Ibiza: Formentera Sunset Boat Part with Drinks and Food

This full-day cruise is a floating beach club day, built for easy photos, great food, and that calm Mediterranean feeling that still turns into a party at sunset. You get VIP sun beds onboard, plus a morning brunch, a swim stop with water toys, and a live paella cooking show while the light turns golden.

I love the way this trip keeps the vibe comfortable. Even though the yacht is rated for up to 300, the cruise runs with a 100-person maximum, so you are not fighting for space when you want to relax or watch the sunset. One thing to plan around: sun beds are first come, first served, and they can mean sharing.

Key highlights you’ll actually care about

• 100-person limit on a boat that holds far more, so service feels personal and the deck stays usable
• All-inclusive drinks all day, including Aperol Spritz, sangria roja, sangria de cava, beer, mimosas, and cold brew martinis
• SUP boards and water toys during the Formentera swim stop, great if you want more than just floating
• Paella show cooking at sunset at Sol d’en Sera, with both seafood and vegan plus gluten-free options
• Six hours on Formentera on your own, enough time for beaches, shopping, and renting a scooter or bike if you want
• Sound bath with crystal bowls onboard, a rare quiet moment inside a party-day format

The real magic is the pacing, not just the views

Ibiza and Formentera are popular for a reason, but day trips often feel like a rush job. This one is different because it spreads the best moments across the whole day. You start with a relaxed morning, you get real time on Formentera, then you return as the light changes and the onboard energy builds.

What that means for you is simple. You are not stuck on a timeline where you barely eat before it is time to rush off. You get breakfast while anchored, you get a proper swim break, you get a long stretch to explore Formentera, and then you end with paella plus a sunset party atmosphere.

Starting at Playa d’en Bossa: your smooth entry point

Your day begins at the Ibiza Boat Club counter at the boat pier in Playa d’en Bossa. Look for the black beach flags in front of Pier 69. Boarding starts at 10:15 am, with the tour pushing off at 10:30 am.

This matters more than it sounds. When you arrive early enough, you can get settled before the food and drinks start flowing. And because beds are first come, first served, being early gives you more options later.

If you are using public transport, take the L14 bus and get off at Hotel Marenostrum or Hotel Goleta. The pier sits between those two stops. If you drive, there is parking about 10 meters away at the intersection of Carrer de la Punta and Pere Matutes Noguera. The navigation address is Carrer de la Punta 7, 07800 Ibiza, Spain.

The morning cruise: coffee, brunch, and a first look at Formentera

Once you check in, you cruise toward Formentera for about 45 minutes. The vibe starts easy: coffee and tea are available, and the breakfast is served while the boat is anchored at one of the stunning beaches around Formentera or Ibiza.

This is one of my favorite parts of the day because it avoids the usual “breakfast on the go” problem. You actually eat properly, then you can swim or just float with a drink in hand. The breakfast is described as fresh and healthy, with pastries like ensaimadas, juicy fruit, and artisanal bread plus guacamole and organic olive oil. You also get local seasonal fruits as part of the overall onboard food flow.

If you like a wellness angle, there is a Protein & Matcha Bar, which is exactly the kind of add-on that makes the morning feel tailored rather than generic.

There is also a sound bath with crystal bowls included. Even if you are not usually into sound baths, I like this moment because it gives you a breather before the rest of the day turns social and sun-focused.

Swim stop fun: SUP boards and time in clear water

At some point during the morning, you get a swim stop in Formentera. The big practical payoff here is that it is not just a photo stop from the deck. You are meant to get into the water, and you have toys to use.

You get SUP boards included. That changes the feel of the day. Instead of just hopping in for a quick dip, you can actually move around, try the boards, and spend real time on the water while everyone else relaxes nearby.

Bring your towel and swimwear, and keep sunscreen reachable. You will be bouncing between sun beds and water time, and you will not want to dig for essentials.

Six hours on Formentera: your self-guided “choose your own beach day”

At 12:00 you drop off in Formentera, and the schedule notes a 12:15 arrival at La Savina, with free time running until about 17:00. That is six hours on the island, and you are on your own.

Why that is valuable: it lets you match Formentera to your travel style. You can slow down and do beach time, or you can get a bit more active and rent a scooter or a bike (not included). You can also check out shopping at the hippie market, which is one of the classic things people do when they land on the island.

The two things to know before you go explore:

1) There is no guide on Formentera. So come with a simple plan, even if it is just beach A to beach B.

2) You are dropped at La Savina, which is the practical gateway, and you need to make it back to the boat on time.

If you want a low-stress plan, I suggest choosing one main beach area plus one quick detour, rather than trying to “cover” everything. Formentera is beautiful, but you will feel rushed if you treat it like a checklist.

The return leg at sunset: drinks, DJ energy, and the paella show

After Formentera time, the boat cruise continues at 18:00. This is where the atmosphere shifts into party mode in a controlled, good-service kind of way.

You refresh with free-flowing drinks and local flavors. The open bar list is full: Aperol Spritz, sangria de cava, sangria de vino tinto, cava, mimosas, and beer, plus water and soft drinks. There are also cold brew martinis mentioned, which I always take as a sign they want you to taste more than just the usual wine and beer.

As you sail alongside Ibiza and Formentera, you relax on sun beds and sofa lounges. There is even a wine tasting at a self-service station, and that helps you round out the day with local vino without turning it into a formal event.

Then comes dinner at the sunset swim stop area. You get a paella show cooking experience, with homemade Paella Ibicenca that can be seafood or vegan, plus gluten-free options. It is served with bread and aioli and a fresh garden salad made with local market veggies.

The sunset setting is Sol d’en Sera, and the day is designed around that glow with DJ music. That also matters for comfort: the sound level is managed in Formentera itself because it is a nature reserve, and the notes specifically say there is no loud DJ music there. So you can enjoy the island without feeling like you are inside a club, then you get the party energy back on the water during the return segment.

Why the “VIP” feel is more than a marketing label

You are promised everyone is VIP, and the practical mechanism is sun bed access. You get access to the sun beds on this full-day cruise, but beds are first come, first served. The important extra detail is that beds might need to be shared, with a minimum of four people per bed.

That is the part people often ignore, but it directly affects your comfort. If you are someone who values personal space, arrive early on board and make peace with the fact that on a sunny day, you might share a bed.

Still, the 100-person cap helps a lot. With fewer people onboard than a typical mass party boat, service stays quick and the deck stays usable. That is where the “VIP” becomes real.

Also, you can expect attentive staff. Several crew names pop up in praise, including Helena, Lu, Lucila, Anna, and Raddi and Bo. I like having names like that because it signals consistent staffing, not constant turnover.

Food and drinks: all-inclusive, with fewer weak spots

Here is what I think makes the food and drink side worth it.

First, you get real meals, not just snacks. Morning brunch includes pastries, fruit, bread with guacamole and olive oil, and more to fuel a full day. Dinner includes a paella show cooking with options for seafood, vegan, and gluten-free, plus salad and aioli.

Second, the drink list is broad. In addition to sangria (both roja and de cava) and beer, you get Aperol Spritz and mimosas, plus cold brew martinis. That reduces the chance you spend the day repeating the same drink.

Third, the setup supports a fun rhythm. You are offered drinks while you lounge, you can keep moving during swim time, and you still sit down for dinner. It avoids the all-inclusive pattern where you get food and drinks, but you never feel “settled.”

One practical tip: if you want to taste everything, pace yourself. There is plenty, and it is easy to overdo it when the cups keep refilling. Hydrate with water and take breaks in shaded areas when the sun is high.

The itinerary decisions that affect your comfort

There are a few schedule elements that can make or break the experience depending on your expectations.

Morning anchor time is built around breakfast and comfort. If you hate waiting, you may still appreciate it because it transitions into swim time with less rushing.

Formentera drop-off at midday is smart, because you still get good daylight. The trade-off is that you are responsible for getting back on time with no guide. If you plan to rent a scooter or bike, factor in time for parking and route decisions.

The late sail back is where you get the full vibe. That is also when the boat can feel lively and social. One review noted that the return trip felt crowded for someone, and that lines up with reality: you are back onboard with everyone after a shared island slot. If you are sensitive to crowding, pick a spot on deck early and plan to stay near your chosen sun bed area.

Value check: is $153 per person a good deal?

At around $153 per person for a roughly 10-hour experience, I judge value by three categories: time, inclusions, and how predictable your experience is.

Time: It is a full day. You are on the water for most of it, and you still get six hours on Formentera.

Inclusions: You get sun beds access, brunch, dinner with paella show cooking, multiple drink types, SUP boards, and even a sound bath experience. Not every boat day gives you meals plus a real sunset cooking show.

Predictability: The cruise is capped at 100 people, which reduces the risk of feeling like you are packed in with no service. Add attentive crew, and your day stays smooth.

If your alternative is buying ferry tickets plus paying for food and drinks separately, this package usually looks better in real-life budget math. You also save mental effort. You do not have to coordinate a day around where to eat and what to drink.

Who this suits best, and who should choose differently

This cruise is adults only, so it fits best for couples, friends, and anyone who wants a party-leaning but still comfortable day.

It is ideal if you want:

• A low-effort way to see Formentera without doing logistics all day
• Strong food and drink focus, especially paella at sunset
• Water fun beyond swimming, like SUP boards
• Time to explore Formentera on your own, at your pace

It may not be your best match if you:

• Are uncomfortable with first come, first served sun beds sharing
• Prefer a quiet, guide-led tour with strict structure on the island
• Get stressed in lively onboard settings during the sunset portion

Should you book this Formentera sunset boat day?

If you want Formentera plus a floating beach club feel, I think this is an easy yes. You get a strong mix: brunch and swimming in the morning, six hours on Formentera to actually explore, then a sunset return with drinks and paella show cooking. The best part is the comfort factor, driven by that 100-person limit, and the all-inclusive approach covers the big spending categories for the day.

If you are the type who hates crowds, plan early and pick your spot on board immediately. And if you are chasing a fully guided island experience, note that you will not have a guide on Formentera.

FAQ

Is lunch included on the boat?

Dinner is included on the cruise, with paella show cooking. Lunch in Formentera is not included.

How many hours do I have free time on Formentera?

You have about six hours of free time on Formentera to explore on your own.

What drinks are included during the trip?

The open bar includes Aperol Spritz, sangria roja, sangria de cava, cava, mimosas, beer, plus water and soft drinks. Cold brew martinis are also listed.

Is there a swim stop in Formentera?

Yes. There is a swim stop in Formentera in the morning, and there is also swimming time mentioned around a break stop near Playa de Ses Illetes.

Do I get VIP access to sun beds?

For this full-day cruise, VIP sun beds access is included. Beds are first come, first served and might require sharing.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at the Ibiza Boat Club counter at the boat pier in Playa d’en Bossa, in front of Pier 69, with black beach flags.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Also bring clothes that can get dirty. Luggage or large bags and drones are not allowed.