The best part of this day trip is the water time. You sail from Ibiza toward Formentera, anchor in famous spots, and trade long bus rides for a wooden boat day built around swimming and snorkeling. I like the way the schedule actually gives you real moments in the sun—especially the S’Espalmador and Formentera stops that most beach days never manage.

I also like that you’re not just watching the sea—you get hands-on gear like SUP and snorkeling, plus music and a bar-style flow of drinks during the cruise. One thing to plan around: the route includes open-water sailing, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, start with that in mind, and remember the activity isn’t suitable for people over 70.

Key things to know before you go

• Formentera + S’Espalmador time: two key anchor areas, not just a quick drop-and-go
• Included SUP and snorkeling: water sports are part of the plan, not an add-on
• Two timing options: 4-hour tour (snacks) or 6-hour tour (snacks plus paella)
• Two Ibiza boarding points: Ibiza Marina Botafoch or Playa d’en Bossa, same-day return
• Crew support stands out: from snack/drink attention to help when someone feels seasick
• Stops can shift with weather: the bathing/eating stop is either Illetes or S’Espalmador depending on conditions

Ibiza to Formentera: why this cruise feels different

There’s something about leaving Ibiza by boat that instantly changes your pace. Instead of juggling parking, traffic, and beach crowds, you’re handed a day plan that revolves around anchoring in calm-ish, clear water and letting you go where the sea looks best. You get a solarium on the boat, music onboard, and time to actually use your camera.

This is also a good value format for a first visit to Formentera. For $68 per person (price shown), you’re paying for transportation, the boat experience, and enough included activities to keep the day from feeling like a simple sightseeing ride.

The cruise is run by Cruceros Marina S.L., and it’s offered as a 4 to 6 hour experience depending on the option you book. Check availability for exact starting times, but expect a half-day to almost full-day feel.

Meeting up in Ibiza: Marina Botafoch or Playa d’en Bossa

You have two start points, and that matters more than you might think. Choose Ibiza Marina Botafoch if you want something closer to the more central marina area vibe. Pick Playa d’en Bossa if that’s where you’re already set up, since you’ll be able to board with less friction.

The good news: the tour returns you to the same place you boarded. No mystery ending location, no late scramble to get back across town.

The standard catch is also simple: there’s no hotel pickup and drop-off. You’ll want to plan how you’ll get yourself to the chosen meeting point. If you’re relying on taxis, build in buffer time, especially during peak summer hours.

The ride out: Ibiza Town scenic views and the Ses Salines route

After boarding, there’s a quick Ibiza Town scenic views segment (about 20 minutes). This isn’t long, but it’s enough to get your bearings before the day turns into a water-focused outing.

From there, the cruise heads through the broader area tied to Ses Salines Natural Reserve and the Es Freus islets. You may not be able to identify every point like a guidebook, but you’ll feel the difference in the coastline and the pacing—less city, more sea air.

This is also where you should think about comfort. The boat is moving, and the route includes open water before the first anchor stop. If you get motion sickness, it’s smart to start prepared.

First highlight: S’Espalmador sightseeing stop

S’Espalmador is one of those places where the water looks unreal on photos—then you see it for real and you get why people keep talking about it.

Your schedule includes a 40-minute sightseeing stop here. That’s not a full beach day, but it’s enough time to:

• look around and take photos from the right angle
• slip in and out for quick swims if the water conditions allow
• get oriented before the longer Formentera swim stretch

The tradeoff: 40 minutes sounds like a lot until you’re in clear water and the day starts moving fast. If you’re the kind of person who wants long, slow beach time, you’ll likely find yourself wishing that S’Espalmador was longer—and that’s exactly what Formentera time is for.

Formentera’s main water time: swimming, snorkeling, and SUP

This is the big reason you’re booking. The cruise targets Formentera with a swim-heavy window where you’ll have access to swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding.

The plan lists water fun at Formentera, and the experience is built around anchoring in famous spots, including:

• Illa de s’Espalmador
• Illetes Beach

And here’s a practical detail that affects your day: the bathing and eating stop is either Illetes or s’Espalmador depending on weather conditions. That means the exact setting can shift, but the overall goal stays the same—clear water, swim time, and a chance to use the included gear.

Snorkeling and SUP: how to make it work

The snorkeling and SUP are included, so you’re not left staring at long rental lines. Still, you’ll get more enjoyment if you bring a towel and plan to change back into dry clothes once you’re done.

If you’re new to SUP, don’t assume you’ll automatically stand like a pro. Use the first minutes to find balance and get comfortable. The boat day format helps because you’re not rushing through a separate activity booking—you’re just using the water time as it comes.

One more tip: bring your best patience for busy, sunny weather. Clear water attracts everyone, and even on a boat trip, you’ll want to time your swim so you’re not fighting peak moments.

Food and drinks: 4-hour snacks vs. 6-hour paella on board

Food is a choice on this cruise, and it’s one of the easiest ways to decide which option fits your appetite for a longer day.

4-hour tour

You get a selection of snacks.

6-hour tour (the popular choice)

You get snacks plus paella freshly prepared on board by the crew. In at least one standout account, the paella is credited to Ernesto, described as the best paella ever.

Even if you’re not a die-hard paella fan, the paella option turns this from a swim day into an all-day food-and-water combo. It’s also a nice way to justify choosing a longer time window if you want a slower rhythm.

Drinks

For both options, drinks are available during the journey: water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria. Music onboard also keeps the mood easy.

Important practical note: intoxication isn’t allowed. That’s not about policing fun—it’s about keeping things safe around the water and the boat deck.

What the boat setup actually gives you

A lot of boat days fail because they pack people in. Here, the layout seems designed for comfort—there’s mention of plenty of space and a boat that isn’t over crowded. That matters because you’ll be using the deck between swim sessions, and you don’t want to spend your day constantly bumping elbows.

The boat also includes:

• a solarium area for lounging
• music onboard
• time at anchor where you can go in and out

I like this format for first-timers: you don’t need a perfect itinerary skill set. You just show up, get your bearings, and let the water schedule do the work.

Crew and vibe: attentive service makes a big difference

If you’re deciding between “cheap boat trip” and “worth it boat trip,” crew attention is the dividing line—and this one has it.

One person specifically praised staff for being attentive and helpful, adding extra care when seasickness hit after the first hour. They describe the team as caring and trustworthy, helping them stay comfortable through the remaining time.

Other named helpers came up too: Jonathan and Marta were credited with keeping drinks and snacks coming and supporting the group once they reached the destination.

This kind of service is what turns a boat cruise from just scenery into a day you remember for the right reasons.

Timing and pacing: a 4-hour or 6-hour choice

Use duration like a matching tool.

Choose the 4-hour tour if…

• you want a lighter day with less time committing
• you care more about one main swim window than multiple food moments
• you’re traveling with people who get tired in the sun faster

Choose the 6-hour tour if…

• you want the paella option
• you like a slower day with more flexibility around water fun
• you want more overall deck-and-swim time to cool down, rest, and re-enter the water

In both cases, you’ll have a scenic stretch, a stop at S’Espalmador, and then Formentera water time. The longer option basically adds more “dayness” and food.

Price and value: what $68 covers (and why it can be worth it)

At around $68 per person, you’re not just paying for transportation. You’re getting a bundle:

• boat cruise between Ibiza and Formentera
• included SUP
• included snorkeling
• music onboard
• drinks during the journey (water, soft drinks, beer, sangria)
• snacks (and paella if you choose the 6-hour tour)

That can make it competitive with doing Formentera independently, because you’d otherwise need to solve multiple problems yourself: getting there and back, finding the right water spots, and paying for gear rentals separately.

The real value question is: do you want a guided, easy day built around included water activities? If yes, this format is a good match. If you prefer total freedom and do-it-yourself planning, you might find other options better suited—though then you lose the all-in convenience.

Who this cruise suits best (and who should skip)

This works best for:

• couples and friends who want a fun, social boat day
• beach lovers who don’t want to deal with logistics
• people excited to use snorkeling and SUP gear
• anyone who likes a mix of relaxing deck time and active water time

It’s less ideal if:

• you’re likely to get seasick and can’t manage it (the itinerary includes open water sailing)
• you want a very long beach-lounge stretch without switching spots
• your group needs hotel pickup (there isn’t one)
• you’re over 70 years old (not suitable per the activity rules)

Quick tips to make your day smoother

You’ve got three essentials to bring: swimwear, a towel, and a camera. Past that, think about comfort and timing.

• Wear sunscreen and consider a light cover-up for deck time.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, prepare before the first open-water stretch.
• Have your swim gear ready so you can jump back in quickly when the boat anchors.
• Keep an eye on how the stop location shifts with weather (Illetes or s’Espalmador).

Should you book this Ibiza to Formentera cruise?

Book it if you want a low-stress day where Formentera’s clear water is the main event and you can actually use the included gear. The included SUP and snorkeling, plus the option for paella on the 6-hour trip, turns it into more than a quick boat ride. Add in the strong feedback about attentive crew support (including help when someone felt seasick) and you’ve got a pretty solid recipe.

Skip or reconsider if you hate boats, know you get motion sickness easily, or you’re looking for a full-on land-based itinerary with lots of shore time and no transitions. Otherwise, this is a fun, practical way to experience Formentera without turning your day into a transport puzzle.

FAQ

How long is the Ibiza to Formentera boat cruise?

It runs about 4 to 6 hours depending on the option you choose. Starting times vary, so you’ll want to check availability for the specific departure.

What’s included in the 4-hour vs. 6-hour options?

The 4-hour tour includes a selection of snacks. The 6-hour tour includes a variety of snacks plus paella freshly prepared on board by the crew.

What activities are included?

Snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) are included, along with time swimming. The cruise also includes solarium deck access.

Where do you board in Ibiza?

You can board at either Ibiza Marina Botafoch or Playa d’en Bossa. At the end, the tour returns you to the same boarding location.

Does the cruise include drinks?

Yes. Water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria are available throughout the journey.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point.