Formentera: Crystal Waters Cruise with Snorkeling and Lunch

Exploring Formentera’s Crystal Waters: A Cruise Experience Worth Your Time

If you’re dreaming of a relaxing day on Formentera’s famed beaches and azure waters, this Crystal Waters Cruise offers a fantastic way to see the best of the island without the hassle of planning. For around $78 per person and a duration of just 4 hours, you’ll get to enjoy scenic boat rides, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and a tasty onboard lunch—all led by knowledgeable guides.

What we love most about this trip is the chance to see Cala Saona and Illetas Beach, two of the most picturesque spots around Formentera, from the water. The boat’s open bar with sangria, beer, soft drinks, and water makes it easy to stay refreshed while soaking up the sunshine. The relaxed atmosphere and stunning views make it ideal for couples, families, or anyone keen to experience the Mediterranean’s true colors in a laid-back setting.

One thing to keep in mind: The swimming stops are in the open sea, so if you’re not comfortable with that, it might not be the best fit. Also, hotel pickup isn’t included, so you’ll need to get to the starting point at La Savina port. This tour suits travelers who appreciate a mix of gentle sightseeing, genuine local flavors, and natural beauty, especially if you’re eager to snorkel or simply unwind on a boat.

Key Points

• Stunning scenic stops: Highlights include Cap de Barberia, Cala Saona, and Illetas Beach.
• Accessible water activities: Snorkeling gear and noodles are provided for enjoyable swims.
• Delicious onboard lunch: Tasty salads, empanadas, and fresh fruit make for a satisfying meal.
• Relaxed atmosphere: The cruise offers a laid-back vibe perfect for unwinding.
• Inclusive beverages: Keep hydrated with an open bar of sangria, beer, soft drinks, and water.
• Limited beach time: The stops are in the sea, so no actual beach visits—just swimming and floating.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Formentera Crystal Waters Cruise

Now, let’s break down what this cruise really involves and why it might be a good pick for your Formentera adventure.

Starting Point and Departure Details

The tour kicks off at La Savina port, right in front of the Calima bar, making it convenient if you’re staying nearby or are arriving by ferry. The departure time is around 12 PM, and the cruise lasts about 4 hours. Since hotel pickup isn’t included, you’ll need to plan how to get to the port, whether by taxi, rental, or walking if you’re staying nearby.

The group size tends to be moderate, ensuring enough space on the boat but still a lively, friendly atmosphere. The crew, which includes guides speaking both English and Spanish, keeps the experience informative and engaging.

Itinerary and Key Stops

The cruise’s itinerary is well-structured to give you a taste of Formentera’s most evocative sights:

• Cap de Barberia: The cliffs and lighthouse here are the first scenic highlight. The guided tour lasts about 40 minutes, offering sweeping views and photo opportunities. We loved the way the cliffs frame the sea, providing a sense of the island’s rugged beauty.

• Cala Saona: Around 50 minutes are spent here, with anchor drop for swimming and snorkeling. The crew provides masks, snorkels, and noodles, making it easy for all levels of swimmers to enjoy the crystal waters. The onboard snacks and a delicious buffet lunch—which includes pasta salad, green salad, tortillas with potatoes, and empanadas—come after some relaxing time in the water.

• Illetas Beach: The final swim stop, lasting about 40 minutes, offers another chance to enjoy the famous white sands and shallow waters. While you’re swimming, you’ll get to admire the spectacular coastal views.

The cruise concludes back at La Savina port around 4 PM, giving you enough time to relax and perhaps explore more of the island.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The included features make this experience quite comprehensive for the price:

• Live guide and commentary enrich your understanding of the sights.
• A buffet lunch with a variety of salads, empanadas, and fresh fruit.
• An open bar of sangria, beer, soft drinks, and water to keep spirits high.

However, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so your transportation to the port is on you. It’s best to plan ahead for that, especially if you’re staying outside La Savina.

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The Water and Food Experience

The water stops are in the middle of the sea—not on beaches—so don’t expect to land and walk on sand. These are floating, swimming, and snorkeling sessions in calm, clear waters, which many reviews highlight as one of the trip’s biggest perks.

The lunch is hearty and well-received, with some reviewers noting that the food was delicious and that snacks and drinks were available from the start. The open bar adds to the leisurely vibe, allowing you to sip sangria or soda at your leisure while taking in the views.

The Reviews Say It All

Feedback from past travelers is quite positive. One reviewer, Natalie, praised the “beautiful trip to the lighthouse and caves,” highlighting the delicious food and the crew’s attentiveness. She also appreciated the opportunity to jump into the sea and slide down rocks—a fun bonus some may not expect from a cruise.

Anne, meanwhile, loved the crystal-clear waters and the relaxed breaks for swimming and eating, noting free drinks and snacks as a highlight. Both reviews emphasize the knowledgeable guides and the beautiful scenery, making it clear that the experience delivers what it promises.

Practical Tips for the Trip

• Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen—the sun can be strong, and you’ll want to stay comfortable.
• Since the stops are in the sea, be prepared for floating and swimming; if you’re not comfortable with water, this might not be ideal.
• Arrive at the port a little early to ensure smooth boarding.
• Remember, no actual beach stops—the focus is on sea swimming and scenic views.

Who Should Consider This Cruise?

This cruise is perfect for travelers who want a short, scenic escape from their usual beach or city days. If you enjoy snorkeling, sightseeing, and relaxed dining, it’s a great way to see Formentera’s highlights without committing to a full-day tour. It’s especially suited for those who value authentic water experiences over beach lounging, given the sea swimming stops.

Couples, small groups, and families with children comfortable in the water will find this a memorable outing. But if you’re seeking a beach day with land-based activities, you might prefer a different type of tour.

The Sum Up

The Formentera: Crystal Waters Cruise with Snorkeling and Lunch offers a well-balanced experience combining stunning scenery, enjoyable swimming, and good food—all in a manageable 4-hour window. It’s a smart choice for those who want a taste of the island’s natural beauty without the hassle of planning their own excursions.

The knowledgeable guides and delicious onboard meal receive consistent praise, making it clear that this tour goes beyond just a boat ride. The open bar enhances the relaxed, vacation mood, and the stops at Cala Saona and Illetas give you plenty of time to unwind and enjoy the water.

While it’s not a full beach day and the swimming is in the sea rather than on sandy beaches, those looking for a scenic, water-focused experience will find this cruise offers a satisfying slice of Formentera’s charm.

Overall, it’s an excellent value for the price, especially if you want a guided, comfortable way to see some of Formentera’s most photogenic spots while enjoying good food and drinks. It suits travelers who appreciate a mix of sightseeing, water fun, and laid-back ambiance—perfect for a memorable day in the Mediterranean.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll need to make your way to the La Savina port for the departure.

What should I bring on the cruise?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Since the stops are in the sea, be prepared for swimming and floating.

How long is the cruise?
The entire experience lasts about 4 hours, starting around 12 PM and returning around 4 PM.

Are the stops on beaches?
No, the swim stops are in the open sea, not on beaches, so you’ll be swimming in calm, clear waters from the boat.

Is food included?
Yes, the cruise includes a buffet lunch with salads, empanadas, and fresh fruit, plus snacks before lunch.

Is the drinks service available throughout?
Yes, there’s an open bar with sangria, beer, soft drinks, and water available during the trip.

Can children join this tour?
Yes, children comfortable in the water should enjoy the experience, but keep in mind the swimming stops are in the sea.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
It’s not recommended for wheelchair users, as the boat and sea stops may pose challenges.

Whether you’re after scenic views, water fun, or simply a relaxing midday escape, this cruise hits the mark. It’s well worth considering if you want to see Formentera from a different perspective — floating in its famously clear waters.

You can check availability for your dates here: