Ibiza: Formentera Boat Cruise with Paddle, Snorkel & Lunch

A Refreshing Day on the Water: An Honest Look at the Ibiza: Formentera Boat Cruise with Paddle, Snorkel & Lunch

If you’re visiting Ibiza and craving a taste of the quieter, pristine shores of neighboring Formentera, this boat cruise offers a well-rounded day of sun, sea, and good food. While we haven’t taken this trip ourselves, it’s clear from reviews and itinerary details that it’s popular for its combination of scenic stops, water activities, and tasty on-board meals.

What we love about this experience? First, the variety of water activities, including paddleboarding and snorkeling, offers something for all. Second, the delicious onboard meals—especially the seafood and chicken paellas—are praised for their freshness and flavor. Third, the flexible return options make it easier to tailor the day to your plans.

However, a potential consideration is that the boat cannot dock directly at the parks of Espalmador and Ses Illetes; these stops are in front of the beaches, meaning you’ll experience the views from the boat rather than stepping onto the sand.

This tour suits travelers who want a balanced day of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration without breaking the bank. Families, couples, or groups wanting a taste of authentic Ibiza and Formentera life will find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Water activities galore: Paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and inflatables ensure you’ll stay active and entertained.
• All-inclusive drinks: Unlimited soft drinks, beer, sangria, and water keep everyone refreshed.
• Delicious onboard meals: Seafood and chicken paellas, vegan options, and fresh salads are included.
• Flexible return times: Three departure options from Formentera make it easy to plan your day.
• Multiple scenic stops: Explore Espalmador, Ses Illetes, and free time on Formentera’s beaches.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable staff and guides enhance the experience, with reviews highlighting their friendliness and helpfulness.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Details: The Cruise Experience Unwrapped

Starting Point and Check-In

The adventure begins at the Vip Cruises stand, located at Carrer de Formentera 17, next to the Ibiza Playa hotel. Check-in at 8:30 am is straightforward, and most reviews mention smooth, punctual boarding with friendly staff. The boat itself is described as comfortable, setting a relaxing tone before you even set sail.

The Sightseeing Cruise (45 Minutes)

The boat departs for a scenic cruise along Ibiza’s coastline, giving passengers their first taste of the turquoise waters and rugged cliffs. This short cruising segment allows everyone to settle in, enjoy some soft drinks or sangria, and prepare for the stops ahead. During this time, you’ll get a glimpse of the stunning landscape that makes the area so special.

Playa de Ses Illetes (1.5 hours)

The highlight of many travelers’ day is the stop at Ses Illetes, renowned for its fine white sand and crystal-clear water. Here, you can snorkel in shallow waters that reviewers say are perfect for seeing underwater life. They also rave about the paddleboarding opportunities, noting how easy it is to stand up and glide over the water.

One guest mentioned, “The trip was really good! I loved the swim stops and enjoyed the paddleboard and snorkel,” illustrating how this segment appeals to both adventure seekers and relaxation lovers alike. The proximity of the boat to the beach means no long walks or ferry rides—just hop in the water directly from the boat.

More Great Tours Nearby

S’Espalmador (1.5 hours)

Next, the boat anchors near S’Espalmador, a tiny, uninhabited island famous for its natural beauty. Visitors can paddleboard along the coast, swim, snorkel, or simply soak up the sun. The experience of being in front of a protected park without the hassle of docking is a key characteristic here—you’re enjoying spectacular views from the water.

Guests often comment on the quality of the lunch served here, with seafood and chicken paellas praised for their flavor and freshness. One reviewer noted, “The food was super delicious, and the staff was so friendly,” emphasizing how well the onboard catering complements the day’s activities.

Free Time on Formentera (5 hours)

The biggest advantage of this tour is the generous free time in Formentera, giving travelers the chance to explore the beaches, stroll through local shops, or relax on the sand. The boat docks at Formentera’s main port, allowing you to disembark and explore at your own pace before returning at one of the three designated times—13:00, 18:15, or 21:15 during high season.

Many travelers highlight this as a highlight, with comments like, “The free time in Formentera was lovely, perfect for a bit of shopping or just lounging by the sea.” The flexibility is especially appreciated by those who prefer a leisurely pace or want to avoid rushing back.

The Water Activities and Onboard Fun

The boat is equipped with paddleboards, floating mats, pool noodles, and snorkeling gear. The reviews emphasize how these added touches make the day more memorable. For example, “Diving into the clear waters with the snorkeling gear was amazing,” and “The paddleboards were straightforward to use, and I loved how easy it was to float around.”

The fact that soft drinks, beer, and sangria are unlimited means you can stay hydrated and enjoy the lively atmosphere without extra costs. This all-inclusive approach boosts the perceived value, especially compared to other tours that charge extra for drinks or water sports.

The Meal: A Highlight for Many

The onboard meal, served between stops, is consistently praised. Options include seafood paella, chicken paella, vegan paella, and fresh salads, along with bread and alioli. Reviewers mention the quality and freshness, with one stating, “The seafood paella was really good and plentiful,” and another adding, “The vegan option was tasty, which is sometimes hard to find on tours like this.”

This meal offers a welcome break after water activities and sightseeing, and many appreciate the chance to relax and refuel on board.

Practical Details and Logistics

Duration and Timing

The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, with starting times varying based on availability. The itinerary allows for a balanced mix of water activities, sightseeing, and free time, making it suitable for most travelers. The different return options—13:00, 18:15, and 21:15—offer flexibility, especially if you want to spend more time on the island or catch a late-night plan.

Group Size and Atmosphere

While specific group sizes aren’t detailed, reviews suggest it’s a comfortable, friendly environment. The crew, including guides like Damjan and Damyan, are described as informative and entertaining, contributing to a relaxed, social vibe onboard.

Cost and Value

Considering the inclusion of meals, drinks, water sports equipment, and multiple scenic stops, this tour offers solid value. It’s a budget-friendly way to see Formentera without the hassle of planning transport or meals independently.

What to Bring

Travelers are advised to bring towels, sunscreen, and beachwear, as well as be mindful of not bringing alcohol or drugs onboard. While towels aren’t provided, packing a beach towel for the free time in Formentera is recommended.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for those seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation in a scenic setting. Families, couples, and groups will appreciate the variety of activities, the quality of the food, and the flexibility of the itinerary. It’s particularly good for travelers who want to experience the best of Formentera’s beaches without the hassle of organizing transport or activities themselves.

If you’re after a lively, social environment with friendly guides and beautiful views, this tour hits the mark. However, if you prefer a more private or luxury experience, you might find this more casual and mass-market.

FAQs

• What is included in the tour?

All drinks (water, soft drinks, beer, sangria), a cooked meal with multiple paella options, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, floating mats, and pool noodles are included.

• Can I book this tour and pay later?

Yes, the tour offers a “Reserve & Pay Later” option, allowing you to secure your spot without immediate payment, providing flexibility.

• Where do I meet for the tour?

Check in at the Vip Cruises stand at Carrer de Formentera 17, next to Ibiza Playa hotel, starting at 8:30 am.

• Is the tour suitable for children?

It’s not recommended for children under 3 years, pregnant women, or those over 70, based on the tour guidelines.

• How long is the free time in Formentera?

You’ll have approximately 5 hours to explore the island at your own pace, with the option to return at 13:00, 18:15, or 21:15.

• Will I get to dock at Es Palmador or Ses Illetes?

No, the boat cannot dock directly at these protected parks but stops in front of them for swimming and sightseeing.

• What should I bring?

Towels, sunscreen, beachwear, and a sense of adventure. Remember, alcohol and drugs are not allowed onboard.

• Are there guides on the boat?

Yes, guides speak English and Spanish and are known for being friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful, enhancing the overall experience.

In Closing

This boat cruise offers a well-priced, activity-rich day that balances scenic beauty, water fun, and local flavor. It’s especially suited for those who want a social, lively atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to swim, snorkel, and relax. The onboard meals and drinks, combined with flexible return options, make it a convenient choice for exploring Formentera without the stress of planning.

If you’re after a day of sunshine, sea, and good food—plus a chance to see some of the most beautiful beaches just a boat ride away—this tour is worth considering. Keep in mind the stops are in front of iconic beaches rather than docked at them, so if a really close-up beach experience is your goal, you might want to explore other options. But for a fun, all-included day out on the water, this cruise hits the sweet spot.

You can check availability for your dates here: