Summer is officially here on Ibiza. If you haven't added a boat party to your bucket list, you have not lived up to the ultimate Ibiza experience. Last Friday, we did just that with Float Your Boat, which has the bonus of catching Ibiza's famous glorious sunset along the way.
Boat parties are one of my favourite open-air daytime events of a holiday. You can enjoy dancing to good tunes whilst topping up the tan. All this, in the company of new people sharing the same interests. One of these is knowing how to truly get down and have a good time.
We got started in San Antonio beginning at 16:00 at Itaca bar. With the sun still out in full force, we set off for the pre-party. What's more exciting than starting things off by mingling with all the friendly party-goers you're about to spend the next few hours dancing into the sunset with.
As a large group, we walked along San Antonio beach to the envious stares of on-lookers curious to see where we are all so hyped to go. Excited and slightly tipsy, we were welcomed onto the boat by the friendly staff.
Sangrias were ready for us to enjoy as we left the port and sailed away into the evening. It was a chilled atmosphere at first. As the boat cruised through the crystal-clear waters, DJ Andy Baxter kicked things off with the Claptone remix of Gregory Porters Liquid Spirit.
It wasn't long before the booming Funktion 1 sound system got everyone off his or her feet and wobblily dancing as the fruity sangria's crept to our heads.
The underground beats were popping as the DJ continued to play a mix of groovy house and techno tracks. It was impossible to sit still with the tunes rocking your sandals off.
The floating festival was in full swing, and the giant bin full of sangria kept the stag and hen parties smiling from ear to ear. If you were in the mood for something different, the four free drinks tokens also included refreshing beer, white wine or the choice of a range of soft drinks.
I got to try my very first shot of hierbas ibicencas, one of the island's most traditional drinks, compliments of the joyful staff. It was delightful - especially washed back with more sangria! - and a crime to leave Ibiza without knocking one back.
As the sun began to set, we boogied to the epic track It's Only Real from house breakthrough and one to watch Denis Sulta.
We gazed into the horizon as the yellow ball of fire changed to hues of tangerine and pink while descending behind the water. Stretching out sepia tones to the dancing boat, its reflection in the sea was a picture to cherish.
The party continued into the night. As more and more house anthems blessed our ears, we appreciated the spectacular views of the east coast.
A steer away from the more mainstream playlists you often hear on boat parties, Ibiza resident DJ Andy Baxter impressed the crowd with an educated mixture of disco, house and techno beats. He kept us moving all evening on our magical journey around the Mediterranean.
As we approached 21:00 and the end of our sea party adventure, the DJ read the crowd well as he slowed the beats down to the likes of Bob Marley's Jammin and Mary Jane Girls All Night Long.
The chilled tracks allowed us to hear the sounds of everyone chatting and laughing amongst newfound friends. The crowd applauded the dance floor success and cheerful atmosphere throughout the party.
FYB is also famous for its successful collaboration with Hï Ibiza, offering some of the very best boat party and club combo deals on the whole island. Following the party on the waves, the combo ticket includes entry to the incredible Glitterbox bonanza later on Friday evening.
The party never stops, with a free bus taking you straight to the glittery entrance of Hï Ibiza.
If that doesn't float your boat, then you can choose to use your free entry combo ticket for Black Coffee on Saturdays or Cream on Sundays. If that weren't already a killer game-changing deal, all combo tickets include entry to Ocean Beach Ibiza on Saturday or Wednesday.
On top of the traditional Tuesday departure with entry to Eric Prydz at Hï Ibiza, the FYB party will be running on Fridays until 5 October.
Quite frankly, the FYB boat package is an unmissable addition to your Ibiza bucket list and the perfect warm-up for your big night out. So hop-aboard sailors and dance into the sunset.
See below for more info and tickets.
