A Formentera day trip with real sea time. This cruise mixes paddleboards and snorkeling with an included on-board lunch and plenty of time to soak up the views near Espalmador and Ses Illetes. I also like that the staff keeps the vibe playful (in a good, not chaotic way), with an entertainment-style approach—someone named Damyan comes up in the best reviews. One thing to consider: you do not dock inside the protected areas, so you’ll swim and float from the boat rather than walk around there.

The value here is the whole package for the price: gear, food, and open-bar style drinks are built in, plus a decent stretch of free time on Formentera to do your own thing. Just plan for a few practical gaps: towels and sunscreen are not included, and there’s no transport inside Formentera provided during your island time.

Key things that make this cruise worth your attention

• 3 separate water stops with included floating gear, paddleboards, and snorkeling equipment
• On-board paella choices (including vegan) served during the day
• Protected park coastline views near Espalmador and Ses Illetes, with swimming from the boat
• Drinks are part of the deal: water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria
• Multiple Ibiza return options, including a later one in high season

From Playa den Bossa to Formentera’s shoreline: what the day feels like

This is a classic Mediterranean “sea day” built around short, repeatable bursts of fun. You start at Playa den Bossa area, checking in at the Aquabus stand (check in listed for 09:45). Then you’re on a comfortable catamaran, cruising along the coast while drinks are flowing and the staff gets the group ready for the water.

What makes it work is the rhythm. You’re not stuck in one long activity block. You get cruising time first, then three activity-style stops. Between those, you get food and breaks from the sun. That matters on Ibiza in summer, when the heat can turn even a great plan into an exhausting slog.

And you’ll notice this trip leans social. The best feedback highlights that the guide keeps things moving and entertaining, and that your time on the boat doesn’t feel like sitting in silence. If you’re traveling with friends, this kind of energy helps the day feel like an event, not just transportation to an island.

Price and value: why $67 can actually feel like a deal

For about $67 per person, you’re getting more than “a ride to Formentera.” You’re paying for a full day with:

• Drinks (water, soft drinks, beer, sangria)
• A cooked meal on board (three paella options plus salad, bread, alioli, and fruit)
• Water gear (snorkeling equipment, life jackets, paddleboards, bodyboards, floating mats, pool noodles, inflatables)

Most separate-ticket add-ons would cost you close to that on their own: lunch, drinks, and rental gear add up fast in Ibiza. Here, they’re part of the base price, so you can budget more confidently.

The sweet spot is when you want Formentera’s water highlights without spending extra on boat transfers plus rentals. If you plan to swim a lot and you don’t want to chase gear stores, this is a straightforward value play.

Check-in, timing, and how not to miss the boat

Start with the practical stuff. Check in is listed at 09:45 at the Aquabus stand. Your day is described as lasting 7 hours, with the exact return time depending on the option you choose.

The boat route runs past the protected areas in front of Espalmador and Ses Illetes. It can’t dock into those parks, so you’re always thinking in “float and swim” mode rather than “walk on the beach right there.” That affects your expectations and your timing.

Also, pay attention to the return plan options to Ibiza. You’ll see:

• An early return option listed as leaving Formentera around 13:00 and arriving back in Ibiza about 14:00
• A later return at 18:15, with an open-bar style setup and snacks on the way back
• A third later return at 21:15, noted as available only during June to August (high season)

One caution: the information also notes disembarking for Formentera at 13:15. Since that conflicts slightly with the 13:00 early departure timing, it’s worth confirming the exact schedule on the day with the crew. Don’t ignore this kind of mismatch—just verify what your boat will actually do at that return window.

The sailing cruise: what you get during the travel time

Before you hit the main swim stops, there’s a sightseeing cruise segment (listed as 45 minutes). This isn’t just filler time. It gives you a chance to:

• Settle on the water
• Get your bearings
• Grab your first drink (sangria is mentioned as part of the onboard experience)
• Get ready for the activity zones

If you’re the type who likes photos, this is also where you can get the best “coastline postcard” shots without rushing. You’ll see the Formentera coastline from the water, then the trip shifts into the stop-and-go swim rhythm.

Es S’ Espalmador stop: paddleboard time and the lunch setup

One of the best parts is that the first big stop includes Es S’ Espalmador for about 1.5 hours. This is the “active water” slot.

You’ll have:

• Paddleboards and the chance to paddle along the coast
• Inflatables and floating mats
• Snorkeling gear available as part of the included setup

After the water time here, the schedule moves toward the on-board meal. The format is that your catered lunch is served on the boat around the transition between activity stops. For many people, that’s a smart sequence: you get moving while you’re feeling energetic, then you refuel before more swimming.

Lunch specifics are listed clearly, which is a big deal. You’re not stuck with one bland option:

• Shrimp paella
• Chicken paella
• Vegan paella

Plus mixed salad, bread, alioli, and fruit

Why this matters: paella is filling, and you’re at sea. If you only snack, you’ll likely regret it during the longer Formentera island window later. Having vegan covered also means this isn’t a “hope someone brings something” kind of day.

A drawback to flag: since the boat can’t dock inside the protected park, you’ll still be in “on the boat or in the water” mode. That’s great for swimming, but if you were picturing walking right off the vessel at Espalmador, you’ll need to adjust.

Ses Illetes: snorkeling and crystal-water swimming time

Next is Ses Illetes for about 1.5 hours. This is the stop most people imagine when they think Formentera: clear water, swim time, and that sense of being surrounded by bright sea.

You’ll get:

• Snorkeling (equipment is included)
• Swimming from the boat
• More chance to use water toys like paddleboards and floating gear, depending on how the crew organizes it

The trip notes that the boat stops in front of Ses Illetes and Espalmador but cannot dock. So you’ll enter the water from the boat’s floating setup. That can be easy if you’re a confident swimmer, and fine if you’re not, because life jackets are included—but it still means you’re not stepping onto a dock and walking around.

For your comfort, plan for the water temperature and your own comfort level. Bring swim shoes only if you personally like them; the data doesn’t mention footwear, but it does specify beachwear and towel/sunscreen you supply yourself.

Formentera’s free time: beach wandering with no included internal transport

After the swim stops, you’ll have time on the island. The schedule indicates disembarking at Formentera Dock with free time to explore, listed as 5 hours. This is your chance to:

• Find your favorite sandy stretch
• Walk at your own pace
• Do shopping if you want to browse

Here’s the important practical note: transportation inside Formentera isn’t included during that free time. That means your “easy” plan depends on how far you want to walk and how you plan to get around (taxi, bus, or renting a vehicle are typical strategies, but you’ll need to sort that yourself).

If you want the lowest-stress day, pick a beach area near your dock drop point so you’re not racing time. If you love a little movement, use the free time to explore multiple short walks rather than committing to one far-off plan.

Food on board: paella that actually covers different diets

Most boat lunches are either small or repetitive. This one is more serious: you get a fresh, cooked on-board meal with three paella choices plus sides.

I like that it’s structured, not “something will be available.” The listed menu includes:

• Bread and alioli
• Mixed salad
• Fruit

And the protein/diet choices are built in (shrimp, chicken, vegan).

What this means for you: you won’t be stuck eating bread and guessing whether you’ll find something that works for your diet. And because the day includes multiple water sessions, a real lunch helps you keep energy through the later return window—especially if you pick the 18:15 or 21:15 option.

Also, since there are drinks included, it’s a good “food and drink reset” midway through the day. Just keep pace with the heat. If you’re mixing sangria with sun, hydrate too.

Drinks and the onboard vibe: sangria, beer, and a guide who keeps people smiling

Drinks are included throughout with water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria. That turns the cruise from a strict sightseeing event into a more relaxed day at sea.

The best feedback also points to the guide style, with Damyan called out for being especially good at entertaining and helping people with practical navigation on the island. Even if you don’t need a hand, it usually makes the experience smoother: instructions feel clearer, and you spend less time guessing what to do next.

One thing to note: alcohol and drugs are listed as not allowed, which is exactly what you want on a shared water activity day. You can relax without worrying the trip will turn into something reckless.

Who this cruise suits best (and who should think twice)

This trip is ideal if you:

• Want Formentera’s water highlights without planning snorkeling gear or a DIY boat day
• Like active travel in short bursts (paddleboard, float, snorkel)
• Appreciate having a real lunch built into the schedule
• Travel with friends and want a lively, crew-led vibe

It may be less ideal if you:

• Want long stretches of walking and exploring the exact protected areas on land (the boat can’t dock there)
• Need towels or sunscreen provided (you must bring them)
• Have mobility limits that make getting on and off a floating boat setup difficult
• Are traveling with needs that match the listed limitations: not suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, and people over 70

Practical tips that make the day smoother

Bring what’s listed: towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. The lack of included towels and sunscreen is common on these trips, so treat it like a non-negotiable packing item.

If you hate sunscreen math, pack a couple reapplications worth. Sun plus water reflection hits harder than you expect.

Also, bring a simple plan for Formentera’s free time. Since there’s no internal transport included, decide in advance whether you want:

• One main beach base near the dock
• Or a small loop of short walks

Finally, double-check your return time choice. With multiple return options—especially the early and late schedules—your timing depends on which one you booked.

So should you book this Formentera boat cruise?

If your goal is a full day that combines swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, a real on-board paella lunch, and drinks for one price, I’d say yes. The structure is clear, the included menu and gear are a big part of the value, and the energy on board (with a guide like Damyan mentioned in strong feedback) can turn a standard island trip into a memorable sea day.

I’d think twice if you’re expecting the protected areas to feel like a walk-off dock beach or if you don’t want to plan around bringing your own towel and sunscreen. Also, if you’re unsure about comfort in open water entry from the boat, pick the day with confidence in your swimming comfort.

If you want one organized, good-value way to experience Formentera’s famous waters from Ibiza, this cruise checks a lot of boxes.

FAQ

Where do I check in for the cruise?

Check in is listed at the Aquabus stand at 09:45.

How long is the experience?

It’s listed as 7 hours, with the exact timing varying by the starting/return option available.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks are water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria.

What food is served on board?

You’ll be served shrimp paella, chicken paella, vegan paella, plus mixed salad, bread, alioli, and fruit.

Do I get snorkeling gear and life jackets?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included.

Can the boat dock at Espalmador or Ses Illetes?

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

How much free time do I have on Formentera?

You’re scheduled for about 5 hours of free time on Formentera.

Do I need to bring towels and sunscreen?

Yes. Towels and sunscreen are not included, and you should bring them along with beachwear.