From Ibiza to Formentera in 5 hours: the main appeal

This is a short cruise, and for good reason. Instead of losing most of your day traveling, you’re looking at about 5 hours total, which fits nicely if you want Formentera’s beach payoff without turning your trip into a long logistics project.

The boat leaves from the Ibiza side at Happiness Beach Ibiza (the same general zone people describe around Playa d’en Bossa). It’s a direct outing: you don’t need to figure out how to get across the island for a quick taste of the coast. And since the schedule is limited—Thursday and Saturday in May, then Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday/Sunday from June through September—this works best if your dates match the sailing days.

One practical note: you’ll be told to arrive early. Plan on showing up 30 minutes before departure, because boarding rules are strict and there’s no refund for missed boarding.

The two-deck catamaran setup: sun, comfort, and room to breathe

This cruise runs on a two-deck motor catamaran, which matters more than it sounds. Catamarans ride more smoothly than you might expect, and the layout gives you options: you can watch the coastline from above, then cool off on the lower level when the sun gets intense.

There are also lots of places to relax without paying extra. The upper deck offers 40 Bali beds, which are sold as a VIP add-on (with champagne options). If you don’t want to spend on a bed, you can still enjoy the upper deck views and sit on poufs and shared lounge areas included in the ticket.

What I like about this setup is how it balances two types of days:

• If you want total chill, the deck gives you that.
• If you want to move and explore, the crew keeps the day flowing between swims and activities.

The crew tone is part of the value. Based on the way people talk about the staff, this feels organized and tidy, not chaotic. And when the weather isn’t perfect, the mood still seems to stay upbeat—often thanks to the guide’s energy.

Breakfast, then open bar: fuel for your first swim

Before you even reach the best water stops, you start with continental breakfast on board. Think fruit, pastries, and coffee—simple, but effective. You’re not trapped waiting for lunch while you’re hungry at sea.

You also get welcome refreshments during the ride out, and the open bar starts early enough to match the day’s vibe. On the drinks list: sangría, beer, soft drinks, juices, and water. You’re not just getting “a drink”—you’re getting a steady flow that makes it feel like a proper day out on the water rather than a bargain excursion.

I’d call this the hidden value of the trip. For $80, the pricing makes sense only because the included food + drinks are real parts of the day, not side items. You’re paying for convenience: breakfast, then a chef-cooked lunch later, plus alcohol and mixers included.

Stop 1 by water: Cala Saona first (then Ses Illetes later)

The itinerary has you moving quickly between stops. After the initial cruise segment, you’ll hit Cala Saona for about 20 minutes. That’s not long enough to do “a full beach day,” but it’s a smart opener: you get that first hit of scenery and water color, and then you’re off again.

From there, the timing shifts into longer time at the water’s best parts. You’ll speed onward, then reach your main swim/active stretch at Ses Illetes.

Why this order works: it prevents the day from feeling like you spent all your time in transit. You get a teaser, then you get your deeper beach-and-water time.

Ses Illetes: the swim stop that turns heads

Ses Illetes is one of the big reasons people do Formentera. The cruise anchors so you can access the water easily—the boat anchors just a few meters from shore—and you can enjoy the sea without dealing with a long walk in wet shoes or climbing down from far out.

This stop is about 1 hour, and it’s built for doing things rather than just floating:

• Beer and welcome refreshments
• Swimming
• Snorkeling
• Stand up paddleboarding

Snorkeling gear is included in the sense that you’ll have snorkel masks, and the water itself is the star. The experience description also emphasizes marine life, which is exactly what you want for a snorkeling-friendly stop.

A small practical hygiene detail: snorkel tubes are not included, so if you were hoping to bring your own or expect a full snorkel kit, you’ll want to plan for masks only.

If you’re traveling with kids or groups, Ses Illetes tends to be the stop where everyone finds their comfort level—floaters can relax, swimmers can swim, and the more active people can paddleboard.

Cala Saona: lunch on board, then kayaking and more sea time

After more cruising time, you reach the second major zone: Cala Saona again for about 1 hour. This is the stop where lunch happens.

Instead of a boxed meal, you’ll get a traditional Ibicencan paella prepared by a chef while you’re out swimming and snorkeling. Lunch is offered in options: seafood, vegetarian, or mixed. In practical terms, it’s the kind of meal that makes the cruise feel worth it. You’re not just buying a ticket to sit in the sun—you’re getting the kind of food you’d usually plan an entire meal around.

During this Cala Saona block, you also get included activities:

• Lunch
• Swimming + snorkeling
• Kayaking
• Stand up paddleboarding

The cove setting matters here. The description talks about striking red cliffs and a calmer feel than the more famous bustle spots. Even if you’re not into photography, those color contrasts make it feel like a different place than Ibiza.

Water sports: what’s included and what depends on timing

This cruise includes a solid “activity menu,” but it helps to know what’s actually covered.

Included:

• Snorkel masks
• Paddleboarding
• Kayaking
• Seabob (mentioned as available around the end of May)
• A shared equipment setup for water play during the anchored stops

Not included:

• Snorkel tubes for hygiene reasons

Fitness reality check:

• The cruise isn’t described as friendly for non-swimmers. If you can’t swim confidently, you may feel stuck depending on water conditions.
• It’s also marked not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

If you’re deciding whether to book, think in terms of your comfort in open water. You’re not stepping onto land every time. You’re enjoying the sea because the boat is close, not because you’re walking around an island town.

VIP Bali beds: worth it only if you plan to stay put

Here’s how the VIP beds work, based on the info you’re given:

• Upper deck has 40 Bali beds
• The ticket doesn’t automatically include the beds on the second floor/upper deck bed area
• You can buy one on board for around €60 with a bottle of champagne or up to €100 with minimum spend (the details are described as different options)

If you like the idea of sinking into a bed and treating the trip like a floating day lounge, then VIP makes sense. If you’re active—snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking—then you probably won’t spend enough continuous time in one place to justify the extra cost.

My practical take: the cruise already gives you plenty of relaxed spots without buying a bed. So VIP is more about comfort preference than necessity.

Weather and route changes: how to protect your expectations

Even on a “sun and sea” day, Mother Nature can interfere. The captain can change the route because of weather conditions, with no compensation.