Ibiza: Formentera Boat Cruise with Paddle, Snorkel & Lunch

An honest look at Ibiza’s popular Formentera boat trip, complete with water activities, tasty meals, and multiple return times. This tour offers a chance to relax and enjoy the stunning coastline of Formentera without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. The boat departs from Playa den Bossa and promises a mix of leisure, adventure, and scenic beauty, making it a solid option for travelers looking for a full day at sea.

What I particularly like about this cruise is how it balances fun with comfort. The inclusion of paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and inflatables gives you plenty of ways to get active or just float around. Plus, the on-board meals—especially the seafood paella—are well-reviewed, making the experience feel more like a floating feast than just a sightseeing tour. Another highlight is the flexibility of the return times, which is rare and very convenient, especially if you want to tailor your day on Formentera or Ibiza.

One possible drawback is that the stops in Espalmador and Ses Illetes are only for viewing—they don’t dock since they are protected parks. If you’re expecting to hop onto the beaches or explore in detail, you’ll need to plan for that on your own after disembarking. Also, bringing essentials like towels and sunscreen is up to you, as they aren’t included, so packing smart is key.

Overall, I think this experience offers excellent value for the price, especially considering the variety of activities, the quality of food, and the professional guides—many reviewers praised guides like Damjan and Damyan for their friendly and informative service. It’s perfect for active travelers, food lovers, and anyone wanting a relaxed yet engaging day on the water.

Key points / takeaways:

• Multiple return options offer incredible flexibility, with three different times to head back from Formentera.
• All-inclusive drinks—soft drinks, beer, and sangria—keep everyone refreshed without extra costs.
• Water activities galore—paddleboards, snorkeling gear, inflatables—are well-suited for both beginners and seasoned water lovers.
• Delicious on-board meal—paella options and salads—make the cruise feel more like a floating restaurant.
• Guides like Damjan and Damyan are known for their friendliness and knowledge, enhancing the overall experience.
• The tour’s duration and stops (about 7 hours, with three key water-based activity stops) make it a comprehensive day without feeling rushed.

Entering the Scenic Waters of Ibiza and Formentera

The first thing you’ll notice when you hop on the boat at Playa den Bossa is the sense of anticipation. The vessel itself is comfortable, and the crew is friendly—ready to answer questions and make sure everyone’s settled. The cruise kicks off with a sightseeing segment, giving you an initial taste of the shoreline’s beauty, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the coast and nearby islands.

What makes this part appealing is how smoothly it transitions into the real fun. As the boat moves toward Espalmador and Ses Illetes, you’ll be sipping on soft drinks or sangria, soaking up the sun and watching the horizon. I found this part a perfect way to unwind before the active water stops begin.

Highlights of Espalmador and Ses Illetes

During the cruise, the boat stops in front of Espalmador and Ses Illetes, but there’s no dock—these are protected parks. This means no beach hopping or exploring on foot here, but the views are spectacular. The clear waters are perfect for snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding, which are included in your package.

Many reviewers, like Olga and Nabilah, enjoyed the water activities, praising the friendly guides for their entertainment and helpfulness. Olga mentioned Damon, who was “really nice and informative,” adding a personal touch to the experience. You’ll love the way the guides encourage participation and make beginners feel comfortable.

Savoring the On-Board Feast

After a couple of hours of swimming, paddling, and snorkeling, it’s time for the meal. The on-board chef prepares Seafood Paella, Chicken Paella, and Vegan Paella, with fresh salads, bread, and alioli. From the reviews, it’s clear this meal is a highlight—”the food was super delicious,” says Max, and “the paella was a hit,” confirms another guest.

Having a hot, flavorful meal while floating on the water is a treat. The variety means vegetarians and meat-lovers alike can find something satisfying. Plus, the included drinks keep everyone refreshed, making the experience feel more leisurely.

Time on Formentera and Free Exploration

The biggest draw for many is the free time in Formentera itself. You disembark at Formentera Dock around 1:15 pm, with about five hours to explore. Beaches, shops, or simply relaxing on the sand are all options. Since the boat offers three return times, you can tailor your visit—whether you want a quick look or a full afternoon.

Nabilah enjoyed her time on the island, and several reviews mention that the free exploration allows a chance to see the famous white sands at your own pace. Keep in mind, transportation within Formentera isn’t included, so plan accordingly if you want to visit specific spots.

The Different Return Times and Why They Matter

What sets this tour apart is the three different return options: 2 pm, 6:15 pm, and a high-season late return at 9:15 pm. This flexibility helps you get the most out of your day. If you’re eager to return early and relax in Ibiza, the 2 pm option is perfect. For those wanting a full day, the later options allow for more sightseeing or even a sunset drink in Ibiza.

The open bar on the return trip from 6:15 pm onwards is a bonus, providing snacks and drinks to end the day on a high note. Reviewers like Erhan and Raquel appreciated the attentiveness of the crew and the variety of options.

Practical Tips and Considerations

Packing a towel and sunscreen is a wise move since you’ll be spending time in the sun, swimming, or paddling. The boat stops in front of the parks but cannot dock into them, so don’t expect on-shore activities there. The tour is mostly suitable for ages 3 and up, excluding pregnant women and those over 70, so check your personal comfort levels.

The price reflects good value for a full day of activity, food, and drinks. Plus, the availability of “reserve now, pay later” options adds flexibility, especially in uncertain travel times.

Who This Experience Is Best For

If you love water-based fun, good food, and flexible schedules, this cruise suits you. It’s especially ideal for those who enjoy guided tours with knowledgeable guides, like Damjan, who was praised for his “incredible” service. It’s perfect for active travelers, couples, or families with older children.

People seeking a relaxed day with plenty of sun, swimming, and a delicious meal will find this trip rewarding. However, if you’re looking for detailed beach explorations or on-land adventures, this might not be your best pick since the stops are primarily for water activities and sightseeing.

Final Thoughts

This Formentera boat cruise offers a balanced mix of relaxation, adventure, and good food at a reasonable price. The three different return times ensure flexibility, making it suitable whether you want a quick trip or a full day to explore. The included paddleboards and snorkeling gear add a fun, active element, while the seafood paella and drinks keep everyone satisfied.

The company’s guides are a standout feature—friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive—adding a personal touch that elevates the experience. Many reviews praise the value, the stunning scenery, and the quality of the meal, making it clear that this is a well-organized, worthwhile outing.

If you’re in Ibiza and looking to see Formentera without the hassle of planning, this cruise is worthy of consideration. Just remember to bring your sun protection and a sense of adventure, and you’ll likely come away with plenty of great memories.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?
The tour lasts about 7 hours, with specific starting times available. It includes multiple water activity stops and free time in Formentera.

What’s included in the price?
You get drinks (water, soft drinks, beer, sangria), a delicious on-board paella meal (with vegetarian options), paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and floating inflatables.

Can I explore Formentera on land?
Yes, you’ll disembark at Formentera Dock to explore the island freely. However, transportation within the island isn’t included, so plan your activities accordingly.

Are there different return times?
Yes, there are three options: around 2 pm, 6:15 pm, and 9:15 pm (during high season). This allows you to customize your day.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s suitable for children over 3 years old, but pregnant women and those over 70 should consider safety and comfort.

What should I bring?
A towel, sunscreen, and beachwear are recommended. Remember, towels and sunscreen aren’t provided.

Is there an opportunity for swimming?
Absolutely. You can snorkel and swim at each stop, especially around Espalmador and Ses Illetes.

This review aims to give you an honest, detailed view of what to expect from this popular Ibiza to Formentera boat trip. Whether it’s the scenic water stops, the delicious food, or the flexible schedule, it’s an experience many travelers find worth the price.