Formentera isn't Ibiza's smaller sibling. It's a different island with different rules, different crowds, and a different pace. The crossing is 90 minutes from Ibiza Town—here's what that day actually looks like.
The Route
From Ibiza Town marina, you'll clear the harbor and point southwest. The first 30 minutes are along Ibiza's southeast coast—flat water, good views of Dalt Vila from the water. Then you're in open water, 8-10 miles of it.
On a sailing boat, this is a proper beat if the wind's from the east. On a motor yacht, it's 40 minutes at cruising speed. The water color shifts from turquoise to deep blue and back to turquoise as you approach La Savina.
La Savina: The Arrival
The port town where ferries unload day-trippers. You can stop here for provisions—there's a good fish market and a decent supermarket—but most charters push on to the beaches.
Ses Illetes: The Main Event
Three kilometers of white sand and shallow turquoise water. The Caribbean comparisons are fair, but ignore them. It's Mediterranean—Posidonia meadows, seagrass, different fish.
The mooring buoys are mandatory in summer—anchoring on the seagrass gets you a €1,500 fine. Book through the Illetes Formentera app or have your captain call ahead.
- North end: Deeper, quieter, better for lunch at Juan y Andrea
- South end: Shallower, busier, closer to the main beach
- Price: €80-120/day depending on boat size and season
Espalmador: The Detour
The uninhabited island between Ibiza and Formentera. No facilities, no moorings, just sand and the famous mud baths. Anchor off the north beach (4-6m, sand bottom) and dinghy or swim ashore.
The mud baths are real—natural sulfur pools in the center of the island. The climb over the dune is steep but short. Go early before the ferry day-trippers arrive.
Cala Saona: The Alternative
Southwest Formentera, smaller than Ses Illetes, fewer boats. Red cliffs, clear water, one beach bar (Blue Bar) that does decent food. Good for an afternoon stop if Ses Illetes is packed.
The Return
Leave Formentera by 5pm to be back in Ibiza for sunset, or stay for dinner at one of the beach clubs and night-cross back (calmer water, less traffic). Some boats overnight in Formentera—ask about multi-day options.
Three hours of transit, five hours of anchoring. That's the math. Worth it? If you've never seen Formentera from the water, yes. If you want more swimming time, stick to Ibiza's west coast.
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