Ibiza: Formentera Cruise Breakfast, Paella, OpenBar & Sports

Formentera’s best beaches are the main event here, but you never need to leave the boat. This five-hour cruise from Playa d’en Bossa anchors near Ses Illetes and Cala Saona, giving you clear water, swimming, snorkeling, and paddle sports without the hassle of arranging transport on the island.

I like the easy mix of food and sea time: breakfast arrives early, paella is prepared on board, and the open bar covers sangría, beer, soft drinks, juice, and water. I also like the short format, which suits you if a full-day boat trip feels like too much. The catch is that you do not step ashore in Formentera, and rough weather can change the route.

Key points to know before boarding

• Two beautiful anchor stops: Expect time near Ses Illetes and Cala Saona, or S’Espalmador, depending on the day and sea conditions.
• Fresh paella at sea: Choose seafood, vegetarian, or mixed paella while the boat is anchored.
• Shared water sports: Snorkel masks, kayaks, paddleboards, and a seabob are available, with the seabob offered from the end of May.
• Five hours, not a full island visit: This is a boat-and-water experience, not a shore excursion in Formentera.
• Open bar included: Sangría, beer, soft drinks, juices, and water are part of the $80 price.
• Arrive early: Check in at the Formentera Wonders stand beside Happiness Beach Ibiza at least 30 minutes before departure.

A short Formentera cruise with a clear purpose

This trip is built around sea time, not sightseeing from land. You board near Happiness Beach Ibiza in Playa d’en Bossa, settle onto a two-deck motor catamaran, and head across the Balearic Sea toward Formentera.

The boat has room to spread out, with sun areas upstairs and more comfortable shared seating below. The atmosphere is meant to be relaxed, with music, drinks, food, and a crew handling the practical details. Alex is one crew member specifically praised for keeping people laughing and the mood going, even when the weather is less than perfect.

At $80 per person, the price is fair if you plan to eat and drink on board and make real use of the water equipment. A breakfast, paella lunch, open bar, boat ride, and several hours near two famous beaches add up quickly if purchased separately. It is less attractive if you mainly want to walk on Formentera’s sand, since this boat does not drop you on the island.

The stated duration is five hours. That is a useful middle ground. You get a full morning or afternoon on the water without giving up an entire day in Ibiza. Starting times vary, so check the schedule carefully when you book.

From Playa d’en Bossa to the open sea

Your meeting point is easy to identify: look for the Formentera Wonders stand directly in front of Happiness Beach Ibiza. Check-in is required 30 minutes before departure, and you should take that seriously. There is no refund if you miss boarding, so allow enough time to reach Playa d’en Bossa and find the stand.

The first part of the route takes about 45 minutes. This is when you can find your preferred place on the boat, take in the Ibiza coastline, and get settled before the main stops. A two-deck catamaran is a better fit than a small speedboat for this sort of outing, especially when you want to eat, move around, or sit out the crossing in comfort.

The boat carries a maximum of 50 percent of its capacity for a more open feel. That does not mean you have the vessel to yourself, but it should help avoid the packed conditions found on some Ibiza boat trips.

Keep your sunglasses, hat, towel, swimwear, camera, and sunscreen close. Bring a towel in particular, since the main pleasure of this outing is getting in and out of the water.

Breakfast on the Balearic Sea

After the first crossing, the boat pauses in the Balearic Sea for breakfast and welcome refreshments. The included breakfast is continental, with fruit, pastries, and coffee.

This is not a long restaurant-style meal. Think of it as a useful start to a water-based day. A little food before swimming matters, especially if you are planning to paddle or kayak later. The presentation may vary from season to season, but breakfast is included on every excursion.

The open bar is also available during the trip. Drinks include sangría, beer, soft drinks, juices, and water. I appreciate that water and nonalcoholic drinks are included, rather than making the package useful only to people who want alcohol.

If you are prone to seasickness, eat lightly and choose your place on the boat with care. The experience is not suitable for people who often get seasick, and it is also not suitable for non-swimmers. Children under three cannot join.

Ses Illetes, white sand, and clear water

One of the first major stops is near Playa de Ses Illetes. The catamaran anchors a short distance from shore, but does not land on the beach. You swim from the boat rather than walking across the sand.

Ses Illetes is known for soft white sand and clear turquoise water. From the boat, you get the view without the beach access. That distinction is important: you can enjoy the water and see the shoreline, but you cannot stroll along the beach, find a beach café, or claim a patch of sand.

The stop lasts about an hour and includes swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, beer, and welcome refreshments. Snorkel masks are supplied on a shared basis, but snorkel tubes are not provided for hygiene reasons. If you prefer to use a tube, bring your own.

Paddleboarding gives you a calmer way to explore around the boat, while snorkeling lets you look below the surface. The water equipment is shared, so it may take some patience during the busiest part of the stop. Families with older children and confident swimmers should find the range of activities useful, though young children and weak swimmers need extra care.

Cala Saona and paella prepared on board

The route then continues toward Cala Saona, with about 15 minutes of travel between the stops. Cala Saona has a different look from Ses Illetes, with red cliffs around a sheltered cove. The color contrast makes this stop feel more enclosed and peaceful.

While you enjoy the cove, the chef prepares lunch on board. The paella comes in seafood, vegetarian, or mixed versions. Having the meal cooked during the swim stop is one of the best features of the trip. You are not rushing back to Ibiza for lunch, and you are not stuck carrying food to a beach.

Lunch is served with the sea around you, which gives the meal much of its appeal. This is still a casual boat lunch, not a formal dining experience. If you have dietary needs beyond the stated seafood, vegetarian, or mixed choices, the provided information does not confirm other options, so ask before booking.

At Cala Saona, you can swim, snorkel, kayak, and paddleboard. Kayaking offers a steadier activity than standing on a paddleboard, while the cove’s cliffs give you something interesting to look toward between swims.

The stop lasts about an hour. That is enough time to eat and get in the water, but not enough time to use every activity at length if the boat is busy. I would decide in advance what matters most to you. If swimming is your priority, do that first. If you want a kayak or paddleboard, ask the crew about the equipment early.

S’Espalmador may replace Cala Saona

The exact route depends on the day. Some departures visit Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador, while others include Cala Saona. The captain can also change the route because of weather conditions, with no compensation provided.

S’Espalmador is known for pale sand and clear water, and it offers the same basic boat experience: anchoring nearby, swimming from the catamaran, and using shared water equipment. You should not book this trip expecting one fixed beach schedule.

That flexibility is normal for a sea excursion. Wind, waves, and safety matter more than following a printed route. Still, if one particular beach is essential to your plans, this is not the right product for certainty.

Water sports without a complicated setup

The equipment is included, which makes the activity more than a simple sightseeing cruise. Snorkel masks, paddleboards, kayaks, and a seabob are available.

The seabob is expected to be available from the end of May. It lets you move underwater with motorized assistance, creating a more energetic option than snorkeling. Because it is seasonal, do not count on it for an earlier May departure.

The equipment is shared, and the boat does not offer private use for each person. You may need to wait, especially during the one-hour stops. That is a small drawback, but the shared setup keeps the base price down.

You should be comfortable entering the water from the boat. This is not a beach day with an easy gradual entry. Anyone who is not a confident swimmer should skip this trip, and children need close supervision around the boat and equipment.

Finding your place on the two decks

The two-deck layout gives you several ways to spend the day. The upper deck has 40 Bali beds, but they cost extra and are not included in the standard ticket. The stated price ranges from €60 to €100, depending on the package, with champagne or a Cava bottle connected to the higher-priced option.

The information provided also says the €100 option may involve a minimum spend, so confirm the exact arrangement on board before paying. You do not need a bed to use the upper deck. Shared lounge areas and poufs are available, and the first floor has comfortable places to sit without an extra charge.

For most people, I would skip the bed unless you strongly value a reserved sunbathing spot or want the bottle service. At an $80 base price, adding up to €100 for a bed can cost more than the original excursion. The shared areas offer a better deal if you mainly want views, shade, and a place to sit between swims.

The boat is presented as stable and suitable for couples, families, and groups of friends. Even so, no motor catamaran is perfectly still in open water. Use the lower deck if the sea feels unsettled.

What the $80 price really covers

The $80 price includes much more than transportation:

• Five-hour cruise from Playa d’en Bossa
• Continental breakfast with fruit, pastries, and coffee
• Fresh seafood, vegetarian, or mixed paella
• Open bar with sangría, beer, soft drinks, juices, and water
• Shared snorkel masks, kayaks, paddleboards, and selected seabob access
• A welcome backpack with a map and sunscreen
• Anchoring near Ses Illetes, Cala Saona, or S’Espalmador

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You also cannot use the boat as transport to spend the day on Formentera. It returns to the same meeting point in Ibiza.

For a short trip, the package is strongest when you value convenience. You can eat, swim, and use equipment without planning several separate bookings. It is weaker for independent beach explorers who want to choose their own cove, eat ashore, or stay on Formentera for the afternoon.

The crew’s tone also matters. Alex has been singled out for good humor and for keeping the atmosphere lively. Other feedback praises the friendly staff, clean boat, and chilled mood. One outing had poor weather but still delivered good food, drinks, and entertainment. That suggests the service can help make the day pleasant when the sea is not at its best, though weather will always shape the experience.

Who should book this cruise

I would recommend it to you if you want a compact Ibiza boat day with food included. It works especially well for couples, groups of friends, and families with children old enough to swim confidently and manage a boat setting.

It also suits you if you want a social atmosphere rather than a quiet private charter. Music, an open bar, shared equipment, and crew-led service make it more lively than a simple ferry crossing.

You should think twice if you want to walk on Formentera, avoid group activities, or need a guaranteed visit to one exact beach. You should also skip it if you are prone to seasickness, do not swim, or need hotel transport.

Arrive at the meeting point 30 minutes early, wear swimwear under your clothes, and keep sunscreen and a hat handy. The boat may change the route for safety, so treat the beaches as likely destinations rather than promises.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want five hours of sea, food, drinks, and water sports without the work of arranging each part yourself. The breakfast, fresh paella, open bar, and shared equipment make the $80 price reasonable, especially if you plan to swim and eat on board.

Skip it if your main goal is to set foot on Formentera. This is a floating visit to its famous beaches, not an island day. For the right kind of holiday, though, the combination of clear water, Cala Saona scenery, Ses Illetes views, and Alex’s upbeat crew style makes it an appealing short escape from Ibiza.

FAQ

How long is the Formentera cruise?

The cruise lasts five hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

Where does the cruise depart?

It departs from the area in front of Happiness Beach Ibiza in Playa d’en Bossa. Look for the Formentera Wonders stand.

How early should I arrive?

You must arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time for check-in.

Does the boat stop on Formentera?

No. The boat anchors near Ses Illetes, Cala Saona, or S’Espalmador, depending on the day and weather. You swim from the boat and do not disembark on the island.

Which beaches may be included?

The route may include Ses Illetes and Cala Saona, or Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador. The captain can change the route because of weather.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. Breakfast includes fruit, pastries, and coffee. The presentation may vary by season.

What lunch is served?

Lunch is freshly prepared paella. Seafood, vegetarian, and mixed options are available.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes sangría, beer, soft drinks, juices, and water.

Are water sports included?

Yes. Shared water equipment includes snorkel masks, paddleboards, kayaks, and a seabob when available. The seabob is expected from the end of May.

Are sun beds included?

No. The Bali beds on the upper deck cost extra. Shared seating and poufs are available without booking a bed.

Can children join the cruise?

Children under three are not permitted. The cruise is also not suitable for non-swimmers.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. There is no partial or full refund for missing boarding.