Sail to Formentera with Catamaran Cruise Tour

The best Ibiza day may be offshore. This 8-hour catamaran trip trades the island’s party scene for clear water, small-island beaches, and a relaxed route toward Formentera. I especially like the small group of up to 12 people and the generous time built into each stop. Skipper Toni also earns strong praise for his humor, safety, and clear explanations.

The main catch is food. Lunch at a beach restaurant is not included, and prices there can feel high, so bring your own meal if you want to control costs. Towels are not provided either.

Key points at a glance

• Three water-focused stops: Swim, snorkel, paddle surf, walk, or simply stay aboard at Espalmador, Ses Illetes, and northern Formentera.
• A small catamaran group: The boat carries a maximum of 12 people, which helps keep the day friendly without feeling crowded.
• Toni is a major part of the appeal: His relaxed humor, safety-minded approach, and practical suggestions receive repeated praise.
• Lunch is flexible but not included: Eat at a beach restaurant or bring your own food for the boat. A mini fridge is available.
• Plan for a full day: The tour runs from 10:00 a.m. for about eight hours, with roughly three hours of sailing time.
• Bring a towel and sun protection: Snorkeling gear and bottled water are included, but towels are not.

A full day from Ibiza to Formentera

At $144.49 per person, this is not a bargain boat ride, but it is more than a simple cruise along the coast. You get about eight hours on the water, transport between several prized beaches, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and a small group capped at 12 people.

I see the price as reasonable if you want an easy day of island hopping without arranging several ferries, taxis, beach stops, and water activities yourself. It is less attractive if you mainly want a quick sail or plan to spend most of the day sitting on the boat.

The meeting point is in the south of Ibiza, at Diseminado Poligono 32, 11055, 07839, Illes Balears. The start time is 10:00 a.m., and the boat returns to the same place. Check the exact pickup details carefully before setting out, since the meeting point matters more than the broad label of Ibiza.

The day begins with a short briefing before sailing toward Formentera waters. The full route includes about an hour and a half of sailing at the beginning, another hour and a half on the return, and several hours spent at beaches and swimming areas. That balance is important. You get the pleasure of being on the sea without losing the whole day to transit.

Sailing south with Toni at the helm

Skipper Toni is one of the clearest strengths of this outing. Several comments praise his friendly manner, humor, professionalism, and ability to explain what is happening. That can make a real difference on a boat day, especially if you are nervous around sailing or have children with you.

The tone sounds informal but well managed. Toni gives suggestions at each stop, helps you understand what you can do there, and does not pressure you into leaving the boat. One particularly useful detail is that you can stay aboard if you would rather not take part in a swim or shore visit.

That flexibility suits mixed groups. One person can snorkel, another can paddle surf, and someone else can stretch out on deck with a book or take a nap. Families with children around the ages of nine and twelve have found the outing suitable, and the boat’s size helps prevent the usual packed-excursion feeling.

The group limit of 12 is worth noting. It does not make the boat private, but it gives the day a more personal feel than a large party cruise. The boat has enough room that a full group need not feel cramped, though comfort will still depend on how many people choose to remain on deck at once.

Espalmador, the quiet first island stop

After the opening sail, the catamaran reaches S’Espalmador for about an hour and a half. This small island sits between Ibiza and Formentera and is accessible only by boat, according to the tour details. That limited access gives the stop a more remote feel than a beach beside a road or town.

You can walk on the island, swim, snorkel, or use a paddle surfboard. The stop is long enough to choose your own pace rather than rush from one activity to another. If you like the freedom to move around, this is likely one of the best parts of the day.

The supplied snorkeling equipment is useful here, since you do not need to arrange your own mask and gear. Still, bring a towel, as towels are specifically excluded. Bottled water is included, but you should also think about sun protection for a long day around reflective water.

S’Espalmador is not presented as a fully serviced beach stop. I would treat it as a natural break rather than a place to shop, eat, or find a full range of facilities. Pack anything you need for the morning, and keep your belongings organized on the boat.

Platja de Ses Illetes and the lunch decision

The next major stop is Platja de Ses Illetes, reached after sailing on from S’Espalmador. The beach is promoted as one of the 10 best beaches in the world, and the tour gives you about two and a half hours in the area. That is the longest stop, which makes sense because it combines beach time with lunch.

The water and beaches are the main attraction. You can swim, relax, and enjoy the setting before eating at one of the beach restaurants. Food is not included in the tour price, and one comment specifically notes that the restaurant meal can be expensive, although worthwhile.

I recommend bringing your own lunch if you want a simpler and cheaper day. You can eat onboard, and a mini fridge is available for keeping drinks and food cold. This option also helps if you prefer a particular diet, need food at a certain time, or do not want to spend part of the stop waiting for a restaurant meal.

The tradeoff is atmosphere. Eating at the beach restaurant gives you the pleasure of having lunch beside Ses Illetes, while bringing food aboard gives you control over cost and timing. Neither choice is presented as mandatory, so you can decide based on your budget.

Do not confuse the included bottled water with a full drinks package. The information confirms water, but not lunch, dinner, or other meals. Since the excursion begins at 10:00 a.m. and lasts until late afternoon, bring enough food for the day unless you plan to buy lunch.

Northern Formentera for a slower final stop

After lunch, the boat sails to a narrow beach in the north of Formentera. This stop lasts about one hour. You can visit the beach, paddle surf, or stay on the boat and take a nap.

The shorter time makes this stop feel less like a major beach visit and more like a calm final pause before the return trip. If you have spent the morning swimming and walking, that slower rhythm may be welcome. If you want a long stretch of sand time, you may find one hour brief.

This is also where the trip’s flexible structure works well. You do not need to treat every stop as an organized activity. The outing allows you to choose between swimming, snorkeling, paddle surfing, walking, and resting. I like that the plan leaves room for people who enjoy the sea at different speeds.

The return sail to Ibiza takes about an hour and a half. You finish at the same meeting point, so arrange your onward transport with that location in mind. One useful practical warning is that taxis can be difficult to find on the return, and a wait of around 20 minutes has occurred. In warm weather, waiting in a taxi queue can be uncomfortable, so do not schedule a tight connection.

What is included, and what should you pack?

The included items are simple:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Bottled water
• Use of the catamaran for the full route
• The planned stops at S’Espalmador, Ses Illetes, and northern Formentera

You need to bring or arrange the following:

• Lunch, unless you plan to eat at a beach restaurant
• Towels
• Any extra drinks or snacks you want beyond the supplied water
• Sun protection and suitable swimwear

The tour details do not list dinner as included, although the daytime schedule means dinner is not really the issue. Think of this as a long day on the sea with a lunch stop, not a catered sailing trip.

The boat’s mini fridge is a helpful detail for your own food and drinks. Keep your packing compact, since 12 people may be sharing storage and deck space. A small day bag is more practical than a large suitcase.

Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but the available information does not describe special access arrangements for every part of the boat or beach stops. If you have specific mobility needs, confirm them before booking.

Who will enjoy this boat day most?

I would choose this excursion if you want to see Formentera’s beaches without spending the day planning ferry connections and local transport. It suits couples, families, and small groups of friends who want a social but not oversized boat outing.

It is especially good for people who prefer a relaxed day to Ibiza’s nightlife. One person described it as a strong choice if the party scene is not your style. That is a useful way to think about it: the tour swaps clubs and late nights for swimming, island views, and a few hours of open-air time.

Families may appreciate the range of choices. Children can swim or paddle surf, while adults can stay aboard or relax between stops. The comments also suggest that Toni’s calm approach helps people who are new to sailing.

I would be more cautious if you dislike sun, salt water, or long periods of transit. The itinerary includes roughly three hours of sailing, and the day depends heavily on weather. If you want a guided walking tour, historic sites, or a structured meal, this is not the right fit.

Value at $144.49 per person

The cost makes more sense when you consider what is bundled together: the boat, skipper, several island and beach stops, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and eight hours of access to the route. You are also paying for the convenience of reaching places that are not practical to combine independently in one day.

Still, $144.49 does not cover everything. You may add lunch at Ses Illetes, and restaurant prices can be high. You also need to bring a towel and handle transport to and from the meeting point.

For the best value, bring your own lunch and use the included snorkeling equipment. If you already planned to rent a boat or pay for several separate water activities, this tour may compare well. If you only want a short scenic sail, it may feel expensive.

The high rating of 4.8 from 11 ratings and a 91 percent recommendation figure suggest a strong overall response, but the sample is small. The praise focuses heavily on Toni, the scenery, the well-spaced stops, and the relaxed group size. One three-star account also raises a concern about food expectations and the skipper’s conduct. The operator responded by clarifying that lunch is not included and that guests may bring food onboard.

That means you should set clear expectations before booking. This is a skipper-led boat day, not a fully catered luxury charter. The value improves when you want swimming and beach time more than included meals.

Weather, cancellation, and booking timing

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. It also requires a minimum number of participants, so a cancellation for that reason brings the same choice of another date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

The activity is booked an average of 17 days ahead, so I would not leave it until the last minute if this is an important part of your Ibiza plans. A mobile ticket is provided, which keeps the check-in process straightforward.

Should you book the Formentera catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a full, easygoing day on the water with several beautiful stops, a small group, and a skipper who adds warmth and structure. The best parts are the time at S’Espalmador and Ses Illetes, the flexibility to swim or stay aboard, and the chance to see northern Formentera without arranging the route yourself.

Bring your own lunch if restaurant prices concern you, and pack a towel. Keep extra time for the return taxi, and do not book this expecting a catered cruise or a quiet private charter.

For an active beach day with a friendly skipper, the $144.49 price is fair. For a quick boat ride or a meal-inclusive tour, choose something else.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

It starts at Diseminado Poligono 32, 11055, 07839, Illes Balears, Spain, in the south of Ibiza.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours.

What islands and beaches does the boat visit?

The route includes S’Espalmador, Platja de Ses Illetes, and a narrow beach in the north of Formentera before returning to Ibiza.

Is lunch included?

No. You can eat at a beach restaurant at Ses Illetes or bring your own food and eat onboard. Dinner is also not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and bottled water are included.

Are towels provided?

No. You need to bring your own towel.

How many people can join the tour?

The boat accepts a maximum of 12 participants.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.