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, a marine park, sea caves, and Cala Saona, moving between them on a fast 9-meter RIB boat with a 250-horsepower engine. The boat can get close to shore and into shallow coves where larger craft cannot.

I like the easy mix of swimming and sightseeing, and I like that snorkeling gear is included rather than treated as an extra. The main caution is the boat ride itself: a RIB is quick and open to the elements, so bring a windbreaker and expect some spray. The route may also change if sea conditions turn rough.

Key points to know before booking

• Four very different stops: S’Espalmador, Racó des Moro, Cova Rosa, and Cala Saona each offer a different reason to get off the boat or into the water.
• A fast, shallow-water boat: The 9-meter RIB can approach the coast closely, but the ride may feel lively in choppy conditions.
• Snorkeling equipment is included: Mask, snorkel, and fins are supplied, with floating vests included for anyone who cannot swim.
• About 40 minutes at the main stops: That gives you time to swim, snorkel, take pictures, or walk along the shore, but not time for a long beach stay.
• Pickup is optional: The main meeting point is Mooring Number 2 near the Panperfocaccia restaurant, with selected hotel drop-offs available.
• A strong staff reputation: The overall rating is 4.3 from 46 reviews, and John specifically praised the staff for being friendly and helpful.

Four stops, four different sides of Formentera

This outing works because it is not only a snorkeling lesson or only a boat cruise. You get a quick look at several coastal settings, with time in the water at each one. The pace is active, but the stops are long enough to keep the day from feeling like a nonstop race.

The schedule includes short boat transfers between stops. Some last 10 minutes, others 15 or 20 minutes. That matters because you spend much of the tour moving along the coast, taking in cliffs and open water between swims.

The published timing gives roughly 40 minutes at S’Espalmador, 30 minutes at Racó des Moro, 30 minutes at Cova Rosa, and 30 minutes at Cala Saona. Treat those times as approximate. The captain can change the route or cancel the outing if weather or sea conditions are unsafe.

S’Espalmador: pink sand and a deserted shoreline

The first major stop is S’Espalmador, a small deserted island known for its pink beach, sand bars, and natural pools. You can walk along the shore, swim, snorkel, or simply use the stop to take photographs.

This is a good opening stop because it lets you settle into the boat and the equipment before the more focused snorkeling areas. The shallow water and sandy shoreline also give you a less demanding option if you are not confident in the sea.

Do not expect a full beach day here. With about 40 minutes, you will need to choose between walking, swimming, and taking pictures. The appeal is the feeling of reaching a quiet island by boat, not spending hours under a beach umbrella.

Bring water shoes if you have them. They are listed among the recommended items and can make shore access more comfortable. Flip-flops are useful for the boat and beach, but they are less secure in the water.

Racó des Moro: the main snorkeling stop

Next comes Racó des Moro, described as a marine park with an emerald-green cove. This is the clearest match for the tour’s main promise: time in calm-looking, clear water with fish around you.

Mask, snorkel, and fins are provided. The guide offers safety help and information about the marine setting, so beginners are not left to work everything out alone. Anyone who cannot swim must use a floating vest, which is included in the price.

Thirty minutes goes quickly once you adjust your mask and enter the water. If you are new to snorkeling, spend the first few minutes getting comfortable with breathing through the tube. You will get more from the stop if you focus on relaxed, steady movement instead of trying to cover a large area.

The water may look inviting, but conditions can vary. Stay close to the guide’s instructions and remember that the boat has a schedule. This is a short introduction to the cove, not a private snorkeling session with unlimited time.

Cova Rosa: caves and a choice of activity

Cova Rosa brings a different kind of excitement. You may have the chance to swim through and inside the caves, depending on conditions and your comfort level. You can also remain outside and admire the cliffs above the water.

That choice makes this stop useful for mixed groups. A confident swimmer can try the cave passage, while someone who prefers a quieter stop can stay near the boat and enjoy the view. The guide is there to help keep the activity safe, but you should not treat the caves as a casual walk-through. Water movement and footing can change, and you need to follow instructions.

This is also a good place for photographs. The contrast between rock, sea, and open sky gives you something different from the sandy shore at S’Espalmador. Keep your camera secure and do not let taking pictures distract you from boat and water safety.

Cala Saona: the finale with red cliffs

The final stop is Cala Saona, one of the most scenic points on the route. The boat sails near the beach, where turquoise water meets red cliffs. You can swim, snorkel, take pictures, or stay aboard for the view.

I like this as a final stop because it gives the trip a strong visual finish. After the quiet island and the snorkeling cove, the cliffs create a more dramatic setting. You are not simply repeating the same swim four times.

The stop lasts about 30 minutes, so plan your priorities. If you want a swim and photographs, get into the water early. If you mainly want the coastal view, staying aboard may be the better choice.

What the RIB boat changes

The boat is a 9-meter rigid inflatable boat with a 250-horsepower engine. Its design lets the captain travel close to the coast and stop in shallow water, which is a real advantage for this route. A larger sightseeing boat would have fewer options around small coves and cave entrances.

The tradeoff is comfort. A fast RIB gives you a lively ride, but it does not offer the broad, sheltered seating of a large ferry. An awning provides shade, yet you remain exposed to wind and spray. Pack a windbreaker, hat, sunscreen, towel, and drinking water.

The boat transfers range from 10 to 20 minutes. Those stretches are part of the experience, giving you views of the coast, but they also mean the trip is active from start to finish. If you prefer slow cruising with a long lunch stop, this is not that kind of outing.

What is included, and what costs extra

At $108 per person, the price is reasonable if you want a boat trip, four coastal stops, and snorkeling equipment in one booking. You avoid renting a separate boat and gathering your own mask, snorkel, and fins. A guide is also included, with tours offered in English, Spanish, and Italian.

Food and drinks are not included. Cold water, soft drinks, and beer are available aboard for an extra cost, but it is sensible to bring your own water as recommended. Fuel is also listed separately, so check the final booking details carefully to understand the total price.

The value is strongest for people who want variety. You are paying for access to several coastal areas and the convenience of transport between them, not for a long stay at one beach. If you already have a boat and snorkeling gear, the cost may feel less attractive.

The overall rating is 4.3 from 46 reviews. The clearest specific praise is for the staff, with John describing them as friendly and helpful. That matters on a water outing, where clear instructions and a calm approach can make the difference for a first-time snorkeler.

Pickup, meeting point, and the return

The standard meeting point is Mooring Number 2 near the Panperfocaccia restaurant. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Pickup is available for selected options. Listed drop-off locations include Hotel Club Sunway Punta Prima, Hotel Riu La Mola, Ormeggio Isla Flotante, Insotel Club Maryland, Hotel Sa Volta, and Insotel Hotel Formentera Playa. For pickup bookings, the provider confirms the exact time slot within 24 hours before the activity.

A staff member uses a large van with the company’s stickers on the sides for pickup. Confirm your location and time carefully, especially if you are staying somewhere other than the listed hotels. The tour has several transfers, so being late at the start could affect the whole schedule.

You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps payment flexible. The captain can alter the route or cancel if weather or sea conditions make the trip unsafe.

Who will enjoy this trip most

This tour suits you if you want a short, active coastal excursion rather than a full-day boat charter. It works well for couples, families with confident swimmers, and groups that want a little snorkeling mixed with scenery.

Beginners can take part because equipment and a guide are included. The floating vest rule for anyone who cannot swim adds an important safety measure, though you should still be comfortable being around open water. The cave stop is optional in practice, since you can admire the area from outside.

It is less suitable if you dislike fast boat rides, need a lot of shade, or want a long, unhurried beach visit. The boat has an awning, but the trip remains exposed. You should also reconsider if you are hoping to spend most of the time snorkeling, since the tour divides its time among four stops and boat transfers.

What to pack for a smoother morning

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, hat, windbreaker, water, flip-flops, and water shoes. The windbreaker is especially useful during the boat rides, even on a warm day.

Use sunscreen before boarding, then reapply when practical. There is no food included, and the tour lasts three and a half hours, so do not count on a meal during the outing. Water is the most useful item to carry.

Keep personal items compact. The information provided does not specify storage space aboard, so avoid bringing anything you do not need. A waterproof pouch can help protect a phone, but use it carefully around the water and boat edges.

Should you book this Formentera snorkeling trip?

Book it if you want to see several of Formentera’s coastal highlights in one half-day outing, especially S’Espalmador’s pink shore, the fish-filled cove at Racó des Moro, the caves at Cova Rosa, and the red cliffs of Cala Saona. The included gear, multilingual guide, optional pickup, and friendly staff make the arrangement simple.

Think twice if you want a slow beach day or a long, dedicated snorkeling session. At $108, the tour offers good value for variety and convenience, but the RIB ride is active, the stops are timed, and food is extra. For a first look at Formentera by water, it is a well-rounded choice, provided you pack for wind and accept that the captain may adjust the route.

FAQ

How long is the snorkeling trip?

The activity lasts approximately three and a half hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is Mooring Number 2 near the Panperfocaccia restaurant. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, pickup is optional for selected options. Listed locations include Hotel Club Sunway Punta Prima, Hotel Riu La Mola, Ormeggio Isla Flotante, Insotel Club Maryland, Hotel Sa Volta, and Insotel Hotel Formentera Playa.

What snorkeling equipment is included?

A diving mask, snorkel, and fins are included. Floating vests are included for people who cannot swim and are mandatory for them.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour is available with a live guide in English, Spanish, and Italian.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Cold water, soft drinks, and beer are available aboard for an additional cost.

What should I bring?

Bring a windbreaker, hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water, flip-flops, and water shoes.

Can the route change because of weather?

Yes. The captain may change the route or cancel the excursion if weather or sea conditions are unsuitable.