fast ferry Jaume I Balearia
fast ferry Jaume I
âš“ The Jaume I is a fast ferry in the Baleària fleet working the routes along the Valencian coast and around Ibiza, covering mainly the links between Dénia, Ibiza and Formentera. With a length overall of 83 metres and room for more than 800 passengers, the Jaume I is one of the longest-serving and most recognisable ships in the Baleària fleet on the Valencia–Balearics corridor, and is particularly valued by island residents for her frequency of service and the way she handles the shorter hops.
The ship was built at the Austal shipyard in Henderson (Australia) and delivered to Baleària in 2003. Her aluminium hull in catamaran configuration gives her the lightness and speed typical of this class of vessel, reaching a cruising speed of up to 36 knots. She is named Jaume I after James I the Conqueror (1208–1276), king of the Crown of Aragon and a key figure in the history of the Balearic Islands and the Valencia region, territories he conquered and brought into the Crown of Aragon during the 13th century.
History and background of the ship
The Jaume I is a 78-metre catamaran built in 1994 by Incat Tasmania (hull 033) as the Incat 033. Before joining Baleària she built up a long career under a string of names and operators: Stena Sea Lynx II and Stena Lynx II for Stena Line in the Irish Sea and the English Channel (1994–1997), Ronda Marina for Buquebus on Algeciras–Ceuta (1997–1999), Fast Ceuta for Trasmediterránea (2000) and Thundercat II for Ventouris Ferries on Greek routes (2001–2005).
In May 2005 she was bought by Baleària, renamed Jaume I after King James I of Aragon, and entered service on 22 June on Barcelona–Palma. She has worked a good many routes since: Algeciras–Ceuta, Algeciras–Tangier Med, Dénia–Ibiza–Palma and the Florida–Bahamas corridor under Baleària Caribbean (2016–2019). She currently runs the Alcúdia–Ciutadella de Menorca route, to which she was permanently transferred in April 2026, taking over from the Jaume III.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Fast ferry catamaran |
| Length overall | 83 m |
| Beam | 26 m |
| Maximum speed | 36 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~800 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~170 cars |
| Propulsion | 4 MTU / Rolls-Royce diesel engines |
| Construction material | Aluminium (catamaran hull) |
| Passenger decks | 2 |
| Shipyard | Austal, Henderson (Australia) |
| Year built | 2003 |
| Flag | Spain |
| IMO number | 9271862 |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Dénia → Ibiza | ~2 h 30 min | ~09:00 |
| Ibiza → Dénia | ~2 h 30 min | ~16:30 |
| Ibiza → Formentera | ~35 min | Several departures |
| Formentera → Ibiza | ~35 min | Several departures |
| Valencia → Ibiza | ~2 h 30 min | Depending on the season |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact departure time in our search engine.
The port of Dénia: how to get there and what to bear in mind
The Jaume I normally sails from the port of Dénia, in the Marina Alta district of Alicante province, about 100 km from Valencia and 95 km from Alicante. It is the closest port to the Balearic Islands from the Iberian Peninsula — Ibiza is only some 85 km away — which makes the Dénia–Ibiza route the shortest crossing between the mainland and the islands, ideal for quick trips or for travelling with a vehicle.
If you are travelling by car, we recommend arriving at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand. In summer (July and August), traffic on the N-332 and on the approach roads to the port can be heavy, so it is worth allowing a little extra time. Foot passengers will usually find 45 minutes is enough.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A standard seat on the Jaume I starts at roughly €35–50 each way in low season on the Dénia–Ibiza route, and can go above €80–100 at the height of the summer (July and August). The Ibiza–Formentera route, being much shorter, has appreciably lower fares.
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). Applies to residents of Ibiza and Formentera.
- Carnet Joven youth card: reduced fare for passengers aged 14 to 30. Check availability when you book.
- Baleària Club: the operator's loyalty scheme. Collect points on every trip and redeem them for discounts on 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 |
| With family or a group of friends | Seat with table |
| Looking for extra comfort and privacy | Club / VIP lounge (where available) |
| With a pet | Standard seat + pet place |
| With small children | Seat with table (near the service area) |
| On business or for a meeting | Club lounge / reserved area |
fast ferry Jaume I · Accommodations
Standard Seat
The cheapest option on board. Comfortable seats in the shared passenger lounge, with access to every onboard service. Perfect for the 2 h 30 min Dénia–Ibiza crossing at a good price.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to the café and public areas
✓ SmartB WiFi on board
✓ Access to the open deck
Seat with Table
A version of the standard seat with a built-in table for four. Ideal for families or groups who want to eat, play or work in comfort during the crossing.
✓ Shared table for 4 people
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to the café and public areas
✓ SmartB WiFi on board
Club Lounge · Premium
A restricted-access area with more comfort and privacy. Better-quality seating and a dedicated café service. The best choice for anyone after a quieter, more relaxed journey on board the Jaume I.
✓ Exclusive-access lounge
✓ More comfortable seating
✓ Café service in the lounge
✓ More privacy and peace and quiet
fast ferry Jaume I · On-board services
Café and food service
The Jaume I has an onboard café serving hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, snacks and quick meals. Ideal for a bite to eat during the 2 h 30 min crossing between Dénia and Ibiza. There is also a vending area open at all times.
Open deck
The Jaume I has an open deck from which to enjoy the views over the Mediterranean during the crossing. On fine days it is the passengers' favourite spot for watching the sea and arriving in the Pitiusas with the best views of all.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Jaume I has areas adapted for passengers with reduced mobility, with easier access between decks and reserved spaces in the passenger lounge. We recommend contacting Baleària in advance to request specific assistance when boarding and disembarking.
Connectivity and digital entertainment — SmartB
On board the Jaume I you have Baleària's SmartB platform, the operator's digital entertainment and connectivity system:
- Free WiFi throughout the crossing
- WhatsApp completely free, with no data used from your plan
- Series and films on demand from your smartphone or tablet
- Free digital magazines and newspapers via PressReader
- Digital boarding pass with online seat allocation
- Real-time trip information from your phone
Frequently asked questions about the Jaume I
Which routes does the Jaume I operate for Baleària?
The Jaume I mainly operates the Dénia–Ibiza route and the inter-island Ibiza–Formentera link. Depending on the season she may also cover the Valencia–Ibiza route. Check the current schedule in our search engine.
How long does the Jaume I take from Dénia to Ibiza?
The Dénia–Ibiza crossing takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. It is the fastest link between the Iberian Peninsula and Ibiza, because Dénia is the point on the Valencian coast closest to the Pitiusas.
Does the Jaume I carry cars?
Yes. She has a vehicle deck for roughly 170 vehicles. If you are travelling by car, arrive at the port of Dénia at least 90 minutes beforehand. In July and August, allow extra time for traffic on the roads into the port.
What accommodation does the Jaume I offer?
Three types of accommodation: the Standard seat (the cheapest), the Seat with table (ideal for families and groups of four) and the Club Lounge (more comfort and privacy for travellers after a premium experience).
Is there free WiFi on the Jaume I?
Yes. Baleària's SmartB platform is available on board the Jaume I, with free WiFi, WhatsApp without using your data, entertainment on demand and free digital newspapers with PressReader.
Is there a Balearic resident discount on the Jaume I?
Yes. Residents of Ibiza or Formentera are entitled to a 75% discount on the base fare, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
Are pets allowed on the Jaume I?
Yes. The Jaume I has a dedicated pet area. You must book a pet place when you buy your ticket. Check the conditions on weight, carriers and the rules in force on the Baleària website before you travel.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. The Jaume I has adapted areas for passengers with reduced mobility and reserved spaces in the lounge. We recommend contacting Baleària in advance to request assistance when boarding and disembarking.
How much does it cost to travel on the Jaume I from Dénia to Ibiza?
A standard seat starts at roughly €35–50 in low season and can go above €80–100 in July and August. Booking ahead is advisable in summer. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I arrive at the port of Dénia?
By car: at least 90 minutes beforehand. As a foot passenger, 45 minutes is enough. In July and August it is worth allowing extra time because of traffic on the roads into the port of Dénia.
Why is the Dénia–Ibiza route the shortest from the mainland?
The port of Dénia is the closest point on the mainland to the Pitiusas: Ibiza is barely 85 km away. That lets the Jaume I complete the crossing in just 2 h 30 min, against the 8–9 hours a conventional ferry takes from Valencia or Barcelona.
Which shipyard built the Jaume I, and when?
The Jaume I was built at the Austal shipyard in Henderson (Australia) and delivered to Baleària in 2003. Her aluminium hull in catamaran configuration is typical of the high-speed fast ferries built for Mediterranean crossings.
Why is the ship called Jaume I?
The ship is named after James I the Conqueror (1208–1276), king of the Crown of Aragon, who conquered the Balearic Islands and the Kingdom of Valencia in the 13th century and brought them into the Crown of Aragon. He is a central figure in the history of the very places the ship connects: the Valencian coast and the Pitiusas.
