REVIEW · IBIZA
Ibiza: Formentera Trip with Paddle, Snorkel and Lunch
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Crystal water, paddles, and paella in one day. This Ibiza-to-Formentera trip mixes included paddleboarding and snorkeling gear with a proper onboard paella lunch and time to roam Formentera. The main catch is that the boat can feel busy, so you may deal with lines for popular water activities and drinks.
I also like that the day is built around protected-parks views: you stop right in front of Ses Illetes and Es Palmador, then you enjoy the sea from the boat (no dock-hassle). You’ll get a live English/Spanish guide and, per what I’ve seen from the vibe of the crew, it’s the kind of trip where someone like Damien/Damiano keeps energy high and helps you plan your Formentera time.
In This Review
- Key points before you go
- Price and value: why $81 feels like a deal here
- Where the day starts: check-in at Carrer de Formentera 17, then out to Playa den Bossa
- Ses Illetes stop: the swim-and-snorkel highlight with protected-park rules
- Es Palmador stop: paddleboarding, swimming, and lunch on the move
- Formentera free time from the dock: beaches, shopping, and using two return times
- The onboard vibe: drinks, music, and the boat’s sometimes-rocky feel
- Lunch onboard: paella options that actually cover most diets
- What to bring (and what to leave at home)
- Who this trip fits best, and who should skip it
- Should you book this Ibiza to Formentera paddle and snorkel catamaran?
- FAQ
- What’s the meeting point and check-in time?
- Where do you board the boat?
- What’s included for food and drinks?
- Do you dock at Ses Illetes and Es Palmador?
- Is snorkeling gear provided?
- How much free time do you get on Formentera, and how do returns work?
- Are towels provided?
Key points before you go
- Two big swim-and-water stops with gear: Ses Illetes first, then Es Palmador
- On-board lunch with paella choices plus fruit and salad
- Unlimited drinks during the cruise (soft drinks, beer, sangria, and water) and an open-bar return on the later departure
- Formentera free time from the dock with return options at 13:15 or 18:15
- No docking at protected beaches—you’ll swim from the boat instead
- Bring your own towel and sunscreen since they’re not included
Price and value: why $81 feels like a deal here
At about $81 per person for a full 10-hour day, the value comes from stacking a lot of “paid separately” items into one ticket. You’re not just buying transport across the sea. You’re getting:
- Multiple water activities (paddleboards, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, plus inflatables/mats)
- A hot meal onboard with several paella options
- Drinks included through the day as you cruise
That’s why this works for a lot of budgets. If you tried to piece this together yourself—boat crossing, gear rental, lunch, then time on Formentera—you’d usually pay more, and you’d spend extra time coordinating.
That said, the price also shapes the feel of the day. This is a group catamaran setup. When it’s crowded, it can slow down access to the paddleboards or the drink line. If your ideal day is quiet and unhurried, you may want a smaller-group option elsewhere. If you’re happy to trade a bit of waiting for sea time and convenience, this is strong value.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ibiza.
Where the day starts: check-in at Carrer de Formentera 17, then out to Playa den Bossa
The check-in point is Carrer de Formentera 17 at 8:30 am, at the wooden hut stand next to Hotel Ibiza Playa. That’s your first “you’re on schedule” moment.
From there, you’ll board the catamaran at Playa den Bossa Pier. The trip description makes it clear you’re cruising on a comfortable boat, so you’re not doing a rough transfer or scrambling for your spot at the last second. Still, arrive early enough that you can check in calmly and get oriented—especially if you want a good viewing spot on board.
Pro tip: if you’re hoping for the best seats, get there a bit ahead of boarding. A few people have recommended grabbing upstairs space early, since that’s where you’ll feel the breeze and the views.
Ses Illetes stop: the swim-and-snorkel highlight with protected-park rules
Ses Illetes is one of those places where the water looks like it’s been edited. The key thing: the boat stops in front of Ses Illetes, but it can’t dock because it sits in a protected area. That changes how the time feels—instead of walking from a pier, you’re hopping into the sea and making your own way around the swim zone.
You get about 1.5 hours at this stop. During that time, you’ll have snorkeling gear and life jackets provided, plus paddleboards and floating inflatables. It’s a true “do-it-or-just-watch” stop.
What I like for you here:
- If you’re new to snorkeling, this is usually less intimidating than shore-based snorkeling because you’re supported by the boat crew and equipment.
- If you’re not snorkeling, paddleboarding and floating mats give you a plan that still feels active, without needing swimming confidence.
Practical consideration: because it’s a group setup and docking isn’t possible, it can get busy in the water. If you want calmer moments, hang toward the edge of the group zone and take your time getting comfortable.
Es Palmador stop: paddleboarding, swimming, and lunch on the move
After the Ses Illetes swim window, the day shifts to Es Palmador (about 1.5 hours). Same theme: the boat stops nearby, so you’re enjoying the coastline and water from the boat rather than docking at a beach.
This stop is built around water fun:
- Paddleboard time along the coast
- Swimming and snorkeling opportunities
- Lots of “float and enjoy the view” energy with the included inflatables
Then comes the meal. Lunch is served on board between stops, so you’re not losing the best part of the day waiting on land. The lunch menu is clearly laid out:
- Seafood paella (shrimp paella is listed in the inclusions)
- Chicken paella
- Vegan paella
- Mixed salad, bread with alioli, and fruit
Why this matters: you get fed without turning the day into a scheduling puzzle. On a beach day in summer heat, that’s huge. Also, the paella choices mean you’re less likely to be stuck with a single option if your group has different dietary needs.
Small note on timing: lunch happens around the middle of the cruise window, so you’ll want sunscreen and water ready before you settle in. Even if you’re in and out of the sea, sun exposure adds up fast.
Formentera free time from the dock: beaches, shopping, and using two return times
At 13:00, you disembark at Formentera Dock. You’re on the island for about 5 hours, which is enough time to feel the island without trying to “see everything.”
What you can do in that window:
- Beach time
- Shopping
- General sightseeing
Important practical detail: transport inside Formentera isn’t included. The tour explicitly notes extra costs like bike or scooter rental. That means if you want to hop between beaches efficiently, plan for your own mobility. If you prefer to stay close to the dock area, you can still enjoy the sandy-beach vibe, but you’ll be more limited.
Return options are the flexibility here:
- First return: Leave Formentera at 13:15, arrive back in Ibiza at 14:15
- Second return: Depart at 18:15 with the later ride back plus open bar and snacks on the way back
That second option tends to be where the party energy happens. People describe music on the return and even a DJ vibe on board. If your dream is “chill during the swim stops, then fun on the boat ride back,” the later return aligns well.
The onboard vibe: drinks, music, and the boat’s sometimes-rocky feel
This isn’t a silent nature cruise. The included drinks keep the mood easy: water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria are listed as part of the onboard experience, and the earlier description frames them as unlimited during the cruise.
On the ride back at 18:15, there’s an open bar feel and snacks are provided. So you’re not just drinking-you-die thirst water and then waiting for dinner elsewhere. You’ve got fuel for the last stretch of the day.
One more reality check: the boat can be rocky at times. Motion isn’t predictable, but if you’re even slightly sensitive to boat movement, consider anti-nausea meds. Don’t wait until you’re already feeling it.
Also, because it’s a group with water activities, you can expect some waiting. People have pointed out queuing for drinks/food and for paddleboards. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s good to plan mentally: your time in the water is the prize, so let the lines be part of the day rather than a frustration.
Lunch onboard: paella options that actually cover most diets
I like that the lunch isn’t just one mystery dish. You get multiple paella options:
- Seafood/shrimp
- Chicken
- Vegan
Plus salad, bread, alioli, and fruit.
That’s what makes this lunch feel like real “included value” instead of a token snack. It’s also served onboard, which is a big deal when your day includes swim stops and then beach time in Formentera.
If you’re eating midday and then going back in the water, keep it practical:
- Eat, but don’t stuff yourself.
- Have water handy after lunch.
- Sunscreen isn’t included, so apply before you expect to be out in the sun again.
What to bring (and what to leave at home)
The tour is clear on what’s not included. Bring:
- Towel (not provided)
- Sunscreen (not provided)
- Anything you need for comfort in warm sun and sea air
ID matters too:
- Bring passport or ID card for children
- Children under 12 must bring ID to prove age
On rules:
- Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. The tour provides drinks in the allowed way, so you don’t need to bring anything except good manners.
Who this trip fits best, and who should skip it
This day trip is ideal if you want a fast, high-energy mix of sea activities and island time. You’ll likely enjoy it if you:
- Want paddleboarding and snorkeling without renting gear
- Like group-fun energy with music and drinks
- Prefer the convenience of “get there, swim, eat, roam, return”
It’s not suitable for:
- Children under 3
- Pregnant women
- People over 70
And if you’re prone to motion sickness, plan for it. The boat may rock, and that can hit you even if you’re otherwise excited.
Should you book this Ibiza to Formentera paddle and snorkel catamaran?
Book it if you want maximum Formentera water time for a fair price, with gear included and an onboard meal that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. The best reasons to choose it are simple: you get the big-name sea stops (Ses Illetes and Es Palmador), you’re not stuck organizing rentals, and you still get solid free time on Formentera.
Skip it (or think hard) if:
- You want a quiet, low-crowd day with minimal waiting
- You’re hoping for easy beach docking at the protected park spots (the boat can’t dock there, so you’ll swim in)
- You know you’ll struggle with boat motion
If you do book, set yourself up for success:
- Pack towel and sunscreen
- Bring anti-nausea meds if you’re even slightly sensitive
- Arrive early for the check-in and boarding so you can get a better spot on the catamaran
- Pick your return time based on your style: early return for calmer island browsing, later return if you want the open-bar vibe back to Ibiza
FAQ
What’s the meeting point and check-in time?
Check in at the wooden hut stand at 8:30 am at Carrer de Formentera 17, next to Hotel Ibiza Playa.
Where do you board the boat?
You board a comfortable boat at Playa den Bossa Pier in Ibiza.
What’s included for food and drinks?
Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria. Lunch onboard includes shrimp paella, chicken paella, vegan paella, plus bread, alioli, mixed salad, and fruits.
Do you dock at Ses Illetes and Es Palmador?
No. The boat stops in front of Espalmador (Es Palmador) and Ses Illetes, but it cannot dock because they’re protected areas.
Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes. The trip includes snorkeling equipment and life jackets.
How much free time do you get on Formentera, and how do returns work?
You get free time on Formentera after disembarking at 13:00. There are two return options: leave at 13:15 (arrive Ibiza 14:15) or depart at 18:15 with open bar and snacks on the way back.
Are towels provided?
No. Towels are not included, and you should also bring sunscreen.
