Formentera by yacht feels like cheating. This Ibiza Boat Club day trip turns a classic island hop into a floating beach club experience with real comfort, nonstop refreshments, and big views of the Las Salinas area as you cruise over. I especially like the VIP sun-bed setup for full-day options and the live Paella Show Cooking with seafood plus vegan and gluten-free choices.

The only real catch is you need to book the right option. Sun-bed access and even the main meal can vary depending on whether you pick full day, half-day morning, or sunset.

Key things that make this cruise worth your time

• 80-guest cap on a large boat means you get space and easier service without the full-on party crush
• VIP sun beds for full-day clients (and not for half-day morning) changes how good the day feels at sea
• Two swim stops in Formentera depending on your option, plus SUP boards and a giant water slide for the evening stop
• Live show cooking: homemade Paella Ibicenca at dinner, and Café Caleta show cooking with a sax player
• Open bar all day for included options: Aperol Spritz, sangria de cava, sangria roja, beer, water, and soft drinks
• Five hours of free time on Formentera so you can actually explore Es Palmador, Far de la Mola, or the hippie market

Playa d’en Bossa check-in: where the cruise mood starts

You start on Ibiza at Playa d’en Bossa, at the pier next to Bar Happiness (address: Carrer de la Punta). Boarding begins at 10:15 am, and if you choose the main sailing, you’re out on the water at 10:30 am. Plan to arrive a touch early so you’re not rushing through the wristband flow.

This is an adults-only cruise, so expect a social vibe rather than a family day. The outfit trend is boho chic / smart casual, which basically means: look good, but don’t worry if your sandals get a little salty. Also note the rules: no loud DJ music in Formentera (the nature reserve matters), and no large luggage or drones.

Cruise to Ses Illetes: breakfast, coffee, and first swim energy

Before you even reach Formentera, you’re treated like this is more than just transport. As you sail toward the nature reserve views (Las Salinas), you’ll have coffee onboard to get going, plus tea and other welcome drinks.

After about 45 minutes, the boat anchors near Ses Illetes, one of those beaches where the water looks filtered even before you get in. Then comes a fresh, local breakfast service. You’ll see pastries like ensaimadas, juicy fruits, and artisanal bread with guacamole and organic olive oil. It’s the kind of spread that helps because you’ll burn energy later, either by renting a bike/scooter on Formentera or by joining the water fun on the return sailing.

If you’re the type who likes to start the day with a swim, this morning dip is a good moment. The main drawback is that even in summer, sea wind can cool you off after you climb back on board—bring sunscreen and be ready for the chill.

Dropped at La Savina for five hours: how to use Formentera time well

The best part of this cruise, in my view, is the amount of time you get on Formentera. Full-day guests are dropped at the port of Formentera (La Savina) at around 12:15 pm. Then you’ve got roughly five hours to do your own thing before the boat keeps going.

There’s no guide in Formentera, so treat this as a flexible free-time island day rather than a guided tour. If you want more than a slow stroll, you’ll probably want wheels. Scooter or bike rentals are available on the island, but they’re not included—so bring cash/card for that once you’re there.

Good ways to spend your time:

• Es Palmador for beach time (it’s the classic white-sand “postcard” stop)
• Far de la Mola lighthouse if you want views and a walk
• The hippie market if you want shopping and local atmosphere
• Using local buses to explore farther without committing to scooter life

One more practical note: Formentera has restrictions aimed at protecting the area, so you won’t feel like you’re in a loud nightclub environment there. It’s more laid-back, and that’s a big part of why this island day works.

The half-day morning vs full-day choice: what changes on the water

This cruise comes in different versions, and the differences matter. For example, the half-day morning option drops you back to Ibiza earlier, while the full-day option continues into the later sailing where the vibe picks up again. The half-day sunset option has its own schedule and starts in the late afternoon.

Here’s what you should understand before you book:

• VIP sun beds are reserved for full-day clients (and also for sunset clients per the VIP-bed note), not the morning half-day option.
• The main meal timing changes with your option. The morning tour doesn’t include the Paella dinner, and the sunset tour doesn’t include breakfast.

So your “value” depends on matching the option to your priorities. If you want the full floating-beach comfort—sun beds, long drink window, and the full meal—go full day. If you just want a taste and plan to explore the island differently, half-day can work.

Swim stop fun at sea: paddle boards and the giant water slide

When the cruise is back in the Formentera swim rhythm (including the evening sailing segment at around 17:30), the water activities are part of the appeal. This is where you’ll find SUP boards, a proper splash moment, and a swim stop designed for photos as much as for comfort.

For the evening stop, there’s a giant inflatable water slide. That’s the kind of included feature you don’t always see on island cruises, and it turns the stop into an event instead of a quick dip.

You may also have chances for snorkeling, and you’ll likely get the usual beach-club extras: time in the water, sun lounging, and staff that keep the flow moving.

If you get motion-sick easily, bring what you normally use and sit where you feel stable. The itinerary has sailing windows before and after swim stops, and that’s enough movement for many people to feel it.

Live Paella Show Cooking and Café Caleta with sax

Dinner here isn’t just food on a plate. During the evening swim stop, you’ll get dinner served while a live cooking show happens onboard. The centerpiece is homemade Paella Ibicenca, with seafood and also vegan options. Gluten-free options are mentioned as available too, which is rare enough to be worth noting if you’re watching your diet.

Dinner arrives with bread and aioli, plus a fresh garden salad made with local market veggies. It’s the kind of meal that makes sense on a boat: filling, shareable, and not overly fussy.

The show part continues near the sunset moment at Sol d’en Sera. You’ll get Café Caleta show cooking accompanied by a sax player, which sounds like a gimmick until you’re actually hearing it while the water turns golden and the boat slows down. It’s also one of those moments where the soundtrack becomes part of the memory.

Open bar detail: what you’re really paying for with an all-inclusive ticket

Let’s talk drinks because this is one of the big reasons the price feels different from buying just ferries. On included sailing options, you’ll have soft drinks, water, beer, and sangria roja. You’ll also get Aperol Spritz and sangria de cava.

The practical value is simple: you’re not doing mental math every time you want a second drink, and you’re not lining up at every port. Many people like island day trips, then go home annoyed by what they spent on drinks alone. This package does the opposite. It’s set up so you can relax and enjoy the sea time without constantly calculating.

There’s also a local wine tasting included (full-day or sunset option), which gives the meal a more “real Spain” feel instead of just generic alcohol.

Dolphin watching, scenic routes, and the photo reality

On the return sailing, you get time at sea with views and movement—plus a chance at dolphin watching. That’s listed as part of the experience, and it’s the kind of “if it happens, it happens” bonus that makes the end of the day feel special.

You’ll also have scenic sailing alongside Ibiza and Formentera, plus photo-friendly moments at swim stops. If you care about photos, this is where you’ll want to have your phone protected (sun + salt + wind is not gentle).

The sunset portion tends to be the most atmospheric. If you’re picking an option and you’re unsure, lean toward sunset for the vibe payoff.

Price and value: is $102 reasonable for what you get?

At about $102 per person (depending on option and timing), you’re paying for more than transportation. You’re buying:

• round-trip cruise segments from Ibiza
• a capped group experience (80 allowed, even though the boat capacity is larger)
• onboard breakfast (for morning/full-day options)
• Paella dinner via show cooking (for the options that include it)
• open bar with specific drinks (Aperol Spritz, sangria variants, beer, soft drinks)
• SUP boards and a giant water slide (on the evening swim stop)
• VIP sun-bed access for full-day (and VIP beds for sunset clients)

Also, the standard ferry to and from Formentera is cheaper, but it doesn’t include drinks, DJ, or VIP beds. So the question isn’t just “Can I do this cheaper?” It’s “Do I want a comfortable, all-in day where the hard parts are handled and the island time is the fun part?” For most people seeking a once-in-a-trip day at sea, it’s a fair match.

Who this cruise suits, and who should skip it

This is best for adults who want a Formentera day without planning every detail. It fits:

• couples and friend groups who like sea days and good food
• travelers who want enough free time to explore on their own
• people who care about comfort, sun beds, and not thinking about drink orders

It’s not a great fit if:

• you’re traveling with children (it’s adults only)
• you want a fully guided island day in Formentera (there’s no guide there)
• you’re counting on bringing big bags or luggage (large bags aren’t allowed)
• you want a totally quiet, library-like experience (the overall vibe is social)

Should you book Ibiza Boat Club Formentera with Benefits?

I’d book it if Formentera is a priority and you want the “wow, I’m on the water” day to feel handled. The combination of VIP sun beds (for the right options), show cooking Paella, and included activities like SUP boards and the water slide makes this more than a basic ferry day.

Before you pay, double-check the option you’re choosing. If VIP beds are a must for you, make sure you’re selecting the full-day version. If you really care about the Paella dinner or breakfast, verify whether your option includes them. Once you match those details to your plan, this is one of the more enjoyable ways to spend a day between Ibiza and Formentera.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Ibiza Boat Club Formentera cruise?

The experience runs from about 1.5 hours up to a full-day option, depending on the specific time slot you choose. Check availability for the exact starting times for your option.

Where do I meet the boat in Ibiza?

You meet at the boat pier in Playa d’en Bossa next to Bar Happiness. Boarding starts at 10:15 am, and the address for navigation is Carrer de la Punta 7, 07800 Ibiza.

What time are guests dropped off on Formentera?

Guests are dropped at the port of Formentera (La Savina) at about 12:15 pm. Full-time on the island continues until around 17:30 pm before the next sailing segment.

Is there a guide on Formentera during the free time?

No. You have free time on Formentera with no guide there, so you explore on your own.

Can I rent a scooter or bike on Formentera?

Scooter or bike rental is possible on Formentera, but it is not included in your cruise ticket.

Does the half-day morning option include paella dinner?

No. The morning tour does not include the Paella dinner. Paella is tied to the dinner portion of the experience in the options that include it.

Does the sunset tour include breakfast?

No. The sunset tour does not include breakfast.

What drinks are included?

Depending on your option, the open bar includes Aperol Spritz, sangria roja, sangria de cava, sangria de vino Tinto, beer, water, and soft drinks.

What water activities are included?

You can use SUP boards, and there is a giant inflatable water slide at the evening swim stop. The tour also includes swim stops at Formentera depending on the option.

Is this cruise family-friendly?

No. This tour is for adults only (not suitable for children under 18).

What’s not allowed onboard?

Large bags or luggage are not allowed, and drones are not allowed.