A day on two islands, one easy ticket. I love Cala Saona snorkeling and the paella live show, because it turns an ordinary day into one long swim-and-eat moment. Add an open bar and you’ve got a very Ibiza-style rhythm without any extra planning.

One watch-out: this can be a tight, shared-on-board setup, so daybeds and shade aren’t guaranteed the way you’d want them in a perfect world.

Key things I’d highlight before you book

• Cala Saona swim stop (about 4 hours) with snorkeling gear plus paddle toys and inflatables
• Formentera time is real (3 full hours) to hit Ses Illetes, Es Pujols, Sant Francesc, or viewpoints
• Paella lunch is included with options for vegan/vegetarian/gluten free if you request in advance
• Unlimited drinks are part of the deal (wine/beer/sangria plus soft drinks and water)
• Small enough to feel social (max 40 travelers), but still a shared boat experience

Ibiza to Formentera in One Day: the smart version of island-hopping

If you want Formentera without turning your day into a transport puzzle, this cruise is built for you. You’re getting a catamaran ride, a major swim stop, lunch, drinks, and a chunk of time on Formentera—wrapped into one ticket.

I like that it’s not trying to be a party boat. The vibe is more chilled: music stays in the background, the pace is relaxed, and you spend most of the day outside on deck.

The value is also practical. You’re paying for time—the cruise handles the sailing between Ibiza and Formentera—while you use your energy on beaches and water.

Getting on board in Figueretas: where your day starts

You’ll check in at the Japanese & Thai Restaurant YOKUBO, on Paseo de ses Pituses (under Hotel Ibiza Playa). It’s close to public transportation, which helps if you’re not starting the day with a rental car.

A detail that matters: the boat leaves on schedule. Many people love the punctual feel, but if you arrive late, you can end up hustling to catch up with the day’s rhythm.

Once you’re on board, you’ll see a mix of seating styles—like rooftop-style loungers and deck chairs. Some passengers report assigned lounging, but there’s also a recurring theme: shared daybeds can mean comfort depends on who you end up next to.

Cala Saona: the best “first wow” stop

Cala Saona is where the day gets pretty fast. Expect crystal-clear water and that dramatic red-cliff backdrop. You get about 4 hours here, which is enough time to snorkel, swim, and still have a calm moment to just float.

Snorkeling gear is provided, so you don’t need to bring your own mask. You can also paddle around with the included water toys (inflatables and paddle-style activities are part of the experience). At this stop, the whole plan is simple: get in the water, look around, and enjoy the break.

Two practical tips for this section:

• Bring sunscreen and a towel even if you think you won’t need it. The deck time sneaks up on you fast.
• If you care about snorkeling comfort, ask early how the gear is set up at the start of the swim break.

Formentera: 3 hours to do it your way

After Cala Saona, the cruise docks at La Savina Port in Formentera. Then you get 3 full hours to explore. That timing is the sweet spot for a first visit: enough time to enjoy a beach and still feel like you saw more than just one corner of the island.

Most people aim for Ses Illetes, which is one of Europe’s most famous beach areas. If you’d rather do beach plus town energy, you can base yourself around Es Pujols or Sant Francesc.

If you want options, the cruise team can help with renting a bike or scooter. That’s useful here because Formentera isn’t huge—but it does reward a little movement. You’ll also hear about viewpoints like Cap de Barbaria and La Mola, both of which are classic “short effort, big view” stops.

The only real drawback of the Formentera portion is time pressure. Three hours is good, but it’s not long. If you show up without a plan, it can feel like you’re racing the clock.

Lunch on the move: paella live show and what’s actually included

Lunch is one of the strongest selling points, and it’s not just a checkbox. You get a paella live show on board with fresh ingredients, and there are options for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free if you request at least 24 hours in advance.

In real terms, paella is served during the middle of the day. Some passengers note it happens a couple hours in, which gives you a nice rhythm: snorkel, return, eat, then go back out if you still feel like swimming.

Dessert is typically fruit—people mention cantaloupe and watermelon being part of the sweet finish. Quality tends to get praise here, including the fresh fruit side.

And yes, it’s lunch you don’t have to think about. For a one-day trip, that matters more than people expect.

Unlimited drinks: fun, not fancy

The open bar is built into the experience: wine, beer, sangria, plus soft drinks and water. The main idea is that you can relax without constantly checking whether you’re about to spend extra.

Some passengers love how quickly the drinks keep coming. Others say the selection feels simple, with a heavier emphasis on sangria and beer versus cocktail-style drinks.

Either way, keep your expectations practical. This is a cruising day, not a cocktail bar in a city. You’re there for sea time, not a tasting menu.

A couple of small details worth noting:

• If you reserved Balinese beds, you may receive a bottle of cava as a toast.
• During the return, some people report a glass of cava served on the way back.

Also, one review mentioned the same plastic cup being used throughout the day and questioned hygiene. That’s not the vibe I’d want, so if this is a big concern for you, just ask the crew for a fresh cup when you can.

Sunset cruise back to Ibiza: the payoff hour

The return sailing feels like a reward rather than a commute. You’ll cruise back toward Ibiza with soft music and an open bar continuing in the background.

On the way back, the cruise makes stops around Playa d’en Bossa and Figueretas, so you can enjoy the final stretch from the top deck. It’s a nice close to the day because the light changes fast and the sea goes from swim-bright to golden.

For a lot of people, the sunset portion is where the whole day clicks. You’ve done the swim stop, you’ve had your island time, and now you’re just watching the coast drift by.

Staff and service: when it works, it’s excellent

The crew and hosts get a lot of praise for being friendly and helpful—especially with instructions for getting on and off the boat and with supporting the day’s flow.

Specific names pop up in compliments, including Pepe and Mariano. People describe them as attentive, welcoming, and good at keeping things organized.

That said, a few negative notes exist. Some passengers felt communication could be clearer, especially around timing and what to expect next. A couple also reported issues tied to wind conditions (like paddleboard activity not happening) and the boat operating in a mixed capacity, which can affect space and shade.

So my take is balanced: when the day runs smoothly, it feels like VIP service. When it doesn’t, the fix is mostly communication and comfort.

Price and value: why $107 can be a bargain or a letdown

At about $107.40 per person for roughly 8 hours, the value depends on what you’re comparing.

If you’re trying to replicate the day yourself, you’d need:

• Transport across water (Ibiza to Formentera and back)
• Time and logistics for beach access
• Lunch planning and payment
• Snacks or drinks you’d buy on your own
• Snorkeling gear or rentals

This package bundles those costs and removes friction. That’s why people call it good value and a day well spent.

Where it can feel pricey is if you wanted a lot more Formentera time, more space, or more control over activities. This is still a shared boat format, and some comfort choices (like daybed sharing) may not match what you pictured.

So the best way to judge value is simple: do you want an organized day where most decisions are already made? If yes, it’s a strong buy. If you want flexibility and lots of room, you might be happier with independent ferry travel plus beach time.

Practical tips so your day goes smoothly

Here’s how you set yourself up for success on a day like this:

• Arrive early enough to check in without stress. The boat is on schedule, and catching up is no fun.
• Plan your Formentera “must-do” before you land. With only 3 hours, decide whether your priority is Ses Illetes, town wandering, or a viewpoint loop.
• Pack for water time. Towel, sunscreen, and swimwear are the big three.
• Expect wind to affect water toys. Paddleboard-type activities can depend on conditions, so don’t build your day around one single activity.
• If shade matters, ask. Some days feel sunnier than others, and deck shade can be limited.
• Request dietary options in time. Vegan/vegetarian/gluten free are available with 24 hours’ notice, so do it early.

If you do those things, you’ll likely feel like you got what you paid for.

Who this cruise is best for (and who should skip it)

This is a great fit for:

• First-time visitors to Formentera who want beaches plus viewpoints without a rental-car day
• People who want snorkeling + paella + drinks in one stop-and-go day
• Anyone who prefers a chilled atmosphere over loud club energy

It’s not ideal for:

• If you want maximum space and zero sharing, the boat format can feel tight
• If you need long beach time (like half a day or more), three hours on Formentera may feel short
• If you’re very sensitive to communication gaps, you should be ready to stay flexible and ask questions when needed

Should you book this Ibiza to Formentera cruise?

I’d book it if your goal is a low-effort, high-reward day: Cala Saona swim time, a proper paella lunch, and Formentera time without dealing with ferry schedules and food plans. It’s especially compelling if you want an easy first visit and you’re comfortable with a shared boat setup.

I’d hesitate if shade and personal space are top priorities, or if you’d rather spend the whole day on one beach. In that case, you might prefer a straightforward ferry and a slower plan you control.

If you want a “just make it happen for me” Ibiza day, this cruise is built for that.

FAQ

How long is the Ibiza to Formentera cruise?

It runs about 8 hours (approximately).

Where are the stops during the day?

You’ll visit Cala Saona, dock at La Savina Port in Formentera, and then return to Ibiza with stops around Playa d’en Bossa and Figueretas.

Is paella included?

Yes. Lunch includes paella cooked as a live show. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available if you request at least 24 hours in advance.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited alcoholic beverages are included, along with soft drinks and water. The included items are wine, beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water.

Do I get snorkeling gear?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is provided for the swimming and snorkeling stop.

How much time do I have in Formentera?

You get 3 full hours on Formentera.

Is there a maximum group size?

Yes. The tour has a maximum of 40 travelers.

What’s the cancellation window?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

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