Ibiza: Formentera Full-Day Premium VIP Catamaran Cruise

Travelers dreaming of combining luxury, stunning scenery, and a taste of island life might find this full-day VIP catamaran trip from Ibiza to Formentera intriguing. Although it’s not perfect, many enjoy the mix of water sports, exquisite food, and spectacular views. This tour promises a blend of relaxation and adventure, with a focus on quality experiences rather than just ticking boxes.

What we like most: the opportunity to snorkel near Ses Illetes, the all-inclusive premium drinks and meals, and the chance to soak in the sunset with Es Vedrà in the background. It’s a good pick if you’re after a stylish day on the water that balances guided excursions with free time. Keep in mind, some reviews mention that the VIP experience can fall short for those expecting all the perks promised at booking, so managing expectations is key.

This tour might not be ideal if you’re looking for a completely hassle-free, all-inclusive luxury day — some guests found the actual VIP perks less generous than advertised. However, if you’re after a scenic cruise with water sports and a lively atmosphere, this experience can be worth considering, especially for groups seeking fun and social vibes.

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Key Points

Stunning scenery and top-rated beaches: Ses Illetes and Espalmador are highlights with their crystal waters.
Water sports included: Paddleboards, kayaks, underwater scooters, and snorkeling gears enhance the adventure.
Multiple return options: Two return times from Formentera, with sunset views if you choose the later trip.
Varied ticket options: From basic to premium, allowing you to tailor your experience and budget.
Food & drinks: Premium tickets offer generous all-inclusive meals and unlimited drinks, but others may find the offerings more limited.
Authentic local experience: Flexibility to explore Formentera at your own pace during the 5-8 hour island stop.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Experience

This full-day cruise aims to offer a taste of luxury and adventure with a combination of guided sea activities, sightseeing, and free time on Formentera. The journey begins early morning, around 9:15 AM, on a luxurious VIP catamaran, setting the tone for a day of leisure and exploration.

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The Cruise & Water Sports

Starting at the Carrer de Formentera & Passeig ses Pitiüses, the boat departs with a lively onboard atmosphere. As you cruise for about an hour, you’ll get a peek at Ibiza’s coast before heading toward the highlight — the stunning Ses Illetes beach, ranked among Europe’s and the world’s best beaches according to TripAdvisor.

Once anchored near Ses Illetes and Espalmador Island, guests are encouraged to jump into the water with all sorts of water sports gear included, such as paddleboards, kayaks, and underwater scooters (or “Seabobs”). Many reviews highlight the value of these activities, noting that while the equipment is plentiful, some found the experience more relaxed than adrenaline-packed. The crystal-clear waters and marine life offer great opportunities for snorkeling, with some guests mentioning that they enjoyed sliding down a water slide into the sea.

The Scenic Visit to Formentera

After sufficient time in the water, the boat anchors just meters from the shore for a self-guided exploration of Formentera. This is where you can rent bikes, scooters, or simply walk around at your own pace. The 5 to 8 hours on land are designed to give you ample opportunity to discover beaches, take photos, or explore hidden spots, depending on your preference.

Guests have expressed mixed feelings about the island stop. While some appreciated the freedom to explore, others felt that the actual time spent onshore could be tight if they wanted to see much beyond the main beaches.

Meals & Entertainment

Depending on your ticket level, your onboard experience varies significantly. The Premium Ticket includes a luxury breakfast buffet with eggs, pancakes, tropical fruits, pastries, and fresh juice. For lunch, a homemade paella cooked right on the boat, with seafood, vegetarian, or mixed options, is served alongside a grilled BBQ with meat and vegetables.

Guests who opt for lower-tier tickets might find the food offerings more limited, often just breakfast and a 5-hour open bar with standard drinks like sangria, beer, and soft drinks. Some reviews have pointed out that the actual VIP perks — such as exclusive beds or premium food — can feel less extensive than anticipated, with some guests mentioning extra charges for beds and seating.

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The Return & Sunset

The tour offers two return options: a 6:15 PM or a 9:30 PM trip back to Ibiza. The later return provides a chance to witness the sunset, with Es Vedrà creating an iconic backdrop, and some guests mention that this was the most memorable part of their day. The journey back is lively, with onboard music and performances from musicians like saxophonists or violinists to keep the atmosphere festive.

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What to Expect at Each Stop

Ses Illetes & Espalmador:
These are among the most photographed spots on the Balearic Islands, renowned for their powdery sands and transparent waters. You’ll anchor close enough to swim, snorkel, or paddleboard, with marine life often visible beneath the surface. The water here is calm and inviting, perfect for water activities, but be prepared for some guests to find the water sports offerings more relaxed than adrenaline-pumping.

Formentera Island:
The free time here is your chance to explore at your pace. Some travelers rent scooters or bikes to see more of the island’s hidden beaches and charming villages. The reviews suggest that if you want to visit specific spots beyond the main beaches, you should plan to leave early and manage your time carefully, as it’s a long day with limited hours on land.

Cruise & Scenic Views:
The cruise itself offers scenic vistas of Ibiza’s coast, with the opportunity to relax on deck, enjoy live music, and watch the coastline fade into the distance. The water slide and water sports are positioned for maximum fun, though the overall atmosphere tends to be lively rather than serene.

Is It Good Value?

The value really depends on your ticket choice and what you’re after. The Premium ticket offers a substantial experience with unlimited drinks, gourmet meals, water sports, and entertainment, making it appealing for those embracing a luxury vibe. However, some reviews indicate that the VIP perks may not fully match the expectations set by the description, with notable extra charges for beds and certain amenities.

Comparing this with similar tours, many find it to be a cost-effective option for a day of varied activities, especially if you enjoy water sports and good food with a social atmosphere. For a more relaxed, less inclusive experience, lower-tier tickets are available, but you might need to pay extra for meals or water sports.

Practical Tips for Booking & Enjoying

Choose your ticket wisely: If food and drinks are important, opt for the Premium. Otherwise, a basic ticket still offers a scenic cruise and water activities.
Arrive early: Meeting points are straightforward, but arriving early ensures a smooth start and better chances for prime spots.
Bring essentials: Swimwear, towels, sunscreen are must-haves. The tour does not permit bringing your own food or alcohol onboard.
Manage your time onshore: If exploring Formentera, plan your activities to fit within the 5-8 hour window.
Expect a lively atmosphere: This isn’t a quiet cruise; music, performances, and social vibes are part of the package.
Be aware of reviews: Some guests felt the VIP experience was not as exclusive or inclusive as promised, so manage your expectations accordingly.

The Sum Up

This Ibiza to Formentera catamaran cruise offers a blend of stunning scenery, water sports, and gourmet dining, making it well-suited for travelers seeking a lively, all-inclusive day at sea. The two return options allow for either a sunset cruise or a full evening experience, catering to different preferences.

While the actual VIP perks may not meet all expectations, the combination of outdoor activities, scenic views, and quality meals provides good value — especially if you choose the right ticket level. It’s best for groups or couples wanting a social, fun-filled day with plenty of water-based activities and exceptional photo opportunities.

If you’re after a vibrant, adventure-packed day with a touch of luxury and are flexible about some inconsistencies in service, this tour can be a memorable highlight of your Ibiza holiday.

FAQ

What is included in the full-day cruise?
The tour includes a scenic catamaran cruise, water sports like paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and underwater scooters, plus a self-guided exploration of Formentera.

Are food and drinks included?
This depends on your ticket type. Premium tickets include all meals (breakfast, paella, BBQ) and unlimited premium drinks. Basic tickets generally include breakfast and a 5-hour open bar with standard drinks.

How long is the excursion on Formentera?
You’ll have between 5 to 8 hours for your island exploration, giving enough time to see beaches, take photos, and enjoy the local scenery.

What are the return times?
Guests can choose between a 6:15 PM or 9:30 PM return trip. The later trip offers a sunset view with Es Vedrà in the background.

Is this suitable for families or groups?
Yes, the lively atmosphere and water sports make it ideal for groups and families, but keep in mind that the experience leans toward social and recreational rather than tranquil.

Are there any extra charges to watch out for?
Some guests mentioned additional costs for VIP beds and seating on the upper deck, as these are not included in the basic ticket.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour states it is wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to confirm specific needs at the time of booking.

Can I explore Formentera on my own?
Absolutely. The tour allows flexible self-guided exploration during your free time on the island, so you can rent bikes or scooters if preferred.

This cruise offers a lively and scenic way to experience both Ibiza and Formentera, especially if you enjoy a combination of water activities, good food, and social vibes. Just be sure to pick the ticket that matches your expectations and be prepared for some variability in the VIP perks promised versus delivered.