If you want a simple way to do Formentera, this is it. You get a full-day catamaran from Ibiza with an open bar, music, and a live Spanish paella cooking show on board. I especially like how you’re not stuck on a bus schedule once you reach Formentera, since you get 3 hours free to explore at your own pace. One thing to plan around: the sea can affect the swimming stop and even shorten your Formentera time if conditions are rough.

This is also one of those trips that feels designed for real relaxation. There’s a swimming/snorkeling stop at Cala Saona (with equipment), plus paddleboarding time, and the boat ride itself is part of the day, not dead time. If you’re chasing a long, guided beach-and-caves tour, you might find the island time a bit tight.

Key reasons this tour is worth a spot

• Open bar all day: wine, beer, sangria, water, soft drinks, plus music during the cruise
• Live paella cooked on board with fresh meat and seafood
• Cala Saona water time with snorkeling and paddleboarding (equipment provided)
• 3 hours on Formentera to do your own thing, not follow a rigid route
• Limited group size (max 40) for a calmer feel and quicker access to drinks
• Optional Balinese beds for small-group comfort and extra privacy

A Catamaran Day With Open Bar and Live Paella

This is a classic Ibiza-to-Formentera beach-and-party-meets-lunch setup, but with a few choices that make it feel practical. You’re on a spacious catamaran with a limited capacity of 40 guests, which matters more than you’d think when the day includes swimming gear, drinks, and a free-time island stop.

The open bar is built into the whole experience: unlimited wine, beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks while you cruise. Add music throughout, and the trip stops feeling like “transport to an activity” and starts feeling like the activity.

Now for the reason people remember the lunch: the paella is cooked live on board by the chef. You’re not eating a warmed-up plate; you’re watching it get made. And the paella is traditional Spanish with meat and fresh seafood, which is a big part of the appeal if you’re after an authentic-feeling meal rather than just food for fuel. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, there is a prior notice option available.

Getting From Ibiza to Formentera: Figueretas to La Savina

You start from Ibiza with departures from Figueretas (and check-in is about 30 minutes before departure). Depending on the option you book, your meeting point can vary, and the pickup/check-in details can include Yokubo Club or the Yokubo restaurant.

Once you’re sailing, the timing is structured but not stressful. You’ll cruise out, then reach the water stop area first. Later, you transfer to the Port of La Savina on Formentera, where your island time begins.

The whole trip is listed as 8 hours, but it’s not a “clockwork to the minute” day. The company notes that sea conditions can change the plan. That matters because the schedule has to protect comfort and safety during the swim and snorkeling portion—and it can also affect how much time you get on Formentera.

Cala Saona Swim, Snorkel, and Paddleboarding Time

Cala Saona is the star of the water portion, and it’s easy to see why. This is where you’ll have your swimming break, plus snorkeling and paddleboarding. Equipment is provided, so you’re not scrambling to figure out gear in a strange beach shop the morning of.

Here’s what you’re really buying with this stop:

• A clear-water break without needing to plan your own boat day
• Organized time to snorkel (rather than “maybe we’ll find good spots”)
• A chance to paddleboard during the same stop, when conditions are right

One reality check: if the sea is slightly rough, you may visit an alternative location, and your total time on Formentera could be reduced. Paddleboarding may also be suspended without prior notice. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it is a reason to keep your expectations flexible—this is a day on the water, not a guarantee of perfect beach conditions.

Also, don’t assume you’ll have multiple long swim sessions. The format is a main water stop, then you move on.

The Live Paella Show on Board (Why It Works as Lunch)

The paella show is timed for when you’re back on the catamaran. The chef prepares traditional Spanish paella live, using meat and fresh seafood. This is one of those details that changes how the day feels: lunch is part of the experience, not an interruption.

I like this structure because you’re already in vacation mode. You’re not searching for a restaurant, negotiating menus, or hoping you picked the right place. Instead, you get a warm meal while you’re still in motion—then you’re ready to enjoy Formentera.

And if you’re traveling with dietary restrictions: a vegetarian/vegan option is available with prior notice (minimum 24 hours).

Port of La Savina: 3 Hours of Formentera at Your Pace

You get 3 hours of free time on Formentera once you arrive at La Savina. This is where your priorities matter most.

Formentera is at its best when you move a little—beach hopping is the point. The tour helps you rent scooters or bikes on site with discounted pricing, which is a smart service because it removes some of the “where do we rent?” stress.

Two practical notes if you plan to rent:

• You’ll want to bring your ID and Driving License since a driving license is required for vehicle rental.
• Wear comfortable shoes. You might walk around the port area before you even get to your rental spot.

If you want a quick “greatest hits” plan, your time can be spent around:

• Playa de Ses Illetes (often considered among the top beaches)
• Es Pujols, the lively seaside village

But 3 hours can feel short if you love long beach stretches or if traffic/parking slows you down. This is the main tradeoff of the tour format: you’re maximizing the day by pairing sea time with island time, but you’re still only on Formentera for a half-day window.

Comfort on the Ride: Seats, Space, and Balinese Beds

The cruise is designed to feel comfortable throughout the day. Every passenger gets a comfortable seat, and because the group is limited to 40, you generally avoid that “everyone is packed in” feeling.

If you’re the type who values personal space, the optional Balinese beds are worth considering. These are limited and must be booked in advance. They fit small groups (maximum 2 to 3 people), so it’s more private than standard seating.

There’s also a small perk on the return: if you booked the Balinese bed, you’ll get a complimentary bottle of Cava during the return journey.

One more scheduling detail for 2025: on Monday to Thursday, there are two departure options—10:45 AM and 11:30 AM. Balinese beds are only available for the 11:30 AM departure. The 10:45 option follows the same itinerary and services, but it runs on a slightly smaller catamaran.

Price and Value: What $100 Actually Covers

At about $100 per person, this isn’t just “a boat ride.” You’re typically getting:

• Full-day catamaran transport between Ibiza and Formentera
• Unlimited drinks (wine, beer, sangria, water, soft drinks)
• Live paella cooking on board
• Snorkeling and paddleboarding time with equipment provided
• 3 hours free time on Formentera
• Help with bike/scooter rental on site

If you’ve ever tried to price out boat transport + lunch + drinks + water activity gear, the total adds up fast. What makes this feel like value is the way multiple parts of the day are bundled: you don’t have to figure out separate vendors, and you don’t have to squeeze meals into your travel schedule.

That said, the value depends on your style. If your priority is long beach time with minimal structure, you may wish you had more than the fixed 3-hour window on Formentera. If you want one smooth plan that does a lot in a single day, the bundled format is exactly the point.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Skip It)

This tour makes the most sense if you want a low-planning day with high payoff:

• Couples who want a fun day without babysitting logistics
• Friend groups who like sailing, music, and a shared atmosphere
• Solo travelers who prefer organized water time and then independent exploration
• People who want authentic-feeling lunch with live paella cooking

It’s less ideal if:

• You need a wheelchair-accessible option (it’s not suitable for wheelchair users)
• You hate the idea of sea conditions changing plans
• You want more than one long swim/snorkel window
• You’re hoping for a fully guided tour on Formentera (you have free time, not guided touring)

Quick Practical Tips Before You Go

The tour gives you a clear packing checklist, and it’s the stuff that actually matters out on deck:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Comfortable shoes (for port walking and rental stops)
• Camera
• Bring your ID (and driving license if you’ll rent a scooter or bike)

Also remember what’s not allowed: weapons or sharp objects, and oversize luggage/large bags. Keep your carry-on small.

And for timing sanity: check in about 30 minutes before departure.

Should You Book the Ibiza to Formentera Catamaran Tour?

I’d book this if you want a straightforward Ibiza-to-Formentera day that includes real food, real water time, and independent exploration without the headache of planning a boat yourself. The combination of open bar, live paella, and Cala Saona snorkeling/paddleboarding is the kind of mix that’s hard to replicate cheaply and easily.

Skip it (or at least reconsider) if your top priority is maximizing hours on Formentera, because the day is built around a fixed schedule and sea conditions can affect timing. If you do book, think about renting a scooter or bike early once you hit La Savina—3 hours goes fast.

FAQ

How long is the Ibiza to Formentera catamaran tour?

The duration is listed as 8 hours.

What’s included with the open bar?

Unlimited drinks are included, including wine, beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks.

Where do you snorkel and paddleboard?

You’ll have water activities at Cala Saona, including snorkeling and paddleboarding, with equipment provided.

How much free time do you get on Formentera?

You get 3 hours of free time on Formentera at the Port of La Savina.

Is lunch included, and what kind of meal is it?

Yes. There’s a live cooking show with authentic Spanish paella prepared on board.

Can I get a vegetarian or vegan meal?

A vegetarian/vegan meal option is available with prior notice, with a minimum of 24 hours.

Are Balinese beds available, and what do they include?

Balinese beds are limited and must be booked in advance. They’re designed for small groups (max 2–3), and reservations include a complimentary bottle of Cava on the return journey.

What should I know if the sea is rough?

The plan may change in slightly rough sea conditions. The stop location could be different, the total time spent on Formentera could be reduced, and paddleboarding may be suspended without prior notice.

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