Formentera & Ibiza Small Group Trip by Catamaran

The best part of this day is that it gives you two very different Formentera stops without the feel of a crowded party cruise. You sail from Ibiza to S’Espalmador, then continue to Ses Illetes, where clear water, pale sand, swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding fill most of the day. I like the relaxed pace and the chance to choose between bringing your own lunch or eating ashore.

I also like the small group size, which is capped at 12 people and is often around 11. The crew provides snorkeling gear, SUP boards that can convert into kayaks, a zodiac for reaching shore, and one glass of Champagne. The main caution is that this is a practical catamaran outing, not a luxury yacht charter, and lunch, drinks beyond the included glass, and ice are your responsibility.

Key points to know before booking

• Two major beach stops: Spend about two hours at S’Espalmador and up to four hours around Ses Illetes, subject to weather and sailing conditions.
• Captain-led, not lecture-led: Captains such as Fran, Pablo, Nacho, Ramiro, and Sebastian are praised for hospitality and good judgment, but detailed coastal commentary is not guaranteed.
• Bring your own food and drinks: A fridge or freezer is available, though you may need to bring ice to keep drinks cold for the full day.
• A zodiac transfer is part of the plan: The catamaran stays offshore, so you board from the beach by small inflatable boat and may use it to reach shore at the stops.
• Good value for active beach time: At $139.08 per person, the price includes the boat, equipment, crew, zodiac, and Champagne, but not lunch.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund, and shared departures may require a minimum number of bookings.

A full day between Ibiza and Formentera

This is a water day first and a sightseeing cruise second. From the meeting point at Beso Beach Ibiza on Ses Salines beach, you board a zodiac and ride out to the catamaran. The boat then heads toward Formentera, with the route shaped by wind, waves, and safe anchoring spots.

The total outing lasts about eight to nine hours, starting at 10 a.m. and ending back at the same meeting point. That sounds simple, but the day has several moving parts: a beach pickup, a long sail, two swimming areas, optional time ashore, and a return to Ibiza.

I would choose this trip for swimming, sun, and quiet time on the water. If your main goal is a guided history lesson about the Balearic Islands, you may find it light on commentary. The captain’s first job is handling the boat and keeping the group safe. Some captains chat more than others, but this is not built as a formal narrated tour.

The mood is generally easygoing. Music may play on board, and there is enough room for people to settle into a shady or sunny spot. The small number of people matters here. With up to 12 on board, you get a more personal outing than you would on a large excursion boat, though space is still shared and everyone follows the same route.

Leaving Ses Salines by zodiac

The meeting point is Beso Beach Ibiza, at Platja de ses Salines, south of Ibiza Town. You should arrive ready for a transfer from the beach to the catamaran. The main boat cannot pull directly onto the beach, so the zodiac is not an extra thrill added at the end of the day. It is part of the boarding process.

That detail is worth understanding before you book. A small boat transfer can take longer than expected if several people are boarding, and the sea may make the move less tidy than a normal dock departure. One delayed start was blamed on waiting for a late arrival, so punctuality matters on a shared trip.

Once everyone is aboard, the boat sails along the coast toward Formentera. You may see several coves along the way, but the main reward is the change from Ibiza’s busy beach scene to open water and low, sandy Formentera shores.

The boat is described as a modern catamaran, but it is not a luxury yacht. That distinction explains much of the mixed feedback. If you are comparing this with a private yacht charter costing thousands of euros, the setup is basic and sensible. If you want a full day on the water with equipment and a captain at a moderate price, the arrangement makes better sense.

S’Espalmador, your first long swim stop

After about an hour of sailing, the catamaran anchors near S’Espalmador. The stop lasts around two hours, giving you time to swim, snorkel, walk along the beach, or use a paddleboard.

S’Espalmador feels less developed than the main beach areas of Formentera. Its appeal is straightforward: get off the boat, get in the water, and enjoy a quieter stretch of sand. The captain may take you to shore in the zodiac, depending on conditions and the group’s wishes.

The supplied snorkeling equipment is useful here, though you should think of it as simple activity gear rather than a guided snorkeling session. You are free to explore at your own pace. The same applies to the SUP boards, which can be used as kayaks. If you have never paddled before, the open water may feel a little wobbly at first, so take your time.

This is also a good place to decide how active you want the day to be. You can spend the entire stop in the water, walk on the beach, or remain on the catamaran. The excursion does not force you into every activity, which suits people traveling together with different energy levels.

The main limitation is timing. Two hours passes quickly once you account for the zodiac ride, getting settled, swimming, and returning to the boat. I would use S’Espalmador for water activities and save a longer beach stroll or lunch for the next stop.

Ses Illetes and the longest beach break

The catamaran sails for about 15 minutes from S’Espalmador to Ses Illetes. This is the centerpiece of the day, with roughly four hours allocated to the area.

Ses Illetes is famous for its pale sand and clear water, and it can be the busiest part of the route. The setting is beautiful, but beauty brings demand. You should not expect an empty beach, especially during the high season. The boat helps you enjoy the coast without arranging separate transport, but it cannot remove the crowds from a popular beach.

You can reach shore by zodiac, swim near the boat, use the SUP boards, or snorkel. The long stop allows you to mix these activities instead of rushing through one short photo break. If you prefer not to eat at a restaurant, bring food and drinks and keep them cold in the boat’s fridge or freezer.

If you want lunch ashore, the captain can help arrange a restaurant reservation on the day. Several people found this useful, and it takes away some of the guesswork in a popular beach area. Prices in Formentera can be high, however, so ask about the restaurant and cost before committing. The lunch is not included, and the boat does not supply a full selection of drinks.

One practical point deserves attention: bring ice if you want drinks to stay very cold all day. The boat has cooling storage, but the crew may ask you to supply ice. That is easy to overlook if you assume the Champagne means a stocked bar. It does not. You receive one complimentary glass, while your other drinks are your responsibility.

The four-hour allocation also needs a little flexibility. Sailing time, late departures, weather, restaurant service, and zodiac transfers can affect how long you spend directly on the beach. The advertised schedule gives you a useful outline, not a minute-by-minute guarantee.

The return to Beso Beach Ibiza

After the Formentera stops, the catamaran returns toward Ibiza and finishes at Beso Beach Ibiza. The final stretch takes about an hour, depending on conditions.

This is when the day usually shifts from active to restful. You can sit back, listen to music, and enjoy the last views of the sea. The captains are frequently praised for keeping the mood calm and friendly, especially Fran, Pablo, Nacho, Ramiro, and Sebastian.

The quality of the day can depend heavily on the captain’s judgment. Fran is noted for choosing swimming spots according to the weather, while Pablo is praised for helping when someone felt seasick. Nacho is described as friendly and attentive, and Ramiro is associated with a laid-back outing that still includes music and drinks. These details matter because the route is not entirely fixed. Wind and sea conditions can change the best place to anchor.

Do not expect every captain to act as a tour guide. One dissatisfied customer wanted more explanation of the coastline, while the operator made clear that the captain’s main task is navigation and safety. If you want constant narration, ask before booking. If you want a skipper who chooses sensible stops and keeps the day running, this format is a better match.

What the $139.08 price really covers

At $139.08 per person, this is good value if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat excursion, beach transport, snorkeling equipment, and paddleboard hire. You also get a full day rather than a short coastal cruise, and the small group makes the price more appealing.

The value drops if you expect a yacht-style service. You do not get lunch, an open bar, unlimited drinks, or a polished luxury setup. The boat is a catamaran for shared use, not a private charter. You may need to bring food, drinks, and ice, and you will board by zodiac.

I would compare the price with the cost of a ferry plus separate beach transport and water activities. The catamaran gives you a captain, a route, beach access, equipment, and a place to rest between stops. That convenience is the strongest part of the price.

The included equipment is also meaningful. SUP and snorkeling rental can add up at a beach, while this trip lets you use the gear during both main stops. The Champagne is a pleasant extra, but it should not influence your decision much. Think of it as a welcome touch, not a drinks package.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day

I would recommend this trip to you if you want:

• A full day on the water without chartering a private yacht
• Swimming and snorkeling in clear coastal water
• Paddleboarding at two scenic stops
• A small shared group rather than a large boat
• The choice of bringing your own lunch or eating ashore
• A calm day with music, beach time, and flexible captain-led decisions

It suits couples, small groups of friends, and families whose members are comfortable around boats and water. Most people can participate, but you should be prepared to transfer from the beach into a zodiac and move around a boat.

I would be more cautious if you want a luxury service, a fixed schedule, extensive commentary, or a guaranteed empty beach. It is also not ideal if you dislike open-water sailing, shared facilities, or making your own lunch arrangements.

The trip requires good weather and a minimum number of bookings. If conditions force a cancellation, you can receive another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but late cancellations and late changes are not accepted.

Smart ways to prepare

Bring your own lunch and drinks if you want to control costs. This is especially useful if you prefer a picnic to an expensive beach restaurant.

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a dry bag for small valuables. The equipment is provided, but your personal comfort items are not. Add ice if you want drinks to remain cold for the entire outing.

Arrive on time at Beso Beach Ibiza. Shared departures can be affected by one late person, and the zodiac transfer may take a little coordination. Wear footwear that you can manage on a beach and in a small boat.

If you are prone to seasickness, think carefully about the eight to nine hour duration. One captain helped a passenger who became sick, but calm conditions cannot be promised. Ask the operator about expected weather if you have concerns.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran trip if you value water time, good beach stops, and a small group more than luxury service. The combination of S’Espalmador, Ses Illetes, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and a captain who can adapt to conditions makes the day a strong choice for an active Ibiza break.

Skip it if you expect a fully stocked boat, included lunch, detailed guiding, or a yacht charter experience. Read the practical details closely, bring your own supplies, and accept that weather and shared timing can change the schedule. With those expectations, the $139.08 price offers a solid way to see Formentera from the water.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip start?

The meeting point is Beso Beach Ibiza at Platja de ses Salines, s/n, 07818 Sant Jordi de ses Salines, Ibiza. The scheduled start time is 10 a.m.

Where does the experience finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point at Beso Beach Ibiza.

How long does the trip last?

The full experience lasts approximately eight to nine hours.

How many people can join the trip?

The activity has a maximum of 12 people. It is also described as a small group experience with no more than 11 other people taking part.

Is lunch included?

No. You can bring your own food and drinks, or ask the captain to help arrange a restaurant reservation ashore at Ses Illetes or elsewhere in Formentera.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and SUP boards are included. The SUP boards can also be converted into kayaks.

Is Champagne included?

Yes. The catamaran trip includes one complimentary glass of Champagne per person.

Do I need to take a small boat to reach the catamaran?

Yes. The captain and stewardess collect you from Ses Salines beach by zodiac and take you to the catamaran. The zodiac may also be used to reach shore during the stops.

What happens if the weather is poor or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather or because the minimum number of bookings is not met, you can receive another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.