A speed boat is the choice when the crossing itself is not the point and the beach is. A fast boat cuts the time between Ibiza and Formentera, banks more of the day for swimming, and still lets you anchor straight off the sand rather than queue at the port. Here is what to expect from speed, types, price and how it stacks up against the ferry.
How long does a speed boat take?
A fast motorboat or RIB can make the crossing in roughly 30 to 45 minutes depending on the sea state and where you start. That is similar to the ferry on paper, but the speed boat drops you at the beach, not the port, so you save the extra time of renting transport and travelling to the sand once you land. On a calm morning it is the quickest way to actually have your feet in Ses Illetes.
Types of fast boat
RIBs
Rigid inflatable boats are light, fast and fun, with a wet, exciting ride. They are the sportiest way across and great for smaller groups who do not mind a bit of spray. They reach coves quickly and are easy to anchor in shallow water.
Sport motorboats
More comfort than a RIB with most of the speed. A sport motorboat gives you a dry ride, some shade and a swim platform, which suits couples and families who want quick but comfortable. An Ibiza to Formentera boat trip is a typical fast crossing built around getting you to Formentera and back without wasting the day.
Self drive fast boats
If you hold a licence you can hire a fast boat and drive it yourself, which gives you total control of the route and the speed. A 8 hour private boat rental for up to 10 people can work for a confident group that wants the fast crossing on their own terms.
What a speed boat costs
Speed costs a little more than a slow boat for the same size, because fast boats burn more fuel and the engines cost more to run. The trade off is time. A half day on a fast boat reaching Formentera and one beach is the entry point, a full day with two or three stops is the common choice. Split across a group, the per person figure is reasonable, and you buy back hours of the day you would otherwise spend travelling.
Speed boat versus the ferry
| Speed boat | Fast ferry | |
|---|---|---|
| Crossing time | 30 to 45 min | About 30 min |
| Drops you at | The beach, anchored | La Savina port |
| Transport on arrival | None needed | Rent scooter or car |
| Real time to the sand | Fastest overall | Slower once you add transfers |
| Cost | Higher | Lowest |
On the clock the ferry looks even, but once you count renting a scooter and riding to the beach, the speed boat usually gets you swimming first. If budget is the priority the ferry wins, and our ferry versus private boat comparison covers that trade off in full.
Is a speed boat right for you?
Pick a speed boat if your priority is maximum beach time, you are happy with a livelier ride and you want to skip the port entirely. Pick something slower and roomier if the journey itself is part of the fun and you want to lounge on deck. Tell us which matters more to you, plus your date and group size, and we will match the right fast boat on WhatsApp.
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Frequently asked questions
How fast is a speed boat from Ibiza to Formentera?
Roughly 30 to 45 minutes depending on the sea and where you start. That is close to the ferry on paper, but the speed boat drops you at the beach rather than the port, so you reach the sand sooner overall.
What types of fast boat cross to Formentera?
RIBs for a sporty, fast ride, sport motorboats for speed with more comfort and shade, and self drive fast boats if you hold a licence. The right one depends on your group and how much spray you enjoy.
How much does a speed boat to Formentera cost?
A little more than a slower boat of the same size, since fast boats use more fuel. A half day to one beach is the entry point and a full day with two or three stops is common. Split across a group it is reasonable per person.
Is a speed boat faster than the ferry?
On real time to the beach, usually yes. The ferry is similar in pure crossing time but drops you at the port, so once you rent transport and travel to the sand the speed boat tends to win.
Is a speed boat or a slow boat better?
A speed boat suits people who want maximum beach time and a livelier ride. A slower, roomier boat suits anyone who wants to relax on deck and treat the journey as part of the day.
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