Ibiza: Formentera Cruise w/ Open Bar, Paella & Water Sports

Taking a boat trip around Ibiza’s coastline with stops at Formentera’s top beaches sounds like a dreamy way to spend a day, and this half-day VIP cruise offers just that. With a luxury catamaran, multiple water sports options, all-inclusive food and drinks, and visits to some of Europe’s most acclaimed beaches, it’s a solid option for travelers craving a mix of relaxation and adventure.

What catches the eye immediately is the quality of the experience — from the stunning scenery and knowledgeable guides to the delicious onboard catering. However, there’s a nuance worth mentioning: the tour doesn’t include an actual visit to Formentera itself, so it’s more of a scenic cruise with close-up beach stops than a full island exploration. This makes it ideal for those who want a taste of Formentera’s beauty without the need for an entire day on the island.

Our favorite aspect? The all-inclusive setup, especially the premium options, really elevates the trip, making it feel like a true luxury experience. On the flip side, some might find the timing or the lack of island visit a little limiting, especially those eager to step foot on Formentera. But overall, this cruise suits travelers who love scenic cruises with plenty of water-based activities and great food in a relaxed, social atmosphere.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Comfort: Multiple ticket options with breakfast, paella, and open bars mean you can choose your preferred level of indulgence.
• Stunning Beaches: The stops at Ses Illetes and Cala Saona are highlights, offering prime spots for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.
• Water Sports Fun: Paddleboarding and snorkeling gear are included, giving you the chance to get close to marine life and enjoy active fun.
• Expert Guides & Atmosphere: Multilingual guides and a DJ on the return trip add local knowledge and lively ambiance.
• Great Value for Money: With a starting price of just $76, the experience packs a lot of scenic beauty, delicious food, and entertainment into five hours.
• Limitations to Note: No visit to Formentera itself, just scenic stops, so it’s best for those not seeking a full island exploration.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Itinerary & What It Means for You

Starting from Carrer de Formentera & Passeig ses Pitiüses, the cruise kicks off at 9:15 am, giving you a leisurely morning to relax and prepare. The initial 15-minute welcome with refreshments at Playa Den Bossa is a nice touch, easing you into the day aboard the luxury catamaran.

The 45-minute sightseeing cruise offers an overview of Ibiza’s coastline, setting the scene with panoramic views, often accompanied by lively music — some reviews mention a DJ creating a fun, party-like atmosphere during the sail back. This segment is perfect for snapping photos and getting your first glimpses of the sea and cliffs.

The first stop at Ses Illetes is the star attraction. Ranked 4th best beach in Europe by TripAdvisor and 10th worldwide, it’s a beach lovers’ paradise — powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. You’ll anchor here for about an hour, giving plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, and even trying out paddleboards. Reviewers mention the marine life viewing and glass bottom boat ride as highlights, along with the chance to stand-up paddleboard in calm waters.

Next, the cruise continues to Cala Saona, a rocky beach known for underwater caves and white sands, perfect for a second round of water fun. Again, about an hour is set aside for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the scenery.

Finally, the cruise takes you to La Savina, offering scenic views on the way back to Ibiza, with another half-hour ride and a chance to soak in the landscape. The total duration of around five hours makes it a manageable, yet fulfilling, half-day trip.

Water Sports & Marine Adventure

A major perk of this cruise is the water sports component. Paddleboards and snorkeling masks are available at both stops, which means you’re not just lounging but actively engaging with the environment. The reviews speak highly of this, with many travelers noting that the water sports are the best part, providing a refreshing break from sunbathing.

One reviewer specifically appreciated the friendly staff Antonella and Angie, who helped with equipment and made sure everyone was comfortable. Even if conditions aren’t perfect, the staff’s attentiveness has been praised, making the water activities inclusive for all skill levels.

Food & Drinks: The All-Inclusive Edge

The food options vary depending on your ticket:

• The Standard ticket offers a buffet breakfast with tropical fruits, pastries, coffee, and juice, alongside a 5-hour open bar with wine, beer, and soft drinks.
• The Advance ticket adds paella and upgraded drinks like white wine sangria and cava.
• The Premium ticket takes it further with unlimited cocktails, specialty drinks like mojitos and Bellinis, and more elaborate breakfast options like eggs cooked to order and pancakes.

The reviews are glowing about the quality of the food, with many mentioning how good the onboard paella is — some describe it as delicious, with fresh seafood or veggie options. The drink selection, especially in the Premium package, is a real highlight, with travelers praising the variety of cocktails and well-stocked open bars.

Guides & Atmosphere

The crew and guides are multilingual, speaking Spanish, English, and Italian, which helps create an inclusive environment for international guests. Guests have noted that the guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience more engaging and educational.

The music on the return leg, with a DJ spinning tunes, adds a lively, party vibe that many reviews mention as a perfect way to wind down and enjoy the sea breeze. This relaxed yet upbeat atmosphere makes it ideal for couples, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking to socialize.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is best suited for those who want a scenic, relaxing experience with some active water fun, without the hassle of island-hopping. It’s ideal for foodies and drink lovers thanks to the all-inclusive options, especially the Premium package.

It also appeals to families or groups of friends looking for a memorable day out on the water, with easy access to snorkeling and paddleboarding.

However, if your main goal is to explore Formentera’s interior or to step foot on the island itself, this might not meet your expectations, since it doesn’t include a visit to the island.

The Small Details That Matter

Timing and Group Size: The departure at 9:15 am and a return around 2:15 pm make it a perfect half-day activity, especially if you want to leave your afternoon free to explore Ibiza further. The group size seems manageable, and reviews suggest the atmosphere remains lively but not overly crowded.

Price & Value: Starting at $76, the cruise provides a lot of value considering the included food, drinks, water sports, and scenic stops. The Premium ticket is a good choice if you’re after a more luxurious experience and more variety in drinks and food.

Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.

What to Bring: Pack swimwear, towels, sunscreen, and a copy of your passport or ID. Most equipment is provided onboard, but comfortable attire and preparedness for water activities are recommended.

Final Thoughts

This Ibiza formentera cruise offers a luxurious, relaxing, and fun-filled way to enjoy some of the island’s most beautiful spots without the hassle of island transport or multiple bookings. It’s a well-balanced experience that combines scenic vistas, water sports, delicious food, and lively atmospheres.

You’ll love the stunning beaches and quality catering, especially if you opt for the Premium experience. The guides and crew are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the day both enjoyable and informative.

While it doesn’t include an actual visit to Formentera, the close-up beach stops and scenic cruise make it a memorable way to get a taste of the island’s beauty. It’s perfect for travelers wanting an all-in-one, hassle-free outing that balances relaxation, adventure, and social fun.

If you value good food, refreshing water activities, and scenic views in a luxe setting, this cruise ticks all those boxes. It’s especially great if you’re traveling with friends or family who enjoy a mix of laid-back luxury and lively entertainment.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for everyone?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and designed to be inclusive. However, water sports are at your own risk, so consider comfort with swimming or paddleboarding if you have mobility issues.

Does the tour visit Formentera itself?
No, it doesn’t include a stop or visit to the island of Formentera. Instead, it anchors at two of its top beaches for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a copy of your ID or passport. The tour provides water sports equipment, but comfortable clothing and personal items are recommended.

Can I upgrade my ticket?
Yes, the tickets are tiered: Standard, Advance, and Premium. The Premium ticket offers the most drinks, the best food options, and flexible bar choices.

How long is the cruise?
The entire experience lasts about 5 hours, from departure at 9:15 am to return around 2:15 pm.

Is there entertainment onboard?
Yes, there’s a DJ during the return cruise, creating a lively, fun atmosphere. Guides are multilingual and very friendly, adding educational value and local insights.

In essence, this tour combines the best elements of a scenic boat ride with the perks of excellent food, drinks, and water fun. It’s a fantastic way to soak up the beauty of Ibiza and Formentera without overextending your schedule or budget. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a memorable day out, this trip is worth considering.