eco ferry Eco Aire Balearia
eco ferry Eco Aire
âš“ The Eco Aire is one of the four eco fast ferries in the Eco Series run by Baleària, the quickest and greenest way to travel between Ibiza and Formentera. She covers the crossing in just 30 minutes at a top speed of 28 knots, carrying 350 passengers. She is a passenger-only vessel — no cars — designed to turn every trip across the Ses Salines Nature Park into a memorable open-air experience.
The Eco Aire was the fourth and last ship of the series to join the fleet, built from start to finish at the Gondan shipyard in Asturias alongside her three sisters: Eco Aqua, Eco Lux and Eco Terra. All four catamarans, with naval architecture by Oliver Design, have been working the Ibiza–Formentera line since 2018, where Baleària runs more than 30 sailings a day from each port in high season. The Eco Series won the award for the most outstanding shipbuilding project of 2017 in Spain, granted by the Spanish Association of Naval Architects.
The names of the four ships — Eco Aqua, Eco Terra, Eco Aire and Eco Lux — refer to the four classical elements of nature (water, earth, air and light), in keeping with the operator's environmental commitment and the spirit of the Pangea project, a sustainable tourism initiative through which Baleària turns its ships into learning centres about the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
History and background of the ship
The Eco Aire was the last ship of the Eco Series to be delivered, with her keel laid on 15 February 2018 and handover on 20 June 2018. All four ships in the series were built at the Gondán shipyard (Spain), designed by Insenaval in collaboration with Oliver Design. They are glass-reinforced plastic catamarans with a wave-piercing bow and solar panels on deck that supply up to 8 kW of auxiliary power. She works between Ibiza and Formentera under the Spanish flag, with her home port registered in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Eco fast ferry catamaran (passengers only) |
| Length overall | 28 m |
| Beam | 9 m |
| Top speed | 28 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 350 people |
| Inside seats | 270 |
| Outside seats | 80 |
| Vehicle carriage | No (bicycles and mopeds only) |
| Propulsion | Latest-generation diesel engines (1,081 kW each) |
| Renewable energy | 24 photovoltaic solar panels (onboard services and LED lighting) |
| Bow | Wave-piercing with side tunnels to channel water away |
| Hull | Glass-fibre reinforced polyester (unpainted) |
| Shipyard | Astilleros Gondan (Asturias) |
| Design | Oliver Design |
| Year built | 2018 |
| IMO number | 9858591 |
| MMSI | 225988980 |
| Flag | Spain |
| Position in the series | 4th of 4 (last to join) |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Frequency* |
|---|---|---|
| Ibiza → Formentera (La Savina) | ~30 min | Every 30–60 min (up to 30 sailings/day in summer) |
| Formentera (La Savina) → Ibiza | ~30 min | Every 30–60 min (up to 30 sailings/day in summer) |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. The service runs from 07:00 to 00:30 in high season. Confirm the exact time in our search engine.
Formentera: the ferry is the only way in
Formentera has no airport, which makes the ferry from Ibiza the only way of reaching the island. The two ports lie barely 10 nautical miles apart, so Baleària's Eco fast ferries can cover the crossing in just 30 minutes, sailing straight through the spectacular Ses Salines Nature Park.
Sailings from Ibiza leave from the port of Eivissa (the ferry terminal on Avinguda de Santa Eulàlia). In Formentera you arrive at the port of La Savina, the island's main gateway, from where most onward connections to the beaches and villages of Formentera set off. Get to the port at least 30 minutes before departure, especially in July and August when demand peaks.
If you are bringing a bicycle or a moped, the Eco Aire has a dedicated space to carry them — the perfect way to explore Formentera without hiring a vehicle on the island.
Fares, discounts and how to book
Ticket prices on the Ibiza–Formentera route with Baleària's Eco fast ferries vary by season. Indicative average return fares are:
- Foot passenger (Ibiza → Formentera): from €35 return
- Foot passenger (Formentera → Ibiza): from €56 return
Available discounts:
- Balearic resident: 75% off the base fare. You must prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento). Formentera residents enjoy even better terms.
- Carnet Joven (youth card): reduced fare for passengers aged 14 to 30. Check availability when you book.
- Easy Pass: a special fare for frequent users of the Ibiza–Formentera line. Ideal for residents and commuters who make the crossing regularly.
- OPEN ticket: available in summer for foot passengers. Valid for a year, it lets you board without a fixed sailing time. Ideal if your plans are flexible.
- Baleària Club: the operator's points 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 inside seat |
| After the views and the Mediterranean breeze | Outside seat / Sun deck |
| As a family or group with children | Inside seat + open deck |
| With a bicycle or moped | Standard seat + bike space |
| With a pet | Standard seat + pet place (book when you buy) |
eco ferry Eco Aire · Accommodations
Inside seat · Standard
Ergonomic leather seats with headrests on the air-conditioned inside deck. The most comfortable choice if it is windy or the sea is choppy, or if you simply want to relax for the 30-minute crossing.
✓ Ergonomic leather seat with headrest
✓ Air-conditioned inside deck
✓ Charging points for mobile devices
✓ WiFi on board
✓ Luggage storage available
Outside seat · Upper deck
Open-air seats on the upper deck, with panoramic views over the Ses Salines Nature Park and the best view of the crossing there is. Perfect on a fine day.
✓ Panoramic Mediterranean views
✓ A one-off open-air experience
✓ Crossing through the Ses Salines Nature Park
✓ Access to every area of the ship
Outside sun deck · Open deck
The open deck is the most popular spot on the Eco Aire in summer. Ideal for the sun, the breeze and the views as you sail between Ibiza and Formentera through the nature park.
✓ Open-air area on the upper deck
✓ Uninterrupted views of the Ses Salines Nature Park
✓ Sun deck
✓ Ideal for photography and marine wildlife spotting
eco ferry Eco Aire · On-board services
Bar and snacks on board
The Eco Aire has a bar on board where you can get hot and cold drinks, snacks and nibbles during the crossing. Although the trip lasts only 30 minutes, the bar is open to all passengers.
Outside sun deck and solarium
The Eco Aire's open deck is her signature space. The terrace of open-air seats and the solarium let you take the crossing with the wind in your face, looking out over the Ses Salines Nature Park and the turquoise shallows of the Balearic sea. In summer it is passengers' favourite place to photograph the water between Ibiza and Formentera.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Eco Aire is fitted with seats specially adapted for passengers with reduced mobility, wheelchair anchor points and adapted access routes for easy boarding and disembarking. The number of accessible places is limited, so booking ahead is advised to be sure of availability.
Connectivity on board — WiFi and SmartB
On board the Eco Aire you have WiFi and access to Baleària's SmartB digital platform, which includes:
- WiFi on board throughout the crossing
- Digital entertainment on your smartphone
- Video content about the Pitiusas and sustainable tourism
- Digital boarding pass with seat assignment
- Trip information in real time
- Phone charging points at the inside seats
Sustainability: the real-world figures
The Eco Aire is one of the most eco-efficient vessels of her class in the Mediterranean. The Eco Series stands out for these environmental innovations:
−40%
Energy consumption
24
Photovoltaic solar panels
0
Paint on the hull
The glass-fibre reinforced polyester hull needs no paint — greener and less polluting than a traditional metal hull — and the 24 photovoltaic solar panels fitted to the roof of the upper deck supply electricity to every onboard service and to the ship's LED lighting. The wave-piercing bow with side tunnels that channel water away keeps the speed up without adding drag, which cuts fuel consumption.
The Eco Series was recognised as the most outstanding shipbuilding project of 2017 carried out in Spain, an award granted by the Spanish Association and Institute of Naval Architects. All four ships also form part of Baleària's Pangea project, which promotes sustainable tourism and turns every crossing into a chance to learn about the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Eco Aire vs. her Eco Series sister ships
The Eco Aire is practically identical to her three sisters. This table sums up the similarities and differences:
| Feature | Eco Aire | Eco Aqua / Lux / Terra |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 28 m | 28 m |
| Capacity | 350 passengers | 350 passengers |
| Top speed | 28 knots | 28 knots |
| Shipyard | Gondan (Asturias) | Gondan (Asturias) |
| Design | Oliver Design | Oliver Design |
| Year built | 2018 | 2017–2018 |
| Position in the series | 4th (last) | 1st, 2nd and 3rd |
| Route | Ibiza–Formentera | Ibiza–Formentera |
| Carries cars | No | No |
| Solar panels | 24 panels | 24 panels |
Frequently asked questions about the Eco Aire
Which routes does the Eco Aire eco fast ferry operate?
She works only the Ibiza–Formentera route (port of Eivissa – port of La Savina) for Baleària, alongside her three sister ships: Eco Aqua, Eco Lux and Eco Terra.
How long does the Eco Aire take from Ibiza to Formentera?
The crossing takes about 30 minutes at a top speed of 28 knots. It is the shortest and most frequent service on the Ibiza–Formentera line.
Does the Eco Aire carry cars?
No. The Eco Aire is a passenger-only vessel. She takes neither cars nor motorbikes. She does have space for bicycles and mopeds. To take your car to Formentera, look at Baleària's other ships on the same line (Cap de Barbaria, Posidonia).
How many sailings a day are there between Ibiza and Formentera?
In high season (summer), Baleària runs more than 30 sailings a day from each port, every 30 to 60 minutes, from 07:00 until 00:30. Frequencies are reduced in low season. Check up-to-date timetables here.
What accommodation does the Eco Aire offer?
270 ergonomic leather inside seats with headrests and 80 outside seats on the upper deck, plus an open sun deck with a solarium. There are no cabins or VIP lounges.
Is there free WiFi on the Eco Aire?
Yes. The Eco Aire has WiFi on board and access to Baleària's SmartB digital platform, with entertainment, content about the Pitiusas and a digital boarding pass.
How much is a ticket on the Eco Aire?
From €35 return in mid season (Ibiza → Formentera). Balearic residents get 75% off. Prices rise in July and August. Compare real-time prices here.
Are pets allowed on the Eco Aire?
Yes. The Eco Aire accepts pets in a carrier. Places are very limited, so you must book the pet place when you buy your ticket.
Is the Eco Aire a sustainable ship?
Yes. She uses 40% less energy than comparable vessels, draws on 24 photovoltaic solar panels for onboard services and LED lighting, and her glass-fibre hull needs no paint. The Eco Series was named the most outstanding shipbuilding project of 2017 in Spain.
How early should I get to the port?
Get to the port at least 30 minutes before departure. In July and August, allow extra time. If you have a bicycle or a pet with you, come earlier still so boarding can be sorted out.
Is there a Balearic resident discount?
Yes. Residents of the Balearic Islands are entitled to a 75% discount on the base fare, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento). Formentera residents enjoy additional terms.
Can I take my bicycle on the Eco Aire?
Yes. The Eco Aire has a dedicated space for bicycles and mopeds. It is the perfect way to reach Formentera and ride around it without hiring anything.
Is the Eco Aire part of any sustainability project?
Yes. She is part of Baleària's Pangea project, a corporate responsibility initiative that turns the Eco Series ships into learning centres about the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
What is the difference between the Eco Aire and the other Eco fast ferries?
The Eco Aire is practically identical to her three sisters — Eco Aqua, Eco Lux and Eco Terra — in length overall (28 m), capacity (350 passengers), speed (28 knots) and services. The only difference is that she was the fourth and last to join the Ibiza–Formentera line, in 2018.
