Formentera looks better from a boat. The Crystal Waters Sea Experience sends you from Ibiza out across the water to Formentera for two proper swim stops—with time to actually enjoy the beaches, plus a simple on-board meal and drinks.

Two things I like a lot: first, the schedule gives you real water time rather than just a quick dip. Second, the boat setup includes nautical toys on board, so you can keep busy even if you’re not the kind of person who lives in a phone all day.

One consideration: the experience uses three different boats, and the ride back to Ibiza may not be the same one you took in the morning. It’s a small detail, but it matters when you’re trying to stay organized.

Key moments that shape your day

• Two swim stops designed for photos and floating: Cala Saona and Playa de Ses Illetes
• Nautical toys on board: a fun add-on that keeps the water time active
• All-inclusive food and drinks until disembarkation: lunch plus sangria/wine-style fun through the main part of the day
• A guided coastal stretch at Es Cap de Barbaria: rugged views with commentary
• Formentera free time after 16h: choose your pace on land, then return when you like

Entering The Day: departure from Figueretas and where to check in

You start this trip at 10:30 am, departing from Sea Experience Ibiza at the ticket office located on the Passeig de ses Pitiüses, in front of the Ibiza Playa hotel and next to the Yokubo bar. The key practical move: check in 30 minutes before departure. If you show up late, you’re the one who loses time.

Why I think this matters: for an outing built around swims and timing, being a bit early keeps your day relaxed. There’s nothing worse than rushing a boarding line when your real goal is Cala Saona water time.

Also, you’ll do a quick hop-on later: the boat makes a stop at Playa d’en Bossa (about 15 minutes) to pick up more clients. That’s normal for this kind of route, but it does affect your sense of when things really start.

The route at sea: how the transfer and boat changes work

This cruise uses a multi-stop route that keeps the day moving between Ibiza and Formentera. After picking up additional passengers in Playa d’en Bossa, you head toward Formentera.

Then comes a point many people ask about: you arrive at the port of Formentera around mid-afternoon for the switch-over. A stop of about 15 minutes happens there, and it’s explicitly described as a moment when the Ibiza–Formentera group gets off and new clients board. The good news for you: you don’t have to get off the boat at any point.

That detail saves headaches. You can stay seated, grab a drink, and wait for the day to continue. It also helps if you’re trying to keep your belongings under control.

One more reality check: because the operator uses three different boats, you should expect that the return boat might not be the same one you started on. Always look for the Sea Experience Ibiza logo when it’s time to head back.

Stop 4: Es Cap de Barbaria for the rugged-coast fix

After the initial crossing, you travel along the west side of Formentera to Es Cap de Barbaria, described as the southernmost point of the island. This is a stretch where the coastline looks rawer than the postcard beaches, and it’s a nice change of pace between swim stops.

You get about 1 hour here, and there’s a guide onboard explaining the secrets of the place. That’s useful because this part of the island can look like just cliffs and coastline to you from the water—without the commentary, it’s still beautiful, but you might not catch why locals care about it.

What to watch for: even if you’re not the type to take endless pictures, this is the section where you’ll likely stop looking at the water and start looking at the shore. If you want the Formentera “wow” factor without feeling rushed, this segment helps.

Cala Saona: the swim stop that makes the whole day worth it

Next up is Cala Saona. You get about 1 hour here, and it’s the first main bathing stop described as relaxing with crystal-clear water.

This is also where the day shifts from “views” to “time in the sea.” If you’re trying to decide how much sunscreen you really need, this stop is the one that burns most people’s plans—because you’ll keep wanting to go back in.

Another practical note: during the Cala Saona time period, catering is served on board. The lunch isn’t framed as fancy beach dining; it’s an on-the-go meal meant to refuel you so you can keep swimming without leaving the boat.

Here’s what’s included for lunch: pasta salad, roast beef, bread, fruit tortillas, and soft drinks/cokes. It’s served between 12:00 and 3:30 pm, which lines up with this middle section of the day.

Playa de Ses Illetes: your second chance to swim in the famous water

Then you head to Playa de Ses Illetes, another 1-hour stop designed for another swim. This area is described as famous, and once you’ve been out there, you can understand why it gets talked about so much: the water here is the kind that makes you want to stop moving and just float.

This is also your second moment to use the nautical toys on board. If you like active water fun, this is the time to put it to use. If you’re more of a “slow and soak” person, no stress—the toys are optional, and you still get the swim time either way.

One thing I’d plan for: you’ll probably be tempted to stay in the water longer than you think. But you also want enough time afterward for Formentera free time and getting back without panic.

The 16:00 arrival and your Formentera free time window

At 16:00, you return to the port of Formentera. From there, you begin your free time on the island, with about 3 hours listed for this portion.

This is the part of the experience where you can decide what kind of traveler you are:

• If you want a beach reset, keep it simple and go for a swim or a walk.
• If you want a taste of Formentera on foot, use this time to grab snacks and wander rather than trying to do a full island tour.
• If you just want downtime, this window gives you breathing room before you catch the return boat.

Then you choose your return. Return times back to Ibiza vary by season, so don’t rely on a single number you saw once and then forgot:

• April: 18:00
• May: 17:00 and 19:45
• June to September: 17:00, 18:00, and 19:45
• October: 17:00 and 18:00

After landing in Ibiza, you’re looking at about 1 hour of crossing from Formentera. The day ends in Ibiza time so you can rest, eat, or keep exploring.

Food and drinks: what you’re really getting for the all-inclusive part

This is one of the strongest value pieces of the trip. You get lunch and drinks included, with service timing that’s clearly connected to the main portion of the cruise.

Included drinks: water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria. They’re described as available until 15:30 (and tied to disembarkation in Formentera). In other words, the party window is planned for the “main day” part—not the late-afternoon hang.

Food included: pasta salad, roast beef, bread, fruit tortillas, plus the soft drinks/cokes. Lunch is served between 12:00 and 3:30 pm.

What I like about this setup: it’s not asking you to guess when you’ll be hungry. You know there will be food on board during the hours you’re not at the swim stop. If you’ve ever done a beach excursion where you pay for everything separately, this inclusion is a real cost saver.

One consideration: lunch is included, but it isn’t listed as a long sit-down meal. If you prefer very specific dietary meals, the safest approach is to plan around what’s provided and bring what you’d need for anything outside the included hours.

Price and value: is $91.75 a good deal?

At $91.75 per person, you’re paying for a full half-to-full-day structure built around water time, plus food and drinks, rather than just a transport boat.

Here’s how I judge the value:

• You get two 1-hour swim stops tied to iconic Formentera areas: Cala Saona and Ses Illetes.
• You get guided sightseeing time at Es Cap de Barbaria (about 1 hour).
• You get lunch plus beer and sangria up to 15:30.

Even if you ignore the scenery and focus only on logistics, this price can feel fair because you’re bundling several things that usually cost more separately: crossing time, boat experience, and an included meal.

It’s also booked fairly in advance on average—about 9 days—which tells me this is a popular “grab your spot and relax” style outing. If you’re traveling in peak months, I’d treat it like a plan, not a last-minute option.

Who this cruise is for (and who should skip it)

This is best for you if you want a low-effort day where the boat does most of the work: you show up, swim where the water is good, eat on board, then get free time on Formentera.

It’s also a good fit for groups—friends especially—because there’s enough structure to keep things moving, but you can still choose your vibe.

A quick vibe note from the experience’s reviews: the trip is described as chill but not boring, with music played onboard and people dancing. It doesn’t sound like a full party boat; it sounds like a relaxed day with a soundtrack.

You might want a different style of tour if you’re the type who needs long beach walking time, because the itinerary is built around swim stops and limited free time on the island. This is a boat-first plan, not a slow-land exploration marathon.

Weather reality: why cancellations happen and what to do

This outing requires good weather. It can be canceled due to sea conditions, and the data makes one thing clear: it’s the state of the water that matters, not just air temperature.

If your trip might land during rougher conditions, keep two habits:

• Book with enough flexibility that you can adjust if the sea state changes.
• Have a backup day plan for Ibiza, so a weather change doesn’t wipe out your entire vacation.

The cancellation policy offered is straightforward: if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Quick tips before you go

• Wear swim-ready clothes you can change in quickly. You’ll be in and out.
• Bring sunscreen even if it looks mild. You’ll be exposed during the boat hours and while you swim.
• Expect timing to feel like a rhythm. The best days are the ones where you don’t try to fight the schedule.

And one last tip that prevents confusion: since boats may change for the return, be ready to follow the Sea Experience Ibiza logo when you return to the port.

Should you book Crystal Waters Sea Experience from Figueretas?

Book it if you want a Formentera-focused day that centers on swimming at Cala Saona and Playa de Ses Illetes, with lunch and drinks already handled. This is good value for the blend of sea time, included meal, and guided coast viewing.

Think twice if you hate schedule constraints or you need lots of long on-land exploration. Also, plan for the real possibility of boat logistics changing on the return, and accept that weather/sea conditions can force a date change.

If your goal is to spend your time where the water looks best and keep the rest of the day easy, this one fits.

FAQ

What time does the tour start from Figueretas?

The tour starts at 10:30 am.

Where do I check in for the Figueretas departure?

Check in at the Sea Experience Ibiza ticket office at the boat departure point on the Passeig de ses Pitiüses, in front of the Ibiza Playa hotel and next to the Yokubo bar. You should check in 30 minutes before departure.

Do we stop in Playa d’en Bossa on the way?

Yes. There is a 15-minute stop in Platja d’en Bossa to pick up more clients.

How long is the Formentera port stop, and do I need to get off the boat?

The stop in the port of Formentera is about 15 minutes. New clients board and some clients disembark, but you do not have to get off the boat at any time.

How many main bathing stops are included?

There are two main bathing stops for swimming: Cala Saona (about 1 hour) and Playa de Ses Illetes (about 1 hour).

Is lunch and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch includes pasta salad, roast beef, bread and fruit tortillas served between 12:00 and 3:30 pm. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria available until 15:30.

What are the return times back to Ibiza?

Return times vary by season. Examples: April 18:00, May 17:00 and 19:45, June to September 17:00, 18:00, and 19:45, October 17:00 and 18:00. You should check before boarding.

Will I return on the same boat I took in the morning?

Not necessarily. There are 3 different boats, and the return boat may not be the same one you boarded in the morning. Look for the Sea Experience Ibiza logo.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to poor weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.