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

Ibiza: Formentera Trip w/ Paella, BBQ, Open Bar, Sports & DJ offers a well-rounded day of sailing, exploring, and relaxing. For a modest $88 per person, you get a 10-hour adventure that promises a blend of scenic views, water activities, and delicious food — all on a luxury catamaran. The experience is rated highly, with a solid 4.4 out of 5 from nearly 850 reviews, making it a popular choice among travelers seeking a taste of both Ibiza’s vibrant coast and Formentera’s tranquil beaches.

We love the visit to Ses Illetes, ranked among Europe’s top beaches, and the chance to enjoy water sports like paddleboarding and snorkeling — perfect for those who want more than just sunbathing. The all-inclusive aspect, especially the premium food and drinks, makes it a convenient and value-packed option.

One possible consideration? The cruise is long — around 10 hours — so it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a full day out on the water, rather than those seeking a quick hop. This tour suits couples, groups of friends, or families looking for a balanced mix of relaxation, activity, and scenic beauty.

Key Points

• Scenic Route & Destinations: Visit the stunning Ses Illetes and Espalmador, with time for exploration on Formentera.
• Water Sports & Swimming: Paddleboards, snorkel gear, and seabobs ensure plenty of fun in the water.
• All-Inclusive Luxury: Multiple ticket options, with premium food, cocktails, and open bar choices.
• Flexible Experience: 5-hour visit to Formentera with stops at two top beaches, plus a full-day cruise.
• Authentic & Knowledgeable Guides: Multilingual guides provide insights, making the journey informative and lively.
• Great Value for Money: Combining transportation, meals, water sports, and guided exploration at a reasonable price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting Point & Timing
You’ll meet at the Ibiza VIP Cruises stand at 9:00 am, where your adventure begins. Expect to board a luxurious catamaran designed for comfort and style, with a capacity that keeps things intimate enough for a friendly atmosphere. The cruise lasts until about 7:15 pm, making it a full 10-hour day filled with activity and relaxation.

The day kicks off with a buffet breakfast on board, featuring tropical fruits, pastries, and coffee or tea. This is a pleasant way to fuel up before a day in the sun.

The Cruise & Scenic Journey
Once underway, you’ll enjoy the beautiful vistas of Ibiza’s coastline and the open sea. The multilingual guide (speaking Spanish, English, and Italian) keeps everyone engaged with stories and insights about the islands, adding a touch of local flavor to the trip.

The cruise itself is a highlight, with plenty of space to relax, socialize, or take in the view from the deck. The music played by the DJ during the return from Formentera to Ibiza creates a lively, festive atmosphere, ideal for those who enjoy a danceable soundtrack after a day of exploring.

Stops at Espalmador & Ses Illetes
The day’s water activities are centered around two main swim stops. The first at Espalmador, a protected natural reserve, offers a chance to swim in pristine, unspoiled waters. It’s a quiet, uninhabited island famous for its white sands and natural beauty. Expect about 45 minutes here for swimming or relaxing on the sand.

The second stop at Ses Illetes, ranked 4th in Europe and 10th in the world by TripAdvisor, is a must-see. Its white sand beaches and clear shallow waters are perfect for paddleboarding, snorkeling, or simply sunbathing. You’ll have roughly 1.5 hours here — enough to dip your toes in the water, take photos, or grab a quick snack from the on-boat bar.

Formentera Island Exploration
After the beach stops, you’ll have around 5 hours to explore Formentera itself. This part of the tour is flexible; you can wander the charming streets, relax on the beaches, or enjoy water sports. Many travelers mentioned in reviews how much they appreciated the freedom to discover the island at their own pace.

Water Sports & Water Slide
Water enthusiasts will love the included activities: paddleboards, snorkel masks, and seabobs offer a chance to see underwater life and move around in the water. If you’re feeling adventurous, the swim stops also feature a water slide, adding a splash of fun.

Food & Drinks
Depending on your ticket choice, the meal options vary from basic breakfast with tropical fruits and pastries to more elaborate offerings like homemade paella and a BBQ with chicken, sausages, and vegetables. The Premium ticket adds a Premium Open Bar with cocktails like mojitos, bellinis, and caipiroskas, along with unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks.

The paella served on board is a highlight, with reviews praising its flavorful, freshly cooked seafood or vegetarian options. The Barbecue features juicy meats and vegetables, satisfying even the heartiest appetites. Many travelers, like Amy, noted how much they enjoyed the paella and cocktails, calling the experience “fun, relaxing, and well-organized.”

Return & Atmosphere
As the day winds down, the boat heads back to Ibiza. The lively music, the sunset views, and the shared stories make for a convivial atmosphere. Travelers frequently mention the friendly guides, especially Angie and Antonella, who go above and beyond in providing attentive service and making everyone feel welcome.

What the Tour Includes & What to Consider

Included:
– Full-day 10-hour trip with a luxurious boat, guided exploration, water sports, and food & drinks.
– Visit to Ses Illetes and Espalmador with swim stops.
– 5-hour free time on Formentera to explore or relax.
– Ticket options tailored to different preferences, from basic to premium.

Not Included:
– Optional rentals like scooters or bikes for exploring Formentera.
– VIP beds on the boat (starting from 100 euros, depending on availability).
– Extra snacks or meals outside those included, and any additional personal expenses.

Practical Tips:
– Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a passport or ID.
– Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking on the island.
– Book your ticket in advance, with the option to reserve and pay later.
– Expect a long day; some travelers find it tiring but worth it for the variety of experiences.

Authentic Traveler Feedback & Insights

The tour’s high rating is supported by enthusiastic reviews. Many travelers appreciated the knowledgeable guides, with comments like “Alex provided great service” and “Angie was very helpful, attentive & sweet.” The water sports are frequently praised, with many mentioning snorkeling and paddleboarding as highlights.

Food quality also receives positive remarks, especially the paella and barbecue, which many find to be delicious and satisfying after a day in the sun. The open bar options, especially in the Premium package, are a hit — with guests boasting about the best mojito and excellent cocktail choices.

A common theme in reviews is the friendly, lively atmosphere on board, driven by good music and attentive staff. Several mention the beautiful beaches and the chance to explore Formentera’s unspoiled nature, making the trip feel both adventurous and relaxing.

Some minor drawbacks include limited seat availability at the start, and the fact that VIP beds are extra and subject to availability, which could be a consideration for those wanting a more luxurious lounging spot. A few guests noted that food ran out quickly during the lunch service, so arriving early or choosing tickets with meals included may improve the experience.

The Sum Up

This Ibiza-Formentera trip strikes a remarkable balance between luxury, adventure, and exploration. For travelers who want a full day of sailing with top-notch amenities, stunning beaches, and water sports, it offers a solid value. The flexible ticket options mean you can tailor your experience from a basic cruise to a gourmet feast with premium drinks.

The emphasis on authentic beach visits, combined with friendly guides and lively atmosphere, makes it a good choice for couples, groups, or families who want to enjoy the best of Ibiza’s coast and Formentera’s natural beauty without fuss. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate excellent service, good food, and a mix of relaxation and activity.

If you’re after a well-organized, fun-filled day in the Balearic Islands that covers scenic views, delicious meals, and water adventures, this trip could be your perfect escape.

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FAQ

What time does the tour start and end?
The trip begins at 9:00 am and returns around 7:15 pm, offering a full 10 hours of sailing, exploration, and fun.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a photo ID are essential. Comfortable shoes for exploring Formentera are also recommended.

Are water sports included?
Yes, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and seabobs are included at the swim stops, adding a playful element to the day.

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

Is food included?
Depending on your ticket choice, yes. The Premium ticket offers a gourmet paella, barbecue, and breakfast, while standard tickets include breakfast only.

Are drinks unlimited?
With the Premium ticket, yes — including cocktails, wine, beer, and soft drinks. Standard tickets offer a more limited open bar.

Is this suitable for families?
Yes, especially for families with older children who can enjoy water sports and walking around the islands. The long day might be tiring for very young kids.

What if I want VIP beds?
VIP beds are available on a first-come, first-served basis for starting at 100 euros, depending on availability. It’s best to reserve ahead if that’s important.

Embark on this lively and scenic cruise, and you’re sure to return with fantastic memories of Ibiza’s coast and Formentera’s beaches, all wrapped in a comfortable, fun package.

You can check availability for your dates here: