Formentera starts with a quiet cove. This catamaran day from Ibiza is built around snorkeling and unlimited drinks, with a smooth flow from Cala Saona swimming to a live paella lunch to a timed visit to Formentera. My only real caution is that the boat experience can feel shared up top, with assigned (sometimes shared) daybeds and limited shade depending on where you land.

I love that the pace gives you both “activity time” and “go explore time.” You’ll get a real chunk of calm water at Cala Saona, then dock at La Savina Port for 3 full hours to bounce between Ses Illetes, Es Pujols, and Sant Francesc (plus views if you want to aim for Cap de Barbaria or La Mola). The vibe is more chilled soundtrack than party bus, and the crew energy (including folks like Pepe and Mariano) tends to make the whole day feel well-run.

Key Things You’ll Notice on This Ibiza–Formentera Cruise

• Cala Saona snorkeling first with provided gear and time to swim, snorkel, and play with inflatables
• Three full hours in Formentera from La Savina Port, enough to see a beach and still breathe
• Paella cooked onboard during the sea day, served as lunch with fruit for dessert in some cases
• Unlimited drinks including wine, beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water
• Helpful crew, including Pepe and Mariano (more than happy to answer questions and keep things moving)
• Max 40 travelers, which helps keep it from feeling chaotic on a smaller boat

Getting to the Boat: Figueretas Check-In and Being On Time

Your day starts around Figueretas, at the Japanese & Thai Restaurant YOKUBO on Paseo de ses Pituses bajo (near Hotel Ibiza Playa). The big thing here is timing: one review calls out that the boat leaves exactly at the scheduled time, and if you run late you can miss that clean handoff.

So here’s my practical advice: arrive a bit early, not just “on time.” You’ll get checked in, assigned the boat setup (sunbeds/daybeds on the top deck), and then you can start relaxing before the catamaran hits open water. If you’re prone to last-minute scrambling (or you’re traveling with multiple people and everyone needs a bathroom break), pad your arrival window.

Also note the group size: up to 40 travelers. That doesn’t mean it’ll feel huge, but it does mean the crew will move with a bit of structure. Think: quick instructions, clear boarding flow, and then you’re off.

Cala Saona Swim Stop: Red Cliffs, Clear Water, and Gear in Hand

Cala Saona is your first “wow” moment. You’ll stop for about 4 hours at this cove with crystal-clear water and striking red cliffs. The practical payoff is that it’s not just a look-see. This is when you do the water part that most people book for.

You get snorkeling gear, plus time to swim and use the water toys. That can include paddle-style activities and inflatables (the exact availability can depend on conditions), so you’re not stuck only doing one thing. If you enjoy switching between floating, swimming, and a bit of snorkeling, Cala Saona is built for that rhythm.

What about underwater time? With provided masks and gear, you can spend less energy getting ready and more time actually looking around. Even if snorkeling isn’t your main skill, you can still do a quick mask-and-breathe session in calm conditions and call it a win.

One consideration: if you’re a serious paddle/board person, don’t assume every water toy is guaranteed all day. One guest mentioned paddleboarding didn’t happen as planned due to wind. That’s not unusual on the sea. It’s more “plan for calm, expect adjustments” than “everything will always be perfect.”

Formentera (La Savina Port): How to Spend Your 3 Hours Without Rushing

After Cala Saona, the catamaran docks at La Savina Port. Then you get 3 full hours on Formentera. That is a real amount of time, but it’s also not enough for a whole-island tour. The smart move is to pick a beach plan first, then add a viewpoint if it’s easy.

Here are the most useful options from the route:

• Ses Illetes if you want that famous Formentera beach vibe
• Es Pujols if you want a livelier town feel with places to walk, snack, and regroup
• Sant Francesc if you want a quieter, more local baseline

If you want the “Formentera postcard views,” you can aim for Cap de Barbaria lighthouse and La Mola for panoramas. Just keep in mind: adding viewpoints can eat into beach time. If you’re trying to do it all, you’ll feel it. If you’re strategic, it can work nicely.

My tip for making your 3 hours feel longer: decide what your must-do is. For most people, that’s either (1) Ses Illetes swimming or (2) a slow wander in one town. Everything else becomes bonus. You’ll be happier taking one good beach decision and not sprinting back to the boat.

Also, pay attention to how the crew explains re-boarding time once you’re in Formentera mode. One negative review complained about not getting frequent updates earlier in the day. Even if that isn’t your experience, it’s worth staying alert and asking when you should be back.

Lunch Paella at Sea: What You Get and When It Shows Up

Lunch is paella with a live show on board, using fresh ingredients. Dietary options are available if you request them at least 24 hours in advance—vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free. That’s important if you want to relax at sea without “special meal” stress.

In practice, paella typically happens partway through the cruise (one guest said it was about 2–3 hours in). That timing matters because it affects your snorkeling flow. If you’re the type who wants to swim early, you may find yourself eating right after your water time winds down.

Food quality-wise, reviews are mostly positive: the paella gets called good, plentiful, and sometimes even a highlight. There are also small variations reported—some people felt the chicken-to-seafood balance was heavier than expected. The safe expectation is this: you’re getting a hot onboard lunch, served during the sea portion, and you should eat it like a lunch on a boat—not like a fine-dining restaurant.

Dessert is often simple fruit like cantaloupe and watermelon, based on one review. Not gourmet, but very “Mediterranean day at sea” in the best way—fresh and light after sun and salt water.

Drinks and the Open Bar: Unlimited Wine, Beer, Sangria, and Water

The headline is straightforward: the open bar is unlimited, including wine, beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water. For a day tour, that’s one of the biggest value drivers. It reduces “should I buy another drink?” math and lets you focus on enjoying the ride.

Still, it helps to know how it can feel in the real world. Some guests described the drink mix as mainly sangria, beer, water, and soft drinks. Another mentioned the cups and refills (using the same plastic cup over the day felt questionable to them). I can’t verify any one hygienic process for every trip, but I can tell you what to do: pace yourself, use the crews’ instruction on refills, and if you have hygiene concerns, politely ask for a new cup.

One extra touch: guests with reserved Balinese beds receive a bottle of cava on the way back, which can be a fun “closing toast” when you’re watching sunset colors off the coast.

The Return Sunset Cruise: Last Stops and How the Day Ends

On the way back to Ibiza, you’ll cruise at sunset. There’s music in the background, and the open bar continues. The itinerary includes stops at Playa d’en Bossa and Figueretas so you can stretch your legs and get one more look at the coastline before heading back to where you started.

This is also where the day’s shape becomes clear:

• You front-load the water fun (Cala Saona snorkeling and swimming)
• You mid-load lunch and the rhythm of the sea day
• You back-load the sunset vibe and final coast views

If you’re sensitive to long stretch times without a plan, this matters. You want to like the “sea day” feeling. If you only want beach time, you might feel the middle portion more.

Boat Reality Check: Shared Daybeds, Ferry Operations, and Shade

Most of the reviews are happy with the boat setup—comfortable sunbeds, rooftop style seating, and clean amenities. A few details show up that are worth knowing before you expect a private yacht experience.

First: sunbeds/daybeds can be shared. One guest said they were assigned a small daybed with a stranger, even though the listing language suggested shared use. Another noted lounge chairs are assigned and sharing can happen unless you’re in a group of four. If you’re traveling as a couple who wants total space control, treat this as something to consider.

Second: the boat can function like a ferry on the lower deck while the tour focuses on the upper deck. That can create a “two-world” feel—lower-deck ferry passengers doing their own thing, while tour customers enjoy the top deck area. One guest said at one point they felt the whole top deck to themselves, but in general, expect that not every part of the experience will feel like a closed-off party boat.

Third: shade can be limited up top depending on where you sit. If you burn easily or you hate sun, plan on using sunscreen early and consider shade-seeking strategies (water + rest + maybe reserved beds if available).

The best part of the boat setup, according to happy reviews: it’s not a loud club scene. You get chilled music, comfortable seating, and a vibe that makes snorkeling, paella, and sunset feel like one continuous experience rather than three disconnected parts.

Price and Value: Is $107.40 Worth It?

At $107.40 per person for about 8 hours, this tour is priced like a “do it all for one ticket” day. The value comes from stacking what you’d otherwise pay for separately:

• Paella lunch onboard with dietary options available (if you request ahead)
• Unlimited drinks (wine, beer, sangria, soft drinks, water)
• Snorkeling gear included
• Water activities like inflatables and paddle-style fun (conditions permitting)
• Round-trip sea transport plus the timed Formentera visit

If you tried to recreate it yourself—boat transport, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear—you’d likely spend more once you factor in time and logistics. The tour also saves decision fatigue. You don’t have to plan a beach-hopping route across Formentera plus find a lunch setup plus manage ferry schedules.

Where the value can feel weaker is if your dream day is mostly beach time on Formentera. You only get 3 hours there. Some people might prefer taking a regular ferry and spending longer on the sand. If that’s your priority, this tour can feel like “a lot of sailing, then a short beach moment.” If your priority is snorkeling + paella + drinks + a first Formentera taste, then the ticket price makes sense.

So I’d sum it up like this: it’s good value when you want structure with payoff. It’s less ideal if you want maximum beach hours and zero boat scheduling.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Should Skip It)

This is a great fit if you:

• Want your Formentera day packaged and low-stress
• Care about snorkeling and a swim-stop cove like Cala Saona
• Want paella lunch without organizing it yourself
• Like a relaxed music vibe and not a chaotic party boat
• Enjoy having staff guide you while you focus on the fun parts

It might be less ideal if you:

• Need lots of shade and private space the whole time
• Plan to spend most of the day on Formentera beaches (you only get 3 hours)
• Get grumpy if wind changes the plan for paddle-style activities

The positive news is that the best reviews mention clear communication and friendly crew members, including standouts like Pepe and Mariano. The negative notes tend to focus on communication consistency and shared setup comfort. If you go in expecting a communal catamaran day—and you’re flexible about conditions—you’ll likely be happier.

Should You Book This Ibiza to Formentera Cruise?

I’d book it if you want an efficient, fun first Formentera visit with snorkeling and lunch included, and you don’t mind sharing space on the top deck. The combination of Cala Saona swimming time, a proper paella lunch, and unlimited drinks makes this a strong “one-ticket Mediterranean day” choice.

If, on the other hand, you’re the type who wants full control of your beach time, this may feel too structured. For a longer beach-first day, you could choose a more independent ferry approach and stay longer on Formentera.

My final decision rule is simple: if snorkeling and food/drinks matter as much as the beach, this tour is a solid yes. If the beach is everything and 3 hours is not enough, look at other options.

FAQ

What’s included in the Ibiza to Formentera cruise?

The price includes lunch paella with a live show, unlimited alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, sangria), plus soft drinks and water. You also get water activities like a swimming stop, snorkeling, paddle surf, and inflatables. Snorkeling gear is provided.

How long is the tour, and how much time do I have in Formentera?

The tour is about 8 hours. You’ll spend about 4 hours at Cala Saona, then 3 full hours exploring Formentera, plus time on the return cruise.

Do I get snorkeling gear for Cala Saona?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is provided so you can explore the underwater area at Cala Saona.

What drinks are part of the open bar?

Unlimited drinks include wine, beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water.

Can I request a special meal for paella?

Yes. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free paella options are available if you request them at least 24 hours in advance.

Is the return trip a sunset cruise?

Yes. The return includes a sunset cruise, with music and open bar available on the way back.

Where do I meet, and where does the tour end?

You meet at Japanese & Thai Restaurant YOKUBO, Paseo de ses Pituses bajo, Hotel Ibiza Playa, 07800 Eivissa, Illes Balears, Spain. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s the cancellation policy for a full refund?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

You Might Also Enjoy

Half-Day Florida Keys Catamaran Snorkel AdventureKayak Whale Watch and Snorkel Hawaiian Islands Whale SanctuaryWest Oahu: Turtles, Dolphins, and Snorkeling Tour with LunchPrivate Snorkeling or Fishing in Nassau – 55ft Cocorijo