That rocky silhouette is the whole reason to go. This San Antonio boat tour puts you on a route along Ibiza’s west coast to Es Vedrà, then continues to Espalmador for snorkeling and a laid-back afternoon on Formentera. I like that food and snorkel gear are handled for you, so you’re not scrambling for lunch or rental equipment.

I also like the pacing: you get a proper sightseeing run, a beach-focused chunk on Formentera, and then you head back watching the sky change over the water. One possible drawback is that the snorkeling stop may feel a bit short if you’re hoping for a long swim session.

What you’re really buying

For $146 per person, you’re paying for a full day on the water—views, paella on board, drinks/snacks, snorkel equipment, and the transport to Formentera. The best value is for people who want the highlights in one go without planning ferries or logistics.

If you’re the type who prefers a slow, guided deep-water snorkeling day, you might feel rushed. But if you want a classic Es Vedrà–Formentera combo day, this tour is built for it.

Key points to know before you go

• Es Vedrà views from the water: the island is the star, and the boat route is aimed at giving you good sightlines.
• Espalmador snorkeling stop: you’ll have snorkel equipment included for exploring the seabed.
• Paella on board: included lunch reduces decision-making and keeps the day moving.
• Formentera on your own: you get recommendations plus rental advice, then you choose beaches.
• Sunset return by boat: the day ends with a view from the water rather than a hard stop on shore.
• Depart from San Antonio or Ibiza Town: you can match the start point to where you’re staying.

San Antonio start: why the meeting point matters

Most of your day depends on getting to the harbor on time. The tour starts at the Excursiones Ibiza ticket office in the harbour of San Antonio, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

That matters because this is one of those itineraries where the boat does not wait for late arrivals. Give yourself a little buffer to get there, find the right office, and settle before boarding.

Ibiza’s west coast drive-by: the scenic warm-up

Once you’re on board, you’ll skirt the entire west coast of Ibiza for a unique perspective. Even if you’ve seen photos of Ibiza, seeing the coast from the sea changes how the day feels—more space, more scale, and more of that “why is the water so clear?” effect.

This stretch is also smart as a warm-up. It sets you up for the main attraction without instantly locking you into a long swimming stop.

Es Vedrà: the day’s main character (and why boats win)

Then comes Es Vedrà, described as magical and mysterious—and it’s easy to see why. From the water, the island’s dramatic shape looks even more unreal, and you get the best kind of sightseeing: you’re not just looking at it, you’re moving alongside it.

Some reviews also mention moments where you’re able to get close enough for a special encounter with the rock at Es Vedrà, plus a cove-style spot for sunset. That’s not something you should assume for every departure, so if being that close is important, ask the operator what they plan for your date.

What to watch for:

• Bring your camera with a strap. You’ll be leaning forward, and you don’t want to juggle gear.
• Have your phone ready before the boat slows near Es Vedrà, since the most photogenic angles often happen in those short windows.

Espalmador stop: snorkeling with the gear handled

After Es Vedrà, the tour stops at Espalmador, the island between Ibiza and Formentera. This is the big marine moment: you’ll use the included snorkelling equipment to check out the seabed.

This is a practical setup for most people. You don’t have to rent fins or track down gear, and you can focus on what you actually came for—seeing underwater life and the clear shallows.

A key consideration: one highlight from reviews is that the snorkeling time can feel limited. If snorkeling is your top priority, don’t book this expecting a long, slow session. Treat it as a taste that fits into a full day of sightseeing and Formentera time.

Paella and drinks: a lunch that keeps you sane

On board, you’ll have paella plus drinks and snacks. I like this approach because it removes the “when do we eat?” problem, which is usually the thing that ruins boat days.

Paella is also the right kind of meal for this itinerary. It’s filling enough to fuel you for Formentera exploration, and it avoids the trap of spending your best shore time hunting for lunch.

Reviews specifically call out the paella as delicious and describe generous portions. That’s a good sign for value, especially at this price point, because you’re getting more than just transportation.

Formentera on your own: how to use the time well

Then you get the best kind of freedom: Formentera on your own. After the boat drop-off, you’ll get recommendations for the best spots to visit, plus advice about renting a bike or car while you’re on the island.

That structure is smart because Formentera is all about small choices—what beach you pick, how much time you spend walking, and whether you want to cruise or park and roam. With recommendations in hand, you’re not arriving blind.

How to make this portion work (practical advice):

• Choose one main beach you truly want to see. Then pick a second option nearby, so you’re not zigzagging all day.
• If you think you’ll want a car or bike, plan for how you’ll get from your chosen area back toward wherever you’ll re-meet the boat. The more you hustle between far points, the less relaxing the day becomes.
• Bring sun protection. Even with shade opportunities, Formentera’s day is about light, wind, and exposure.

Why this is valuable: this tour doesn’t try to force a single “one-size-fits-all” sightseeing checklist. You get suggestions, then you make the day yours.

Riding back at sunset from the boat

The tour returns to San Antonio and includes time to view the sunset from the boat. This is one of those moments that turns a good day into a memorable one—because you’re not watching the sun set from a crowded promenade or a fixed viewpoint.

If you’re lucky with timing and weather, the angle looks incredible. And if you heard about that cove-style sunset moment from reviews, that’s exactly the kind of payoff you’re hoping for at the end of the day.

Tip: wear layers. Boat air can cool faster than you expect once the sun drops.

Price and value: is $146 per person worth it?

At $146 per person, you’re paying for a bundled package: boat transport, paella, drinks/snacks, snorkelling equipment, sightseeing along Ibiza’s west coast, and a Formentera island transfer with recommendations.

Here’s how I’d judge the value:

• If you would otherwise pay for separate boat/transfer logistics, lunch, and snorkel gear, bundling usually wins.
• If you’re mainly chasing the views of Es Vedrà and a taste of snorkeling plus Formentera time, this is efficient. You get multiple “big ticket” highlights in one day.
• If you’re only interested in snorkeling or only want a long beach day with minimal movement, you might find the itinerary slightly overstuffed.

Reviews also mention great value for money, and the included food/portion size seems to land well. For many people, that’s what makes this feel like a fair deal rather than an overpriced day tour.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• Classic scenic Ibiza views plus Es Vedrà from the water
• A stop at Espalmador with included snorkelling gear
• A Formentera afternoon where you can pick your own beaches
• A low-stress lunch thanks to onboard paella

I’d be a little cautious if:

• Your main goal is long snorkeling time. The snorkeling portion can feel short.
• You dislike free time where you need to decide on the spot. Formentera is yours to explore, and that’s fantastic for independent travelers—but not for everyone.

Booking details that affect your day (quick and useful)

Language support is English and Spanish, and the host/greeter matches those languages. The activity provider listed is Cruceros Playa den Bossa (Aquabus).

You can choose your departure point: the highlights mention San Antonio or Ibiza Town, though some runs start from San Antonio. If where you start affects your day (hotel location, ferry connections, timing), double-check the exact departure option when you book.

Should you book this Es Vedrà and Formentera boat tour?

Book it if you want a smooth, highlight-packed day that includes paella, snorkelling equipment, and real time on Formentera—without building your own transport plan. It’s especially good for first-timers who want the “big scenes” (Es Vedrà, Espalmador, Formentera) in one outing.

Think twice if snorkeling is your top priority and you’re picturing hours in the water. This tour is built more like a sightseeing day with a snorkeling stop, then a beach freedom window.

If you’re on the fence, pick the version that starts from the place most convenient for you (San Antonio vs Ibiza Town). That one choice can turn a good day into a relaxed one.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at the Excursiones Ibiza ticket office in the harbour of San Antonio, Ibiza, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the tour?

It’s listed as valid for 1 day. Starting times vary, so you’ll need to check availability for the specific departure you want.

What’s included in the tour?

It includes paella on board, drinks and snacks, and snorkelling equipment.

Do I get time to explore Formentera on my own?

Yes. You visit Formentera on your own and receive recommendations for the best spots to visit, plus advice about bike or car rentals.

Where will we snorkel?

You’ll stop at Espalmador, an island between Ibiza and Formentera, and you’ll have snorkelling equipment for that stop.

What languages are offered?

The host or greeter is available in English and Spanish.