Formentera, boats and ferries: getting around Ibiza by sea
In Ibiza the sea is not just for swimming: it is also a road. The Formentera ferry leaves from the port of Ibiza Town and reaches La Savina in about 30 minutes on a fast boat, or around an hour on the car ferry, with more than 60 sailings a day in summer and more than 30 in winter. From mainland Spain, the shortest crossing is from Dénia, two to three hours. And in between there are the boat trips, which in summer are one of the best ways to see coves no road reaches.
The five guides in this section:
- Ibiza to Formentera ferry: the companies, indicative prices, winter timetables, getting to the ferry terminal and whether taking a car is worth it.
- Ferry to Ibiza from mainland Spain: routes from Barcelona, Valencia and Dénia, which quay you arrive at, travelling with a dog and the permit to bring your car in summer.
- Ibiza boat trips: from the water taxi to a cove to a skippered yacht, prices by type, the rules on licence-free hire and where you cannot drop anchor.
- Formentera day trip: a timed plan, ses Illetes, Migjorn and La Mola, getting around without a car and where to eat.
- Snorkelling and diving in Ibiza: the best coves by area, sea temperature month by month, try-dives for beginners and why the seagrass meadows are a World Heritage Site.
One fact that saves trouble: from 1 June to 30 September, bringing your car to Ibiza on the ferry needs a permit, which the ferry company handles for you if you book a return with them; Formentera has its own paid permit. Want to go out on a boat with others and share the cost? The app has boats and plans at sea.
Articles in this section
Ibiza to Formentera ferry: timetable, prices and companies
Ibiza to Formentera ferry: how long it takes, how often it sails, 2026 prices, ferry companies, discounts, crossing with a car or scooter, winter changes.
9 min read
Ferry to Ibiza from Barcelona, Valencia and Dénia
Ferry to Ibiza from Dénia, Valencia and Barcelona: ferry companies, crossing times, rough 2026 prices, bringing your car in summer, pets and arrival ports.
11 min read
Ibiza boat trips: types, prices and tips
Ibiza boat trips: water taxis to coves, catamarans, boat parties, private charters with skipper and boat hire. 2026 prices, routes, licence rules and posidonia.
12 min read
Formentera day trip from Ibiza: plan, beaches and getting around
Formentera day trip from Ibiza: a suggested timetable, getting around by bus, bike or scooter, ses Illetes and the best beaches, lighthouses and food.
10 min read
Snorkelling and diving in Ibiza: where, when and the seagrass
Snorkelling in Ibiza and diving: the best coves by area, try dives and courses, sea temperature month by month, jellyfish, safety and the posidonia.
11 min read
Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry from Ibiza to Formentera?
About 30 minutes on a fast boat, between 29 and 35 depending on the company and the sea. The car ferry takes around an hour. It leaves from the Formentera ferry terminal in the port of Ibiza Town and arrives at La Savina. It runs all year, with fewer sailings in winter.
Can I take my car to Ibiza on the ferry in summer?
Yes, but from 1 June to 30 September you need a permit from the Consell d'Eivissa. If you book a return with the same ferry company, it arranges it for you. With a one-way ticket or two different companies, you apply at ibizacircular.es and pay a daily fee. There is no cap in winter.