About this tour
When Ben from our team booked the Formentera boat trip, we picked the full-day option — and it's three experiences stacked into one. You're sailing from Ibiza through the Ses Salines Natural Park to Formentera, stopping at S'Espalmador and Ses Illetes for swimming and water toys, eating paella on deck, then returning under the sunset with a DJ, street food, and shots. It's five to twelve hours depending on which tier you choose, and the vibe is relaxed Mediterranean rather than party-hard cattle-call. The boat handles all fitness levels, families included.
Highlights
- Paella lunch aboard, vegetarian and vegan versions catered without fuss
- S'Espalmador swim stop in genuinely clear turquoise water, shallow enough for lounging
- SUP, snorkel, and slide gear on board — water activities feel like a bonus, not an upsell
- Ses Illetes second stop; one of the Med's standout beaches, worth the trip solo
- Open bar throughout (beer, sangria, soft drinks) — no nickel-and-diming at the bar
- Sunset party return with onboard DJ and street food (full-day option); atmosphere builds naturally
- Formentera free time (Explorer tier) lets you actually land and poke around, not just photograph
What to expect
The boat departs Ibiza with breakfast on deck and a slow cruise through the Ses Salines park — it's genuinely scenic, not rushed. You'll anchor at S'Espalmador first, where the water is shallow, clear, and perfect for a proper swim or float. The crew sets out SUP boards and snorkel gear; grab what appeals. Back on board, lunch is paella (properly done, not a mass-catering nightmare) with vegetarian and vegan options that actually taste like food. Ses Illetes is the second stop, a tiny island with one of the world's most photographed beaches — the hype is earned, though it gets busy mid-afternoon.
If you're on the Explorer tier, you ferry into Formentera proper for 4–6 hours to rent a scooter, eat at a chiringuito, or just nap on a beach. The ferry return is flexible, so no rushing. For the Full Day option, the sunset return is where the energy shifts — a DJ boards, the light fades properly golden, and there's street food and a shot corner with local herbs and limoncello. It's not a foam-party rave; it feels like a gathering of people who came to the Med to actually enjoy it.
What travellers say
- Three tiers let you dial the experience to your energy and schedule
- Open bar eliminates hidden costs; beers, sangria, soft drinks flow
- Paella cooked properly, vegan and vegetarian options taste genuine
- Water gear supplied and encouraged, not sold as extras
- Formentera ferry option (Explorer) gives real time ashore, not rushed
- Sunset return (Full Day) feels like a natural gathering, not forced party
- Ses Illetes gets rammed mid-afternoon in high season
- Twelve-hour full-day option exhausts sun-sensitive or easily fatigued travellers
- Limited deck shade means serious sunburn risk if you're not vigilant
- Very small children (under 18 months) must sit on parent's lap the whole time
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This works for families, solo travellers, and mixed groups because the three tiers let you choose your own depth. The open bar removes the anxiety of running up a tab. Paella and breakfast aren't afterthoughts. Water activities (SUP, snorkel) are genuinely included, not hidden costs. The Formentera ferry option (Explorer tier) is a genuine perk if you want to see the island properly rather than just boat-hop.
Ses Illetes gets crowded in peak season — it's stunning but you won't be alone. The full-day option is genuinely long (12 hours); if you tire easily or dislike extended sun exposure, the Essential five-hour version is smarter. Sunscreen is essential and sun-shelter on deck is limited. The shot corner caters to over-18s only, which is fine, but the sunset party atmosphere assumes a degree of social energy. Children under 18 months must sit on an adult's lap (no dedicated seats), so very small babies require a parent's full attention. Book early: summer weekends sell out.
Bring sunscreen, a rash guard, and a dry bag for valuables. Swimwear under your clothes saves time. Water shoes if your feet are tender. Alcohol is included (beer, sangria, soft drinks); soft drinks and water flow all day. Group sizes vary; smaller boat means more intimate feel. Peak times are June–September; shoulder seasons (May, October) are calmer.
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.