About this tour
When Lily from our BugBitten team sailed out from Ibiza on this seven-hour trip, we found ourselves on a proper small-group boat headed for Formentera and Espalmador — two islands that feel genuinely removed from the club-scene madness back on the mainland. The boat's comfortable, the water's clear, and you've got genuine options: learn to sail if you're keen, or just sprawl on deck and watch the coastline roll past. It's the kind of day where you'll actually chat to other travellers without it feeling forced.
Highlights
- Hidden coves and secluded beaches only reachable by water
- Crystal-clear snorkelling straight off the boat in Espalmador
- Skipper lets you have a go at sailing if interested
- Stand-up paddle boards included — explore shallows yourself
- Small-group vibe means you're not crammed with hundreds
- Onboard loo and cooler with drinks keep things comfortable
- Formentera's Es Ministre and Juan y Andrea for proper lunch stops
- All fuel, fees, and snorkel gear sorted in the price
What to expect
You'll depart Ibiza in the morning and spend the day sailing southeast toward Formentera and its smaller neighbour Espalmador. The boat moves at a leisurely pace — there's no rushing. Once you hit the first cove, you'll anchor and have time to snorkel, swim, or paddle out on the boards. The water really is that blue. Lunch is your call: bring your own picnic or motor ashore to one of two restaurants in Formentera that know the sailing crowd.
The sailing itself isn't technical if you don't want it to be. The skipper's happy to explain what's happening, let you take the wheel, or leave you in peace. We found the mix of social time (chatting to other guests) and solo moments (floating in the water, reading on deck) worked well. By late afternoon you'll head back toward Ibiza, arriving around sunset or just after.
What travellers say
- Snorkelling and paddle boards included — no hidden gear hire
- Small groups mean actual conversation, not tourist cattle
- Flexible sailing option — try it or just chill
- Formentera feels genuinely off the beaten track
- Cooler and onboard toilet make the day genuinely comfortable
- Lunch not included — budget extra or bring your own
- No towels or sunscreen provided — easy to forget
- Early departure might clash with late-night Ibiza habits
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This beats sitting on Ibiza's packed beaches. The boat feels intimate without being cramped, and snorkelling gear included saves you hiring elsewhere. If you want lunch ashore, Formentera's got decent spots — locals actually eat there. Service animals are welcome, and if you're travelling with a baby, specialised seats are available.
Food and drinks aren't included, so budget for lunch if you don't bring supplies. No towels either — bring your own or dry off in the sun. The boat's not suitable for pregnant travellers, and while it's fine for all fitness levels, there is a fair bit of getting in and out of the water. Summer crowds can build mid-peak, so booking an off-peak date (May, June, September) means a calmer social atmosphere. It's a full seven hours, so bring sunscreen (not provided) and a hat.
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.