Formentera Day Trip from Ibiza on Private Luxury Catamaran

The best part of this outing is the freedom of having your own catamaran for the day. You sail from Ibiza to Formentera, drop anchor at Playa de Ses Illetes, and set your own pace with swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, music, or a long lunch ashore. The uninhabited island of Espalmador adds another fine stop.

I like the space and privacy, especially for a family or group that wants a boat day without sharing the deck with strangers. I also like the practical extras: snorkel gear, paddle boards, Bluetooth Megaboom speakers, Wi-Fi, and a captain who can take photos with your camera. The main consideration is the price, which is high for a small group, and the experience depends on good weather.

Key points to know before booking

• A private catamaran for up to 12 people: The $3,569.03 group price becomes more reasonable when divided among a full party.
• Two major swimming stops: Plan on roughly two hours at Ses Illetes and two hours at Espalmador.
• Two possible departure points: You can meet at Cala Jondal near Blue Marlin, or request the family-friendly Es Xarcu restaurant.
• Your own music is welcome: The boat has Megaboom Bluetooth speakers, so you can shape the mood for the day.
• Captain Constantin has earned special praise: One group of ten had an upgrade to a larger boat with a six-meter sofa and especially well-chosen anchor spots.
• Bring lunch money or your own food: Meals and drinks are not included, though you can eat ashore at a waterside restaurant.

Setting out from Cala Jondal or Es Xarcu

Your scheduled start is 10:00 a.m. The usual meeting point is a pier by Blue Marlin beach club at Cala Jondal, one of Ibiza’s better-known southern coves. The supplied meeting details also allow departure from Es Xarcu, a family-friendly restaurant at Cala Es Xarco. Confirm which point applies to your booking before setting off, since the two coves are not the same place.

The tour ends back at the meeting point after about seven hours. That gives you a full day on the water without turning the trip into an overnight commitment. Returning toward Cala Jondal in the late afternoon also puts you in a good position for a sunset drink at Blue Marlin, though that stop is not part of the tour itself.

The private format matters here. You do not need to fit your day around a large group’s schedule or share the sound system with strangers. If someone wants to swim while someone else stays on deck, the boat can handle both moods. Families, couples traveling with friends, and groups celebrating a special occasion will get the most from that flexibility.

You should expect a moderate level of physical activity. You will need to board the catamaran, move around the deck, and use a ladder or similar access point for swimming and water sports. Life jackets are available if requested. A current valid passport is required on the day of the trip, and confirmation is provided when you book.

The crossing from Ibiza to Formentera

Once aboard, you can settle on deck for the crossing. The supplied details describe cold soft drinks, your own music through Bluetooth speakers, Wi-Fi, and plenty of room to relax. Food and drinks are not included, so pack what you want for the day unless you plan to eat ashore.

This is where a private charter feels different from a basic ferry ride. A ferry gets you from one island to the other, but this boat gives you a moving outdoor lounge and direct access to quiet swimming spots. You can listen to music, take photos, sunbathe, or simply watch Ibiza recede while the water opens up around you.

The boat’s equipment is useful rather than decorative. Snorkel gear means you do not need to rent masks and fins separately, and paddle boards give you something active to do once the anchor drops. The captain can also take as many photos as you want with your camera, a small but helpful touch when everyone in the group wants to be in the picture.

Do not expect a guided historical tour of Formentera. The value here is the boat, the water, and the freedom to use the island as a backdrop for a relaxed day. If your priority is museums, village visits, or detailed commentary about local culture, you will need a different excursion.

Two hours at Playa de Ses Illetes

The first major stop is Playa de Ses Illetes, on Formentera’s northern tip. The tour allows about two hours here, which is enough time to make proper use of the water rather than rushing in for a quick swim.

The clear water suits snorkeling, paddle boarding, and swimming. You can take the snorkel gear into the water, paddle along the shoreline, or stay near the boat with a drink and music. The catamaran gives you a comfortable base, so you are not forced to carry your belongings onto the beach or search for a public rental stand.

Ses Illetes is also the stop where you have the clearest choice between activity and indulgence. If you want movement, use the boards and snorkel gear. If you prefer a slower afternoon, stay on deck, stretch out, and enjoy the view across the water.

You can also go ashore for lunch at one of the glamorous restaurants near the beach. That option adds cost, but it can turn the stop into a proper island meal rather than a picnic on the boat. Since lunch is not included, decide in advance whether your group wants to bring food or budget for a restaurant.

The main drawback is that Ses Illetes is a popular beach, so the setting may feel more social and polished than remote. You are visiting one of Formentera’s best-known shores, not a secret cove. The private boat gives you personal space, but it does not make the beach itself private.

Espalmador, the uninhabited second stop

The next stop is S’Espalmador, a sandy, uninhabited islet between Ibiza and Formentera. The boat spends about two hours here, giving you another chance to swim, snorkel, paddle board, or enjoy the deck.

Espalmador changes the feel of the day. Ses Illetes offers restaurants and a fashionable beach setting, while Espalmador is about open sand and a simpler, more natural stop. You should think of it as a place to slow down and enjoy the water, not as a destination with shops, services, or a full program of activities.

The lack of development is part of its appeal, but it also means you should bring anything you need from the boat. Pack sunscreen, water, snacks, and a towel. The operator supplies snorkel gear, paddle boards, and life jackets on request, but the tour does not include food or drinks.

Two hours at each stop is generous for a seven-hour outing. You get time to try more than one activity without spending the entire day racing from one anchorage to the next. If your group includes strong swimmers and people who prefer to lounge, that balance should work well.

Your captain’s judgment can make a real difference here. A group traveling with Captain Constantin described an upgrade to a larger catamaran with a six-meter sofa and praised his choice of especially clear turquoise anchoring spots. Boat upgrades are not guaranteed, but the comment points to an important factor: a capable captain helps turn a pretty itinerary into a better day on the water.

What the private boat adds

The biggest advantage is control. You can decide how much music to play, when to use the paddle boards, and how long to stay focused on swimming. You are not being moved along because another group is ready to leave.

For a group of ten or twelve, the economics also improve. At $3,569.03 per group, this is a costly outing for two people. Split among twelve, the listed price works out to about $297 per person before any optional lunch or drinks. A group of six pays roughly $595 per person, which is still a serious expense but buys a full private boat rather than seats on a shared excursion.

That calculation is the key to judging value. I would not book this solely as a transport option to Formentera. A ferry or shared boat will usually make more sense if you only need to reach the island. I would consider this charter when privacy, comfortable deck space, water gear, and a flexible schedule are central to the day.

The Bluetooth speakers are a particularly useful feature for a private group. You can bring your own playlist and make the boat feel personal, though you will want to be considerate of the people aboard with you. Wi-Fi is included too, but the best use of the day is probably to keep phones ready for photos and let the sea provide the entertainment.

Who will enjoy this most

This outing suits a group that wants a relaxed luxury day rather than a packed sightseeing schedule. It works especially well for:

• A family or friend group sharing the cost
• Couples traveling together who want private space
• People who enjoy swimming and light water sports
• Anyone marking a birthday, reunion, or special holiday
• Visitors who prefer a flexible boat day to a fixed group excursion

It may not suit you if you dislike being on the water for several hours, need a low-cost way to visit Formentera, or want a detailed land tour. The description gives you time at the beaches and islands, but not a long visit to Formentera’s villages or inland areas.

The moderate fitness requirement is worth taking seriously. You do not need to be an athlete, but swimming, boarding, and paddle boarding require basic mobility. Ask for a life jacket if you want one, and tell the crew about any concerns before using the water equipment.

Timing, food, and practical details

A 10:00 a.m. start gives you a full day and leaves the return trip in the afternoon. The tour lasts about seven hours, so plan for sun exposure. Bring clothing that can handle spray, sun protection, and anything your group prefers to eat or drink.

There is no included lunch. You can bring your own food and drinks, or go ashore at Ses Illetes for lunch near the water. The restaurant option is convenient, but it adds both expense and time. If your priority is swimming, eating aboard may give you more time in the water.

The tour is offered in English, and a driver or guide is included. The captain is the central person on the day, handling the boat and helping with the route and activities. Captain Constantin is one name associated with especially strong service, though you should not assume he will be assigned to every departure.

You receive confirmation at booking, and the activity is private for your group only. It is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. The important exception is weather: if poor conditions force cancellation, you can receive a full refund or choose another date. I would avoid booking this as the final non-flexible activity of a short trip unless you are comfortable with that policy.

Should you book this Formentera catamaran?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want the day to feel like your own. The best reasons are the private deck, two long swimming stops, included snorkel gear and paddle boards, and the freedom to bring music, food, and your preferred pace.

Think twice if you are traveling alone or as a couple and mainly want to see Formentera. The price is hard to justify for a very small party, and lunch, drinks, and any boat upgrade may cost extra. For a group of ten or twelve, though, the math improves and the private setting becomes a real advantage.

The strongest version of this day is simple: arrive with a full group, confirm the departure cove, bring food and sun protection, use the water gear, and leave room for the captain to choose the best anchoring spots. If that sounds like your ideal Ibiza day, this charter is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran trip last?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and ending back at the meeting point.

Where does the tour depart?

The usual meeting point is a pier by Blue Marlin at Cala Jondal. Departure may also be arranged from Es Xarcu restaurant at Cala Es Xarco.

Which places does the catamaran visit?

The main stops are Playa de Ses Illetes on Formentera and S’Espalmador, an uninhabited sandy islet between Ibiza and Formentera.

Is lunch included?

No. You may bring your own food and drinks, or go ashore for lunch at a waterside restaurant near Ses Illetes.

Are snorkeling and paddle boarding included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and paddle boarding are included. Life jackets are available if requested.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered another date or a full refund.