eferry Cap de Barbaria Balearia
eferry Cap de Barbaria
âš“ The Cap de Barbaria is Baleària's first electric ferry and one of the first 100% electrically powered passenger vessels in Spain. She works the Ibiza–Formentera route, one of the shortest and busiest crossings in the Balearic Islands, at roughly 25–30 minutes. Running with no direct emissions makes her a pioneering bet by Baleària on decarbonising short-sea shipping, where electrification is viable both technically and financially.
The ship was built at the Armon shipyard in Navia (Asturias) and joined the Baleària fleet in 2022. She is the result of a firm commitment by the operator to cutting environmental impact on a route that is particularly sensitive in ecological terms, since Formentera is one of the most strictly protected natural areas in the Mediterranean, with the largest expanse of Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadow in the world.
The Cap de Barbaria is part of Baleària's strategy to electrify the short inter-island routes, complementing the operator's commitment to liquefied natural gas (LNG) on the long-distance routes (such as those worked by the Margarita Salas and the Eleanor Roosevelt). Her name refers to Cap de Barbaria, the southernmost headland on Formentera and one of the most emblematic landscapes in the Pityusic Islands.
A tribute to the geography of the Pityusic Islands
Cap de Barbaria (Cabo de Barbaria in Spanish) is the southernmost point of Formentera and of the whole autonomous community of the Balearic Islands. It is home to one of the oldest and most iconic lighthouses in the western Mediterranean, built in 1972, and offers panoramic views from cliffs standing up to 60 metres above the sea. The area is protected as part of the Ses Salines d'Eivissa i Formentera Natural Park, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 along with the posidonia meadows. Giving a zero-emission electric ferry the name of this headland fits the environmental thinking behind the project.
History and background of the ship
The Cap de Barbaria was built as yard number 138 at Astilleros Armon Vigo. She was launched on 28 September 2022, delivered on 5 May 2023 and entered service on 15 May that same year on the Ibiza–Formentera route, replacing the ferry Posidonia, which was sold to the Italian operator Caremar and renamed Nereida.
The ship was designed by Cotenaval in collaboration with Oliver Design and part-financed by the Next Generation EU recovery funds and the Green Shipping Fund. She is the first electrically powered ferry in Spain. Her name refers to the headland of the same name at the south-western tip of Formentera.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Electric passenger and vehicle ferry |
| Propulsion | 100% electric (batteries) |
| Direct emissions | Zero emissions in service |
| Passenger capacity | up to 1,200 people (final figures on request) |
| Vehicle capacity | Yes (spaces for cars and motorbikes; check availability) |
| OPS / charging system | Electric charging in port (Ibiza and Formentera) |
| Shipyard | Armon Navia (Asturias) |
| Year entered the fleet | 2022 |
| Flag | Spain |
| Operating company | Baleària |
| Main route | Ibiza (Eivissa) – La Savina (Formentera) |
| Crossing time | ~25–30 minutes |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual frequency* |
|---|---|---|
| Ibiza (Eivissa) → La Savina (Formentera) | ~25–30 min | Several sailings a day |
| La Savina (Formentera) → Ibiza (Eivissa) | ~25–30 min | Several sailings a day |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm exact times in our search engine.
The port of La Savina: getting there and what to bear in mind
The Cap de Barbaria berths at the port of La Savina, the only way into Formentera by sea. La Savina sits at the north-western tip of the island, a few kilometres from the main tourist centres (Sant Francesc Xavier, Es Pujols, Platja de Ses Illetes). Bus routes and car, motorbike and bicycle hire all start from the port, which makes getting around the island very easy.
From Ibiza, the ferry leaves from the Port d'Eivissa, well connected to the city centre. Allow at least 30 minutes if you are travelling as a foot passenger, and 60 minutes if you are taking a vehicle. In July and August demand is very high and car spaces sell out fast, so book well ahead.
Formentera is the Balearic destination most committed to sustainable mobility: the island restricts motor vehicle traffic in high season and encourages cycling and electric transport. In that sense the Cap de Barbaria is the ideal way to reach the island: she arrives with no engine noise and no emissions into the protected environment of the posidonia meadows.
Fares, discounts and how to book
The Ibiza–Formentera crossing is one of the most sought-after in the Balearics, especially in summer. Prices are indicative and vary with the season and how far ahead you book. In high season (July and August) we recommend booking a ticket with a vehicle weeks in advance, as car spaces are limited.
Available discounts:
- Balearic resident: 75% off the base passenger fare. You must prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento) at boarding.
- Formentera resident: residents of Formentera qualify for the Balearic resident discount on every crossing to and from Ibiza.
- Baleària Club: the operator's loyalty scheme. Collect points on every trip and redeem them against future bookings.
You can compare prices and real-time availability directly on I Love Ferry.
Which accommodation should you choose for your trip?
| If you are travelling... | Recommended accommodation |
|---|---|
| Alone or as a couple, looking for the best price | Standard seat on the indoor deck |
| Wanting to enjoy the sea views | Outside deck area |
| As a family with children | Indoor seat + access to the outside deck |
| With a vehicle (car or motorbike) | Passenger ticket + vehicle space (book ahead) |
| With a pet | Passenger ticket + pet place |
eferry Cap de Barbaria · Accommodations
Indoor deck · Standard seat
An indoor passenger area with seating and room for luggage. Air-conditioned and comfortable for the short 25–30 minute crossing. Ideal if you would rather stay out of the sun or are travelling with small children.
✓ Air-conditioned space
✓ Seats with room for luggage
✓ Access to the outside deck included
✓ SmartB WiFi on board
Outside deck · In the open air
An open-air area from which to take in the views over the channel between Ibiza and Formentera and the protected posidonia meadows below. Perfect for anyone who loves the sea and photography. In summer it is the most sought-after spot on board.
✓ Panoramic Mediterranean views
✓ No engine noise (electric propulsion)
✓ A calm crossing with no vibration
eferry Cap de Barbaria · On-board services
Café and basic services on board
As the crossing between Ibiza and Formentera lasts only 25–30 minutes, the services on board the Cap de Barbaria are compact but ample for the trip. The ship has a café area serving drinks and snacks.
Outside deck
The Cap de Barbaria's outside deck is without doubt the most special part of the ship. With no combustion engines, the crossing is noticeably quieter and calmer than on a conventional ferry, so you can take in the scenery of the channel between Ibiza and Formentera in full: turquoise water, posidonia beds visible from the deck on clear days, and the outline of Ibiza receding on the horizon.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Cap de Barbaria is designed to meet European accessibility rules for maritime transport. If you travel in a wheelchair or have other accessibility needs, we recommend contacting Baleària before you travel to confirm what is available and to book assistance for boarding and disembarking at both the Port d'Eivissa and the port of La Savina (Formentera).
Connectivity on board — SmartB
The Cap de Barbaria carries Baleària's SmartB platform. Although the crossing lasts only 25–30 minutes, you can make use of:
- Free WiFi throughout the crossing
- Completely free WhatsApp without using up your mobile data
- Real-time journey information on your phone
- Digital boarding pass with your allocated place
Sustainability: zero emissions in a World Heritage setting
The Cap de Barbaria is the most sustainable ferry in active service in the Baleària fleet. Her 100% electric propulsion means zero emissions of COâ‚‚, NOx, sulphur and particulates while she is running. That matters particularly on the Ibiza–Formentera route, because:
0 g
COâ‚‚ in service
0 g
NOx emitted
−100%
Engine noise
The channel between Ibiza and Formentera holds the largest expanse of Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadow in the Mediterranean, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Posidonia is a key indicator of sea water quality and extremely sensitive to both chemical and noise pollution. Using electric propulsion on this route cuts chemical emissions and underwater noise alike, protecting a unique ecosystem.
Baleària charges the Cap de Barbaria's batteries using the electrical infrastructure at the ports of Ibiza and La Savina (Formentera) between crossings. This way of running the ship — known as OPS (Onshore Power Supply) — removes emissions entirely both in port and under way, and is the cleanest model available today for short-sea shipping.
Frequently asked questions about the Cap de Barbaria
Which route does the Cap de Barbaria ferry operate?
She works the Ibiza (Port d'Eivissa) – La Savina (Formentera) route with several sailings a day in both directions. It is the only way to reach Formentera by sea from Ibiza with Baleària.
How long does the Cap de Barbaria take from Ibiza to Formentera?
The crossing takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes. It is one of the shortest ferry crossings in the Balearic Islands.
Is the Cap de Barbaria really an electric ferry?
Yes. The Cap de Barbaria runs on 100% electric battery propulsion, with no combustion engines. She is Baleària's first electric ferry and one of the first in Spain. She emits no COâ‚‚, NOx, sulphur or particulates during the crossing.
Does the Cap de Barbaria carry cars?
Yes. She has space for vehicles (cars and motorbikes). In July and August car spaces sell out fast, so we recommend booking well ahead if you are travelling with a vehicle. Bear in mind, too, that Formentera restricts motor vehicle traffic in high season.
Are pets allowed on the Cap de Barbaria?
Yes. The Cap de Barbaria accepts pets. You need to book a pet place when you buy your ticket and comply with Baleària's rules for carrying animals. The short crossing makes the experience comfortable for them.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
The Cap de Barbaria meets maritime accessibility rules. We recommend contacting Baleària before you travel to confirm exactly what is available and to book assistance for boarding and disembarking.
Is there free WiFi on the Cap de Barbaria?
Yes. The Cap de Barbaria carries Baleària's SmartB platform, which includes free WiFi and WhatsApp without using up your data during the crossing.
Is there a Balearic resident discount on the Cap de Barbaria?
Yes. Residents of the Balearic Islands (including residents of Formentera) are entitled to a 75% discount on the base passenger fare, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
How early should I get to the port?
As a foot passenger: at least 30 minutes beforehand. With a vehicle: at least 60 minutes. In July and August it is worth allowing extra time, as the Port d'Eivissa is extremely busy.
Why did Baleària choose the Ibiza–Formentera route for its first electric ferry?
For two main reasons. First, the route is very short (25–30 minutes), which allows the batteries to be fully recharged between crossings. Second, Formentera is a protected natural setting of the highest ecological value (posidonia meadows, a UNESCO World Heritage Site), where an electric ferry's zero emissions matter enormously for preserving the marine ecosystem.
When did the Cap de Barbaria join the Baleària fleet?
The Cap de Barbaria joined the Baleària fleet in 2022, having been built at the Armon shipyard in Navia (Asturias). She is the company's first electric ferry and a milestone in the history of sustainable shipping in Spain.
