Day Trip to Formentera
A 30-minute fast ferry from Ibiza port reaches Formentera, the smallest Balearic island, where guided one-day tours include catamaran stops at the s'Espalmador sandbar and beachside lunch.

4.5 out of 5 · 371 reviews
Ibiza's main day-trip destination is the neighbouring island of Formentera, reached in 30 minutes by fast ferry or on full-day catamaran tours that stop at the s'Espalmador sandbar.
A 30-minute fast ferry from Ibiza port reaches Formentera, the smallest Balearic island, where guided one-day tours include catamaran stops at the s'Espalmador sandbar and beachside lunch.
Formentera is the undisputed star of day trips from Ibiza — a 30-minute ferry ride to crystal-clear Caribbean-like waters, white sand beaches and a car-free island pace. Most visitors head straight to Ses Illetes, consistently ranked among Europe’s best beaches.
Beyond Formentera, Ibiza itself offers half-day excursions worth considering: catamaran cruises past Es Vedrà, the bohemian northern villages around Sant Joan de Labritja, and the UNESCO-listed Phoenician ruins at Sa Caleta. The key decision is whether you want a full day on a neighbouring island or a few hours exploring a different side of Ibiza.
Formentera is the most popular Ibiza excursion, with 4 products available. Options range from guided bus tours and fast-ferry day trips to catamaran cruises that stop at the tiny islet of s’Espalmador for swimming. All depart from Ibiza Town and return the same day, making it an easy full-day escape.
Catamaran day trips combine sailing with swimming stops at beaches like Cala Bassa and Cala Comte, often passing the dramatic 382-metre limestone rock of Es Vedrà. The Formentera catamaran cruise includes a BBQ lunch, drinks and time to explore s’Espalmador’s natural pools.
The northern part of Ibiza around Sant Joan de Labritja offers a quieter alternative: Sunday artisan markets, the stalactite caves of Can Marçà in Port de Sant Miquel, and the sunset drum circles at Benirràs Beach. On the south coast, the Phoenician settlement at Sa Caleta is a UNESCO World Heritage site within a short drive of Ibiza Town.
Guided group day trips to Formentera start from €100 per person. This covers return ferry transfers, hotel pickup and a guided tour of the island. The catamaran cruise with BBQ lunch and drinks is priced at €102 — only marginally more and with food included.
A private Formentera tour with beachside lunch starts from €372.50 per person. The higher price reflects a personalised itinerary, private transport and a sit-down meal at a local restaurant rather than a group format.
| Tour type | From | Rating | Reviews | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided ferry tour | €100 | 4.4 ★ | 107 | Beaches, sightseeing |
| Formentera by bus | €100 | 4.1 ★ | 10 | Full island circuit |
| Catamaran cruise + BBQ | €102 | 4.8 ★ | 5 | Sailing, s’Espalmador |
| Private tour + lunch | €372.50 | — | 0 | Couples, private groups |
Prices shown are indicative from the GuruWalk catalogue. They may vary by date and availability.
All four Formentera day trips include hotel pickup, return transport and the ferry crossing. Guided tours add a local guide who covers the main beaches and villages. The catamaran cruise bundles a BBQ lunch with pork, sausage, fish and salad, plus drinks during the meal including beer and wine.
Meals are not included in the guided ferry and bus tours — most visitors eat at beachside restaurants like Beso Beach or Es Molí de Sal on arrival. Scooter and bicycle rentals on Formentera are an optional extra, typically around €15–€20 for the day. Tips and personal expenses are excluded from all products.
English and German are available on all four products. Two tours also run in French, and one includes Dutch. Check the specific product page to confirm language availability for your preferred date.
Summer is the busiest period for Ibiza day trips. Ferries to Formentera run at their highest frequency, with hourly departures from Ibiza Town. Water temperatures reach 25–27°C, ideal for swimming at Ses Illetes and snorkelling off s’Espalmador. Book early as catamaran cruises sell out fast in July and August.
Spring and early autumn offer pleasant temperatures around 20–24°C with significantly fewer crowds on Formentera’s beaches. The Sunday market at Sant Joan de Labritja runs from late May through October. Ferry schedules are slightly reduced but still frequent enough for a comfortable day trip.
November to March sees limited ferry service and many beach clubs and restaurants on Formentera close for the season. Some hippy markets like Las Dalias only run their full schedule from April to October. If visiting in winter, focus on cultural routes like Sa Caleta or the Can Marçà caves, which operate year-round.
Formentera is by far the most popular day trip. The island is just 30 minutes by ferry from Ibiza Town and is famous for its turquoise waters and white-sand beaches, especially Ses Illetes. Four guided tours are available, ranging from fast-ferry excursions to catamaran cruises with BBQ lunch.
Ferries depart hourly from Ibiza Town harbour and reach Formentera’s La Savina port in 30 to 45 minutes. Guided day trips include hotel pickup, the return ferry ticket and a tour of the island. You can also take a catamaran that sails via s’Espalmador with swimming stops along the way.
Group day trips to Formentera start from €100 per person, which includes the return ferry, hotel pickup and a guided tour. The catamaran cruise with BBQ lunch is €102. A private tour with beachside lunch starts from €372.50 for a more personalised experience with your own guide and transport.
While Formentera is the main destination, Ibiza offers other half-day excursions. Catamaran cruises pass Es Vedrà with swim stops at Cala Bassa and Cala Comte. The northern village of Sant Joan de Labritja hosts a Sunday artisan market, and the Can Marçà caves near Port de Sant Miquel offer a 35-minute guided underground tour.
June to September is peak season with the most frequent ferries and warmest sea temperatures for swimming. May and October offer fewer crowds and pleasant weather around 20–24°C. Avoid November to March if you want to visit Formentera, as ferry schedules are limited and most beachside restaurants close for winter.
