Formentera Catamaran Trip with Water Sports, Paella & Open bar

Formentera is the real prize. This nine-hour catamaran trip gives you a taste of the Balearic Islands from several angles: a swim stop at Cala Saona, paddle surfing and snorkeling, a freshly cooked paella lunch, free time on Formentera, and a calm ride back to Ibiza. I especially like the mix of organized fun and free time, plus the small maximum group of 38 people.

I also like the friendly service associated with the crew, especially Fabio, Rocco, and Alessandro, who are praised for being helpful and professional. The main consideration is the long day and the limited time on Formentera itself. If you want to see the island in detail, four hours can feel short, particularly if you spend part of that time arranging a scooter or bike.

Key points to know before booking

• Cala Saona is the first major stop: You get time for swimming, snorkeling, and paddle surfing in clear water before lunch.
• Paella is cooked on board: The live cooking show adds a social touch, with a vegetarian version available if requested.
• The open bar runs during the day: Wine, beer, cava, prosecco, soft drinks, and fresh seasonal fruit are included.
• Formentera time is independent: At La Savina Port, you can arrange a scooter or bike, then choose beaches, villages, or island viewpoints.
• The boat holds no more than 38 people: That is a much friendlier scale than a large ferry or packed party boat.
• The price works best for two people: At $204.50 per group of up to two, the cost comes to about $102.25 per person before any optional scooter or bike rental.

Starting at Figueretas Port at 10:45

Your day begins at the Japanese and Thai Restaurant YOKUBO, beneath Hotel Ibiza Playa on Paseo de ses Pituses in Figueretas. The listed start time is 10:45 am, and the activity returns to this same meeting point at the end of the day.

I would arrive early enough to find the meeting point without rushing. The location is near public transportation, but the details provided do not include a hotel pickup service. Bring your mobile ticket, since the booking includes mobile ticket access and confirmation is issued when you book.

The outing is adults only. Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The group maximum of 38 is worth noting: this is not a private charter, but it should feel more personal than a large excursion boat carrying a much bigger crowd.

Once on board, you sail toward Formentera with soft ambient music and views across the Mediterranean. The tone sounds more relaxed than party-focused, which suits couples and friends who want music and drinks without spending the entire day in a noisy club atmosphere.

Cala Saona: your first swim in clear water

The first stop is Cala Saona, where the catamaran anchors for about four hours. This is the active part of the day, but you can also simply stay on deck, enjoy the sun, and watch the water.

You can swim, snorkel, or use the paddle surf boards. Several people singled out jumping from the boat and using the SUP boards as highlights, so this is likely where the excursion feels most playful. The water is described as crystal clear, making Cala Saona a good setting for a first swim and a chance to see the coast from the water.

I like this stop because it gives the day a proper sense of place. You are not just being transported to Formentera. You get time to use the sea, which is the main reason to book a catamaran trip in the first place.

Still, keep the practical side in mind. Water activities are optional, and the schedule is shared with the whole boat. If you prefer long, quiet swims or want a secluded beach experience, an organized sailing day may feel more structured than you want.

Paella lunch with an open bar

Food is a central part of the outing. A live paella cooking show takes place on board, and a vegetarian option can be arranged if you request it. The cooking itself gives the meal more character than a prepacked lunch, and the dish has received especially warm praise.

The open bar includes wine, beer, cava, prosecco, soft drinks, and fresh seasonal fruit during the day. That makes the price easier to judge, since drinks can quickly add up on a full-day boat trip. You are paying for a meal, drinks, use of the boat, water activities, and transport between Ibiza and Formentera.

I would treat the bar as a convenience, not the whole point of the day. The setting, food, and company work best when you use the drinks as part of a long lunch or a quiet hour on deck. Anyone looking for a heavy party cruise should note the emphasis on soft music and relaxation.

If you need vegetarian food, make the request before the trip rather than assuming it will be arranged at the last moment. The information confirms a vegetarian paella option is available on request, but it does not specify other dietary choices.

Four hours to explore Formentera

After Cala Saona, the catamaran reaches La Savina Port on Formentera. You then have about four hours to explore independently, with the option of getting help from the crew to rent a scooter or bike.

This is the most flexible section of the day. You can visit Ses Illetes, spend time in Es Pujols, or head toward the Mirador de la Mola for broad views over the island’s cliffs and sea. The choices are appealing, but they are spread across different parts of Formentera, so your transport decision matters.

Ses Illetes is the obvious choice if you want an outstanding beach. Es Pujols is better if you prefer shops and cafes. The Mirador de la Mola suits you if views and the island’s rougher coastal scenery matter more than swimming.

A scooter or bike can help you cover more ground, and the crew can assist with the rental. It is optional, not required. I would not arrange transport simply because you feel you should. If your priority is a relaxed afternoon, choose one nearby area and enjoy it instead of trying to check off every suggested stop.

The four-hour window is generous enough for one main area and some wandering. It is less generous if you want Ses Illetes, Es Pujols, and La Mola all in one visit. You also need to allow time to return to La Savina Port, so keep an eye on the departure instructions.

This independent portion is a strong feature for confident visitors who enjoy making their own choices. It is less ideal if you want a guide explaining every place or a carefully planned island tour. You receive freedom, but also responsibility for your timing.

The return through Figueretas and Playa d’en Bossa

The return trip takes about an hour. As the sun begins to lower, you reboard the catamaran and sail back toward Ibiza with relaxing music and views of the Mediterranean.

The boat makes stops at Playa d’en Bossa and Figueretas before returning to the original meeting point. That final hour sounds deliberately calm. After swimming, eating, walking, and perhaps riding around Formentera, you can sit back rather than face another organized activity.

I like the way the return ride completes the day without trying to force one last attraction. Take photos, enjoy the open water, and let the boat do the work. If you want sunset views, the timing may offer attractive light, though the exact sunset conditions will depend on the date and weather.

The return stops may be useful if you are staying near those areas, but the activity ends back at its listed meeting point. Check your plans before booking dinner or another timed activity, since the full outing lasts about nine hours.

What the boat atmosphere is like

The catamaran carries a maximum of 38 people. That number gives the trip a social feel, but it is still small enough to avoid the scale of a major ferry excursion.

The boat has an upper area where you can sunbathe while underway. This was specifically appreciated by people who found the ride comfortable and relaxing. If you want shade, quiet, or a place to sit away from the sun, check the available seating when you board, since the information does not give a detailed layout.

The mood seems friendly and international. One useful detail from the feedback is that people made new friends from different parts of the world during the outing. That will appeal to you if you enjoy casual conversation and a shared day at sea. If you prefer total privacy, a private boat would be a better match.

The named crew members Fabio, Rocco, and Alessandro receive repeated praise for being nice, reliable, and professional. That matters on a day involving water activities, food, drinks, timing, and an island transfer. Helpful staff can make the difference between a smooth outing and a confusing one.

Is $204.50 a good price?

The listed price is $204.50 per group of up to two people. For two, that works out to about $102.25 each. The value is strongest when both people take part in the full package.

You receive roughly nine hours on the water, transport from Ibiza to Formentera and back, the Cala Saona stop, paddle surf and snorkeling opportunities, paella, an open bar, fresh fruit, and free time on Formentera. You are also getting the convenience of a single booking instead of arranging separate transport, lunch, and water activities.

The optional scooter or bike rental is not included in the listed price. Factor that in if you want to cross the island rather than stay near La Savina. Any purchases in Es Pujols or elsewhere are also separate.

Compared with a basic ferry crossing, this offers much more. You get a full day of activities and food rather than only transport. Compared with a private charter, it is far less expensive, but you give up control over the schedule and share the boat with other people.

For a couple, the price is easier to justify because the booking covers two people. For one person, the group price structure may feel less attractive unless you value the included food, drinks, and activities highly.

Who should book this Formentera day trip?

I would recommend this experience to couples, friends, and adults who want several parts of Ibiza and Formentera in one day. It suits you if you like swimming, casual water sports, a prepared lunch, and some freedom to explore without planning every detail yourself.

It is also a good fit if you want a social setting but not a huge boat. The 38-person limit, ambient music, and friendly crew create a more relaxed feel than a large party cruise.

Families with children should note the adults-only rule. This is not the right choice if you are traveling with younger children, even though most adults can participate.

You should think twice if your main aim is serious snorkeling, a long beach day, or a detailed island tour. The water activities are included as part of a larger schedule, and your Formentera time is limited to about four hours. The trip works best as a broad sampler, not as a complete study of the island.

Booking and cancellation details

The experience is often booked about 23 days ahead, so I would not leave it until the last moment if your Ibiza dates are fixed. Confirmation arrives at booking, and you can use a mobile ticket.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. A cancellation inside that 24-hour window is not refundable, and changes made within that period are not accepted.

Because this is a sea outing, I would also leave room in your schedule around the nine-hour duration. The exact feel of the day will depend on the weather and sea conditions, but the published plan includes all three stops and a return to Figueretas.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran trip if you want a well-rounded day from Ibiza to Formentera with food, drinks, water sports, and independent island time included in one plan. The strongest reasons are the excellent crew, the small maximum group, the fresh paella, and the chance to combine Cala Saona with Formentera rather than choosing only one.

Skip it if you want a private sailing experience, a child-friendly outing, or enough time to explore every corner of Formentera. For most adults who want an easy, sociable day on the Mediterranean, the price offers solid value, especially when shared by two people.

FAQ

Where does the Formentera catamaran trip start?

It starts at the Japanese and Thai Restaurant YOKUBO, beneath Hotel Ibiza Playa on Paseo de ses Pituses in Figueretas, Ibiza.

What time does the activity begin?

The listed start time is 10:45 am.

How long does the experience last?

The full activity lasts approximately nine hours.

Where does the tour end?

It ends back at the original meeting point in Figueretas.

Is the trip suitable for children?

No. The activity is listed as adults only.

Is food included?

Yes. Paella is prepared on board, and a vegetarian option is available on request. Fresh seasonal fruit is also served during the day.

What does the open bar include?

The open bar includes wine, beer, cava, prosecco, and soft drinks.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.