Private Catamaran Excursion through Formentera

Formentera is best seen from the water. This private catamaran trip turns a long day from Ibiza into a relaxed route through S’Espalmador and Platja d’Illetes, with time to swim, snorkel, paddle, or simply stretch out on deck. I like the privacy of booking the whole boat for up to 11 people, and I like that a skipper, fuel, water toys, and onboard restroom are included. The main catch is that food, drinks, and bottled water cost extra, while sailing time depends on the wind.

The boat is a Lagoon 450, a spacious catamaran with four bedrooms and private bathrooms, according to the details provided by the operator. Captains Mariano, Marcelo, and Chelo receive especially warm praise for their friendly approach, safety-conscious manner, and relaxed hakunamatata spirit. Just remember that the day includes about three hours of travel between Ibiza and Formentera, so this is as much a sailing outing as it is a beach visit.

Key points to know before you book

• A full-day private charter: The boat is reserved for your group, with space for up to 11 people and a total outing of about eight hours.
• S’Espalmador is reached only by boat: You can walk on the island, see its famous natural salt flat, and swim in clear water.
• Platja d’Illetes is the main water-play stop: Paddle Surfing, a double kayak, snorkeling gear, swimming, and fish watching are included.
• The Lagoon 450 gives you room to spread out: Four bedrooms, private bathrooms, air conditioning, a restroom, and a Bluetooth sound system make the boat more comfortable than a small day boat.
• Sailing is weather dependent: The crew opens the sails when wind conditions allow. Otherwise, the boat returns under power.
• Bring your own food and drinks: Lunch, snacks, alcohol, and bottled water are not included, although a paella can be arranged according to the operator’s information.

What this private Ibiza catamaran day is really like

This is not a quick ferry ride followed by a few hours on a beach. It is a full day built around the sea. You meet at Cala Jondal, on Ibiza’s southern coast, and return to the same point after visiting two very different parts of Formentera.

The private format changes the mood. You are not sharing the boat with a large crowd or following a fixed public excursion. Your group can use the catamaran’s seating areas, play music through the Bluetooth high-fidelity system, swim when anchored, and decide how much time to spend relaxing versus using the water equipment.

The group limit is 11 people, which makes the $3,484.42 price easier to judge. Divided among 11, it works out to about $317 per person. That is still a serious day-trip expense, but it includes the boat, skipper, fuel, taxes, equipment, and private use of the vessel. For a smaller group, the cost per person rises quickly. For a birthday, family outing, or friends sharing a boat, the value is more convincing.

The catamaran itself matters. The Lagoon 450 is described as large, premium, clean, and comfortable, with four bedrooms and private bathrooms. You probably will not need the sleeping cabins on an eight-hour trip, but the extra interior space gives you somewhere to retreat from the sun. The onboard restroom is also useful when you are far from shore.

Leaving Cala Jondal for Formentera

The day begins at Cala Jondal, listed as the start and finish point. The first crossing takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. That is a meaningful part of the trip, so you should be happy spending time underway rather than expecting an instant arrival at Formentera.

When the wind cooperates, the crew opens the sails. This is one of the most appealing parts of the outing because you get a genuine sense of sailing rather than simply riding in a motor-powered boat. The pace becomes quieter, the engine noise can ease, and the crossing itself becomes part of the holiday.

Wind conditions control how much sailing you get. The crew sails as much as practical, but you should not book this expecting a guaranteed sail under canvas. The return follows the same rule. If the wind is poor, the boat uses its engine and still returns to Cala Jondal in most cases.

A 90-minute crossing can feel long if your group wants nonstop swimming. It feels much more worthwhile if you enjoy talking, sunbathing, taking in the sea, and listening to music. I would treat the transfer as one of the day’s activities, not dead time.

S’Espalmador: a quiet island stop with a natural salt flat

S’Espalmador is the first major stop and is reached only by boat. That gives the visit a more remote feel than a beach stop connected to a road or promenade. You can leave the catamaran and explore the island’s natural spaces on foot.

The planned stay is about two hours. That is enough time for a short walk, a look at the natural salt flat, and a swim in clear water. The salt flat is the distinctive feature here, while the water provides the simple reward: get in, cool off, and enjoy the setting without a long list of scheduled activities.

You should wear footwear suitable for walking and bring sun protection, though the supplied details do not specify the exact shore conditions. The operator allows you to go ashore and trek, but this is not presented as a guided nature walk. Think of it as unstructured island time.

S’Espalmador is a good contrast to the more active Illetes stop later in the day. Here, you can slow down and explore. The trade-off is that the island’s appeal depends on your interest in natural scenery and a simple walk. If your priority is water sports, you may prefer to save your energy for the next stop.

Platja d’Illetes is the active centerpiece

After the S’Espalmador visit, the boat heads to Platja d’Illetes in Formentera. The crossing description gives another approximate 1 hour and 30 minutes from Ibiza, though the full route includes the day’s stops and should be understood as a broad timetable rather than a minute-by-minute schedule.

The catamaran anchors near the famous beach for about three hours. This is where the included equipment gets the most use. You can try the Paddle Surf board, take out the double kayak, or use the snorkeling gear to look for fish in the water.

The equipment is included, but the crew will still need to manage conditions, anchoring, and safe use. You should expect activities to depend on sea and wind conditions. If the water is calm, the mix of kayak, paddleboard, swimming, and snorkeling gives your group plenty to do. If you prefer a quieter day, the boat itself has comfortable spaces for reading, chatting, sunbathing, or listening to music.

One especially nice detail is the chance to feed the fish and swim among them with the snorkeling equipment. That is a simple activity, but it gives children and first-time snorkelers a clear reason to get into the water. You do not need to be an expert swimmer to enjoy the equipment, though normal care around open water still applies.

You may also go ashore to eat on the beach. Lunch is not included, so this is where planning matters. Bring food with you or ask in advance about arranging a paella. One past booking included paella and considered it a good choice, but the tour details do not say that it is automatically provided.

Food, drinks, music, and the practical comfort level

The boat includes a restroom, air conditioning, fuel, taxes, a skipper, and the water equipment. It does not include snacks, lunch, alcohol, or bottled water. That list is easy to overlook when you see a high all-in price, so budget for provisions before departure.

The safest plan is to settle the food question before the day begins. If you want a beach lunch, account for the time needed to go ashore. If you prefer to keep swimming and relaxing, organize food for the boat. Alcoholic drinks are specifically excluded, and bottled water is also not supplied, so do not assume refreshments are waiting onboard.

The Bluetooth high-fidelity sound system is useful for a private group. You can create your own atmosphere, from quiet background music to a livelier afternoon on deck. The boat’s size also helps here. A small boat can feel crowded once everyone brings towels, bags, food, and swimming gear. The larger Lagoon 450 gives your group more room to move.

The boat has four bedrooms with private bathrooms, as described in the information provided. For a day trip, these cabins are less about sleeping and more about privacy and storage. The restroom is one of the most practical inclusions, especially during the long crossings.

Captains Mariano, Marcelo, and Chelo

The human side of the outing gets strong praise. Mariano and Marcelo are repeatedly described as friendly, reassuring, and fun, while Chelo is singled out for being attentive as captain. One account also praises the crew for helping with destination questions and suggesting things to do after getting off the boat.

That matters on a private charter. A good skipper does more than steer. The crew has to balance your group’s wishes with wind, sea conditions, anchoring, and the timing of the return. The information provided suggests a warm, informal style rather than a formal guided tour.

The crew’s hakunamatata philosophy may appeal to groups looking for a relaxed day. At the same time, you should not confuse a casual mood with a fully flexible schedule. The route has several long transfers, and the crew must still get you back to Cala Jondal.

The experience seems particularly well suited to friends and families who want the boat to feel like their own base for the day. If you want detailed commentary about Formentera’s history, this may not be the right format. The emphasis is on sailing, swimming, scenery, and time together.

Is $3,484.42 good value?

The price makes sense only when you calculate it by group size. At the full limit of 11 people, the cost is roughly $317 per person. For six people, it is about $581 per person, and for four, about $871 per person.

That price includes a private boat, skipper, fuel, taxes, restroom, air conditioning, and several kinds of water equipment. You are also paying for privacy, space, and the freedom to enjoy music and the boat with people you know. Those benefits are hard to compare with a standard shared cruise.

The value is strongest for a large group that would otherwise need several boat tickets or a separate private charter. It is weaker for a couple or small family unless having the entire catamaran is the main point of the day.

The lack of included food and drinks does not ruin the value, but it changes the final cost. Add lunch, snacks, water, and any alcohol before deciding. Ask about paella ahead of time if that is important to your group.

Who should book this outing?

I would recommend it most for groups of friends, extended families, and celebrations. You get a comfortable base, active water time, a beach stop, an island stop, and a full day with your own skipper.

It can also work well for families because the plan includes both gentle activities and energetic ones. Children may enjoy the kayak, paddleboard, fish, and swimming, while adults can use the catamaran’s shaded or interior spaces to rest. The provided information says most people can participate, and service animals are allowed.

You should think twice if you dislike long boat crossings, need guaranteed sailing, or want meals and drinks handled for you. The trip includes about three hours of travel time, and the wind decides how much the sails are used.

The non-refundable policy also deserves attention before payment. Once booked, the experience cannot be changed or refunded for any reason, so confirm your group, date, and weather tolerance first. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability.

Should you book the Formentera catamaran?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a private day built around the sea. The combination of S’Espalmador, Platja d’Illetes, sailing when possible, snorkeling, kayaking, and a spacious Lagoon 450 gives you more than a simple transfer to Formentera.

I would be especially comfortable recommending it to a group of eight to 11 people that values privacy and plans its own food. For smaller groups, compare the per-person cost carefully. For anyone seeking a quiet, polished boat day with friendly captains and plenty of time in the water, this is a strong choice, as long as you accept the wind-dependent sailing and bring your own refreshments.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip start?

The meeting point is Cala Jondal, s/n, 07839, Illes Balears, Spain. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the excursion last?

The excursion lasts approximately eight hours. The route includes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Formentera and about 1 hour and 30 minutes for the return.

How many people can join the private boat?

The private catamaran can accommodate a group of up to 11 people. Only your group participates.

Is food included?

No. Snacks, lunch, alcoholic drinks, and bottled water are not included. The information provided says you can go ashore to eat at the beach, and paella may be arranged separately.

What water equipment is included?

Snorkeling equipment, a double kayak, and Paddle Surfing equipment are included. You can also swim and watch fish near the boat.

Is sailing guaranteed?

No. The crew opens the sails when wind conditions allow. If the wind is not suitable, the boat may travel under power.

Can I cancel or change the booking?

No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.