Formentera Day Trip from Ibiza on Private Luxury Catamaran

The best part of this private catamaran charter is the freedom to shape the day around your group. You sail from Ibiza to Formentera, anchor off Ses Illetes for swimming and paddle boarding, then continue to the quiet sands of Espalmador. I like the easygoing plan: two hours at each main stop, with time to stay on deck, play your own music, or go ashore for lunch.

I also like that the boat carries snorkel gear and paddle boards, so you do not need to arrange water sports separately. A possible drawback is the price: at $3,569.03 for up to 12 people, it makes the most sense for a full group. The booking is also non-refundable, so poor-weather plans deserve careful thought.

• Two island stops: Spend about two hours at Ses Illetes and two hours at Espalmador.
• A genuine private charter: Only your own group participates, with space for up to 12 people.
• Bring your soundtrack: Wi-Fi and Megaboom Bluetooth speakers let you play music from your phone.
• Water gear included: Snorkels and paddle boards are provided, with life jackets available on request.
• Flexible departure: Meet near Blue Marlin at Cala Jondal, or ask about leaving from family-friendly Es Xarcu.
• Captain-led service: Captain Constantin received special praise for finding clear water and taking plenty of photos.

A Private Boat Day From Ibiza

This is not a shared cruise with a fixed crowd and a loud guide trying to keep everyone on schedule. It is a private sailing day for your own group, with a captain at the helm and a catamaran as your floating base.

The advertised price is $3,569.03 per group, not per person. Split among 12 people, that comes to about $297.42 each. For six people, it is about $594.84 per person. That difference matters. A full group gets a strong value from the private boat, while a small party pays a much higher premium for space and privacy.

The boat is set up for a relaxed day rather than a formal sightseeing program. You can sit on deck, use the Bluetooth speaker system, open a drink you bring yourself, and watch Ibiza recede as you head toward Formentera. The catamaran gives you a comfortable place to return to between swims, instead of requiring you to spend the whole day on a beach.

The experience lasts about seven hours and starts at 10:00 a.m. That gives you a full daytime outing, with a return to the meeting point later in the day. The plan points you toward Cala Jondal and the Blue Marlin beach club, though Es Xarcu is also offered as a departure option. Confirm your exact meeting place before setting out, since the supplied meeting information names Es Xarcu while the route description begins near Blue Marlin.

Sailing Toward Formentera

The crossing is part of the appeal. You are not simply being dropped at a beach. You spend the morning on the water, with a captain handling the route while you settle into the catamaran.

The onboard setup is simple but useful. Wi-Fi is available, and the Megaboom Bluetooth speakers let your group choose the mood. Bring your own music if you want a personal soundtrack. This is a particularly useful feature for a private group, since you do not have to share the boat’s playlist with strangers.

Food and drinks are not included. You may bring your own supplies, which gives you control over cost and choice, or you can go ashore for lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants near Formentera’s beaches. The details do not promise a catered meal, stocked bar, or complimentary drinks, so plan on supplying those yourself.

The captain is also available to take pictures with your camera. That is a small but valuable touch. You can hand over the camera for group shots instead of asking another passenger or trying to fit everyone into a phone selfie.

Ses Illetes: Two Hours in Clear Water

The first scheduled stop is Playa de Ses Illetes, commonly called Ses Illetes. You have about two hours here, and admission to the beach stop is included.

This is the main water-play portion of the day. The clear water is suited to swimming, snorkeling, and paddle boarding. Snorkel equipment and paddle boards come with the charter, so you can move between activities without arranging extra rentals at the beach.

I would treat the two-hour stop as flexible time rather than a strict lesson or guided sports session. You can snorkel for a while, paddle near the boat, swim, or simply stay aboard and enjoy the view. Life jackets are available if requested, which is useful for anyone who is less comfortable in open water.

Ses Illetes also gives you the choice of going ashore. If your group wants a proper meal, waterfront restaurants are available. If lunch feels like too much interruption, remain on the catamaran with your own food and drinks and keep the day focused on the sea.

There is a tradeoff here. A popular beach and nearby restaurants can bring more activity than the private-boat setting suggests. Your charter gives you privacy on the catamaran, but it does not turn the entire beach into a private space. For a quieter feel, spend more of your time aboard or ask the captain where the water is clearest.

Espalmador: A Sandy Island Pause

After Ses Illetes, the route continues to S’Espalmador, an uninhabited sandy islet between Ibiza and Formentera. The stop lasts about two hours and is also included in the trip.

Espalmador changes the rhythm of the day. Ses Illetes is the main beach and water-sports stop, while Espalmador offers a more stripped-back island setting. There are no listed restaurants or facilities on the islet, so bring what you need back aboard, especially food, drinks, sun protection, and anything essential for the afternoon.

Because the islet is uninhabited, do not expect a developed shore visit. The point is the sand, the water, and the feeling of being away from the main resort areas. You can use the time to swim, relax, or enjoy the view from the boat.

The exact activities at Espalmador are not described in detail, so you should think of this as a scenic and swimming stop rather than a formally guided excursion. The captain can manage the boat and anchoring, but the day is built around personal choice, not a long list of narrated attractions.

What the Captain Adds

A private charter is only as good as the person running it. The available information gives a useful example in Captain Constantin, who was praised for being kind and helpful, choosing very blue water, and anchoring in a front-row position. One group of ten also received an upgrade to a larger boat with a six-meter sofa, which made the day more comfortable.

That upgrade is not listed as a standard inclusion, so do not book expecting it. Still, it shows why a private outing can feel different from a fixed group cruise. The captain may have room to respond to your group’s preferences, such as spending more time in a favorite swimming area or making the most of the boat’s seating.

The captain also takes pictures with your camera as often as you like. If you want a record of the group, ask early and keep your camera ready. This service is especially handy when everyone wants to be in the frame.

The captain is not described as a dedicated history guide, and the trip does not promise a formal commentary program. Choose it for the boat time, beaches, water, and privacy rather than for a museum-style lesson about Ibiza or Formentera.

Timing, Meeting Points, and Physical Demands

The scheduled start is 10:00 a.m., and the tour ends back at the meeting point after roughly seven hours. The main meeting information lists Es Xarcu restaurant at Cala Es Xarco in Sant Josep de sa Talaia. The route description also places the usual meeting near the pier by Blue Marlin beach club at Cala Jondal and says Es Xarcu can be used for a family-friendly departure.

That difference is worth clearing up before the day. Check the confirmed departure point and allow enough time to reach it. The information says the area is near public transportation, but it does not provide a transfer from Ibiza Town, the airport, or your hotel.

You should have a moderate level of physical fitness. This is a water-based day with boarding, moving around the boat, swimming, and possibly using a paddle board. Life jackets can be requested, which helps, but the activity still requires you to manage a full day around a boat and beach stops.

A current valid passport is required on the day. Keep it with you, even though the route remains around Ibiza and Formentera. Confirmation is provided when you book, and the ticket is mobile, so you can use it on your phone.

Is the $3,569 Price Worth It?

The price is high in absolute terms, but the calculation changes with group size. For 12 people, the cost is about $297 per person for seven hours of private use. For ten people, it is about $356.90 each. For four people, it rises to roughly $892.26 each.

That makes the charter best for a large family group, a group of friends, or a special occasion where privacy matters. You are paying for the entire boat, a captain, route planning, equipment, and the ability to keep your own group together. You are not paying for lunch, drinks, or a hotel transfer.

The included equipment adds real value. Renting paddle boards and snorkel gear separately can take time and add cost, while this charter puts both on board. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speakers are useful extras, though they matter less if your main goal is quiet swimming and sun.

I would not recommend this price to a couple or a small group unless a private catamaran is the central purpose of the holiday. A shared boat or a less expensive sailing trip may offer better value for two or three people. For a group close to the 12-person limit, the price becomes easier to justify.

Who Will Enjoy This Most?

This outing fits a group that wants control. You can decide how much time to spend in the water, how much music to play, and whether to eat aboard or go ashore. Families may appreciate the private setting and the option to request life jackets, while friends may make good use of the speakers, spacious deck, and paddle boards.

It also suits people who want to celebrate without renting a full villa or arranging a string of separate beach activities. The six-meter sofa upgrade received by one group suggests that seating can make a noticeable difference, but again, that was an upgrade and not a guaranteed part of every booking.

The trip is less suitable if you want a tightly guided cultural tour, a guaranteed lunch, or a fully inclusive package with drinks and transfers. It also demands caution from anyone who dislikes open-water activities or has difficulty moving around a boat.

The 99 percent recommendation rate and five-star rating from 177 submitted ratings point to a strong record, with particular praise for the captain, clear anchoring spots, and the private boat setup. Still, a high rating cannot remove the practical concerns: the price, weather dependence, and strict cancellation terms.

Weather and Cancellation Matter

This experience requires good weather. If poor conditions force cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That is helpful protection when the operator cancels, but the normal booking terms are strict: the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason if you cancel or request an amendment.

I would avoid booking this too far ahead if your plans are uncertain, especially given the cost. If you do book, keep your group’s schedule clear and watch the forecast as the date approaches. A weather issue may be handled by the operator, but a personal change of plans will not produce a refund.

The Final Call

Book this private catamaran if you have a large group and want a full day built around Formentera’s water, beaches, and unhurried sailing. The strongest reasons are the private setting, included paddle boards and snorkel gear, flexible time at Ses Illetes and Espalmador, and the captain’s reported care in choosing clear anchoring spots.

Think twice if your party is small, your budget is tight, or you need food, drinks, and transportation included. For the right group, especially close to 12 people, this is a polished and flexible way to see Formentera from the water. For everyone else, the cost may outweigh the comfort and privacy.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran trip last?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours.

What time does the trip start?

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

Where does the trip depart from?

The meeting information lists Es Xarcu restaurant at Cala Es Xarco. The route description also refers to meeting at a pier by Blue Marlin beach club in Cala Jondal and says departure from Es Xarcu is possible. Confirm the exact departure point when booking.

Where does the trip end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How many people can join the private charter?

The private catamaran is available for a group of up to 12 people.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddle boards included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and paddle boarding are included.

Are life jackets provided?

Life jackets are available if requested.

Can I bring food and drinks?

Yes. You may bring your own food and drinks, or you can go ashore for lunch at a waterfront restaurant. Food and drinks are not included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered a different date or a full refund.