Formentera: Crystal Waters Cruise with Snorkeling and Lunch

The best part of this Formentera cruise is simple: you spend the afternoon in the water, not just looking at it from shore. From La Savina, the boat follows the west coast toward Cap de Barberia, then anchors near Cala Saona and Playa de Ses Illetes for swimming and snorkeling in clear Mediterranean water.

I like the all-in-one price, which covers lunch, snacks, swimming gear, and drinks. I also like the easy pace: scenic sailing, a swim stop, food, another swim stop, and a return to port by about 4 PM. The catch is important, though: the boat does not pull up on a beach. Both swim stops take place offshore, in deeper water, so this is not the right choice if you need firm sand beneath your feet.

Key points before you book

• Two open-water swim stops: Cala Saona and Playa de Ses Illetes are visited from the boat, not by beach landing.
• Cap de Barberia views: The cruise passes the dramatic western cliffs and lighthouse before turning back toward Cala Saona.
• Lunch is included: Expect pasta salad, green salad, Spanish potato tortilla, empanadas, snacks, and fresh fruit.
• Drinks are covered: Sangria, beer, soft drinks, and water are available during the outing.
• Four hours from La Savina: Meet in front of Calima bar at the Formentera Maritime Station for the noon departure.
• Bring swimming basics: You need swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Masks, snorkels, and swimming noodles are supplied.

What this Formentera boat trip is really like

This is a relaxed half-day on the water, not a fast sightseeing circuit. You are paying for a combination of coastline views, swimming, food, and drinks, with enough structure to keep the afternoon moving but not so much that you feel rushed.

The departure point is in front of Calima bar at the Formentera Maritime Station in La Savina. Look for the boat marked with the Sea Experience logo. The tour begins at noon and returns at roughly 4 PM, making it easy to fit into a day on Formentera without giving up the whole afternoon.

The boat heads along the west coast toward Cap de Barberia. This part is scenic rather than action-packed. You can watch the coast change from low shoreline to rugged cliffs, with the lighthouse at Cap de Barberia providing the main landmark. The route gives you a good sense of Formentera from the sea, which is useful if you want more than a single beach stop.

The live commentary is offered in English and Spanish. Specific guide names are not provided, so do not book this expecting a named specialist guide. The guiding is best understood as practical sightseeing commentary while you sail.

Cap de Barberia and Formentera’s western cliffs

Cap de Barberia is the first major point on the route and takes about 40 minutes of the outing. Its lighthouse sits on a striking cliff at the southern end of the island, and seeing it from the water gives you a different angle than a land visit.

I like this opening section because it lets you settle into the boat before the swimming begins. You get coastal views, fresh air, and a clear sense of the island’s shape. It also breaks up the day nicely: first sightseeing, then time in the water, then lunch.

Do not expect a long stop at the lighthouse. The boat sails past the area rather than taking you ashore for a walk. If your main goal is to stand beside the lighthouse, photograph it up close, or explore the surrounding land, you need a separate land visit.

The route also deserves a little flexibility. One recent outing followed a different direction around the island than the route described at booking, without much explanation to the group. The scenery was still attractive, but if seeing Cap de Barberia is essential to you, confirm the planned route with the crew before departure.

Cala Saona: the first swim in open water

The boat spends around 50 minutes around Cala Saona. This is the first major pause, with time to swim, snorkel, use the swimming noodles, and enjoy an aperitif or snack before lunch.

Cala Saona is known for clear water and a pretty coastal setting. From the boat, you get the benefit of the water without having to carry beach gear across the sand. The tradeoff is that you do not step onto Cala Saona itself. The boat anchors offshore, and swimming takes place in the sea.

That point matters more than it may sound. If you are a confident swimmer, the open-water setting can feel wonderfully free. You can move around the boat, look below the surface with a mask, and enjoy a proper swim rather than a quick paddle at the edge. If you are uneasy in deep water, or if you need a shallow entry, this may not suit you.

The supplied masks and snorkels are a useful touch. They save you from bringing your own equipment, although you may still prefer personal gear if fit and comfort matter to you. Swimming noodles are also available, which gives less confident swimmers another option, though the activity remains offshore.

The crew prepares lunch while you are swimming. Snacks are offered before the meal, so you do not have to wait until the buffet is ready to eat. That is a small but practical detail, especially if you have had an early breakfast or are spending the morning in the sun.

Lunch on board, with drinks included

Lunch is served as a buffet with three salads, including pasta salad and green salad, along with potato tortilla and empanadas. Fresh fruit is provided for dessert. It is a casual meal suited to a boat day, not a formal Spanish dining experience.

I see the food as a useful part of the package rather than the main reason to book. It gives you a proper break between swim stops and means you do not need to arrange lunch separately. The range also helps when a group has different tastes. There is something light, something filling, and some easy finger food.

Food quality can be subjective, and one account described it as acceptable rather than memorable. That is a fair expectation to carry into the booking. Come for the coast and the swimming, and treat lunch as convenient fuel for the afternoon.

The open bar adds real value to the $81 price. Water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria are included, so you can stay refreshed without paying for each drink. This is particularly helpful on a sunny boat trip, where buying drinks separately can quickly make a modest excursion more expensive.

Use some restraint with alcohol, of course. You still need to swim, move around the boat, and manage the sun. Water is available, and I would make it your main drink during the hot part of the afternoon.

Playa de Ses Illetes and the second swim

After lunch, the boat continues to Playa de Ses Illetes for another swim stop of about 40 minutes. Illetas is one of Formentera’s best-known beach areas, with pale sand and clear water. From the boat, you get the famous setting without spending the afternoon onshore.

This second stop gives the outing a good rhythm. You have already had time to get comfortable in the water at Cala Saona, so you can use Illetas for another swim, more snorkeling, or simply floating beside the boat with a noodle.

Again, the boat does not land on the beach. The stop is in the middle of the sea, and that is the central practical fact of this tour. You will see the beach, but you should not expect to walk along it, find a shady spot, or explore the sand.

The water is the main attraction here. Reports describe the open-water swimming as especially enjoyable, and that matches the design of the trip. You get two chances to swim in different coastal areas rather than one rushed stop.

If you want a beach day, rent a car, scooter, or bicycle separately and visit Illetas on land. If you want a boat day with views of Illetas and a swim offshore, this cruise makes more sense.

What the $81 price includes

At $81 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Formentera, but the price covers more than a basic boat ride. You receive:

• A four-hour cruise
• Live English and Spanish commentary
• Scenic sailing along the coast
• Two swim stops
• Masks and snorkels
• Swimming noodles
• Snacks before lunch
• Buffet lunch
• Fresh fruit
• Water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria

That bundle makes the cost easier to justify. A cheaper cruise may charge separately for food or drinks, while a beach day can involve transport, meals, and equipment costs of its own. Here, the main value is convenience. You arrive at the port, spend the afternoon on the water, and have most of your basic needs handled.

The price is less attractive if you will not swim, do not drink the included beverages, or prefer to spend time ashore. In that case, you are paying for parts of the package you may not use.

I would compare it with the cost of a casual lunch, several drinks, and a separate coastal boat trip. For someone who wants all three in one outing, $81 is a reasonable midrange price.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

This trip suits you if you want a low-effort day on the Mediterranean. You do not need to plan several stops, find a restaurant, or bring snorkeling equipment. The schedule gives you a little sightseeing and plenty of time to relax.

It is a good choice for couples, friends, and families with confident swimmers. The food, drinks, and simple timetable also make it useful for anyone who wants a pleasant afternoon rather than a demanding water-sports session.

You should think twice if you:

• Need wheelchair access, since the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users
• Want to walk on Cala Saona or Ses Illetes
• Prefer shallow, beach-entry swimming
• Want a quiet, small-boat trip with little structure
• Are booking mainly for a gourmet lunch
• Cannot comfortably manage an open-water swim

The boat is described as clean and comfortable, and the crew has been praised for being friendly and attentive. Boat type can matter, though. One booking was made with expectations of a different vessel, so if the boat itself is central to your decision, ask what type will operate on your date.

Practical tips for a better afternoon

Arrive with swimwear already under your clothes if possible. The boat leaves at noon from the maritime station, and the trip moves from sailing to swimming without a beach changing area.

Bring a towel and sunscreen. You should also protect yourself from the sun while on deck, since the outing lasts four hours and includes open-water time. Reapply sunscreen after swimming.

Wear something easy to move in and keep personal belongings secure. The provided equipment covers masks, snorkels, and noodles, but you may bring your own mask if you want a guaranteed fit.

Tell yourself clearly what kind of day this is: boat, sea, food, and views, not beach-hopping. That one expectation will shape your enjoyment more than anything else.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start time when booking, since the stated departure is noon but availability can vary.

Should you book the Sea Experience cruise?

Book it if you want to see a good stretch of Formentera from the water, swim twice in clear sea, and have lunch and drinks included. The friendly crew, comfortable boat, open bar, and easy four-hour schedule are the strongest reasons to choose it.

Skip it if your dream of Formentera involves walking barefoot on the sand, settling under a beach umbrella, or swimming only in shallow water. You will see Cala Saona and Ses Illetes, but you will experience them from offshore.

For the right person, this is a practical way to get the classic Formentera combination in one half-day: bright water, rugged coast, a lighthouse, simple food, and a cold drink after swimming. Just bring a towel, accept the open-water format, and confirm the route and boat details before you set out.

FAQ

Where does the Formentera cruise depart?

It departs from in front of Calima bar at the Formentera Maritime Station in La Savina. Look for the boat with the Sea Experience logo.

What time does the activity begin?

The stated departure time is 12 PM. Check availability for the exact starting time when booking.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts four hours and returns to La Savina at around 4 PM.

Which places does the boat visit?

The route includes Cap de Barberia, Cala Saona, and Playa de Ses Illetes.

Does the boat stop on the beaches?

No. The boat does not stop at a beach. The swimming stops take place in the middle of the sea.

Are snorkeling masks provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are available for use during the swimming stops. Swimming noodles are also provided.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The buffet includes pasta salad, green salad, potato tortilla, empanadas, and fresh fruit.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach the meeting point at the maritime station in La Savina.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.