Espalmador Sandbar: The Floating Lunch Logistics

The strip of shallow water between Formentera's north tip and the small island of Espalmador is the single most-photographed swim spot in the Balearics. Crystal water over a sandbar, depths 0.8 – 2m, no waves, no current. The right way to use it: anchor the yacht in deeper water, run the tender to the sandbar, set up the floating-lunch perimeter, and let guests drift.

Anchor positions

For the yacht itself: 5 – 8m of water on the Formentera side of the channel, sandy bottom, away from the seagrass meadows (which are protected and ticketable). Tender runs the 500m to the sandbar in three minutes.

The floating-lunch setup

We provision through Es Cavallet or La Savina ahead of the day. Standard setup: inflatable platforms, floating cooler, picnic boxes, water-bottles secured to the platform. Lunch service is 13:30 – 15:00; staff serves from the tender.

Permit reality

• Anchoring in Formentera waters requires a daily permit (purchased through the marina or via the office)
• The Espalmador-side anchorage permits are separate and limited — book 7+ days ahead in August
• Drone footage prohibited in the seagrass conservation zone

Best timing

Wednesday morning in June, arrive 10:00 — the sandbar is empty until lunchtime. Saturday in August, expect fifty boats by 13:00. Adjust accordingly; the same experience at different volumes.