Unforgettable Catamaran Experience in Formentera – LAGOON 400

The best part of this private Lagoon 400 catamaran trip is that the crossing itself becomes part of the day. When the wind cooperates, the crew unfurls the sails for a quiet 1-hour-45-minute run from Cala Jondal toward Formentera, with nothing but open water, sun, and the steady motion of the boat.

I like the freedom of having your own group aboard, plus the practical extras: snorkeling gear, a SUP board, fuel, WiFi, and a restroom. I also like the stops, especially the clear shallows of S’Espalmador and the red cliffs of Cala Saona. The main consideration is lunch. It is not included, so you must either pay for a meal at a waterfront restaurant, bring arrangements through the catering option, or sort out food before sailing.

Key points to know before booking

• Sails when the wind allows: The trip can include a genuine sailing passage, not only engine-powered cruising.
• Three Formentera stops: Swim at S’Espalmador, spend midday near Ses Illetes, and finish with Cala Saona.
• Private for up to 11 people: The $1,309.05 group price makes the most sense when shared by a larger party.
• Water gear is included: Snorkeling equipment and a SUP are available, along with fuel and a restroom.
• Captain Juan earns strong praise: His careful, friendly approach has made a clear impression on people celebrating special occasions.
• Lunch costs extra: You can eat ashore at selected restaurants or arrange catering to stay on the boat.

A full day from Cala Jondal to Formentera

This is an eight-hour private boat day built around water time, not sightseeing from a distance. You meet at Tropicana Eivissa in Cala Jondal, on the southwest side of Ibiza, then return to the same point at the end.

The route covers roughly three hours and 15 minutes of navigation, with the rest of the day spent anchored near beaches and coves. That balance matters. You are not simply paying for a long transfer to Formentera. You are paying for the boat, the stops, the gear, and the ability to set your own pace with your own group.

The Lagoon 400 has room for up to 11 people. The group limit is generous for a family or several friends, though the boat will feel more relaxed with fewer people aboard. At the full capacity, the price works out to about $119 per person before lunch. For two or three people, it becomes a much more expensive day, but you are also buying privacy rather than a seat on a shared excursion.

Leaving Cala Jondal under sail

The morning begins at Platja des Jondal, better known as Cala Jondal. After a welcome and safety talk, you can settle on the bow, take an early swim, or simply watch Ibiza recede behind you.

The crossing to Formentera takes about one hour and 45 minutes. When conditions permit, the crew raises the sails. This is the feature I would value most if you want the day to feel like sailing rather than a standard motorboat outing. The pace slows, the engine noise may give way to wind and water, and the journey feels less like transport and more like part of the holiday.

Weather controls this part of the plan. Sailing cannot be promised every day, so keep your expectations sensible. Even without full sail, the passage gives you open sea views and time to settle into the boat before the first anchorage.

Captain Juan has been singled out for being meticulous, friendly, and attentive to detail. That is useful on a private day at sea, where small choices about timing, safety, and comfort shape the whole outing. The welcome and safety briefing should not be treated as a formality. Listen closely, especially if your group includes children or anyone new to sailing.

S’Espalmador, clear water and quiet shores

The first Formentera stop is S’Espalmador, a protected island reached by boat. Its pale sand and exceptionally clear water give it a Caribbean feel, but the appeal here is its quiet, natural character.

You can swim, use the snorkeling equipment, or remain aboard and enjoy the view. The crew also shares details about the island and its surroundings, adding a little context to what might otherwise be just a pretty anchorage.

S’Espalmador is a good first stop because it gets you into the water early. You have time to shake off the crossing, test the temperature, and get comfortable with the snorkeling gear or SUP before the longer midday stop.

The tradeoff is simple: this is a natural stop, not a developed beach club. If you want restaurants, shops, or a long walk through town, this is not that kind of place. You come here for clear water, pale sand, and a feeling of being away from the main resort areas.

Ses Illetes at midday

Next comes Playa de Ses Illetes, one of Formentera’s best-known beaches. The setting is the classic island scene: white sand, bright turquoise water, and a broad place to swim, snorkel, paddle, or go ashore for a walk.

The two-hour stop gives you enough time to do more than take a quick swim. You can use the SUP, explore in the water, or stay on deck and enjoy the view while lunch is arranged. If you want a beach walk, tell the crew how you would like to divide your time. A boat day can pass quickly when every stop looks tempting.

Lunch is the one part that requires planning. You can go ashore to eat at a waterfront restaurant such as It’s Molí de Sal, Juan & Andrea, Can Carlitos, Kiss Beach, or The Shark. These are positioned as special-occasion choices, so expect lunch to add to the cost of the day.

The easier option is to stay aboard and arrange the catering choice. That keeps your group together and avoids spending part of the stop getting to and from a restaurant. It also lets you keep swimming and enjoying the boat, though you give up the experience of eating on the beach.

Meals are not included in the $1,309.05 price. Ask about catering before the day rather than assuming food will appear on board. If you plan to eat ashore, allow enough time for everyone in your group to decide and return to the boat.

Cala Saona and the red cliffs

Cala Saona is the final Formentera stop. It is smaller than Ses Illetes and has a different mood, with reddish cliffs around a clear cove.

This is a strong place for a last swim because the setting changes again. You have already seen pale sand and open beach. Here, the cliffs frame the water and give the cove a more sheltered feel. Weather permitting, you can explore by swimming or paddle toward the area’s caves and other features.

The official timing allows about 90 minutes, which is enough for a swim and photos without making the return to Ibiza feel rushed. If your group wants to spend most of the day in the water, this is another place where you may need to choose between exploring and simply floating.

Cala Saona also works well as the final stop because it gives the day a clear ending before the crossing home. You can take one last swim, dry off on deck, and let the boat carry you back toward Cala Jondal.

The return crossing to Ibiza

The journey back takes about one hour and 30 minutes. The return is not just a short ride after the main event. It gives you more open-water views and a quieter stretch to talk, rest, or watch the light change.

If time allows, the boat may make a final stop at Cala Jondal for another swim. That depends on the day’s timing and conditions, so regard it as a welcome possibility rather than a guaranteed stop.

By the time you return to the meeting point, you have had a full day on the water. The private format makes this more comfortable than a fixed group boat, since your party can settle into its own rhythm. Still, eight hours is a long outing. Anyone who prefers short activities, firm land underfoot, or a schedule with frequent town visits may find the day too focused on the sea.

What the price includes, and what it does not

The group price is $1,309.05 for up to 11 people. At maximum capacity, that is about $119 per person, which is fair for a private catamaran day with fuel included and no surprise fuel charge at the end.

You also get:

• Snorkeling equipment
• A SUP board
• Restroom on board
• WiFi on board
• All fees and taxes
• Fuel

That package makes the price easier to justify for a birthday, family outing, or group of friends. You are not paying separate rental charges for the main water equipment, and you do not have to compare fuel prices after the trip.

The value drops for a very small party. Two people would be paying more than $650 each before food, while a group of 10 or 11 shares the cost much more comfortably. I would book this for a group that wants privacy and a full day on the water, not for a couple seeking the cheapest way to reach Formentera.

Lunch is separate. Restaurant meals, drinks, or catering can change the final budget considerably, especially at the more exclusive waterfront options. Build that into your planning from the start.

Who will enjoy this private boat day

This trip suits people who want a special day rather than a basic beach transfer. It works particularly well for:

• Families or friend groups sharing a private price
• Birthday celebrations and other personal occasions
• Swimmers who want several water stops
• People who enjoy sailing when conditions permit
• Visitors who prefer a flexible private setting
• Anyone who wants snorkeling and SUP without arranging separate rentals

The strong praise for Captain Juan focuses on two things: a friendly manner and careful attention to detail. Those qualities matter most on a celebration day, when you want the crew to keep the outing relaxed while still handling the practical side of being at sea.

You should think twice if your group has little interest in swimming, paddling, or sitting on a boat for long stretches. The stops are beautiful, but the core of the day is water, sun, wind, and open views. It is not a guided history tour or a food-focused excursion.

Practical details before you go

The meeting point is Tropicana Eivissa Cala Jondal, Cala Jundal, s/n, 07830 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Ibiza. The activity ends back at this same meeting point.

The listed operating hours vary by month in 2026. For May, the hours shown are 10:00 a.m. to noon. For June, they are 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For July, they are 10:00 a.m. to noon. Treat these as the available operating window and confirm your exact departure time when booking.

A mobile ticket is provided, and the experience is offered in English. Confirmation normally arrives at booking, though reservations made within one day of departure are confirmed as soon as possible and depend on availability.

Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Most people can take part. Since this is a private activity, only your group participates.

I would bring sun protection, swimwear, a towel, and any personal food or drink you need, while checking what the catering option provides. The boat has a restroom, but a full day at sea is easier when you arrive prepared.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund, with cut-off times based on local time.

Should you book the Lagoon 400?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a full private day built around swimming, sailing, and Formentera’s best-known coastal spots. The route gives you variety: S’Espalmador for quiet clear water, Ses Illetes for a longer midday stop, and Cala Saona for cliffs, caves, and a final swim.

I would be especially comfortable recommending it for a birthday or group celebration, where Captain Juan’s careful and friendly style could make a real difference. Just settle the lunch plan early and remember that sailing depends on the wind.

For a small party on a tight budget, the price may be hard to defend. For a group of friends or family who will use the boat, gear, and privacy all day, this is a strong way to experience Formentera without being packed into a shared excursion.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip start?

It starts at Tropicana Eivissa Cala Jondal, Cala Jundal, s/n, 07830 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Illes Balears, Spain.

Where does the activity finish?

The activity finishes back at the Cala Jondal meeting point.

How long is the experience?

The trip lasts approximately eight hours.

How many people can join the private catamaran?

The private group can include up to 11 people.

What places in Formentera does the route visit?

The route includes S’Espalmador, Playa de Ses Illetes, and Cala Saona.

Is sailing guaranteed?

No. The crew unfurls the sails whenever wind conditions permit.

Is lunch included?

No. Meals are not included. You can eat at a waterfront restaurant or ask about the catering option.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

Is a paddleboard available?

Yes. A SUP board is included for use during the trip.

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.