Ibiza: Boat Trip to Formentera with Open Bar and Paella

The best part of this 10-hour catamaran trip is the generous five-hour stop in Formentera. You are not rushed from beach to beach. After the boat visits S’Espalmador and Ses Illetes, you have time to explore the island on your own, rent a bike or scooter, or simply settle by the water.

I like the combination of fresh paella and an open bar with real time off the boat. I also like the water toys, especially the slide and paddleboards. The crew, including hosts such as Alex, Sophie, Sofia, and Gustavo, receives frequent praise for being warm and energetic.

The main drawback is comfort in strong sun and wind. The upper deck can get crowded, shaded seating is limited, and the ride may feel choppy. If you get motion sickness, this is not the right day trip for you.

Key points to know before you book

• Five hours in Formentera: The long island stop gives you useful free time instead of a quick photo visit.
• Three beautiful water stops: See S’Espalmador, Ses Illetes, and the open Mediterranean from a large catamaran.
• Food is part of the value: Breakfast, fruit, pastries, paella, aioli bread, and drinks are included.
• Water fun is built in: Use the slide, paddleboards, snorkeling masks, and, when available, the seabob.
• A social boat, not a quiet ferry: Music, live performers, shared sunbeds, and an open bar create an upbeat atmosphere.
• The $102 price needs careful reading: It covers a full day and much of your food and drink, but island rentals and VIP beds cost extra.

A full day from Ibiza to Formentera

This is not simply a ferry ride with a short stop in Formentera. It is a day built around the catamaran itself, with food, swimming, music, and several hours on the island.

The boat departs from Happiness Beach Ibiza. You should arrive at least 30 minutes early for check-in and keep your digital or printed ticket ready. A hostess gives you a silver wristband, which identifies your standard entry.

The catamaran is large, about 25 meters long and 9 meters wide. That gives you more room than a basic passenger ferry, though space still depends on how busy the departure is. Common seating areas are included, while 14 Balinese beds on the upper deck cost €60 each and can be purchased only onboard. Champagne is included with those beds.

I would not pay extra automatically. The shared areas are enough for many people, and the bed fee makes more sense if you want a fixed place to lounge for much of the day. Keep in mind that the boat’s appearance and seating arrangement can change from season to season.

Breakfast as the boat leaves Ibiza

The first part of the morning is easygoing. You receive a welcome cocktail, then breakfast with tropical fruit, packaged pastries, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and juices.

This is a light breakfast, not a full Spanish meal. Ham, cheese, Spanish omelet, and avocado are not included. If you need a substantial meal early in the day, eat before boarding or bring your expectations down to coffee, fruit, and pastries.

As the catamaran gets underway, you have views of the Balearic Sea and time to settle in. The boat’s sound system provides music, so this is not designed as a silent nature cruise. You can sit in the sun, find shade below, or use the lower main room, which offers a cooler place to rest and eat.

Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel. The wind can make the morning feel cooler than expected, even in sunny weather, so a light extra layer is sensible.

S’Espalmador, a shoreline stop with clear water

The first major stop is S’Espalmador, a small island close to Formentera. The visit includes time to walk along the shoreline, take photographs, and swim or snorkel near the boat.

This stop is less about a long land visit and more about seeing a quiet, unbuilt stretch of the island from the water. You can use the snorkeling masks, paddleboards, and other equipment at the crew’s discretion. The masks are provided without tubes for hygiene reasons.

S’Espalmador is a good early chance to get into the sea before lunch. If you prefer staying dry, the shoreline and open views still make the stop worthwhile. The captain can change the route or cancel water activities if conditions turn poor. That may disappoint you, but it is the sensible call when wind or waves make swimming unsafe.

The kayak has a specific limitation: it is reserved for families with children and people with reduced mobility. Do not assume it is available to every person onboard. The seabob is offered from late May or June through September, depending on the stated seasonal schedule.

Ses Illetes and the famous Formentera water

The boat then reaches Playa de Ses Illetes, one of Formentera’s best-known beaches. It is famous for pale sand and clear water, and it is often listed among the world’s most beautiful beaches.

The excursion gives you time to swim, snorkel, use a paddleboard, and enjoy an aperitif or beer. Paella is also served around this part of the day, with mixed, seafood, or vegetarian choices. If you want vegetarian paella, request it when booking rather than hoping to change your meal at the last minute.

The meal includes aioli bread, and fresh fruit is served as part of the food offering. The captain prepares the paella, which adds a personal touch to the meal and helps explain why the food gets such strong praise. The Gold ticket adds a barbecue with hamburgers, chicken breast, German sausage, loin, and vegetables.

The food is a useful part of the price, but do not picture a restaurant lunch with table service. This is a boat meal, served in a sunny and social setting. Seating can be tight, especially on the roof, so anyone needing shade or extra room should head downstairs early.

Five hours to make Formentera your own

The longest stop is the most important feature of the trip. You get about five hours in Formentera with no fixed sightseeing program.

That gives you several ways to spend the afternoon:

• Walk around and find your own swimming spot.
• Rent a bike or scooter, at your own cost.
• Have a longer beach break.
• Explore at an unhurried pace before returning to the boat.

The tour does not include bike or scooter rental, so budget for that separately if you want to cover more ground. The free time is valuable because Formentera is much more enjoyable when you are not watching the clock every 20 minutes.

At the same time, five hours can feel long if you have no plan and do not want to pay for transport. Bring enough sunscreen and water for your time ashore, and decide in advance whether you want a beach day or a short island outing.

This stop also separates the experience from a simple party cruise. You can enjoy the boat’s music and drinks, but you also get a proper break on land. That balance suits people who want a relaxed island day without giving up the fun of a catamaran.

Food, drinks, and the Gold ticket choice

The standard food and drink package is generous for a day at sea. You receive:

• A welcome cocktail
• Breakfast with fruit, pastries, hot drinks, and juices
• Paella with seafood, vegetables, or mixed ingredients
• Aioli bread
• An open bar with beer, sangria, soft drinks, juices, and water

The open bar applies while you are on the boat. It does not mean every drink sold in every setting is included. Wine and cocktails outside the listed offering cost extra.

The Gold ticket adds the mixed-meat barbecue and vegetables. That option makes sense if you want a larger lunch or prefer grilled food to paella. If paella is enough for you, the standard package already covers the main meal.

The strong point here is convenience. At $102 per person, you are paying for a full day, two meals or food services, drinks onboard, access to water equipment, and the boat ride between Ibiza and Formentera. If you would otherwise pay separately for a ferry, lunch, drinks, and a beach activity, the price can be fair.

The weak point is that the final cost can rise. Add a bike or scooter, a VIP bed, extra drinks, or other purchases, and the original price no longer tells the whole story.

The boat atmosphere and the return to Ibiza

This catamaran has a party-friendly feel, though the day is not limited to partying. The Martin Audio sound system provides music while you sail, and the return trip includes a DJ, saxophonists, or electronic violinists.

The sunset return is meant to be the lively part of the ride. If you want to dance, the music gives you that chance. If you want a quiet crossing, choose the lower main room or a less crowded corner, though the sound will still be part of the setting.

The crew is central to the mood. Alex is repeatedly singled out for making the day enjoyable, while Sophie, Sofia, Gustavo, Flo, and Pepe are also praised for friendly service and high energy. That matters on a long excursion. A 10-hour day can drag if the staff feels distant, but an attentive crew helps keep meals, drinks, and activities moving.

The boat can also be windy and choppy. One practical tip is to carry a towel and a light layer even on a hot day. The upper deck is exposed, and the combination of sun, wind, and spray can become tiring.

Comfort, crowds, and who will enjoy this most

You should choose this trip if you like a social boat day and want several activities packed into one outing. It suits couples, groups of friends, families, and solo visitors who are comfortable sharing space and meeting people.

It is less suitable if you want a quiet private charter, a carefully guided tour of Formentera, or guaranteed shaded seating. Shared sunbeds and open deck areas are part of the experience. The VIP beds provide more comfort, but they cost extra and are not reserved as part of the standard ticket.

The experience is wheelchair accessible, but you should still consider the practical layout of a boat, beaches, and shore access. The provided information confirms accessibility, but it does not describe every transfer point or surface at each stop.

Parking near the harbor can also take time. Allow more than the bare 30-minute check-in window if you are driving, since finding a long-stay space may be difficult. One practical solution reported for the departure area was parking near Mercat Nou, about 800 meters away, but parking conditions can change.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Departure times vary, so check the current schedule before planning the rest of your Ibiza day.

Is this $102 Formentera boat trip worth it?

I would book this tour if you want a full, active day with five hours of independent time in Formentera. The long island stop, paella, open bar, water equipment, and return music make the price reasonable for someone who plans to use most of what is included.

I would skip it if you dislike crowds, boat motion, loud music, or open-deck sun. You should also choose another option if your main goal is a quiet, private visit to Formentera with a fixed shaded seat.

For the best experience, arrive early, bring sun protection and a light layer, choose your paella preference when booking, and plan how you will spend the five hours ashore. If you treat it as a lively Mediterranean day rather than a luxury yacht charter, this is a well-rounded way to see Formentera from Ibiza.

FAQ

How long does the Ibiza to Formentera boat trip last?

The full experience lasts about 10 hours. The schedule includes the boat ride from Ibiza, stops at S’Espalmador and Ses Illetes, about five hours of free time in Formentera, and the return trip.

What is included in the open bar?

The open bar includes beer, sangria, soft drinks, juices, and water while you are on the boat. Wine and cocktails are not included unless purchased separately.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The standard experience includes Mediterranean paella with seafood, mixed, or vegetarian options, plus aioli bread. Fresh fruit is also included. Request vegetarian paella when booking.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. Breakfast includes tropical fruit, packaged pastries, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and juices. Ham, cheese, Spanish omelet, and avocado are not included.

Can I use the water sports equipment?

You can use paddleboards and snorkeling masks, subject to the crew’s discretion. The slide is also available. The kayak is reserved for families with children and people with reduced mobility. Seabobs are available seasonally from late May or June through September, as stated for the activity.

Are the VIP beds included?

No. The 14 Balinese beds cost €60 each and can be purchased only onboard. Champagne is included with the bed. Common areas are available at no additional charge.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. The available information does not provide detailed access conditions for every shore stop.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The captain may alter the route or cancel water activities if weather conditions are unsafe. Advertised times can also change slightly because of weather or other unexpected conditions.