A floating beach day, with real island time. This Ibiza-to-Formentera catamaran packs paddleboards and snorkeling gear into the day, then throws in unlimited drinks and a proper on-board paella lunch. You’ll spend meaningful time in the water around protected spots like Ses Illetes and Es Palmador, then swap the boat for sandy Formentera beach time.

The one thing to plan for is that the boat can be a bit rocky. If you’re even slightly motion-sick, bring anti-nausea meds and use the time on open decks to steady yourself.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Protected-water stops: the boat doesn’t dock at Es Palmador or Ses Illetes, so you swim in from right in front of them
• Real variety on the water: paddleboards, snorkeling equipment, inflatables, floating mats, and more
• Lunch is built into the route: paella served on board with salad, bread, alioli, and fruit
• Drinks all day: soft drinks plus beer and sangria (and extra open-bar treatment on the later return)
• Formentera free time: you get hours to explore beaches and shops at your own pace
• Active, not quiet: if you want solitude, expect a busier boat-and-water day

Meet at Carrer de Formentera 17, then head to the catamaran

This trip starts with a check-in at 8:30 am at a wooden hut stand on Carrer de Formentera 17, next to Hotel Ibiza Playa. From there, you’ll board the comfortable boat at Playa den Bossa Pier in Ibiza.

Why that early meeting matters: it helps you get sorted before the crew starts the day’s rhythm. Also, the boat has space to spread out, and you’ll want to be ready for the first water activity as soon as you arrive at the first swim zone.

The tour is led by a live guide in English and Spanish. In practice, that’s useful because they’re not just counting time; they help you make the most of your water stops and your Formentera hours.

How the route works when the sea parks don’t let boats dock

One detail changes how you experience these famous waters: the boat stops in front of Es Palmador and Ses Illetes, but it cannot dock into them because they’re protected park areas.

So don’t expect a “walk off the boat onto a beach.” Instead, plan for jumping in from the boat, swimming in clear water, and using the provided gear (snorkeling kit, life jackets, and paddleboards) where it’s safe and practical.

This is actually a big part of why the stops feel special. You’re not stuck with one crowded landing point. You get to enjoy the view from the boat, then experience the underwater world right there in front of you.

Ses Illetes: 1.5 hours of snorkeling and sea-level fun

Your Ses Illetes stop is designed for people who want to be in the water quickly. After cruising, you’ll spend about 1.5 hours here with time to swim, snorkel, and use the included water toys.

What you’ll care about: Ses Illetes is known for clarity, and this stop is built around that. With snorkeling equipment and life jackets included, you can stay comfortable even if you’re not a lifelong snorkeler.

Practical tip: if you want more turns on paddleboards or fewer slowdowns, be ready to move fast once the crew sets the zone. The water can look calm, but there can be a line when everyone tries to gear up at the same time.

Es Palmador: paddleboarding along the coast, then a meal on board

Next comes Es Palmador for another 1.5 hours. This is where the trip leans into paddleboarding and coastal exploration. Even if you’re not a confident paddler, the included boards and floating gear make it easier to float, try, and reset between attempts.

You’re also swimming and snorkeling as part of the experience here. Since you’re not docking, you’re using the boat as your base. That means you get the “wow” factor of the coastline plus the easy convenience of being taken to the next spot without having to organize a thing.

Then comes the best kind of timing: lunch on board between stops. When the crew feeds you while you’re still in your sea legs, you avoid the classic situation where you’re starving and cranky right as the fun starts.

The paella lunch: seafood, chicken, and vegan options

This isn’t a sad buffet. Lunch is cooked on board and served between the water stops. The menu includes seafood paella (shrimp), chicken paella, and vegan paella, plus fresh mixed salad, bread, alioli, and fruit.

I like this setup because it’s not just a snack. You get a real meal after active time in the water. It also makes the day feel complete: you’re not spending a full day half-hydrated, half-hungry, hoping you’ll find food later on the island.

A couple of extra notes that help you plan:

• You’ll likely want to eat before you jump in again, not after.
• If you have dietary needs, the vegan paella option is explicitly included, so you’re not left wondering if there will be something for you.

Formentera free time: beaches, shopping, and how to get around

After lunch and the second water stop, you’ll disembark at Formentera Dock for free time. The schedule gives you hours to explore beaches, do sightseeing, and shop if you want.

There’s no transportation on the island included as part of this trip. That means you’ll be walking, using local options, or paying for your own way to move around (like renting something). One common approach is renting a scooter or bike, but you’ll need to arrange that yourself once you’re there.

If you’re trying to plan beach comfort, keep expectations realistic. Beach beds and umbrellas can cost extra at the shoreline. One guest noted around 20€ each. If you don’t want that expense, pick a spot where you can relax without renting gear.

This is also the part of the day where you control the pace. Prefer quick swims and photos? Great. Want a slow walk and a drink at a beach bar? That’s also the point.

Return choices: the 13:15 cruise back vs the later 18:15 vibe

When it’s time to head home, you have two return options mentioned in the schedule.

The first return leaves Formentera at 13:15 on the same catamaran and arrives back in Ibiza at 14:15.

The second return leaves at 18:15, and this is the more party-friendly option: it includes an open bar and the crew also provides snacks on the way back.

What I like about having two choices is that it matches how people actually travel. If you want to avoid a late evening, take the earlier return. If you’re here to ride the energy wave, the later return is built for it.

Also, music can be a big part of the return. Guests have described a DJ on the boat and rooftop dancing vibes, so if that’s your style, you’re probably in the right place.

What to bring (and the one medical trick that saves the day)

Bring what you need for being in the sun and in the water:

• Swimwear and a change of clothes
• Towel (not included)
• Sunscreen (not included)
• A hat and sunglasses if you burn easily
• For children: bring the required passport or ID card

There’s also an important safety/fit point: children under 12 must bring ID to prove age.

Now the practical “I’m glad I did this” item: if you’re prone to motion sickness, take anti-nausea meds. Some guests mentioned the boat felt rocky and they saw people get sick. Even if you’re usually fine, the open sea plus all the jumping and boat turns can change the equation.

Finally, don’t bring alcohol or drugs. Plan to stick to the drinks provided by the crew.

Drinks and value: why $81 can actually feel like a steal

At about $81 per person for a 10-hour outing, the math works because the day is bundled.

You’re getting:

• Unlimited soft drinks, plus beer and sangria
• Water
• A full on-board meal (three paellas plus sides)
• Paddleboards, snorkeling equipment, and flotation gear
• Life jackets

If you tried to build this yourself, you’d likely pay separately for a boat transfer, water activities, and food. Here, the boat becomes your transport and your activity platform. That’s the real value: you’re not coordinating three separate bookings across two islands.

Also, the included drinks and the on-board meal make the day smoother. You spend more time having fun and less time negotiating with lines and menus.

Who this trip suits best (and who should skip it)

This trip is best for people who:

• Want an active day on the water
• Like snorkeling and don’t mind swimming from the boat
• Want big-picture island time without doing logistics

It’s not for everyone. The trip lists these not-suitable categories:

• Children under 3 years
• Pregnant women
• People over 70 years

If you prefer a quiet, uncrowded day, consider the pacing. Even though the scenery is gorgeous, it’s still a shared boat experience with multiple water stops and lots of people trying gear at the same time. That can mean queues and less “turn-by-turn freedom” than you might expect.

Should you book this Ibiza to Formentera paddle, snorkel, and lunch cruise?

Yes, I’d book it if you want the easiest possible route to Formentera plus structured water time in iconic spots. The pairing of snorkeling and paddleboarding with a real paella lunch makes this feel like more than just a boat ride.

But book with your eyes open if you:

• Get motion-sick (pack meds)
• Want a totally relaxed, uncrowded vibe
• Need towels or sunscreen planning (they aren’t included)

If you fall into the “active + scenic + good value” category, this is one of those days that feels worth every hour.

FAQ

Where do I check in for the trip?

You check in at the wooden hut stand at 8:30 am at Carrer de Formentera 17, next to Hotel Ibiza Playa.

Where does the boat depart from?

The boat departs from Playa den Bossa Pier in Ibiza.

What water activities are included?

Included activities include paddleboards, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and inflatables/floating items like floating mats and pool noodles.

How long do you spend at each main stop?

The schedule includes about 1.5 hours at Ses Illetes and about 1.5 hours at Es Palmador, plus several hours of free time in Formentera.

Does the boat dock at Es Palmador and Ses Illetes?

No. The boat stops in front of those protected areas but cannot dock into them.

What food is included?

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

What drinks are included?

The trip includes water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria. For the later return option, there is also an open bar and snacks on the way back.

Are towels and sunscreen included?

No. Towels and sunscreen are not included.

What return times are offered from Formentera?

You can return at 13:15 (arriving in Ibiza at 14:15) or at 18:15 (with open bar and snacks on the way back).

Who should not book this trip?

It is not suitable for children under 3 years, pregnant women, and people over 70 years. Children under 12 must bring ID to prove age.