Diving and water sports to try in Formentera

Seeking an adrenaline-rush adventure? Formentera’s 69km of beautiful coasts, its welcoming waters and unspoilt natural beauty, make it a dream place for divers and watersports lovers. Water sports are also the perfect way to cool off and freshen up after a hot and sweaty day, while having fun at the same time. 

Whether you’re in for an adrenaline kick with scuba diving or something more chill with paddle boarding, there is something to do for everyone in Formentera. Even if you've never tried something before, you will find certified schools on some of the island’s beaches, where experienced instructors will help you enter the magnificent world of water sports. 

These are our top 5 activities to try in Formentera:

1. Scuba diving
2. Watch sea turtles from up close
3. Jet Ski Tours in Formentera
4. Kayaking
5. Paddle boarding

The beautiful sandy beach of La Savina in Formentera

1. Scuba diving

Formentera’s waters are ideal for scuba diving, thanks to the clarity of the sea and the warm temperatures. In fact, the luminosity of its waters allows visibility of up to 50m. From secret coves to impressive caves, the island is rich in underwater treasures. Here you can do anything from introductory lessons for beginners to ones given by qualified instructors. 

Some great places for a scuba-diving excursion are Playa de Migjorn, Cala Saona and La Savina. Furthermore, the Es Freus Marine Reserve, an area covering more than 13,000 hectares between the islands of Ibiza and Formentera, is located here. This is the only natural area in the whole Mediterranean that is included on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.

There you’ll be able to explore the variety of marine life, including groupers, moray eels, cicadas, and shoals of barracudas.

Are there sharks in Formentera?

No, there aren't any sharks in Formentera. You can safely try scuba diving and other underwater activities.

Although there are limited shark sightings in the open sea, there haven't been any reports of sharks approaching the coast since decades. The Mediterranean Sea is one of the best and safest places to practice water sports.

People exploring the seabed while scuba diving

2. Watch sea turtles from up close

Formentera is known for being one of the best preserved sites of the Mediterranean. To watch sea turtles from up close and get mesmerized by the beauty of marine life head to Playa de Ses Illetes. This beach is located on the southern tip of the island and boasts white sand and crystal-clear waters. 

Few loggerhead sea turtles (caretta carretta) have also been spotted laying their eggs on Migjorn beach, so if you’re lucky, you’ll witness the hatching of a turtle nest during your stay in Formentera. You can also spot turtles while diving or snorkeling at the Els Freus Marine Reserve. During spring, sea turtles cross the area before beginning their long journey to the shores of Mexico. 

Useful information: in case you encounter a sea turtle at the beach, try to stay out of sight of the turtle until she begins laying eggs, otherwise you may scare her back into the sea. Furthermore, don’t take pictures using flashes as the light may cause the females to abort the nesting process.

Baby turtles moving up the sand and heading to the water

3. Jet Ski Tours in Formentera

Jet skiing is the ultimate fun activity for couples and groups of friends looking for an adrenaline rush and an opportunity to see Formentera from a different vantage point. During the tour, which usually lasts around 45 minutes, you will discover incredible landscapes, hidden coves and caves. 

No matter your experience, everyone can enjoy a jet-ski excursion, since it’s not necessary to have a nautical license. Even if you’ve never driven one before, don’t worry! An instructor will be there to guide you and after you're more comfortable doing it on your own, you can begin riding the waves.

The Es Pujols resort is the most popular spot to rent a jet ski and start the tour.

A jet ski ashore on a sandy beach

4. Kayaking

If you’re looking for a relatively easy, low-impact water sport, then kayaking is for you. The routes may be modified to meet the needs of beginners, families with young children, or the most experienced athletes. However, although it is a calming activity, it still requires some degree of fitness so that you don’t get tired and sore too fast. 

You can opt to row a few kilometers in easy stages stopping at magnificent beaches or go on longer routes to see the rockiest part of Formentera. Some examples of routes include Punta Prima - Cala En Baster and touring the coast from Es Pujol. Let yourself be carried away by the magic that radiates from Formentera!

A fit person sea kayaking

5. Paddle boarding

You’ve probably tried riding a SUP (stand up paddle board) before, but have you tried riding a monster SUP? If not, the opportunity to do so has finally come!

Puddling on a XXL inflatable paddle with friends or family on the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Formentera is one of the best ways to explore its wonderful seabed and coves, and to discover hidden beaches and bays. This is also a great way to share moments with your loved ones on the water. 

Moreover, since there is no way to fall off a paddle board with any degree of elegance, this activity also guarantees lots and lots of laughter!

A mesmerizing sunset attracting the attention of people sitting on a paddle board

Ready to explore the magnificent waters of Formentera by swimming, diving, rowing, and perhaps even falling off occasionally? Book ferry tickets to Formentera online on Ferryhopper at no extra cost and get ready for some adrenaline rush!

Tip: planning your trip to Formentera and looking for the best way to travel to the island? Check out our complete guide on how to get to Formentera.