Ibiza: Formentera Trip with Paddle, Snorkel and Lunch

Planning a day trip from Ibiza to Formentera? This tour offers a full day of water activities, scenic stops, and good food—all packed into roughly 10 hours. While it’s popular for its lively atmosphere and impressive views, it also balances relaxation with adventure, making it a versatile choice for many travelers.

What we particularly like about this experience is the variety of water activities included—paddleboarding, snorkeling, and inflatables—plus the opportunity to sample a delicious onboard meal. The boat’s ability to reach iconic spots like Espalmador and Ses Illetes without the hassle of transportation on the island itself is a real plus. That said, the tour can get busy, especially during peak season, so those seeking tranquility might find the crowds a bit daunting.

This trip is ideal for travelers who want a fun-filled day with lots of water-based activities and scenic sightseeing. It works well for anyone looking to combine a lively boat vibe with some free time to explore Formentera’s beaches and markets. But if you’re after a very relaxed, quiet day by the sea, you might want to consider smaller, less crowded options.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience with water sports, sightseeing, and a tasty onboard meal
• Flexible schedule with two return options, allowing for a longer or shorter stay
• Excellent value with drinks, food, equipment, and activities included
• Guides like Damian are praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and helpful tips
• Crowded boats can mean queuing for activities and limited space on paddleboards
• Ideal for active travelers who enjoy social atmospheres, fun water sports, and scenic views

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Check-In

The adventure kicks off early at Carrer de Formentera 17, right next to the Ibiza Playa hotel. Check-in begins at 8:30 am, giving you ample time to settle and get ready for the day ahead. The boat is described as comfortable and well-sized, accommodating a decent number of travelers without feeling cramped. From reviews, it seems the crew is friendly and attentive, making check-in smooth and welcoming.

The Cruise and Scenic Views

The cruise itself lasts about 45 minutes, during which you’re treated to stunning views of Ibiza’s shoreline. There’s plenty of space on deck to relax and take in the scenery, and you’ll enjoy unlimited soft drinks, beer, sangria, and water. This onboard bar creates a lively, festive vibe that many guests find enjoyable—it’s like a floating party with great music, sometimes featuring a DJ, as noted by some reviewers.

Stops at Es Palmador and Ses Illetes

The two main water stops are Es Palmador and Ses Illetes, each offering around 1.5 hours for activities.

• Es Palmador is famous for its tranquil, natural beauty. Here, you can paddleboard along the coast, engaging in water activities that are often praised for their quality and fun factor. Reviewers mention trying multiple water toys like inflatables, floating mats, and pool noodles, which add to the playful environment. Many comments highlight how enjoyable it was to paddle around and take in the scenery—some call it ‘perfect for water play.’

• Ses Illetes is renowned for its crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling. Guests love the visibility and the chance to see marine life, with some noting the water’s transparency was spectacular. Snorkeling gear is provided, and reviews emphasize how the water activity at this stop feels almost surreal in its clarity.

Lunch on Board

A highlight for many is the delicious onboard meal—a well-catered seafood paella, chicken paella, and vegan options, served with fresh salads, bread, and alioli. Reviewers repeatedly praise the quality of the food, calling it “fresh” and “delicious,” especially after a busy morning of water activities. The meal provides a much-needed break and more than just a snack, adding great value to the trip.

Time on Formentera Island

Post-lunch, there’s a substantial five-hour window for exploring Formentera. The boat docks at Formentera’s main port, giving travelers the freedom to roam, shop, or relax on the beaches. Some guests rent mopeds or bikes—reviewers suggest this is a smart move to maximize your time, especially if you want to visit specific beaches or local markets.

The free time is appreciated, but some mention that it’s a quick visit, especially if you want to see much of the island. The lack of included transport within Formentera means you’ll need to plan ahead if you wish to explore further, which could be an extra expense.

Return Options and Atmosphere

The tour offers two return options: a first return at 14:15 with just the standard cruise, and a later return at 18:15 with an open bar and snacks on the way back. Many reviews highlight how the late-return option is lively, with music, dancing, and a relaxed party atmosphere—something that adds fun to the overall experience.

Guests who opt for the later return rave about the vibe—dancing on the boat rooftop, enjoying drinks, and socializing—making it feel like a floating beach party.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Water Activities and Equipment

The inclusion of paddleboards, snorkeling gear, inflatables, and floating mats means you can truly make the most of the water. Many reviews mention how much fun they had trying to paddle around or snorkeling in the clear waters. The availability of life jackets adds a layer of safety, especially for less confident swimmers.

Food and Drink

The onboard meal is frequently praised—fresh, flavorful, and filling—making it more than just a filler. Unlimited drinks, including sangria, beer, and soft drinks, keep the energy high. It’s a surprisingly good value considering the quality and variety offered.

Professional and Friendly Guides

From multiple reviews, guides like Damian stand out for their enthusiasm, helpfulness, and local knowledge. They’re known for giving good tips on what to do in Formentera, making the experience more personalized. Guests appreciate guides who are approachable and quick with jokes or useful advice.

Practical Considerations

Crowds and Queues

While the boat is large enough to hold many guests, some reviewers mention queuing for activities like paddleboarding or ordering drinks. The busy environment means limited paddleboard availability at times and some waiting for food or drinks. If you’re someone who prefers quiet, this may not be your best bet during peak season.

Timing and Duration

The day is well-paced, but the five-hour free time in Formentera is somewhat brief if you want to explore deeply or visit specific beaches. Renting transport or planning a quick moped or bike trip is advisable if you want to maximize your stay.

Cost and Value

At around $81 per person, including food, drinks, equipment, and guided activities, this trip offers a good balance of cost and value. It’s an affordable way to sample the highlights of Formentera without the hassle of organizing transport or multiple bookings.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This trip is perfect for adventurous travelers who love water sports, social atmospheres, and scenic boat rides. It’s great for those wanting a lively, fun-filled day that combines sightseeing, activity, and food. The onboard vibe, especially with music and dancing, appeals to party enthusiasts and younger travelers.

However, if you’re seeking complete tranquility or a quiet beach day, you might find the busy boat environment and limited free time a little hectic. It’s also not suitable for very young children under 3, pregnant women, or older travelers over 70.

The Sum Up

This Ibiza to Formentera trip offers a well-rounded experience that combines scenic beauty, water fun, and good food all in one package. The inclusion of paddleboarding and snorkeling, paired with a delicious onboard meal, makes it a smart choice for active travelers and water lovers. The guides are consistently praised for their friendly attitude and local insights, elevating the experience from just a boat trip to a memorable adventure.

While the crowds and busy schedule might not suit everyone, the lively atmosphere and the chance to explore two stunning spots—Espalmador and Ses Illetes—are hard to beat. Overall, it offers excellent value for money, especially for those who want a full day of activity, scenery, and social fun.

Ideal for travelers looking for a lively, activity-packed day with plenty of opportunities to relax, swim, and enjoy excellent food in a beautiful setting.

FAQ

How long is the trip?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, including the cruise, water activities, and free time on Formentera.

Where do I check in?
Check-in is at the wooden hut stand at Carrer de Formentera 17, next to the Ibiza Playa hotel, starting at 8:30 am.

What’s included in the price?
Drinks (water, soft drinks, beer, sangria), a full onboard meal (paella, salad, bread, alioli), paddleboards, snorkeling gear, inflatables, and life jackets.

Are there options for those with dietary restrictions?
The main meal options include seafood, chicken, and vegan choices, and a mixed salad. Special requests are not mentioned, so consider bringing your own if needed.

Is there enough time for exploring Formentera?
You get about 5 hours free time at Formentera, which is enough for a quick exploration or relaxation, but less for a full island tour.

Can I rent bikes or scooters?
The tour doesn’t include transportation inside Formentera, so renting a bike or scooter is a good idea if you want to see more.

What should I bring?
Towels, sunscreen, a hat, and your ID or passport for children. Also, consider bringing cash for extra expenses or rentals.

Is the boat suitable for children?
Children under 12 need to bring ID to prove age. The tour isn’t recommended for children under 3 or pregnant women.

How is the atmosphere onboard?
Lively, with music and a party vibe especially during the later return option. The crew is friendly and creates a fun environment.

What if I don’t like crowds?
It can get busy, especially with paddleboards and during meal times. For a more exclusive experience, look for smaller or private tours.

This trip offers a fantastic mix of active water fun, scenic relaxation, and hearty food—perfect for those wanting a memorable day in the Balearic Islands.