Playa d’en Bossa/Figueretes: Roundtrip Ferry to Formentera

Formentera is close enough to Ibiza for a quick escape, yet it feels like a proper change of scene. This flexible roundtrip ferry gives you the freedom to shape the day yourself, with a short 30-minute crossing, open sea views, and no fixed island itinerary.

I like the choice of two departure points, Playa d’en Bossa or Figueretes, and I like that you can return on the same day at the time that suits you. The main thing to consider is that this is transport, not a guided tour. You must arrange your own island transport and decide how much you can realistically see.

Key points to know before booking

• Two Ibiza departure points: Choose Playa d’en Bossa or Figueretes when booking, which can save time if you are staying near either beach.
• About 30 minutes each way: The short crossing leaves most of your day for Formentera rather than the ferry itself.
• Flexible same-day return: Check the available return times when you depart, then plan your island day around that schedule.
• Independent exploration: Rent a bicycle, motorbike, or quad bike at La Savina, or use public transport to reach other parts of the island.
• Top sights are spread out: Cala Saona, Ses Illetes, Els Arenals, and La Mola Lighthouse are not a quick walk from one another.
• A simple $34 day-trip option: The price covers the roundtrip ferry only, so transport, food, rentals, and other personal costs are extra.

Why Formentera makes a good day trip from Ibiza

Formentera is the smaller, quieter island south of Ibiza, known for clear water, sandy beaches, rocky coves, and a long coastline of about 69 kilometers. The ferry crossing is short enough to make a day trip practical, but the island is large enough that you need a plan once you arrive.

I like this outing because it removes the hardest part of a Formentera day trip: getting there and back. You do not need to organize separate ferry tickets or commit to a guided sightseeing route. You simply choose your Ibiza departure point, cross to La Savina, and spend the day as you please.

That freedom is also the central limitation. The ferry company gets you to the island, but it does not take you to Cala Saona, Ses Illetes, Els Arenals, or the La Mola Lighthouse. You will need to pay for local transport or use public buses, then keep an eye on the return schedule.

For $34 per person, the value is strongest if you want a straightforward island day without a private boat or full excursion package. It is less of a bargain if you expect beach chairs, a guide, lunch, or sightseeing transfers to be included.

Choosing between Playa d’en Bossa and Figueretes

You can begin at Playa d’en Bossa or Figueretes, two coastal departure areas in Ibiza. Your exact meeting point depends on the option you book, so check the confirmation carefully rather than assuming both locations are interchangeable.

This choice matters most for convenience. If you are staying near Playa d’en Bossa, departing there avoids crossing town to Figueretes. The same applies in reverse. A short local taxi ride or walk can make a difference when you are trying to catch a morning sailing.

Give yourself enough time to find the pier. The supplied details do not specify a fixed check-in period, so I would not arrive at the last second. You will want time to identify the correct boarding point, especially if you are carrying beach gear or traveling with children.

The ferry ride itself takes roughly 30 minutes. During the crossing, you can enjoy the Mediterranean breeze and coastal views rather than spending half the day in transit. The sea can be the best part of the transfer, especially if you choose a seat where you can watch Ibiza recede and Formentera come closer.

The activity is listed as one hour, which appears to reflect the sailing time for the roundtrip rather than the time you spend on the island. In practical terms, expect about 30 minutes from Ibiza to Formentera and about 30 minutes for the return crossing, with the rest of your day available on land.

Arriving at La Savina and planning your day

The ferry arrives at the Port of La Savina, Formentera’s main arrival point. This is where you begin making the choices that shape your day.

You can rent a bicycle, motorbike, or quad bike at the port, or use public transport to reach other parts of the island. The right choice depends on your time, confidence, and priorities. A rental gives you more control, while public transport may suit you if you prefer not to drive or want to keep extra costs down.

Do not assume you can see every highlight in one day. Formentera’s coastline stretches for 69 kilometers, and the main sights are spread around the island. If you try to cover Cala Saona, Ses Illetes, Els Arenals, and La Mola Lighthouse in a single day, you may spend more time moving around than enjoying the beaches and views.

I would pick one main area and perhaps one secondary stop. That keeps the day relaxed and gives you time to swim, eat, take photographs, or simply sit by the water. The ferry makes Formentera accessible, but it does not turn the island into a small park that can be crossed in a few minutes.

Cala Saona, Ses Illetes, and Els Arenals

Cala Saona is one of the named highlights you can visit at your own pace. It is known for its coastal setting, clear water, and cove atmosphere. If you want a scenic beach stop without spending the entire day on the move, it can be a sensible choice.

Ses Illetes is another major beach area on Formentera. It is a good target if your idea of the island is pale sand and bright, open water. The ferry ticket does not include transport from La Savina, so make sure you allow time and money to reach it.

Els Arenals gives you another coastal option and can work well for a beach-centered day. The important point is not to treat these places as stops on a guided route. You select them, get yourself there, and decide how long to stay.

The details provided do not include entrance fees, beach facilities, meal arrangements, or rental prices. Those costs are personal expenses, so keep part of your budget free beyond the $34 ferry ticket. You will also want to confirm how you will return to La Savina before settling into a distant beach for the afternoon.

Reaching La Mola Lighthouse

For a more dramatic outing, head toward the La Mola Lighthouse, built on a cliff that rises 120 meters. This gives you a different view of Formentera from the beach stops, with a high coastal setting rather than sand and shallow water.

The lighthouse is best suited to someone who wants to see more than one beach. It also requires careful timing because it is away from the port, and the ferry back to Ibiza will not wait if your local transport runs late.

The available information does not state how long the journey to the lighthouse takes, so you should check the local transport schedule once you arrive. If you plan to visit La Mola, make it your main destination or pair it with only one nearby stop. A rushed island tour can leave you watching the clock instead of enjoying the view.

The experience description also points to sunset as one of the Mediterranean’s best. That sounds appealing, but you must match the sunset plan with the final ferry departure. A sunset after the last boat is not useful unless you have separate overnight arrangements, and none are included here.

The flexible return ticket matters

The strongest practical feature is the same-day return flexibility. You are not assigned one rigid return time in the information provided. Instead, you can use the ticket on the return sailing that suits you that day, after checking the available return times during departure.

That makes the trip easier to adapt. You might spend longer at a beach if the weather is good, leave earlier if the wind changes, or shorten your island visit if you have had enough sun. This is much more useful than a fixed sightseeing program for an island where people often want to slow down.

Still, flexible does not mean unlimited. You must check the actual return slots and plan to reach La Savina in time. Ask about the final practical sailing before leaving the port area, especially if you have rented a vehicle or are using public transport.

I recommend taking a photograph of the return information or writing it down. The provided details do not say how often boats run or how late the last ferry operates, so do not build your plan around assumptions.

What the $34 price really covers

At $34 per person, the main value is simple: roundtrip transportation between Ibiza and Formentera. You are paying for access to the island and the convenience of a same-day return option.

That price does not include personal expenses. You should budget separately for food, drinks, bicycle rental, motorbike rental, quad bike rental, local transport, and any other costs during the day. No meals, guided visits, or island transfers are included.

Compared with arranging a private boat, this is a low-cost way to reach Formentera. Compared with spending the day on an Ibiza beach, it becomes less inexpensive once you add transport and rentals on the island. Your value depends on how much you want to see and how much independence you enjoy.

I think the ticket works best for independent day trippers who already know what sort of Formentera day they want. It is also useful if your main goal is to sit by the water and visit one or two areas rather than collect every sight.

The published rating is 3.6 out of 5 from 192 reviews. I would read that as a sign to keep expectations practical. This is a basic ferry transfer with freedom built in, not a polished guided experience with staff managing every detail.

Who should book this ferry

I would choose this trip if you want:

• A short crossing from Ibiza to Formentera
• A choice between Playa d’en Bossa and Figueretes
• Time to plan your own day
• The option to rent wheels at La Savina
• A flexible same-day return
• Beach and coastal scenery without booking a private boat

It may not suit you if you want a guide, a fixed sightseeing route, included meals, or transport to every major beach. Families and first-time visitors can still use it, but they should decide in advance how they will move around Formentera.

The English and Spanish-speaking host or greeter can help with the basic departure experience, but no named guide or guided island commentary is provided. You should treat the day as self-guided.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Ibiza schedule is still changing, but you should still confirm the departure location and available time before booking.

My practical plan for a better day

I would begin by choosing the Ibiza departure point closest to where you are staying. At the port, I would check the return sailing times before deciding on an island route.

Next, I would choose one main goal. For a beach day, select Cala Saona, Ses Illetes, or Els Arenals. For cliffs and wider coastal views, choose La Mola Lighthouse. If you have extra time, add a second stop only after confirming the local transport time.

If you rent a bicycle, motorbike, or quad bike, ask about the return procedure and allow time to bring it back before reaching La Savina. If you use public transport, find out which service takes you to your chosen area and when you need to leave.

Bring a simple plan, but leave room for the weather. The point of this ferry is not to race across Formentera. It is to give you access to the island and let you choose the pace.

Should you book it?

Book this ferry if you want an affordable, independent day trip and you are comfortable organizing the island portion yourself. The short crossing, two Ibiza departure points, and flexible return make it a practical choice for a beach day or a carefully chosen coastal outing.

Skip it if you need a fully guided experience or want all local transport included. For the best value, pick one or two Formentera highlights, check your return sailing as soon as you arrive, and keep extra money available for getting around and eating.

FAQ

How long is the ferry ride to Formentera?

The ferry takes about 30 minutes from Playa d’en Bossa or Figueretes to the Port of La Savina. The return crossing also takes about 30 minutes.

Where can I board the ferry in Ibiza?

You can choose between Playa d’en Bossa and Figueretes. The exact meeting point may vary according to the option you book.

Can I return to Ibiza at any time?

You can use the return ticket on an available sailing at the time that suits you on the same day. Check the return timeslots during departure.

Where does the ferry arrive in Formentera?

The ferry arrives at the Port of La Savina.

Is transport around Formentera included?

No. You can rent a bicycle, motorbike, or quad bike at the port, or use public transport. These costs are not included in the ferry ticket.

What places can I visit on Formentera?

You can choose from places including Cala Saona, Ses Illetes, Els Arenals, and the La Mola Lighthouse. The ticket does not include guided visits to these locations.

What does the $34 price include?

The price includes a roundtrip ferry ticket to Formentera. Personal expenses, including local transport and rentals, are not included.