A day on the water that actually delivers. I like the open bar plus full meals, and I love the chance to hit Ses Illetes and s’Espalmador with real water fun. The one catch: the schedule is weather-dependent, and the boat staff can swap activities or routes.

This cruise is built for people who want value without juggling reservations, taxis, or packed ferries. If you’re the type who likes having the food and drinks handled, this setup feels easy from check-in to return.

Do go in with one practical mindset: when you get to Formentera, you’ll likely need your own way to explore once you’re there. If you want bikes or scooters, plan for that extra cost and bring your patience.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Open-bar all day: beer, cava, sangria, soft drinks, plus a cocktail menu that includes mojitos, Aperol spritz, and more
• Ses Illetes water time: snorkel gear, paddleboarding, and even seabob are part of the day’s mix
• Three areas, one ride: Ses Illetes, s’Espalmador, and an 8-hour stop on Formentera
• Food is staged, not snacky: breakfast on board, paella lunch, then a BBQ on the return stretch
• Live music at sunset on the way back (saxophonists or electronic violinists)
• Optional Balinese beds on board that cost extra if you want the upgraded comfort

Ibiza to Formentera by modern catamaran: the vibe

This is the kind of day trip that feels like vacation mode from the first minute. You meet at Happiness Beach Ibiza, check in, and then you’re cruising across the water with breakfast and an open bar already in the plan. The catamaran is big (about 25 meters long, 9 meters wide), so you’re not constantly pressed against people like on smaller boats.

What I like most is that the experience mixes two different types of fun: relaxing on a boat and doing actual sea activities at the best-looking spots. You get structured food and activities early, then you get a long, flexible block on Formentera to do your own thing.

The practical watch-out is weather. For safety, the captain can adjust the route and may suspend water sports, and there’s no compensation for those changes. If you’re the type who needs every planned activity to happen, this is a day trip where you’ll want backup expectations.

Getting set up: check-in, welcome drink, and breakfast on board

The day starts at the sea at Happiness Beach Ibiza. The hostess is there to help you check in and get the bracelet that confirms your entry and inclusions. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early so you don’t get stressed when boarding time comes around.

Once you’re on board, you’ll get a welcome cocktail and then a full buffet breakfast. It’s not just coffee and a pastry. The menu includes tropical fruits, assorted pastries, coffee/tea/juices, and options like toasts and croissants with scrambled eggs, turkey and vegetables, cheese, fresh orange juice, and pancakes made on board with different toppings. This matters because it gives you real fuel before you’re in the sun and water.

If you’re trying to travel light, bring the essentials you’ll actually use: comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Towels are included, which saves you from the “where do I put this wet towel later” problem.

Ses Illetes: where snorkel gear and seabob turn the day physical

Ses Illetes is the first major stop after the cruise segment. The program gives you about an hour at Playa de Ses Illetes, and that’s the time window for the big water highlight activities.

Here’s what’s listed for that stretch:

• Swimming
• Snorkeling (snorkel masks provided)
• Stand up paddleboarding
• Kayaking options and other water fun
• Seabob

There’s an important detail on water gear: it’s available to clients under the boat staff’s discretion. Also, some activities have limits. The data says kayak is only available for families with kids and seniors and people with reduced mobility. So if you’re specifically hoping to kayak, don’t assume it’s guaranteed for everyone at every time slot.

Even with that caveat, Ses Illetes is the spot where the day can flip from “nice cruise” to “I can’t believe this water is real.” You’re building a memory here—so I’d treat this hour like your main event and pace yourself for it.

s’Espalmador break: more swimming and a second photo-stop moment

Next up is s’Espalmador. You get a break time plus photo stop and aperitif moments, then a block that includes swimming and snorkeling again. There’s also more of the same “water playground” options in the schedule, including paddleboarding and kayaking-style gear depending on the day and staff setup.

This stop works well because it gives you a second chance to do what you loved at Ses Illetes. If you spent your first water hour going all-in, you can recover here. If you were more cautious the first time, you can use this as your “let’s try it” window.

Also, because there are multiple anchor points and photo moments, the day doesn’t feel like one long unbroken commute. It breaks the time into sections that feel like mini experiences.

Formentera’s 8-hour stop: the best part for independent wandering

After the initial sailing and water time, you shift into the long stretch: about 8 hours on Formentera. There’s a catamaran stop involved (around 20 minutes), then you’re in island time.

This is where you decide the pace. The program includes visit and free time, and it describes a hop-on hop-off style stop, which usually means you can get on and off depending on what you want to see and do. What’s not included is your island spending—so you should expect to cover things like bike or scooter rental and any food or drinks once you’re there.

The practical tip: Formentera can be scenic but not always convenient to reach on foot. If your dream is white-sand beach hopping, you’ll likely want wheels or a plan. And if you don’t, you can still enjoy the day, but you may be more limited to whatever is closest to where you get dropped.

This part is why I think the tour is strong value. You’re not locked into a “see one view and leave” rhythm. You get enough time to actually feel the island.

Food and drinks: breakfast, paella show-cooking, BBQ, and an open bar that holds up

One of the biggest reasons people like this cruise is simple: the food and drinks plan is doing real work for you.

On board you’ll see:

• Breakfast with multiple hot and sweet options
• Lunch centered on paella with a show-cooking element as the main dish
• Bread and alioli
• A BBQ on the return stretch with grilled meats and vegetables
• A long open-bar window

The open bar is a standout because it’s not only beer and sangria. It lists:

• Red wine sangria
• Cava
• White wine
• Soft drinks and juices
• Water
• Cocktails such as mojitos, caipiroskas, Aperol spritz, bellinis, daiquiris, tequilas, sunrise, and mimosas

You’ll want to pace drinks, obviously, but this kind of beverage plan matters when your day is long and sun-heavy. It reduces decision fatigue. You’re not hunting for bars every time you want a drink.

Also, check how you’ll use the onboard food to your advantage: eat a proper breakfast, then don’t overdo it at lunch if you want to keep energy for water time and Formentera. The BBQ later in the day makes the return feel like you’re still part of the experience instead of just being transported back.

The catamaran layout: shaded main deck, optional Balinese beds, and comfort cues

The boat is described as spacious with common areas free to access. On the lower deck, there’s a shaded “Main Room” that’s ideal when the sun is intense and you want a break without leaving the boat.

There are also 14 Balinese beds on the second floor. They’re not included in the ticket. If you want one, the cost is listed as from €60, purchased only onboard, and the package includes champagne. If you’re aiming for the most comfortable experience, this upgrade can make sense, especially on a sunny day. If you’re fine lounging on regular areas, you can skip it.

One more comfort note: since towels are included and water activities are part of the program, having an actual place to cool off and change matters. The boat gives you that without extra shopping or extra logistics.

Sunset on the return: Es Vedrà in June, and cove time other months

Sunset is built into the experience. On the return trip, there’s live music planned with either saxophonists or electronic violinists, and that turns the final stretch into a moment you’ll remember.

Timing differs by month:

• In June, the return trip is described as offering a sunset view behind the rock of Es Vedrà, from the boat.
• In other months, you’ll enjoy sunset from a cove or beach bar of your choice.

If you want sunset photos, I’d plan for this moment and avoid rushing Formentera time at the very end. You’ll have a clearer view if you’re already in “sit back and watch” mode rather than running around at the last minute.

Weather and safety rules: the real-world part you should plan for

This tour is fun, but it’s also a boat day, so weather is part of the deal. The captain can:

• Modify anchoring points for safety
• Change the route
• Decide not to do sports because of bad weather

And the information says these changes don’t entitle compensation or any claim.

So how do you handle that? Keep your expectations flexible. If water sports get reduced, you can still enjoy the cruise, meals, open bar, and the Formentera stop. The day isn’t “only” about a single activity. It’s designed as a full catamaran day with multiple layers, which helps when nature has other plans.

Price and value: does $160 cover enough to feel worth it?

At $160 per person, the value comes from bundling a lot into one price: you’re not just paying for transportation. You’re getting breakfast, a paella lunch, a BBQ, and an open bar that includes both wine/sangria and cocktail options. On top of that, towels and key water equipment are included (snorkeling gear plus paddleboard and seabob are listed).

What’s not included is your spending once you hit Formentera—especially if you want to rent a bike or scooter, or if you want meals and drinks outside the cruise plan. That’s usually the main “surprise cost” for people doing a Formentera day on their own.

Also keep in mind the optional comfort add-on: Balinese beds cost extra onboard. If you don’t plan for that and you decide mid-day you really want one, it can change your budget quickly.

My takeaway: for $160, this feels like a strong value if you want a smooth day with food, drinks, and pre-arranged water stops. If you’d rather DIY everything and you’re comfortable planning your own transport and meals, you may be able to spend less—but you’ll also trade away convenience.

Who this cruise suits best (and who might want a different plan)

This is a great fit if you:

• Want a long day that combines meals + drinks + real sea time
• Like snorkeling or paddleboarding and want the gear handled
• Enjoy having a plan early, then freedom for 8 hours on Formentera
• Want a smoother, guided structure without building your own day from scratch

It may be less ideal if you:

• Can’t handle schedule changes due to weather
• Only want one very specific activity (like kayaking) and need it guaranteed
• Prefer to minimize extra costs on island time (because you’ll likely pay for transport and your own meals/drinks in Formentera)

Should you book this Ibiza to Formentera cruise with breakfast, paella, and open bar?

Yes, if you want an easy, high-comfort way to experience the best-known Formentera water areas plus a real chunk of island time. The combination of open bar, show-cooking paella, and BBQ, paired with water activities at Ses Illetes and s’Espalmador, makes it feel like a full package rather than a “sit and watch” excursion.

Book it with one mindset: plan to enjoy the day even if water sports get trimmed due to weather. If you can do that, you’ll get a lot from the $160 price tag—and you’ll likely come away with the kind of photo-worthy sea time that’s hard to recreate on your own.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Ibiza to Formentera catamaran trip?

The experience is listed as 13 hours.

Where do I meet for the cruise?

The meeting point is Happiness Beach Ibiza, with a hostess waiting in front of the sea for check-in.

What food is included during the day?

The included food list says continental breakfast, plus paella show-cooking as the main lunch dish. A BBQ is also part of the onboard program, and towels are included.

Is an open bar included?

Yes. The open bar includes beer, soft drinks, cava, sangria, hierbas ibicencas, and cocktails (the program lists multiple cocktail types).

What water activities are available?

Snorkeling equipment is included, and the program lists paddleboard and seabob as part of the activities. Kayaking is also mentioned, but it’s limited to certain groups as described by the activity info.

Are the Balinese beds included?

No. The ticket does not include beds on the second floor. They are available to purchase onboard for an additional cost from €60, with champagne included.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen. Towels are included, and you should carry your ticket and ID.

What happens if weather is bad?

For safety, the captain may change anchoring points, modify the route, or suspend sports. The information states these changes do not entitle compensation.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. The experience states free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.