Catamaran days in Formentera feel unreal. I like how this tour strings together Ses Illetes snorkeling with a real food-and-drink plan (paella, BBQ, and cocktails) without you thinking about logistics. The main catch is that the captain can adjust the route and suspend water activities for weather, so the day can flex.

What makes it especially appealing is the mix: morning setup on the boat, two swim-and-play stops in the clearest water area, then a long, independent stretch on Formentera. If you care about being comfy, you’ll also want to know there are extra-pay Balinese beds on board.

If you hate long days, this may be a lot. But if you like your beach time planned for you, with your meals and drinks handled, this is a strong way to do Ibiza and Formentera in one shot.

Key points before you go

• Ses Illetes + s’Espalmador water time: snorkeling, paddleboarding, and seabob fun built into the schedule.
• Open bar all day: beer, cava, sangria, hierbas ibicencas, and mixed cocktails, plus a welcome drink.
• A full 8 hours in Formentera: hop on hop off, so you can explore at your own pace.
• Paella show-cooking plus BBQ: lunch is not just an afterthought; it’s part of the day.
• Sunset timing changes by month: in June you may catch it from the boat near Es Vedrà.
• Weather can change things: anchoring points and water sports can shift, with no refunds.

Ibiza to Formentera by catamaran: the value of doing it in one day

This is the practical version of a postcard day. Instead of hopping ferries and figuring out how to get to the best water spots, you go straight from Ibiza’s coast to the Formentera region on a large, modern catamaran.

The ship itself is part of the comfort equation. It’s about 25 meters long and 9 meters wide, with spacious shared areas so you’re not stuck in a cramped corner. When the day gets hot, you can move between sun and shade, and you’ll have multiple chances to eat, drink, and reset without leaving the boat.

Also, the day is built around variety. You get beach-water time, an activity-focused stretch (the equipment is there), and then time on land where Formentera slows down. That combination is exactly why tours like this are popular: one booking, a complete rhythm.

The 13-hour game plan: breakfast on board, then beach time, then Formentera

Plan to be out for about 13 hours, running from Happiness Beach Ibiza back to the same place. The schedule is designed so you start with energy, spend real time in the water zones, and still get a meaningful chunk on Formentera.

A typical flow looks like this:

• Meet at Happiness Beach Ibiza and check in to get your entry bracelet.
• Board the catamaran and do an early setup drink and coffee/tea during the cruise stretch.
• Ses Illetes (about 1 hour) for swimming and water sports.
• s’Espalmador (about 1 hour) for a second water hit plus photos and a drink moment.
• Formentera (about 8 hours) for independent exploring.
• Return cruising with food and drink on board, finishing with sunset moments when conditions allow.

Why this matters: you’re not spending the whole day traveling. Even though it’s one long outing, the time is grouped into blocks that make sense—water first, land next.

Stop 1: Ses Illetes beach time and the clearest-water playground

Ses Illetes is the star name. In this itinerary you get about an hour there, which is long enough to do the activities that make this area famous.

On the water, you can use snorkeling gear and ride paddleboards or kayaks (with restrictions—more on that later). There’s also seabob time, and there’s a slide onboard so you can enjoy the water even between swims.

One practical tip: treat Ses Illetes as a window, not a picnic blanket. Get your gear on early, do your snorkeling, and then spend the last part just floating or swimming. If you wait too long, you’ll feel rushed when the stop ends.

If you want a mix of action and chill, this stop gives it. If you want hours of slow beach lounging, you’ll likely prefer to do that during your 8-hour Formentera break.

Stop 2: s’Espalmador for photos, snorkeling, and another swim round

Next comes s’Espalmador, another Formentera-area highlight. Again, it’s roughly an hour, so it’s structured like a second course—more water time, more equipment chances, and a photo stop feel.

This is where you can repeat what you liked most at Ses Illetes. If snorkeling was great for you, do it again. If you tried paddleboarding and want a second go, you’ll get that chance here too.

Also, there’s a drink-and-aperitif moment built into this part of the day. That sounds small, but it keeps the energy up. You’re not just waiting around on the boat after lunch or before dinner.

If your priority is photos, keep your camera ready during the photo stop segment—since the time is limited, you want the best angle without scrambling.

Formentera’s 8-hour stop: how to use your time on land

This is where the day becomes yours.

You’ll have about 8 hours in Formentera during a hop-on hop-off segment. That means you can step off the boat and explore without having to follow constant group movement, which is great if you want beach time, a walk, or a slow meal.

Because the tour doesn’t include spending money or meals off the boat, you’ll want a plan for what you do on Formentera. The info you’re given specifically notes that expenses on Formentera—like bike or scooter rental and food/drinks while you’re there—are not included.

A smart way to think about it:

• If you’re comfortable moving around, consider renting transport so you can sample more than one beach.
• If you’re staying put, pick one area to base yourself and don’t try to conquer the whole island in one day.

One more real-world point: Formentera can feel spread out, and the practical way to cover distance is usually by bike/scooter or car rental. Plan for that so your time doesn’t turn into unnecessary waiting.

Food on board: breakfast setup, paella show-cooking, then BBQ

This tour is serious about feeding you. And not just with a sad sandwich either.

Breakfast starts on board with a buffet-style spread: tropical fruits, assorted pastries, coffee and tea, juices, and a mix of toasts and sweet options. There are savory plates too, like scrambled eggs and turkey with vegetables, plus cheese and fresh orange juice. Pancakes are made on board with toppings, so it feels more like a live breakfast than a pre-packed buffet.

Then comes lunch centered on Mediterranean paella with options like mixed, vegetarian, or seafood. You’ll also get bread and alioli.

After that, there’s an onboard barbecue with grilled meats such as hamburgers, chicken breast, sausages, and loin, plus vegetables. It’s the kind of food that works well after you’ve been in the water all day. You’ll feel ready to eat, not forced to.

If you’re the type who gets cranky when meals are delayed, this schedule is built to prevent that. Between breakfast, paella, and BBQ, you’re rarely stuck waiting with nothing to do besides sunbathe.

Open bar all day: sangria, cava, and cocktails without drama

Drinks are one of the biggest reasons people choose a catamaran day like this. You get an open bar that includes beer, soft drinks, cava, and sangria (plus hierbas ibicencas). There are also wines listed, and cocktails are part of the mix.

On the drink menu you can expect options like mojitos, caipiroskas, aperol spritz, bellinis, daiquiris, tequilas, sunrise, and mimosas, plus water and juices depending on the drink moment.

Two things I like about how the bar is handled:

1. You don’t have to decide between food and drinks; they flow as part of the day.
2. It keeps the pacing of the cruise feeling social—especially on the return.

A practical reminder: open bar is great, but Formentera includes independent time on land. Plan hydration and keep your head clear, especially if you’re renting a bike or scooter.

On-board comfort, slide time, and live music for the ride back

This catamaran is designed for sun-and-relax days. There’s a lower deck area called the Main Room, described as cool and shaded—useful if you want to step out of the heat between swim stops.

There’s also a water slide onboard. If you’re traveling with kids or just enjoy a playful moment, it’s an easy extra without needing to schedule anything.

If you’re the sun-bed type, there are Balinese beds on the second floor, but they’re not included. You can purchase them onboard for €60, and that price includes a bottle of cava. Think of these as a paid upgrade for comfort, not a guarantee that you’ll have one.

On the return trip, music adds a “vacation movie” feel. Live performers—either saxophonists or electronic violinists—create the soundtrack as you sail back.

Sunset near Es Vedrà: June special, other months your call

Sunset is built into the experience, but the exact view depends on the month.

In June, you may witness the sun setting behind the rock of Es Vedrà, and that moment can happen from the boat during the return. In other months, you get sunset time from the boat’s coves or from a beach bar of your choice, depending on how the day unfolds.

Why this matters: if sunset is a big deal for you, June is the time to aim for. If you’re traveling outside June, you can still get a great end-of-day glow, but you’ll need to be a bit flexible on where it happens.

Price and what makes this $160 feel fair

At around $160 per person, you’re paying for a full day of transportation plus food plus drinks plus water equipment.

Here’s what that pricing covers:

• Catamaran cruise and stops across the Formentera area
• Continental breakfast
• Lunch paella show-cooking
• BBQ
• Open bar (beer, soft drinks, cava, sangria, hierbas ibicencas, plus cocktails)
• Towels (note: the info you’re given has a conflict on towels being both included and excluded, so I’d confirm at booking)
• Champagne glass
• Snorkeling equipment, paddleboard, and seabob

What’s not included:

• Your spending on Formentera (bike/scooter rental and food/drinks while you’re on land)

So the value isn’t just the sea-view. It’s the fact that the day is “all handled” while you’re on the boat, then you get freedom on Formentera for the rest.

The one extra cost you should plan for is the Balinese bed upgrade if you want it.

Weather and route changes: the one thing you can’t control

This tour is water-based, so weather is the wildcard.

The captain can modify anchoring points for safety, and water activities may be suspended without prior notice. Departure and return times can also vary with sea and weather conditions. The important part is that these changes don’t entitle compensation or a claim.

So how do you stay stress-free?

• Keep your expectations flexible about the exact water activities.
• If you’re traveling on a day with questionable weather, focus on the cruise and food plan too—not just the gear.

In other words, treat it as a day on the sea first, with activities as the bonus when conditions allow.

Who this Ibiza to Formentera cruise suits best

This day trip is a good fit if you want:

• A single-day plan that hits multiple Formentera highlights
• Snorkeling and sea activities without arranging your own equipment
• A long 8-hour break on Formentera where you can roam on your schedule
• Food and open bar included, so budgeting stays simple during the cruise

It may be less ideal if:

• You hate long days or fixed timing
• You’re very sensitive to weather changes
• You want lots of time on one single beach and not two quick water stops

It’s also listed as wheelchair accessible, which is a big plus if you need that kind of inclusivity.

Should you book the Ibiza to Formentera catamaran day?

If your goal is to experience Formentera’s famous water without juggling ferries, equipment rentals, and separate tours, I’d book it. The best part is the structure: breakfast, two swim-and-play zones, then real time on the island, all wrapped in paella, BBQ, and an open bar.

One thing to decide before you pay: how you’ll handle Formentera time. If you want to explore beyond walking distance, plan for rental costs on land. And if you’re traveling outside June, think of sunset as a nice bonus rather than a guaranteed Es Vedrà moment from the boat.

If you like a well-fed day with serious beach time and you can roll with weather tweaks, this is a strong value pick.

FAQ

How long is the Ibiza to Formentera cruise?

The full experience lasts about 13 hours.

What food and drinks are included?

You get a continental breakfast on board, a paella lunch prepared as a show-cooking main dish, and an onboard BBQ. Drinks include an open bar with items such as beer, soft drinks, cava, sangria, and hierbas ibicencas, plus a welcome cocktail and a glass of champagne.

What water activities are included, and are there limits?

Snorkeling equipment is included, and paddleboards and seabobs are available. Kayaking is mentioned as available only under staff discretion, and kayak use is limited to families with kids and seniors, and to people with reduced mobility.

How much time do I get to spend in Formentera?

You get about 8 hours on Formentera with a hop-on hop-off stop.

Are the Balinese beds included in the ticket price?

No. Balinese beds on the second floor can be purchased onboard for an additional cost of €60, and that includes a bottle of cava.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

What happens if weather is bad?

For safety, the captain may change the anchoring points, and water sports activities may be suspended. Departure and return times can also vary due to sea and weather conditions, and these changes do not entitle compensation or a claim.