Espalmador Jet Trasmapi
Espalmador Jet
âš“ The Espalmador Jet is one of the best-known fast ferries on the shortest and busiest route in the Spanish Mediterranean: the hop between Ibiza and Formentera. Operated by Trasmapi, she crosses the Canal de la Mola in just 25–30 minutes, which makes this one of the quickest and most frequent island links in the Balearics. Her name is a tribute to the islet of Espalmador, the spectacular unspoilt sandbank lying between Ibiza and Formentera and a byword for the natural beauty of these waters.
Trasmapi is the leading operator on the Ibiza–Formentera link, with decades of experience in these straits. The Espalmador Jet is part of a fleet of fast craft designed to give a frequent service to the thousands of passengers who cross the channel every day, especially in the summer months, when demand soars with visitors heading for the beaches of Formentera.
History and background of the ship
The Espalmador Jet was built in 2019 at the Spanish Rodman Polyships yard in Vigo as a Rodman 38 HJ in reinforced fibreglass, ordered specifically by Trasmapi to strengthen passenger capacity on the es Freus route. Her name is a tribute to the islet of s'Espalmador, the small natural gem of turquoise water between Ibiza and Formentera that sailors have been charting for centuries.
She works the Port of Ibiza–La Savina (Formentera) route exclusively, with very frequent departures through the summer season. She is the twin sister of the Illetas Jet, and together they make up the most modern pair of mini-ferries in the fleet, particularly valued for how quickly they load and unload and for their outside deck overlooking the channel.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Fast ferry catamaran |
| Service speed | ~28 knots |
| Passenger capacity | On request |
| Vehicle capacity | No vehicles carried (passengers only) |
| Propulsion | High-speed diesel engines |
| Main route | Ibiza (La Savina) ↔ Formentera (La Savina) |
| Crossing time | ~25–30 minutes |
| Operating company | Trasmapi |
| Flag | Spain |
| Departure port in Ibiza | Port of Ibiza (Eivissa) — ferry terminal |
| Arrival port in Formentera | Port of La Savina (Formentera) |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual frequency* |
|---|---|---|
| Ibiza → Formentera | ~25–30 min | Several sailings a day |
| Formentera → Ibiza | ~25–30 min | Several sailings a day |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact times in our search engine.
The port of La Savina (Formentera): how to get there and what to bear in mind
The Espalmador Jet sails from the port of Ibiza (Eivissa), specifically from the ferry terminal in the middle of town and very well connected with the rest of the city. She arrives in Formentera at the port of La Savina, the island's only sea gateway and the starting point for the main roads to Formentera's beaches and villages.
Formentera has no airport, so the ferry is the only way of getting to the island. That makes the Ibiza–Formentera route one of the busiest and most strategic in the Spanish Mediterranean over the summer. In July and August, frequencies increase considerably and it is worth buying your ticket in advance, particularly at weekends.
From La Savina you can hire a bicycle, a scooter or a car (the bicycle is the island's most popular way of getting around) or take a bus to the main beaches: Ses Illetes, Migjorn, Cala Saona and Es Pujols. Do bear in mind that the Espalmador Jet does not carry vehicles: passengers only. If you need to take your car or motorbike to Formentera, you will have to use one of the conventional ferries on the route that have a car deck.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A single ticket on the Espalmador Jet starts at roughly €20–25 each way in mid season and can rise in July and August because of high demand. Prices are indicative and vary with availability and how far ahead you book.
Available discounts:
- Balearic resident: 75% off the base fare for residents of the Balearic Islands. You must prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
- Children: reduced fares for under-4s (usually free) and for children aged 4 to 12. Check the exact conditions when you book.
- Return tickets: Trasmapi may offer combined return tickets at a reduced price. Ask about availability.
You can compare prices and real-time availability directly on I Love Ferry.
Which accommodation should you choose for your trip?
| If you are travelling... | Recommended accommodation |
|---|---|
| Alone or as a couple, looking for the best price | Standard seat on the inside deck |
| Keen to make the most of the sea and the views | Outside deck or the bow area |
| As a family with children | Inside deck (sheltered area) |
| With a pet | Check Trasmapi's conditions for animals |
Espalmador Jet · Accommodations
Inside deck · Standard
The most comfortable option on windy days or when you are travelling with young children. A sheltered area with seating and direct access to the boarding and disembarkation points. Perfect for the short 25–30 minute hop between Ibiza and Formentera.
✓ Climate-controlled, sheltered area
✓ Seating available
✓ Ideal for families with children
Outside deck · Sea views
The favourite choice on sunny days. The Espalmador Jet's outside deck lets you take in the views over the Canal de la Mola, spot the islet of Espalmador and arrive in Formentera already in the Mediterranean mood.
✓ Panoramic sea views
✓ Open-air area
✓ Perfect for fine weather
Espalmador Jet · On-board services
Café and onboard services
As the trip between Ibiza and Formentera lasts barely 25–30 minutes, the Espalmador Jet has no restaurant or full café on board. She does, however, have everything you need to make the crossing comfortable: seating areas both inside and out, and quick, well-organised access to the boarding and disembarkation points.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
Trasmapi has accessibility arrangements on its vessels to make boarding and disembarkation easier for passengers with reduced mobility. As the Espalmador Jet is a small fast ferry and the trip is very short, we recommend contacting the operator in advance to confirm what is available and to request individual assistance if you need it.
The Ibiza–Formentera route: what you should know
The hop between Ibiza and Formentera is far more than a ferry trip: it is one of the busiest sea corridors in Spain in summer. A few facts worth knowing:
- Formentera has no airport: the ferry is the only way of getting to the island.
- The islet of Espalmador, which gives the ship her name, sits almost exactly halfway across and is visible from the deck.
- In August the route can carry more than 10,000 passengers a day across all the operators working it.
- The distance between Ibiza and Formentera is roughly 6 nautical miles.
- Conditions in the channel can change: on days of tramontana or levante wind the crossing can be a little choppy despite the short distance.
Frequently asked questions about the Espalmador Jet
Which routes does the Espalmador Jet operate?
The Espalmador Jet works the Ibiza–Formentera route in both directions with several sailings a day all year round, operated by Trasmapi.
How long does the Espalmador Jet take from Ibiza to Formentera?
The trip takes roughly 25–30 minutes, crossing the Canal de la Mola between the Ibiza ferry terminal and the port of La Savina in Formentera.
Does the Espalmador Jet carry cars or motorbikes?
No. The Espalmador Jet is a passenger-only fast ferry and has no car deck. To take a car or motorbike to Formentera you will have to use one of the conventional ferries with a car deck that work the same route.
How much does a ticket on the Espalmador Jet cost?
Indicative prices start at roughly €20–25 each way in mid season. In summer prices can be higher. Balearic residents get a 75% discount. Check real-time prices here.
Is there a Balearic resident discount?
Yes. Residents of the Balearic Islands are entitled to a 75% discount on the base fare, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
Are pets allowed on the Espalmador Jet?
Trasmapi generally allows pets to travel. We recommend checking the specific conditions when you book, as they can vary with the type and size of the animal.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Trasmapi has accessibility arrangements on its vessels. We recommend contacting the operator in advance to confirm what is available and to request individual assistance if you need it.
How early should I get to the port?
We recommend arriving at least 30–45 minutes beforehand. In July and August it is worth allowing more time, especially at weekends, as the boarding queues can be considerable.
Which port in Ibiza does the Espalmador Jet leave from?
The Espalmador Jet leaves from the ferry terminal at the port of Ibiza (Eivissa), in the middle of town. In Formentera she arrives at the port of La Savina, the island's only sea gateway.
Is there a ferry service all year round?
Yes. Trasmapi works the route all year round, although frequencies drop in winter. In summer the sailings are very frequent, with several an hour at the busiest times.
What can I do on arrival at the port of La Savina in Formentera?
From La Savina you can hire a bicycle, a scooter or a car right on the quayside, or take a bus to the main beaches: Ses Illetes, Migjorn, Cala Saona and Es Pujols. The bicycle is the island's most popular and most recommended way of getting around.
Why is she called Espalmador Jet?
The ship is named after the islet of Espalmador, an unspoilt sandbank between Ibiza and Formentera, almost exactly halfway across. Espalmador is one of the most emblematic and most photographed natural corners of the Balearics, and its image sums up perfectly the essence of the route this fast ferry works.
