Formentera’s water, on a timetable. This catamaran cruise from Playa d’en Bossa pairs a chilled sangria-style vibe with real time in Formentera’s famous shallows. I especially liked the three water-play stops that keep you moving without turning the day into a rushed checklist.

I also really liked the on-board paella lunch served between swim breaks, including shrimp, chicken, and vegan options with salad, bread, alioli, and fruit. One consideration: you’ll want to pack your own basics—towels and sunscreen aren’t included—and the boat can’t dock at protected spots like Espalmador and Ses Illetes, so you’re swimming from the water rather than walking around there. (The crew guide energy is a big part of the fun too; one review called out Damyan for keeping the day entertaining.)

Key highlights to know before you go

• Three built-in water breaks with snorkeling gear, paddleboards, inflatables, and plenty of “just float” time
• Paella lunch on board with shrimp, chicken, and vegan choices plus salad, bread, alioli, and fruit
• Unlimited drinks during the cruise (soft drinks, beer, sangria, and water), plus snacks on the later return run
• Views from protected park areas: Espalmador and Ses Illetes are right there, even if you don’t dock
• Formentera free time with multiple return-time options so you can match your pace

Getting to the boat: Playa d’en Bossa, check-in, and what “easy” feels like

Your day starts at Playa den Bossa, not in a random parking lot. You check in at the Aquabus stand at 09:45, and the activity ends back at that same meeting spot. That matters, because Ibiza traffic and parking can eat time fast on a day trip.

The cruise itself is a comfortable boat ride along the Formentera coast. You’re not just staring at the horizon, either. The schedule is designed so you’re out on the water, then out of your seat, then back to the swim breaks—so it stays lively without feeling frantic.

Small practical note: bring beachwear under your clothes if you can. You’ll burn less time getting ready between stops, and you’ll be able to jump straight into the water when the boat stops.

Drinks and the onboard vibe: sangria with purpose, not just free pours

This isn’t a “sit quietly and hope you like boats” outing. You get water plus unlimited soft drinks, beer, and sangria while you cruise between Formentera highlights. That drink flow helps set a relaxed mood, especially when you’re doing multiple swim stops in the sun.

The day is timed so the water activities aren’t just tacked on at the end. You’ll cruise, then play, then regroup for lunch, then play again. That rhythm keeps your energy up and makes the “floating and relaxing” part actually work, instead of feeling like waiting.

One detail I appreciate: there are different return-time options, and the later return (18:15) includes snacks on the way back. If you’re the type who wants to stretch your Formentera time longer, that’s a smart perk.

The stops that make the cruise: Espalmador and Ses Illetes from the water

The most famous Formentera views come with one catch: Espalmador and Ses Illetes are protected parks, and the boat stops in front of them but can’t dock. Translation for you: you won’t get a walk-on sightseeing moment at those exact spots. You’ll get a swim-in-water-and-see-it-up-close moment instead.

Stop 1: Es Palmador (about 1.5 hours)

This is your “play along the coast” stop. You’ll have about 1.5 hours and access to paddleboards plus other floating gear (including inflatables and floating mats). It’s a great chance to move at your own speed—paddle a bit, drift a bit, then rinse and repeat.

Because the boat can’t dock, the fun here is about being active in the water and using the protected shoreline scenery as your backdrop.

Stop 2: Ses Illetes (about 1.5 hours)

Ses Illetes is the clearer-water playground. You’ll spend about 1.5 hours here with snorkeling gear. The plan is straightforward: put on the life jacket, grab the snorkel equipment, and spend time in the crystal-clear shallows.

Even if you’re not a confident snorkeler, this stop still works because it includes the other “on-water” toys—so you can choose whether you want to watch from above, float around, or do more active paddleboard time.

Back on board between stops

Between water moments, you get the built-in “cool down” time of the boat ride and the meal. It’s a smart structure for a hot island day. You’re not burning hours cooking in the sun without breaks.

Lunch onboard: shrimp, chicken, and vegan paella with real portions

The meal is one of the best parts of the day because it’s not an afterthought. You eat between the stops, so you’re fueling up right when you need energy for the next water session.

You’ll get a hot, cooked lunch featuring:

• Shrimp paella
• Chicken paella
• Vegan paella

Plus mixed salad, bread and alioli, and fruits.

Why this matters for your day: a lot of island day trips either give you a snack or something you have to buy after spending your time finding a place. Here, lunch is included and scheduled, which saves time and removes the “what do we eat?” stress.

Also, having vegan paella listed as an option is a real plus. It means the meal plan isn’t just copy-paste; it’s built to cover more than one diet.

The Formentera free-time window: beaches, shopping, and planning your return

The cruise ends with a Formentera dock stop that gives you free time on the island. In your schedule, you disembark at Formentera and can explore sandy beaches, do some sightseeing, and fit in shopping.

What’s especially useful here is the multiple return times back to Ibiza. Your day isn’t locked into one fixed “back at 5:00” feeling. Instead, the cruise offers:

• An early return leaving Formentera at 13:00 and arriving Ibiza at 14:00
• A later return departing at 18:15, with snacks on the way back and the onboard bar vibe running during that return
• A third late option at 21:15 during high season (June to August)

Because the schedules are tied to the departure option you book, I’d treat your ticket as the source of truth for your exact timing. Plan around your chosen return so you don’t end up sprinting across the island for pickup.

One more practical point: transportation inside Formentera isn’t included. That means if you want to bounce between beach areas, you’ll need to handle getting around yourself during your free time. If you prefer doing one or two nearby beach zones instead, this fits well.

What to pack (and what you’ll regret forgetting)

The basics aren’t optional here. The boat day is sun + salt + water gear.

Bring:

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear

Also, plan for wet and changing conditions. You’ll be on paddleboards and in the water with snorkeling gear, so a towel and sunscreen are not “nice to have”—they’re survival gear.

Not allowed:

• Alcohol and drugs (even though drinks are provided onboard, you shouldn’t count on bringing extra)

And keep the boat reality in mind: this is not a long, shore-based walking tour of protected parks. It’s a water-focused day. Dress and pack for that.

Value check: is $67 a good deal for this day?

At $67 per person, this cruise looks low-cost compared with what you might pay for a private boat plus lunch plus snorkel gear plus drinks. And that’s the key: the price covers the pieces that are hard to assemble cheaply on your own.

You’re getting:

• Round-trip cruise time from Ibiza to the Formentera area
• Multiple water stops with gear access
• Lunch onboard (including different paella options)
• Unlimited drinks during the cruise
• Life jackets and snorkeling equipment

Yes, you still need to handle towels/sunscreen and your own movement during Formentera free time. But the core day—water access, meal, and drinks—is bundled in a way that usually costs more when you piece it together separately.

Based on the overall ratings (4.3 with a solid number of reviews), the biggest value story is that the “budget” nature doesn’t mean “basic.” One review highlighted how everything ran smoothly, the views during swim stops were incredible, and the food level matched the overall quality.

The crew and guiding style: the day stays fun

A lot of boat trips rise or fall on the crew. The vibe here seems to hit the sweet spot: the day is organized, but it’s not stiff.

One review specifically called out Damyan for entertaining the group and helping people with navigation and what to do during the Formentera/around-Island time. That kind of guidance matters more than you might think. On a fast day with swim stops and a free-time window, good guidance helps you make choices fast and avoid wasting time.

The tour also runs with a live guide in English and Spanish. If you speak one of those languages, you’ll likely get more out of the pacing and the activity cues.

Who should book this, and who should skip it

This cruise is a great fit if you want:

• Active beach time without the hassle of renting boats
• Water-play days: snorkeling, paddleboards, and “float and relax”
• Included lunch and drinks (so your day doesn’t hinge on finding food)

It may not be the best fit if:

• You want to walk around Espalmador or Ses Illetes on foot (the boat can’t dock into protected parks)
• You need a lot of quiet, low-movement time all day

It also has clear limitations:

• Not suitable for children under 3
• Not suitable for pregnant women
• Not suitable for people over 70

If any of those apply, check alternatives that match your needs and comfort level.

Small timing tips that make the day smoother

A few simple habits help you enjoy this more:

• Arrive early for check-in at the Aquabus stand at 09:45.
• Keep a towel and sunscreen in an easy-to-reach spot. Don’t play gear scramble later.
• Decide in advance which return time you want. If you choose later, plan on staying flexible during your Formentera exploring.
• Don’t overschedule the day before or after. Boat days are sun-heavy and you’ll likely want a calm evening afterward.

Should you book the Ibiza–Formentera paddle, snorkel, and lunch cruise?

Yes, if you want a high-fun, water-focused Formentera day that bundles the expensive annoyances—boat access, snorkel equipment, paella lunch, and drinks—into one price.

I’d book it if you’re comfortable swimming from a boat and you’re happy spending your “main island exploring” time on Formentera itself, rather than expecting to step onto Espalmador or Ses Illetes.

Skip it (or look for another format) if you dislike saltwater days, need lots of shore-based walking, or you fall outside the age/pregnancy limits.

If you match the vibe—active in the water, ready for lunch onboard, and okay with protected-park swim viewing—this is the kind of day that feels like you got more out of Formentera than you expected for the money.

FAQ

What’s the meeting time and where do I check in?

You check in at the Aquabus stand at 09:45. The trip ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the cruise?

The activity duration is listed as 7 hours. Starting times can vary, so you’ll want to check availability.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks are water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria.

What food is included for lunch?

Lunch onboard includes shrimp paella, chicken paella, vegan paella, plus mixed salad, bread and alioli, and fruits.

Do you dock at Espalmador and Ses Illetes?

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

What return times are available to Ibiza?

The schedule includes an early return leaving Formentera at 13:00, a later return departing 18:15 (with snacks on the way back), and a third option at 21:15 in high season (June to August).

What should I bring, and what’s not included?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Towels and sunscreen are not included, and transportation inside Formentera during your free time is also not included.