Private Catamaran Excursion through Formentera

The best part of this private catamaran trip is the mix of open-water sailing and easygoing beach time. You may sail from Platja des Jondal to Formentera with the wind filling the sails, then spend hours swimming, paddling, snorkeling, or simply stretching out on a large Lagoon 450 catamaran. I like the freedom of having the boat to your own group, and I like that the route includes both hard-to-reach Espalmador and famous Platja d’Illetes.

The main catch is the price: $3,484.42 for up to 11 people is good value for a full private boat, but less appealing for a small party. Lunch, snacks, bottled water, and alcohol are not included, and the sailing portion depends on the wind. Captains Mariano, Marcelo, and Chelo are praised for creating a relaxed atmosphere, but weather can still shape the day.

Key points to know before you book

• Espalmador is reached only by boat, with time to walk, see its natural salt flat, and swim in clear water.
• Platja d’Illetes gives you three hours at anchor, with snorkeling gear, a double kayak, and paddleboards.
• The Lagoon 450 is spacious, with four bedrooms and private bathrooms according to the available tour details.
• The private format suits groups of up to 11, letting you share the cost and set the mood onboard.
• Captains Mariano, Marcelo, and Chelo receive especially warm praise for safety, comfort, and friendly service.
• You must bring your own food and drinks, since lunch, snacks, alcohol, and bottled water are excluded.

From Cala Jondal to open water

Your day begins at Cala Jondal, on Ibiza’s southern coast. The listed operating window is noon to 8 p.m., matching the approximate eight-hour schedule. You meet at the marina area and return to the same meeting point at the end of the trip unless wind creates a major change.

The catamaran heads first toward Formentera, with about 90 minutes on the water. If conditions allow, the crew opens the sails. That detail matters. A motor-powered transfer gets you there, but sailing gives the crossing a quieter, more natural feel. You hear the water, feel the boat respond to the breeze, and get time to settle into the pace of the day.

The crossing also sets expectations. This is not a short sightseeing cruise with constant commentary and quick photo stops. You spend a meaningful part of the day on the sea. If you enjoy the motion of a boat and the feeling of getting away from the shore, that is a strength. If you want nonstop activity, the first and last 90-minute crossings may feel long.

The boat has air conditioning, a restroom, gasoline, and a Bluetooth high-fidelity sound system. Those basics make a big difference on an eight-hour outing. You can move between the shaded or indoor areas, the deck, and the water without giving up comfort.

Two hours on private Espalmador

The first main stop is S’Espalmador, a private island just off Formentera. The only access is by boat, which gives this stop a quieter character than beaches reached by road. You can go ashore, walk through its natural spaces, see the famous salt flat, and swim in clear water.

I would use these two hours as your slower shore break. Espalmador is not presented as a town stop, so do not expect shops, cafés, or a line of beach services. Bring what you need from the catamaran and keep your plans simple: walk, look around, swim, and return to the boat when the crew sets the next departure.

The salt flat is a notable feature, but you should treat the island as a natural place rather than a developed attraction. The value lies in the setting and the boat-only access. It is also a useful contrast with the more active water time later at Platja d’Illetes.

One practical point: the route description calls Espalmador a private island, so the exact experience ashore may depend on conditions and local access rules on the day. The tour does include the stop, but wind and sea conditions can affect how long you remain there and how easily you go ashore.

Three hours at Platja d’Illetes

From Espalmador, the catamaran continues to Platja d’Illetes, one of Formentera’s best-known beaches. Here the plan is to anchor for about three hours, giving you the longest single stop and the widest choice of activities.

The included equipment is a real part of the value. You can use the double kayak, paddleboards, and snorkeling equipment without arranging separate rentals. You can swim from the boat, look for fish, and paddle near the anchorage. The catamaran’s size also matters here. The Lagoon 450 is described as spacious and comfortable, with four bedrooms and private bathrooms, so you are not limited to one crowded seating area.

You can also go ashore to eat on the beach. Since food is not included, this is where planning matters. Bring lunch or arrange food before departure if the operator permits it. One available account describes ordering paella as a good choice, but the supplied tour details do not promise that meal, so treat it as an option to confirm rather than part of the standard package.

The sound system adds another mood to this stop. You can keep things peaceful, play music, or dance on the boat. That flexibility works well for a mixed group. Some people can swim or paddle while others relax with a drink or listen to music.

There is a tradeoff. Platja d’Illetes is famous, so the setting may feel less secluded than Espalmador, especially during a busy period. The private boat keeps your group together, but it does not give you a private beach. I would choose this stop for the water access and boat facilities, not for complete solitude.

The catamaran itself is part of the experience

A private boat changes the day in practical ways. You are not sharing the deck with a large mixed group, and only your party participates. With a maximum of 11 people, the space should work best for a family group, a group of friends, or a small celebration.

The available details describe a Lagoon 450 as large, premium, comfortable, clean, and equipped with four bedrooms and private bathrooms. The tour also includes an onboard restroom, air conditioning, snorkeling gear, a double kayak, paddleboards, and a high-quality Bluetooth sound system.

That list is more useful than it may first appear. An eight-hour boat outing can become tiring if you have nowhere to sit comfortably, no toilet, or no way to get out of the sun. Here, you have several ways to spend the day. You can lie back, swim, go ashore, paddle, or gather around the music system.

The boat is not a hotel stay in this particular experience. The bedrooms are useful for the catamaran’s layout and comfort, but the listed tour lasts one day and returns to Cala Jondal. Do not book this outing expecting an overnight sailing package.

Captains who shape the mood

The crew is an important reason this trip appeals to groups. Mariano and Marcelo are named as captains in the available information, and Chelo is also praised as a captain. Their strengths are described in practical terms: making people feel safe, keeping the boat comfortable, helping with destination questions, and creating a friendly atmosphere.

That does not mean the day is a scripted party. The tone can shift between relaxation and fun. You can use the music, dance, or keep the boat quiet while you swim and watch the coast. For families, that flexibility is useful. For friends, it lets you create the kind of day you want rather than follow a fixed group schedule.

I would still keep expectations realistic. The captains can guide the route and manage the boat, but they cannot guarantee perfect wind, calm water, or exact timing. The return is scheduled for about 90 minutes, with sailing used as much as conditions allow. If the wind changes, the crew may need to rely more on the motor or modify the route.

What the $3,484 group price really covers

At $3,484.42 for up to 11 people, the full boat works out to about $317 per person when all 11 places are filled. That calculation makes the price easier to judge. For a large group, you are paying for privacy, a skipper, fuel, equipment, onboard facilities, and an entire day around Formentera rather than buying individual seats on a shared cruise.

For a smaller group, the cost rises quickly per person. Four people would share the same boat price without using most of the available capacity. I would consider this outing strongest for groups that can fill much of the 11-person limit.

The price includes private transportation, air conditioning, the restroom, gasoline, all fees and taxes, the skipper, snorkeling equipment, the double kayak, and paddleboards. It also includes the mooring and tie costs listed in the tour details. You are not paying extra for each water toy once onboard.

The excluded items deserve attention. Snacks, lunch, alcohol, and bottled water are not provided. Plan your supplies before leaving Cala Jondal. Water is especially important during a full day in the sun, and the boat’s restroom does not replace the need to bring drinks. If you want a beach lunch or paella, ask about arrangements before the day of departure.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this trip most strongly to people who value privacy and flexible time over a low headline price. Families can spread out, friends can control the music, and couples traveling with another group can choose between active water time and quiet hours on deck.

It also suits anyone who wants several forms of access to Formentera in one day. You see the water from the catamaran, go ashore on Espalmador, anchor near Illetes, and return to Ibiza without arranging separate transfers or equipment rentals.

The trip is less suited to someone who wants a guided cultural tour, a detailed historical program, or a guaranteed sailing route. The focus is the sea, the beaches, the boat, and the relaxed rhythm. The route description includes places and activities, but not a formal program of talks or sightseeing commentary.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The tour is private, so your group does not need to adapt to strangers onboard. Still, you should be comfortable spending much of the day on a boat, getting in and out of the water, and handling a schedule shaped partly by wind.

Timing, booking, and the cancellation risk

The excursion is commonly reserved well ahead, with an average booking time of about 25 days before departure. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. I would not leave this until the last minute if your Ibiza dates are fixed.

The meeting point is Cala Jondal, s/n, 07839, Illes Balears, Spain. The trip ends back there. Allow enough time to reach the starting point, since the boat cannot easily wait for a late arrival once the route begins.

The cancellation rule is strict. This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If your plans are uncertain, that policy should weigh heavily in your decision. I would book only after checking your group’s dates and making sure everyone understands the commitment.

Is this private Formentera catamaran worth booking?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a full day built around swimming, sailing, and beach time. The combination of Espalmador, Platja d’Illetes, onboard water equipment, and a comfortable catamaran gives you more freedom than a standard shared boat trip.

I would be cautious if your group is small, if you dislike long crossings, or if you need a low-cost day out. Bring your own food, water, and alcohol, confirm any paella or beach lunch plans, and accept that wind may affect the sailing and route.

For the right group, this is a polished day on the water with room for both action and rest. Fill the boat, pack well, and let the captains handle the route.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran excursion start?

The meeting point is Cala Jondal, s/n, 07839, Illes Balears, Spain.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Cala Jondal, unless a major wind-related change affects the return plan.

How long does the experience last?

The excursion lasts approximately eight hours, from about noon until 8 p.m.

How many people can join the private tour?

The private catamaran can accommodate a group of up to 11 people.

Is lunch included?

No. Snacks and lunch are not included. You can go ashore to eat at Platja d’Illetes, but you need to arrange and pay for food separately.

Are drinks included?

No. Bottled water and alcoholic beverages are not included, so you should plan to bring or arrange your own drinks.

What water equipment is provided?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, a double kayak, and paddleboards.

Can I cancel for a refund?

No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.