Ibiza: Formentera Secret Beaches Half-Day VIP Cruise

When it comes to exploring Ibiza’s world-famous coastline and discovering its lesser-known gems, this half-day VIP cruise offers an attractive mix of comfort, adventure, and scenic beauty. Based on reviews and detailed descriptions, it’s clear that this experience caters to travelers wanting a taste of luxury without committing to a full day. Whether you’re after picture-perfect beaches, exciting water sports, or just a relaxing sail with excellent food and drinks, this tour covers a lot of ground—literally and figuratively.

We love the way this cruise combines luxury with authentic scenery, giving guests the chance to visit top-rated beaches like Ses Illetes and Cala Saona, along with secluded spots like Espalmador—an island famously difficult to access otherwise. The all-inclusive aspect, with breakfast, paella, and multiple open bars, makes it great for those who want to indulge without worrying about extra costs. One potential consideration? The tour doesn’t include an actual visit to Formentera itself, so if you’re dreaming of spending hours on the island, you’ll need to plan an additional day.

This experience suits travelers craving a luxurious, scenic escape with a good dose of water-based fun, especially those who appreciate high-quality food and drinks. It also appeals to groups and couples who want a guided, hassle-free day on the water. If you’re after peace and quiet, however, be aware that the tour can be busy, and the focus is more on the cruise and water activities than on secluded solitude.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Luxury: Gourmet breakfast, paella, and open bar options (depending on ticket level).
• Visit Top Beaches: Ses Illetes, Espalmador, Cala Saona with beautiful sea caves.
• Water Sports Galore: Paddleboards, kayaks, seabobs, and snorkeling gear included at stops.
• Expert Guidance: Multilingual tour guides sharing insights during the cruise.
• Luxury Options: VIP beds with champagne and premium drinks available onboard.
• No Island Visit: Tour doesn’t include a stop on Formentera itself, only the surrounding beaches.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting Sail: What to Expect from the Experience

We’ll start with a warm welcome at the Ibiza VIP Cruises stand, where you’ll get your wristband and be introduced to the luxurious vibe. The catamaran itself is described as a 5-star vessel, providing plenty of space for socializing and lounging. You’ll set sail around 9 am, with a welcome cocktail to toast your day ahead. The cruise spans roughly five hours, during which you’ll hop between beautifully curated swim stops and enjoy engaging commentary from multilingual guides fluent in Spanish, English, and Italian.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point and Morning Cruise – After departure, you’ll cruise gently along Ibiza’s coast, soaking in the views and getting a feel for the open sea. This sightseeing stretch is perfect for taking photos and settling into the relaxed pace of the cruise.

Stop 1: Ses Illetes & Espalmador – The first anchor is at Ses Illetes, ranked as the 4th best beach in Europe and 10th in the world by TripAdvisor. The waters here are famously clear, shallow, and crowded with sunbathers and photographers. Many reviews highlight how this spot offers “spectacular views” and an ideal setting for snorkeling or just bobbing around in the calm sea.

Espalmador, another stop, is a nature reserve that’s tricky to reach without a boat, which makes this cruise an excellent way to experience its untouched beauty. Expect white sands and quiet, pristine surroundings, with the chance to see marine life in the shallow waters.

Water Sports at Ses Illetes and Espalmador – At each stop, guests can try paddleboarding, kayaking, or seabobs. Reviewers note that the water sports are well-organized, with friendly staff guiding beginners and experienced paddlers alike. “We loved the water activities—it made the stops even more memorable,” one guest shared.

Second Stop: Cala Saona – The second anchoring point is Cala Saona, celebrated as the second-best beach in Formentera, famous for its sea caves and dramatic cliffs. Around this area, underwater caves are accessible, making snorkeling particularly exciting. Guests can expect marine life viewing, with some reviewers mentioning the visibility being fantastic and the caves offering a touch of adventure.

Final Cruise & Return – After around an hour at Cala Saona, you’ll cruise back toward Ibiza, with scenic views and a relaxed atmosphere. Some reviews mention that the spectacular scenery makes the return journey a highlight, with many guests wishing the cruise was longer.

Water Sports & Additional Activities

The tour’s water sports component is a major draw. Paddleboards and kayaks are included at both swim stops, giving guests the chance to explore at their own pace. For the more adventurous, seabobs and underwater seascooters offer a different perspective, allowing you to glide under the water in style.

Most guests find the activities fun and well-organized. “We shared the underwater Seascooter experience; it’s a must-try,” reports one reviewer, and others appreciate the marine life viewing opportunities that snorkeling provides.

Food & Drink: The All-Inclusive Promise

Depending on your ticket, the onboard dining and drink options vary. The Premium ticket offers a gourmet breakfast with eggs, pancakes, tropical fruits, and pastries, perfect for fueling up before the water activities. The paella lunch is another highlight, served with bread, aioli, and dessert—many reviewers mention how delicious and authentic it is.

The open bars are easy to access at all levels, with the Premium option including seven cocktails (like Mojitos and Bellinis), wines, beers, and soft drinks. Guests report that the drinks selection is extensive and good quality, and some appreciate the champagne option for a touch of luxury.

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The VIP Experience

For those seeking a more exclusive vibe, VIP beds on the second deck are available, starting at 60 euros with a bottle of Champagne or 100 euros with more premium beverages and a credit. The VIP beds provide a private, sun-drenched space and are perfect for couples or groups wanting to lounge in style.

Practical Details: How It All Comes Together

Duration & Timing – The tour lasts around five hours, with starting times available depending on the day. Confirm availability before booking. The cruise departs at 9 am and returns by 2 pm, making it a great option for a morning or early afternoon escape.

Group Size & Atmosphere – While the boat can get busier, it’s designed to give a luxurious feel. Some reviews mention that “there are too many people”, which might detract from the feeling of intimacy for those seeking total tranquility.

Price & Value – The cost varies depending on the ticket level but considering the inclusion of gourmet food, drinks, water sports, and stunning scenery, most guests find it good value. The all-inclusive approach means you won’t get surprise bills, and the variety of tickets allows for tailored experiences.

Accessibility & Convenience – The meeting point is straightforward, and the activity is wheelchair accessible. Just remember to bring swimwear, sunscreen, your ID, and a towel. Food and drinks are not allowed onboard, but the provided options are plentiful and of good quality.

What We Learned from the Reviews

One reviewer appreciated the spectacular beaches and said, “Foi muito bom, com paragens em praias espetaculares… pessoal bastante simpático e prestativo,” highlighting the friendly staff and fantastic stops. Conversely, another guest felt that “there are too many people,” which could be a consideration for travelers seeking solitude.

Guests also praised the water sports for their organization and fun factor, and many enjoyed the delicious paella and extensive drink options. The guides were described as engaging and insightful, adding value to the cruise experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is perfect for luxury-seeking travelers who want to see the best beaches around Ibiza without the hassle of organizing transport or water activities. It’s ideal if you love good food, drinks, and scenery, all wrapped into a stylish boat experience. It’s also suitable for groups, couples, and even solo travelers looking for a lively, scenic day out.

However, if you prefer total peace and quiet or an exclusive, small-group adventure, you might find the crowds and busy stops less appealing. Plus, if your goal is to spend a full day exploring Formentera itself, this tour offers only a taste—additional plans are needed for a longer visit.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
You get a 5-hour luxury cruise with swim stops at top beaches, water sports like paddleboarding and snorkeling, and depending on your ticket, gourmet breakfast, paella, and open bar options.

Are food and drinks included?
Yes, but the extent depends on your ticket level. The Premium ticket includes all meals, drinks, and cocktails, while lower tiers offer limited options.

Does the tour visit Formentera island?
No, the tour does not visit the island of Formentera itself but stops at beaches and spots around it, like Espalmador and Cala Saona.

Can I do water sports?
Absolutely. Paddleboards, kayaks, seabobs, and snorkel gear are available at both swim stops, with some reviews highlighting how fun and easy they are to use.

Is there a VIP option?
Yes, VIP beds with champagne are available on the second deck, starting at 60 euros, offering a more exclusive experience with added comfort.

How long is the cruise?
Approximately five hours, with departure around 9 am and return at 2 pm.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour states it is wheelchair accessible, but it’s always good to double-check with the operator beforehand.

Final Thoughts

The Ibiza: Formentera Secret Beaches Half-Day VIP Cruise offers a blend of luxury, scenic beauty, and water-based fun. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to enjoy the best beaches around Ibiza with gourmet food, premium drinks, and exciting water activities—all in a stylish setting. While it might attract crowds, the overall experience is designed to make you feel pampered and relaxed, with plenty of opportunities to snap stunning photos and indulge in delicious food.

For those seeking an accessible, well-organized, and luxurious day on the water, this cruise ticks most boxes—delivering memorable views and a comfortable, lively atmosphere. Just be prepared for the possibility of busy stops and ensure your expectations match the lively, social vibe of the tour.

In summary, this experience offers excellent value for money with a focus on quality, comfort, and fun. It’s perfect if you want to enjoy Ibiza’s coast in style, with enough flexibility to try different water sports and savor fantastic local cuisine. If you’re after a day of luxury, stunning scenery, and lively social atmosphere, this cruise could very well be your next favorite memory in Ibiza.

You can check availability for your dates here: