Ibiza is home to many of the world's best parties and choosing where to go can be a struggle. Looking beyond the super-clubs, some of the best open-air events are boat parties. Cirque De La Nuit has established itself as a holiday must for clubbers seeking a massive sound system and sunset cruise.
Starting in April and running almost daily throughout the summer, over 350 sun-drenched revellers make their way onto a catamaran vessel with the promise of great music, an open-bar, and an amiable atmosphere. Last Wednesday, we went onboard. CDLN offered all of that – and more.
Starting at the Bora Bora Beach Club in Playa d'en Bossa, people of all ages and nationalities mixed together with laughs and smiles aplenty before striding down the world-famous beach. As the sun slowly began its evening descent, we could hardly wait to get onboard.
The CDLN team greeted the group by friendly members of the staff with a choice between a refreshingly chilled beer or fruity sangria. With still four hours of clear skies and daylight left, the party was about to begin.
As the sunset cruise took off, the atmosphere was cheerful. Most were sat around the edges of the dance floor on the catamaran as no music could be played whilst leaving the hotel filled area. This offered an opportunity to talk and laugh as drinks the accommodating CDLN staff topped up drinks.
Once the music did start, you can really understand why the boat needs a fair distance from shore. The VOID sound system was powerful but still had great clarity. Soon everyone was dancing on the decks. A festival feeling was in the air - except surrounded by the Mediterranean. Sweet!
Resident DJ Ryan Platts took care of the dance floor and really impressed the crowd with the diverse selection and infectious energy from behind the decks. With a group as varied as this one, it was a tough ask to get every person moving – but he smashed it.
CDLN has a habit of booking surprise special guest DJs over the summer. Solomun, Seth Troxler and tINI are just a few names to have been taken on board in past years. This Saturday, German house-heavyweight Timo Maas will be providing the evening's musical entertainment. You do not want to miss that.
As the event reached the half-way point, guests were treated to a refreshing swim stop out on the clear blue waters of the south coast of the island. This gave another opportunity to socialise as the music was brought down a notch.
Soon after, once the VOID sound system was fired up again and the party reached its peak. The sun disappeared into the sea as the Andrew Mellor Reincarnation Mix of Underworld's classic dancefloor anthem Born Slippy sent the dancefloor into a frenzy.
An Underworld classic is always a sure fire way to bring the energy up. If there was anyone sitting at the start of the song, they definitely weren't a couple of beats in.
Following that was tune after tune. Camelphat's tech house festival stalwart Trip was next. This one from two years ago has been doing the rounds again. And it's easy to see why. The rolling techno beats gave the crowd little respite.
Niels van Gogh's Pulverturm update with Daniel Strauss sent arms into the air and smiles all around. The energy was high and as the boat began its journey back to shore.
At this point, you could start to understand how Cirque de le Nuit stands alone having achieved a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.
All everybody was concerned about was getting their newfound friends back to Bora Bora Beach Club to continue the party long in the night. Cirque de le Nuit offers both a daytime and sunset cruise both of which include access to up to three club nights across the island.
See below for more info and tickets. You know you want to.
