Ibiza water bus plan calls for hourly trips until 23.00
In Eivissa, Ibiza, the water bus could run every day from 08.00 to 23.00: new tender rules require at least one departure an hour. The Balearic Port Authority approved the rules on 22 October 2026. When cruise ships dock, the operator would have to step up the service to carry more than 600 passengers an hour towards the old town.
The water bus has run under one-year temporary permits since 2023. The new contract could last up to 15 years.
A route aimed at road traffic
The port authority wants the boats to ease traffic on Avenida de Santa Eulària and Paseo Joan Carles I, where it says roads are particularly busy when cruise ships arrive. It has opted for a single operator because space and technical limits make it difficult for several companies to use the same landing points.
Where the boats would stop
Passengers would be able to board at Botafoc passenger terminal, Marina Botafoc, Marina Ibiza and Es Martell quay below Dalt Vila. The plan also includes a stop at the southern end of the inner quay. The concession covers more than 2,000 square metres of land and water.
The operator must use low-emission boats, provide accessible facilities and offer ticket sales both in person and digitally. It must also maintain the facilities and manage waste. Once the contract is awarded, the operator will have two years to launch the service with its promised low-emission fleet. The port authority has not said when the tender will be completed.
More on this topic: Traffic on Mallorca
Topics: Traffic
Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com