The Gastro Boat, best IBIZA experience EVER!
Today we are focusing our attention on the well-renowned party island of Spain, known as Ibiza. Before you start thinking why is TomsCatch focusing on an island in the Mediterranean Sea that is known for its late-night partying, all you can drink boat cruises and cheap alcohol deals, let us tell you about a particular outing run by Captain Toni on board the Italian built boat known as “Blue”. It might just change your whole presumption of Ibiza.
Gastro Boat Ibiza
This is one outing on the island that is likely to leave you without a “resaca”, the Spanish word for a hangover. Once you have a charter booked with “Blue” things start to be prepared hours before you are due to set sail from the port of San Antonio. While you are likely still sleeping or still out partying, something we don’t recommend, Captain Toni will be already planning for the luxurious day ahead.
As someone that prides himself on sharing only Ibiza’s finest ingredients, he makes the early 4 AM journey to the local fish market before each trip with clients. This is where he searches through the local stalls to find only the best shrimp, fresh fish, cuttlefish and lobster for the day’s meal ahead.
As you first set sights on the 30ft Italian vessel you won’t be able to help but notice the impressive refit it recently received in 2019. Then as your eyes wander further it won’t be long until the centre table steals your attention. Dressed on this table will be fresh Spanish ham, delicious cheeses and plenty of snacks that are the perfect accompaniment for the welcome drink as you climb aboard. Choose from cava, champagne, local or international beers or different soft drinks or water.
Gastro Boat Ibiza
These snacks and refreshments will keep you entertained while the twin 450 hp diesel engines and “Blue” transport you to one of the nearby islands of the coast of Ibiza. Once Captain Toni has found a sheltered bay free from any wind or waves you will have the choice of either soaking up some vitamin D rays while enjoying one or two more of the welcome drinks or opt to head in for a refreshing swim or snorkel. Here expect the crystal-clear waters to be some of the picturesque you have found.
While enjoying either or both options it won’t be long until one of your senses gets completely seduced by the smell of the fine fragrances of Toni and Pepita’s cooking. Long before Captain Toni become the captain of “Blue” he worked as part of a team onboard a professional fishing vessel. Here is where he learnt a typical fish dish known as “Bullit de Peix”, it is a recipe he takes great pride in sharing with clients and enjoys letting the fresh local ingredients shine in the dish.
“Bullit de Peix”, is a typical Ibiza dish that showcases the best of the local seafood in the area. First, you will get a dish of shrimps that quite possibly will end up being the best you’ve ever had in your life, this is then followed by some fresh lobster along with a locally caught fish such as like dentex, john dory, grouper, red scorpionfish combined with “all i oli”, the typical garlic & olive oil sauce.
Last but not least is the “arros a banda“, a local variation of paella. If you enjoy the typical Spanish dish of Paella, then this is going to put a large smile on your face.
No doubt after this even the non-Spanish visitors will require a quick siesta to let the food settle. Head back to the front of the vessel and enjoy further the sunny deck and relaxing lifestyle that any island holiday should be all about.
I hope you remembered to save some room for dessert as there are fruit options, sweets and even another local specialty known as “Flao” to choose from. “Flao” is a local handmade cake that includes a hint of mint throughout it. Perfect to enjoy with a coffee, another tradition that the locals usually enjoy after a large lunch meal.
To finish your day off on the crystal-clear waters of Ibiza with Toni, Pepita and “Blue” without sampling one of Pepita’s famous freshly made Sangria or gin and tonics would be almost criminal.
After a full day of sunshine, delicious food and stunning scenery it will be time to enjoy the journey back to the port of San Antonio. Captain Toni and Pepita generally care and want every passenger that travels on “Blue” to have an unforgettable culinary and cruising experience on the Mediterranean Sea.
Next time you are in the party capital of Spain why not look at doing something a little different to the sweaty nightclubs and late evening discos. It might just end up being the highlight of your trip.
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The boat
Gastro Boat Ibiza
The boat “Blue” is a fantastic 38 ft Italian built boat, completely rebuilt and refit in 2019. It has twin 450 hp diesel engines and features a large cabin and lots of space on deck. Licensed for up to 10 passengers plus 2 crew members, “Blue” features lots of space for both gastronomical experiences and fishing trips.
Fishing in Ibiza
Ibiza is also a great place for fishing. The rocky sea floor, the islands, cliffs and bays; combined with the protection of the natural resources create a rich underwater wildlife.
Massive Dentex caught with live bait near Es Vedrà Island in Ibiza
All year round, you can target dentex & amberjack jigging or with live bait. From April to October tuna fishing is an attractive option. Trolling, albacore & bluefin tuna can be caught off shore, and with live bait or chumming bluefin tuna can even be caught between the islands!
Bottom fishing is the better option if you want to go fishing with the kids; with cut fish, calamar & shrimp you can catch all kinds of reef fish such as scorpion fish, snapper, seabream, etc.
Bottom fishing will produce all kinds of smaller reef fish
