Ibiza: Formentera Trip w/ Paella, BBQ, Open Bar, Sports & DJ

Travelers looking for a blend of luxury, adventure, and scenic beauty will find the Ibiza: Formentera Trip a compelling option. This full-day excursion combines a sleek VIP catamaran cruise with an exploration of the stunning Formentera island, known for its pristine beaches and relaxed vibe. It’s a package that offers more than just sightseeing — it’s about savoring great food, enjoying drinks, and making the most of Ibiza’s legendary coastline.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the all-inclusive setup means you can forget about budgeting for extras, as meals, drinks, and water sports are typically included depending on your ticket. Second, the stunning stops at Ses Illetes and Espalmador beaches give you a taste of some of Europe’s best sands. Third, the knowledgeable guides and lively atmosphere foster a fun, relaxed vibe. The only potential downside? It’s a long day — roughly 10 hours — so if you prefer a more laid-back, less scheduled outing, this might feel a little intense. But if you want a mix of comfort, adventure, and incredible scenery, this tour is likely to hit the spot. Perfect for those who love a touch of luxury combined with active exploration, especially if you’re traveling with friends, as a couple, or even solo and eager to meet others.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Luxury Experience: Meals, drinks, water sports, and entertainment included.
• Stunning Stops: Visit Ses Illetes beach and Espalmador, two of Europe’s most beautiful beaches.
• Flexible Ticket Options: Standard, Advance, and Premium tickets tailor the experience to your preferences.
• Water Sports Galore: Paddleboarding, snorkeling, Seabob rides for active fun in the water.
• Expert Guides & Entertainment: Multilingual guides provide insights, with a DJ setting the mood on the way back.
• Ideal for Adventure Lovers & Foodies: Gourmet meals, cocktails, and scenic spots designed to delight.

This tour offers a well-rounded experience, balancing time on the water with land exploration, all wrapped in a luxurious package. The day kicks off bright and early at 9:00 am, with a welcoming process at the Ibiza VIP Cruises stand. From there, you’re whisked away on a sleek, 5-star luxury catamaran that promises comfort and style from the start. The ship itself is a spacious, modern vessel equipped to handle a full day at sea, with ample deck space for lounging and taking in the views.

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The Cruise and In-Depth Itinerary

The cruise lasts about 10 hours, from 9 am until around 7:15 pm, giving plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and activities. As you glide across the water, a multilingual guide keeps guests informed about the sights and the history of the islands, making the journey both relaxing and educational.

One of the first highlights is the stop at Espalmador, a natural and untouched reserve just off Formentera. Here, you’ll anchor at a beautiful white-sand beach, perfect for swimming, relaxing, and trying water sports like paddleboarding or snorkeling. Reviewers often mention how this stop feels like stepping into a postcard — unspoiled, peaceful, and incredibly scenic. A reviewer named Alex praised the “great service,” noting how attentive the crew was during the water activities, which are included in all ticket tiers.

Next, the boat moves to Ses Illetes, ranked 4th in Europe and 10th worldwide. This beach is famous for its crystal-clear waters and powdery sand. Guests love floating in the shallow waters or lounging at the shoreline — a perfect backdrop for photos or just soaking in the sun. As one traveler commented, “I loved sliding right into the ocean after the paddleboarding session,” highlighting how smoothly water activities are integrated into the experience.

Exploring Formentera

The real highlight is the 5-hour stop on Formentera itself, allowing time to explore this charming island. Visitors often rent scooters or bikes (though not included in the tour) to see the island’s quaint villages, lighthouses, and scenic vistas. For many, this break is the perfect chance to wander at their own pace, grab a coffee, or simply relax on the shore.

Water Sports for Active Travelers

Swimmers and adventure seekers will enjoy the water sports included at both stopovers. Paddleboards are available for those wanting a bit of balance and splash, while snorkeling offers a glimpse into the underwater world. The Seabob, an underwater scooter, is also available, though availability varies by ticket type. Reviewers like Palloma and Samy appreciated the chance to “try paddleboarding and snorkeling — so fun and easy to do,” emphasizing how accessible these activities are for all levels.

Onboard Meals and Drinks

The food and drink options are a key part of the appeal. Depending on your ticket type, you’ll enjoy a gourmet breakfast, with options like eggs, pancakes, tropical fruits, and pastries — perfect for fueling a day full of activity. The paella served on the return leg is often highlighted as a standout, with choices like seafood, chicken, or vegetarian options, accompanied by salad and bread. Many travelers, including Amy Riofrio, loved the paella and cocktails, especially the mojitos.

The open bar is another star feature. The Premium ticket includes an extensive selection of cocktails – from mojitos and caipiroskas to bellinis and Aperol spritzes. Guests often mention how the drinks flowed freely, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Some reviews note that the cocktail quality was impressive, with Alex and Christina mentioning how the drinks and mojitos stood out.

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Entertainment & Atmosphere

The DJ onboard kicks into gear on the way back from Formentera, setting a lively tone for the return journey. Many reviews mention the fun ambiance, with guests dancing or relaxing as they watch the sunset. The crew, including guides like Angie and Antonella, are repeatedly praised for their friendly service and attentiveness — creating a welcoming, festive vibe.

The Practical Side: What to Expect

The full-day trip runs from 9 am to 7:15 pm, which means you’ll spend most of the day on the water and exploring. Expect to board the boat promptly at 9 am, so arriving a little earlier ensures a smooth start. The group sizes are generally large but well-managed, and the multilingual guides speak English, Spanish, and Italian, making communication easy.

What to bring: Most travelers find it helpful to pack swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, and a passport or ID (copies are accepted). If you want to explore Formentera independently, you might consider renting a scooter or bike, but that’s outside the scope of the tour.

Ticket Tiers and Value

The Standard ticket offers a solid experience with breakfast, a basic open bar, and water sports. The Advance ticket adds paella and a slightly better drink selection, while the Premium ticket truly elevates the experience with unlimited cocktails, premium breakfast options, and a barbecue dinner.

Reviewers consistently say that it’s good value for money — especially considering the included meals, drinks, water sports, and scenic stops. Some mention that the VIP beds are an optional upgrade, starting at around €100, which can be worth it if you’re seeking extra comfort.

The Experience for Different Travelers

If you’re someone who appreciates luxury yet loves active outdoor experiences, this tour offers a perfect balance. It’s great for food lovers, thanks to the gourmet meals and cocktails, as well as adventure seekers looking to paddleboard or snorkel. The scenic stops at Ses Illetes and Espalmador are perfect for anyone wanting stunning beaches without the crowds.

However, it’s a long day and involves quite a bit of movement, so travelers preferring a slower pace might find it a bit exhausting. Also, since activities like water sports are included but limited in time, those wanting a more relaxed day on the beach might prefer a shorter or less structured trip.

This excursion is especially well-suited for travelers who want a luxury experience combined with active elements. It’s ideal for couples, groups of friends, or solo travelers who enjoy social atmospheres and lively music. If you’re a foodie eager to sample authentic cuisine like paella and enjoy a variety of cocktails, this trip will satisfy those cravings.

It’s a fantastic choice for anyone eager to see the highlights of Formentera without the hassle of planning transportation or meals — all the logistics are handled for you. If you’re after beautiful beaches, water sports, and a fun party vibe, this tour ticks all those boxes.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a full-day cruise aboard a luxury catamaran, water sports like paddleboarding and snorkeling, visits to Ses Illetes and Espalmador beaches, and meals including breakfast, paella, and BBQ depending on your ticket tier. Drinks are also included, with options varying by ticket type.

What is the duration of the trip?
The entire experience lasts approximately 10 hours, from 9:00 am boarding to the return around 7:15 pm.

Are water sports equipment provided?
Yes, paddleboards, snorkeling masks, and sometimes Seabobs are available at the swim stops. The availability of Seabobs depends on your ticket type.

Can I explore Formentera independently?
Yes, you have about 5 hours to explore the island, during which you can rent scooters or bikes (not included), walk around, or relax on the beaches.

Is there a dress code or what should I bring?
Swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, and a hat are recommended. Don’t forget your passport or ID for boarding.

What are the ticket options and their differences?
Standard tickets include breakfast, a basic open bar, and water sports. Advance tickets add paella and a wider drink selection, while Premium tickets feature unlimited cocktails, premium breakfast options, and a barbecue dinner.

Is the party atmosphere lively?
Yes, especially on the return trip with the DJ playing music onboard, enhancing the festive vibe.

What should I consider before booking?
Be prepared for a long day, and arrive early for check-in. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, this might be a full-on experience, but if you’re looking for adventure and fun, it’s perfect.

The Ibiza: Formentera Trip offers a dynamic combination of scenic beauty, gourmet food, lively drinks, and active water sports — all aboard a luxurious vessel. It’s a particularly good choice for those who want to pack a lot into a single day, with the added bonus of exploring one of Europe’s most celebrated beaches and islands.

While it’s a longer day and may feel a bit intense for some, the overall value — considering meals, drinks, water sports, and scenery — makes it an excellent standout among Ibiza excursions. Whether you’re keen on relaxing with a cocktail in hand, floating in crystal waters, or exploring new beaches, this trip provides a well-rounded, memorable experience.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is best suited for active travelers, food and drink lovers, and those seeking a lively, fun-filled day on the water. It’s ideal for groups of friends, couples, or solo adventurers eager to enjoy Ibiza’s iconic coastlines with a touch of luxury and a lot of entertainment.

Note: Always check availability of VIP beds if you’re interested in extra comfort, and consider the ticket tier that best matches your desire for meals and drinks.

You can check availability for your dates here: