Ibiza to Formentera Cruise with Snorkeling, Paella & Open Bar

The best part of this Ibiza to Formentera cruise is the mix of sea time and island time. You swim and snorkel off Cala Saona, eat paella on board, then get about three hours in Formentera before sailing back toward Ibiza at sunset.

I like the relaxed upper-deck mood, with sunbeds, quiet music, and friendly crew members such as Pepe and Mariano. I also like that lunch, swimming gear, soft drinks, beer, wine, and sangria are included instead of being added one small charge at a time.

The main thing to understand is that this is also a working ferry. Seating can be shared, the upper deck may feel crowded, and the paddleboards depend on wind and sea conditions. If you want a full day at one beach, a standard ferry may give you more freedom.

Key points to know before you book

• Cala Saona swim stop: Swim, snorkel, paddleboard, and use inflatable water toys in a cove framed by red cliffs.
• Three hours in Formentera: Spend your island time at Ses Illetes, Es Pujols, Sant Francesc, Cap de Barbaria, or La Mola.
• Paella cooked on board: Lunch includes a live cooking presentation, with vegetarian and gluten-free choices available if requested at least 24 hours ahead.
• Drinks included: Beer, wine, sangria, water, soft drinks, and other listed beverages are available throughout the cruise.
• Relaxed rather than party-focused: Music is generally described as pleasant and not excessively loud.
• Shared seating matters: Some sunbeds and Balinese beds may be shared, so do not assume every booking includes a private lounger.

What this Ibiza cruise is really like

This is a full-day boat outing rather than a simple ride to Formentera. The advertised schedule runs for about eight hours, beginning near Figueretas and ending back at the same meeting area. The boat carries ferry passengers on a lower deck, while the cruise setup uses the upper deck.

That arrangement explains both the value and the occasional confusion. You get transportation, a swim stop, lunch, drinks, and a sunset sail in one package. At the same time, the boat is not an intimate private yacht, and the day can feel more like a ferry trip with a leisure deck than a carefully staged luxury cruise.

The maximum group size is 40 people, though available seating can still feel tight when everyone is on deck. The upper level includes deck chairs and sunbeds, but some are shared. One recurring practical issue is that a small daybed may be assigned to more than one person or party. If comfortable personal seating is important to you, ask exactly what your booking includes before you pay.

The atmosphere is generally calm. Music plays during the ride, but this is not designed as a loud club boat. That makes it a better pick for couples, families, and friends who want sunshine, swimming, and conversation rather than a floating nightclub.

Check-in near Figueretas

The meeting point is at the Japanese and Thai restaurant YOKUBO, by Hotel Ibiza Playa on Paseo de ses Pituses. The activity returns to this same general meeting point at the end of the day.

Arrive on time. The boat leaves at the scheduled departure, and being late can create a serious problem because the first sailing section is not a short harbor ride. One person who arrived late had to run to catch up at the next stop. That is not a good way to begin an eight-hour outing.

You do not need to arrive excessively early, since seating is assigned. Still, leave enough time to find the meeting point and complete check-in without rushing. A mobile ticket is accepted, and confirmation is sent when you book.

Sailing toward Cala Saona

Once the boat leaves Ibiza, you get open views back toward the island and across the Mediterranean. The ride itself is part of the appeal. You can settle into a deck chair, listen to music, and watch Ibiza fade behind you.

The first major stop is Cala Saona, a small Formentera cove known for clear water and red rock cliffs. The setting is attractive, but the real reason to stop here is to get into the sea. Snorkel masks are supplied, and inflatable water equipment is available.

The activity description includes paddle surf and inflatable toys. In practice, wind can prevent the paddleboards from being used. That is a normal safety decision on the water, but you should treat paddleboarding as a possible extra, not a guarantee. Snorkeling and swimming are the safer expectations.

The timing around this stop can feel unclear. The schedule gives Cala Saona a four-hour itinerary segment, but that includes the wider movement of the day rather than four uninterrupted hours in the water. The boat may spend a long period anchored while people swim, snorkel, or wait for lunch. Ask the crew early about the order of the day so you know how much time remains before Formentera.

Paella, fruit, and the open bar

Lunch is paella cooked on board with chicken and seafood, with a vegetarian option available. Gluten-free meals can also be arranged, but you must request special food at least 24 hours before departure.

The paella is served by the crew rather than set out as a self-service buffet. That can help keep portions orderly, though timing and portions may vary. The meal is followed by fruit, including watermelon and cantaloupe. This is simple boat food, not a restaurant meal, but it fits the setting and gives you a proper lunch during a long day at sea.

The live cooking element is worth seeing, so pay attention to announcements. If the crew does not clearly explain when cooking begins, you may miss much of the presentation while swimming or sitting elsewhere on the boat. Communication has not always been consistent, and a quick question can save you from missing it.

The open bar is useful, but the wording deserves a little caution. Included drinks cover water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and sangria. The selection is not an unlimited cocktail bar, and some people describe the sangria as closer to a basic wine-based drink than a premium pour. Bring realistic expectations and keep your reusable cup clean if the boat asks you to use one throughout the day.

Three hours on Formentera

After the Cala Saona section, the boat docks at La Savina Port. You then have about three hours to explore Formentera independently.

Three hours is enough for a focused plan, not a grand tour of the entire island. You could head toward Ses Illetes for the famous beach, visit Es Pujols for a little town time, or go to Sant Francesc for a more local feel. The lighthouse at Cap de Barbaria and the views from La Mola are also listed possibilities, but reaching several of these places and returning to the port in three hours would be ambitious.

The operator can help arrange a bicycle or scooter. That can make your island time more useful, especially if you want to see more than the port area. Do not attempt too much. Pick one main goal, allow time for transport, and return to La Savina early.

Ses Illetes is the obvious choice if your priority is sand and clear water. Cap de Barbaria or La Mola makes more sense if you want views and a sense of the island beyond the beach. Es Pujols and Sant Francesc offer an easier town visit. The key is deciding before you arrive, since three hours passes quickly.

Some people have found the island portion closer to two and a half hours in practice. That may reflect docking, disembarkation, or the need to return before departure. Keep a close eye on the meeting time. The boat will not wait for a late return.

The sunset ride back to Ibiza

The return is one of the strongest parts of the day. The boat heads back toward Ibiza with views around Formentera, Playa d’en Bossa, and Figueretas. As the light softens, the ride becomes quieter and more scenic.

The open bar remains available on the return. If you reserve a Balinese bed, a bottle of cava is included for your party to enjoy during the sunset sail. This is a pleasant finish, though the bed arrangement needs checking because these spaces may be shared unless your group has the required number of people.

The final ride is not only transport back to Ibiza. It gives you time to sit down after walking around Formentera, watch the changing light, and enjoy the sea without needing to organize anything else. For many people, that calm hour helps make the package feel like a complete day rather than a simple ferry crossing.

Is $107.40 good value?

At $107.40 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Formentera. A normal ferry may cost less and gives you more control over where you spend the day. If your main goal is Ses Illetes and several hours on the beach, compare the ferry price before booking.

The package becomes more attractive when you use its included elements. You receive a round trip, a Cala Saona swim stop, snorkeling equipment, water activities when conditions permit, lunch, drinks, and roughly three hours on Formentera. Buying food and several drinks separately can narrow the price difference.

I see this as good value for someone who wants the whole day arranged. You do not need to plan a separate lunch, find a snorkel rental, or work out a sunset cruise. It is weaker value for an independent visitor who already knows Formentera and wants maximum island time.

The quality of the day depends heavily on communication and space. When the crew explains the schedule, serves food smoothly, and keeps people informed, the outing can feel easy and generous. When announcements are sparse, a long anchoring period can feel like wasted time.

Who will enjoy this most

I would choose this cruise if you want a social, low-effort day on the water. It suits first-time visitors to Formentera, couples who like a relaxed boat setting, families who want swimming equipment included, and groups that enjoy having lunch and drinks handled for them.

It is also a good match if you want a gentler atmosphere. The music is generally described as chilled and not too loud, so you can talk, read, nap, or enjoy the views between activities.

I would hesitate if you need a private lounger, strong shade, precise announcements, or a full range of premium drinks. I would also think twice if paddleboarding is the main reason you are booking. Wind may make that activity unavailable.

The service can be warm and attentive. Pepe is singled out for his care, and Mariano is praised as a friendly captain. But the level of personal attention may vary when the deck is busy. Ask questions rather than waiting for someone to explain the next step.

The tour allows service animals, is near public transportation, and is suitable for most people. It has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before departure. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book it?

Book this Ibiza to Formentera cruise if you want one organized day combining swimming, paella, drinks, and island time. The sunset return, friendly crew, and included food make it a solid choice for a first visit.

Choose the regular ferry instead if you want to spend nearly the whole day on Formentera, avoid shared seating, or set your own schedule. Before booking this cruise, confirm the seating arrangement, ask about the day’s order, and request any special meal at least 24 hours ahead. Those small checks will help you get the relaxed sea day this experience is designed to provide.

FAQ

How long does the Ibiza to Formentera cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours, including the cruise from Ibiza, the Cala Saona stop, about three hours in Formentera, and the return sail to Ibiza.

Where does the cruise begin?

Check-in takes place at the Japanese and Thai restaurant YOKUBO near Hotel Ibiza Playa, on Paseo de ses Pituses in Figueretas, Ibiza.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in the Figueretas area.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Paella is served on board, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available if requested at least 24 hours before departure.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks are listed as wine, beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water. The drinks are available during the cruise.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided for the Cala Saona swimming stop.

How much free time do I get in Formentera?

You receive about three hours at La Savina Port to explore Formentera independently.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted.