San Antonio: Es Vedrà, Formentera Tour with Food & Drinks

Three islands, one long sunny day. This San Antonio boat tour strings together Es Vedrà and Formentera with a proper food-and-drinks plan, guided by a lively crew like Auxi and Pablo who keep the mood up. You get the kind of Mediterranean scenery that makes people stop talking and just stare.

What makes it especially appealing is the mix of big, iconic sights and real swim time. You’ll also spend hours off Ibiza’s usual track on Formentera’s white-sand beaches, with enough flexibility to go your own way. One thing to consider first: if the sea is choppy, motion sickness can hit hard, so bring tablets and choose your seat wisely.

On board, the day runs on a comfortable rhythm: breakfast to start, traditional paella lunch, then dinner later, plus unlimited beer, sangria, and soft drinks for most of the day. There’s also a cava toast at sunset, and you’ll cruise past Ibiza’s Sunset Strip area near Café Mambo, so the timing lands pretty well for photos and views.

Key highlights you actually feel during the day

• Es Vedrà viewpoint moments from the water, with time to walk around and take photos
• Espalmador swim stop at a true natural paradise reachable only by boat
• Snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding gear included, plus time to use it
• On-board paella and unlimited drinks for an all-day party-meets-beach rhythm
• Formentera free time (4 to 5 hours) so you can slow down or rent wheels

San Antonio to Three Islands: the smart one-day route

This is a classic “hit the highlights without renting a boat” day. You start in San Antonio, cruise along Ibiza’s west coast, then stack three destinations in one trip: Es Vedrà, Espalmador, and Formentera. The big win here is efficiency. You get iconic geography plus actual water time, without spending hours sorting ferries and schedules.

The day is built around two kinds of time. First, there’s guided, scenic time, when the crew points out what you’re seeing and keeps the cruise moving. Then there’s your personal time, especially on Formentera. That balance is why the tour tends to work for lots of travel styles, from beach-only folks to people who want photos and a swim but do not want to plan.

Leaving San Antonio at 10:00, breakfast first, phones second

You board at the Excursiones Ibiza ticket office in the harbour of San Antonio, and the day starts at 10:00. Before you get too far, you’ll get breakfast on board, which matters more than it sounds. On a full-day tour that includes lunch and dinner, a decent start helps you avoid the “I’m starving, I’m cranky, and everything tastes better when I’m not” problem.

As you cruise along Ibiza’s west coast, the tour leans hard into visual payoff. You’ll pass views connected with Cala Comte and Cala Tarida, and if conditions line up, the itinerary even calls out the chance of dolphins along the way. Even if you do not see any, the coastline views are a big part of why this route feels like a day trip instead of a ferry ride.

Practical note: the boat is not a hotel lounge. If you’re the type who likes a guaranteed seat, it’s worth arriving a bit early so you can settle in.

Es Vedrà: why this rock looks unreal from the sea

Es Vedrà is the headline island, and it’s easy to see why. Rising dramatically from the Mediterranean, it has that mythical, slightly otherworldly feeling even from far away. The tour gives you a real introduction, not just a quick drive-by. You’ll spend time to walk around and take in the views, then keep an eye out for the crew sharing legends and details as you approach.

What you’ll likely remember most is the contrast: the rock looks enormous and still, while you’re moving on a bright, open-water day. That combination makes for some of the best photos of the entire itinerary, because you’re capturing Es Vedrà from angles that most people never get from land.

Small consideration: Es Vedrà time is about experiencing the viewpoint and getting your shots. It’s not meant to become a long island excursion. If you want beach time on Es Vedrà itself, this is not that kind of tour. But if your priority is the iconic landmark experience, it delivers.

Espalmador swim stop: turquoise water, no-road natural paradise

Espalmador is where the day turns from sightseeing into action. This is the anchor stop at a natural paradise reachable only by boat. From the water, the colors do the talking, with crystal-clear turquoise that practically begs you to get in.

You’ll have a break time here, and the tour is set up so you can choose your pace:

• Snorkeling or relaxing in the water
• Stand-up paddleboarding (paddle surf) using included equipment
• Simply lying back and enjoying the “I am definitely on vacation” stillness

The schedule calls out about 1.5 hours for snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding time. That’s long enough to try both if you’re game, and also short enough that you do not feel like you’re missing the rest of the day.

One practical tip: this is a swim stop. Bring a plan for sun and wet gear. You’ll want secure storage for your phone and a way to keep sunscreen from turning your day into a slip-and-squint situation.

Also, if you get motion sickness easily, Espalmador is worth extra caution. Even though you’re anchored at times, the surrounding water conditions can still be a factor.

Paella on board plus unlimited drinks: the day’s fuel system

After the water time, you get back on board for lunch: traditional paella. This is one of those included meals that actually changes the experience. Eating ashore means you’d lose time, deal with queues, and wonder if the lunch will be worth it. On a tour like this, paella being served on board makes the schedule smooth.

Then comes the long stretch of drinks. The tour includes unlimited beer, sangria, and soft drinks for 11 hours. That’s a lot of hours, which is why the trip often feels party-friendly without becoming chaotic. It’s not just alcohol either, since soft drinks are included and the vibe stays social rather than rowdy.

If you have dietary needs, take note of one important reality: not every boat tour handles vegetarian meals the same way. Some people have reported limited options. If you’re vegetarian, tell the crew before you depart so they know what you need. If you’re not sure they can fully cover you, consider carrying a small snack just in case.

Formentera free time: 4 to 5 hours to go slow

Then comes Formentera, the island that many people dream about: white-sand beaches and crystal-clear Mediterranean water. The tour gives you 4 to 5 hours of free time, which is a good compromise. It’s not enough to explore every corner like you would with a multi-day stay, but it is enough to pick a beach area, swim, and still wander around without feeling trapped.

This is also where value shows up. Instead of paying extra for ferries and separate transfers, you’re using the boat tour to get you to the island and back. Your time is the main currency now.

You can also take advantage of the tour’s exclusive local partnerships for renting bikes, scooters, or cars in Formentera at discounted prices. That can stretch your freedom a lot, especially if you want to bounce between beach viewpoints.

One heads-up based on real-world pacing: if rental queues show up, the discounts help but timing still matters. If you want to rent wheels, plan to be efficient and give yourself a buffer, so you do not lose beach time.

If you’d rather skip rentals, you can still have a good day. This tour’s setup gives you enough time to find a beach spot you like and settle in.

Sunset cava toast near Café Mambo, then dinner on the water

As the day winds down, the tour turns cinematic. You’ll cruise back toward Ibiza, passing by the magic of Es Vedrà again, then head into sunset territory. There’s a cava toast on board as the sun goes down, a simple moment but a memorable one because you’re still out over water when everyone else is starting to pack up.

You’ll also cruise past Ibiza’s famous Sunset Strip area near Café Mambo, with about 30 minutes of sunset atmosphere tied to that stretch. This is your chance to catch the sea-level view of the party energy that many people chase from the shore.

After sunset, you get dinner on board. It’s described as a light dinner, which makes sense after a full day of food and drinks. In other words, this is not the kind of meal that will knock you out. It’s meant to keep you comfortable while you return.

Finally, you arrive back in San Antonio around 21:00 (the day runs about 12 hours total). That late arrival works well for dinner back on land afterward.

Price and value at about $104 per person

$104 is not cheap, but it’s also not out of line for a full-day boat trip that bundles three major islands plus real meals. Here’s what you’re paying for, and why it adds up.

You’re getting:

• Three islands in one day (Es Vedrà, Espalmador, Formentera)
• Breakfast, paella lunch, and dinner
• Unlimited beer, sangria, and soft drinks for much of the trip
• Snorkeling masks and equipment
• Paddleboarding equipment
• Sunset cava toast

If you tried to build this yourself, the cost usually balloons fast. Getting boat access to Espalmador plus organized meals plus included gear would require multiple bookings and a lot of coordination. Even if some pieces might be cheaper separately, the time saved is the real value. On a trip where you only have one free day, that’s money well spent.

Also, the crew is a big part of how the value lands. People highlight that the staff, including Auxi, Pablo, and Luci, do a lot to keep things fun and smooth. That matters because the day is long, and the only way it works is if everyone onboard feels looked after.

Who should book this Es Vedrà, Espalmador, Formentera day trip

This tour fits best if you want:

• Iconic Ibiza scenery without a complicated itinerary
• A full day with built-in meals and drinks
• Included snorkeling or paddleboarding instead of renting your own gear
• Formentera time where you can choose your own pace

It can be a great fit for couples and groups who like a social boat atmosphere. The itinerary also works well for people who prefer not to drive around Ibiza and instead enjoy the sea views while someone else handles navigation and timing.

If you hate boats, or you are highly prone to motion sickness, reconsider. The day involves open-water cruising, and at least some sea conditions can be rough. Bring tablets, and be smart about where you sit.

If you are very picky about food or have strict dietary needs, also plan ahead. Vegetarian options may not be robust, so tell the crew early and consider backup snacks.

Should you book it? My quick decision rule

Book this tour if your main goal is a one-day, three-island experience with food, drinks, and water activities already handled. It’s especially worth it if you want Formentera time but do not want the hassle of piecing together transfers and gear rentals.

Skip it or think twice if you:

• Get sea sick easily and cannot take precautions
• Need guaranteed, varied vegetarian meals
• Want a slow, unhurried exploration of each island rather than a packed highlights schedule

If you’re somewhere in the middle, tell yourself this: you’re buying convenience, views, and a ready-made beach day plan. On that basis, it’s a solid value for Ibiza visitors who want more than just one photo spot.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the San Antonio Es Vedrà, Formentera, and Espalmador tour?

The tour duration is 12 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at the Excursiones Ibiza ticket office in the harbour of San Antonio, Ibiza.

What meals and drinks are included?

Breakfast is included, there is a traditional paella lunch on board, and dinner is served on board. Drinks are unlimited for the trip, including beer, sangria, and soft drinks.

What activities are included at Espalmador?

You’ll have a swim stop with snorkeling masks and equipment, plus stand-up paddleboarding equipment.

How much free time do you get on Formentera?

You get about 4 to 5 hours of free time on Formentera.

Are there any sunset highlights on the itinerary?

Yes, there is a sunset cava toast on board, and the cruise also includes sunset atmosphere near Café Mambo.

What languages are the guides or hosts?

The host or greeter is available in English and Spanish.