Where to See the Eclipse in Ibiza on 12 August 2026

Are you wondering where to see the eclipse in Ibiza? On 12 August 2026, the island will be one of the last places in Spain from which the total solar eclipse can be observed.

The event will take place shortly before sunset, when the Sun is extremely low above the western horizon. Ibiza’s west coast will therefore be one of the most attractive areas from which to watch it, either from land or from the sea.

In this guide, we explain the official viewing areas, the expected eclipse times and what you should consider if you plan to rent a boat in Ibiza to experience the eclipse from the Mediterranean.

 

What time is the solar eclipse in Ibiza?

The partial phase of the eclipse is expected to begin in Ibiza at approximately 7:38 pm.

Totality and the maximum phase will occur at around 8:32 or 8:33 pm, shortly before sunset.

The Sun will be extremely low above the horizon, so observers will need a west-facing location without buildings, hills or other obstacles blocking the view.

Spain’s National Geographic Institute states that the Balearic Islands will be the last part of Spain to experience totality. In Palma, the maximum will take place at approximately 8:32 pm, when the Sun will be only two degrees above the horizon.

Where to see the eclipse in Ibiza from land

The Balearic Government has designated six official eclipse viewing areas in Ibiza. These locations have been selected according to factors including safety, accessibility, capacity and access for emergency services.

The official viewing areas are:

• The coast of Sant Antoni de Portmany.

• Cala Llentia.

• Sa Pedrera in Port des Torrent.

• Cala Conta.

• Cala Molí.

• Cala Gració.

The authorities clarify that these are not necessarily the locations with the very best view. They are the places where visitor numbers and public safety can be managed more effectively.

Anyone planning to visit one of these locations should arrive in good time, check the latest access information and avoid natural areas that have not been prepared for large crowds.

Watching the eclipse from Sant Antoni

The coast of Sant Antoni de Portmany will be one of the most interesting places to watch the eclipse in Ibiza.

Its west-facing location is already well known for sunset views. During the eclipse, the Sun will move towards the western horizon while gradually being covered by the Moon.

This could create a spectacular view, but Sant Antoni and the surrounding coastline are also likely to attract a large number of visitors.

Avoid overcrowded areas, follow instructions from the local authorities and do not enter cliffs, roads or unofficial viewpoints that may be unsafe.

Where to see the eclipse in Ibiza from the sea

Watching the eclipse from a boat off Ibiza’s west coast is another possibility.

Being at sea can provide a wider, clearer horizon and reduce the risk of buildings, hills or vegetation blocking the Sun when it is only a few degrees above the horizon.

For this reason, some visitors may decide to rent a boat in Ibiza and watch the eclipse from the Mediterranean. Sant Antoni de Portmany is particularly well positioned for reaching the island’s western coastline.

However, an eclipse boat trip requires more preparation than an ordinary day at sea. A large number of vessels may be present, and the return to port will take place in low-light conditions.

Before departure, check:

• The marine and weather forecast.

• The amount of fuel available.

• The navigation lights.

• The required safety equipment.

• The planned route and return time.

• Any maritime restrictions issued by the authorities.

Should you rent a boat to watch the eclipse?

Renting a boat can offer a memorable way to watch the eclipse in Ibiza, particularly for visitors looking for an open horizon and a different perspective of the island.

Open Boats offers several options from Sant Antoni de Portmany, including boats that can be operated without a licence, vessels for licensed boaters and rentals with a professional skipper.

The best option will depend on your boating experience, the size of your group and the conditions expected on the day.

If you have never operated a boat or do not feel comfortable navigating through heavy maritime traffic after sunset, booking a boat with a professional skipper may be the most suitable option.

If you operate the boat yourself, your attention must remain on the water and surrounding vessels. The person at the helm should not be taking photographs or looking at the eclipse while manoeuvring.

Tips for watching the eclipse from a boat

Choose a clear western horizon

The Sun will be very low above the west-facing horizon. Before stopping, make sure that cliffs, islands or other vessels will not block the view.

Avoid overcrowded areas

Do not attempt to enter a bay or anchoring area that is already full. Maintaining a safe distance from other boats will make manoeuvring easier and reduce the risk of an accident.

Plan your return to Sant Antoni

Totality will occur shortly before sunset, which means that part of the return journey will take place in limited light.

Check that the navigation lights are working and reduce your speed when approaching the port.

Do not drink alcohol when operating the boat

The person responsible for the vessel must remain sober throughout the trip. Navigating in low light among many other boats requires complete concentration.

Follow official updates

Check information from the port and maritime authorities during the days leading up to the eclipse. Navigation conditions and access restrictions may change.

Use approved eclipse glasses

Never look directly at the Sun without suitable eye protection, even when most of it is covered by the Moon.

Ordinary sunglasses, X-ray film, smoked glass and homemade filters are not safe. You must use approved eclipse glasses that are undamaged and designed specifically for solar observation.

The glasses should be worn throughout all partial phases. They may only be removed during the brief period of totality, when the Sun is completely covered, and must be put back on as soon as any part of the solar surface becomes visible.

The Balearic Government has warned that ordinary sunglasses and homemade filters do not provide safe protection for observing the eclipse.

Anchor only on a sandy seabed

If you intend to stop the boat during the eclipse, remember that anchoring on Posidonia oceanica seagrass is prohibited.

Before dropping the anchor, make sure that the seabed is sandy. Leave sufficient space between your vessel and nearby boats, as changes in the wind and current can cause boats to move.

Do not tie your boat to other vessels without proper planning, and do not attempt to anchor in an area that is already overcrowded.

What to take on board

Before departure, make sure you have:

• Approved eclipse glasses for every passenger.

• Life jackets.

• Drinking water.

• Fully charged mobile phones.

• Sun protection.

• Enough fuel for the complete trip.

• The compulsory safety equipment.

• Working navigation lights.

• An updated weather forecast.

• An alternative route in case your preferred location is overcrowded.

In a maritime emergency, use VHF channel 16 or call 112.

Experience the eclipse from the sea with Open Boats

If you are still deciding where to see the eclipse in Ibiza, watching it from the sea could provide a unique perspective of this exceptional event.

Based in Sant Antoni de Portmany, Open Boats offers several ways to explore the west coast of Ibiza.

You can rent a boat without a licence, operate a vessel using your own boating qualification or book a boat with a professional skipper. Before departure, the Open Boats team explains how to operate the vessel, reviews the essential safety rules and provides practical navigation advice.

Due to the exceptional nature of the eclipse and the demand expected for 12 August, checking availability and planning the booking in advance is strongly recommended.

Frequently asked questions about where to see the eclipse in Ibiza

Where is the best place to see the eclipse in Ibiza?

West-facing areas with a clear horizon will offer the best conditions. Official viewing locations include the coast of Sant Antoni, Cala Conta, Cala Molí, Cala Gració, Cala Llentia and Sa Pedrera.

What time will the eclipse be visible in Ibiza?

The partial phase is expected to begin at approximately 7:38 pm. Totality will occur at around 8:32 or 8:33 pm on 12 August 2026.

Can I rent a boat to watch the eclipse in Ibiza?

Yes. You can rent a boat in Ibiza to watch the eclipse from the sea, subject to availability, weather conditions and any maritime restrictions introduced for the event.

Do I need a licence to rent a boat in Ibiza?

It depends on the vessel. Some low-powered boats can be operated without a licence, while larger vessels require a recognised boating qualification. You can also rent a boat with a professional skipper.