On a bright, sunny evening at the start of June, Ibiza Spotlight’s duo of excursion enthusiasts set out on the Meet the Sea Sunset cruise for a three-hour excursion around the immediate environs of San Antonio Bay. Joined by some 15 other intrepid voyagers, we were greatly looking forward to our marine adventure, taking in local highlights such as the bays of Cala Salada and Cala Roja.
This journey, a new addition to Meet the Sea’s daily Family Boat Excursion, is an adults-only excursion that features not only a rousing live performance by singer Sandy Valey, but also delicious canapés made to showcase the very best of Ibiza’s wealth of local produce and traditional recipes.
Our journey commenced with a warm welcome from organiser, Greg, and the rest of his friendly crew.
As we steered for the gleaming, golden waters of the open sea, we were each given a nice, light, fruity glass of sangria to welcome us on board. Although the Brisa III has a maximum capacity of 90 passengers, the Sunset Cruise has a maximum of 32, ensuring an experience that is more comfortable, more intimate and more exclusive.
True to its motto, “Education and Entertainment at Sea”, the ensuing three hours contained both thanks to the commentary by Greg - equally at home in Spanish and English - the fantastic performance by Sandy and the efforts of the caterers.
As Greg affirms, the excursion is all about discovering the essence of Ibiza, finding out about all manner of interesting facets of the island, be they its natural surroundings, the Balearic Sea, or the ingredients and recipes that form part of its culinary history. What better way to immerse yourself in Ibiza's heritage and - best of all - all in one place!
The musical background on Meet the Sea Sunset comprises a recorded medley of 50s and 60s classics, and a sequence of barn-storming vocal performances by the striking Sandy Valey. With a powerful voice and a selection of her own material and classic blues and pop songs, her polished professional routine as she shimmied and swayed on her platform towards the boat’s stern lent a unique aspect to this maritime adventure.
She soon had everyone, staff included, clapping and singing along. The warmth of the crew and their involvement in all aspects of the voyage means that if ever you could call a boat trip a genuine “feelgood cruise”, this is it!
One thing we loved was the leisurely stops at the bays of Cala Salada and the little known Cala Roja, allowing a close-up experience of the native flora and fauna, as well as the chance to marvel at the sight of the natural setting: the mesmerising rock formations, the Poseidon Grass swaying beneath the waters, enticing caves and sandy spots.
Bring on the food!
Greg did a great job explaining each of the locally inspired delicacies we were about to eat. From the Ibizan hummus and the crispy biscuits with red peppers and marinated chicken called coca in Eivissenc to the brioche with sobrasada (a spicy sausage containing paprika that is common to the Balearic Islands) with goat’s cheese, and the risotto made with sea algae known as sea chard, it was a seaborne journey of discovery through artfully reinvented versions of Ibiza’s culinary heritage, highlighting its abundant local produce.
Our feast culminated in a revamped version of that classic dessert, flaó (a cheesecake or tart found in mainland Spanish and Balearic cuisine). In this case, a three-tiered wonder featuring crumble and mint mousse. Yum!
As the sun dipped beneath the horizon, and sunset commenced, the experience reached its peak. Accompanied by Sally's incredible voice, it's a majestic moment that will become a lifelong memory. As we saw on videos of previous trips, you might even get to see dolphins swimming before the vessel! Returning to port, we passed the colourful sight of the bustling Sunset Strip on the way.
Additional touches to this exceptional and enlightening cruise include the chance to enjoy cocktails and also to purchase a quality selection of typical Ibizan products such as herbal infusions, salts, soaps, and hierbas liquor.
The cruise departs from the quay close to Palapa Bar, on the promenade. We left at 18:30 but times will vary slightly throughout the season according to the changing sunset time. To make it easier for visitors staying at hotels around the bay, the boat, the Brisa III makes a stop at either the aquarium or Playa Pinet beach to save them having to make their own way to the point of embarkation downtown.
As we and the other lucky voyagers stepped down the gangplank, back on dry land, the feeling was one of exhilaration and plenitude. This is no ordinary boat excursion and we can safely recommend it wholeheartedly to our readers!
Book your Meet the Sea Sunset adventure direct via its website.
