ferry Posidonia Balearia
ferry Posidonia
âš“ The Posidonia was a conventional Ro-Pax ferry operated by Baleària on the routes between mainland Spain and Ibiza and Mallorca. With room for roughly 1,500 passengers and 560 lane metres of vehicles, she was one of the operator's mainstay ships in the Balearics for years. In 2023 her duties passed to the new electric ferry Cap de Barbaria, and she was sold to the Italian operator Caremar, where she now sails as the Nereide.
The ship took her name from Posidonia oceanica, the seagrass endemic to the Mediterranean whose underwater meadows form one of the most valuable and closely protected ecosystems in the Balearic Sea.
History and background of the ship
The Posidonia was a conventional passenger and vehicle ferry built in Spain in 1980. She spent years working for Baleària on the Ibiza–Formentera route and later on other Balearic links. In May 2023 she was withdrawn from service and sold to the Italian operator Caremar, which renamed her Nereide. Her replacement on the line was the new electric ferry Cap de Barbaria, Spain's first electrically powered ferry, which entered service in May 2023.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Conventional Ro-Pax ferry |
| Year built | 1980 |
| IMO number | 9283891 |
| Length overall | 186 m |
| Beam | 26.8 m |
| Service speed | ~21 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~1,500 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~560 lane metres |
| Propulsion | Conventional diesel engines |
| Shipyard | Spain (1980) |
| Flag | Spain |
| Current status | Sold to Caremar (Italy) — sailing as the Nereide |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Ibiza | ~9 h | Overnight |
| Ibiza → Barcelona | ~9 h | Overnight |
| Barcelona → Palma (Mallorca) | ~8 h | Seasonal |
| Palma (Mallorca) → Barcelona | ~8 h | Seasonal |
| Valencia → Ibiza | ~5 h 30 min | Seasonal |
| Ibiza → Valencia | ~5 h 30 min | Seasonal |
* Indicative timetables for the ship's historical routes. Check the current fleet in our search engine.
The port of Ibiza: getting there and what to bear in mind
The port of Ibiza (Eivissa) sits in the heart of the town, a mere 10-minute walk from the old quarter (Dalt Vila). It has car parking, left luggage and bus and taxi links to the rest of the island. If you are heading for the airport, it is about 8 km from the harbour (roughly 15 minutes by taxi). If you are travelling with a vehicle, we recommend arriving at least 90 minutes beforehand; as a foot passenger, 45 minutes is enough.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A standard seat on the Posidonia started at around €40–55 each way in low season, and could go above €80–100 in July and August. Cabins cost more.
Available discounts:
- Balearic resident: 75% off the base fare. You must prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a current certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
- Carnet Joven (youth card): reduced fare for passengers aged 14 to 30.
- Baleària Club: the operator's points scheme. Collect points on every trip.
- Large families: official discount recognised by the Spanish Ministry of Transport.
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 lowest price | Reclining seat |
| As a couple or family, on an overnight sailing | Two-berth inside cabin |
| Family with children (4 people) | Four-berth cabin |
| Looking for views and extra comfort | Outside cabin with window or porthole |
| With a pet | Dedicated pet area |
ferry Posidonia · Accommodations
Reclining seat · Standard
The cheapest option on the Posidonia. Reclining seats in a shared lounge, with access to every area of the ship: café, open deck and shop.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to the café and open deck
✓ SmartB WiFi on board
✓ Access to every area of the ship
Inside cabin · Two berths
A two-berth cabin without a window, ideal for overnight crossings where a proper rest comes first. Two berths, a private bathroom with shower and climate control.
✓ 2 berths with bed linen included
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ SmartB WiFi on board
Outside cabin · With window
A two-berth cabin with a window or porthole and sea views. It combines a good night's rest with natural light during the crossing.
✓ 2 berths with bed linen included
✓ Window or porthole with sea views
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
Four-berth cabin · Family
A cabin with four berths, a private bathroom and climate control. The most comfortable and affordable answer for families on overnight crossings.
✓ 4 berths with bed linen included
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ SmartB WiFi on board
ferry Posidonia · On-board services
Café and onboard shop
The Posidonia had a full café open throughout the crossing, serving sandwiches, hot dishes, hot and cold drinks and fixed-price menus. The onboard shop sold snacks, magazines, souvenirs and travel essentials.
Open deck
The Posidonia had an open deck where passengers could enjoy the Mediterranean in the fresh air. It was at its best on the dawn approaches into the port of Ibiza.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Posidonia had accessible entrances for passengers with reduced mobility, including lifts between decks and adapted cabins with extra room for wheelchairs.
Connectivity and digital entertainment — SmartB
On board the Posidonia you had the run of Baleària's SmartB platform:
- Free WiFi throughout the crossing
- Completely free WhatsApp, without using your data
- Series and films on demand on your smartphone
- Free Spanish and international newspapers via PressReader
- Digital boarding pass with online seat allocation
Frequently asked questions about the Posidonia ferry
Which routes did the Posidonia ferry operate?
She mainly ran the Barcelona–Ibiza and Barcelona–Palma routes, as well as Valencia–Ibiza depending on the season.
Why does the Posidonia no longer sail for Baleària?
In May 2023 she was withdrawn from service and sold to the Italian operator Caremar, where she now sails as the Nereide. She was replaced by the Cap de Barbaria, Spain's first electrically powered ferry.
What accommodation did the Posidonia offer?
Reclining seats (the cheapest option), two-berth inside cabins, two-berth outside cabins with a window or porthole, and four-berth cabins for families. Every cabin had a private bathroom and climate control.
Why was she called Posidonia?
Her name referred to Posidonia oceanica, the seagrass endemic to the Mediterranean whose underwater meadows are one of the most valuable and closely protected ecosystems in the Balearic Sea.
Did the Posidonia carry cars?
Yes. She was a Ro-Pax ferry with room for roughly 560 lane metres of rolling freight, taking cars, motorbikes, vans and articulated lorries.
Where can I see the ferry that replaced the Posidonia?
The Cap de Barbaria is the ferry that took over from the Posidonia. She is Spain's first electrically powered ferry and currently works the Ibiza–Formentera route.
