Formentera Catamaran Trip with Water Sports, Paella & Open bar

Formentera is the star here, but the best part may be the way you reach it: by catamaran, with time to swim at Cala Saona, eat paella cooked on board, and enjoy a drink while the Balearic Sea rolls past. It feels more like a full day on the water than a simple island transfer.

I like the small maximum of 38 people, which should keep the boat from feeling like a floating bus. I also like the mix of active and easygoing time: paddle boards and swimming early on, then several free hours to rent a scooter or bike and see Formentera at your own pace.

The main consideration is the schedule. You leave at 10:45 a.m. and return after about nine hours, so this is a long day. Four hours on Formentera sounds generous, but the island is too large to see fully unless you arrange transport quickly.

Key details before you book

• Cala Saona comes first: Swim, snorkel, or use a paddle board in clear water during a four-hour stop.
• Paella is cooked on board: You get a live cooking show, fresh seasonal fruit, and a vegetarian option if requested in advance.
• The bar is included: Wine, beer, cava, prosecco, and soft drinks are available during the day.
• Formentera time is independent: At Savina Port, you can rent a scooter or bike with help from the crew, then explore on your own.
• The group stays fairly small: The catamaran carries a maximum of 38 people and the tour is for adults only.
• The return includes sunset views: The boat sails back toward Ibiza with stops near Playa d’en Bossa and Figueretas.

A sea day rather than a quick ferry ride

This trip works because it gives you three different kinds of holiday time in one outing. You get a scenic cruise, a swimming stop with water equipment, and several hours on Formentera itself.

That matters in Ibiza. A standard ferry can get you to Formentera, but it does not give you a prepared lunch, an open bar, or a place to swim directly from the boat at Cala Saona. Here, the journey is part of the point.

The boat leaves from the Figueretas area at 10:45 a.m. The meeting point is at the Japanese and Thai Restaurant YOKUBO, beside Hotel Ibiza Playa, on Paseo de ses Pituses. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, which keeps the return simple if you are staying near Ibiza Town or Figueretas.

The maximum of 38 people is worth noting. This is not a private charter, but it is also not a huge party boat. The atmosphere should suit couples, friends, and families of adults who want some social energy without being packed shoulder to shoulder.

The crew members named in the feedback are Rocco, Fabio, and Alessandro. Fabio receives particular praise for being attentive and handling details carefully. You may find the personal service useful when arranging a scooter or bike on Formentera, or when you need help understanding how the day is organized.

Four hours at Cala Saona

The first major stop is Cala Saona, one of Formentera’s best-known coves. The boat anchors here for about four hours, giving you enough time to enjoy the water rather than rushing in for a quick photo.

The water activities are a strong part of the day. You can swim, snorkel, or try paddle surfing from the catamaran. Several people specifically enjoyed jumping from the boat and using the stand-up paddle boards, so bring a swimsuit and expect this section to be active if you want it to be.

You can also simply stay on deck, stretch out, and watch the water. That balance is important. You do not need to take part in every activity, and the catamaran gives you a comfortable base between swims.

The water at Cala Saona is described as crystal clear, which makes it a good place to bring a waterproof phone pouch if you have one. That is practical advice rather than a promise of perfect conditions, since wind and sea conditions can affect visibility and how easy it is to use the boards.

Four hours is a generous stop, but it also means the boat may spend a large part of the day in one place. If you prefer constant sightseeing and a packed schedule, the relaxed pace could feel slow. If you like sun, swimming, and an unhurried lunch, it is one of the strongest parts of the trip.

Paella, fruit, and drinks on the catamaran

Lunch is more than a sandwich handed across a counter. A live paella cooking show takes place on board, allowing you to watch the meal being prepared while you are anchored at Cala Saona or sailing nearby.

The paella receives especially warm praise, and it gives the day a local Spanish touch that a basic boat buffet would miss. A vegetarian option is available on request, so mention this when booking rather than waiting until lunchtime.

Fresh seasonal fruit is also served during the day. It is a small detail, but fruit is welcome after time in the sun and salt water.

The open bar includes wine, beer, cava, prosecco, and soft drinks. This adds real value to the price, especially if you would otherwise be buying drinks throughout a long day at sea. It also makes the trip feel more like a social cruise than a simple transport service.

Still, remember that an open bar does not make this a nightclub cruise. The music is described as soft and relaxing, and the trip focuses on swimming, scenery, food, and conversation. You can enjoy a drink on deck without the whole boat turning into a loud party.

Four independent hours on Formentera

After Cala Saona, the catamaran continues to La Savina Port on Formentera. You then have about four hours to explore independently.

This is where the tour becomes more flexible, but also where you need to make a plan. The crew can help you arrange a scooter or bicycle, though transport is optional and not mandatory. If you want to see more than the port area, arrange your choice of transport early.

Ses Illetes is the obvious beach target. It is famous for pale sand and clear water, and it is one of the island’s headline sights. Es Pujols offers a different mood, with shops and cafés in a village setting.

The Mirador de la Mola gives you another option. From there, you can look across the island’s cliffs and open sea. It is a better choice for views than for swimming, so your choice depends on what you want from the four hours.

You should not try to visit every named place in one short stop. Ses Illetes, Es Pujols, and the Mirador de la Mola are spread across Formentera, and travel time will reduce your time at each stop. Pick one main area and perhaps one nearby extra.

A scooter is suggested as a useful way to cover more ground, but the information provided does not include rental prices or guarantee availability. The same applies to bicycles. Ask the crew about the current arrangements when you arrive at La Savina.

The freedom is valuable because you are not tied to a guide holding up a sign at every corner. You can choose a beach, a café, a viewpoint, or a slow walk. The trade-off is that the experience does not provide a guided cultural tour of Formentera, and you are responsible for using the free time well.

The return to Ibiza at sunset

After the Formentera stop, you rejoin the catamaran for roughly an hour back toward Ibiza. The return is presented as a quiet wind-down, with music and views across the Mediterranean.

The boat makes stops at Playa d’en Bossa and Figueretas before returning to the meeting point. These stops may be useful if you are staying in those areas, though you should confirm the exact drop-off details with the crew on the day.

This final hour gives you time to sit upstairs, take photos, and let the day settle. The boat has a sunbathing area, according to the experience details, so you can choose between sun and shade as available.

Do not count on a dramatic sunset every time. The return is timed toward the end of the day, but the exact light depends on the season and weather. The reliable part is the slower return ride and the chance to enjoy the last sea views without another activity to manage.

What the $204.50 price means

The listed price is $204.50 per group of up to two people. That makes the value particularly interesting for a couple, since the price is not charged separately for each person in a two-person booking.

The price includes the catamaran journey, the Cala Saona stop, water activities, paella, seasonal fruit, and the open bar. It also includes the return to Ibiza. Those inclusions make the cost easier to justify than a basic boat crossing followed by separate spending on lunch and drinks.

Scooter or bicycle rental on Formentera is optional, but the supplied details do not state that it is included. Treat transport rental as an extra expense and ask about the current price before committing.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the whole package. Swim at Cala Saona, eat lunch on board, enjoy some drinks, and use the four hours on Formentera well. If you only want a ferry ride and a few hours on one beach, you may find a simpler option more suitable.

It is also worth booking ahead. This experience is often reserved about 23 days before the date, suggesting that popular summer departures can fill before the last minute. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this trip if you want one well-organized day that combines water sports, lunch, drinks, and independent island time.

It suits:

• Couples who want a scenic day together without arranging every detail.
• Friends who like swimming, paddle boards, photos, and a relaxed drink on deck.
• Adults who want a social boat atmosphere without a very large crowd.
• First-time visitors to Formentera who want to see the island while keeping Ibiza as their base.
• Anyone who values a prepared lunch and included drinks.

It may be less suitable if you want a quiet private boat, a fully guided island tour, or a short outing. The tour is adults only, lasts about nine hours, and mixes free time with shared activities. You need to be comfortable with a full day in the sun and on the water.

Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The meeting point is near public transportation, which helps if you are not staying close enough to walk.

Practical ways to get more from the trip

Arrive ready for water time. Wear swim clothing under your day clothes, bring sun protection, and pack whatever you need for a long day outdoors. A towel and a waterproof case are sensible additions, though they are not specifically listed as provided.

Request the vegetarian paella option before the day of departure. Do not assume the crew can change every meal at the last minute.

Think about Formentera before you leave Ibiza. If Ses Illetes is your priority, make it the first choice rather than trying to fit in every place named in the program. If you would rather see views and villages, consider Es Pujols or the Mirador de la Mola.

Ask about the scooter or bike as soon as you reach La Savina. Four hours passes quickly once you include arranging transport, travel time, and returning to the port.

Finally, leave some room for the boat itself. The strongest parts of the day are not only the destinations. It is also the open water, the deck, the paella cooking, and the slow ride home. If you treat the catamaran as transport only, you will miss much of what you are paying for.

Should you book the Formentera catamaran trip?

Book it if you want a full, easy-to-organize sea day from Ibiza with Cala Saona swimming, paddle boards, paella, included drinks, and several independent hours on Formentera. The small maximum of 38 people and the helpful crew, including Fabio, Rocco, and Alessandro, add a personal touch.

Skip it if your main goal is a private cruise, a guided history tour, or a tightly scheduled island sightseeing route. For everyone else, especially couples sharing the $204.50 group price, this is a well-rounded way to combine the best parts of an Ibiza holiday and a Formentera visit in one day.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip start?

It starts at the Japanese and Thai Restaurant YOKUBO, at Paseo de ses Pituses bajo beside Hotel Ibiza Playa in Eivissa, Ibiza.

What time does the activity start?

The scheduled start time is 10:45 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts approximately nine hours.

How many people can join the catamaran?

The maximum group size is 38 people.

Is the experience for children?

No. The activity is listed as adults only.

What is included in the open bar?

The open bar includes wine, beer, cava, prosecco, and soft drinks.

Is food included?

Yes. Paella and fresh seasonal fruit are included. A vegetarian paella option is available on request.

Can I rent a scooter or bicycle on Formentera?

Yes. At La Savina Port, the crew can assist you with renting a scooter or bicycle. This is optional and is not stated as part of the tour price.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.