Ibiza: Formentera Boat Cruise with Paddle, Snorkel & Lunch

Introduction: An Authentic Day on the Water from Ibiza to Formentera

If you’re planning to visit Ibiza and craving a full-day escape to the nearby paradise of Formentera, this boat cruise might just be your best bet. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the reviews and details paint a vibrant picture of a well-rounded, fun-filled excursion that combines stunning scenery, active water sports, and delicious local food.

What we love about this experience is how it balances adventure and relaxation — you can paddleboard or snorkel at your leisure, then settle in for a hearty, freshly cooked meal. The inclusion of unlimited drinks, especially sangria and beer, really helps set a laid-back, festive vibe.

A potential consideration is the multi-stop itinerary, which can mean a tight schedule at each location. If you prefer slow, leisurely days, some might find the three different return times a bit hurried. Still, this trip is perfect for those who want a taste of everything: sun, sea, food, and fun.

This cruise appeals most to water lovers, active travelers, and those seeking an authentic island experience with a balance of guided fun and free exploration. If you’re looking for an affordable, well-organized day trip that combines sightseeing with plenty of water-based activities, this could be a great choice.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Water Activities Included: Paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and inflatables offer lots of ways to enjoy the crystal-clear waters.
• All-You-Can-Drink Bar: Unlimited soft drinks, water, beer, and sangria create a relaxed, festive atmosphere.
• Delicious on-Board Cuisine: A variety of Paella options (Seafood, Chicken, Vegan) served fresh on the boat.
• Flexible Return Times: Three different departure times from Formentera allow for customization of your day.
• Beautiful Stops: Es Palmador and Ses Illetes are known for their stunning scenery and perfect swimming spots.
• Comfortable Experience: The boat and equipment are described as comfortable and well-maintained, with friendly guides.

The Journey: A Full Breakdown of the Experience

Starting Point and Departure

Your day begins at Carrer de Formentera, 17, near the Ibiza Playa hotel, where you’ll check in around 8:30 am. From there, the experience kicks off with a 45-minute sightseeing cruise along Ibiza’s coast. This initial leg offers a glimpse of the shoreline and a chance to settle into the boat’s relaxed pace.

The boat itself is described as comfortable, with a friendly and attentive crew, and the guide often praised for their knowledge. Expect a laid-back vibe where the focus is on fun, not formality.

First Stop: Es Palmador (1.5 hours)

Your first major stop is S’Espalmador, a small, protected island famous for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Here, you’ll find opportunities for paddleboarding, swimming, and snorkeling** in clear, inviting waters. The reviews highlight how enjoyable the paddleboarding can be, especially along the coast, offering a chance to glide past rocky formations and hidden coves.

After water activities, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal served on the boat, with options like seafood paella, chicken paella, and vegan paella, accompanied by fresh salad, bread, and alioli. The quality of the food seems to impress many, with guests praising the freshness and flavor.

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Second Stop: Ses Illetes (1.5 hours)

Next, the boat moves to Ses Illetes, an iconic beach known for its white sands and shallow, calm waters. This is the prime snorkeling spot, with reviewers mentioning crystal-clear conditions perfect for seeing marine life. You’ll also be able to engage in more water activities or just relax on floating mats and pool noodles.

This stop is often described as a highlight, thanks to the breathtaking scenery and the opportunity to cool off in the inviting water for a good stretch of time.

Third Stop: Formentera Dock (5 hours)

Disembarking at Formentera’s harbor around 13:15, you’ll have free time to explore the island on your own. Many travelers take advantage of this to relax on sandy beaches, browse local shops, or grab a quick snack before heading back to Ibiza.

The flexibility here is appreciated — some reviewers describe how it allows a laid-back exploration of the island, while others simply lounge by the water before rejoining the boat.

Return Options and Timing

What sets this cruise apart is its multiple return times. Depending on your preference, you can choose to return at:

• 14:00, after a full morning and early afternoon of activity
• 18:15, with the open bar and snacks for a leisurely late afternoon ride
• or, in high season (June to August), at 21:15, perfect for those wanting an extended day

The reviews reflect that travelers find great value in having these options, as it allows for flexibility depending on how much time they want to spend on the island.

What to Expect on the Boat

The vessel boasts paddleboards, inflatables, floating mats, and snorkel gear—meaning you’ll have ample opportunities to get active in the water. Many reviews mention how much fun they had paddleboarding along the coast or snorkeling in the clear waters.

The food served on board, particularly the paella, is a standout and gets high praise for its freshness and flavor. Guests also enjoy unlimited drinks, making every swim or paddle feel like a mini celebration.

The crew and guides are often lauded for their friendly attitude and helpfulness. Damjan, a guide mentioned in reviews, was described as “incredible” and adding extra value to the trip.

The Water and Scenery

Both stops, S’Espalmador and Ses Illetes, are described as breathtaking. The former’s calm, shallow waters are ideal for swimming and paddling, while Ses Illetes impress with their powdery white sands and vibrant marine life. The boat’s stops in front of these beaches mean you can’t dock directly inside the parks, but that’s typical of protected islands, and it doesn’t seem to detract from the overall experience.

Food and Drinks: A Highlight

The onboard cuisine is a hit, especially the Paella options, which include seafood, chicken, and vegan. Coupled with fresh salad, bread, and alioli, the meal is substantial enough to keep you energized for the day. Many travelers quote how delicious and satisfying the food was, with one reviewer noting the “three different paellas on the boat was a hit.”

The soft drinks, beer, and sangria are unlimited, creating a lively, convivial atmosphere, especially as the boat cruises between stops. Several guests mention how the open bar made the day more relaxed and fun.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

Timing-wise, this trip fits into a typical 7-hour window, starting early in the morning. The check-in process is straightforward, just next to Hotel Ibiza Playa, and the experience is suitable for most travelers, with some restrictions: it’s not recommended for children under 3, pregnant women, or those over 70.

You’ll want to bring towels, sunscreen, and beachwear. No alcohol or drugs are allowed onboard, which keeps the environment friendly and safe. Since the boat cannot dock at the parks themselves, you might find some snorkeling or swimming more accessible than exploring the tiny islands directly.

The trip is fully refundable if canceled 24 hours in advance, adding flexibility for planning. The language options—English and Spanish—cater to a broad audience.

Authentic Experiences and What Travelers Say

Guests consistently mention the knowledgeable guides and the friendly crew as major positives. Olga praised Damon for being “really nice and informative,” while others appreciated Damjan’s “incredible” guidance.

Many reviews highlight how well-organized the trip was for its cost, with Albena noting that it was “low-cost but excellent” considering what was included. The variety of water activities, combined with great food and drinks, makes this trip a great value for those wanting an active, scenic day.

Several travelers emphasize how their expectations were exceeded, especially given the relatively affordable price point. The flexibility of the different return times, especially in high season, adds to its appeal.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This boat cruise offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and authentic island flavor. If you love being on the water, enjoy active pursuits like paddleboarding and snorkeling, and want a hearty, well-cooked meal in a convivial setting, this tour fits the bill. The flexibility of multiple return options makes it suitable for a variety of schedules and energy levels.

It’s particularly well-suited for water enthusiasts, food lovers, and those wanting to explore a quieter side of Formentera without sacrificing comfort or convenience. The friendly guides, stunning scenery, and diverse activities promise a memorable day for most travelers.

However, if your ideal day involves slow, unstructured lounging, or if you have mobility restrictions, you might want to consider a more leisurely or different type of excursion. Still, for anyone seeking a lively, activity-packed day on the water that offers excellent value, this cruise delivers.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

How long is the tour?
It lasts around 7 hours, with starting times varying based on the option you choose. Check availability for exact times.

Where do I meet the boat?
At the Vip Cruises stand at Carrer de Formentera, 17, next to Hotel Ibiza Playa. Check-in is at 8:30 am.

Are drinks included?
Yes, there’s an unlimited selection of water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria on board.

What food is served?
A cooked-on-board Paella, with options including seafood, chicken, and vegan, plus bread, alioli, salad, and fruit.

Can I do water activities?
Absolutely. Paddleboards, snorkel gear, inflatables, and floating mats are provided for free use during the stops.

Is there free time on Formentera?
Yes, after arriving at the island, you have several hours to explore or relax before rejoining the boat.

Are children allowed?
It’s not suitable for children under 3 years or pregnant women. The tour is best for older kids and adults.

What about the return times?
There are three options: by 14:00, 18:15, or 21:15 during high season, giving flexibility based on your plans.

Is this a good value for the price?
Many travelers think so. The inclusion of food, drinks, water activities, and multiple return options makes it a good deal.

What should I bring?
Towels, sunscreen, beachwear, and a sense of adventure. No alcohol or drugs are permitted onboard.

This tour offers a lively, well-organized way to enjoy the beauty of Formentera without the hassle of planning. Whether you want to paddle, snorkel, or simply soak up the scenery with a cold drink in hand, it’s a day designed to satisfy water lovers and island explorers alike.

You can check availability for your dates here: