Ibiza: Crystal Waters Formentera, Open Bar and Buffet Lunch

Discover the Ibiza: Crystal Waters Formentera, Open Bar and Buffet Lunch tour, a popular day trip priced at $90 per person. This full-day excursion from Ibiza offers a blend of scenic sailing, relaxing swimming stops, and delicious food and drinks. The tour is rated 4 out of 5 based on 478 reviews, reflecting a solid balance of enjoyable experiences and some minor limitations. It involves a roughly 4-hour main activity period, with transfers to and from Formentera included in the day. The tour is especially suited for those who want to enjoy crystal-clear waters, spectacular coast views, and a relaxed island atmosphere without the hassle of planning.

While this trip offers a lot of highlighted features—like scenic sailing along Formentera’s west coast, two swimming stops, and free time to explore La Savina—it’s worth considering that the stops are in the sea, not on beaches, and the route may change depending on sea conditions. Still, the inclusion of an open bar, buffet lunch, and guided tours of key spots make this a compelling choice for visitors seeking a comfortable, all-inclusive day on the water.

Key Points

• Full-day excursion lasting around 4 hours of activity, with transfers included
• Price of $90 per person, offering good value considering food, drinks, and multiple stops
• Scenic sailing along Formentera’s west coast, passing cliffs and a lighthouse at Cap de Barberia
• Two swimming stops in Cala Saona and Illetas in the middle of the sea, with nautical toys and snorkeling gear provided
• Open bar serves water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria, available throughout the cruise
• Free time in La Savina for exploring or relaxing after the boat ride

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Starting Points and Transfer Logistics in Ibiza

This tour departs from Sea Experience Ibiza at Figueretas or other specified pickup locations. The journey involves a ferry transfer of about 15 minutes, a hop-on hop-off segment of 15 minutes, followed by a 45-minute ferry ride to Formentera. After the boat reaches the island, a guided tour introduces visitors to the main sights, with scenic views along the way. The pick-up and drop-off points are clearly designated, and the entire transfer process ensures a smooth start and finish to the day.

Travelers should note that parking can be challenging in Ibiza, especially at the start point, and that the boat may vary, as there are three different vessels used. The return journey is also by ferry, lasting about 1 hour before arriving back at the original meeting points.

The Scenic Sailing Experience

One of the tour’s highlights involves sailing along the rugged west coast of Formentera, where you’ll see spectacular cliffs and a lighthouse at Cap de Barberia. The boat provides a spacious and comfortable environment, with live guide commentary in Spanish and English explaining the sights and points of interest. The wind in your hair and views of the coastline make this cruise a relaxing yet visually impressive experience.

The route may be adjusted if sea conditions change, but the focus remains on showcasing Formentera’s natural beauty from the water. The scenic views are complemented by the majesty of the cliffs and the lighthouse, offering excellent photo opportunities.

The Two Swimming Stops in Cala Saona and Illetas

The tour features two swimming breaks in designated sea areas in the Cala Saona and Illetas zones. These stops happen in the middle of the sea, not on the beach, but offer the chance to dive into crystal-clear waters and enjoy nautical toys like snorkeling gear and swimming noodles. No disembarking on the beaches is permitted, so swimmers stay aboard or swim in the open sea.

The Cala Saona stop provides a photo opportunity and an aperitif with beer, coffee, and other drinks. The Illetas stop is well-regarded for swimming among schools of vibrantly-colored fish, enhancing the experience for snorkelers and swimmers alike.

Buffet Lunch and Open Bar Details

After the first swimming stop, the buffet lunch is served on the boat, offering a generous selection of food. The all-you-can-eat format lets guests enjoy a variety of dishes after working up an appetite from swimming. Meanwhile, the open bar operates throughout the cruise, serving water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria.

While some reviews mention the food quality could be better, the variety and unlimited drinks are consistently praised. Staff are noted as friendly and helpful, making for a relaxed dining atmosphere onboard.

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Time in Formentera’s Town of La Savina

Post-lunch, the boat drops anchor near the port town of La Savina. Here, visitors get around 30 minutes of free time to explore the quaint port, see the lighthouse, or relax on the local beaches. This break allows for a quick look at Formentera’s charming townscape and a chance to stretch your legs after the boat ride.

Visiting Playa de Ses Illetes and Scenic Drives

Another major highlight involves visiting Playa de Ses Illetes, one of Formentera’s most famous beaches, with around 40 minutes allocated for photos, swimming, and guided tours. The scenic drive on the way there showcases the island’s natural beauty, setting the scene for a relaxed beach stop.

The guided tour at Ses Illetes offers insights into its reputation as a top destination, and the swimming opportunity lets visitors enjoy vibrant marine life in the shallow, clear waters.

The Overall Route and Its Variations

The itinerary includes several stops, such as departure from Ibiza, scenic sailing, swimming in designated sea zones, and free time in La Savina. The route may vary depending on sea conditions and vessel used, but the focus remains on showcasing Formentera’s coastline and beaches.

The tour’s pacing allows adequate time at each stop, balancing relaxation with sightseeing. The boat’s capacity and crew’s attentiveness contribute to a comfortable experience, with reviews confirming friendly staff and clean vessels.

Practical Details: What to Bring and Additional Info

Participants should bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. The tour runs from approximately 12 pm to 4 pm, with transfers included before and after the activity. Since the swimming stops are in the middle of the sea, disembarking on the beaches isn’t part of the experience. Sea conditions can affect the route, and the boat might change, so flexibility is key.

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and language options include Spanish and English. Booking is flexible with a full refund available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

The Experience Provider and Booking Options

This trip is offered by Sea Experience, which provides three different boats for the tour. Travelers are advised to look for the Sea Experience logo to identify their vessel. The “reserve now & pay later” option offers flexibility for planning, and the tour can be canceled for free with sufficient notice.

Formentera Day Trip: What Makes It Stand Out

This tour combines scenic sailing, swimming, delicious buffet, and free time in La Savina for a full experience of Formentera’s highlights. The open bar and live commentary enhance the relaxed, informative atmosphere onboard. Its value-for-money appeal is clear, especially with all-inclusive drinks and food, making it popular among families and small groups.

While the food quality receives some mixed reviews, the friendly crew, beautiful scenery, and ease of logistics make this a solid choice for enjoying a day on the water. The limited beach disembarkation might be a downside for those seeking beach lounging, but the sea swimming and scenic views compensate well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include transportation from Ibiza hotels?
The tour starts at designated meeting points in Ibiza, with transfers to the departure locations included in the package.

Are there options for different languages?
Yes, the tour features live commentary in Spanish and English.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a complete refund.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is family-friendly, with free time for exploration and swimming zones suitable for kids, although wheelchair users will not find it accessible.

What should I bring for the trip?
Participants should bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen to enjoy the swimming stops comfortably.

How long is the main activity?
The core activity lasts approximately 4 hours, with additional transfer time before and after.

What is the main highlight of this tour?
The scenic sailing along the coast, the two swimming stops, and the buffet lunch with open bar are key features that define this experience.

Is there a specific boat I should look for?
Yes, look for the Sea Experience logo, as there are three different vessels used for this tour.

This Ibiza: Crystal Waters Formentera tour offers a balanced mix of scenic views, swimming, and relaxation, perfect for those seeking a comfortable, all-inclusive day. The friendly crew, beautiful coastline, and good value make it a popular choice, especially for families and first-time visitors aiming to enjoy the best of Formentera from the water.

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