S’Espalmador and Formentera: Snorkeling Trip by RIB Boat

The best part of this Formentera snorkeling trip is the variety packed into three and a half hours. You visit a deserted island, swim in a marine park, look into sea caves, and cruise past the red cliffs of Cala Saona, all from a fast 9-meter RIB boat.

I like the stop at S’Espalmador, where sand bars, a pink beach, and natural pools give you more than a standard swim stop. I also like the practical setup: masks, snorkels, and fins are supplied, and the boat’s awning gives you a break from the sun.

The main consideration is that the route depends on sea and weather conditions, and fuel is not included in the listed price. The boat can move quickly and may feel lively on choppy water, so this is best for people comfortable with a small open boat.

Key points to know before booking

• Four coastal stops in 3.5 hours: S’Espalmador, Racó des Moro, Cova Rosa, and Cala Saona each offer a different kind of scenery.
• A 9-meter RIB with a 250 HP engine: The boat can reach shallow coves and get close to the coast.
• S’Espalmador includes more than snorkeling: You can walk along the pink beach, see sand bars, and visit natural pools.
• Cave access is optional: You can swim through and inside the caves, or stay outside and enjoy the cliffs and sea.
• Snorkeling equipment is included: Masks, snorkels, and fins are provided, with floating vests included for people who cannot swim.
• Pickup serves selected hotels and marinas: The main meeting point is Mooring Number 2 near the Panperfocaccia restaurant.

Four stops, four different views of Formentera

This is not a trip built around one long stop at one beach. The appeal is the changing scenery. You spend roughly 40 minutes at S’Espalmador, then about 30 minutes at each of the three later sites. Between them, the RIB ride becomes part of the sightseeing, with short bursts across the water and views along the coast.

The route begins with a van transfer if you choose pickup, followed by a short transfer to the boat. The stated timings include about 15 minutes in a van and another 15 minutes on a speedboat before reaching S’Espalmador. The exact sequence at the start depends on your selected option, so check your booking details carefully.

Once aboard, the boat’s size matters. A 9-meter RIB with a 250 HP engine can get into shallow water and approach coves that are less practical for larger boats. The tradeoff is less indoor protection than you would have on a big sightseeing vessel. There is an awning, but you should still bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and a windbreaker.

S’Espalmador: pink sand, pools, and open space

S’Espalmador is the first major stop, and it gives the trip a strong opening. This uninhabited island has a quiet, open feel, with a pink-toned beach, sand bars, and natural pools. You can walk along the shore, take photos, swim, or use the time to get comfortable with the water and equipment.

The 40-minute stop is long enough for a quick walk and swim, but not for a slow island exploration. That is worth knowing before you book. You are getting a taste of S’Espalmador rather than a full beach day.

The natural pools and shallow sand bars also make this stop useful for people who do not want to begin with serious snorkeling. If you prefer to stay near shore, you can enjoy the scenery without spending the whole stop in the water. Floating vests are included for those who cannot swim, which adds a useful safety option.

Bring water shoes if you have them. The supplied gear includes a diving mask, snorkel, and fins, but water shoes are listed among the recommended items and can make shore access more comfortable.

Racó des Moro: Formentera’s fish-filled marine park

After another short boat ride, the tour reaches Racó des Moro, described as an emerald-green cove within a marine park. This is the main underwater stop, with time for swimming and snorkeling among colorful fish.

You receive the basic equipment on the boat, so you do not need to pack your own mask or fins. Still, bring your own gear if you already have a well-fitting set. A comfortable mask can make a noticeable difference, especially when you want to spend most of the 30-minute stop watching marine life rather than adjusting equipment.

The water is the reason to choose this tour over a simple coastal cruise. The cove offers a chance to see the marine environment close up, and the guide provides information about the ecosystem while keeping an eye on safety. The tour is designed for beginners as well as experienced snorkelers, but you should be realistic about the time. Thirty minutes passes quickly once equipment is handed out and everyone enters the water.

If you are new to snorkeling, use this stop to practice breathing through the snorkel and clearing your mask. You do not need to be an expert to enjoy it. If you are a confident swimmer, you will probably want to make the most of the full stop by staying in the water as long as conditions allow.

Cova Rosa: choose your level of adventure

Cova Rosa adds a different element: caves. Depending on the sea conditions and your comfort level, you may swim through and inside the caves. If that does not appeal to you, you can remain outside and enjoy the cliff face above the water.

That choice is one of the more practical features of the outing. Not everyone wants the same kind of activity, and the cave stop does not force you into a single version of fun. You can take photos from the boat, swim near the entrance, or try the cave passage if the guide considers it suitable.

The stop lasts about 30 minutes. The boat’s ability to get close to the coast helps here, since a large vessel would not offer the same access to a narrow coastal site. At the same time, cave swimming is sensitive to waves and sea conditions. The captain can change the route or cancel the excursion if the water becomes unsafe, and the cave portion may also need to be adjusted.

This is a good place to bring a windbreaker even in warm weather. The boat ride between stops can feel breezy, particularly after you have been in the water.

Cala Saona: red cliffs and turquoise water

The final main stop is Cala Saona, one of Formentera’s most recognizable coastal views. The boat cruises near the beach, where turquoise water meets reddish cliffs. The color contrast is the visual payoff of the trip, and you will have time for photos, swimming, snorkeling, and general sightseeing.

Cala Saona is also a useful final stop because you can choose how active you want to be. After several water sessions, you may prefer to sit beneath the awning and enjoy the view. If you still have energy, you can swim and snorkel for another 30 minutes.

The tour does not promise a long stay on the beach itself. You view the bay from the water, rather than arriving for a full shore visit. That distinction matters if your main goal is sunbathing or walking around Cala Saona. The experience is better suited to seeing several parts of Formentera by boat.

After Cala Saona, the return ride takes about 20 minutes. Drop-off options include Hotel Club Sunway Punta Prima, Hotel Riu La Mola, Ormeggio Isla Flotante, Insotel Club Maryland, Hotel Sa Volta, and Insotel Hotel Formentera Playa. If you do not use pickup, the activity ends back at the meeting point.

What the RIB boat ride is really like

The RIB is central to the experience, not just transportation between swim stops. Its 250 HP engine allows the captain to cover the route efficiently and approach shallow water. You get more coastline in a half-day than you would from a single beach visit.

A fast boat also brings a few practical concerns. RIBs are open to the weather, and the ride can feel bouncy in rough conditions. The boat has an awning, but it is not a fully enclosed cabin. Sit where you are comfortable, hold onto your belongings, and keep your phone protected from spray.

The captain has the right to alter the route or cancel the excursion in poor weather or bad sea conditions. That rule protects the group, but it means you should avoid scheduling this as the one activity you cannot miss during a short Formentera stay. The free cancellation policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, subject to the booking terms.

The guide speaks English, Spanish, and Italian. Expect safety instructions, help with the snorkeling equipment, and information about the marine environment. The staff are described as friendly and helpful, which is particularly useful when a group includes first-time snorkelers.

Is $108 good value?

At $108 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning near the water. The price includes a guide, the RIB boat, and snorkeling equipment, along with access to four separate coastal sites. You are paying for the boat, fuel-intensive operation, crew, and the chance to reach places that are awkward to visit independently in one short outing.

Fuel is listed as an extra cost, so confirm exactly how that charge is handled before departure. Food and drinks are also not included. Cold water, soft drinks, and beer are available on board for an additional fee, but bringing your own water is specifically recommended.

The value is strongest if you want variety and limited planning. In three and a half hours, you can see S’Espalmador, Racó des Moro, Cova Rosa, and Cala Saona without arranging separate transport or carrying snorkeling gear from one site to another.

The value is weaker if you only want a quiet beach day. You will spend part of the time moving between stops, and each location has a fixed visit of roughly 30 to 40 minutes. A slower private charter or a full-day beach outing may suit you better if you dislike schedules.

What to bring for a more comfortable trip

Pack lightly, but bring the items that make time on an open boat easier:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Water
• A windbreaker
• Flip-flops and water shoes
• A phone case or small waterproof bag

The boat has an awning, but shade may not cover everyone at every moment. Apply sunscreen before boarding, then reapply after swimming. A windbreaker is useful during the return ride, when wet swimwear can make the breeze feel cooler.

The operator supplies the mask, snorkel, and fins. Floating vests are included for people who cannot swim. If you have medical or swimming concerns, tell the guide before entering the water so the crew can explain the available safety arrangements.

There is no stated meal break. Eat before departure if you need a proper meal, and bring water for the trip. Drinks sold on board cost extra.

Pickup, meeting point, and timing

The standard meeting point is Mooring Number 2 near the Panperfocaccia restaurant. The activity ends back at the meeting point unless you use one of the listed drop-off options.

Pickup is optional. A staff member drives a large van with the company’s stickers on the sides, and the provider confirms the exact pickup time within 24 hours before the activity. This late confirmation is worth noting if you are organizing a tight schedule.

Allow extra time around the stated 3.5-hour duration if you are using pickup. The published route includes van and boat transfer times, but the final pickup arrangement can affect your morning. Do not schedule an important ferry, flight, or timed appointment immediately afterward.

You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are still arranging your Formentera plans. The activity has a 4.3 rating from 46 reviews, and the strongest specific praise concerns the friendly, helpful staff. That is a meaningful point for a water activity, since good equipment guidance and clear safety instructions make the day easier for everyone.

Who should book this Formentera boat trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want an active half-day with several sights rather than one long stop. It suits couples, families with older children, and small groups who enjoy swimming, coastal scenery, and a little speed on the water.

It is also a good option for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can snorkel and try the caves, while less confident swimmers can use the floating vest, stay near the boat, or enjoy the scenery from the surface. The four stops give people a chance to choose their own pace.

You should think twice if you get seasick, dislike open boats, or need a long, unhurried beach visit. The RIB is practical and exciting, but it is not a quiet yacht or a shaded ferry. Bad sea conditions can change the route, and the captain may cancel for safety.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if your ideal Formentera morning includes clear water, several short swims, a deserted island, sea caves, and dramatic coastal views. The combination is efficient, and the supplied equipment means you can arrive without building your own snorkeling kit.

I would skip it if you want a full day at one beach, guaranteed access to every stop, or a completely sheltered boat ride. Before paying, check the pickup time, confirm the fuel charge, and bring water, sunscreen, a windbreaker, and water shoes. For an active introduction to Formentera’s coast, the route offers good variety and a friendly crew at a fair, though not bargain, price.

FAQ

How long is the snorkeling trip?

The activity lasts 3.5 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Where does the tour start?

The main meeting point is Mooring Number 2 near the Panperfocaccia restaurant.

Where does the activity finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point unless you use one of the listed drop-off locations.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is optional for selected locations. A staff member uses a large van with the company’s stickers, and the exact pickup time is confirmed within 24 hours before the activity.

Which languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is available in English, Spanish, and Italian.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The tour includes a diving mask, snorkel, and fins. Floating vests are included for people who cannot swim.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Cold water, soft drinks, and beer are available on board for an extra cost.

Can the route change because of the weather?

Yes. The captain can change the route or cancel the excursion if weather or sea conditions are unsafe.