The solvation of Ba+ ions created by the photoionization of barium atoms located on the surface of helium nanodroplets has been investigated. The excitation spectra corresponding to the 6p ²P_1/2 <-- 6s ²S_1/2 and 6p ²P_3/2 <-- 6s ²S_1/2 transitions of Ba⁺ are found to be identical to those recorded in bulk He II [Phys. Lett. A 115, 238 (1986)], indicating that the ions formed at the surface of the helium droplets become fully solvated by the helium. Time-of flight mass spectra suggest that following the excitation of the solvated Ba⁺ ions, these are being ejected from the helium droplets either as bare Ba⁺ ions or as small Ba⁺He_n (n<20) complexes.