Es Vedrà looks unreal from sea level. This San Antonio boat tour strings together big views of Es Vedrà, a stop at Espalmador, time on Formentera, and a sunset ride back to port. I especially like the onboard paella and the fact that snorkeling gear comes included, so you can actually use the water time. One possible drawback: the snorkeling stop may feel short if you’re hoping for a long session in one spot.

From the start, you’re not just riding a boat—you’re doing a whole circuit along the west coast of Ibiza, then getting dropped onto Formentera to explore at your own pace. You’ll get recommendations for where to go, plus practical advice on renting a bike or a car before you head out. Then the day closes with sunset views from the water, which is exactly what you came for.

Key points I’d plan around

• Es Vedrà views from a boat route that keeps the island in sight as you travel the west coast of Ibiza
• Espalmador stop between Ibiza and Formentera, with a chance to snorkel right at your destination
• Onboard paella plus drinks and snacks, so you don’t need to hunt down lunch
• Formentera time on your own with tips on the best areas to visit and how to get around
• Sunset return from the deck, not from a crowded viewpoint

A boat route that links Ibiza, Espalmador and Formentera

This is a classic Mediterranean day format: start in the harbor, spend the morning and early afternoon moving across the water, then slow down on Formentera when you reach the place you want to explore by land. The tour runs as a full-day outing (you’ll see exact departure times when you check availability), and it returns you to the same meeting point in San Antonio.

What I like about this setup is that it matches the way you actually experience the islands. Ibiza is easiest to appreciate from the sea—cliffs, coves, and that constant sense of being close to the shoreline without having to drive everywhere. Formentera, though, is where you’ll want freedom to pick your own beach rhythm, so the tour shifts gears and lets you explore on your own once you’re there.

You’ll also see that the tour is designed as a bundle of different vibes:

• boat views and island-hopping
• an onboard meal
• snorkeling time with gear provided
• self-guided exploring on Formentera
• sunset back on the water

That’s a lot for one day, and it’s why the value works even if you don’t plan every minute in advance.

Es Vedrà: what makes the island feel mysterious in person

Es Vedrà is famous for a reason, and the feeling starts before you even get close enough to photograph every angle. The boat route takes you along Ibiza’s west coast, so you’re constantly getting sightlines to Es Vedrà from the water—enough distance to appreciate its dramatic shape, plus the perspective of being surrounded by sea rather than looking at it from one fixed viewpoint.

Why this matters for your day: you get to treat Es Vedrà like an experience, not just a stop. The island’s presence is part of the scenery for the whole transit period, so it builds anticipation instead of appearing for a few minutes and vanishing.

You’ll also have a chance to get a closer moment with Es Vedrà during the outing (the tour includes viewing the island, and some departures add a brief interaction point when conditions allow). Either way, plan to spend a few minutes just watching the sea around it. The light and the rock’s outline shift as the boat changes speed and angle, and that’s when Es Vedrà looks most otherworldly.

Practical tip: bring a light layer for the deck and keep your phone/camera secured. Sea air and sun mix quickly, and it’s easy to lose track of time while you’re staring at the rock.

Espalmador + snorkeling: the “water time” portion of the trip

Between Ibiza and Formentera sits Espalmador, and the tour uses this stop for two purposes: scenery and time in the sea. You’ll pause at Espalmador and get your snorkeling equipment included, so you can check out the seabed without paying extra once you’re on the boat.

This is one of the tour’s big wins. Many island tours sell you a boat day and then make snorkeling feel like an optional add-on. Here, it’s built in—along with drinks and snacks—so the morning doesn’t turn into a waiting game.

What you should consider: snorkeling time is scheduled, and it may not be long if the group needs to move on to the next phase (Formentera time is the main chunk after this). If you’re the type who wants to linger for a long session, go in ready to treat it as a highlight stop rather than a full training dive day.

Still, the payoff is real. Espalmador sits in that sweet spot where the water is calm enough for an easy check of what’s beneath the surface, and the views from the boat during the approach make the stop feel like part of the story, not a detour.

Formentera on your own: how to spend the free time well

After the boat portion, you get time on Formentera to explore independently. This is the heart of the day because it’s the part you control: beaches, viewpoints, beach clubs (if that’s your thing), or just wandering until you find your perfect patch of sand.

The tour gives you practical guidance on where to go and advice on renting a bike or a car while you’re on the island. That’s important because Formentera works best when you can move at your own pace—distances can be short, but hopping between beaches by foot can take longer than you expect in the sun.

How I’d plan your Formentera time (without overcomplicating it)

• Pick one main beach area you want to anchor your time around.
• Then choose a second option that’s nearby, so you’re not crisscrossing the island.
• Bring a swimsuit cover-up and water. You’ll likely be in and out of the heat.
• Use the rental advice from your guide/host to match your time window. If you only have a limited window, a bike can be faster than walking; if the route needs more flexibility, a car can make the day easier.

If you want the most natural feel, skip the idea of doing everything. Formentera rewards a slower approach—short rides, long pauses, and the kind of beach time where you actually look up from your phone.

Also, remember your return timing is tied to the boat schedule. Plan not to be the person sprinting back down the shoreline.

The sunset ride back to San Antonio is the finish line

The tour ends by returning to San Antonio and giving you a sunset view from the boat. That matters more than it sounds, because sunsets on the coast can be crowded and time-sensitive. When the sunset is built into the plan, you can relax into it instead of racing to find a good spot.

From the deck, sunset feels different than on land. You’ll get light changes across open water, and you’ll see the coastline and island silhouettes shift as the sun drops. Even if you’ve seen sunsets in other places, doing it from the water makes it feel more like a journey and less like a photo stop.

Some departures include an extra pause near a cove-like spot for the closing moments, so keep your eyes open when the boat slows. The goal is simple: arrive back into the harbor with sunset still unfolding, not already over.

Price and value: what $146 includes for a boat-and-islands day

At $146 per person, you’re not just paying for transportation—you’re paying for a structured day that bundles together the biggest “Ibiza logistics” problems:

• getting between islands efficiently
• finding lunch without extra stops
• handling snorkeling gear
• getting a built-in sunset moment

The included paella on board, along with drinks and snacks, helps a lot. You avoid the time and cost of searching for a proper meal once you’re out on the water or on Formentera. And by including snorkeling equipment, the tour removes the common friction of renting gear or buying last-minute supplies.

Is it the cheapest way to do these islands? No. But it can be one of the most time-efficient ways to hit Es Vedrà and Formentera in a single day without coordinating boats or building your own route.

If your priority list is:

• Es Vedrà views
• Formentera beach time
• snorkeling with minimal hassle

Then this price is easier to justify.

If your priority list is:

• hours and hours of snorkeling
• a fully guided land tour of Formentera

Then you might want a different style of trip. This one is built for movement, meal, and highlights.

Who this tour fits best (and who should think twice)

This works best for you if you want a one-day plan that mixes sea views, island icons, and real break time on Formentera. It’s also a good choice if you like structure but don’t want to be locked into a full guide-led itinerary all day.

You’ll probably enjoy it if:

• you’re comfortable exploring Formentera independently
• you want included snorkeling gear and onboard food
• you like the idea of sunset from the deck
• you don’t want to spend your whole trip figuring out transport

It may be less ideal if:

• snorkeling is your main goal and you want a long, uninterrupted underwater session
• you hate time-boxed schedules (this day is designed with a sequence: boat views → stop and snorkel → land time → sunset return)

In other words: this is a scenic route with island time, not a slow craft cruise that lingers all day.

Should you book the San Antonio: Es Vedrà & Formentera Boat Tour?

I’d book it if you want an easy, high-impact day that hits multiple island priorities without making you plan a mini-expedition. The combination of onboard paella, included snorkeling equipment, and Formentera time on your own is a strong mix. Add the built-in sunset from the boat, and you get a finish that feels like part of the journey rather than an optional extra.

Before you click confirm, do one quick check: be honest about how much snorkeling time you expect. If you’re happy with a focused snorkel stop and you’re most excited about Formentera beaches, this tour fits nicely.

If you like sea views, can follow a schedule without getting grumpy, and want a day that’s more than just sitting on a beach, you’ll likely find this one a very good use of your time in Ibiza’s island world.

FAQ

How much is the San Antonio Es Vedrà & Formentera boat tour?

The price listed is $146 per person.

What is the duration of the tour?

It runs for a valid 1 day. Starting times vary, so you’ll need to check availability to see the exact departure.

Where do I meet for the tour in San Antonio?

The meeting point is the Excursiones Ibiza ticket office in the harbor of San Antonio, Ibiza.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Does the tour include paella and drinks?

Yes. Paella is served on board the boat, and drinks and snacks are included.

Is snorkeling included, and what gear do I get?

Snorkeling equipment is included, and the tour includes a snorkeling stop.

Do I get time on Formentera to explore on my own?

Yes. You’ll visit Formentera on your own and receive recommendations for the best spots to visit, plus advice about bike or car rentals.

Can I depart from either San Antonio or Ibiza Town?

Yes. The tour offers an option to depart from San Antonio or Ibiza Town, depending on the selected departure.

What languages are available for the host or greeter?

The host or greeter is available in English and Spanish.

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