The sea toys start before you land in Formentera. This Ibiza-to-Formentera catamaran stacks an open bar with fresh paella into a full-day outing, and it moves fast between the best-looking spots. The trade-off: the ride can get windy and choppy, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, take that seriously.

I also like the way the day is built for both sea time and off-boat time: you get snorkel gear, paddleboards, and a slide into the water, plus a real 5-hour break in Formentera to wander on your own. On top of that, the boat has a shaded lower deck (the “Main Room”) and optional Balinese-style sunbeds if you want extra comfort.

One practical thing to plan for is food choices: vegetarian paella needs to be booked ahead. Also, you’ll want to arrive early enough to check in smoothly, because boarding is ticket-based and the crew starts right on schedule.

Key things I’d watch for

• Ses Illetes plus S’Espalmador in one day, so you don’t have to choose between the famous beaches
• Open bar throughout the cruise, with beer and sangria in the mix
• Water toys included (snorkel masks, paddleboards, and more, depending on rules and season)
• 5 hours in Formentera to do things at your own pace, not just photo stops
• Paella lunch + optional Gold-ticket BBQ if you want extra grilled food
• Comfort varies by deck/spot, and the sun can be intense in exposed areas

Ibiza to Formentera by catamaran: what 10 hours really buys you

This is a classic “see the highlights, but don’t waste the day” trip. The format matters: you’re not just getting transported. You’re spending long stretches on the water with drinks and food, then you get a meaningful chunk of independent time in Formentera.

For your money, the best value is the combination. You’re paying for:

• a full-day catamaran ride,
• included meals (breakfast + paella lunch),
• open bar on board,
• and access to sea activities and gear.

In other words, you’re not shopping around for snorkeling rentals or scrambling to find lunch on an island where prices can climb. If you want an easier day with good logistics, this format does that.

The other big reason I like this kind of tour is pacing. Formentera is hard to “do casually” unless you’re staying there. This gets you into the water early, then hands you time on land later—so the day feels balanced instead of rushed.

Getting on at Happiness Beach and check-in that actually matters

Your meeting point is Happiness Beach Ibiza, and the crew asks you to arrive 30 minutes early. That’s not just etiquette. Check-in happens before you board, and the hostess gives you a SILVER wristband (brazalete) so the crew can sort you quickly.

Bring your ticket (printed or digital). If you don’t have it on you, you can miss boarding. Also, note the simple but important rule: you’re expected to show up ready for sun and sea. Pack your towel, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen so you’re not stuck buying beach basics at the last minute.

A small heads-up: parking near the meeting area can be tight, and one common frustration is limited nearby long parking time. If you’re driving or being dropped off at the last second, I’d plan extra slack.

The boat experience: slide, shade, and optional Balinese sunbeds

This trip is on a modern two-deck catamaran (25 meters long, 9 meters wide). It’s built for cruising comfortably, with both sun and shaded space.

Here’s what to expect onboard:

• A shaded lower deck (the “Main Room”) that’s great when the sun ramps up.
• Plenty of open areas to watch the coast and take photos.
• A slide so you can jump into the sea without treating the boat like a ladder.
• A strong onboard sound system (Martin Audio), and live-style music during the return trip (DJ, saxophone, or electronic violinist—depending on what’s scheduled).

Comfort is good, but it’s not “private villa” level. If you end up in a more exposed spot, the sun can feel relentless. This is why I recommend bringing a hat and using sunscreen even if the morning starts breezy.

If you want extra comfort, there are Balinese beds (14 available). These aren’t included; you can add them only onboard for an extra fee (and the offer includes champagne). If you like guaranteed shade and a loungier setup, it’s worth considering—especially if you’re going with friends who want to stay together.

S’Espalmador: the in-between island stop where sea time starts fast

S’Espalmador is the appetizer before your main beach stop. You’ll get a photo stop plus time to visit the shoreline, then an aperitif moment with beer. After that, the fun shifts into water activities.

What you might do here:

• swimming
• snorkeling
• kayaking
• marine life viewing
• stand-up paddleboarding

A key detail: snorkeling masks are included without the tube, mainly for hygiene. So you’ll want to be comfortable using just the mask, or you may prefer bringing your own if you’re picky about gear.

Also, not every “sea toy” is guaranteed for every passenger. Kayak use is restricted to families with kids and people with reduced mobility. Seabob availability is seasonal (it’s listed as available from end of May). The boat staff decides what’s handed out and when, so go with a flexible mindset.

If you enjoy that first hit of warm Mediterranean water before crowds build, this stop is the sweet spot.

Playa de Ses Illetes: beach beauty plus a built-in lunch window

Ses Illetes is one of the stops that people plan trips around. In this itinerary, you get time for beach wandering and water fun, plus lunch on the catamaran.

On this stop, you can expect:

• visit time and a quick aperitif moment
• swimming and snorkeling
• kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (again, subject to the same activity rules)
• a pass-by section where you still get views

Lunch timing is the big convenience here. You’re not stuck trying to find food on a tight schedule. You’ll eat the included paella lunch during the day’s flow, so your energy doesn’t drop right as you reach the most beautiful stretch of sand.

One realistic note: parts of the boat can be sun-exposed, and the “where you sit” factor matters. If sun protection is a priority for you, aim for shade early. You’ll enjoy the beach more if you’re not already baked when lunch starts.

Formentera’s 5 hours on your own: the part that makes the trip worthwhile

This is the section that separates a “boat tour” from a “day trip.” You get 5 hours free time in Formentera with a hop-on hop-off style stop.

That freedom is what you should use intentionally. With only five hours, you won’t do everything. So pick a simple plan:

• Spend one chunk walking near the main activity areas and grabbing a drink or snack.
• Save one chunk for beach time where you can actually sit for a while.
• If you want to explore a bit farther, choose a direction and commit. The island is made for wandering, but you don’t want to waste time hopping around.

Also, keep it practical. You’ll likely return sunburnt if you underestimate how strong the midday light can be. Sunscreen and a hat aren’t optional here.

And yes, this is where many people end up enjoying the quieter side of the day—more calm and less “Ibiza nightlife mode.” If you want a break from Ibiza’s more party-oriented vibe but still want a standout day, Formentera time is the payoff.

Paella, open bar, and BBQ choices: how the included food works

This is not a “snack and hope” situation. The meal plan is built across the morning and into lunch.

Included food and drink highlights:

• Welcome cocktail on boarding
• Breakfast with tropical fruits, packed assorted pastries, coffee, tea, and juices
• Lunch with Mediterranean paella (mixed, vegetarian, or seafood) plus aioli bread
• Open bar while you’re on the boat (beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water)
• Fresh fruit as part of the overall meal experience

If you’re vegetarian, you’ll need to book the vegetarian paella when reserving. Don’t assume it can be swapped later.

Then there’s the BBQ angle. If you choose the Gold ticket option, you get an exclusive barbecue with grilled meats and vegetables (listed options include hamburger, chicken breast, German sausage, loin, plus vegetables). If you skip Gold, you still get the paella lunch, so you’re not losing the main meal.

In value terms, what makes this work is timing. The breakfast and lunch keep you from spending extra money on food mid-day, and the open bar keeps the trip feeling like a complete experience instead of a rushed transit day.

Music on the return ride: the sunset effect, minus the chaos

On the way back, the cruise includes music and a more social vibe. The sound system is designed for the boat setting, and the return trip can feature DJ, saxophonist, or electronic violinist.

This matters because it changes how the last hour feels. Instead of ending with everyone tired and quiet, you get a more upbeat mood while you sail back.

If you’re the kind of person who likes photos but doesn’t want the whole day to be a camera shoot, this return soundtrack is a nice bonus.

Weather, sea conditions, and the small rules that shape your day

This is a sea trip, so conditions can make a difference.

The operator reserves the right to modify the route or cancel water sports due to adverse weather. Safety comes first. So if you’re coming on a day when the wind is strong, expect fewer activities in the water and more time cruising and relaxing.

Also, this trip is listed as not suitable for people with motion sickness. If you know you’re sensitive to boat motion, don’t “try it anyway” and hope.

Finally, there are limits on what you can bring:

• no weapons or sharp objects
• no alcohol and drugs

Bring the basics for the sea day, but don’t overpack valuables. The vibe is easy: sun, music, sea time, food, and then time ashore.

Price and value: is $102 a fair deal for this day?

For $102 per person, you’re paying for a full-day catamaran experience that includes:

• breakfast,
• paella lunch (with aioli bread),
• an open bar,
• snorkel and water-activity gear,
• multiple major sea stops,
• and 5 hours in Formentera.

That adds up fast if you tried to replicate it on your own. Even if you’re the type who normally skips alcohol and just wants the sights, the included meals and water time are still the heart of the value.

Where pricing may shift for you is in the optional upgrades: VIP beds on board cost extra, and the Gold ticket option adds BBQ. If you’re budget-minded, you can still do very well with the standard included paella and open bar.

Should you book the Ibiza to Formentera boat trip with open bar and paella?

Book it if you want a low-stress, high-reward day: famous stops (Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador), real water time, included food, and an actual window to explore Formentera on your own.

Skip or rethink it if:

• you’re prone to motion sickness,
• you hate wind and choppy water days,
• or you know you need guaranteed shade and a very specific kind of seating (since some areas can be more exposed).

If you fall in the sweet spot—someone who wants the water, wants paella, and values an easy plan with good included value—this is an excellent pick for seeing Formentera without turning the day into logistics work.

FAQ

How long is the Ibiza to Formentera boat trip?

The experience is listed as 10 hours.

What’s included for food and drinks?

You get a welcome cocktail, breakfast (tropical fruits, pastries, coffee/tea, and juices), and a paella lunch (mixed, vegetarian, or seafood) with aioli bread. There’s also an open bar on the boat with beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water. Gold ticket customers can also get a BBQ.

Is vegetarian paella available?

Yes, vegetarian paella is offered, but you need to book the vegetarian option when you reserve.

Do I get time in Formentera without staying on the boat?

Yes. You get 5 hours of free time in Formentera.

What water activities are included?

Included options include snorkeling masks, paddleboards, seabob, and kayak. Seabob availability is listed as seasonal, and kayak availability is restricted to families with kids and people with reduced mobility. The staff decides what’s provided.

Is the trip wheelchair accessible?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.