Formentera by catamaran is a different kind of day, with big sailing views and a plan built around swim stops and food. I love the open bar keeping beer and sangria flowing while you’re out at sea, and I love the Ses Illetes beach stop paired with real snorkeling time. One possible drawback: the ride can get choppy and windy, so pack a layer for the return.

You’ll start at Happiness Beach Ibiza, then settle into a modern 25-meter catamaran with plenty of spots to relax, plus a boat slide and water toys. I also like that the schedule gives you a true break on Formentera—5 hours to go off on your own, not just a quick photo stop.

If you tend to get motion sickness, be careful—this trip is not built for sensitive stomachs. That said, if you’re okay with a few rougher moments, it’s a fun mix of sea time, beach time, and actual island freedom.

Key Highlights That Matter On This Day Trip

• Open bar plus breakfast and paella: you’re fed like it’s a full outing, not a snack run.
• Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador are the core stops: photogenic coastlines with swim-and-snorkel time.
• Water gear is built into the plan: paddleboards, snorkeling masks, and seasonal seabob access.
• 5 hours of independent Formentera time: enough hours to wander, beach hop, or just slow down.
• Live music on the way back: DJ or sax/e-violin vibes while the sun drops behind the islands.

Ibiza to Formentera by Catamaran: What Makes This Day Work

This is the kind of full-day trip where you’re not just looking at postcards from the shore. You’re out on the water for the views, then you get to actually use the sea—snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and that satisfying boat slide experience.

I like the rhythm: one segment focused on sailing and food, another centered on beach-and-water fun, and then a real block of time on Formentera where you call the shots. That balance is exactly why this kind of tour tends to feel satisfying instead of rushed.

The vibe also reads as more holiday-day than party-night. With onboard music later in the day and a crew that keeps things moving, you get energy without the chaos.

The Catamaran Setup: Slide, Space, and a Shaded Main Room

The boat is a two-deck catamaran—25 meters long and 9 meters wide—with plenty of room to spread out. There are common areas where you can relax without paying extra, and the lower deck has a cooler, shaded area known as the Main Room.

There’s also a boat slide, which is a big deal when the sea is calm enough for everyone to enjoy it. Even if you’re not the daring type, it’s the kind of shared moment that makes the group laugh and relax.

If you want a more comfortable cruising experience, there are Balinese beds you can buy onboard (14 available), but they cost extra and require an onboard purchase. One practical tip: if you’re sensitive to sun, plan to rotate between shaded areas and open-deck lounging.

Getting Fed and Fizzed: Breakfast, Welcome Cocktail, and the Open Bar

The food plan is part of the value here. You get a welcome cocktail on boarding, then breakfast with tropical fruits, assorted packed pastries, coffee, tea, and juices. After that, lunch is where the real payoff comes in.

Open bar runs while you’re on the boat, with beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water. It’s not described as wine-and-cocktail open season, so if you want specific premium drinks, you should expect to pay extra.

In practice, this is a great setup for travelers who hate the “what do we eat?” scramble on a day trip. You can keep your head clear, stay hydrated, and focus on the water and the stops.

Stop at S’Espalmador: Shoreline Walk and Marine Life Time

S’Espalmador is where the trip starts to feel like a nature outing. You’ll have a photo stop and you can walk along the shoreline, plus enjoy an aperitif and beer while you’re there.

This island is also built into the snorkeling and wildlife vibe. The schedule includes swimming and snorkeling, along with time for marine life viewing and stand-up paddleboarding.

A key note: water activities depend on staff discretion, and the captain can adjust the route or pause activities for safety if weather turns rough. If you’re hoping for every single water toy, keep expectations flexible when seas look choppy.

Ses Illetes Beach Break: The Big Swim Stop and Your Lunch Moment

Ses Illetes is one of the headline stops for a reason: it’s one of the most famous beach areas in the Formentera lineup. You get a dedicated visit here, with an aperitif and beer tied into the time at the beach, plus lunch.

Lunch is Mediterranean paella in different options—seafood, vegetarian, or mixed—with aioli bread. You also get time to swim, snorkel, kayak, and use stand-up paddleboards during the Ses Illetes block.

One reality check: the ride can get windy, and beach time can mean sudden sun exposure. If you run hot, you’re fine. If you run cold easily at sea, bring a light layer so you’re not shivering once you’re out of the shade.

Water Sports: What’s Included, What’s Seasonal, and What’s Limited

This trip does a good job building water activities into the day rather than treating them as an optional add-on.

Here’s what’s specifically included:

• Snorkeling masks (without the tube, for hygienic reasons)
• Paddleboards
• Kayak, but only at staff discretion, and only for families with kids and people with reduced mobility
• Seabob, but it’s seasonal (available from June through September)

So, you can expect plenty of sea toys, but not every toy is guaranteed for every participant. If seabob is a must for you, plan around the season and go early in the activity window when staff start equipment rotation.

Also, kayaking access is intentionally limited, so don’t be surprised if it’s not available to everyone at once. The best mindset is: choose the activity you can do confidently, then add a second water thing if you’re offered it.

Formentera on Your Own: How to Use the 5 Hours

The best part for many people is the freedom. You get 5 hours in Formentera to explore your own way, not just stand around for photos.

This block is long enough to do at least one of these:

• Find a beach spot to actually hang out in
• Walk the main areas and soak up the island pace
• Use hop-on hop-off access to reposition without stress

A smart move is to do your “must-see” earlier in the free-time window, then slow down. Formentera works when you’re not rushing between stops.

And because you’re already on a boat day, don’t pack your schedule like a city break. Your goal here is easy time, sun time, and water time—then head back before you run out of energy.

Paella and BBQ: How the Lunch Options Work

Paella is included, and you can choose mixed, vegetarian, or seafood. If you want vegetarian paella, you must book the vegetarian option ahead of time.

That planning detail matters. If you show up expecting a vegetarian meal but didn’t select it, you might end up with a less-than-ideal substitute or a delay while staff sorts it out. So if your diet has to be specific, treat the paella choice as a real booking step.

There’s also a Gold Ticket option that adds an exclusive barbecue for Gold customers. That BBQ includes a mixed selection of meats—hamburgers, loin, chicken breast, German sausages—plus vegetables. If you’re choosing Gold, you’re basically upgrading from “nice paella lunch” to “two-meal day energy.”

Live Music on the Return: The Mood Shift on Deck

The return trip is when the onboard mood ramps up. Music is part of the plan while you cruise back, with options including a DJ, saxophonists, or electronic violinists.

Even if you’re not a nightlife person, it changes the tone from “daytime logistics” to “feel-good vacation.” It’s also a nice anchor for the group—people tend to mingle more when there’s a sound track instead of just quiet sunbathing.

If you like quiet time, you can still find it. The boat has shaded and open areas, so you can step away from the loudest spots without leaving the experience.

Who This Trip Suits (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour fits best if you want:

• A full-day mix of sailing, beach stops, and real time on Formentera
• Onboard food and an open bar so you don’t micromanage meals
• Water activities that are built into the schedule

It’s not a great match if you:

• Get motion sickness easily (this trip is not suitable for that)
• Want guaranteed access to every water toy (kayak and seabob can be limited by staff rules and season)

It can also run cooler in windier moments at sea. If you get chilled fast, pack accordingly.

Price and Value: Is $102 a Good Deal?

At about $102 per person for a 10-hour day, you’re paying for more than transport. You’re getting breakfast, welcome cocktail, paella lunch, and a real open bar onboard. You’re also paying for multiple stops (S’Espalmador and Ses Illetes) plus 5 hours of Formentera time.

That’s why the price can feel fair: the tour handles the big cost centers for you—boat time, meals, and the main beach logistics. If you tried to recreate this on your own, you’d still spend on boat transport and then layer on food and gear.

The main cost trap is extras. Balinese beds are extra onboard. And if you’re aiming for the Gold Ticket BBQ, that’s an additional upgrade. Still, the standard day already includes the core “sea + beach + food” structure.

Before You Go: What to Pack and Simple Day-Proofing Tips

Bring:

• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• A sun hat
• A towel
• Beachwear

And add one more smart item: a light layer for wind. Multiple parts of the trip can feel cold once you’re out on open water, even if the beach looks sunny.

Also, arrive 30 minutes early at Happiness Beach Ibiza. The team checks you in and gives you an identification band so you can board smoothly. If you roll in late, you risk missing part of the setup window.

Should You Book This Ibiza to Formentera Boat Trip?

I’d book it if you want a straightforward day that covers the highlights: sailing out of Ibiza, two major Formentera stops (Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador), onboard food and drinks, and then a genuine 5-hour window to explore the island yourself.

Skip or rethink it if you’re motion-sickness prone or you hate boats that can get windy and choppy. Also, if you have very specific expectations about where you’ll sit for meals or how much sun protection you’ll have, choose your plans with flexibility in mind.

If you’re the type who loves sea time and wants Formentera without doing logistics gymnastics, this one is a solid pick.

FAQ

How long is the Ibiza to Formentera boat trip?

It runs for 10 hours. Starting times vary, so you’ll want to check availability for the departure schedule on your travel date.

What is included in the open bar?

The open bar includes beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water while you’re on the boat.

Is paella included, and what options are there?

Yes. Lunch includes Mediterranean paella with options for mixed, vegetarian, or seafood, plus aioli bread.

Do I need to request vegetarian paella in advance?

Yes. If you want vegetarian paella, you must book the vegetarian option when you reserve.

How much free time do I get on Formentera?

You get 5 hours of free time in Formentera to explore on your own.

What water sports are available on the trip?

Snorkeling masks are included. Paddleboards are available, and kayaking and seabob are subject to staff discretion and conditions. Seabob is available from June through September, and seabobs are available seasonally starting end of May.

Is the trip suitable for people with motion sickness?

No. It’s not suitable for people with motion sickness.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.