“Whoa-oh, we’re going to Ibiza…” It’s virtually impossible to mention the name Ibiza without the famous tune coming into your head and putting a great big smile on your face, isn’t it? And that smile is there to stay if you really are going on a boys’ break to Ibiza!
So, if this dream-come-true holiday actually is coming true, you’ll have a pretty big first decision to make: which resort will you choose? Glad you asked.
San Antonio (or to give it its official name: Sant Antoni de Portmany) is a party hotspot, so if you’re up for some fun, sun and a slightly unhealthy dose of craziness, it’s a great place to base your mates’ break. Whether your crew can hack the pace of the nightlife is entirely down to your own stamina, so let’s talk about what you can do when you eventually drag yourself out of bed. We’ll try not to set the alarm too early…
Ocean Mania
So it’s a bit of mania… on the ocean! Ocean Mania is a huge floating fun park just off the beach, and if you’ve ever seen Total Wipeout on the telly and thought, “I can do that”, now’s your chance.
Encompassing 7,000sqft of ocean, this inflatable obstacle course is the most fun you can have in the water under your own steam. The circuit involves balancing beams, slides, towers, bridges and ropes and is topped off with two gigantic trampolines and a high dive. If you fancy your skills as an athlete, pit yourself against your mates to finish first and you might not have to buy a drink all weekend!
Open 11am-8pm every day, May to September. Price includes lifejacket rental, a drink and slice of pizza. Winning already! €20 for 45mins or €35 for day ticket.
Air Zone Ibiza
Disclaimer: do not attempt this after a huge night out or your hangover could turn very unsavoury. That said, feel free to ignore such boring advice and give all your mates something to laugh at! The fabulous silliness of Air Zone Ibiza involves climbing into a huge transparent plastic orb and rolling head first down a slope – what could possibly go wrong?
The park is sprawled over 1500m2 with the longest incline measuring a stomach churning (remember the advice?) 65 metres. Climb into the massive Cyclone or Vortex orbs, strap in, shut up and enjoy the ride! You can also test your balance on the Anfibios (now’s your chance to prove you really can walk on water) or get one back on your mates in a game of Bumper – where you don a mini-orb and run full tilt at each other. Nice.
Open 11-am-9pm every day, May to September. A two hour session is €31.50.
Jet Pack Experience
San Antonio’s pretty good for the ego: because not only can you walk on water, you can fly as well, and every water sport you’ve ever tried will seem tame once you get a taste of this one.
Jet packs use water and air to provide aerial traction and, after donning the equipment and listening to a few instructions (yes, you do need to listen or you’ll spend your time face first in the Mediterranean), you’ll be skimming over the water like a sunburnt Superman in no time. Described as a combination of jet skiing, acrobatics and snowboarding, it gives you three times the thrills and possibly three times the spills too…
Jet Pack San Antonio is located at the port and is open 10-am-11pm every day. At €110 for 20 minutes it’s not cheap, but it sure is worth it.
Speed Boat
If you feel the need, the need for speed, Speed Boat Paradise can deliver – along with an equal dose of relaxation to balance out the adrenaline levels. On a two-hour excursion, you can choose to head along the north or south coast beyond San Antonio.
Interspersed with high octane, full tilt speed boating, you’ll stop off at deserted beaches and coves, where you can snorkel, swim and explore sea caves. You can also have a go on an underwater scooter, and drinks, music and great company are all included.
***Tip: For an even more memorable experience, book in for a sunset tour.
Speed Boat Paradise tours depart from the port at San Antonio. Day trips €50, sunset trips €65.
Cliff Diving
If hurling yourself off a cliff into the Mediterranean sounds like fun to you, be our guest! The Cliff Diving experience prepares you to enjoy one of the most thrilling activities of your life in a safe, sensible way. Ok, that line was for your loved ones – what we really wanted to say was “woooooohooooooooooo!!!”.
In all seriousness, you’ll be instructed and well looked after at sites that have been tried and certified safe for this crazy sport. Starting off low, you’ll get your confidence on several jumps before your ultimate plunge from the top of the cliff. To say it’s exhilarating is an understatement. Even if not all your mates are daredevils they can still come along to watch.
Rockid Ibiza offers cliff diving courses from June- August, with groups leaving from the Cala Bassa carpark at midday from Monday to Friday. Cliff diving experience is €70, transport to Cala Bassa is available at €10 pp.
So. San Antonio. Think you can handle the pace? You know you want to try…
Tip: If you want to get out and explore some of the other beaches around Ibiza from San Antonia, this blog post reveals some of the very best.
How to Get to San Antonio from Ibiza Airport
As a major party venue, Ibiza is well serviced by budget carriers offering plenty of scheduled flights to the island, which take just over two hours from the UK. Once you land, the most convenient way to get everyone the rest of the way to San Antonio is on the fast Ibiza airport transfers, which take under 30 minutes door-to-door.
Shuttle Direct offer shared and private Ibiza airport transfers that you can book online before you leave home. If you’re watching the budget you can choose a shared service, but if you’re doing it in style, or if all the boys chip in, a private transfer just for you will see you starting your holiday like kings.
If you’re coming from mainland Spain, there are regular ferry services from Denia, Valencia and Barcelona. Shuttle Direct can also get you from the ferry ports to San Antonio.
Where to Stay
Hotel Piscis – You don’t have to go far to find the party at the adults-only Hotel Piscis. While it’s just a short distance from the beach and all the nightlife, there’s so much going on around the hotel’s pool and sun terrace you might find it hard to leave! Relax on a sun lounger, wander down to the beach for watersports and party hard at the legendary Café del Mar and other nearby clubs – it’s all on the doorstep!
Hotel Apartamentos Central City – Excellent value for money and situated in a prime position, the Hotel Apartamentos Central City is the ideal home-from-home for an action-packed boys’ weekend. An adults only establishment, you’ll be able to party hard at the nearby clubs, sleep late in the air-conditioned studios, then wander down to the beach to start all over again…
Hotel Tropical – Tropical by name and tropical by nature, the Hotel Tropical is a little slice of cool respite from the fun-filled ambience of San Antonio. Wake up to a garden view from the spacious air-conditioned rooms, fill up for the day on the fantastic buffet breakfast, then take your choice from a day at the pool, some friendly rivalry in the games room, or an action packed day at the beach, just 300 metres away.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is the leading provider of airport transfers in Europe and North Africa. Our friendly, knowledgeable local drivers ensure our clients are transported to and from their final destination in the quickest, most convenient way. With the choice of shared or private transfers and an easy to use online booking system, Shuttle Direct has all your onward transport needs covered.
