CRYSTAL WATERS SEA EXPERIENCE, from Figueretas

Thinking about exploring the stunning coastline of Formentera from Ibiza? The Crystal Waters Sea Experience offers a popular way to do just that—by boat, with plenty of chances to swim and relax in some of the most beautiful spots on the island. Based on reviews and the detailed itinerary, this tour seems to strike a balance between fun, scenic beauty, and laid-back enjoyment. But like anything, it’s not perfect, so understanding what you’ll get (and what you might miss) can help you decide if it’s right for your trip.

We genuinely like how this tour includes two major swimming stops at Cala Saona and Illetas, with onboard catering that keeps you fueled with food and drinks. The route takes you along Formentera’s rugged coast to places like Cap de Barbaria, giving you a taste of the island’s dramatic scenery. The overall vibe is relaxed and family-friendly, especially if you’re into spending time on a boat and taking in the views at your own pace. However, the duration and the possibility of boat swaps at the end might be considerations for some travelers.

A potential drawback? The price point of around $92 per person isn’t cheap for a day out, but it does include food, drinks, and multiple scenic stops—so you’ll want to weigh the cost against the value of a day on the water. If you’re after a straightforward, chill experience with the opportunity to swim and enjoy good food in a lively setting, this tour could fit the bill. It’s especially suitable if you’re traveling with friends or a group that appreciates a mix of relaxation, sightseeing, and social vibes.

This tour seems best suited for those looking for a well-organized, leisurely day on the water, with plenty of opportunities to cool off and enjoy the scenery. It’s also a solid pick if you’re interested in a hassle-free way to see Formentera’s highlights from the sea with all the essentials covered.

Key Points

• Scenic Stops: The tour makes two main swimming stops at Cala Saona and Illetas, both known for their clear waters.
• All-Inclusive: Food and drinks, including water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria, are served onboard, making it easy to relax without extra costs.
• Flexible Return Times: After exploring Formentera, you get free time on the island and can choose your preferred return time—though check the schedule before the day.
• Family-Friendly: The experience is suitable for most travelers, with no specific restrictions mentioned, and nautical toys onboard for fun.
• Group Size & Boat Swap: You might switch boats at the end of your trip, which is worth noting if you prefer consistency.
• Price & Duration: The roughly 6-9 hour trip offers a balance of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxation, with a moderate price for what’s included.

A Closer Look at the Tour Itinerary

Starting Point: Figueretas

You’ll begin your day early, with check-in 30 minutes before departure at the Sea Experience Ibiza ticket office. It’s conveniently located right on the Passeig de ses Pitiüses, making it easy to access from central Ibiza. The meeting point is familiar, next to the Yokubo bar and in front of the Ibiza Playa hotel, so you won’t have trouble finding it.

Stop 1 & 2: Pickups at Figueretas and Playa den Bossa

The tour includes a quick stop at Playa den Bossa to pick up additional guests, which helps the boat fill up with a lively, social crowd. These short pickups are ideal for those staying nearby, and since the admission is free, it’s just a matter of getting on board.

Step onto Formentera: The Switch

After a 15-minute stop at the port of Formentera, the boat makes way for the scenic coast. During this part, all guests on the Ibiza-Formentera route disembark briefly, with new travelers boarding to continue the excursion. If you’re on the morning trip, you’ll stay on the same boat, but later in the day, you might switch vessels—something to keep in mind if you prefer a consistent experience.

Scenic Stop at Cap de Barbaria

One of the highlights is the visit to Cap de Barbaria, the southern tip of Formentera. Here, your guide will share insights about this wild, rough part of the coast, and you’ll get about an hour to appreciate the views. This is a prime photo opportunity, especially if you’re into rugged landscapes and dramatic cliffs.

Cala Saona & Illetas: The Swim Stops

Next, the boat turns around towards the west coast, making two key stops. Cala Saona is renowned for its turquoise waters and sandy beach—perfect for a swim and some relaxing time. The tour provides nautical toys onboard, so you can have fun splashing around or floating in the calm waters. You’ll spend about an hour here, with the onboard catering providing a nice break.

The second swim stop is at Playa de Ses Illetes, famous for its stunning, white sandy beach and clear waters. Expect another hour here for swimming, relaxing, or just snapping photos of the postcard-perfect scenery. These stops are the main reason people book this trip—they give you the chance to cool off in some beautiful natural settings.

Free Time & Return

At 4 pm, everyone disembarks at the port of Formentera for a few hours of free time. This is your chance to explore the island a bit, grab a snack, or simply relax. The tour then offers various return times throughout the season, giving you flexibility to tailor your day.

Back to Ibiza

The return crossing takes roughly an hour, depending on the schedule. When you get back to Figueretas, you’ll have the evening free to continue exploring Ibiza or unwind after your day on the water.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour’s all-inclusive package covers a good chunk of your needs. The onboard catering isn’t just snacks; it includes a variety of food—pasta salad, roast beef, bread, fruit tortillas—and drinks like water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria, served until 3:30 pm. This makes the trip more relaxing, as you won’t have to worry about finding places to eat during the stops.

However, any extras outside the specified times are on you, so if you want additional drinks or snacks later in the day, you’ll need to pay separately. The package offers good value considering the food, drinks, and scenic stops at the advertised price.

The Experience, From the Reviews

Several guests have shared positive impressions. One review gushed, “Great experience with my friends! Plenty of time to have fun in the water, the DJ was playing great music, and the food and drinks were good.” It seems the onboard atmosphere is lively but not over-the-top, mostly geared toward a relaxed, social vibe.

But not all feedback is glowing. One traveler described a cancellation due to weather as an “estafa” (scam), which points to the importance of flexible expectations—bad weather can cancel trips, and this is outside the operator’s control. The company offers full refunds if canceled due to weather or low bookings, so it’s worth being flexible.

Highlights from the reviews:

• Knowledgeable guides help you understand the scenic spots
• Delicious onboard food and drinks, including sangria
• Good mix of swimming and sightseeing with time to relax

Potential Downsides:

• The price could seem steep for some, especially if you’re on a budget
• The boat switch at the end could be less seamless for some travelers
• Weather cancellations may impact your plans, so keep an eye on the forecast

Practical Tips for the Tour

• Arrive early for check-in—being there 30 minutes beforehand makes for a smoother start.
• Bring sun protection—sunscreen, hats, sunglasses—especially since most of the day is spent outdoors.
• Pack a towel and swimwear for the stops.
• Check the return schedule before booking your return ticket to avoid missing your preferred time.
• Confirm the boat you’re on at the start, as you might switch vessels at the end.
• Consider the weather forecast—bad weather can cancel the trip, so plan some backup activities just in case.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after a laid-back day with plenty of swimming opportunities, great food, and scenic views, this trip might be just what you need. It’s especially good if you enjoy social environments—since the onboard music and nautical toys create a fun, relaxed vibe. It’s also a solid choice for those who want to see Formentera’s coast without spending a ton of time on land or paying for private tours.

However, if you prefer a more structured, in-depth exploration or are looking for a luxury experience, this might feel a bit casual or basic. Also, keep in mind that the price reflects the inclusions—food, drinks, multiple stops—so it’s a fair deal if you value those extras.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the description doesn’t specify age restrictions, the tour is generally family-friendly, especially since it includes nautical toys and swimming stops. However, parents should supervise children during the boat ride and swimming.

What should I bring?
You’ll want sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, and a towel. Bringing some additional snacks or personal drinks is optional since onboard drinks are included until 3:30 pm.

How long is the entire trip?
The total duration is approximately 6 to 9 hours, including stops, free time on Formentera, and the boat crossings.

Can I choose my return time?
Yes, after arriving in Formentera at around 4 pm, you can select from available return times throughout the season. Just check the schedule beforehand.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If the weather prevents the trip from happening, the tour provider offers a full refund or the option to reschedule to a different date.

Is the experience worth the price?
Considering the food, drinks, scenic stops, and the laid-back vibe, many travelers find it good value—especially if they enjoy swimming and socializing during a day out at sea.

Final Thoughts

The Crystal Waters Sea Experience from Figueretas offers a straightforward, enjoyable way to spend a day exploring Formentera’s coastline and swimming in its famously clear waters. It’s best suited for those who want a relaxed, social outing with good food and beautiful scenery, without the fuss of planning every detail. The inclusion of multiple swimming stops and onboard catering makes it a convenient and fun option, especially if you’re traveling in a group or with friends.

While the price might be on the higher side, the experience provides a mix of scenic beauty, leisure, and comfort that many will find worthwhile. Just keep an eye on the weather and return times, and you’ll have a lovely day out soaking up the sun and savoring the views of Formentera’s rugged coast.

If you’re looking for a well-rounded, casual boat trip that balances sightseeing and swimming, this could very well be your ideal day at sea.