Rewinding back to March this year, as Ibiza was shaking itself from its winter slumber and lazily shifting up a gear as winter turned into spring, Aquabus began their wonderful cruise from Ibiza to Formentera including a traditional Paella in Formentera.
At the time, it was our intrepid reviewer, Jinny, who was the lucky soul who went along with the super pro Aquabus team to check it out and despite confessing to being a little bit afraid of the open sea, ended up having an absolute ball. You can read all about it right here.
Admittedly, we're big fans of Aquabus here at Ibiza Spotlight. We really like the fact that it's a genuine local, family business, owned and managed in a very hands-on fashion by partners Leo, José and his father. They're passionate about making sea travel around our beautiful islands affordable to all and not only that, but available all year round. Their fleet is a gleaming collection of lovingly renovated and refurbished, traditional Ibicenco fishing trawlers. Strong, sturdy and comfortable, these boats are a small but proud part of Balearic heritage and culture.
So we're delighted to report that Aquabus are continuing their Formentera Paella cruise all year round, every Saturday and Sunday of the year. As a year-round Ibiza resident myself, to this I raise a toast. Many cool Ibiza excursions and activities close their doors at around the same time as the clubs close theirs. Meaning when the summer's work is over and there's finally some time to relax and enjoy the island… oh. They're closed. Hrrmph. But not Aquabus. Bless ‘em!
The outbound part of the cruise departing at 10.45am from the port of Ibiza to Formentera takes just over an an hour - refreshments are available on board -, so much bracing sea air that your lungs will be quivering with health and of course, those beautiful, uninterrupted views of the beautiful crystal clear Balearic marine landscape, ahhh...
On arrival in Formentera, you'll be free to explore this tiny, paradise island for a few hours, either by bicycle, scooter, public transport or simply on foot. Either way, Formentera is a stunning, unspoilt gem of an island and you can be sure you're stepping in the footsteps of some very famous Formentera fans, from Pink Floyd and Bob Marley to Kylie Minogue. Not to mention a procession of royalty, dignitaries and celebrities longer than the queue for the guest-list at F*** me I'm Famous. And as you personally discover the natural splendour of Formentera, you'll quickly begin to see why.
At around 3pm you'll all meet up again to enjoy a hearty, traditional Paella with all the trimmings. At 5pm, you'll begin your return trip to Ibiza, arriving back to Ibiza around 6pm.
Going to Formentera, dear reader, is like getting stuck in a particularly beautiful time capsule. The strict rules protecting the island ensure that it has changed little for centuries. But you no longer need special time-travel powers or even a king's ransom to experience it. Try just €29 for adults and €19 for kids under 14. Including your return trip, a refreshment on board, a traditional Paella with bread and aioli. Unbeatable.
Quick Facts
What: Aquabus Ferry Boats Paella in Formentera Cruise.
Where: Formentera.
When: Every Sunday leaving Ibiza Town at 10.45 am (opposite café Mar y Sol)
Why: A fab, affordable day trip to Formentera, all year round with Paella lunch included. Nuff said!
Veggie Options: Yes, on request.
Cost: €29 per adult, €19 for children up to the age of 14.
WORDS | Jane Charilaou
