Formentera & Ibiza Small Group Trip by Catamaran

Crystal water, quiet coves, and a full day afloat. This Formentera and Ibiza catamaran trip gives you a relaxed way to see two of the Balearic Islands, with stops at S’Espalmador and Ses Illetes, a complimentary glass of Champagne, and snorkeling gear and SUP boards included. I especially like the small group size and the captain’s freedom to adjust swim spots to the weather.

I also like that you can bring your own lunch and drinks, which helps control the cost in expensive Formentera. The main drawback is that this is a shared boat experience, not a private luxury yacht, and a few people have found the boat dated, the timing less tidy than expected, or the restaurant option costly.

Key points to know before you book

• Two major Formentera stops: Spend time at S’Espalmador and Playa de Ses Illetes, with swimming and shore access at both.
• Small shared group: The boat usually carries about 11 people, though the stated maximum is 12.
• Water equipment included: Snorkel equipment and SUP boards that convert into kayaks are provided.
• Bring your own food: A fridge or freezer is available for keeping provisions cold, or the captain can help arrange a restaurant lunch.
• Captain-led route: Captains such as Fran, Pablo, Nacho, Ramiro, and Sebastian have been praised for friendly service and choosing spots around the weather.
• Allow for a boat transfer: You meet at Beso Beach Ibiza in Ses Salines, then take a zodiac from shore to the catamaran.

A full day from Ses Salines to Formentera

The day begins at 10:00 a.m. at Beso Beach Ibiza, on Platja de ses Salines. The captain and stewardess take you from the beach to the catamaran in a small zodiac. This short transfer is part of the setup, since the larger boat cannot pull directly onto the beach.

The planned transfer takes about 15 minutes, but this is one place where timing can vary. A shared trip has to wait for the whole group, and one delayed arrival has caused a later departure in the past. The operator says the return schedule can also be extended when the boat leaves late, but you should still arrive on time and expect the first part of the day to have a little moving around.

Once aboard, you have a full day at sea, generally eight to nine hours. The boat travels along the coast toward Formentera, passing coves and open-water views before anchoring at the first main stop.

This is best understood as a sailing and swimming day, not a guided sightseeing cruise. The captain’s main job is navigation and safety. You should not expect a running commentary about every cove or a formal history talk.

S’Espalmador, your first long swim stop

After roughly an hour of sailing, the catamaran anchors near S’Espalmador. This small island is known for its pale beach and clear water, and the planned stop lasts about two hours.

You can stay near the boat, swim, snorkel, walk along the beach, or use the SUP boards. The zodiac takes you ashore when conditions allow, so you are not limited to sitting on the catamaran. That flexibility matters because the best part of S’Espalmador may be on land, while the clearest water may be around the boat.

The snorkel equipment is a useful inclusion, though you should think of it as casual equipment for looking around during a swim stop. This is not a dedicated marine-life excursion. The appeal is the combination of warm water, open space, and time to choose your own pace.

The captain may adjust the exact anchorage based on wind and sea conditions. Fran, one of the captains named in the feedback, was praised for selecting locations according to the weather. That kind of judgment can make a real difference on a day at sea, especially if conditions are cloudy or choppy.

If you prefer quiet time, S’Espalmador may be the most enjoyable part of the day. If you want a packed schedule with lots of commentary and constant movement, the relaxed two-hour stop may feel slow.

Ses Illetes, the main beach stop

After about 15 minutes of sailing, the catamaran heads to Playa de Ses Illetes. This is the longer stop, planned for about four hours, and it gives you the most freedom during the day.

Ses Illetes is famous for its fine sand and clear water. The boat can take you toward shore by zodiac, and you can walk along the beach, swim, snorkel, or paddle from the catamaran. The exact balance depends on the captain, sea conditions, and how much time the group wants to spend ashore.

Lunch is not included, so plan this part carefully. You have two sensible choices:

• Bring your own food and drinks, then keep them cold in the boat’s fridge or freezer.
• Ask the captain to help arrange a table at a restaurant near Ses Illetes.

The first option is the better value. Formentera is an expensive place to eat, and a restaurant lunch can cost much more than a packed meal. The second option is easier and more social, but restaurant prices should be expected before you agree.

The captain can assist with a reservation on the day. Several people have praised captains for choosing enjoyable restaurants and handling the arrangements. At the same time, one especially important detail is that the restaurant is not part of the tour price. You pay for your own meal, and any restaurant-related service fee mentioned for arranging transport or a table is separate.

A long four-hour stop sounds generous, but lunch can take a large portion of it. Restaurant service delays have reduced beach time for some passengers. If your priority is swimming, bring food and eat on your own schedule.

Returning to Ibiza at Beso Beach

The return route brings you back toward Ibiza and finishes at Beso Beach Ibiza, the same general meeting point at Ses Salines. The stated final stop allows about an hour at the beach area, although the overall timing can shift with weather, sea conditions, group delays, and lunch arrangements.

This ending is simple and convenient. You do not need to arrange a separate return ferry from Formentera, and the activity ends where it began. The main transport issue is the opening and closing zodiac transfer, so wear footwear and clothing that can handle getting close to the water.

The boat’s mood is usually calm rather than party-focused. Music may be played, and several people appreciated the mellow atmosphere, but this is not presented as a club cruise. You are signing up for swimming, sun, quiet views, and time on the water.

What the catamaran day feels like

The small group is one of the strongest reasons to choose this outing. A group of about 11 people gives you room to find a place to sit or stretch out, without the crowd found on a large public boat. One comment noted that the boat felt comfortable even with 11 people aboard.

Still, small group does not mean private. You share the route, swimming stops, lunch decisions, and general pace with other people. If one person arrives late or a group meal takes longer than planned, everyone feels the effect.

The catamaran has shaded areas, which are essential during a long sunny day. You should not assume every seat will be in shade at all times, so bring sun protection and plan to move around. The included equipment adds real value, especially if you would otherwise need to rent a paddleboard or snorkeling set.

The boat is described as a modern catamaran rather than a high-end yacht. That distinction matters. At about $139 per person, the price is reasonable for a full-day boat trip with a captain, stewardess, zodiac transfers, a glass of Champagne, and water equipment. It is not a bargain if you compare it with a simple beach day, but it is much less than a private charter.

One person expected a more polished yacht and found the boat dated. That is a fair warning for anyone focused on luxury finishes. The better way to judge this trip is by its access to Formentera, small group size, equipment, and time on the water, not by yacht-style service.

The captains make much of the difference

The captain can shape the day more than any single stop. Names praised in the feedback include Fran, Pablo, Nacho, Ramiro, Sebastian, Frank, and Captain Napoleon. The assigned captain may vary, so you should not book on the assumption that a particular person will operate your trip unless the provider confirms it.

Fran was repeatedly praised for friendly hosting, good music, weather-based route choices, and help with lunch. Pablo was noted for being attentive and helping someone who became seasick. Nacho was described as friendly and helpful, including on a day with cloudy weather. Ramiro was praised for matching the relaxed style some people wanted.

These comments point to a useful expectation: the captain is likely to be helpful and involved, but the role is still primarily boat handling and passenger safety. You may get conversation and local suggestions, but this is not a formal coastal tour with a dedicated guide.

That distinction also explains the mixed feedback. A person seeking detailed explanations of the coastline may feel under-informed. Someone wanting a quiet day with a competent skipper may find the level of interaction just right.

Food, drinks, and what to pack

One glass of Champagne is included. Other drinks are not listed as included, so bring your own beverages. The boat has cold storage, but the provider has asked people to bring ice to keep drinks very cold for the day.

Bring enough food for the full outing unless you are certain you want to eat ashore. A simple packed lunch removes the pressure of restaurant prices and lets you spend more of the Ses Illetes stop swimming or walking.

Useful items include:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sun protection
• A packed lunch and drinks
• Ice for your cooler items
• Comfortable clothing for the zodiac transfer
• Any personal medication you need during a full day at sea

The boat has a shower for rinsing saltwater, although one comment noted that an outside shower was temporarily out of service. Conditions and equipment can change, so do not count on every feature working perfectly every moment.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a low-key day on the water and prefer a small shared group to a large excursion boat. It suits couples, friends, and independent people who are happy to choose between swimming, paddleboarding, beach time, and lunch.

It is also a good fit if you want to see Formentera without arranging a separate ferry, taxi, beach transfer, and equipment rental. The boat handles the broad plan while leaving you plenty of unstructured time.

You may want another option if you need luxury yacht standards, a fully guided coastal tour, included meals, or a tightly controlled timetable. It may also disappoint you if you dislike riding in a zodiac, cannot tolerate schedule changes, or want every hour spent ashore.

The trip requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather cancels the outing, you can receive a different date or a full refund. Cancellation by you is free up to 24 hours before the start time, but late cancellations are not refunded.

Is this Formentera catamaran trip worth booking?

For about $139 per person, this is a solid value for a full day linking Ibiza and Formentera, especially when you use the included SUP boards, snorkeling equipment, and zodiac transfers. The strongest parts are the small group, beautiful swimming locations, flexible weather-based routing, and captains who often make the day feel easy.

My practical advice is simple: bring lunch, bring drinks, arrive early, and think shared catamaran rather than private yacht. If that sounds like your kind of day, this is an appealing way to enjoy Formentera with less planning and more time in the water.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip begin?

It begins at Beso Beach Ibiza on Platja de ses Salines, in Sant Jordi de ses Salines. The stated start time is 10:00 a.m.

Where does the trip finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at Beso Beach Ibiza.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts approximately eight to nine hours.

Is lunch included?

No. You can bring your own food and drinks, or ask the captain to help arrange lunch at a restaurant near Ses Illetes.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes. You can bring your own provisions, and cold storage is available on the boat. Ice may be needed to keep drinks cold for the entire day.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are paddleboards available?

Yes. SUP boards are included, and they can be converted into kayaks.

How do I get from the beach to the catamaran?

The captain and stewardess take you from the beach to the catamaran by zodiac boat.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund.