Ibiza: Crystal Waters Formentera, Open Bar and Buffet Lunch

Exploring Formentera by Sea and Land: The Crystal Waters Tour

If you’re looking to experience the stunning beauty of Formentera without the hassle of planning, this boat tour from Ibiza offers a well-rounded day of scenic views, relaxing swimming stops, and plenty of good food and drinks. With a combination of cruising along rugged cliffs, enjoying a buffet lunch on board, and exploring the island’s highlights during free time, this experience aims to balance adventure with relaxation.

What we really appreciate about this tour is the thoughtfully curated itinerary that combines sightseeing with leisure. You’ll get to see the dramatic west coast cliffs of Formentera, indulge in an open bar, and swim in the crystal-clear waters—delivering a well-rounded taste of the island’s charm. However, a potential consideration is that the stops for swimming are in the middle of the sea, meaning you won’t be disembarking at beaches, which might matter if you’re keen on land-based sunbathing or exploring inland.

This cruise is best suited for travelers who want an all-in-one day trip that mixes scenic cruising, light adventure, and some downtime. It’s ideal for couples, families, or groups who enjoy being on the water, with enough flexibility for free exploration on land afterwards. Keep in mind that the tour is about 4 hours long, with transfers included, making it a convenient day-long escape from Ibiza.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: The cruise along Formentera’s cliffs and coastline offers unforgettable scenic vistas.
• Relaxing Swimming Stops: Two designated sea stops allow for swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
• All-Inclusive Drinks: An open bar with water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria keeps you refreshed throughout.
• Tasty Buffet Lunch: A generous buffet on board ensures you won’t go hungry after swimming.
• Flexible Free Time: Opportunities to explore Cala Saona, Illetas Beach, and La Savina provide a good mix of relaxation and sightseeing.
• Authentic Experience: The tour includes commentary from knowledgeable guides, adding context to the sights.

The Journey to Formentera: From Ibiza to the Island

The adventure begins with a boat ride from Ibiza, with two departure points: Sea Experience Ibiza at Figueretas or another designated location. The boat itself is spacious and comfortable, typically with a lively, friendly crew that makes the journey enjoyable. The transfer to Formentera involves a short ferry crossing, lasting about 15 minutes, which is quite smooth and plentiful in scenic views.

Once aboard, you’ll set sail along the rugged west coast of Formentera, passing Cap de Barberia with its iconic lighthouse and towering cliffs. This part of the cruise is particularly striking, giving you panoramic views of the island’s dramatic landscape. The crew, including guides who speak English and Spanish, provide commentary, sharing insights about the coastline and landmarks, which enhances the experience beyond just a pretty view.

The Stops That Make the Trip Special

Cala Saona is the first major swimming stop, with the boat anchoring in a safety zone in the sea rather than on the beach. Here, you’ll have about 50 minutes of free time to swim, snorkel with provided gear, and enjoy nautical toys like noodles. Reviewers highlight how clear the water is, with many mentioning the vibrant schools of fish and the perfect conditions for a refreshing swim. As one traveler noted, “We loved the stops to swim in the ocean,” emphasizing how these moments add value to the day.

Illetas Beach is the second swimming and sightseeing stop, offering another 40 minutes of free time to relax and snorkel. This location is famous for its stunning, shallow waters and scenic surroundings, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed swim or some underwater exploration. Many guests appreciated the opportunity to float among colorful fish, with reviews describing the water as “crystal clear” and ideal for snorkeling.

La Savina provides a chance for a quick land exploration. You can walk through this quaint port town, visit the lighthouse, or unwind on the beach before the boat heads back to Ibiza. With around 30 minutes here, the time is brief but sufficient for a quick wander, with some readers noting it as a peaceful end to the island experience.

Lunch, Drinks, and Onboard Amenities

The buffet lunch onboard is described as “mouth-watering” by some travelers, with the crew serving a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes. The emphasis is on generous servings, with guests able to eat and drink as much as they like. The open bar is a highlight, with water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria available throughout the cruise, supporting the relaxed vibe.

Guests frequently mention the friendly, helpful crew, with some reviews praising the guides’ knowledge and humor. The nautical toys like snorkeling gear and noodles are available for use, making the swimming stops more fun and accessible.

One reviewer pointed out that the open bar is not available from the start, which they felt was a minor inconvenience. Still, most appreciated the selection, noting that the drinks kept flowing and added to the relaxing atmosphere.

Free Time and Land Exploration

After the water activities, you’ll have time to explore the port town of La Savina or simply relax on the beach. The free time here, typically about 30 minutes, allows for a quick walk or a drink at a local café. While brief, some travelers have enjoyed walking the port and soaking in the local pace of life, which contrasts nicely with the busy Ibiza scene.

Practical Details & Tips for the Tour

The tour lasts about 4 hours, with additional transfer time included, making it a full day out without feeling rushed. The excursion is suitable for most travelers, though it’s not recommended for wheelchair users due to the boat’s setup. It’s worth noting that the route may change depending on sea conditions, so flexibility is key.

What to bring is straightforward: swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen—nothing too fancy needed. The tour generally operates in good weather, but cancellations can occur if sea conditions are unsafe, so it’s wise to check the weather forecast before booking.

This experience offers excellent value considering the inclusions: boat ride, guided commentary, buffet lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and free time on the island. For around $90, it balances price with a comprehensive introduction to Formentera’s stunning coastline and waters.

Authentic Reviews: What Travelers Are Saying

Landy summed it up with a simple “It was great. The staff was really fun,” pointing to the crew’s friendly and engaging nature. Emily shared that her family, including kids as young as four, had a “brilliant time,” highlighting the tour’s family-friendly vibe and the helpful crew. Others like Patricia and Brian praised the beautiful scenery, good food, and friendly staff—elements that truly shine in this experience.

Some travelers did mention minor drawbacks, like the food not being top-tier or the open bar not starting early enough, but overall, the consensus is that the trip delivers excellent value and memorable views.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This day trip is ideal for those seeking a relaxing yet scenic escape from Ibiza. It suits travelers who enjoy being on the water, with opportunities to swim, snorkel, and enjoy spectacular coastlines. Families with children and groups looking for a stress-free, all-inclusive day will find this especially appealing. It’s not suited for those with mobility challenges or seeking an extended land exploration—this is primarily a boat-based experience with limited on-land time.

If your goal is to see both the coast and the waters of Formentera with minimal hassle, this tour ticks all the boxes. It offers a good balance of guided sightseeing, leisure, and authentic island-time, all at a reasonable price.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a boat trip, guided commentary by guides speaking English and Spanish, a buffet lunch, open bar with water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria, snorkeling gear, and swimming noodles.

How long does the tour last?
The excursion itself is about 4 hours, but with transfer times, it’s a full-day experience, typically starting around midday and returning in the late afternoon.

Are there stops on land or beaches?
No, there are no stops directly on beaches. The two swimming stops are in designated safety zones in the sea, allowing swimming and snorkeling but not disembarking at land beaches.

Can kids join this tour?
Yes, families with children as young as four have enjoyed this trip, especially since the stops are in calm waters and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. However, some seating areas fill up quickly, so arriving early can help.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and perhaps some cash if you want to buy additional drinks or souvenirs in La Savina.

Is the boat ride comfortable?
Yes, the boats are described as spacious and comfortable, with both covered and open seating options. Crew members are helpful, and reviews mention the boat being clean and well-maintained.

What happens if sea conditions are bad?
The route may be altered or canceled if sea conditions aren’t safe. It’s worth checking the weather forecast before your trip and being flexible with plans.

Is there an option to cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility.

To sum it up, this cruise offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, leisure, and authentic island experiences at a reasonable price. The knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and the chance to swim in crystal waters make it a compelling choice for those wanting to see the best of Formentera with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for travelers who value comfort, good food, and authentic natural beauty, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends who enjoy relaxing on the water.

While it may not be the best option for those seeking extensive land exploration or accessibility accommodations, the overall experience provides great value and a delightful day out on the water. If you’re after a smooth, scenic, and fun way to enjoy Formentera’s coastline, this tour is definitely worth considering.