Salt-air on a private catamaran is the point. This is a 7-hour luxury sailing day that trades crowded boats for a charter just for your group, with a captain steering you to the clearest swimming spots between Ibiza and laid-back Formentera.

I especially like the onboard extras that make the day feel easy: Megaboom Bluetooth speakers so you can set the mood your way, plus Wi‑Fi onboard for quick check-ins when you want them. I also like that you get real water time built in, with snorkel gear and paddle boards ready when you arrive.

The only thing to plan around is that this trip depends on good weather. If conditions are rough, your day may be moved or refunded, and you’ll want to be comfortable walking/boarding on a boat deck.

Key highlights before you go

• Private charter for up to 12 people, so you control the pace and music
• Snorkel gear + paddle boards set you up for Illetas water without extra stops
• Illetas Beach anchoring for easy swimming and calm, clear conditions
• S’Espalmador’s sandy shoreline for a quieter, uninhabited island feel
• Onboard Bluetooth audio and Wi‑Fi, so the boat feels like a mini lounge
• Photo help from your captains, with them taking as many pictures as you want

The value of a private Formentera day from Ibiza

This trip is built for people who want Formentera without the usual stress: you’re not fighting for a place at the rail, and you’re not stuck waiting for a slow-moving group to finish loading. With a private charter (up to 12), you get a better rhythm to the day. That matters, because the best water moments are short, and you want to be in the right place at the right time.

The price is high at $3,569.03 per group, but it’s priced like a boat day, not like a ticket on a public cruise. If you’re traveling as a small group, that cost spreads out in a way that starts to feel reasonable versus paying separately for multiple tours, transport, and beach access.

You also get practical luxury. The boat includes Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth speakers, so you can keep things chill with your own playlist instead of listening to whatever someone else brings. That sounds small until you’re out on the water for hours.

Meeting up near Blue Marlin and getting comfortable fast

Your day starts in the Cala Es Xarco area at Es Xarcu (Restaurante Playa), with a 10:00 am departure. From there, your captain runs the sailing plan that takes you toward the Cala Jondal area near Blue Marlin. Either way, the key point is simple: you’re meeting your captain close to where you’re supposed to be, not across town.

Once you’re onboard, you’ll settle on deck, get your things squared away, and plug into the day. The setup is friendly: you put on music using the Bluetooth system, and you’re off toward Formentera. If you’re thinking about what kind of person you need to be for this day, this is it—someone who’s happy to start slow and let the boat carry you.

A note on physical fit: the tour asks for moderate physical fitness. That generally means you’ll be moving around a deck and handling boarding steps. It’s not a hike day, but you’re still on a boat, so plan for uneven footing and sun.

Stop 1: Playa de Ses Illetes for swimming, snorkeling, and paddle boarding

Playa de Ses Illetes is where you go when you want Formentera to feel like the photos—but better because you’re actually in it. This stop runs about 2 hours, and the payoff is the water clarity, which makes swimming and snorkeling feel effortless. It’s also a great spot to paddle board, because visibility helps you spot where the water is calmest.

What I like about having snorkeling gear included is that you don’t waste time renting or figuring out what fits. If you’re even a bit curious about what’s under the surface, this is the kind of anchoring stop that makes it worth it.

A drawback to keep in mind: you’ll spend a chunk of the day in sun. Bring sunscreen and something to protect your shoulders, especially if you burn fast. Also, you’ll want to hydrate early, because by the time you’re warmed up from the sun, it’s easy to forget to drink.

Stop 2: S’Espalmador, the uninhabited sand stop

Next comes S’Espalmador, an uninhabited sandy islet between Ibiza and Formentera. You get about 2 hours here too, which is long enough to enjoy the island feel without turning it into a long, complicated plan.

This stop works well for people who want a quieter feeling than a beach with restaurants and crowds. There’s something freeing about a place that’s basically just sand and sea, where your day slows down because there’s less to do and fewer people to wait on.

If you want to spend more time in the water, you can. The gear includes snorkeling, and paddle boards are part of your kit for the day. If you like switching between activities—swim, snorkel, paddle, then sit—this is a good place to do it.

Lunch options: eat onshore or keep it simple onboard

You’re not locked into one lunch style. You can bring your own food and drinks, or you can disembark for lunch at restaurants by the water. If you want something more structured, you might choose a stop that lines up with a meal by the shore.

In my view, the best approach is to decide what kind of lunch you want before you go. If you want convenience, bring snacks and keep it on the boat. If you want a proper meal, plan for a shore option and use the time you have there.

Either way, you’re not going to be doing a rushed, hour-by-hour schedule. The day is designed as a sailing loop with swim stops, not a checklist.

The onboard experience: Wi‑Fi, music, and captain-led comfort

This is a private luxury catamaran day, and it shows in the “small decisions” part of the experience. You’re not just sitting there; you’re managing the atmosphere. Bluetooth audio means your group can pick the music without passing around phones.

Wi‑Fi is included too, which can help if you’re traveling with people who need to check something quickly, or if you want to upload photos after you swim. Just don’t forget you’re on a boat for most of the day—this should stay a background feature, not the main event.

Captains also help with photos. They’ll take as many pictures as you want using your camera, so you don’t have to trade poses with strangers or hunt for the perfect angle while standing on one foot on a deck.

One thing I learned from the experience vibe is that anchoring choices matter. A great captain will find spots that feel like front-row seats—calm water, good visibility, and an easy setup for gear. If you care about that, a private charter is the simplest way to get it.

Return to Cala Jondal with time for a sunset drink

After the S’Espalmador time, you head back toward Cala Jondal, and the sailing wraps up where you started for the day’s loop. The timing is meant to set you up for a sunset drink at Blue Marlin—a classic way to close the day without scrambling.

Even if you don’t plan to go there, the timing is useful. You’re not returning at midnight or barely making dinner. You get your sea time, your swim time, then you’re back while the evening still feels open.

If you want to keep the day smooth, plan your post-sail plan right away. Think about transport and where you’ll grab dinner, so you don’t end up rushing once you’re off the boat.

Who this private catamaran day is best for

This is a good match if:

• You’re traveling as a group (up to 12) and you want your own boat vibe.
• You care about water activities and want snorkel and paddle boarding included.
• You like comfort details: music on your speakers, a lounging deck, and Wi‑Fi.
• You want an easier way to visit Formentera than a self-planned boat transfer.

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re on a tight budget where the per-group pricing feels hard to swallow.
• You’re very sensitive to boat movement and aren’t comfortable with moderate activity on deck.
• You’re scheduling around strict, inflexible weather expectations, since this needs decent conditions.

Practical tips that make the day go better

Bring sunscreen and reapply. The deck is sun-forward, and you’ll likely be out long enough to burn faster than you expect.

Pack a light cover-up. Even if you swim, you’ll spend time lounging, and wind can cool you when you least expect it.

If you’re bringing your own food or drinks, plan for easy access. You’ll want quick grabs between swim sessions, not a full storage management project.

Bring your passport. A current valid passport is required on the day of travel, so don’t assume you can show something else.

Quick reality check: weather and flexibility

This experience requires good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s reassuring, but it still means you should keep your schedule flexible and be ready for a change if conditions aren’t right.

Should you book this private Formentera catamaran day?

If you want the simplest path to Formentera’s best water stops with privacy, included snorkel and paddle gear, and music you control, this is an excellent choice. The price is steep, but it’s for a whole private boat day, not a per-person excursion experience.

Book it if your group values comfort and you’re ready to spend hours on the water. Skip it if you only want quick beach time, want to spend as little as possible, or can’t handle weather-related changes.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Formentera catamaran day trip?

It runs for about 7 hours.

How much does it cost and what group size is it for?

It costs $3,569.03 per group and accommodates up to 12 people.

Where do we meet, and what time does the trip start?

The start point is Es Xarcu (Restaurante Playa) in Cala Es Xarco, and the start time is 10:00 am.

What activities are included when we reach Formentera?

You’ll have snorkelling gear and paddle boards available, plus life jackets if requested.

Are Wi‑Fi and onboard music included?

Yes. The boat includes Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth speakers (Megaboom) so you can play your own music.

Is lunch included?

Lunch isn’t included. You can bring your own food and drinks or disembark for lunch at restaurants by the water.

What documents are required?

A current valid passport is required on the day of travel. The tour is offered in English, and you’ll receive confirmation at booking.