Far from the crowds of Ibiza, Formentera, a quieter island, offers perfect conditions for your favourite water sports, whether you are a beginner or experienced.
Think of Formentera as a giant natural swimming pool: its mild climate all year round and easy geography make the island the ideal place for water sports in exceptional conditions, and for unique experiences on or under the water…
Dive into our guide to the island’s must-do water activities.
Learning to dive in Formentera’s crystal-clear waters
Between its turquoise lagoons and hidden coves, Formentera is an exceptional setting for every water sport. Whether you love diving, boating, snorkelling or swimming in heavenly water, this unspoilt island has truly unforgettable moments in store.
Diving in Formentera: plunging into an unspoilt world!
Formentera is a perfect spot for unforgettable first dives: translucent water, exceptional biodiversity and spectacular sites.
El Arco is one of the best dive sites in Formentera. Located between Punta Rasa and Punta Gavina, it reveals two magnificent underwater arches naturally carved into the rock. The largest is 12 metres deep, perfect for a dive accessible from Open Water level.
Underwater, the show is magical: colourful fish, octopuses and even rays move among the posidonia meadows, protected by UNESCO because they keep Formentera’s water exceptionally clear. With an experienced English-speaking guide, you will enjoy an unforgettable dive in one of the best-preserved ecosystems in the Mediterranean.
An underwater experience open to everyone that I have been lucky enough to do several times, in summer and autumn. I highly recommend it.
Departures are always from La Savina port, organised by Vellmari (tested and approved in October 2024 and July 2025)
Private boat in Formentera with a private skipper
Set off on an unforgettable sea adventure aboard a boat with a professional skipper and discover the wonders of Formentera. This tailor-made trip lets you explore the island’s most beautiful coves and dreamy beaches at your own pace.
Itinerary and must-see stops
– Cala Saona: dive into its crystal-clear water surrounded by ochre and reddish cliffs
– Ses Illetes: a break and a swim at one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe
– Es Caló: a small fishing village in Formentera with an amazing swimming spot
Your itinerary adapts entirely to your wishes, from 2 hours to a full day!
What is included
Modern boat with sundeck and every comfort you need
Experienced skipper who knows the area inside out
Cold drinks and a fridge on board
Snorkelling gear to explore the seabed
Capacity up to 11 people
A tailor-made experience
Ideal for couples, families or groups of friends looking for an authentic experience. No sailing experience required: your skipper takes care of everything. Departure directly from Marina Formentera, which is easy to reach. Special trips can be arranged for celebrations, birthdays or proposals. The advantages are many:
- Total flexibility: adapt the route to your wishes and stay longer at your favourite spots
- Small groups: enjoy an intimate experience with your loved ones
- Exclusive access: discover secret coves you cannot reach from the shore
- Optimal comfort: relax without fixed timetables
- Departure: La Savina port
Let Formentera’s wild beauty win you over from the sea! A trip we have tried and booked more than 3 times already!
Wing foil: Formentera’s new thrill
Wing foil has arrived in Formentera and is changing the game for board sports! This innovative discipline combines the wing of kitesurfing, the board of SUP and the foil of surfing to create a one-of-a-kind experience of flying above the water.
What exactly is wing foil?
Picture yourself holding an inflatable wing in your hands, standing on a board fitted with a foil (a curved fin under the hull). The wind drives your wing, you pick up speed, and suddenly… you are literally flying over Formentera’s turquoise water!
Unlike kitesurfing, wing foil works perfectly in light winds. Wing foil really is the future of water sports in Formentera: accessible, eco-friendly and thrilling from the very first flights!
Renting a seabob in Formentera
What is a Seabob?
The Seabob is a revolutionary small electric underwater scooter that drives you through the water at up to 20 km/h on the surface and 14 km/h underwater. This innovative machine lets you glide effortlessly through crystal-clear water. With a battery life of about 60 minutes depending on use, the Seabob is steered intuitively with its ergonomic handles and silent propulsion system. It looks like a futuristic torpedo that you lie on, holding the side handles firmly. It is a unique gliding experience that I highly recommend! It is an activity open to everyone. The motor is 100% electric.
In Formentera, seabob rental prices vary with the duration and the season. For a day’s rental, allow between €300 and €500.
I can put you in touch with rental companies on the island: feel free to contact me directly.
Staying in Ibiza?
Many trips leave from Ibiza to reach Formentera and enjoy its activities. This has the big advantage of keeping accommodation and transport costs down, in particular by avoiding separate crossing fares.
Trips leave from different places depending on the operator and the type of activity. The main departure points are:
- San Antonio: a popular departure point, especially recommended if you are in the north-west
- Ibiza port (Ibiza Town centre): easy access from the heart of town
- Playa d’en Bossa: handy if you are staying in this area, where the clubs are
- Ses Salines: the closest spot to Formentera, in the south-west of Ibiza
Important: always check the specific meeting point in each activity’s details before booking.
Types of trips available
Day trips
Classic trips offer a return crossing with free time on the island to discover iconic beaches such as Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador at your own pace. There, you can rent bikes or scooters to explore the island and swim, and enjoy either a lunch included in the package or free time to choose where to eat.
Some trips do not stop at the port: you go straight to star spots such as Cala Saona beach or S’Espalmador from the sea. You will not be able to rent a bike, but you will make the most of the water activities.
Trips with activities
For water sports fans, many trips include snorkelling and diving sessions in Formentera’s crystal-clear water. You can also rent kayaks to explore secret coves that cannot be reached on foot, join boat tours around the island with swim stops, or go on guided walks to the lighthouses and viewpoints. If you do not want the stress of arriving at the port or refuelling, or if you have no boat licence, it is the cheapest and most practical solution.
Recommended activities and trips
Full tour: Es Vedrà, Espalmador and Formentera in one day
We tried the crossing from San Antonio to Formentera in July 2025, and I highly recommend this trip for its incredible view of Es Vedrà, with a free afternoon in Formentera from San Antonio. You can swim at S’Espalmador, near the untouched islets, and go snorkelling and paddleboarding.
Water sports to book in Formentera
Our detailed pages, with activities open right now first (availability checked every week):
Until 1 November Private llaüt boat trip to Espalmador and Illetes From €130 5,0/5 
Kayak rental at Ses Illetes, Formentera (single or double) From €20 5,0/5 
Stand-up paddleboard rental at Illetes From €25 5,0/5 
Until 31 October Snorkelling with a marine biologist in Formentera: Espalmador and cliff jumping From €90 5,0/5 
Traditional pink boat trip to Espalmador & Illetes From €95 4,5/5 
Until 31 October Try scuba diving in Formentera in a small group From €95 4,2/5 
Until 29 October Formentera bike day trip from Ibiza: transfer, ferry and bike included From €97 2,9/5 
Wing foil taster lesson at Ses Illetes, Formentera From €180 
Kitesurf equipment rental at Ses Illetes, Formentera From €60 
Wing foil equipment rental at Ses Illetes, Formentera From €60 
Ibiza-Formentera fast ferry + standard bike for the day From €63 4,6/5 
Ibiza-Formentera fast ferry + e-bike for the day From €75 4,5/5 
Until 29 October Guided Formentera excursion from Ibiza: ferry, bus and guide From €108 4,5/5 
Luxury private boat between Ibiza and Formentera (8 hours) From €2200 
Closed, reopens 15 May 2027 Sailing day from Ibiza to Formentera with beach stops (small group) From €120 5,0/5 
Closed, reopens 1 May 2027 Private sailboat day charter from Ibiza to Formentera, with skipper From €889 5,0/5 
Closed, reopens 19 April 2027 Private 43-foot sailboat from Ibiza to Formentera (up to 7 people) From €660 4,9/5 
Closed, reopens 1 July 2027 All-inclusive Formentera day trip from Ibiza, with 3 swim stops From €110 4,7/5 No activity matches these filters for now.
FAQ: water sports in Formentera
When is the best time for water sports in Formentera? The mild climate all year round means you can do water sports from March to November. Summer offers more activities and instructors, while May and October are quieter at the spots.
Do you need to be able to swim for every water sport?
Swimming is essential for diving, kitesurfing, windsurfing and waterskiing. For paddleboarding and kayaking on calm water, it is recommended but not compulsory with a life jacket and an instructor.
Can children dive in Formentera? Yes! PADI Bubblemaker introduces children from 8 years old to diving at a depth of 2 metres, under the supervision of a PADI instructor. For other water activities, the minimum age varies by activity and water-sports centre.
Where are the best kitesurfing spots in Formentera? The south coast at Migjorn is the reference spot for kitesurfing and board sports, thanks to its steady winds. Water-sports centres also offer wing foil, a newer and more accessible take on kitesurfing (a modern version of windsurfing).
Can you rent a boat without a licence in Formentera? Not a motorboat since 1 October 2026: you now need at least the licencia de navegación, or you can rent with a skipper to enjoy the island’s best spots safely (more expensive). Details in our guide to boat rental in Ibiza and Formentera.
To really get off the beaten track, see our unusual experiences in Formentera.
