Formentera beach island cruise

Formentera Beach Island Cruise: A Practical, Authentic Day on the Water

If you’re looking for a day trip that combines sightseeing, water fun, and good food on the Balearic Islands, the Formentera Beach Island Cruise might catch your eye. Starting at around $103 per person, this 7-hour boat journey from Ibiza promises a taste of some of the most beautiful beaches in Formentera, topped with a lively onboard atmosphere. We love how this tour offers a chance to see Es Vedrà, one of the most mystical islands in the world, and spend ample time relaxing on the famous sands of Ses Illetes—arguably one of the top spots in the Mediterranean.

On the flip side, some reviews point out that the actual experience doesn’t quite match the promotional promises. For example, disembarkation at Playa de Espalmador often doesn’t happen—something to keep in mind if your main goal is beach lounging on that particular stretch. This tour suits those eager for a full day of water activities, scenic views, and social fun, especially if you’re okay with some variability in the experience.

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Key Points

• Stunning beaches like Ses Illetes and Es Trocadors are highlights
• Flexible water activities include paddle surfing, snorkeling, and floating tubes
• Good value for a full day with food, drinks, and entertainment included
• Some reviews reveal inconsistency, especially regarding beach stops
• Lively onboard atmosphere with DJ, open bar, and dinner options
• The trip is weather-dependent, so check the forecast

A Deep Dive into the Formentera Beach Cruise Experience

Starting Point and Itinerary Overview

Your adventure begins in Ibiza, with pick-up points at Playa d’En Bossa or Figueretes, making it convenient for most travelers staying in those popular areas. The trip lasts about 7 hours—a decent chunk of time to explore, relax, and enjoy water-based entertainment. The boat departs early in the morning after breakfast, with a roughly 1-hour cruise across the Balearic Sea to reach Formentera.

Once aboard, you’ll quickly discover that the focus is on enjoying the water and scenery. The boat anchors in front of Ses Illetes or S’Espalmador, depending on the day’s conditions, giving you the chance to snorkel with masks (though without tubes for hygiene), paddleboard, or simply lounge on floating tubes.

The Beach Stops: Reality vs. Expectation

The most anticipated part of this trip is the visit to Es Trocadors, one of Formentera’s most beautiful beaches, famed for its white sands and turquoise waters. Here, you get around 3 hours—a generous window to swim, sunbathe, or rent equipment like paddleboards and snorkel gear.

However, some reviews, especially from those who’ve booked repeatedly, note that beach disembarkation at Playa de Espalmador no longer occurs. Instead, boats anchor offshore, and passengers swim among the boats, which can feel less authentic and more crowded. One traveler remarked that you’ll swim offshore among boats rather than on the actual beach, which might be less relaxing for sunbathers hoping for pristine sands.

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Water Activities and Refreshments

The tour includes various water toys, such as floating tubes, paddle surfboards, and snorkel masks, which add a fun element for those eager to get wet. The open bar on board offers beers, sangria, soft drinks, and water—perfect for quenching thirst after some sunbathing or water play.

Breakfast with tropical fruits, pastries, juices, and hot drinks helps start the day on a good note. For lunch, you’ll be served Ibizan-style paella—seafood or mixed—and a vegetarian option like tabbouleh and hummus, if you’ve booked ahead. The inclusion of snacks, pasta, or hot dogs in the evening adds a casual, social vibe, especially with a DJ and onboard party.

The Second Free Time: Formentera Exploration

After the morning water activities, the boat returns to Formentera port at around 4 PM. Here, you get another 3 hours to explore the island at your leisure, whether that’s strolling through charming villages, visiting local cafes, or heading to Ses Illetes beach on your own via a hired scooter or bus—since some reviews mention taking a separate bus to enjoy the famous beaches the tour doesn’t reach.

The Return Journey and Sunset Experience

The return trip to Ibiza departs at 7 PM, giving ample time for relaxing, enjoying drinks, and perhaps dancing to the DJ’s music. The sunset experience onboard is a highlight for some, blending scenic views with the lively ambiance.

What Travelers Can Expect: An Honest Look

Water activities and scenery are the core attractions. We loved the way the boat anchors near Ses Illetes—the waters are clear, and the sands are soft, making it perfect for a quick swim or a sunbathe. Many appreciate the generous free time—especially the 6 hours in Formentera (for those with the Silver ticket)—which offers flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Food and drinks are generally seen as good value. The paella is well-liked, and the open bar keeps the mood lively. However, some travelers, like one who complained about a “badly” prepared paella, suggest that the quality can vary. The breakfast spread and snacks are appreciated, helping fuel the day’s activities.

The onboard atmosphere is lively, especially with the DJ and party vibe, which appeals to groups of friends or younger travelers. Conversely, those seeking a quiet, relaxing day might find the crowded boat and noisy music a bit overwhelming.

Reviews vary widely—a few mention disappointment with the beach stops, noting they were not as idyllic as expected or not matching promotional images. Others praise the crew’s friendliness and the scenic views, describing the experience as a “complete excursion” and “the best of all,” especially when the staff is attentive.

Practical Details: Transportation, Timing, and Price

The price of $103 per person includes most water activities, meals, drinks, and access to beaches. This makes it a reasonable option for a full-day experience, especially if you value the convenience of an organized tour. Keep in mind, additional expenses like renting bikes or scooters in Formentera aren’t included, so if you want to explore the island more thoroughly, budget extra.

The meeting point is at the Aquabus kiosk in front of the Happiness Bar, a location familiar to many Ibiza visitors. The entire experience is weather-dependent, so it’s wise to check the forecast, as rough seas or poor weather could cancel or alter the trip.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is best suited for travelers who enjoy social environments, water-based activities, and scenic boat rides. If you’re looking for a lively, full-day experience with good food and drinks, this tour delivers. It’s ideal for groups of friends or couples wanting a taste of Formentera’s famed beaches without the hassle of planning individual transportation or meals.

However, those seeking peace and quiet or planning to spend most of their time on the beaches of Espalmador or Ses Illetes might be disappointed, as some stops have become more offshore and less direct. Also, if authentic beach experiences are your priority, be aware that some reviews mention false advertising—the beaches are often visible only from a distance.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This boat cruise offers a day of sun, water fun, and social energy at a fairly reasonable price, especially considering the meals, drinks, and water equipment included. For those who value scenic views like Es Vedrà, fun water activities, and a lively onboard atmosphere, it can be a memorable experience. The generous free time allows for flexibility and spontaneity, which many travelers appreciate.

That said, expect some variability in the quality—particularly regarding beach stops and meals. If you’re a relaxed traveler who prefers quiet beaches or a more authentic experience, you might find this tour a bit crowded or oversold. It’s best suited for adventure seekers, party lovers, and those eager to see the highlights of Formentera in a single day.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip from Ibiza to Formentera?
The cruise takes about 1 hour to reach Formentera, giving plenty of time for water activities and sightseeing.

What are the main stops during the tour?
The boat anchors in front of Ses Illetes or S’Espalmador for water fun, and disembarks at Es Trocadors for beach relaxation, depending on the day and weather.

What water activities are included?
You’ll have access to snorkel masks (without tubes), floating tubes, and paddle surfboards. These make the water fun accessible for everyone.

Is food included?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast, a seafood or mixed paella, and snacks or hot dogs. Vegetarian options are available if booked in advance.

Can I explore Formentera on my own?
Yes, after the second free time, you can rent a scooter or take a bus to explore other beaches or villages on the island. The tour’s main focus is on water activities and the scheduled stops.

How is the onboard atmosphere?
It’s lively, with a DJ, open bar, and party vibe—great for socializing, but possibly too noisy for those seeking tranquility.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel. If you want to explore the island further, consider renting a scooter or bringing cash for extras.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, the trip runs only if weather conditions permit. Always check the forecast before booking or heading out.

In The Sum Up

The Formentera Beach Island Cruise offers a fun, lively way to enjoy the best of Formentera’s beaches and water activities in a single day. If you’re after scenic views, good food, and a vibrant party atmosphere, this tour can deliver a memorable experience. It’s particularly well-suited for groups of friends or couples wanting a social, hassle-free day on the water, with plenty of opportunities for swimming and relaxing.

However, if your ideal day involves peaceful beaches and authentic, uncrowded environments, you might want to consider other options or plan your own excursions. The variability in beach access and meal quality noted in reviews suggests that managing expectations is wise.

In the end, this cruise provides a balance of sightseeing, water fun, and social energy—a good choice for those looking to combine relaxation with lively entertainment, all within a reasonable price point.

You can check availability for your dates here: