Ibiza & Formentera Private Catamaran Full-Day Sailing Tour

The best Ibiza views come from the water. This private catamaran trip gives your group room to spread out, and I especially like the small-group format and the freedom to swim, snorkel, and use paddleboards at several stops. The coastline around Cala Jondal, Ses Salines, Espalmador, and Formentera is the real star. One caution: lunch is not included, and a paid food order can become expensive if you do not confirm the portions and price first.

You get about eight hours on the sea, with a toilet, Wi-Fi, snorkeling gear, fuel, and two paddleboards included. At $1,609.09 for up to 10 people, the tour makes more sense for a full group than for a couple or a small family.

The tour has a 5 out of 5 rating from 242 reviews, with 99 percent recommending it. That is a strong record, but the one detailed complaint offers useful advice: bring your own food unless you are clear about the menu, quantity, and cost. The boat also has a friendly 10-year-old Border Collie living aboard, a charming detail if your group likes dogs.

Key Points Before You Book

• Private boat for up to 10 people: Your group has the catamaran to itself, rather than sharing deck space with strangers.
• Cala Jondal departure: The trip begins and ends at Tropicana Eivissa in Cala Jondal, on Ibiza’s south coast.
• Several swim stops: You can swim and snorkel near a secluded cove, Espalmador, and Ses Illetes.
• Two paddleboards included: The boards give you another way to enjoy the calm water near Espalmador.
• Lunch is extra: You may bring food or arrange a meal, but alcoholic drinks and lunch are not included.
• Good for active groups: You should be comfortable boarding a boat, swimming, and moving around during a long day at sea.

Why a Private Catamaran Changes the Day

A private boat is the main reason to choose this outing. Your group controls the social atmosphere, the deck is not shared with a large crowd, and you can settle into the day without worrying about keeping up with strangers.

That matters on an eight-hour trip. You will spend long stretches simply sitting on deck, watching the coast pass by, and enjoying the sea air. A private setting makes those quiet periods easier, especially for families or friends who want time together rather than a tightly managed group excursion.

The catamaran also gives you several ways to spend the day. You can sunbathe, swim, snorkel, paddleboard, walk on Formentera, or stay aboard with a book. The trip is not just a sightseeing cruise with a few photo stops. It is built around time in the water.

The trade-off is price. At $1,609.09 per group, the cost works out to about $161 per person if all 10 places are filled. For 10 people, that can be reasonable for a full private boat and eight hours of use. For four people, the per-person cost rises sharply, so you should compare it with shared boat trips before booking.

Starting at Cala Jondal on Ibiza’s South Coast

The meeting point is Tropicana Eivissa at Cala Jondal, Cala Jundal, s/n, in Sant Josep de sa Talaia. The trip returns to this same place at the end of the day.

Cala Jondal is a fitting starting point. The bay is known for clear turquoise water, rocky sides, and a polished beach-club setting. The first portion of the trip is short, about 10 minutes, so you quickly move from the departure point into the coastal scenery.

You should arrive ready for a full day outside. Bring swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and any food you want on board. Since the departure point is near public transportation, getting there may be possible without a private car, though the supplied information does not specify exact routes or transfer times.

The South Coast: Cliffs, Coves, and Sea Air

After leaving Cala Jondal, the catamaran follows Ibiza’s south coast toward Playa des Codolar. This section lasts about an hour and is less about getting off the boat than taking in the shoreline.

You pass rocky coves, beaches, cliffs, and sea caves. From the water, Ibiza looks different from the road or beach. The cliffs frame the island, and the changing angle gives you a better sense of the coast’s shape.

This is a good time to settle into the boat. You can sit on deck, feel the breeze, and take photographs without having to rush from one stop to the next. If you want the best photos, keep your phone protected from spray and bring a secure case. That is ordinary boat sense, but it saves you from spending the day worrying about your camera.

The sailing itself may be the least active part of the day. If you need constant entertainment, an eight-hour cruise could feel long. If you like open water, changing views, and unhurried time outside, this slower pace is part of the appeal.

A Quiet Cove Near Ses Salines

The next stop is in the Parque Natural de Ses Salines, where the boat anchors in a secluded cove. You have about an hour here for swimming and snorkeling.

The water is described as clear, making this one of the better places to use the included snorkeling equipment. You may see fish and other sea life close to the boat, though the exact conditions will depend on weather, water clarity, and the season. The tour provides the equipment, so you do not need to pack your own mask and snorkel unless you prefer using familiar gear.

This stop is valuable because it gives you time in one place. The first coastal section is scenic, but here you can get into the water rather than only look at it. The cove also gives less confident swimmers a simple choice: stay aboard, swim near the catamaran, or use the snorkeling gear at your own pace.

You should have a moderate level of physical fitness. The day includes getting on and off the boat, swimming, using water equipment, and spending many hours in a marine setting. The information does not say that the boat is designed for travelers with limited mobility, so ask the operator directly if that is an issue for anyone in your party.

Espalmador: Paddleboards and More Time in the Water

The trip then continues to S’Espalmador, a protected natural area between Ibiza and Formentera. You have about one hour and 50 minutes here, the longest water-focused stop of the day.

Two paddle surf boards are included. That is a useful feature for a private group because you can take turns rather than paying an extra rental fee at the beach. Paddleboarding works best when the water is calm, and the exact ease of use will depend on wind and sea conditions.

You can also snorkel again. The combination of swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding gives this stop more variety than a simple anchorage. One person can paddle while another swims, and anyone who prefers dry clothes can remain on deck.

Keep in mind that water activities can take more energy than they appear to from shore. Pace yourself early in the day, especially if you plan to swim at every stop. You will still have the Formentera beach visit and the return sail ahead.

Ses Illetes on Formentera

The main beach stop is Playa de Ses Illetes on Formentera. You have about two hours here, giving you the choice to remain on the boat, go ashore, eat lunch, or walk along the beach.

Ses Illetes is known for white sand and clear water. It is the kind of place where the setting does much of the work. You can take a slow walk, swim from shore, or simply enjoy the view without scheduling another activity every few minutes.

This is also the most important point to plan around food. You may disembark and eat on the island, or you can have lunch aboard while looking toward the beach. Lunch is not included in the tour price, and alcoholic drinks are also excluded.

The food policy deserves careful attention. One dissatisfied customer reported paying 65 euros for a ham platter that did not feel worthwhile. The operator replied that the group had requested a menu for seven people despite numbering 10, after being told the menu was priced per person. That exchange points to a simple rule: confirm the menu, price per person, and amount of food in writing before the day begins.

For many groups, bringing your own lunch is the safer value. It avoids an unexpected bill and lets you pack food that suits children, picky eaters, or different dietary needs. You can still enjoy the view from the boat while eating.

The Return to Cala Jondal

The return sail takes about one hour and 30 minutes. After a day of swimming and walking, this is a chance to rest on deck and watch the coast recede.

The tour description also highlights sunset views from the boat. The exact sunset experience will depend on the departure time and date, but the return leg is designed as a relaxed finish rather than another packed activity. If your schedule allows, keep your camera ready as the light changes over the water.

You finish back at Cala Jondal, where the tour began. Since the day lasts about eight hours, check your evening plans before booking. You may be ready for dinner, but you should not assume you will have much time for another major activity afterward.

What Is Included, and What You Still Need

The practical inclusions are solid for a private day on the water:

• Two paddle surf boards
• Snorkeling equipment
• Fuel surcharge
• Restroom on board
• Wi-Fi

The restroom is especially useful on an eight-hour trip. Wi-Fi can be handy, but the real value lies in the included fuel and water equipment, since both can add cost to boat outings.

You still need to handle lunch and drinks. Alcoholic beverages are not included, and the supplied details also state that lunch is not included, even though a catered meal may be available as an arrangement. Treat catering as an optional extra, not part of the $1,609.09 price.

Bring your own food if you want the clearest control over cost. Also bring water, sun protection, and clothes suitable for both swimming and sitting on deck. The exact boat layout and storage space are not specified, so avoid bringing more luggage than you need.

The Dog Aboard and the Private Atmosphere

A 10-year-old Border Collie lives on board and is described as very friendly. For many people, this adds warmth to the experience and gives the boat a more personal feel than a large commercial cruise.

It is still worth considering if anyone in your group has allergies, fear of dogs, or discomfort around animals. The information does not state the dog’s exact access to passenger areas, so ask Nomad Sailing Trips if that matters to you.

The operator is Nomad Sailing Trips. The experience is offered in English, and confirmation arrives at booking. Since the activity is private, only your own group participates, which is helpful if you want a relaxed day with family or friends.

Who Will Get the Most From This Trip?

I would choose this tour for a group of friends, a family gathering, or a special day where privacy matters. It suits people who want a mix of scenery and activity rather than a strict sightseeing program.

You will probably enjoy it most if you:

• Like swimming and snorkeling
• Want time on the water rather than quick beach visits
• Can fill most or all of the 10 available places
• Prefer a private boat to a shared excursion
• Are comfortable with a full eight-hour day
• Want the option to bring your own lunch

I would think twice if you are traveling as only two or three people and price is a major concern. I would also look elsewhere if your group wants a guided historical tour, extensive time exploring Ibiza’s towns, or a highly structured activity schedule. This is mainly a coastal and water experience.

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. For a private boat day, that policy offers useful protection, but you should still keep some flexibility in your holiday schedule.

Should You Book the Ibiza and Formentera Catamaran?

Book it if you can share the cost across a large group and want a private day built around swimming, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and beach time. The route covers some of the most appealing water settings around southern Ibiza and Formentera, and the private format gives you breathing room.

Before paying, confirm the lunch arrangements and avoid assuming that catering is included. For the best value, bring your own food, fill as many of the 10 spaces as possible, and treat the tour as a full day on the sea, not simply a boat transfer between beaches.

At full capacity, the price can be fair for eight hours, equipment, fuel, and exclusive use of the catamaran. With a small group, the cost is harder to justify. The 5 out of 5 rating and 99 percent recommendation show strong overall satisfaction, while the food complaint gives you the one practical warning worth taking seriously.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

It starts at Tropicana Eivissa in Cala Jondal, Cala Jundal, s/n, 07830 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Ibiza.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Cala Jondal.

How long is the sailing tour?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours.

How many people can join the private catamaran?

The private tour is available for a group of up to 10 people, and only your group participates.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included. You may bring your own food or arrange food separately, either on the boat or on Formentera.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and two paddle surf boards are included.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes. A restroom is available on board.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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