Ibiza: Crystal Waters Formentera, Open Bar and Buffet Lunch

Formentera is best seen from the water, and this full-day outing gives you a generous helping of that view. You’ll pass the west coast cliffs and lighthouse at Cap de Barbaria, stop twice for swimming in clear open water, then finish with free time around La Savina. The boat ride is the main event, not just a transfer to the island.

I like the easy all-in-one format: lunch and drinks are included, and the friendly crew keeps the day moving. I also like the two swimming stops, especially if you want sea time without arranging a separate boat charter. The main caution is that you do not go ashore at Cala Saona or Illetas. Both swims happen from the boat, and the route can change with sea conditions.

Key points at a glance

• Two open-water swim stops: Swim from the boat near Cala Saona and Illetas, using snorkeling equipment and swimming noodles.
• A west-coast cruise: See Formentera’s cliffs and Cap de Barbaria lighthouse from the sea.
• Lunch on board: A buffet meal is served during the midday portion of the trip.
• Drinks included: Water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria are available through the stated service period.
• Free time in La Savina: Walk around the port town, visit the lighthouse area, or relax near the water.
• Good family appeal: The spacious boat, gentle format, and swimming stops suit families as well as groups of friends.

What this Formentera boat day is really like

This is a boat-centered Formentera excursion, with roughly four hours devoted to the main cruise, meals, swimming, and island time. The rest of the day is transfer time between Ibiza and Formentera, so do not expect a full day spent walking around the island.

You board at one of the Sea Experience Ibiza departure points, including Figueretas. From there, the boat heads toward Formentera. The early part includes ferry-style transfers and boarding stops, so the trip does not begin with an immediate swim or sightseeing cruise. Once the boat reaches Formentera, the pace becomes more scenic and relaxed.

The boat is described as spacious and comfortable, with upper and lower seating. If you want a place on the upper deck for sunbathing, arrive early. The pickup at Playa d’en Bossa is the second stop, and some of the best upper-deck spaces may already be taken by then. Covered lower-deck seating is useful if you prefer shade or need a break from the sun.

This is not presented as a quiet sailing trip. It has a social holiday feel, with music, drinks, families, and groups of friends sharing the boat. Still, it is not strictly a party boat. Families with children as young as four have found the format manageable, and the crew is known for being friendly and helpful.

The west coast and Cap de Barbaria

The most scenic section comes as you cruise along Formentera’s west coast. From the water, the island’s cliffs give you a different view than a road trip or beach visit. You pass toward Cap de Barbaria, marked by its famous lighthouse, while the guide provides commentary in Spanish and English.

This part is ideal for taking photographs, though the exact route depends on the sea. The captain can alter the course without notice if conditions require it. That is a sensible safety rule, but it means you should treat the advertised sights as planned highlights rather than guarantees.

The route also includes scenic sailing near coastal rock formations and caves. The view is the reason to choose this trip over a basic ferry crossing. You are not simply being delivered to Formentera. You are spending time beside the island, with the boat giving you broad views of the cliffs and water.

The drawback is that the itinerary can feel less focused than a dedicated sightseeing cruise. One passenger found the route did not include as many obvious attraction points as expected. If you want a guide-led tour of Formentera’s villages, history, and inland roads, this is not the right choice. The commentary is part of the boat day, but the experience is built around swimming, food, views, and leisure.

Cala Saona: your first swim from the boat

After the west-coast sailing, the boat returns toward the Cala Saona zone and drops anchor in a safe area offshore. This is the first major swim stop, lasting about 50 minutes in the planned schedule.

You can enter the water directly from the boat and use the supplied snorkeling gear and swimming noodles. The water is clear enough for looking below the surface, and the stop gives you a chance to see fish without paying extra for a separate activity.

Set your expectations correctly: you do not walk onto Cala Saona Beach. The boat remains in the sea, and swimming takes place around the anchored vessel. This matters if you imagined a beach visit, a shore walk, or time on the sand. It is also worth keeping in mind if anyone in your group is not a confident swimmer.

The swimming stop is one of the strongest parts of the day for people who want active time rather than nonstop sightseeing. You can swim, use the floating noodles, take photographs from the boat, or remain on deck with a drink. You are not forced into the water.

Buffet lunch and the open bar

Lunch is served on board during the midday part of the outing. The buffet is included in the price, along with water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria. Coffee is also listed among the food and drink service during the Cala Saona portion.

The meal is practical rather than a reason to book the trip by itself. Some people have found it tasty and welcome after swimming, while another found the food poor. I would treat lunch as a useful convenience that keeps the day moving, not as a restaurant-quality meal.

The buffet setup can create a short scramble, especially when everyone is hungry after the first swim. Move toward the serving area promptly when lunch opens, then find a seat and settle in. The food is served on the boat, so you do not lose time looking for a restaurant or waiting for a table on Formentera.

The open bar adds real value to a warm day at sea, especially if you would otherwise buy drinks separately. The stated service runs until 4 PM. However, the exact timing may not feel continuous during every stage of the trip. The bar may not open immediately while regular ferry passengers are still leaving the boat, and service on the return journey has been reported as limited. If drinks are important to you, ask the crew when service begins rather than assuming it runs from the first minute to the last.

At the listed price of $93 per person, the combination of transport, boat sightseeing, lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and two swim stops makes the package reasonably good value. It works best for you if you plan to use several inclusions. If you only want to reach Formentera and spend the day on land, a simpler ferry may suit you better.

Illetas and the second swim

After lunch, the boat continues toward the Illetas zone, one of Formentera’s best-known coastal areas. The scheduled stop lasts about 40 minutes and includes more time for swimming, photographs, and views from the boat.

Again, this is an open-water stop, not a beach landing. You remain near the boat and swim from the anchored vessel. The water is known for clear visibility, and the stop is a good chance to use the snorkeling equipment again.

The second stop is useful because it breaks up the day. You are not expected to sit in the same position for hours while the boat circles the island. You get another chance to swim, cool off, and see the coast from sea level.

For families, check that children are comfortable with a boat entry and exit before booking. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the open-water format requires some physical confidence. Bring a towel, swimwear, and sunscreen, and keep your belongings secure while you are in the water.

La Savina gives you a short taste of land

The final Formentera stop is La Savina, the island’s port town. You get about 30 minutes of free time, enough for a short walk, photographs, or a pause near the water. You can look around the port, see the lighthouse area, or simply enjoy being on land after several hours aboard.

This is a brief orientation stop, not a full island visit. Thirty minutes is not enough for a long walk, a distant attraction, or an unhurried beach outing. Stay close to the port and keep track of the boarding time.

The stop does, however, provide a useful change of scene. After the cliffs and swimming areas, La Savina lets you get your bearings on Formentera itself. If this is your first visit, you will see enough to decide if you want to return for a longer, land-based day.

The boat then returns to Ibiza. The operator has three boats, so your return vessel may not be the same one used in the morning. Look for the Sea Experience logo and follow the crew’s instructions carefully, especially if several boats are in the port.

Timing, meeting points, and practical details

The total outing is sold as a one-day experience, but the central cruise program runs approximately from noon to 4 PM. The remaining time covers transfers to and from Formentera. This distinction helps you plan the day: you are not getting four hours of continuous sailing, nor are you spending all day ashore.

There are two listed starting and ending options connected with Sea Experience Ibiza, including Figueretas. Your exact meeting point depends on the option you choose. If you are driving, allow time to deal with parking around Figueretas. Finding a space can be difficult, and a local guide may direct you to reposition the car.

Seasonal return times vary. From September 29 to October 25, returns are listed at 4 PM and 6 PM. From October 26 to October 29, returns are listed at 4 PM and 5 PM. Check the available departure and return choices for your date before making evening plans.

The activity is offered in Spanish and English, and a live guide provides commentary. Sea conditions can alter the route, so keep your schedule flexible. This is particularly important if you have a flight, dinner reservation, or another timed activity in Ibiza.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those policies are helpful if your plans are still shifting, but they do not remove the need to check the sea forecast and meeting instructions.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a simple, social way to combine Formentera and a boat day. It suits couples, families, and groups of friends who want views, swimming, lunch, and drinks without organizing each piece separately.

It is especially good for:

• Families who want swimming time but do not want a party-focused boat
• First-time visitors who want a taste of Formentera from sea and land
• People who enjoy open-water swimming and snorkeling
• Anyone who values included food and drinks
• Visitors who prefer a guided day with a fixed route

You may want another option if your priority is spending hours on a Formentera beach. You should also look elsewhere if you want a quiet, small-group charter, a serious snorkeling trip, or a detailed inland tour.

The strongest parts are the friendly crew, comfortable boat, clear-water swimming stops, scenic west-coast views, and the convenience of having lunch and drinks included. The weaker points are the limited time in La Savina, the possibility of a changed route, uneven opinions about the buffet, and uncertainty about when the bar is open during transfers.

Should you book the Crystal Waters Formentera boat tour?

Book it if you want a value-minded, active day on the water and are happy to see Formentera in short sections. At $93, the package is fair when you make use of the boat sightseeing, two swims, buffet, drinks, equipment, and return transport.

Do not book it expecting a beach day or a full tour of the island. The two famous coastal stops are offshore, and La Savina is short. For the right kind of day, though, this is an easy and enjoyable choice: arrive early for better upper-deck seating, bring swimwear and sunscreen, keep your plans flexible, and watch for the Sea Experience logo when returning.

FAQ

Where does the Formentera boat tour depart from?

The listed starting options are Sea Experience Ibiza at Figueretas and Sea Experience Ibiza. The exact meeting point depends on the option selected when booking.

How long is the main excursion?

The central excursion runs approximately from 12 PM to 4 PM. Additional time is used for transfers between Ibiza and Formentera.

Are Cala Saona and Illetas beach stops?

No. The two swimming stops are in the Cala Saona and Illetas zones, offshore in safe areas. The boat does not disembark at either beach.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria. Service is listed until 4 PM.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch is included and is served during the midday part of the boat tour.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and swimming noodles are included.

What languages are available?

The live guide provides commentary in Spanish and English.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You should also keep your belongings secure when entering the water.

Can wheelchair users join the tour?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Can the route change?

Yes. The captain may change the route without prior notice because of sea conditions.