Kayaking, snorkelling and diving in Formentera: a water sports guide

Formentera is famous for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear water, but it is also a fantastic place for gentle water sports such as kayaking, snorkelling and diving. Much of that clarity comes from the posidonia seagrass meadows between Ibiza and Formentera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.

One of the best ways to enjoy the sea is boat hire in Formentera. At Isla Azul we hire out boats with or without a skipper from the port of la Savina, and we organise snorkelling trips. With your own boat you can reach coves that are hard to get to by land and stop wherever you like. Since 1 October 2026, to hire a boat without a skipper you need at least the Licencia de Navegación (Spain’s basic boating licence), which only allows daytime sailing; if you don’t have it, you can hire the boat with a skipper.

If you’d rather paddle, or you fancy exploring the seabed, here is a practical guide to kayaking, snorkelling and diving in Formentera.

Kayaking in Formentera: why it’s worth it

Kayaking is one of the most popular activities on the island, because it lets you explore the coast in silence and reach spots you can’t see from land. Around the cliffs and caves, it is often the only way to get close.

It is also an eco-friendly option: no noise and no emissions. Just make sure you always paddle in daylight and stay close to the shore.

Kayaking in Formentera. Photo: Isla Azul Formentera

Where to go kayaking in Formentera

Es Caló de Sant Agustí:
This small fishing village on the north coast, at the foot of la Mola, is a good starting point for beginners. From here you can paddle west to ses Platgetes: three small sandy beaches separated by stretches of rock, with sandy and rocky seabeds and crystal-clear water, great for snorkelling. As this is the north coast, avoid days when the wind is blowing from that side.

Ses Illetes:
Paddling through ses Salines Natural Park is an unforgettable experience. Near the shore the water is shallow and so clear that you’ll see the fish beneath your kayak, with views of the es Trucadors peninsula and the nearby islets. In summer lots of boats anchor here, so stay close to the shore and keep out of the buoyed swimming areas.

Cala Saona:
On the west coast, it’s perfect for paddling along the cliffs. At Punta Rasa, south of the cove, there are caves you can paddle to from the beach. The contrast between the turquoise water and the reddish earth is straight off a postcard.

S’Espalmador:
The islet lies just north of es Trucadors, but the channel between them has strong currents, which is why crossing on foot is forbidden. If you want to get there by kayak, only do so if you’re experienced, on calm days or on a guided trip. S’Espalmador is a privately owned islet with public beaches within the Natural Park: there are no facilities, and mud bathing in its lagoon is prohibited.

Tips for kayaking in Formentera

• Kayak hire: hire one from a beach outlet, or book a guided trip if it’s your first time; the guides know the currents and the best spots.
• The right gear: wear water-resistant sun cream and keep your sunglasses on a strap so they don’t end up in the sea.
• Footwear: water shoes or sports sandals will come in handy for getting in and out of the kayak on rocky ground.
• Dry bag: keep your phone and belongings in a dry bag or waterproof backpack.
• Respect protected areas: don’t land anywhere signposted as protected, and don’t trample the dune vegetation.
• Check the forecast: avoid very windy days, especially in the most exposed areas, and be back on land before dark.

Sunset kayaking

Paddling in the late afternoon, as the sun sinks into the sea, is one of the loveliest experiences on the island. The west coast, Cala Saona for example, is the best place to watch the sunset.

Just be sure to time it well and plan your return so you’re back on the shore before it gets dark: paddling at night is not safe.

Sunset at la Savina. Photo: Isla Azul Formentera

Kayaking and snorkelling: where to combine them

A great option is to take a mask and snorkel in the kayak and stop at coves with a rocky seabed. Leave the kayak pulled up on the shore or tethered to you so the current doesn’t carry it away. Underwater you’ll see posidonia meadows, rocky seabeds and plenty of Mediterranean fish. Two good places to combine kayaking and snorkelling in Formentera:

• Cala en Baster: a small rocky cove on the north coast, near Sant Ferran, with no sand and with the caves that fishermen dug by hand into the soft sandstone (marès) to store their boats. Very clear water; not recommended when the east wind (levante) is blowing.
• Ses Platgetes: next to es Caló, little sandy beaches between the rocks with crystal-clear, shallow water, ideal for snorkelling.

Diving in Formentera

If snorkelling isn’t enough for you, try scuba diving. The island’s best-known dive sites include Punta Prima, La Mariana platform, Punta de sa Gavina, es Banc and el Arco (the Arch).

Our tip: dive with Formentera Divers, the island’s go-to dive centre. It’s in la Savina (C/ Almadraba, 7), open all year round, and runs try dives, courses and guided dives, as well as snorkelling trips.

Family kayaking: a safe and fun activity

Kayaking is ideal for families, as it lets you enjoy the sea at a relaxed pace. There are double and triple kayaks, which make outings with young children easier.

Tips for families:

• Use life jackets that fit each member of the family.
• Choose short routes in calm water.
• Stop often so the little ones can rest.
• Bring water and something to eat along the way.

Formentera: the perfect destination for kayaking, snorkelling and diving

Exploring Formentera by kayak is much more than a water activity: it’s a way to connect with nature, discover hidden corners and see the island from a different perspective. And if you want to go further, combine kayaking with a day on a boat: you can book your boat with Isla Azul and set off from la Savina.

So pick up a paddle and discover the magic of Formentera from the water!