San Antonio: Es Vedrà, Formentera Tour with Food & Drinks

Es Vedrà is the star of this full-day island cruise, but the real appeal is the mix: a legendary sea rock, a swim stop at Espalmador, several hours on Formentera, and sunset views near Café Mambo. I like that your $104 covers three meals, drinks for most of the day, water gear, and the boat ride rather than charging you for every small extra.

I also like the friendly crew, especially the names most often heard onboard, including Auxi, Pablo, and Luci. They keep the mood social, and Pablo’s paella gets special credit. The trade-off is a long day at sea: rough water can cause serious seasickness, and the Formentera stop may feel short if you want to see a lot of the island.

Key points to know before booking

• Three major stops in one day: See Es Vedrà, swim at Espalmador, and spend four to five hours exploring Formentera.
• Meals are included: Breakfast, paella lunch, a light dinner, and unlimited beer, sangria, and soft drinks are part of the $104 price.
• The crew shapes the day: Auxi, Pablo, Luci, and other staff provide service, food, drinks, and practical guidance.
• Bring seasickness tablets: Rough water has made some passengers ill, particularly on longer crossings.
• Formentera time requires choices: You can rent a bike, scooter, or car at a discount, but fitting much into four hours takes planning.
• Vegetarian food needs attention: Tell the crew before departure, since the alternative to the standard paella may be limited.

A long day at sea from San Antonio

This is not a quick boat hop or a short sightseeing ride. You leave the Excursiones Ibiza ticket office in San Antonio’s harbor at about 10 a.m. and return around 9 p.m., with roughly 12 hours devoted to the sea, islands, meals, swimming, and the sunset.

That length is the reason the tour can pack so much into one day. You do not have to arrange separate transport to Formentera, find a boat to Es Vedrà, book a swim stop, or organize dinner afterward. At the same time, you should treat it as a full holiday day. If you want a quiet morning, a long beach afternoon, and a late Ibiza night, this schedule may feel demanding.

The boat ride follows Ibiza’s west coast, with views toward Cala Comte and Cala Tarida. The crew serves a fresh breakfast after departure, giving you something to eat before the first major stop. Breakfast quality and choice can be basic, so I would not book this for a food-focused morning meal. Its main value is convenience.

The atmosphere is social and lively rather than silent and formal. Music, drinks, and the crew’s energy are part of the experience. That works well for couples, groups of friends, and solo visitors who like meeting people onboard. It is less suited to anyone hoping for a calm, private yacht charter.

Es Vedrà, Ibiza’s dramatic first sight

Es Vedrà rises from the sea off Ibiza’s southwest coast, and its dark rock profile makes a strong opening to the day. The tour pauses to let you admire it, take photographs, and hear some of the myths tied to this famous landmark.

The exact view depends on the boat’s route and sea conditions. The itinerary describes passing by Es Vedrà, with a later return past the rock during the journey back to Ibiza. One especially memorable detail from the supplied information is that passengers on one departure were able to touch the rock, but you should not assume that happens on every trip. Boat access can vary.

The first pass is mainly about the view and the stories. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole approach looking through a screen. Es Vedrà is most impressive as a physical sight: a steep, isolated mass rising out of open water.

You may also spot dolphins on the west-coast crossing, though this is clearly a matter of luck, not a promised part of the trip. That is worth keeping in mind when deciding how much weight to give wildlife sightings.

Espalmador brings the best water time

After Es Vedrà, the boat anchors at S’Espalmador, a small island reachable only by boat. The stop lasts about an hour and a half, and this is where the included water equipment matters most.

You can swim in clear turquoise water, use the snorkeling masks, or try paddleboarding. You can also stay on deck and enjoy the sun. The setting has a polished yacht-day feel, with other catamarans and boats often anchoring nearby. It is scenic and social, not a secluded beach experience.

The water stop is one of the strongest parts of the package because it gives you an active break from sitting on the boat. If you want to snorkel or paddleboard, move quickly after anchoring. With only about 90 minutes, changing, collecting equipment, swimming, and taking photographs can use more time than expected.

This stop is also where some people may feel the day’s pacing. Spending longer at Espalmador can reduce the time available on Formentera. If Formentera is your main goal, you may wish the swim stop were shorter. If swimming and water sports are your priority, the stop feels well chosen.

Paella lunch and the practical food question

Lunch is a traditional paella served onboard after the Espalmador stop. It is one of the most praised parts of the day, and the serving is described as generous. Food prepared on a boat has an easygoing, communal quality that fits the setting better than a formal restaurant meal would.

The standard paella may not suit everyone. If you are vegetarian, tell the crew before the boat leaves. The alternative has not impressed every passenger, and some people have found the vegetarian choice limited. The same warning applies to anyone who does not eat seafood or meat: do not wait until lunch service to explain your needs.

Breakfast comes early, lunch follows the swim stop, and a light dinner is served after sunset. The three-meal setup is a major reason the price works well. You can spend the day without buying food at each stop, though I would still carry water and any personal snacks you need.

Unlimited beer, sangria, and soft drinks are available throughout the experience. The drinks help create the party-boat mood, but pace yourself. A 12-hour day on moving water, in warm sun, with alcohol available all day, can catch up with you quickly.

Four to five hours on Formentera

Formentera is the day’s longest island stop, with about four to five hours of free time. That gives you enough time to enjoy a beach, explore a little, or rent transport, but it does not allow an ambitious island-wide tour.

The crew offers tips and guidance, and local partnerships provide discounts on bicycles, scooters, and cars. These discounts can make a short independent visit easier, especially if you want to get beyond the immediate arrival area. Ask about the options before leaving the boat so you do not spend much of your limited time deciding what to rent.

You need to choose your priority. A beach-focused plan is simple: find a stretch of white sand, swim, and return to the boat on time. A scooter or car gives you more range, but rental queues can still take time. Paying for a rental in advance onboard does not necessarily mean you skip every queue, so allow a little extra time.

The tour’s free-time format is a good compromise for people who want a taste of Formentera without booking a separate overnight stay. It is not the right setup for someone who wants to explore every major beach, village, and viewpoint in one visit. Four hours can pass quickly, especially if you include transport, parking, food, and swimming.

I would set a firm return time on your phone and keep track of where you need to meet the boat. Missing the departure would be a serious problem on a day trip built around a fixed sailing schedule.

The sunset return has real atmosphere

The return journey passes Es Vedrà again for about five minutes, then continues toward Ibiza’s Sunset Strip and Café Mambo. The view from the water gives you a different angle on the famous sunset scene, with crowds gathered onshore near the clubs and bars.

Before or during the sunset, the crew serves cava for a toast. This is a simple touch, but it gives the day a clear high point. You are out at sea, the light is changing, and the boat has moved from daytime swimming to an evening return. It feels celebratory without requiring another booking.

A light dinner follows sunset, with the last golden light over the water. The meal is not presented as a large second feast, so think of it as a practical evening plate rather than a restaurant dinner. After a day of paella, drinks, and activity, that lighter format makes sense.

The Café Mambo passage adds Ibiza energy to the final stretch. From the boat, you can watch the shoreline gathering rather than joining it. If you want a full night at the Sunset Strip afterward, remember that arrival in San Antonio is around 9 p.m., so this cruise largely fills your evening.

What the $104 price really includes

At $104 per person, this is good value if you use the inclusions. You receive the boat trip, breakfast, paella lunch, dinner, unlimited beer, sangria, and soft drinks, plus cava at sunset. Snorkeling equipment, masks, and paddleboard equipment are included as well.

You also get the convenience of visiting three major places without arranging separate tickets or transfers. A standalone Formentera ferry would not provide the Es Vedrà viewing, meals, swim stop, or onboard drinks. A private boat would cost much more, though it would offer more privacy and control over the schedule.

The price is less compelling if you do not drink, skip the meals, and prefer long stretches of quiet beach time. You are paying for a packaged social day with a set route. The value comes from variety and convenience, not flexibility.

The 4.4 rating from 386 bookings suggests a generally strong experience, but the details matter more than the number. The most consistent strengths are the staff, food, views, drinks, and amount included. The main concerns are rough seas, basic food alternatives, occasional boat comfort issues, and the feeling that Formentera time can be tight.

Comfort, seasickness, and what to pack

Sea conditions can change the character of the day. One departure encountered rough water, and several people became sick. If you are prone to seasickness, take an appropriate tablet before departure and follow medical guidance for its use. Do not wait until the boat starts moving.

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, a towel, and a light layer for the return after dark. A waterproof pouch can protect your phone while you swim or paddleboard. You should also bring any medication, dietary snacks, or personal drinks you need.

Boat seating may not be ideal for long periods of rest. One older account described the boat as uncomfortable for sitting and relaxing, so this is not the place to expect a cushioned private lounge all day. The schedule keeps you moving between stops, but you will still spend many hours onboard.

The crew speaks English and Spanish. Staff members such as Auxi are praised for being attentive and upbeat, while Pablo is associated with the paella and Luci with the friendly onboard service. The tone can be lively and informal, which is a plus if you want entertainment and conversation.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a high-value overview of Ibiza’s nearby islands and prefer one organized day to several separate bookings. It suits first-time visitors, couples, groups of friends, and anyone who likes a mix of sightseeing, swimming, food, and music.

It also works well for people who want to visit Formentera but do not want to spend time arranging ferry connections and local transport. The discount partnerships can help, though you still need to plan your four hours carefully.

I would hesitate if your main aim is solitude, serious snorkeling, or a relaxed beach day with no timetable. I would also think twice if you are very sensitive to seasickness or need a dependable vegetarian meal without advance notice.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility is useful when sea conditions or holiday plans are still uncertain.

Should you book the Es Vedrà and Formentera cruise?

Book it if you want one busy, sociable day that covers Es Vedrà, Espalmador, and Formentera while including nearly all the food and drinks you will need. The crew’s warm service, generous paella, sunset cava, and strong mix of activities give the tour more personality than a simple ferry ride.

Before booking, be honest about your priorities. Take seasickness medicine if needed, tell the crew about vegetarian requirements before sailing, and decide in advance how you want to use your Formentera hours. With those points handled, $104 buys a lot of Ibiza coastline, island time, swimming, and sunset in one long day.

FAQ

Where does the tour leave from?

The meeting point is the Excursiones Ibiza ticket office in the harbor of San Antonio, Ibiza.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts about 12 hours. Departure is scheduled for around 10 a.m., with arrival back in San Antonio at about 9 p.m.

Which islands and sights are included?

The route includes Es Vedrà, S’Espalmador, and Formentera. Es Vedrà is viewed during the outward and return journeys, S’Espalmador is used for swimming and water activities, and Formentera provides four to five hours of free time.

Are meals and drinks included?

Yes. Breakfast, paella lunch, dinner, unlimited beer, sangria, soft drinks, and a cava sunset toast are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks and equipment are included, as is paddle surf equipment.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reservation option also allows you to book now and pay later.