Formentera by catamaran beats guessing schedules in Ibiza. I really like the on-board sangria and the chance to use the paddleboards, and the whole day feels good value for the time you get. One thing to plan for: the boat can’t dock at the protected spots, so you’ll swim from the water rather than step onto land right there.

The best part for me is how this trip mixes guided structure with actual freedom: you get set play time in the water, then you get hours on Formentera to do your own beach wandering. The onboard meal also matters. This isn’t just a snack stop.

Just pack like you’re going to the beach all day. You’ll want a towel and sunscreen, and the tour isn’t a fit for very young kids, pregnant travelers, or people over 70.

Key highlights you’ll feel on the day

• Three different return times back to Ibiza, so you can match your energy to your schedule
• Ses Illetes snorkeling with provided gear and a long enough stop to actually enjoy it
• Espalmador water time with paddleboards, plus onboard lunch between swims
• Real paella options (seafood, chicken, vegan) served on the boat
• Unlimited drinks on top of the included meal for less budgeting stress

Getting on board: check-in, what the day starts like, and where you’ll end up

You meet in Ibiza near the port area, with check-in at the Aquabus stand at 09:45. From there, you’re headed out on a comfortable catamaran for a day along Formentera’s coast, with a total time on the water that’s typically around 7 hours (the exact feel depends on which return time you choose later).

One practical thing I appreciate: the meeting point is clearly tied back to where you’ll finish. Your day ends back at the same meeting area, so you’re not stuck figuring out transportation at the last minute.

What you’ll notice right away is that this trip is built for “sea day” comfort, not fancy sightseeing from a bus window. The boat is set up with the gear and supplies you need for the planned water stops, and the staff keeps the rhythm moving so you don’t spend half the trip waiting.

The first cruise stretch: drinks, shoreline views, and a calm start

After you leave Ibiza, there’s a sightseeing cruise segment before the main Formentera water fun. During this opening stretch, you’re already in holiday mode because drinks are part of the experience from the start—water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria.

This early part is more than filler time. It’s your chance to settle in, find a spot on deck, and get your eyes on the coastline before you go full-water-activity later. If you’ve only got one day in this corner of the Mediterranean, that “warm-up” matters.

Also, you’ll hear the plan clearly from the live guide (English and Spanish). A good guide keeps the timing understandable, especially when you’re bouncing between swimming, paddle time, food, and then free time on shore.

Espalmador stop: paddleboards, swimming fun, and lunch on the water

The first big activity stop is Es Palmador, with about 1.5 hours there. This is the point where the trip becomes hands-on. You’ll have paddleboards, inflatables, and floating mats available, and you can mix it up based on your comfort level.

I like this stop because it’s not only about looking at the view. You’re actually moving through it. Even if you’re not an expert on a paddleboard, you can usually manage the basics with a little patience, and the flat water plus guided timing makes it feel easier than you’d expect.

Then comes one of the best perks: lunch is served between stops on board. You’ll get a meal with seafood paella, chicken paella, or vegan paella, plus mixed salad, bread with alioli, and fruit. For me, having a real cooked lunch at sea is what separates a fun half-day from a day you feel satisfied after.

A small consideration: you’ll be on a schedule, so don’t plan on using this stop to explore beyond what’s possible from the boat. The protected nature of the area also means the boat can stop near the spots, but you won’t step onto protected land there.

Ses Illetes snorkeling: crystal-clear water time (from the boat)

Next up is Ses Illetes, also around 1.5 hours. This is the snorkeling stop, and it’s where the provided gear becomes important. You’ll have snorkeling equipment and life jackets, so you don’t need to bring anything but your own beach basics.

Because the boat can’t dock into the protected parks, you’ll be getting in and swimming from the water. That’s not a deal-breaker—it’s actually normal here—but it does mean you should think about comfort in open water and getting in/out smoothly.

How to make this stop work for you:

• Wear your swimsuit under your clothes so getting in is fast.
• Plan for short, repeat snorkeling sessions rather than one long one—energy changes quickly in sun and saltwater.
• Keep an eye on your timing. When you’re on a boat schedule, it’s easy to lose track of minutes while you’re enjoying the water.

This stop is also one of the most “memorable by feel” moments of the day. The water time is long enough to enjoy the experience, not just try it and rush away.

Formentera free time: beaches, shopping, and your own pace

After the snorkeling and water fun, you’ll head to the Formentera dock and get free time on the island. The day’s design includes about 5 hours on Formentera before your return to Ibiza.

This is where you can tailor the trip. Maybe you want a beach-and-linger plan, maybe you want to wander and check out shops. The tour doesn’t provide internal transportation during your free time, so think ahead about how you’ll get around once you’re off the boat. If you’re planning to go beyond walking distance, you’ll want to sort that part out on your own.

Two things I recommend for this free time:

1. Don’t overschedule. Give yourself time to find a beach spot that fits your mood.
2. Bring the basics you’ll regret not having—towel and sunscreen—because you’ll be in the sun a long time.

Also, note that the tour supports multiple return times to Ibiza (more on that next). That flexibility can make your free time feel less rushed.

Three return times to Ibiza: choose the vibe, not the default

One big selling point here is that this isn’t a one-size-fits-all return. You can choose among multiple return times back to Ibiza:

• An early return: leave Formentera at 13:00, arriving around 14:00
• An afternoon return: depart at 18:15, with the experience including an open bar and snacks on the way back
• A later return in high season only (June to August): 21:15

I love this structure because it prevents the common problem with day trips: you either feel trapped rushing back or you get stuck waiting if you want more evening time. With three options, you can pick what matches how you want Formentera to feel—quick beach fix, full day, or a longer island mood.

One practical note: the timing details can look confusing at a glance because the schedule switches between onboard time and island dock time. When you check in and again on the day, confirm your exact departure with the guide so you don’t lose time during the Formentera portion.

Food and drinks at sea: what’s included, and why it’s a real value

This day works because the food and drinks are not treated like an afterthought. You’ll have unlimited drinks available during the cruise portion (and the evening return includes open bar plus snacks). That means you don’t have to do cost math every time you want a refill.

Lunch itself is a standout for a tour in this price range. You get three paella choices—including a vegan option—and the meal comes with sides: mixed salad, bread and alioli, and fruit. It’s the kind of setup that lets you eat like a normal person on vacation, not like you’re grabbing something out of a cooler.

My other big positive: the food timing is built into the day so you don’t have a long gap where everyone is waiting hungry. Lunch happens between water segments, which keeps the day feeling smooth.

Price and logistics: why $67 feels fair for a whole Formentera day

At $67 per person, you’re paying for a structured day that usually includes all the heavy hitters: boat time, a real lunch, drinks, and the water gear (paddleboards and snorkeling equipment). For a day that includes both Formentera scenery and active ocean time, this is the kind of price where the included items matter.

The value comes from stacking. If you tried to recreate this on your own—boat hire, lunch, drinks, paddle gear, and snorkeling access—you’d likely spend more and still end up with more planning stress. Here, the biggest work is done for you: you show up, you follow the timing, you enjoy.

Still, it’s not magic. You need to show up ready for beach basics (towel, sunscreen, swimsuit), and you should be comfortable with the fact that you’ll swim from the boat in protected-water areas.

Who should book this Formentera boat day (and who should skip it)

This experience fits best if you want a mix of:

• active water time (paddleboards, snorkeling, floating gear)
• a guided structure without losing freedom (Formentera free time)
• a meal and drinks included, so you can focus on the day instead of budgeting

It’s also a good match if you like the social “group on a boat” vibe. You’ll be with other people doing the same planned stops, and the guide helps keep things friendly and moving.

But it’s not for everyone. It’s listed as not suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, and people over 70. If you fall into any of those categories, look for a different format that’s more comfortable and flexible.

Tips to pack so you’re not stuck improvising

Don’t overthink it, just pack the essentials:

• Bring a towel (not included)
• Bring sunscreen (not included)
• Bring beachwear you can easily get into for paddleboard and snorkeling time

Also, consider wearing something that dries quickly. With sun, saltwater, and multiple water entries, you’ll appreciate clothes that don’t stay heavy.

One more small tip: because the boat can’t dock into the protected spots, think about how you handle getting in and out of the water. If you’re anxious about that, stick to the areas where the boat crew can support safe entry and follow their cues.

Should you book this tour?

Yes, if you want the simplest way to get a full Formentera day without building a plan from scratch. This is the kind of trip where the big benefits are practical: included paddle and snorkeling gear, a proper paella lunch, drinks included, and the flexibility of three return times.

Skip it only if you hate water entry from the boat, need private transportation during island time, or you’re concerned about the age/pregnancy suitability limits. If those are your only concerns, you can still make it work by packing well and confirming your departure time while you’re on board.

FAQ

Where do I check in for the boat cruise?

You check in at the Aquabus stand at 09:45.

What drinks are included on this cruise?

The included drinks are water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria.

What lunch is served during the trip?

Lunch includes shrimp paella, chicken paella, vegan paella, mixed salad, bread, alioli, and fruit.

What water activities are included?

You’ll have paddleboards, bodyboards, floating mats, pool noodles, and snorkeling equipment (plus life jackets).

Is there free time on Formentera?

Yes. You’ll have free time on the island after disembarking, so you can explore beaches and shops at your own pace.

Are there multiple return times to Ibiza?

Yes. The tour lists three return options back to Ibiza: an early return leaving Formentera at 13:00, an afternoon return departing at 18:15, and a later 21:15 return only in high season from June to August.

Can the boat dock at Espalmador and Ses Illetes?

No. The boat stops in front of Espalmador and Ses Illetes, but it cannot dock into those protected parks.

What should I bring, and what isn’t included?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Towels and sunscreen are not included.