Eco Lux Balearia
Eco Lux
âš“ The Eco Lux is one of the most efficient eco fast ferries in the Mediterranean and the second of the four vessels Baleària built to link the islands of Ibiza and Formentera. A fast, light, environmentally sensitive catamaran, she covers the crossing between the port of Ibiza and La Savina (Formentera) in just 30 minutes, making it one of the fastest and most frequent inter-island links in the Mediterranean. She carries no cars, which makes her a passenger-only vessel — with room for up to 350 people — built for speed, comfort and eco-efficiency.
The Eco Lux joined the Ibiza–Formentera route in May 2018, four months after the first ship of the series, the Eco Aqua. Both form part of Baleària's Pangea project, a corporate responsibility initiative in support of sustainable tourism around the Pitiusas. The full series — Eco Aqua, Eco Lux, Eco Terra and Eco Aire — was in service by the summer of 2018, allowing Baleària to run more than 30 daily connections between Ibiza and Formentera.
The name Eco Lux refers to the element light in the classical tradition and is tied to Baleària's corporate value of commitment to its employees and to UN Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth. A symbolic touch that speaks to the operator's commitment to the people working on board, all of whom live in Ibiza and Formentera.
History and background of the ship
The Eco Lux was the second ship of the Eco Series to be delivered, with her keel laid on 10 July 2017 and handover on 23 February 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 (sun deck) | 80 |
| Vehicle capacity | No cars carried (bicycles and mopeds only) |
| Propulsion | 2 Caterpillar C32 diesel engines · 1,081 kW each |
| Propellers | 2 fixed-pitch propellers + 2 bow thrusters (22 kW each) |
| Renewable energy on board | 24 photovoltaic solar panels (up to 8 kW) for onboard services |
| Hull material | Glass-fibre reinforced polyester (GRP) · no paint required |
| Bow design | Wave-piercing with side tunnels to channel water away |
| Shipyard | Astilleros Gondán · Figueras (Asturias) |
| Naval architecture | Oliver Design + engineering by Insenaval |
| Year built / delivered | 2018 |
| IMO number | 9844239 |
| MMSI | 225988274 |
| Call sign | EAXE |
| Flag | Spain |
| Position in the series | 2nd of 4 (Eco Series: Aqua, Lux, Terra, Aire) |
| Award | The Eco Series (Eco Aqua) was voted Most Outstanding Shipbuilding Project of 2017 in Spain |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual frequency* |
|---|---|---|
| Ibiza → Formentera (La Savina) | 30 min | Every ~45 min · from ~07:00 |
| Formentera (La Savina) → Ibiza | 30 min | Every ~45 min · until ~22:30 |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. In summer, frequencies rise to almost 30 sailings a day from each port. Confirm the exact time in our search engine.
The port of Ibiza and La Savina: getting there and what to bear in mind
The Eco Lux sails from the quay in Ibiza Town (Avinguda de Santa Eulària des Riu), right in the centre of Eivissa, to the port of La Savina, the only way into Formentera by sea. The two ports lie roughly 10 nautical miles apart and the crossing takes just 30 minutes.
Unlike the conventional ferries on the route, the Eco Lux takes no cars. If you need to get your vehicle to Formentera, look at the Cap de Barbaria (all-electric) or other ships in the Baleària fleet equipped for vehicles. Bear in mind, too, that Formentera applies restrictions on private vehicles in high season (July and August): always check the rules in force at formentera.eco before planning a trip with a car.
If you are travelling as a foot passenger, get to the boarding quay at least 20–30 minutes beforehand, especially in high season, when demand is very heavy and the approaches can be busy.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A ticket on the Eco Lux (standard seat) starts at ~€18 each way in low season for non-residents, rising above €35 in high season. Return tickets work out cheaper overall.
Available discounts:
- Formentera resident: up to 89% off the passenger fare. The biggest discount on the whole route.
- Ibiza, Mallorca or Menorca resident: 75% off the passenger fare. You must prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI).
- Children under 12: 50% off.
- Carnet Joven, youth card (14–30): discount available. Check the conditions when you book.
- Over-60s: a discount applies on several Baleària routes.
- Easy Pass: a special fare for frequent travellers on the Ibiza–Formentera route. Ideal for residents who cross often.
- Baleària Club: the operator's points scheme. Collect points and redeem them against future bookings.
- OPEN ticket (no vehicle): valid for a year, with no fixed date or time. Perfect if you do not know when you will be coming back.
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 |
| As a group or family, wanting to enjoy the scenery | Outside seat (sun deck) |
| With a bicycle or moped | Inside seat + bicycle area |
| With a pet | Standard seat + pet place (book in advance) |
| With reduced mobility | Special accessible seat (book in advance) |
Eco Lux · Accommodations
Inside seat · Standard
The Eco Lux's main accommodation. Ergonomic leather seats with headrests, designed specifically for sea travel and suited to passengers of every age. The inside lounge has 270 places, with access to the bar and luggage racks.
✓ Ergonomic leather seat with headrest
✓ Charging points for mobile devices
✓ WiFi on board
✓ Luggage racks in the lounge
✓ Video content during the crossing
Sun deck · Outside
The upper deck offers 80 open-air seats from which to take in the Pitiusas nature park during the crossing. The perfect choice on a sunny spring or summer day. Up here you can read the Baleària magazine or simply relax with the Mediterranean in view.
✓ 80 open-air seats
✓ Panoramic views over the nature park
✓ Direct access from the inside lounge
✓ Ideal in fine weather
Bicycle and moped area
Although the Eco Lux carries no cars, she does have a dedicated space for bicycles and mopeds — the ideal way of getting around Formentera. A thoughtful touch for the sustainable traveller who wants to explore the island at their own pace.
✓ Bicycle and moped area
✓ Ideal for exploring Formentera sustainably
✓ Booking a space is advised in high season
Eco Lux · On-board services
Bar and catering
The Eco Lux has a bar on board where you can have a drink or a snack during the 30-minute crossing. The offering is simple and quick, matched to the length of the trip. It is the perfect pause before your Formentera holiday begins.
Sun deck · Outside terrace
One of the hallmarks of the Eco Series is the outside sun deck. With 80 open-air seats, it is the ideal place to take in the views over the Ses Salines Nature Park, one of the most closely protected natural areas in the Mediterranean, during the 30-minute crossing.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Eco Lux is fitted with special seats with securing anchor points for wheelchairs and adapted access routes to make boarding and disembarking easier for passengers who find it difficult to get about. The number of accessible places is limited, so book them in advance.
Sustainability: the most efficient Eco Series in the Mediterranean
The Eco Lux is one of the most eco-efficient vessels of her class in the Mediterranean. Her design brings together three innovative solutions to reduce her environmental impact:
−35%
COâ‚‚ vs. the previous series
8 kW
Solar power on board
0 paint
Unpainted GRP hull
- GRP hull (glass fibre and isophthalic polyester resins): lighter than steel, needs no paint (removing pollutants) and keeps vibration and noise away from passengers.
- Photovoltaic solar panels: 24 panels on the upper deck supplying up to 8 kW of electricity for the onboard services and the ship's LED lighting.
- Wave-piercing bow with water-channelling tunnels: a hydrodynamic design that holds the speed and softens the impact of the waves, improving energy efficiency and passenger comfort in rough seas.
- Latest-generation engines: comparative figures against the earlier Maverick series show COâ‚‚ emissions cut by around 35%.
- Minimal noise pollution: the Eco Lux's engines make the ship's noise footprint all but non-existent.
The Eco Lux forms part of the Pangea project, Baleària's corporate responsibility initiative in support of sustainable tourism around the Pitiusas. The series as a whole served as a testbed for Baleària's later, more ambitious ships, such as the Cap de Barbaria (fully electric) and the LNG fast ferries like the Eleanor Roosevelt and the Margarita Salas.
Eco Lux vs. Eco Aqua: are they the same?
The Eco Lux and the Eco Aqua are technically identical ships. They share length overall, beam, capacity, propulsion and every system on board. The only difference is what they stand for within the Pangea project:
| Feature | Eco Lux | Eco Aqua |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 28 m | 28 m |
| Beam | 9 m | 9 m |
| Capacity | 350 passengers | 350 passengers |
| Top speed | 28 knots | 28 knots |
| Propulsion | 2 × Caterpillar C32 | 2 × Caterpillar C32 |
| Position in the series | 2nd of 4 | 1st of 4 |
| Linked SDG | SDG 8 · Decent work | SDG 13 · Climate action |
| Year delivered | 2018 | 2017 |
Frequently asked questions about the Eco Lux
Which route does Baleària's Eco Lux operate?
The Eco Lux runs the Ibiza–Formentera (La Savina) route for Baleària. She is a passenger-only eco fast ferry (no cars). She may also be assigned to other routes from time to time, depending on the operator's needs.
How long does the Eco Lux take from Ibiza to Formentera?
The crossing takes about 30 minutes. It is one of the shortest inter-island crossings in the Mediterranean, covering some 10 nautical miles.
Does the Eco Lux carry cars?
No. The Eco Lux is a passenger-only ferry. She takes neither cars nor motorbikes. She does have space for bicycles and mopeds. If you need to take your car to Formentera, look at other Baleària ships equipped for vehicles.
How many sailings a day does the Eco Lux make?
Baleària runs the Ibiza–Formentera route with departures every ~45 minutes across the four eco fast ferries in the series. In summer there are almost 30 sailings a day from each port, from about 07:00 until 22:30. Check exact timetables in our search engine.
How much is a ticket on the Eco Lux?
A passenger ticket starts at ~€18 each way in low season. Formentera residents get up to 89% off; residents of Ibiza or the other Balearic Islands get 75%. Compare real-time prices here.
Is there a resident discount on the Eco Lux?
Yes. Formentera residents: up to 89% off. Ibiza, Mallorca or Menorca residents: 75% off. It applies only to the passenger fare, not to vehicles or pets. Prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI).
Are pets allowed on the Eco Lux?
Yes. She accepts pets in their own carriers or in cages provided by the company. Places are very limited: booking is essential when you buy your ticket. Always carry the animal's boarding pass.
Is the Eco Lux accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has special seats with securing anchor points and adapted access routes for passengers with reduced mobility. Accessible places are limited: book in advance.
Is there WiFi on the Eco Lux?
Yes. The Eco Lux has WiFi on board. Just connect to the Baleària network for the 30 minutes of the crossing.
Why is the Eco Lux a green ship?
For three main reasons: her GRP hull (glass fibre) needs no paint; she carries 24 photovoltaic solar panels of up to 8 kW for the onboard services; and her latest-generation engines cut COâ‚‚ emissions by around 35% compared with the conventional ferries previously on the route.
Where does the Eco Lux board in Ibiza?
The Eco Lux boards at the quay in Ibiza Town, on Avinguda de Santa Eulària des Riu, right in the centre of Eivissa. Her destination is the port of La Savina, the only way into Formentera by sea.
What is the Pangea project?
The Pangea project is Baleària's corporate responsibility initiative in support of sustainable tourism around the Pitiusas. The four eco fast ferries (Eco Aqua, Eco Lux, Eco Terra and Eco Aire) form part of it. Each ship is tied to a company value and to a UN Sustainable Development Goal.
How early should I get to the port?
Get to the quay at least 20–30 minutes beforehand. In summer (July and August) allow extra time: passenger numbers are very high and the approaches are usually busy.
Does the Eco Lux offer the OPEN ticket?
Yes. Baleària offers the OPEN ticket on the Ibiza–Formentera route for foot passengers. It is valid for a year and lets you travel any day at any time without booking ahead. Ideal for open-ended stays in Formentera. Check prices and availability here.
