Boat trip to the Formigues Islands
A boat trip to the Formigues Islands is the short open-sea run that most visitors to Palamós never make: a cluster of bare rocky islets about 5 km from the port, facing Calella de Palafrugell and Cap Roig. The water around them is some of the clearest on this coast. Here is what to expect and how to visit responsibly.
What the Formigues are
The name means “the ants”. There are around sixteen low islets and rocks, split between the municipalities of Palamós and Palafrugell. The biggest, Formiga Gran, has a small lighthouse. There is no beach, no jetty and no shade: you come for the water. The seabed drops from a few metres near the rocks to more than 40 m on the outer side, with posidonia meadows, boulders and walls covered in red gorgonians.
From the marina, a motor boat gets there in roughly a quarter of an hour in calm sea. Many people combine the islands with Calella and Llafranc, or with the coves between La Fosca and Castell.
Protection, buoys and anchoring rules
Posidonia is a protected species, and anchoring on it is prohibited. The neighbouring coast belongs to the Natura 2000 network, and the area is watched closely in summer.
- Mooring buoys: in recent summers Palafrugell town council has laid free day-use buoys around the islands, for boats up to 8 m, from dawn to dusk, with a maximum stay of three hours. They are removed in mid-September.
- No buoy free? Anchor on a clear patch of sand, well away from the seagrass, or come back later.
- Speed: go slowly near the rocks. Swimmers and divers are often in the water.
- Divers: keep well clear of any boat or buoy showing a diving flag (at least 50 m).
- Take all rubbish back with you and do not collect anything from the seabed.
Rules and buoy seasons can change from year to year. We give you the current situation when you pick up the boat.
Snorkelling and diving
With a mask and fins you can see a lot from the surface on a calm day. For scuba diving, go with a local dive centre: they know the sites, the currents and the permits. From a rental boat, stick to snorkelling close to the boat, with the engine off and the ladder down.
When to go
The islands sit in open water with no shelter. Go on a calm day and in the morning if you can. If there is swell or a strong easterly, choose a sheltered cove instead.
Licence or skipper?
Since 1 October 2026 (Royal Decree 1188/2025) anyone who skippers a rental boat in Spain needs at least the Spanish Licencia de Navegación or an equivalent licence. The old rule that let you take a small boat out with no licence no longer applies to rentals. National licences from EU and EEA countries are normally accepted within the limits they cover, and so are the UK certificates recognised by the Spanish rules, such as the RYA Powerboat Level 2, Day Skipper or the ICC. Licences from outside Europe may not be valid here. Send us a copy before you book and we will confirm which boats it covers. If you have no licence, choose a boat with a professional skipper: nobody on board needs any paperwork.
Prices
Per boat per day, VAT included. These are “from” prices and are higher in July and August.
- Motor boats: from €170
- Llaüts: from €215
- RIBs: from €230
- Sailboats: from €245
- Yachts with skipper: from €2,200
Fuel is usually paid separately on motor boats, according to consumption. Check each listing for what is included.
FAQ
How far are the Formigues from Palamós?
About 5 km from the port. By motor boat, around fifteen minutes in good conditions; a llaüt takes longer.
Can we land on the islands?
They are bare rock with no landing point. Enjoy them from the water.
Is my boat allowed to use the buoys?
The free day buoys are for boats up to 8 m. Larger boats anchor on sand outside the seagrass.
Is it suitable for children?
On a flat day, yes. Lifejackets on during the crossing, and swim only next to the boat.
Plan the rest of the day with our coves route from Palamós, or compare boats on the boat rental in Palamós page. No licence? Book a skippered boat. For a quieter crossing, try our electric llaüts. Questions about the route or the rules? Contact us.