Formentera by catamaran changes your whole day. This LAGOON 400 outing leaves from Cala Jondal and turns the crossing into real sailing time when conditions allow.

I especially like two things. First, the plan gives you both views and movement—a sailing stretch of about 1h 45 min to Formentera instead of just sitting on a boat. Second, your time in the water is supported: snorkeling equipment and paddle SUP are included, so you can switch between swim, snorkel, and paddle without hunting for gear.

One catch to plan around: parts of the trip are weather-permitting (like sailing and any paddle/swim cave time at Cala Saona), and meals aren’t included unless you choose the catering option or eat at shore.

Key moments that make this catamaran trip special

• Private group up to 11: it’s your group only, so the day feels more like a shared charter than a crowded tour.
• Wind-driven sailing to Formentera: when the wind cooperates, sails come out for that unplugged open-sea feeling.
• S’Espalmador boat-only stop: crystal-clear, protected waters and a quiet setting you can only reach by water.
• Ses Illetes playtime at noon: snorkeling and SUP time at one of Europe’s most famous beaches, with easy lunch choices.
• Cala Saona’s red cliffs and hidden-cave potential: if weather allows, you get the fun of paddling or swimming toward the cove’s secrets.

LAGOON 400 comfort and a private-group feel you can actually use

This is a full-day catamaran day in the Ibiza–Formentera region, designed for a small private group (up to 11). That matters because it changes how the day feels: you’re not battling for space on a public boat, and the crew can keep the vibe relaxed.

The LAGOON 400 style also supports an easy rhythm. You’ll move between anchor spots, swim, snorkel, paddle, and then return to the boat without the “we’re always rushing” feeling that can happen on some day trips. And if you’re thinking practical, there’s a restroom on board plus WiFi, which is a nice safety valve when you’re out there for about eight hours.

If you’re traveling with friends (or celebrating something), this size is especially friendly. One-minute you’re enjoying open water; the next you’re clustered for a quick regroup and then back to the sea.

Setting off from Platja des Jondal (Cala Jondal) and getting that first swim in fast

Your day starts at Tropicana Eivissa Cala Jondal. After you meet up, you get a welcome and a safety talk, then you can move right into vacation mode.

The early part is built for momentum. From Platja des Jondal, you get your first chance to swim and settle in, including the classic catamaran perk—space to soak up the sun and enjoy the wind at the bow. It’s the kind of start that helps you loosen up before the day’s bigger moments.

Then comes the sailing stretch: when conditions allow, the crew unfurls sails for the passage to Formentera. The navigation time is about 1h 45 min, and that window is where the trip stops feeling like transportation and starts feeling like an experience.

The sailing stretch to Formentera: where the day actually disconnects

This is one of the smartest parts of the itinerary. Instead of rushing you from place to place, the trip gives you a real chunk of open views across the turquoise water.

In practical terms, that sailing time helps you manage energy for the stops. You’re not going straight from dock to constant swimming right away. You get wind, sea, and horizon, and you can decide when to cool off with a dip versus when to just sit back and watch the coast fade.

A good detail here: fuel is included and there are no surprises later. So once you’re aboard, you don’t have that background mental math running—just the day.

Stop 1 on Formentera: S’Espalmador’s protected silence

S’Espalmador is the kind of place that makes you understand why boat-only access matters. It’s a protected, unspoiled island that you can visit by boat, and the water is described as almost unreal—crystal clear, with white sand that looks straight out of a postcard.

When the anchor drops, your free time isn’t just about dropping in and leaving. The stop includes time for swimming, exploring, and soaking in the quiet. The island’s protected status helps keep the atmosphere calm, which makes this one of the most peaceful stops in the day.

One practical note: because it’s a smaller, boat-access-only spot, you’ll want to use your time intentionally. If you’re planning to snorkel, do a quick check on conditions as soon as you can. If you’re just there to float, you’ll probably want a slower pace and less gear swapping.

Playa de Ses Illetes at noon: famous for a reason, and built for water fun

Ses Illetes is one of those beaches people talk about for a reason: white sand and water so turquoise it can feel almost unreal. This stop is also designed around action, with time for snorkeling, trying paddle SUP, or simply walking the shoreline and relaxing on the boat.

You have about 2 hours here, and the timing is deliberate. Noon is lunch time, so the day gives you a clear fork in the road instead of forcing you to eat on the move.

Your lunch options at Ses Illetes

You have two choices. You can head to a waterfront restaurant and make a real meal of it. Or you can stay on board, relax, and order catering for a hassle-free lunch.

If you choose shore restaurants, these are the recommended picks listed for this stop:

• It’s Molí de Sal
• Juan & Andrea
• Can Carlitos
• Kiss Beach
• The Shark

If you like the idea of staying flexible, staying on board is a smart move. You keep your sea time uninterrupted, and you don’t lose precious daylight to getting around.

Stop 3: Cala Saona and its red-cliff cove mood

Your last Formentera stop is Cala Saona, a smaller cove with red cliffs and clear water. This is a “last dip” stop that still feels special, mainly because the scenery is different from the big famous beaches.

Weather permitting, the plan includes the option to explore by paddle or swim toward the cove’s hidden caves and other secrets. This is exactly the kind of activity that can turn a good day into a memorable one—especially if you like exploring on the water rather than just watching from above.

The key word is weather. If conditions are less cooperative, you may still enjoy the cove and swim, but the cave-and-paddle part could be scaled back. So bring the right mindset: go with curiosity, but don’t expect every “optional” moment to be identical every day.

Returning to Cala Jondal: the last sailing stretch and a final swim if time allows

On the way back, you sail toward Platja des Jondal again. The navigation time is about 1h 30 min, which gives you a smooth close to the day rather than an abrupt rush.

If time allows, there’s also the chance for a final dip in the crystal-clear waters near the starting area. That’s a small detail, but it helps you end on a high note—water, wind, and the light shifting over the sea.

By the time you’re back, it feels like the day has had an arc: start with easy calm, hit peak beach time, end with a quiet cove, then glide home.

What’s included (and what that means for how you plan your day)

Here’s the practical value behind the inclusions. Everything is meant to reduce friction.

Included:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Paddle SUP
• Restroom on board
• WiFi on board
• Fuel included (no surprise fuel fee later)
• All fees and taxes
• Mobile ticket
• English offered
• Private tour for your group up to 11

Not included:

• Meals (unless you select catering, or you eat at shore)

That list is more important than it looks. When snorkeling gear and SUP are already on board, you don’t waste time figuring out rentals or lugging stuff. And having a restroom on board matters on a full-day outing where you might otherwise feel “on the clock.”

Price reality: how $1,309.05 per group can work out well

The price is $1,309.05 per group for up to 11 people, for about an eight-hour day. If you fill close to the maximum group size, that works out to roughly $119 per person—before you even consider that snorkeling gear, SUP, and fuel are included.

Even if your group is smaller than 11, paying per group can still make sense if you’re splitting with friends, celebrating a birthday, or just want a more controlled, private feel. This is also one of those trips where the “value” isn’t just the sights—it’s the time you get to spend in the water without logistics headaches.

One more value point: the stops are marked as admission ticket free, so you aren’t paying separate entry fees each time you anchor.

The vibe on board: relaxed fun, careful captaining, and details that matter

A big part of why people love this trip is how calm it feels while still being well-run. Captain Juan is praised for being friendly and detail-oriented, and for working hard to make sure the day runs smoothly from start to finish.

That kind of captaining style is more than personality. When you’re on a catamaran for hours—moving between anchor points, managing safety, and timing sailing—it helps when the crew stays organized and attentive. You feel it in small things: the pacing, the way you’re told what’s next, and how easy it is to enjoy your time instead of wondering what’s going on.

And if you’re planning a celebration, the atmosphere is described as relaxed and fun—exactly what you want for a birthday at sea, without turning the day into something formal or stiff.

Who this catamaran day fits best (and who may want to adjust expectations)

This tour is a great fit if you:

• Want a private day with a group up to 11
• Care about snorkeling and water time (gear is included)
• Like the idea of sailing when wind allows, not just motorboat hops
• Want a mix of quiet coves and famous beach time

You might want to think twice if you:

• Hate weather variability. Some activities depend on conditions, especially sailing and any paddle/swim cave exploration at Cala Saona.
• Need meals included automatically. You’ll either choose shore restaurants at Ses Illetes or select catering to stay on board.

Also, if you get motion-sensitive, remember this is a sailing day. It’s not described as rough, but it is time on open water with wind.

Should you book the LAGOON 400 catamaran to Formentera?

Book it if you want a day that feels like a proper sea vacation: sailing time, multiple swim stops, snorkeling and SUP included, and a private-group setting that keeps things relaxed. This itinerary hits three different “moods” of Formentera—peaceful S’Espalmador, beach-famous Ses Illetes at noon, and the smaller, scenic Cala Saona—so you’re not repeating the same view all day.

Skip it (or at least adjust expectations) if you’re very meal-planning dependent or you prefer strictly scheduled activities regardless of weather. The best parts of the day are tied to wind and conditions, and that’s part of the trade-off.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the catamaran trip?

It runs for about 8 hours.

What is the group size for this experience?

It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates, with pricing listed for up to 11 people.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Tropicana Eivissa Cala Jondal, Cala Jundal, s/n, 07830 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Illes Balears, Spain.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is this tour offered in English?

Yes, English is offered.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.

Is paddle SUP included?

Yes, paddle SUP is included.

Are meals included in the price?

Meals are not included. You can choose restaurant lunch at Ses Illetes or select catering while staying on board.

What facilities are available on board?

There is a restroom on board and WiFi on board.

What is included besides equipment?

All fees and taxes are included, fuel is included, and there are no surprise fuel fees. Stops are listed as admission ticket free. There’s also a mobile ticket.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid isn’t refunded.