Sail to Formentera with Catamaran Cruise Tour

Blue water, quiet beaches, and a full day afloat. This catamaran trip gives you a relaxed way to see the islands between Ibiza and Formentera, with stops for swimming, snorkeling, paddle surfing, beach walks, and lunch. I especially like the small 12-person limit and the chance to visit S’Espalmador, an island reached only by boat. Skipper Toni also gets repeated praise for being funny, careful, and helpful.

The main catch is that food is not included, and the lunch stop can be costly if you eat at the beach restaurant. You can bring your own food and eat onboard, but you will need to pack towels as well. The trip earns a 4.8 rating from 11 reviews, with 91 percent recommending it.

Key points at a glance

• S’Espalmador is the special stop: Walk on a quiet island, swim, snorkel, or paddle surf in an area accessible only by boat.
• The group is capped at 12 people: The catamaran feels personal without requiring a private charter.
• Toni is a major part of the experience: He is praised for clear explanations, good humor, safety, and knowing where to stop.
• Ses Illetes provides the big beach moment: You get about two and a half hours near one of the world’s best-known beaches.
• Bring lunch or budget for the restaurant: Food is not included, and one passenger found the beach restaurant expensive.
• Plan your return transport: A taxi queue can be slow and hot after the boat reaches Ibiza, so allow extra time.

Why this catamaran trip works so well

I like this outing because it is more than a boat ride across open water. The route links several different settings in one day: the open sea between Ibiza and Formentera, the lonely shore of S’Espalmador, the famous sands of Ses Illetes, and a narrower beach on northern Formentera.

That variety matters. You are not spending eight hours anchored in one place, but you are also not rushing from one photo stop to the next. The planned stops range from one hour to two and a half hours, giving you time to swim, walk, eat, or simply stay onboard.

The small group size is another strong point. With a maximum of 12 people, you get the social feel of a shared excursion without the packed-deck atmosphere of a large party boat. One family with children aged 9 and 12 found the catamaran spacious even when all 12 places were filled.

The mood also seems flexible. You can jump into the water, try the available paddle surf equipment, or remain on the boat with a book and a nap. That makes the trip suitable for mixed groups, especially when some people want activity and others want a quiet day in the sun.

Starting in southern Ibiza at 10 a.m.

The meeting point is in southern Ibiza, at Diseminado Poligono 32, 11055, 07839, Illes Balears, Spain. The trip starts at 10 a.m. and ends at the same place after roughly eight hours.

A short briefing comes first. This is useful if you are new to sailing or feel unsure about getting on a catamaran. The available information does not promise a formal safety talk of a certain length, but the skipper is described as professional and clear, which should help you settle in quickly.

One practical warning concerns the journey home. A passenger found the meeting point near Hostal Mar y Sol easy to locate but had a long wait for a taxi afterward. The wait was about 20 minutes, and the heat made it unpleasant. I would arrange your return plan before boarding if possible, or at least leave extra time after the boat docks.

The boat carries bottled water, and snorkeling equipment is included. Towels are not supplied, so bring one from your accommodation. Since you will likely swim more than once, a towel is not a minor extra.

The crossing from Ibiza to Formentera

The first sailing leg takes about 90 minutes. This is your chance to settle into the boat and watch Ibiza recede as the route heads toward Formentera’s waters.

The crossing is not simply dead time. It gives you the feel of an island-hopping day rather than a beach transfer. You will have time to talk with the skipper, meet the other passengers, and get used to the movement of the catamaran.

Conditions depend on the weather. The trip requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund. That policy is sensible for a full day on the water, but it means you should keep some flexibility in your schedule.

Toni, also called Tony in some comments, is repeatedly praised as the person who makes the route work. He is described as witty, friendly, professional, and attentive to safety. One passenger who was nervous about sailing found the trip a reassuring introduction. That is useful if you want the sea views but do not consider yourself a confident sailor.

S’Espalmador, the quiet island stop

After the first crossing, the catamaran stops at S’Espalmador for about 90 minutes. This is one of the most appealing parts of the route because the island is accessible only by boat.

The stop is designed around simple pleasures. You can walk on the island, swim, snorkel, or try paddle surfing. The exact choice is yours, which keeps the visit from feeling like a guided march from one viewpoint to another.

I would use this first stop to get active. With 90 minutes, you have enough time to choose one main activity and still relax. If you want to snorkel, use the supplied equipment and ask the skipper where conditions are best. If you prefer a walk, leave time to return to the boat without hurrying.

S’Espalmador is also a good place to judge the pace of the day. This is not an excursion built around constant entertainment or loud music. It is a sea-and-sand outing, and the best moments may be swimming, sitting quietly, or watching the water from the shore.

Because the island is reached only by boat, this stop gives the day a sense of access that you would not get by simply driving to a beach. Still, do not expect a long land visit. The stop lasts about an hour and a half, so it is a taste of the island rather than a full exploration.

Ses Illetes and the long lunch break

The boat then sails to Platja de Ses Illetes, the famous beach in northern Formentera. The schedule allows about two and a half hours here, making it the longest stop of the day.

That extra time is important. Ses Illetes is not just a quick look from the deck. You can get off, enjoy the beach, swim, and have lunch at one of the beach restaurants. The beach is promoted as one of the world’s top ten, so this is the stop most likely to match the classic Formentera postcard.

Lunch is the largest point to plan carefully. The restaurant meal is not included in the price, and one passenger found the food expensive. You can bring your own lunch and eat onboard instead. Another passenger noted that the boat has a small refrigerator, which is useful for keeping drinks or packed food cool.

The tour includes bottled water, but I would still confirm what you want to bring for the day. Food is not provided, and the information specifically lists dinner as not included, although the scheduled meal is lunch. If you prefer a restaurant meal, bring enough money and expect to pay separately.

Two and a half hours gives you room to avoid a rushed meal. You can eat, swim, and spend time on the beach without having to choose only one. It is also the best stop for passengers who would rather remain on the catamaran. The skipper has been described as happy to let people stay onboard if they do not want to join a shore activity.

Northern Formentera for a slower finish

After lunch, the catamaran sails to a narrow beach in the north of Formentera. The stop lasts about one hour.

This part of the day is intentionally unhurried. You can visit the beach, paddle surf, or take a nap on the boat. After a morning of sailing and swimming, that slower rhythm makes sense. It also gives you a second chance to enter the water if you did not feel like swimming earlier.

The one-hour stop is short, so I would not expect a major walk or a detailed visit to Formentera. Think of it as a final swim and a quiet beach pause. That may suit you perfectly if the main goal is rest rather than sightseeing.

The route is strongest for people who want several beautiful water stops in one day. If you want hours to explore Formentera’s towns, roads, or inland sights, this is not the right format. Most of the day is spent on or beside the water.

Sailing back to Ibiza

The return crossing takes about 90 minutes, bringing you back to the original meeting point. By then, the day will have included a long first sail, two island and beach stops, lunch, and a final swim or rest period.

This last stretch can be a pleasant wind-down, but it is worth being realistic about the total length. Eight hours on a boat is a full outing. You should be comfortable with extended time in the sun and on the water, even though the schedule includes breaks on land.

The catamaran format helps here. A shared sailing boat with 12 people offers more space and movement than a small motorboat, according to the family who joined with two children. Still, bring sun protection and water-friendly clothing. Towels are not included, and the supplied bottled water should not be your only plan if you drink a lot in warm weather.

What the $144.49 price gets you

At $144.49 per person, this is not a budget beach transfer. The value comes from combining transport between Ibiza and Formentera with a full day of stops, a skipper, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and a small group.

A private boat would normally cost much more, so the 12-person limit is the key value point. You get a more personal experience than a large cruise while sharing the cost with other passengers. The price also saves you from arranging separate boat transport to S’Espalmador and several beach stops.

The price does not cover lunch, drinks beyond the supplied bottled water, or towels. That makes the final cost depend on how you handle food. Bring your own lunch and you can control spending. Eat at the beach restaurant and the day becomes more expensive, though you gain the convenience of not carrying a meal.

For me, the cost makes the most sense if you want a complete boat day and plan to use the stops. If you mainly want a short ride to Formentera, it will feel expensive. If you want swimming, snorkeling, beach time, and a skipper who actively guides the day, the package is easier to justify.

Who should book this outing

I would recommend it to couples, friends, and families who want a relaxed alternative to Ibiza’s party scene. One passenger specifically liked the trip as a way to enjoy Ibiza without joining the nightlife crowd.

It also suits mixed groups. Active passengers can swim, snorkel, paddle surf, and jump from the boat, while others can stay onboard, eat, talk, or nap. The small group can help create a friendly atmosphere, but you should be comfortable sharing the day with up to 11 other people.

Families can consider it too. Children aged 9 and 12 enjoyed the trip, and the catamaran was described as spacious at full capacity. Parents should still decide if their children are comfortable with a long day at sea and repeated swimming stops.

I would hesitate if you need a structured sightseeing tour, dislike boats, or want all meals included. I would also think twice if your schedule cannot handle a weather-related change, since the experience depends on safe conditions.

Simple ways to enjoy the day more

• Bring a towel, since none is provided.
• Pack lunch if you want to avoid restaurant prices.
• Use the boat’s small refrigerator for food or drinks if available on your departure.
• Wear swimwear and bring sun protection for the long hours outside.
• Decide in advance if you want to snorkel, paddle surf, walk, or simply rest at each stop.
• Allow extra time for a taxi after returning to Ibiza.
• Keep your phone charged, but protect it around the water.
• Ask Toni for suggestions at each stop. His role includes explaining the route and giving ideas for what to do.

The main benefit of planning ahead is that you can use the stops instead of spending them deciding what to eat or searching for basic supplies. The route is generous, but each stop passes quickly if you need to organize everything from scratch.

Should you book the Formentera catamaran tour?

Book it if you want a full, easygoing day on the water with several swims, beautiful beaches, and a small group. S’Espalmador gives the route its most unusual stop, Ses Illetes provides the famous beach setting, and the northern Formentera stop adds a quiet finish.

The strongest reasons to choose this tour are the 12-person limit, the included snorkeling equipment, and Toni’s repeated praise for safety, humor, and helpful guidance. The main reasons to skip it are the extra cost of lunch, the lack of towels, and the long day at sea.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 10 a.m. start for a full refund. Last-minute cancellations or changes are not accepted, and weather or minimum group requirements can also affect departure. If those terms suit your plans, this is a well-balanced way to trade Ibiza’s busy side for a day of clear water and quiet beaches.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

The tour starts in southern Ibiza at Diseminado Poligono 32, 11055, 07839, Illes Balears, Spain.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 10 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The outing lasts approximately eight hours and returns to the original meeting point.

How many people can join the catamaran?

The maximum group size is 12 passengers.

Is lunch included?

No. You can eat at a beach restaurant at Ses Illetes, or bring your own food and eat onboard.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and bottled water are included.

Are towels provided?

No. You need to bring your own towel.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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