Formentera looks unreal up close. I love how this RIB boat gets you off the shoreline quickly and lets you stop in shallow coves for real snorkeling time. I also like the mix of places, especially S’Espalmador for pink sand and quiet pools, and then Racó des Moro for the marine-life snorkeling stop.

One thing to plan for: food and drinks are not included, so bring snacks if you tend to get hungry, and expect soft drinks or beer on board to be extra.

Key things to know before you go

• RIB power, shallow stops: 9-meter boat with a 250 HP engine helps it run close to the coast and stop in shallow water.
• Four snorkeling stops, timed for water time: each main stop runs about 30–40 minutes, not just a quick dip.
• Gear included: mask, snorkel, and fins are part of the price.
• Safety for non-swimmers: a floating vest is included if you cannot swim.
• Guides in multiple languages: English, Spanish, and Italian for guidance and safety talk.
• Bring “water day” basics: water shoes, towel, sunscreen, hat, and a windbreaker help a lot on the boat.

How this RIB snorkeling trip works (and why the boat matters)

This is a 3.5-hour snorkeling outing built around multiple short stops on Formentera’s coastline. The big difference versus slow beach-to-beach cruises is the boat: it’s a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) about 9 meters long with a 250 HP engine. That combination helps the captain keep travel snappy and move close enough to the coves so you can get into the water without long swims.

You also get an awning on board, which sounds small until you’re bouncing on the water under direct sun. Between that shade and the planned stop times, the trip feels practical rather than exhausting.

Price is $108 per person, and for that you’re getting the boat ride, a live guide, and your snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins). Food is not included, so if you’re the type who needs a meal, plan your timing and pack something small. If you’re comfortable buying drinks onboard, you can keep it simple.

One more real-world point: the captain can change the route or cancel if weather or sea conditions turn rough. That’s normal at sea, and it’s good to know up front so you don’t build your day around one exact photo spot.

Getting there: mooring number 2 and pickup options

Your start point is mooring number 2 near the Panperfoсaccia restaurant. The trip ends back at the same meeting spot.

Pickup is optional. If you choose it, a staff member drives a van with company stickers on the sides to the pickup point. You won’t be guessing the exact timing too long after booking: the provider confirms the time slot within 24 hours of the activity.

On timing, plan for transfers. The schedule includes a short van ride (about 15 minutes) for the pickup option and brief boat cruising segments between stops (often 10–20 minutes). The stop times themselves are the real event—expect roughly 30–40 minutes at each of the four main snorkeling/photo locations.

What’s included (and what you’ll pay for separately)

Included:

• Snorkeling gear: diving mask, snorkel, fins
• RIB boat tour
• Guide

Not included:

• Food and drinks
• Cold water, soft drinks, and beer on board for extra costs
• Fuel (it’s listed as not included, so if anything beyond the standard price comes up, you’ll want to confirm what’s being charged)

For me, the included gear is a big deal. Renting gear can eat time and add cost on beach-heavy days. Here, you show up with swimwear and a towel, and the rest is ready.

Stop 1: S’Espalmador pink sands, sand bars, and natural pools

The first main stop centers on S’Espalmador, a deserted island area known for its pink beach, sand bars, and natural pools. You don’t just hop off for a quick photo. You get time for a guided tour and a leisure stroll along the shore.

Why that matters: when you’re snorkeling later, it helps to ease into the day with land time. On a sunny island, that first stretch also gives you a chance to pick your rhythm—some people want to get their gear on right away, others like walking the shoreline for a minute first.

What to watch for:

• Pink sand tends to look best when the light is angled, so if the sky is clear, try to grab photos early in your stop.
• Natural pools can be calm compared to open coves, so if you want a less chaotic water entry, this is a good place to start.

You’ll also be cruising and sightseeing on the way, so even if you’re not in the water at every moment, the island itself keeps the experience moving.

Stop 2: Racó des Moro and the marine park snorkeling cove

Next comes the snorkeling stop at Racó des Moro (the tour also describes this as an emerald-green marine park area). This is where you get your full-on snorkeling setup.

The plan here is straightforward:

• Photo stop and guided context
• Time to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear water
• Time for marine life viewing using the gear you’re provided

For a beginner, this stop is often the easiest to enjoy because you have a defined “here’s where to go” moment. For experienced snorkelers, it still works because the boat is positioned so you’re not wasting your effort just getting to the next point.

Practical tip: even in calm coves, you’ll benefit from having water shoes. Flip-flops are fine for walking on deck, but they’re not ideal if you step on rocky edges or pebbly ground near where you enter.

Stop 3: Cova Rosa caves—swim through or watch from outside

The most adventurous stop is Cova Rosa, the cave area. Here, the tour gives you options:

• For people who want a thrill, there’s a chance to swim through and inside the caves
• If you prefer easier effort, you can enjoy the caves from the outside and focus on views

This is the stop where your comfort level matters. If you’re comfortable snorkeling and you like the idea of moving through tighter water spaces, this is the highlight. If not, don’t force it—sometimes the best enjoyment comes from watching the scene unfold from a safer, more relaxed position.

What I like about having both choices is that the day doesn’t become all-or-nothing. You can still get the story, the scenery, and the water time even if you skip a cave swim.

Also, the guide’s role is important here. They help you understand where it’s safer to go and how to manage the timing so you’re not rushing or getting separated.

Stop 4: Cala Saona—turquoise water and red cliffs

The final main stop is Cala Saona, described as a picture-perfect cove. You’ll have time for:

• Photo stop and guided info
• Snorkeling and swimming again
• Marine life viewing
• A cruise moment where the boat comes close enough to appreciate the setting

The payoff is the contrast: turquoise sea against fiery red cliffs. This stop feels like the scenic finale. Even if your snorkeling isn’t constant, you’ll still want to look up while you’re on the boat, because this is the kind of place that changes look-and-feel minute to minute as the light shifts.

If you’re deciding how long to stay in the water, treat this as your flexible stop. Swim if the water is comfortable. If you want a break, sit in the sun or shade under the awning and just watch.

Timing: how the 3.5 hours feel in real life

The itinerary includes short transfers and cruising between spots, plus planned water time:

• Short van and speedboat transfers (when pickup is selected and between stops)
• Main stops around 30–40 minutes
• Total tour time about 3.5 hours with a return to mooring number 2

In other words, you’re not spending the whole day traveling. You’re doing the thing—short, focused water sessions at the places that make Formentera famous.

That structure is especially nice if you have limited time on the island or you don’t want a full day trip that eats every meal and every nap.

Gear, safety, and what to bring so you’re comfortable

Snorkeling gear is provided: mask, snorkel, fins. That covers most of the biggest hassles.

Safety-wise:

• A mandatory floating vest is included for people who can’t swim
• A guide is on board to help with safety and enjoyment

So what should you bring?

• Windbreaker (sea breezes can show up fast)
• Hat and sunscreen
• Swimwear and towel
• Flip-flops for deck walking
• Water shoes (strongly recommended)
• Water (staying hydrated keeps the whole experience better)

One small mindset shift I’d recommend: treat it like a “move, float, rinse, repeat” day. You’ll get warmer than you think, even if it looks breezy when you leave the dock.

Value check: is $108 a fair deal?

For $108, you’re paying for:

• A RIB boat experience with close-to-coast stops
• Live guide support
• Snorkeling gear included
• Multiple locations in one outing

The tradeoff is that you don’t get food, and onboard drinks cost extra. If you go into it expecting lunch to appear after your last snorkel, you’ll be disappointed. If you plan a light snack before you start (or you’re fine with paid drinks), the value feels strong.

Also, the boat type matters. A RIB with a powerful engine and shallow-stop capability is exactly what you want for snorkeling days here, where the best access is often from small coves rather than long, sandy public beaches.

This trip also has a solid reputation score of 4.3 out of 5 based on 46 ratings, which usually means people aren’t just showing up for photos—they’re leaving satisfied with the actual water time.

Who should book this snorkeling tour

This tour is a good fit if you:

• Want real snorkeling time at several spots, not one long stop
• Like scenery as much as sea life (you get both)
• Appreciate a guide, especially for cave navigation rules and safety
• Are okay planning around a water-based schedule with short transfers

It may be less ideal if you:

• Get seasick easily (you’ll be on a boat a fair amount, even though it’s not an all-day crossing)
• Expect a meal included
• Don’t want any cave-related activity at all (you can watch from outside, but the cave is still a main part of the day)

A few practical tips to make your day smoother

• Start your day with sunscreen already on, then reapply after your first water session.
• Wear water shoes. They reduce stress at entry points and make it easier to switch between snorkel and shore time.
• Keep your towel accessible. You’ll want it right after water time, and it’s easier if you’re not digging for it.
• If you’re choosing between cave swim and outside viewing, decide based on comfort, not pride.

Should you book this tour?

If your goal is straightforward—snorkel Formentera’s famous coves from a fast, close-to-the-coast RIB, then cap the day with Cala Saona views—I think this is a strong choice. The included mask, snorkel, and fins remove a lot of friction, and the four-stop structure keeps the day from getting repetitive.

I’d book it especially if you’re short on time and want the island’s variety in one outing: pink sand on S’Espalmador, a marine-park style snorkeling stop at Racó des Moro, caves at Cova Rosa, and the red-cliff finale at Cala Saona.

FAQ

FAQ

What is the duration of the snorkeling trip?

The trip lasts about 3.5 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

The meeting point is mooring number 2 near the Panperfoсaccia restaurant, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Which snorkeling stops are included?

The main stops are S’Espalmador, Racó des Moro, Cova Rosa, and Cala Saona.

What snorkeling gear is included?

You get a diving mask, snorkel, and fins.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is optional. If you choose it, a staff member drives a van from the pickup point, and you’ll be told the exact time slot within 24 hours before the activity.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though cold water, soft drinks, and beer are available on board for extra costs.