautical sector.

Stage 0
No charter or pleasure yachting can be done. Individual sailing is permitted, but only as a sports activity. Geographical restrictions still apply. Yachts can only be visited for maintenance reasons, and again, geographical restrictions apply and only one person is allowed to visit the yacht at a time. The protocols and procedures of the marinas must be respected and followed at all times.

Stage I (May 11)
From May 11, pleasure and commercial yachting will be allowed in certain capacities. It can be done only with limited groups of people (as a cultural and pleasure activity) and they must all reside in the same municipality. Social distancing will be enforced, and vessels will be subject to the strictest hygiene measures onboard (particularly if the vessels are used as tourist accommodation). Again, geographical cruising restrictions apply- i.e. if you are cruising from Ibiza, you must be based in Ibiza and not leave the waters of Ibiza.

Stage II (May 25)
During stage II (from May 25th), recreational yachting can be done with limited groups of people, as long as all people come from the same local area. Owners can now freely visit their vessels. Similarly to stage I, geographical cruising restrictions apply.

For Stages I and II, please note that the following rules apply;

Charter activity can be performed in the same island/province where the yacht is made available to the guest, and up to 12 nautical miles from the coast.
The guests must come from the same island/province where the yacht is based, and, if they live together, there is no limitation on the number of guests. If they don't live together, the occupancy has to be reduced to 50%.

Stage III (June 8)
In stage III (from June 8th) no restrictions to yachting will apply, other than the general public safety protocols. Social Distancing measures will still be enforced.

It is still unclear whether the above rules about charter will be enforced past June 8. YachtCharterFleet has reached out to a third-party legal firm for clarification.

Can you do Social Distancing Yacht Charters in Ibiza?

clear blue sea in sheltered bay in ibiza

While Ibiza is best-known for its buzzy beach clubs, iconic venues and and legendary nightlife scene, it's still possible to enjoy Social Distancing on a yacht charter in Ibiza.

Ibiza is part of the Balearic Islands, which includes the peaceful islands of Formentera, Mallorca and Menorca. These beautiful destinations are renowned for their sandy white beaches, crystal-clear blue sea and lots of little coves and bays where you can enjoy peace, serenity and an escape from the crowds.

For more information about why superyachts make the premium Social Distancing vacation, please refer to our article on Social Distancing Superyacht Charters.

Coronavirus: What is a Social Distancing Yacht Charter?