Boat trips in Formentera: crystal-clear waters

Set sail on a boat trip around Formentera and discover the hidden corners of its crystal-clear waters: types of trip, must-see spots, rules and tips.

Boat trips in Formentera: discover a paradise of crystal-clear water

Formentera, with its white-sand beaches and turquoise water, is the perfect getaway for anyone looking for adventure and tranquillity. A boat trip lets you see the island from a unique perspective: from the sea you discover coves, cliffs and islets that you simply can’t appreciate from land. In this guide we tell you how to turn your day at sea into an unforgettable experience.

Why go on a boat trip?

From the water you get a unique view of Formentera’s beauty. You can reach coves that are hard to get to by land, stop for a swim wherever the water is clearest and go snorkelling over sandy and rocky seabeds. Plus, you can forget about the car: from 15 May to 15 October, non-residents have to pay to enter ses Salines Natural Park by car or motorbike, you can’t park at Caló des Mort or es Ram, and vehicles can’t drive all the way to the Cap de Barbaria lighthouse.

Types of boat trip

Skippered boat

Ideal if you’re after a more comfortable, personalised experience, or if you don’t have a boating qualification. The skipper takes care of the sailing and mooring and knows the best spots for the day’s wind, so all you have to do is enjoy yourself with your companions.

Snorkelling trips

Perfect for discovering the island’s seabed. The posidonia seagrass meadows between Ibiza and Formentera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, are responsible for the clarity of the water and are teeming with life. And if you then fancy trying scuba diving, Formentera Divers, in la Savina, is the island’s go-to dive centre.

Boat hire

If you’d rather take the helm yourself, boat hire in Formentera gives you complete freedom to explore the island at your own pace. Bear in mind that, 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 allows you to skipper boats up to 6 metres long, only during daylight hours and no more than 2 miles from a port or sheltered spot. If you don’t have it, you can hire the boat with a skipper.

Must-see spots on your trip

On your boat trip around Formentera, don’t miss ses Illetes beach, with its white sand and shallow water; the islet of s’Espalmador, north of the island; and Cala Saona, on the west coast, with its reddish cliffs and sunsets. These are just a few of the places that will take your breath away.

Tips for a perfect trip

Bring sun cream, a mask and snorkel, an underwater camera and plenty of water. And choose your time of day wisely: first thing in the morning there are fewer boats in the most popular coves.

Safety and conservation

Always follow the safety and marine conservation rules. Anchoring on posidonia seagrass is prohibited in the Balearic Islands: drop anchor on sand or use the designated mooring buoys, such as those in the regulated mooring buoy field in s’Alga bay, on s’Espalmador. Don’t take the boat into buoyed swimming areas, don’t throw anything into the sea and respect marine life.

How to book your trip

Book in advance, especially in high season, to make sure you get the day and the boat you want. You can check availability and book with Isla Azul at reservas.islazulformentera.com. We set off from the port of la Savina.

Get ready for adventure

Before setting off, check the weather forecast, pack a bag with your things and don’t forget to charge your camera so you can capture the best moments of your day on the water in Formentera.