Open Boats issues safety tips for watching Ibiza’s solar eclipse from the sea

Open Boats is urging boaters in Ibiza to plan ahead, protect their eyes and avoid marine damage ahead of the total solar eclipse on 12 August, when the event will be visible from Sant Antoni de Portmany at sunset. The guidance comes as heavy boat traffic and low-light conditions are expected to make the coastline busier and riskier than usual.

Why it matters: - The total solar eclipse on 12 August will draw boat traffic to Ibiza’s coastline during low-light conditions and near sunset. - Safe navigation matters because many vessels are expected to be returning to port at the same time. - The guidance also aims to reduce risks to eyes, swimmers, small craft and the marine environment.

What happened: - Open Boats published recommendations for watching the eclipse from the sea in Ibiza. - The eclipse will be visible from Sant Antoni de Portmany at around 8:33 pm, when the Sun will be very close to the horizon. - Spain’s National Geographic Institute calculates that the eclipse will begin in Sant Antoni de Portmany at about 7:39 pm. - Totality is expected between around 8:32 pm and 8:34 pm. - Totality will last for just over one minute. - Ibiza will be one of the last places in Spain where the total solar eclipse can be observed.

The details: - Open Boats advises checking the latest weather and maritime forecasts before departure. - Boaters should choose the observation area in advance and allow enough time to return to port safely. - Fuel levels, navigation lights and onboard safety equipment should be checked before leaving. - Speed limits must be respected, and boats should keep a safe distance from other vessels. - Extra caution is needed around swimmers, paddleboards, kayaks and other small craft. - The person operating the boat is responsible for the safety of everyone on board. - Open Boats says there should be zero tolerance for alcohol consumption by the person at the helm. - Passengers should avoid distracting the operator during manoeuvres or the return to port. - Eclipse viewers must use special glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. - Ordinary sunglasses, smoked glass, X-ray film and homemade filters do not provide adequate protection. - Approved eclipse glasses must be worn during all partial phases. - Glasses may be removed only during the brief period of totality, when the Sun is completely covered. - Glasses must be put back on immediately when any part of the solar surface becomes visible again. - Filters should be dry and undamaged before use. - Children must use eclipse glasses under adult supervision. - Anchoring on Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows is prohibited. - Boaters should confirm that the seabed is sandy before dropping anchor. - Boaters should keep a sufficient distance from other vessels. - Open Boats recommends avoiding overcrowded areas, not tying boats together without proper planning and taking all rubbish back to shore. - Emergency flares must not be used for entertainment. - A flare landing on the coastline could cause a fire. - The release lists life jackets as essential whenever conditions or navigation type require them. - The release also tells boaters to pay attention to maritime communications and instructions from the authorities.

Between the lines: - The eclipse is creating a rare overlap of tourism, spectator activity and marine safety concerns. - The timing near sunset raises the stakes because visibility will fall just as boat traffic likely peaks. - The Posidonia warning also reflects broader pressure to protect Ibiza’s coastal ecosystem during high-traffic events.

What's next: - Boaters heading out on 12 August will need to follow the published precautions and adjust plans as weather and maritime conditions change. - Authorities and maritime communications are likely to be especially important as traffic builds along the coast.

The bottom line: - Open Boats is treating the eclipse as both a viewing opportunity and a navigation challenge, with safety and environmental care at the center of its advice.