Working on charter in Ibiza: guide for seasonal crew

I've worked charter in Ibiza for five seasons and I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. That said, it's not for everyone — you need to know what you're getting into.

Ibiza: charter capital of the Mediterranean

Ibiza is, along with the French Riviera and Croatian coast, one of the most important nautical charter destinations in the Mediterranean. Every summer, hundreds of vessels operate from the island's ports offering day and week sailing experiences to tourists from around the world.

For crew, Ibiza offers a unique combination: high salaries, generous tips, an international atmosphere and the chance to live an unforgettable professional and personal experience. According to Yemplea data, Ibiza accounts for over 40% of charter job offers in the Balearics.

Types of charter in Ibiza

Day charter

The most common in Ibiza. Vessels of 12-24 metres that depart in the morning and return at sunset. Typical routes: Formentera, Cala Comte, Es Vedrà, Cala Salada. Minimum crew: skipper + deckhand. On luxury yachts, also stewardess.

Weekly charter

Larger yachts (20-40m+) with clients staying overnight on board. Itineraries across the full Balearics or Ibiza-Formentera. Larger crew: skipper, deckhand, stewardess, chef. Tips are significantly higher.

Events and parties

Ibiza has a special charter segment for events, birthday parties, stag/hen dos and celebrations. Requires exceptional service and customer care skills. Intensive but very well-paid days.

Most in-demand positions

• Skipper: you need at least PPER for vessels up to 24m and 9 passengers. Experience in the Ibiza-Formentera area highly valued.
• Deckhand: versatile role — manoeuvres, anchoring, maintenance, passenger attention. Basic STCW and ISM medical certificate mandatory.
• Stewardess: drinks and food service, table preparation, interior cleaning. High English essential, second language a plus.
• Chef: Mediterranean cuisine, adapting to dietary restrictions, service in small spaces. Very well paid on luxury charters.

Tips: how much and how

On day charters, tips range from €50 to €200 per service, shared among the crew. On luxury weekly charters, the standard is 10-15% of the charter price. A weekly charter on a 25m yacht can generate between €1,000 and €3,000 in tips to share.

Tips are not guaranteed, but they're customary, especially with international clients.

Accommodation in Ibiza

The biggest challenge for crew is finding affordable accommodation. Common options:

• On board: on larger yachts, crew sleep in service cabins
• Shared flats: many crew share apartments in areas like Sant Antoni, Jesús or Santa Eulària
• Company accommodation: some charter companies offer accommodation for seasonal crew

On Yemplea, offers indicate whether accommodation is included, so you can filter according to your needs.

How to get started

1. Make sure your certifications are up to date (PPER, STCW, ISM medical)
2. Create your profile on Yemplea with experience, languages and availability
3. Set up alerts for the Ibiza area
4. Start looking from March — the best offers close before May