REVIEW · SPAIN

Playa Es Arenals Catamaran Private Full Day Trip

★ 5.0 · 18 reviews Operated by CharterAlia Boat Hire Formentera · Bookable on Viator
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The best part of this Formentera day is simple: you get a private catamaran, a full day on clear water, and a long stop at Playa Es Arenals instead of being rushed from one sight to the next. Your skipper handles the sailing, while you choose between swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, music, or doing very little at all.

I like the private format for groups of up to 12, especially families and friends who want their own rhythm. I also like the practical gear: snorkels, stand-up paddleboards, a dinghy for shore access, and a large cool box. The main drawback is the price, $3,498.20 per group, and food and drinks are not included.

Key points at a glance

  • A five-hour anchor stop at Playa Es Arenals gives you plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and relaxing.
  • A private catamaran for up to 12 people lets your group avoid a crowded shared excursion.
  • Skippers such as Tincho, Teo, Alejandro, Martin, and Francisco have been especially praised for their friendliness, care, and sailing.
  • Snorkel gear, paddleboards, a Bluetooth speaker, fuel, and final cleaning are included in the price.
  • Bring your own food and drinks and load them into the large onboard cool box before departure.
  • The trip depends on good weather, with a different date or full refund offered if the operator cancels for poor conditions.

A full day from Es Molí de Sal to Playa Es Arenals

Playa Es Arenals Catamaran Private Full Day Trip - A full day from Es Molí de Sal to Playa Es Arenals

This private catamaran trip starts at 10:00 a.m. from Es Molí de Sal, Calle Afores, s/n, in Formentera. The outing lasts about seven hours and returns to the same meeting point, making it a straightforward day plan if you are already on Formentera.

The route follows the coast and the stretch around Migjorn Beach before reaching Playa Es Arenals. The published schedule gives about five hours at the anchorage, so this is not a short sightseeing cruise with ten-minute photo stops. The point is to settle into one attractive part of the coast and make the sea your main activity.

Your skipper takes care of steering and navigation. That matters on a private boat day because you do not need to know the route, handle the sails, or worry about finding a safe place to anchor. You can focus on the people in your group and on the water around you.

The exact captain is not guaranteed at booking, but names praised in the available feedback include Tincho, Teo, Alejandro, Martin, Francisco, Carlos, Rolando, and Constantine. The strongest pattern is not a particular route variation. It is the captains’ friendly manner, attention to detail, and willingness to help shape the day.

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Why Playa Es Arenals works as the main stop

Playa Es Arenals sits at the end of Migjorn Beach and is the trip’s main swimming stop. The catamaran anchors offshore, giving you a base for the bulk of the afternoon.

I like this setup because it avoids overloading the day with too many places. You can get comfortable, take a swim, dry off, use a paddleboard, then go back into the water without constantly packing your things and moving on.

The sea is the star here. The trip is designed around clear water, snorkeling, and time outside, so bring a swimsuit, sun protection, and anything you personally need for a long day in the sun. The supplied gear includes snorkels and stand-up paddleboards, but food and drinks are your responsibility.

The route description focuses on Playa Es Arenals rather than promising a long list of coves or beach visits. Some available comments describe captains showing groups several coves and adapting the stops, but you should treat that as dependent on conditions and the captain’s judgment. The firm plan is the anchorage at Es Arenals.

Five hours to swim, snorkel, and paddle

The five-hour stop is unusually generous for a boat excursion. You can divide it however you like. Start with a swim, take the snorkel equipment into the water, then try the stand-up paddleboard when you want a change of pace.

The snorkel equipment is included, which saves you from bringing your own kit or arranging a separate rental. The listing does not specify the brand, sizes, or number of sets, so if anyone in your group needs a particular fit, ask before departure.

The paddleboards give the group another way to use the anchorage. They are useful for people who want more than floating, but do not assume the entire party can use them at once. The available details do not state the number of boards.

The auxiliary dinghy is included for getting on and off the catamaran. You can also use it to reach the beach if the captain and conditions make that practical. This gives you more flexibility than relying only on a swim from the boat, though the trip does not promise a specific amount of time ashore.

For a group with mixed interests, this combination is strong. One person can snorkel, another can paddle, and someone else can stay aboard with a drink and music. That freedom is a major reason to choose a private boat instead of a fixed group cruise.

The catamaran setup and what comes with it

Playa Es Arenals Catamaran Private Full Day Trip - The catamaran setup and what comes with it

The price includes fuel, all taxes, required insurance, final cleaning, and an enthusiastic skipper. Those inclusions matter when you compare a private charter with a bare boat rental, since you are not left to arrange fuel or manage the vessel yourself.

The catamaran also carries a large cool box. Since food and drinks are not included, plan your provisions before the 10:00 a.m. start. A private boat day works best when you bring enough water and food for the full seven hours rather than hoping to find supplies during the outing.

You can play your own music through the onboard Megaboom Bluetooth speaker. That is a small but useful touch for a group celebration, birthday, or relaxed day with friends. Keep the volume sensible so the skipper can communicate clearly and so the day remains pleasant for everyone aboard.

The final cleaning is included, so you do not need to worry about leaving the boat spotless after lunch, sunscreen, swimming, and paddleboarding. That does not remove the need to be tidy, but it makes the end of the day easier.

The exact catamaran model, cabin layout, number of bathrooms, and shaded seating are not specified. If those details matter to your group, ask the provider before paying. The listing calls it a catamaran, but it does not promise a specific boat size or interior arrangement for this outing.

Same coastline, a different day on the water:

The skipper makes or breaks the day

A private boat trip is only as good as the person guiding it. Here, the captain is responsible for navigation, safety, and the general feel of the outing.

The available comments repeatedly praise skippers for being attentive, professional, welcoming, and fun. Tincho receives especially warm praise for responsibility and positive energy. Teo is described as attentive and entertaining, with a memorable pirate style. Alejandro is praised for his welcome, sailing, and helpful suggestions for taking drone videos. Martin is noted for taking a group from cove to cove and accommodating stops for views or paddleboarding.

These names help set expectations, but you cannot assume you will receive a particular captain unless the provider confirms it. You can request a favorite skipper when booking, but the supplied information does not guarantee that request.

I would tell you to explain your priorities at the start. If you care most about snorkeling, quiet swimming, paddleboarding, beach time, or seeing coves, say so early. The captain still makes the final call based on navigation and weather, but a private charter should allow more conversation than a large shared tour.

The service has a published rating of 5 from 18 reviews, with 100 percent recommending it. That is a strong satisfaction record, though the comments focus mainly on the captains and overall enjoyment rather than detailed information about the boat’s layout or onboard facilities.

Is $3,498.20 a fair price?

The price is $3,498.20 per group of up to 12 people. At full capacity, that works out to about $291.52 per person before your food and drinks. For 12 people sharing the boat, fuel, skipper, insurance, equipment, and cleaning, the value is easier to see.

For two people, the same price is a very different proposition. The private setting may still be worth it for a special occasion, but you are paying for the entire catamaran rather than a seat. The strongest value comes when a large group fills most of the available places.

Compare the price with what you actually want. If you need a private boat, a skipper, water equipment, and a full day at sea, the package is fairly complete. If you only want a quick swim and a short cruise, seven hours and a private charter may be more than you need.

Remember to budget for provisions. The large cool box is included, but the operator does not provide food or drinks. That gives you control over what you eat and drink, but it also means a little planning before departure.

Who should book this private Formentera cruise?

I would recommend this trip to a group of friends, a family, or a mixed-age party that wants its own space and a flexible day. The private format is especially useful when some people want active water time while others prefer to sit, talk, and listen to music.

It also suits anyone who values a skipper. You get the freedom of a private boat without needing to navigate or manage fuel. That is a better fit for most visitors than renting a boat without professional help.

Couples can enjoy it, too, but the price is hardest to justify for only two people. A large group that splits the cost has a much stronger case.

The activity should work for most participants, and service animals are allowed. Still, the supplied information does not give detailed accessibility information for the catamaran, dinghy, or beach. If anyone in your group has mobility needs, contact the provider before booking and ask about boarding and movement onboard.

Timing, weather, and the practical details

The start time is 10:00 a.m. at Es Molí de Sal, and the trip ends back at the same meeting point. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity is offered as a private experience for your group only.

Good weather is required. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. If you cancel or request a change for another reason, the booking is non-refundable and cannot be amended.

That policy makes travel insurance worth considering if your plans are uncertain. It also makes it wise to avoid booking until you are reasonably sure your group can attend.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, towels, and food and drinks for the day. The supplied information does not specify whether towels or extra shade equipment are provided, so ask if those items are important to you.

Should you book the Playa Es Arenals catamaran?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a relaxed day built around one excellent anchorage. The long stop, included snorkel gear and paddleboards, skipper, dinghy, speaker, fuel, and private setting give you a complete day on the water.

Think twice if you are only two people, dislike planning your own meals, or want a packed route with many guaranteed beach stops. This is not a fast checklist tour. It is a private floating base at Playa Es Arenals, with the freedom to choose how you spend the hours.

For a group of friends or family, I see the appeal. Bring good provisions, ask about the skipper and boat setup, and let the captain guide the details once you are underway.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran trip last?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and returning to the meeting point in Formentera.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and finishes at Es Molí de Sal, Calle Afores, s/n, 07871 Formentera, Illes Balears, Spain.

How many people can join the private catamaran?

The catamaran is private for your group, with space for up to 12 people.

What is the main destination?

The planned anchorage is Playa Es Arenals, at the end of Migjorn Beach. The stop is intended for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and relaxing.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards included?

Yes. Snorkel equipment and stand-up paddleboards are included.

Is food or drink provided?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can bring your own provisions and store them in the large cool box onboard.

Is a skipper included?

Yes. A skipper is included and handles sailing and navigation. The skipper names mentioned in the available information include Tincho, Teo, Alejandro, Martin, Francisco, Carlos, Rolando, and Constantine, but a specific captain is not guaranteed.

Is the auxiliary dinghy included?

Yes. An auxiliary dinghy is included for embarking and disembarking, and it may allow you to reach the beach if conditions and the captain make that suitable.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you can receive a full refund or choose a different date. Personal cancellations or amendment requests are non-refundable.

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