Formentera by kayak: an adventure through coves and sea caves

Formentera is the perfect setting for anyone who wants to discover its most hidden natural spots, the ones that are hard to reach by car or bike. Kayaking across its crystal-clear water lets you get close to hard-to-reach coves and sea caves that capture the very essence of the island. Get ready for a unique journey, with nature at its most spectacular.

How to plan your kayak route around Formentera

Before setting off, make sure you have all the gear you need: paddle, life jacket, sun cream and drinking water. Learn the basic paddling techniques and check the weather forecast and sea conditions.

How to choose the right kayak

Choose the type of kayak that best suits your level and ask for advice at the hire point: a double kayak is a good option if you are going as a couple or with children. And if you want to go further, combine kayaking with boat hire in Formentera: with a boat you can reach coves and cliffs that are too far to paddle to, and enjoy a unique view of the island.

Guided tour or on your own

Decide whether you would rather join a guided trip, with an instructor who knows the best spots and the sea conditions, or head out on your own and find your own secret corners. Each option has its advantages: you can also start with a guided tour to build your confidence and then set off exploring on your own.

Safety tips for kayakers

• Don’t go out in strong winds or rough seas, and keep an eye on changes in the weather during your route.
• Tell someone your route and expected return time, and carry your mobile phone in a waterproof case.
• Stay close to the shore and watch out for boat traffic, especially in straits and channels.
• Keep clear of buoyed swimming areas and don’t get too close to swimmers.

Recommended kayak routes in Formentera

Cala Saona and the Punta Rasa caves

Cala Saona, on the west coast, is a cove surrounded by cliffs, with calm turquoise water. From here you can paddle south to the cliffs of Punta Rasa, where there are underwater caves. It is one of the most beautiful routes on the island, and on the way back one of Formentera’s best sunsets awaits you.

From ses Illetes to s’Espalmador

Guided kayak trips leave from ses Illetes for s’Espalmador, stopping at the posidonia seagrass meadows for some snorkelling. S’Espalmador is a privately owned islet, protected within ses Salines Natural Park, with unspoilt public beaches. Bear in mind that wading across from es Trucadors is prohibited because of the strong currents, and that the channel between the two islands has boat traffic: only cross it in calm seas and if you have experience, or better still on a guided trip.

Estany des Peix

If you are looking for completely sheltered water, the Estany des Peix, a lagoon next to la Savina connected to the sea, is perfect for a relaxed paddle and ideal for beginners and families.

Marine life: what you can see from your kayak

The most special thing about Formentera’s seabed is its posidonia seagrass meadows, a marine plant (not a seaweed) that is chiefly responsible for the clarity of the water and the quality of the sand on the beaches. In ses Salines Natural Park it covers almost 40% of the seabed, and it is the great natural asset of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture”. With a snorkelling mask you will see the fish that live there. Look, but don’t touch or disturb the animals.

Photography and conservation

Capture the best moments of your route, but without forgetting the environment: take your rubbish back with you, don’t pull up plants or tread on the posidonia, and follow the natural park’s rules.

Plan your trip: what you need to know

Find out about local rules, kayak hire points and sea conditions. Plan your route in advance and have a plan B in case the weather changes during your kayak trip around Formentera.