Marnaton Formentera 2026: Complete Guide to the Most Spectacular Open Water Swimming Crossing in the Mediterranean
Every spring, the crystal-clear waters surrounding the northern tip of Formentera become the stage for one of the most unique sporting events in the Balearic Islands. The Marnaton eDreams Formentera by Baleària Cup celebrates its fifteenth edition in 2026, consolidating an event that has been bringing together swimmers of all levels since 2008 around a unique course: from the beaches of Ses Illetes to Es Pujols, crossing some of the best-preserved seabeds in the Mediterranean.
The main event is on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Rocabella Hotel in Es Pujols. The full program lasts from May 1 to 3 and includes the competition as well as other activities that make this event much more than just the crossing itself.
The Three Distances
8 Kilometers
The flagship event of the Marnaton Formentera. The start is from the western side of Ses Illetes at 9:30 AM, with arrival in Es Pujols. The route crosses Es Pas, the natural passage that separates Formentera from the island of S’Espalmador, with a meadow of pristine oceanic posidonia as an underwater backdrop. The maximum allowed time is four hours. Aid stations are located at kilometre 3, kilometre 6, and at the finish line.
4 Kilometers
The start is from the eastern side of Ses Illetes at 11:00 AM, also arriving at Es Pujols. Four kilometres of turquoise waters over posidonia, with a checkpoint at kilometre 2. The maximum time is two hours and fifteen minutes. This distance is the ideal option for swimmers with open water experience who are looking for a challenging yet manageable race.
2 Kilometers
The beginner’s distance, perfect for those swimming in open water for the first time. It starts at 12:30 PM from Playa des Trucadors, where participants walk from Es Pujols with guides from the organization. The arrival is also in Es Pujols, with a maximum time of one hour.
Full Programme
Friday, May 1
The day before starts with the swimmer’s bag pickup at the Rocabella hotel between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM. At 4:00 PM, the open water swimming clinic takes place — a practical session in the sea where the Marnaton technical team shares tips and strategies to tackle the crossing in the best possible conditions. At 7:00 PM, the official briefing takes place with all the necessary information about departures, transfers, and race rules.
Saturday, May 2
Competition day. The distribution of bags for those who could not pick them up on Friday takes place between 7:00 and 8:00 AM at the Rocabella hotel. Bus transfers to the 8 and 4-kilometre starts depart from Es Pujols at 8:30 and 9:30 respectively. In the afternoon, starting at 6:00 PM, all participants are invited to the Sunset Party and awards ceremony at Hostal La Savina, one of the most iconic spots in the port of La Savina, with live music and the best views of the sunset over the channel that separates Formentera from Ibiza.
Sunday, May 3
The grand finale arrives with a yoga session with Professor Sílvia Bueno at 9:30 AM at the Rocabella hotel. An hour and a half of meditation, stretching, and well-being to recover the body after the effort and bid farewell to the island with calm.
Mandatory Equipment and Water Temperature
All participants must wear the official cap provided in the swimmer’s bag, a bracelet with the participant’s number on the wrist, an ankle chip with a chip holder, and a swimming buoy for classification. Wetsuits are optional, although those who decide to swim without one must indicate it at the time of registration and prove they are capable of doing so. The sea temperature in Formentera at the beginning of May ranges between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius.
Registration
Registrations are managed through the platform rockthesport.com, where you can also check the list of registered participants. The distance is selected at the time of registration. Given the growing popularity of the event and the limited capacity of the island during sports events, it is strongly recommended to register and book accommodation and ferry as early as possible.
A Race, an Island, an Experience
What makes the Marnaton Formentera unique compared to any other open water swimming crossing is not just the quality of the water or the transparency of the sea. It is the combination of elements that only this island can offer: the silence of the posidonia beds, the early morning light over Ses Illetes, the arrival at Es Pujols beach amidst applause, and an evening of celebration by the canal with the sunset painting the horizon orange.
Fifteen editions later, that combination remains unrepeatable.
