Ibiza: Tour of the island of Ibiza and swimming in Formentera

Ibiza: Tour of the island of Ibiza and swimming in Formentera offers a fascinating way to see the Balearic Islands without the hassle of driving or planning multiple excursions. For $187 per person, this full-day boat trip takes you around Ibiza’s coast, with a focus on Formentera’s pristine beaches and iconic sights like Es Vedrà. The tour departs from Playa d’En Bossa or Figueretes, making it accessible whether you’re staying in lively Ibiza Town or the beachside resorts.

What we love most about this experience is how it combines leisure and discovery—you’ll enjoy crystal-clear waters, a delicious onboard lunch, and ample time to explore at your own pace. The boat itself is spacious, with plenty of room for relaxing, and the crew is friendly and attentive, making the whole day feel smooth and enjoyable.

One possible consideration is the timing for swimming in Formentera, which, according to reviews, sometimes feels a bit late in the day, especially if you’re eager to spend longer in the beautiful bays of Formentera. Also, a few travelers mention that the food options could be more varied and the comfort level improved, especially given the 10-hour duration. This tour suits travelers who love being on the water, enjoy scenic views, and want a balanced mix of guided highlights and free time to explore at their own pace.

Key Points

• Comprehensive island experience: A full day exploring Ibiza’s coast and Formentera
• Beautiful swimming spots: Free time for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding
• Stunning views: Iconic sights like Es Vedrà and pristine beaches
• Generous meal and drink options: Includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks
• Group size and comfort: Spacious boat, but some reviews suggest room for improvement
• Flexible booking and cancellation: Reserve now, pay later, with a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overall Look at the Tour

This boat tour is a practical way to see Ibiza’s highlights while enjoying the comforts of a day on the water. It’s especially appealing for those who want to avoid the hassle of navigating islands on their own or fitting multiple excursions into a single day. For $187, you get a full-day itinerary that balances sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing—with plenty of opportunities to take photos, enjoy the sun, and sample some of the best of what the islands have to offer.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour begins at Pontoon next to the commercial docks in Botafoch, just before the ferry terminal. You’ll embark around 8:30 am, setting off on a 1-hour cruise along the coast, heading toward the nearby island of Formentera. This stretch offers a chance to get comfortable on the boat, enjoy drinks, and take in the views.

First stop: Es Trocadors beach at 12:00 pm. This scenic spot is between Espalmador and Illetas and is often praised for its white sand and crystal-clear waters. Here, you’ll have around 3 hours of free time, giving you plenty of opportunity to swim, sunbathe, or rent paddleboards and snorkel gear. Several reviews highlight how stunning this beach is, with travelers like Alessandra saying, “The boat was well-equipped and the crew was super friendly and helpful.”

The timing of the swim segment can be a little tight for some, as it comes right before the afternoon exploration. A few guests expressed disappointment about the swim coming late in the day, limiting their time to relax or fully enjoy the bays of Formentera.

After the beach, you’ll jump back on the boat at 3:30 pm, then disembark again around 4:00 pm for a second round of free exploration on the island—this gives you about 3 hours to wander, shop, or revisit favorite spots. Some travelers mentioned that this part of the tour was a highlight, giving them a more personal look at Formentera’s charm.

Your return trip to Ibiza leaves at 7:00 pm, arriving back at the meeting point around sunset—ideal for capturing the island’s famous magical sunsets. The entire day balances guided moments and free time, which gives flexibility for individual interests.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides drinks, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which on paper sounds generous. Many travelers appreciated the abundance of drinks and the friendly crew serving them. However, some found the food options a little basic—picnic-style snacks, paella for lunch, and hot dogs in the evening. Reviewers like Nicole pointed out that “the food could be much better,” especially for a nearly 12-hour day.

Snorkeling gear is available, and many guests enjoyed exploring underwater with provided goggles and tubes. It adds a fun layer to the trip, especially if you love snorkeling or just want to paddle around in shallow waters.

Not included are sunscreen and towels, so you’ll want to bring your own. The boat’s large size means you’ll have plenty of space, but some reviewers noted that comfort could be improved, as only a few berths are available and others had to sit on benches or the floor, especially during the long hours.

The Experience on the Water

Sailing along Ibiza’s coastline, you’ll love the views of es Vedrà, a magnetic rock formation often called “magical” for its mystique. Many guests comment how the sight of this island is a highlight, with one review calling it “one of the most magical islands in the world.” You might find yourself snapping countless photos of the rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and shimmering waters.

The boat itself is well-regarded for being spacious and suitable for families or groups. The crew, often described as friendly and helpful, adds to the relaxing vibe—serving drinks, helping with paddleboard rentals, and sharing interesting tidbits about the islands.

Some reviews mention that the group size can be a concern, with the boat sometimes feeling crowded, especially during peak seasons. This could impact your comfort during the long hours, especially if you’re seeking a more tranquil experience.

The music onboard adds to the lively atmosphere, making the journey feel festive. For those who enjoy socializing or simply relaxing with good background tunes, this detail elevates the overall experience.

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Authentic Beaches and Hidden Corners

What makes this boat tour especially appealing, according to many reviews, is the chance to visit some of the most beautiful beaches and bays that are often difficult to access otherwise. The first stop at Es Trocadors is praised for its white sands and turquoise waters, but many guests also appreciate the opportunity to swim in less crowded, pristine spots in Formentera.

Given the feedback, you’ll want to make the most of your free time by bringing your own towel and snacks if you prefer a more comfortable or personalized experience. While the onboard food is ample, some found it lacking in variety or freshness, especially after many hours on the water.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This excursion is best suited for travelers who love being on the water and want to see both Ibiza and Formentera in a single day. If you’re someone who values scenic views, swimming, and a lively atmosphere, this trip offers a good balance. It’s also ideal if you prefer guided tours with free time—a good mix for those who want to explore independently but also enjoy the convenience of a structured schedule.

However, if you’re sensitive to comfort or food quality or prefer a more tranquil, less crowded environment, you might want to consider whether the current setup meets your expectations. The review comments about limited berths and late swimming are worth considering.

Final Thoughts

This boat tour provides a well-rounded and lively way to discover Ibiza’s coast and Formentera’s stunning beaches. The value comes from the combination of sightseeing, swimming, and good food, along with the chance to see iconic sights like Es Vedrà up close. Many travelers leave delighted, especially with the friendly crew, beautiful scenery, and relaxed vibe.

If your priority is to experience Ibiza’s natural beauty without the hassle of driving or organizing multiple excursions, this trip fits the bill. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy a social atmosphere and are comfortable with basic amenities and a busy schedule.

Just be prepared for the long day, and pack accordingly—bring your towel, sunscreen, and perhaps some snacks to supplement the meal options. The experience is a solid choice for families, couples, or groups eager to see the islands from a different perspective, with enough free time to explore or simply relax.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, many families have enjoyed the trip. Just note that the long hours and limited berths might require some planning to keep kids comfortable.

What is the price of the tour?
It costs $187 per person, which covers most meals, drinks, and activities like snorkeling.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, towels, and perhaps a hat or sunglasses. Some reviews suggest bringing extra snacks, as the onboard food options are basic.

How long is the overall trip?
The total duration is approximately 12 hours, including traveling, stops, and free time.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the boat comfortable?
The boat is spacious, but some reviews mention that seating comfort could be better, especially during the longer hours.

Are there vegetarian options available?
The tour offers vegetarian options from a can, but the general menu is quite simple.

When is the best time to take this tour?
The tour operates during the day, and the sunset on the return adds a magical touch, ideal for the late afternoon.

Will I see Es Vedrà?
Absolutely, the iconic Es Vedrà is a highlight, often praised for its mystical presence.

Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes, snorkeling gear is available, and many guests enjoy exploring the underwater scenery.

This detailed review aims to help you decide if this boat trip aligns with your travel style. It balances scenic beauty, authentic experiences, and practical considerations—making it a solid choice for exploring Ibiza and Formentera in one memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: