Ibiza & Formentera: Es Vedrà Boat Tour with Meals & Swim Stops

Summary

Traditional wooden boat cruise Ibiza to Formentera with food, drinks and swim stops

You’ll board a classic wooden boat in Ibiza, cruise past Es Vedrà’s legendary rock face, swim near Espalmador’s clear waters, and taste fresh paella on deck. With plenty of free time on Formentera’s beaches plus sunset snacks on your return cruise, this day trip is equal parts adventure and relaxation—the kind that lingers long after you’re back on shore.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the wood of the boat to feel so warm under my bare feet—honestly, I was just thinking about not spilling my coffee. We’d met the Oceanbeat crew in San Antonio, all cheerful waves and quick instructions before shuffling onto this VIP shuttle (air-con! thank god). The drive to Playa d’en Bossa was short but somehow felt like a reset; you leave one side of Ibiza and suddenly you’re at Vanilla Beach, squinting at the sea and meeting our guide who handed out welcome drinks. I think she said her name was Marta? She had this way of laughing that made you relax right away.

The crossing toward Formentera is smoother than I thought—it’s only about an hour from the south coast. There’s music drifting around but it’s not too loud, just enough to make you smile into your coffee or beer (yes, both options at breakfast). Someone pointed out Es Vedrà rising out of nowhere, looking almost fake against the sky. Our guide started telling stories about it—something about magnetic fields and UFOs? Not sure I bought it but everyone stopped talking for a second just to stare. I still think about that view sometimes.

We anchored near Espalmador first. The water is so clear you can see every ripple over the sand—one guy dove straight in and came up grinning like a kid. Snorkeling gear was passed around; I mostly floated and let the salt sting my lips while someone tried paddle boarding for the first time (lots of splashing). Lunch was paella cooked right there by a chef who’s apparently been doing this for decades—tasted like saffron and sunshine, if that makes sense. Fruit after, sticky fingers and all.

Formentera itself is a blur of white beaches and bikes—you get five or six hours to wander or just do nothing at all. I rented a scooter with two others from the group (we barely knew each other but hey) and ended up at some quiet stretch where locals were playing cards under umbrellas. By late afternoon we drifted back to the boat for sunset—the light turns everything gold and there’s sangria or sparkling wine if you want it. The ride back felt slower in a good way; music low, everyone sun-tired but smiling as we pulled into Ibiza again. Not sure what else to say except I’d do it again tomorrow if I could.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day boat tour to Formentera

• Meet at San Antonio harbour
• VIP shuttle to Playa den Bossa
• Board boat at Vanilla Beach
• Enjoy breakfast during boat cruise
• View and photograph Es Vedrà
• Swim and snorkel near Espalmador
• Swim and relax at Ses Illetes beach
• Free time at Formentera harbour
• Sunset cruise with dinner and drinks
• VIP shuttle back to San Antonio

Top questions

How long does the Ibiza & Formentera boat tour last?

The full-day tour lasts approximately 10-11 hours including transfers, cruising time, swim stops, free time on Formentera, meals, and sunset return.

Is food included during the Es Vedrà boat tour?

Yes, breakfast, fresh paella lunch prepared by an experienced chef, fruit snacks throughout the day, and evening bites are all included.

Are drinks provided on this day trip from Ibiza?

Unlimited soft drinks plus Spanish sangria, beer, wine, sparkling wine (during cruise), coffee and teas are included in your ticket.

Can you swim or snorkel during this Formentera boat tour?

Yes—there are swim stops near Espalmador and Ses Illetes beach with snorkeling gear available for guests.

How much free time do you get on Formentera island?

You’ll have around 5 to 6 hours of free time to explore Formentera as you wish before returning to Ibiza.

Where does the tour start and end?

You meet in San Antonio for check-in; VIP shuttle takes you to Playa d’en Bossa where the boat departs. Return transfer brings you back to San Antonio at day’s end.

Is pickup included for this Ibiza boat trip?

A comfortable air-conditioned VIP shuttle transfer between San Antonio and Playa d’en Bossa is included both ways.

What should I bring for swimming or sunbathing?

Bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses—and maybe a hat! Snorkeling gear is provided onboard if you want it.

What’s included

Your day includes check-in at San Antonio harbor followed by an air-conditioned VIP shuttle transfer to Playa d’en Bossa for easier boarding. Onboard you'll have unlimited soft drinks plus Spanish sangria, beer or sparkling wine during your cruise; fresh coffee or mint tea in the morning; traditional Mediterranean paella prepared by a seasoned chef with vegan options; fresh fruit snacks throughout; snorkeling masks provided for swim stops; plus light evening bites served during your sunset return—all before your shuttle brings you comfortably back to San Antonio in the evening.