Ibiza: Crystal Waters Formentera, Open Bar and Buffet Lunch

Exploring the Ibiza to Formentera Cruise: A Detailed Look at the Experience

If you’re heading to Ibiza and looking to escape the lively crowds for a more relaxed, scenic day, a boat trip to Formentera might just be the perfect choice. We’ve come across a well-reviewed tour that offers a blend of sightseeing, swimming, good food, and drinks, all wrapped into a day-long adventure. The “Ibiza: Crystal Waters Formentera, Open Bar and Buffet Lunch” tour by Sea Experience is quite popular, with a solid 4 out of 5 stars from nearly 500 reviews.

What really stands out is the promise of spectacular coastal views, underwater swimming stops, and a laid-back atmosphere—all complemented by the convenience of an open bar and buffet lunch. While the trip comes at around $90 per person, the value hinges on your interest in scenic cruising, swimming, and enjoying a hassle-free day on the water. One thing to keep in mind is that the actual duration, including transfers, is about a full day, so it suits travelers who want a comprehensive outing rather than just a quick boat ride. Perfect for those who appreciate a mix of relaxation, nature, and good food, especially if you’re traveling with friends or family who enjoy being on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Excellent for scenic coastal views and underwater swimming stops
• Includes an open bar and buffet lunch, offering good value for a day trip
• Flexible itinerary with stops in Cala Saona, Illetas, and La Savina
• Not suitable for wheelchair users or those seeking beach disembarkation
• Regular reviews highlight friendly, helpful staff and clean boats
• Be prepared for possible route changes due to sea conditions

Starting the Journey: What to Expect from the Tour

This tour kicks off from two main locations in Ibiza, either from Sea Experience Ibiza or Playa den Bossa. From there, you’ll hop aboard a spacious boat, feeling the wind as you head toward Formentera. The journey itself is quite scenic, especially as you sail along the west coast of Formentera with views of cliffs, lighthouses, and dramatic coastline.

You should expect to spend roughly 4 hours on the water, but the entire experience—including transfers—is closer to a full day. The key point to remember is that this isn’t a beach-hopping trip; the stops are in the middle of the sea, in designated swimming areas, where you can enjoy the clear waters with provided snorkeling gear and noodles. No disembarking directly on beaches, which might matter if you’re hoping to walk directly onto sand or spend time on the shore.

The Cruise Itinerary: Breaking Down the Highlights

The itinerary is quite detailed, with multiple stops designed to maximize your time in Formentera. Here’s a straightforward breakdown:

Stop 1: Departure from Ibiza

You can choose between two locations – either from Sea Experience Ibiza or the Beach area of Figueretas. The journey begins here, with about 15 minutes on the ferry to reach the boat.

More Great Tours Nearby

Stop 2 & 4: Ferry Rides

There’s a short ferry transfer at the start (about 15 minutes), followed by a longer one of about 45 minutes. These transfers are straightforward and involve no additional cost, just part of the journey to set the scene for your day.

Stop 3 & 6: Hop-on Hop-off

These are quick stops (around 15 minutes each), giving you a chance to stretch, take photos, or grab a quick drink. They’re more about flexibility and comfort than sightseeing.

Stop 5: Formentera Scenic Tour & Sailing

Once you arrive, you’ll enjoy about 45 minutes of guided scenic views, with the captain narrating interesting spots along the coast. Expect to sail past Cap de Barberia, with its iconic lighthouse and impressive cliffs, offering picture-perfect moments.

Stop 7: Cala Saona

This is one of the main swimming stops, lasting about 50 minutes. Here, you can relax, take photos, enjoy your aperitif, beer, coffee, and of course, a buffet lunch. The waters here are clear enough for swimming and snorkeling, and you’ll have access to nautical toys.

Stop 8: Playa de Ses Illetes

Another favorite stop, with around 40 minutes allocated for swimming and exploring. This beach is often praised for its beautiful scenery, and many reviews mention loving the chance to see vibrant fish while snorkeling.

Stop 9: La Savina

This port town offers about 30 minutes for a relaxed walk, sightseeing, or just unwinding before heading back to Ibiza. It’s a gentle, low-stress way to end the day on land.

Stops 10 & 11: Return Journey

The return ferry ride takes about an hour, giving you time to kick back, reflect, and enjoy the sea breeze before arriving back at your starting point.

What We Like About This Tour

The scenic sailing along Formentera’s coast is truly impressive, with most reviews pointing out the stunning views and the relaxed pace. The swimming stops in Cala Saona and Illetas are well-loved, especially since they allow you to enjoy the famously clear waters without the pressure of beach crowds. Many travelers appreciated the friendly crew and the clean, comfortable boats—it seems like a well-managed operation.

The buffet lunch is another standout, with guests noting that they could eat and drink as much as they wanted, which adds real value to the day. The open bar, offering water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria, keeps everyone happily hydrated and in good spirits throughout.

Authentic Experiences from Reviews:

• “It was great. The staff was really fun and would recommend!”
• “We enjoyed plenty of time to see the beauty of the island, with lovely food and drinks.”
• “The crew was friendly and helpful, and the boat was clean and comfortable.”

These comments suggest that the tour provides a balanced experience—more than just a boat ride, it’s a relaxing day with enough guidance and amenities to keep everyone happy.

The Possible Drawbacks

While the overall experience is highly rated, some travelers point out minor issues. For example, the food on the buffet can be hit or miss, with some finding it less satisfying, especially compared to the rest of the trip. One reviewer mentions, “the food was awful,” which might be a personal taste thing, but it’s worth noting if food quality is a priority.

Another consideration is the route flexibility. Since the trip depends on weather conditions at sea, the captain may alter the route or stop locations without much notice. This could affect your experience, especially if you’re eager to see specific landmarks or beach disembarkation.

Lastly, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and there’s no beach disembarkation, which might matter to travelers with mobility issues or those wanting to spend extensive time on land.

Analyzing the Value: Is It Worth It?

At $90 per person, this tour offers a lot—scenic views, swimming opportunities, good food, drinks, and a knowledgeable crew. Reviewers consistently mention that they felt it was good value, especially considering the included amenities and the hassle-free transfers. The fact that you get multiple swimming stops, scenic sailing, and free time in Formentera makes it a convenient way to see the island without renting a boat or planning your own trip.

However, the quality of lunch and the route flexibility are subjective points. If you’re someone who values a well-curated, relaxing day with plenty of opportunities to swim and take photos, this tour seems to deliver.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience suits travelers looking for a relaxed, all-in-one day that combines scenic sailing with swimming and food. Families with kids seem to enjoy it, given the friendly crew and calm waters, though you should note the boat’s limited accessibility for wheelchair users.

It’s also ideal for those not overly concerned with beach disembarkation but wanting to experience the beauty of Formentera’s coastline without the hassle of renting a boat or dealing with public ferries. If you’re interested in a hassle-free, well-rated, and reasonably priced day trip that offers scenic views, swimming, and good food, this tour checks most boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the reviews mention families enjoyed the trip, it’s mainly a boat cruise with swimming stops, so children comfortable on boats and in the water will get the most out of it. It’s a relaxed experience, but always check with the provider if you have young kids.

How long does the entire trip last?
The actual excursion on the water is about 4 hours. Including transfers and waiting times, the whole day could be around 8 hours, so plan accordingly.

Are meals included?
Yes, a buffet lunch is part of the experience, with plenty of food and drinks. The open bar is available during the cruise, and you can eat and drink as much as you want.

Can I disembark at beaches in Formentera?
No, the stops are in the sea in designated swimming zones. You don’t get off the boat onto beaches like Ses Illetes or Cala Saona but can enjoy swimming and snorkeling there.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and perhaps a hat or sunglasses. The boat provides snorkeling gear and noodles, but personal protective gear isn’t specified.

What if the weather isn’t good?
The tour is subject to sea conditions, and the captain may change the route or delay the trip if needed. It’s always good to check the weather forecast before booking.

Final Thoughts

The Ibiza: Crystal Waters Formentera, Open Bar and Buffet Lunch tour offers a relaxed and scenic way to enjoy some of the best parts of Formentera’s coastline. It’s a good pick for travelers who want a straightforward, pleasurable day on the water with plenty of swimming, scenic views, and good food in a friendly environment.

While it might not satisfy those seeking beach disembarkation or specific landmarks, the combination of easy transfers, the open bar, and the picturesque setting make it a solid choice for many holidaymakers. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or simply want to enjoy a peaceful day at sea, this trip can be a highlight of your Ibiza holiday.

Remember: It’s always worth checking the availability and specific starting times, as these can vary. Prepare for a day of sunshine, water, and relaxing views, and you’ll likely come away with some memorable moments of Formentera’s natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: