There are more ways across to Formentera than most people realise, and the right one depends entirely on your group, your budget and what kind of day you want. This is the hub that pulls it all together. Below is a master table comparing every option on price, time and capacity, then a short rundown of each, with a link to the full guide if you want to go deeper. Written by a local team that books these crossings through the season.
The master comparison table
| Option | Crossing time | Capacity | Relative price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fast ferry | About 30 min | High, scheduled | Lowest | Budget, couples |
| Speed boat | 30 to 45 min | 2 to 8 | Mid to high | Maximum beach time |
| Catamaran | 60 to 90 min | 8 to 12 | Mid, low per head | Groups, comfort |
| Sailboat | 60 to 120 min | 2 to 8 | Mid to high | Calm, romantic days |
| Charter | Varies | 2 to 12 | Scales with boat | Tailored days |
The fast ferry
The cheapest and most frequent option. Fast ferries run from Ibiza town to La Savina in about 30 minutes, then you rent transport to reach the beaches. Great for couples and tight budgets, less ideal if you want to arrive at the sand without faff. See how it stacks against a private boat in our ferry versus private boat guide.
The speed boat
A fast motorboat or RIB that drops you straight at the beach, anchored, no port. The quickest real route to your feet in the water, at a higher price than the ferry. Full detail in our speed boat guide.
The catamaran
Roomy, stable and comfortable, the catamaran is the group favourite, with deck space, shade and a low cost per head once the boat is full. A Formentera from Ibiza on a private luxury catamaran is a classic example. More on what the day feels like in our what to expect guide.
The sailboat
Quieter and more romantic, a sailing yacht turns the crossing into part of the experience. Slower, but calm and characterful, and lovely for couples. An Ibiza and Formentera sailing charter gives you the rig and the crew together.
Charter and private hire
Charter is the umbrella term for hiring any boat for the day, with or without crew, sized to your group. It is the most flexible route and often the best value for groups. Read the full picture in our boat charter guide and our boat hire guide.
Just want a day trip plan?
If you would rather skip the comparison and just follow a plan, a Formentera day tour from Ibiza covers the crossing with a captain, and our complete day trip plan walks through timing, beaches and where to eat. For the standout coves and landmarks, see Es Vedra and Espalmador by boat, and if you want to base yourself on the island, our Formentera boat rental guide covers hiring once you are there.
Which boat should you pick?
- On a budget, happy to rent transport: the fast ferry
- Want maximum beach time: a speed boat
- A group wanting comfort and value: a catamaran
- A couple wanting calm and romance: a sailboat
- Want it tailored to your exact group: a charter
Still not sure? That is what we are here for. Tell us your date, your group size and the vibe you want, and we will point you to the right boat at a fair price, with a real person on WhatsApp who knows these waters.
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Prefer to lock it in right now? These are vetted Ibiza to Formentera trips you can book instantly. WhatsApp us first if you want a hand picking the right one for your group.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best boat from Ibiza to Formentera?
It depends on your group and budget. The fast ferry is cheapest, a speed boat gives the most beach time, a catamaran is best for groups wanting comfort and value, and a sailboat suits couples wanting a calm, romantic day. A charter tailors any of these to your group.
How long does the crossing to Formentera take?
The fast ferry takes about 30 minutes, a speed boat 30 to 45, a catamaran 60 to 90 and a sailboat 60 to 120. On a private boat the time is yours, so many people stop to swim along the way.
What is the cheapest way to get to Formentera?
The fast ferry is the lowest cost per person. A private boat costs more in total but drops the per head price sharply when split across a full group of eight to twelve.
What is the best boat for a group?
A catamaran or a chartered boat. Both spread the cost across the group, give you the deck to yourselves and offer space, shade and comfort. A full boat often costs less per person than individual tour tickets.
Do you need to book the boat in advance?
In peak summer, yes. The best boats, skippers and ferry times fill up for July and August weekends, so booking ahead secures both the price and the slot.
Prefer to book instantly?
If you would rather not wait for a reply, these verified Ibiza experiences can be booked online right now.
Browse all Formentera boat trips online