Formentera, served by catamaran. This full-day trip turns the long ferry question into one smooth ride, with open bar drinks on the water and a real paella lunch waiting for you. I also like that you get both guided time at the best sea stops and then real freedom in Formentera for about five hours.

One thing to plan for: the boat ride can get windy and choppy, and it may feel cooler than you expect even on a sunny day.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

• Catamaran comfort plus real downtime: shade downstairs in the main room, plus lots of open-air space up top.
• Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador stops: time for photos, swimming, and the kind of water play you don’t want to self-organize.
• Water-sports included (with limits): snorkel masks, paddleboards, and kayak or seabob depending on rules and season.
• Food is part of the deal: welcome drink, breakfast snacks, then paella—plus optional Gold-Ticket BBQ.
• 5 hours in Formentera: enough time to explore without feeling rushed.
• Music on the way back: DJ or sax-style entertainment during the return cruise.

A 10-Hour Catamaran Recipe for Formentera

This is one of those Ibiza-to-Formentera days that feels like it was designed around your time, not your logistics. Instead of figuring out transportation, timing, and where to swim, you show up and the day runs on a steady rhythm: cruise out, stop at the standout sea spots, eat, then get dropped into Formentera for your own plans.

The value comes from what’s bundled together. You’re paying for the catamaran ride plus breakfast snacks, paella lunch, and an open bar that’s meant to keep the day easy. If you’re also planning to swim and do at least one water activity, this adds up fast.

Getting To Happiness Beach Ibiza and Boarding Smoothly

Your day starts at Happiness Beach Ibiza. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early so you can check in and get your wristband/bracelet (the crew uses it to manage entry). Also keep your ticket with you—printed or digital—because without it you can’t board.

Once you’re onboard, the schedule typically starts with a short catamaran cruise and then a breakfast-style setup: tropical fruits, assorted pastries, coffee/tea/hot chocolate, and juices. That matters because you’ll be outside for hours and you don’t want the first meal to be a random snack later.

S’Espalmador: Photos, Aperitif, and a First Round of Sea Time

S’Espalmador is the kind of place you point your camera at immediately, because the water looks like it was edited. Here you’ll get a focused stop that mixes viewpoints with actual time in the sea.

Expect a photo stop and shoreline walk, then an aperitif with beer while you settle in. The watersports portion is built for quick fun: swimming, snorkeling, and options like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and time for marine-life viewing. You get about one hour for this chunk, which is long enough to enjoy it without feeling like the day is just one endless activity.

Practical note: snorkel masks are provided without the tube (they’re set up that way for hygiene). Bring sunglasses and sunscreen even if you’re not “beach-ing” yet—this area is bright and exposed.

Ses Illetes: Beach Time, Paella Lunch, and Water Activities

Ses Illetes is famous for a reason, and this stop gives you a blend of beach time plus a full lunch moment. You’ll pass by the scenery, then the day shifts into the food-and-swim rhythm: aperitif, beer, and eventually lunch right there on board/at the stop setup.

In the “do something with your day” category, Ses Illetes is where you’ll likely use the included equipment again: snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding are on the menu during the about one-hour activity block. Then there’s swimming time, plus more marine life viewing if the water conditions cooperate.

The paella moment

Your paella lunch is one of the biggest value signals in the whole day. It’s served as Mediterranean paella with choices depending on what you booked: mixed, vegetarian, or seafood. If you want vegetarian paella, you need to book it in advance—so don’t assume it’s the default.

A detail I appreciate: aioli bread accompanies the meal. It’s small, but it makes paella feel like a proper lunch, not just a “we gave you food” situation.

5 Hours in Formentera: Your Freedom Window

After the sea stops, you get about five hours in Formentera to do your own thing. This is the part that makes the trip feel more than a swim-and-eat tour.

You’ll have a kind of hop-on hop-off-style stop, which is helpful because you’re not stuck waiting for the next scheduled moment just to move around. Use that time to walk around a bit, find a beach spot that feels right, or simply enjoy Formentera at a slower pace than Ibiza’s energy.

The key is time management. Five hours sounds like a lot until you’re in sand + sun + waiting for a bus or walk back to the pickup. If you want a specific beach area, I’d plan your route early so you don’t spend your best hours just transferring.

Open Bar, Breakfast, Paella, and the Gold-Ticket BBQ

This tour is built around feeding you. You get:

• Welcome cocktail upon boarding
• Breakfast with tropical fruits, assorted pastries, coffee/tea, and juices/hot chocolate
• Paella lunch (mixed/vegetarian/seafood options)
• Open bar while you’re on the boat: beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water
• Optional Gold Ticket BBQ: grilled meats (hamburger, chicken breast, German sausage, loin) plus vegetables

Here’s how I’d think about the open bar: it covers beer, sangria, and soft drinks. If you’re the type who wants wine or cocktails beyond that, you should expect to pay extra for those. The tour is still good value because a big chunk of your food and most of your drink needs are handled.

If you go with the Gold Ticket option, the BBQ is the upgrade that turns lunch into a fuller onboard meal experience. It also helps explain why the day feels like more of a “party boat meal” than a simple sightseeing cruise.

Onboard Comfort: Shade, Balinese Beds, and Return Music

The boat is big enough to feel like an actual hangout, not a crowded ride. It’s described as a two-deck catamaran with common areas, plus a Main Room downstairs that’s shaded—useful when the sun gets intense.

Balinese beds and VIP zones

You’ll hear about comfort upgrades on board. There are Balinese beds available for purchase onboard (with champagne included), and there are also VIP beds on the second floor that cost extra. They aren’t free with the standard or advanced ticket, so if you want one, decide early and expect it to be an add-on.

From a practical angle, these premium beds are great if you want a low-effort day: put sunscreen on, claim your spot, and let the views do the work.

Music and atmosphere

The return trip includes live-style music—DJ or performers like sax and electronic violinists—so even if you’re not in full beach mode, you still get a fun vibe cruising back. The sound system is designed to keep the music clear while you move along the water.

And yes, the ride can feel rough in certain conditions. One review-style pattern that matters for your planning: if you’re sensitive to motion, don’t push your luck—this trip isn’t recommended for motion sickness.

Water-Sports Rules: What You’ll Get vs. What Might Be Limited

This part is worth reading carefully because included activities aren’t always identical for everyone.

You’ll have access to:

• Snorkeling masks (provided without the tube for hygiene)
• Paddleboards
• Kayak
• Seabob (seasonal)

But there are rules:

• Kayak is only available for families with kids and people with reduced mobility.
• Seabob is available from June till September in the detailed description, and also noted as available from end of May in the included info. Either way, it’s seasonal.
• Equipment availability is at the discretion of the boat staff.

So if you’re planning a specific water toy (like seabob), don’t assume it’s guaranteed on every sailing. If it’s a must-do, confirm with the operator before you go.

Timing and Weather: The Real-World Stuff That Affects Your Day

This itinerary is built around sea stops, so weather matters. The captain can modify the route or adjust water sports based on conditions for safety. That means you should stay flexible—especially if you’re traveling in months where winds can pick up.

Also, the boat can be windy. Even if the sun is strong, the breeze on a catamaran can cool you down, especially when you’re in wet swimwear. Bring a light layer you don’t mind getting a bit damp.

If you have photos on your mind, the good news is both S’Espalmador and Ses Illetes are made for that. The better news is you’re not stuck with one beach only—you get a second standout sea stop and then inland time.

Price and Value: What $102 Gets You in the Real World

At $102 per person, this isn’t the cheapest way to visit Formentera. But it’s also not just “transportation.” You’re paying for a full bundle:

• catamaran ride and sea stops via Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador
• breakfast snacks
• paella lunch
• open bar (beer, sangria, soft drinks, water)
• snorkeling/paddleboard access
• and five hours to explore Formentera

So the best way to judge value is to compare it to what you’d pay if you did it yourself: ferry/transport, beach entry logistics, meal costs, and hiring gear or paying for guided water fun. When you add those up, a packaged day with food included starts making sense.

The main cost “watch-out” items are:

• wine and cocktails beyond the open bar
• bike or scooter rental
• VIP beds (Balinese beds or VIP beds on board cost extra)
• anything extra you want to add on top of the included water-sports set

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

This is a great fit if you want:

• an easy, structured day with lots of sea time
• included meals that don’t require planning
• enough Formentera freedom to still feel like you explored, not just stayed on a boat

It’s not ideal if:

• you get motion sick easily (the trip notes it isn’t suitable)
• you prefer quiet, no-music travel (there is music on the return cruise)
• you’re extremely shade-sensitive and hate sun (you can choose shaded space downstairs, but the boat has open areas too)

One more vibe note: the staff is described as warm and energetic across the day, with names like Alex, Sophie, Sofia, Gustavo, and Flo/Pepe showing up in the experience. If you care about how you’re treated while you’re moving between stops, that kind of attention matters.

Should You Book This Ibiza to Formentera Catamaran?

If your goal is a Formentera day that feels effortless, I’d book it. The combination of sea highlights (Ses Illetes + S’Espalmador), real included food, and a solid five-hour window on the island makes it a practical choice for most people.

I’d think twice only if wind and boat movement are a problem for you, or if you’re the type who wants high-end drinks or premium beds without paying extra. Otherwise, this is the kind of outing that saves you time and lets you focus on the parts you actually came for: swimming, sun, and Formentera on your schedule.

FAQ

How long is the Ibiza to Formentera boat trip?

It runs for 10 hours total. The listing notes the start time can vary, so check availability for the specific departure.

How much free time do I get in Formentera?

You get about 5 hours of free time in Formentera.

What’s included in the open bar?

The open bar includes beer, sangria, soft drinks, juices, and water while you’re on the boat. Wine and other cocktails are not included.

Is paella included, and can I choose what type?

Yes. Paella is included, with options for mixed, vegetarian, or seafood. If you want vegetarian paella, you must book the vegetarian option when reserving.

Are water-sports included?

Snorkeling masks, paddleboards, and snorkeling are included. Kayak is available for specific guests (families with kids and people with reduced mobility). Seabob is seasonal and noted as available from late May/end of May, with the detailed description listing June through September.

Does the trip include BBQ?

BBQ is included only if you choose the Gold Ticket option. The Gold Ticket BBQ is described as grilled meats plus vegetables.

Where do I meet the boat?

You meet at Happiness Beach Ibiza. The advice is to arrive 30 minutes before departure.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. The trip also lists no weapons or sharp objects, and it does not allow alcohol and drugs.