ULTRASWIM IBIZA 2026 — Ultra & Mini

When the Spanish swimmer David Meca embarked on his epic 129 km journey from the mainland to Ibiza, he was driven by a need to prove himself against the constraints of an administrative ban. That same spirit of defiance and endurance defines the UltraSwim Ibiza, a 30 km crossing that pushes participants beyond the limits of typical coastal swims. Like Meca, and following the path of island-native Juan José Serra Boned, who became the second to conquer the 88 km stretch from Jávea, those who stand on the beach at Santa Eulalia del Río at 7:30 am are participating in a tradition of long-distance navigation that demands both physical grit and strategic planning. The organizers provide escort boats, allocated strictly by the order of registration until all vessels are claimed, ensuring that every swimmer maintains a mandatory pace of 3 km/h to navigate the channel safely.

The water and the view

As you push off, the underwater landscape reveals the Posidonia oceanica meadows, the seagrass beds that maintain the clarity and health of these waters and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is not just a swim; it is a movement through history. The course requires you to clear checkpoints at Cap des Librell, the 15 km mark, and the gap between the islets of S'espardell and S'espardello. If you fail to hit these markers within the time limits, you must forfeit your swim to the escort boat. While you struggle against the rhythm of the sea, the horizon offers glimpses of the past. The fortified Dalt Vila, with its Renaissance walls, stands as a testament to an island that has weathered centuries of conflict, including the devastating 1159 Norman sack that once saw its people taken into slavery. You may also catch a glimpse of the Puig des Molins necropolis, where Punic tombs have watched over the coastline since the 7th century BC. This rigorous endurance test is the centerpiece of a weekend that also features the XXVIII Cto España AA OPEN, occurring just over a month prior to the main event. Whether you are aiming for the full 30 km or testing your speed in the 1 km or 5 km options, the race forces a direct confrontation with the same currents that have shaped the Pityusic Islands for millennia.