Ibiza: Formentera Trip with Paddle, Snorkel and Lunch

The best part of this Ibiza boat trip is its mix of water fun and island time. You swim from the boat near Espalmador and Ses Illetes, eat paella on board, then spend several hours in Formentera before returning to Ibiza. It is a full, sunny day rather than a quick ferry crossing.

I like the generous drink service, which includes water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria, and I like the practical help from guides such as Damian and Alex. They explain how to get around Formentera and suggest beaches, beach bars, and markets. The main drawback is crowd size: paddleboards and food can involve queues, and the boat may feel lively rather than peaceful.

Key points to know

• Three kinds of water fun: Use paddleboards, bodyboards, floating mats, pool noodles, inflatables, and snorkeling gear at the swimming stops.
• Paella is cooked on board: Choose shrimp, chicken, or vegan paella with salad, bread, alioli, and fruit.
• Two Formentera return choices: Leave at 1:15 pm for an early return or at 6:15 pm after a longer island visit.
• Protected water stops: The boat anchors in front of Espalmador and Ses Illetes, but it cannot dock on those protected shores.
• A social boat atmosphere: Music, drinks, and a possible DJ on the return ride make this more beach club than quiet sailing.
• Bring your own basics: Towels and sunscreen are not supplied, and transport around Formentera costs extra.

What this €81 day from Ibiza really includes

At $81 per person, this is a strong-value day if you want several experiences bundled together. You get the boat ride, drinks, lunch, water equipment, and up to five hours on Formentera. Paying separately for a ferry, a meal, water activities, and a second boat trip would quickly add up.

The value depends on your preferred travel style. I would choose this trip if I wanted an easy day with plenty happening and did not want to organize every detail myself. I would look for a smaller boat if my main goal were quiet swimming, uncrowded beaches, or personal attention.

The tour lasts about 10 hours. Check-in is at 8:30 am at the wooden hut on Carrer de Formentera 17, next to Hotel Ibiza Playa. Arrive early if you want a better chance of finding an upstairs seat, since the upper deck is popular and the boat can fill up.

This is not a private excursion. The boat carries a large group, and the shared equipment is used by many people. That keeps the price down, but it also means you may wait for a paddleboard, drinks, or lunch service during the busiest moments.

Leaving Playa d’en Bossa and settling into the boat

The boat leaves from the Playa d’en Bossa area and begins with about 45 minutes of sightseeing on the water. You can look back toward Ibiza’s shoreline, settle into a seat, and start with water, soft drinks, beer, or sangria.

The guide helps explain the plan and gives advice for your time in Formentera. Damian is especially often praised for being friendly, funny, and useful with practical suggestions. Alex also receives warm comments for looking after people throughout the day. The guides speak English and Spanish, and some guides speak additional languages.

The atmosphere changes with the group. It can feel relaxed during the outward cruise, then more social once music and drinks get going. If you want a quiet ride, sit away from the liveliest areas when possible. If you like dancing and a party feel, the return trip may be your favorite part.

Motion sickness deserves a serious mention. The boat can rock when the sea is unsettled, and some people have felt ill. If you are sensitive to movement, bring suitable anti-nausea medicine and choose a seat with this in mind. That simple bit of preparation can make a big difference during a long day at sea.

Swimming near Ses Illetes and Espalmador

The two main water stops are in the area of Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador. The exact order can vary in the day’s operation, but together they provide roughly three hours of swimming and water activities, split between the two locations.

Ses Illetes is known for clear water and pale sandy beaches. From the boat, you can swim, use the snorkeling equipment, paddleboard, or relax on a floating mat. The water is the main attraction, so bring a mask if you have a favorite one, although snorkeling equipment and life jackets are supplied.

S’Espalmador gives you another chance to swim and paddle along the coast. The boat stops in front of the island because the area is protected, so you should not expect to walk ashore there. This is an important detail: you experience the setting from the water, not as a land visit.

The equipment includes paddleboards, bodyboards, floating mats, pool noodles, inflatables, and snorkeling gear. It creates plenty of ways to play in the sea, but supplies are shared. One person specifically noted that there was only one paddleboard per group, while another pointed out that the queues for equipment could be slow.

I would treat the water activities as an extra, not a guaranteed private session. If paddleboarding is your top reason for booking, move quickly when equipment becomes available and accept that popular items may require patience.

The swimming stops last about 1.5 hours each, according to the planned schedule. That is long enough to swim, try an activity, dry off, and sit in the sun. It is not so long that the day loses momentum.

Paella lunch with beer, sangria, and salad

Lunch is served on board between the water stops. The meal includes shrimp paella, chicken paella, or vegan paella, along with a mixed salad, bread, alioli, and fruit.

For a boat excursion at this price, the meal is a useful part of the package. You do not need to search for a restaurant during the busiest part of the day, and you can eat with the sea around you. The paella has been a highlight for many people, though one person felt the food and activities could have been better.

Food service can be busy because everyone is eating at roughly the same time. Expect a practical group meal, not a slow restaurant lunch. If you have dietary restrictions, check the available choices before booking. The vegan paella is listed, but gluten-free food is not specifically provided in the tour information.

The drink package runs throughout the cruise and includes water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria. This is where the price becomes especially attractive for people who plan to have several drinks during a long day. It also adds to the social mood, so the boat may feel louder and more festive after lunch.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed beyond the drinks provided as part of the activity. You should also pace yourself carefully in the sun. Eight to ten hours outside, with swimming and alcohol, can leave you more tired than expected.

Five hours to make your own Formentera plan

After the water stops and lunch, the boat reaches the Formentera dock at about 1 pm. You then get free time on the island, with two return choices.

The first boat leaves Formentera at 1:15 pm and arrives back in Ibiza at about 2:15 pm. That option suits you if you mainly want the boat, swimming, lunch, and a brief look at the island. It also gives you a shorter day if you have evening plans in Ibiza.

The second departure is at 6:15 pm. This gives you roughly five hours to explore, shop, relax, or arrange your own transport to other parts of Formentera. The return ride includes the open bar and snacks, and the atmosphere may become more energetic with music and dancing on the upper deck.

Do not confuse the dock with a complete island tour. Transportation around Formentera is not included. You can stay near the arrival area, but reaching other beaches or inland sights requires a bus, bike, scooter, or car at your own cost.

A scooter or car can help you use the long stop well, though the tour does not include rental arrangements. Some people use their free time to visit several beaches, beach bars, and hippie markets. Others simply find a sandy beach and stay put. The best choice depends on how much planning you want to do after a busy morning on the water.

Beach extras also cost more. Sun beds and umbrellas can be around €20 each at some beaches, based on the practical information available for this trip. Bring enough money for transport, rentals, food beyond the included meal, and any beach services.

If you want to explore independently, write down the second boat’s departure time and leave plenty of margin. Missing the 6:15 pm return would be a serious problem, since the activity is built around returning with the group boat.

The ride back to Ibiza

The return journey is more than a transfer. Music is part of the experience, and several people describe a DJ and dancing on the boat’s rooftop during the ride back. If you enjoy a floating beach-club mood, this can be a memorable finish.

The boat also provides drinks and snacks on the way back from Formentera. That is helpful after several hours in the sun, especially if you spent your free time walking or riding around the island.

The party atmosphere is not ideal for everyone. You may find the return loud, crowded, and less restful than the morning cruise. If you need a quiet end to the day, use the earlier return or choose a different kind of Formentera excursion.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this boat trip to people who want a high-energy day with variety. It suits friends, couples, and solo visitors who like meeting other people, swimming, music, casual food, and flexible free time.

It is also a good option if you want to see Formentera without arranging a ferry, lunch, and water equipment separately. The guide’s local tips can help you make better use of the island stop, especially if you are not sure where to go once you arrive.

You should think twice if you want silence, guaranteed access to equipment, or an uncrowded swim. The boat can be busy, and queues are part of the deal. A smaller-group boat would likely cost more, but it would be a better fit for a calm beach day.

The activity is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, or people over 70. Children under 12 must bring identification to prove their age, and children must bring a passport or ID card. The supplied information does not list special accessibility details, so ask the operator before booking if you have mobility concerns.

What to pack for a better day

Bring a towel and sunscreen, since neither is included. You should also bring swimwear, a hat, sunglasses, and a secure way to carry your phone or money.

Pack your passport or ID card if you are bringing children, and keep the return time visible. If you plan to explore beyond the dock, bring money or a payment method for transport and rentals.

Arrive before the 8:30 am check-in rather than cutting it close. Early arrival may help you settle into a better seat, and it gives you time to find the wooden hut next to Hotel Ibiza Playa.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available starting time when booking, since operating details can vary.

Should you book the Ibiza to Formentera boat trip?

Book it if you want good value, clear water, included lunch, and a lively boat day. The combination of swimming stops, shared water gear, drinks, paella, and several hours in Formentera gives you a lot for $81.

Skip it if a crowded boat would spoil your day. The strongest parts are the scenery, the water stops, the helpful guides, and the easy island access. The weakest points are queues, limited paddleboard availability, possible rocking, and extra costs once you leave the dock.

For most active visitors spending a few days in Ibiza, this is a practical way to add Formentera without much planning. Choose the early return for a shorter outing, or stay until 6:15 pm if you want the full island visit and the livelier music-filled ride back.

FAQ

Where does the Formentera boat trip begin?

Check in at the wooden hut stand on Carrer de Formentera 17, next to Hotel Ibiza Playa. Check-in is at 8:30 am.

How long does the activity last?

The activity lasts about 10 hours. The schedule includes the morning departure, two water stops, free time in Formentera, and a return to Ibiza.

What food is included?

Lunch includes shrimp paella, chicken paella, or vegan paella, plus mixed salad, bread, alioli, and fruit.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria are included during the boat trip. The later return also includes snacks.

What water equipment can I use?

The boat provides paddleboards, bodyboards, floating mats, pool noodles, inflatables, snorkeling equipment, and life jackets.

Can the boat dock at Espalmador and Ses Illetes?

No. The boat stops in front of Espalmador and Ses Illetes because they are protected areas, but it cannot dock there.

How much free time is available in Formentera?

You can have about five hours in Formentera if you take the later return at 6:15 pm. An earlier boat leaves at 1:15 pm and arrives in Ibiza at about 2:15 pm.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and identification. Children under 12 must carry ID to prove their age. Transportation inside Formentera and rentals such as bikes or scooters are not included.