About this tour
When Tom from our team tried this boat trip, we found three solid ways to spend a day around Formentera depending on your energy levels. The Essential option keeps you on the water hitting Espalmador and Ses Illetes with swimming and snorkelling; the Explorer adds island time to poke around at your pace; the Sunset Party cranks it up with dinner, a DJ, and the return journey as the main event. The boat departs Ibiza, winds through Ses Salines Natural Park, and operates with a refreshingly straightforward approach — no hidden fees, drinks flowing, and meals sorted throughout. It's a full day (or close to it) that caters to everyone from keen swimmers to sunset chasers.
Highlights
- Three distinct itinerary levels — pick your own adventure vibe
- Open bar runs all day; no tab surprises or counting rounds
- Ses Illetes stop is genuinely one of the world's standout beaches
- Breakfast on board followed by paella lunch included in price
- Water activities mix: SUP, snorkelling, waterslide, floats available
- Sunset Party adds DJ-driven return journey with street food dinner
- Espalmador's crystal-clear waters deliver the postcard moment
- Ferry flexibility on Explorer option — explore Formentera without rush
What to expect
The day kicks off early with breakfast aboard as the boat leaves Ibiza and glides through Ses Salines Natural Park — the scenery sets a relaxed tone before you hit the first proper swim stop at Espalmador. The water clarity is genuinely striking; Tom spent a good hour snorkelling and SUPing here without spotting a dull moment. You'll then motor to Ses Illetes, where the beach itself is the real drawcard — one of Europe's best, and the boat positions you perfectly for a proper swim or just floating about.
Mid-afternoon, lunch appears: a proper paella with veg and vegan riffs available, eaten on deck. The open bar means drinks are guilt-free throughout. From here, your path splits: Essential passengers head back to Ibiza; Explorers get dropped at La Savina port with time to wander Formentera's village and beaches on foot; Sunset Party folks stay aboard for dinner, a DJ set, and the boat's return journey becomes the night out itself. No paddling around between stops — it's purposeful cruising with proper dwell time where it counts.
What travellers say
- Three tiers let you calibrate exactly what you want
- Meals and open bar included — no hidden costs
- Ses Illetes stop delivers on its world-class beach reputation
- Water activities (SUP, snorkel, floats) actually fun and accessible
- DJ-driven Sunset Party option works as a proper social night
- Transparent pricing and service removes the usual boat-trip friction
- Early departure not ideal for late-rising travellers
- Essential tier skips island exploration entirely
- Seasickness risk on rough crossing days for vulnerable stomachs
- Sunset Party duration (up to 12 hours) tests stamina and sun exposure
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
The transparency is genuinely refreshing — everything's listed, prices don't shift, and you're not nickel-and-dimed for water or extras. Ses Illetes alone justifies the ticket; it's consistently ranked among the world's best beaches and the boat puts you right there. The open bar works well — no one's nursing a single drink all day. Water activities are included and actually fun, not an afterthought. All three tiers offer real value, and the Sunset Party genuinely lands as a night out, not just a boat ride home. Meals cater to dietary needs without faffing.
Early start suits morning swimmers but not late risers. The Essential option means no island time, which some find limiting. Weather can roughen the sea crossing; if you're prone to seasickness, this matters. Sunset Party runs long (potentially 12 hours), so pacing energy matters. Stroller-friendly for infants, but the boat's never flat or entirely quiet — young kids sometimes struggle. Peak summer sees crowds both on boat and at beaches. La Savina port area (Explorer option) is small; don't expect shops or cafés beyond basics. Bring sunscreen and a rashguard; the Mediterranean sun's relentless, and the boat offers little shade.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.