Ibiza: Formentera Cruise at Ibiza Boat Club

Formentera with Benefits is built around a clever idea: combine a free afternoon on Formentera with a floating beach club that handles the food, drinks, swimming, and sunset fun. You get five hours on the island, then return to the boat for paella, wine tasting, and a scenic sail back toward Ibiza.

I like the small guest limit of 80 people, even though the catamaran can hold 300. I also like the mix of real island time and easy onboard comfort: you can rent a bike or scooter in Formentera, then come back to a sun bed, open bar, and dinner without arranging separate transport.

The main drawback is that the three ticket choices are not interchangeable. The morning ferry option does not include the full boat-club service, and the sunset tour skips breakfast. This is an adults-only outing with a social party mood, not a quiet sightseeing cruise.

Key points to know before booking

• Five hours in Formentera: You are dropped at La Savina around 12:15 and have until 17:30 to explore without a guide.
• Full-day clients get reserved sun beds: The sunset option includes VIP beds too, but the morning ferry option does not.
• Food is a major part of the day: Expect breakfast on morning and full-day trips, then paella show cooking on full-day and sunset trips.
• The swim stop is active and social: Paddle boards, clear water, and a giant inflatable slide are offered during the evening stop.
• The boat carries only 80 people on this sailing: That gives you more room than a standard high-capacity party boat.
• Bring practical beach gear: You need swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, and clothes that can get dirty.

What the Formentera cruise is really like

This is less a traditional guided tour and more a full-day seaside outing with a useful island transfer built in. You travel from Playa d’en Bossa to Formentera, spend much of the afternoon on your own, then reunite with the catamaran for swimming, dinner, drinks, and sunset views.

The $102 starting price is easiest to judge as a package. It covers the boat, breakfast on the relevant options, five hours in Formentera, drinks, swim equipment, dinner on the full-day and sunset choices, and entertainment such as live cooking and a Café Caleta presentation. If you would otherwise pay separately for a ferry, meals, drinks, and a beach club, the value is strong.

You should still be clear about what you are buying. You do not get a guide in Formentera, and scooter, car, or bicycle rental is extra. The island portion is self-guided, so you are responsible for planning your route and returning to La Savina on time.

The atmosphere leans social and polished. You can expect friendly service, music during parts of the return sail, and a party mood as the day moves toward sunset. At the same time, loud DJ music is not used in the Formentera nature reserve, which is a sensible limit in a beautiful and protected setting.

Boarding at Playa d’en Bossa

The meeting point is the boat pier at the end of Playa d’en Bossa, next to Bar Happiness and close to Hotel The Ibiza Twiins and Bar Albatros. Boarding begins at 10:15 for the morning and full-day departures, with the tour starting at 10:30.

Give yourself time to walk to the pier. If you use the bus, take route L14 and get off near Hotel Marenostrum or Hotel Goleta. By car, parking is about 10 meters from the pier at the junction of Carrer de la Punta and Pere Matutes Noguera. The navigation address provided is Carrer de la Punta 7, 07800 Ibiza.

The first stretch gives you a chance to settle into the boat. Coffee and tea are available, and the crew begins the day with a relaxed breakfast service. You might find pastries, ensaimadas, fresh fruit, bread, guacamole, and olive oil, with enough food to make this more than a token morning snack.

The boat has both sun beds and sofa lounges. Full-day clients have reserved VIP sun beds, which matters on a long sailing. If you book the morning ferry option, do not assume you can use those beds when you return to the boat, because access is not included with that ticket.

Breakfast beside Ses Illetes

After about 45 minutes, the catamaran anchors near Ses Illetes, one of Formentera’s best-known beach areas. Breakfast is served here, giving you a first look at the pale sand and clear water before the main island stop.

This is also the first possible swim stop on the full-day itinerary. The water can feel cold, and wind can make the boat deck chilly even under a warm sun. Bring a towel and a cover-up, and accept a blanket if the crew offers one.

The food has a local touch rather than feeling like generic buffet fare. Ensaimadas bring a taste of the Balearics, while fruit, bread, dips, and olive oil give you a lighter start. Coffee is part of the appeal, especially after arriving at the pier early.

The timing is useful because you do not have to rush straight into Formentera sightseeing. You can eat, take photographs, and enjoy the water before the boat continues to La Savina.

Five free hours at La Savina

Around noon, the boat drops you at the port of La Savina. The schedule allows roughly five hours before you return at 17:30, though the precise arrival is listed around 12:15. This is the most independent part of the day.

You can rent a scooter, car, or bicycle, visit the hippie market, take a local bus, or stay near the beaches. Far de la Mola lighthouse is an option for a longer island outing, while Es Palmador is suggested for beach time. Rental costs are not included, so plan that expense separately.

A bicycle can work well if you want a simple outing and find one at a reasonable price. A scooter or car gives you more reach, especially if you want to see several parts of the island. The tour does not provide a guide, so you need to choose your route before setting off and keep an eye on the return time.

This freedom is one of the strongest parts of the package. You are not pushed from one viewpoint to another with a guide and a flag. You can shape the afternoon around your own interests, from a slow beach stop to a more active ride around the island.

The tradeoff is responsibility. You must arrange your own rental, transport, and sightseeing, then arrive back at La Savina promptly. If independent planning makes you uneasy, stay close to the port or use the local buses. The practical side of Formentera is part of the outing, not a problem the crew solves for you.

The evening swim stop and water activities

Once you rejoin the catamaran, the cruise shifts from island transport to floating beach club. The evening program includes a swim stop near Formentera, where you can jump into the clear water, use a stand-up paddle board, or try the giant inflatable slide.

This is the liveliest portion of the day. If you want to swim, bring your suit where you can reach it easily rather than burying it in a bag. Large luggage and large bags are not allowed, and drones are prohibited, so pack a compact beach bag.

The water temperature is worth considering. Some people will find the swim refreshing; others may prefer to sunbathe, take photographs, or stay on the boat. You are not required to use the paddle boards or slide, and the catamaran provides enough space for different levels of energy.

Soft drinks, water, beer, Aperol Spritz, Cava, and two kinds of sangria are part of the open bar. Sangria de Cava offers a lighter sparkling option, while red-wine sangria is more traditional. Because alcohol flows through much of the outing, pace yourself. Five hours on Formentera followed by a swim stop and sunset sailing can make a long day feel even longer.

Paella, wine tasting, and Café Caleta

Dinner is served during the later stop, with a live paella show. The main dish is Paella Ibicenca with seafood, and vegan and gluten-free choices are available. Bread, aioli, salad, and local seasonal fruit round out the meal.

The cooking presentation adds something to the meal. You see the food being made rather than receiving a plate without context. This is not a formal restaurant tasting menu, but it gives the dinner a clear Balearic identity and makes the meal part of the entertainment.

A local wine tasting follows. If you enjoy trying regional drinks, this gives you a little more than the standard beer-and-sangria boat trip. If you do not drink alcohol, water and soft drinks are available throughout.

The Café Caleta show cooking adds another local note. This Ibizan coffee drink is prepared as part of the evening program, with sweet bread and, according to the provided details, a saxophone performance during the sunset portion. The music and cooking work together without turning the whole outing into a nightclub.

The return sail includes music and scenic views along Ibiza and Formentera. Some departures have a stronger party feel, including a DJ set and saxophone. Others may feel more relaxed, depending on the crowd and the crew. Staff members named in positive feedback include Ana, Javi, and Jill, but the working team can vary by departure.

How the ticket options differ

Read the three choices carefully before paying. The full-day option is the most complete version. It includes the morning departure, breakfast, the Formentera stop, the later swim and dinner program, open bar, wine tasting, and VIP sun bed access.

The half-day morning option is mainly a transfer and morning boat outing. It includes breakfast and access to Formentera, but you return to Ibiza by standard ferry and do not receive the later paella dinner, evening swim stop, open bar, DJ, or VIP beds.

The half-day sunset option begins around 17:30 and is designed for the later boat-club section. It includes the swim stop, paddle boards, water slide, drinks, paella dinner, wine tasting, Café Caleta show cooking, and sunset sail. It does not include breakfast or five hours of independent time in Formentera.

The full-day choice makes the most sense if you want Formentera itself and the floating beach club in one day. The sunset option suits you if you have already arranged your island visit or only want the social boat portion. The morning option is best if your priority is reaching Formentera early and returning by ferry, not spending the evening on the catamaran.

Who will enjoy this outing most

I would recommend it to adults who want a mix of free time, comfort, food, and easygoing nightlife. Couples, groups of friends, and solo visitors comfortable meeting people can all fit the setting. The limited 80-person sailing should feel more manageable than a packed party boat, while still giving you a social atmosphere.

It also suits anyone who wants Formentera without spending a full day arranging ferry tickets, restaurant bookings, and a separate return plan. The boat takes care of the major services, and you still get several hours to make your own island plans.

This is not the best choice if you want a quiet, guided nature tour or a strict cultural itinerary. It is also not suitable for children under 18. The recommended dress code is boho chic or smart casual, but you should bring practical beachwear and clothes that can get dirty around food, sand, and water.

Book at least one of the options with enough time for what you want. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and reserve-now-pay-later booking can help if your Ibiza plans are still moving.

Should you book the Ibiza Boat Club Formentera cruise?

Book it if you value convenience and variety. The strongest version gives you a beautiful beach breakfast, independent time on Formentera, reserved seating, an open bar, swimming, paella, local drinks, and a sunset sail for $102 per person. That is a good package price when you use most of what is included.

Choose the full-day option if you want the complete day and can handle a long schedule. Choose sunset if your main goal is swimming, food, music, and sunset views. Skip the package if you prefer to explore Formentera entirely on your own or want a silent, low-key boat ride.

For many adults visiting Ibiza, this is a practical way to fit Formentera into one memorable day. Just pick the right ticket, pack lightly, and return to La Savina on time.

FAQ

Where does the Formentera cruise begin?

The meeting point is the boat pier at the end of Playa d’en Bossa, next to Bar Happiness, Hotel The Ibiza Twiins, and Bar Albatros.

What time does boarding begin?

Boarding begins at 10:15 for the full-day and half-day morning options. Those departures start at 10:30.

How long do I have to explore Formentera?

You have about five hours of free time, from approximately 12:15 until 17:30. The island portion is self-guided.

Is a guide provided in Formentera?

No. You are dropped at La Savina and explore independently. Scooter, car, and bicycle rentals are not included.

Are food and drinks included?

The full-day and sunset options include dinner with paella show cooking, and the morning and full-day options include breakfast. The open bar includes water, soft drinks, beer, Cava, Aperol Spritz, and red-wine and Cava sangria on the relevant boat-club options.

Are sun beds included with every ticket?

No. VIP sun beds are reserved for full-day and sunset clients. The half-day morning option does not include access to the sun beds.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

No. This is an adults-only activity and is not suitable for anyone under 18.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and clothes that can get dirty. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, and drones are prohibited.