Dolphin watching in Formentera: tips and rules

Seeing dolphins in the wild is one of those moments you never forget. In Formentera’s waters you may come across them, although it is never guaranteed. Here we explain how to improve your chances and, above all, how to behave so you do not disturb them and stay within the law.

Can you see dolphins in Formentera?

Yes, it is possible to see dolphins from a boat in Formentera’s waters. But they are wild animals: there are no set times or places, and no boat trip can guarantee a sighting. The best approach is to head out to sea calmly with your eyes wide open, and treat it as a gift if they appear.

How to see dolphins from a boat in Formentera

Head out by boat and keep an eye on the horizon

A good way to give yourself the chance is to spend a day sailing along the coast. With boat hire in Formentera you can explore the island at your own pace, stop in coves and keep watch for any fin in the water.

Bear in mind that from 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 you to sail during daylight hours and no more than 2 nautical miles from a port or sheltered spot. If you do not have it, you can hire the boat with a skipper.

What to do if you see dolphins: the rules

In Spain, Royal Decree 1727/2007 protects cetaceans and sets out how boats must behave near them. If you come across dolphins:

• Do not chase them or try to approach them. It is forbidden to cut across their path, intercept their course or stop them moving freely.
• Slow down to a steady speed, never above 4 knots, and avoid sudden changes of course or speed. If they come very close, put the engine in neutral.
• Keep your distance: do not come within 60 metres (the exclusion zone).
• Do not split up the group and never get between a mother and her calf.
• Do not swim or dive with them, do not touch them, and do not feed them or throw anything into the water.
• Do not make noise to attract them or drive them away.
• If you notice that they become agitated or change their behaviour, move away slowly.

Breaking these rules does not just stress the animals: it can also lead to hefty fines.

Tips for enjoying the moment

Wear comfortable clothes and bring sun protection, a cap and water. Have your camera or phone ready, but also enjoy the moment without a screen. And if they do not show up, Formentera’s coastline, with its coves and turquoise water, is well worth the trip anyway.

More things to do at sea

Make the most of the day to go snorkelling, swim in a quiet cove or simply relax on board. If you anchor, always do so on sand: in the Balearic Islands it is forbidden to drop anchor on posidonia, a protected seagrass.

Plan your trip

Before you set off, check the weather forecast and sea conditions, and book ahead in high season. Do not forget your camera: if you are lucky enough to see dolphins, it will be one of the best memories of your trip to Formentera.