Formentera Day Trip from Ibiza on Private Luxury Catamaran

The best Ibiza escape starts offshore. This private catamaran trip gives you a full day between Ibiza, Formentera, and Espalmador, with room for up to 12 people and no strangers sharing your boat. I especially like the private charter format and the easy access to snorkel gear and paddle boards. The main drawback is the price, which makes the trip sensible for a larger group rather than a couple.

You sail for about seven hours, leaving at 10 a.m. and returning to the same meeting point. The boat has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Megaboom speakers, and space to stretch out, so you can bring your own music, food, and drinks. The only detail to confirm carefully is the departure pier, since the trip may leave from Cala Jondal near Blue Marlin or from Es Xarcu restaurant.

Key points to know before booking

• A private boat for up to 12 people: The flat group price works best when shared among friends or family.
• Two hours at Ses Illetes: Expect clear water, swimming, snorkeling, and paddle boarding at one of Formentera’s best-known beaches.
• A quieter stop at Espalmador: This uninhabited sandy island offers a simpler, more open setting than the beach clubs.
• Your own music and onboard comfort: Bluetooth Megaboom speakers, Wi-Fi, deck seating, and cold drinks make the crossing feel relaxed.
• Flexible lunch plans: Bring your own meal or go ashore to eat at a waterfront restaurant near Illetas.
• Strong praise for the captain: Constantin is specifically praised for choosing turquoise anchor spots and helping create a memorable day.

Why this private Formentera sailing day works

Formentera is Ibiza’s calmer counterpart. The island is known for pale beaches, clear water, and a less party-focused feel. Reaching it by private catamaran gives you a better sense of the distance between the islands, while also avoiding the fixed schedule and shared seating of a standard ferry or group cruise.

I like the way this trip combines movement and downtime. You spend part of the day sailing with music and sea views, then stop long enough to swim, paddle, snorkel, or simply lie on deck. Seven hours is long enough to make the crossing worthwhile without turning the outing into an exhausting full-day expedition.

The private setup matters most if your group is made up of friends, a family, or a celebration party. You can choose how much time to spend in the water, how loudly to play music, and whether lunch is a restaurant stop or a picnic onboard. Nobody outside your group dictates the mood.

The boat carries up to 12 people, but the experience may feel very different with four people than with a full group. At maximum capacity, you should expect less personal space on deck, especially if everyone wants to sit in the sun or use the water equipment at once.

The price makes sense for a full group

The listed price is $3,569.03 per group, not per person. Split between 12 people, that works out to about $297 per person. With six people, the cost rises to about $595 each, and for two people it becomes a very expensive private outing.

That price includes the captain or driver-guide, taxes, local charges, snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, and Bluetooth speakers. Life jackets are available if requested, and the captains will take photos with your camera. Food and drinks are not included, so you should budget for those separately if you do not plan to bring your own supplies.

I see the strongest value for a group of eight to 12 people that wants privacy. The cost buys more than transportation to Formentera. You are paying for a private boat, flexible use of the day, water equipment, and the ability to set your own pace.

If you are comparing this with a basic ferry ticket, this trip is not a bargain. A ferry may cost far less and give you more time ashore. The catamaran earns its price through comfort, privacy, and the stops along the way.

Starting near Cala Jondal or Es Xarcu

The main meeting information places the start at Es Xarcu, also written as Cala Es Xarco, at the Restaurante Playa in Sant Josep de sa Talaia. The start time is 10 a.m., and the trip ends back at the meeting point.

The description also refers to meeting the captain at a pier near Blue Marlin beach club in Cala Jondal. Since both locations appear in the details, confirm the exact departure point when you book. This is a practical step, not a minor one. Cala Jondal and Es Xarcu are different spots, and arriving at the wrong cove could cause a stressful start.

The trip is near public transportation, but the supplied information does not specify a route or transfer service. Plan your own arrival and allow time to find the pier or restaurant meeting point. You will need a current valid passport on the day of the trip.

The boat returns to the same meeting point after the sailing day. That makes the timing convenient if you want to finish with a sunset drink at Blue Marlin, as the planned return is around late afternoon after a 10 a.m. departure.

The crossing to Formentera

Once onboard, you can settle into a comfortable place on deck, connect your phone to the Bluetooth speakers, and open a cold soft drink. The music system is a nice touch for a private group, though I would keep the volume reasonable while the boat is near shore.

The trip does not promise a formal meal or drink service. Bring your own food and drinks if you want a full day without leaving the boat. You can also choose to go ashore for lunch near Illetas, where waterfront restaurants offer a more polished setting.

The captain is an important part of the experience. One highly praised captain, Constantin, was noted for choosing especially blue and turquoise anchor points and positioning the boat well. Another group received an upgrade to a larger catamaran with a six-meter sofa and found that extra space made a major difference. An upgrade is not guaranteed, but it shows why boat size and deck layout are worth asking about before departure.

The sailing itself is part of the attraction, but it is not the entire day. If you want constant sightseeing or a narrated history tour, this may feel too quiet. It is better suited to people who are happy to enjoy the sea, music, sun, and company.

Two hours at Playa de Ses Illetes

The first main stop is Playa de Ses Illetes, often called Illetas Beach, with about two hours scheduled there. This is the most active part of the outing, thanks to the clear water and the included paddle boards and snorkeling gear.

You can swim directly from the boat, paddle around the anchorage, or use the snorkel equipment to look beneath the surface. Life jackets are available if requested, which is useful if you are not a confident swimmer or simply want extra support while relaxing in the water.

Two hours gives you enough time to try more than one activity, but you may need to choose your priorities. A group of 12 can easily spread out between swimming, paddle boarding, snorkeling, lunch, and sunbathing. If everyone wants to go ashore, eat, and use the equipment, the stop may feel short.

You also have the choice to stay onboard. From the deck, you can watch the beach scene, play music, take photos, and avoid the extra effort of getting to shore. That flexibility is one of the better reasons to book a private boat instead of a fixed group excursion.

Lunch is not included. You may bring your own food or leave the boat for a meal at one of the glamorous waterfront restaurants near Illetas. The restaurant option adds style and convenience, but it also adds a separate bill and uses part of your beach time.

Ses Illetes is likely to be the busiest and most polished stop of the day. The beach is the main draw, but the popularity also means you should not expect total solitude. The private boat gives you a quieter base even when the shore is lively.

Two hours at uninhabited Espalmador

The second stop is S’Espalmador, an uninhabited sandy islet between Ibiza and Formentera. The schedule allows about two hours here, giving the day a different mood after the more famous beach stop.

There are no restaurants or organized attractions listed for Espalmador. That is the point. You get a simpler setting for swimming, sitting on the boat, and enjoying the open surroundings without planning another meal or shopping stop.

I would treat this as the slower part of the day. Use the time to swim again, relax on deck, take pictures, or listen to music. If your group prefers a busy schedule packed with activities, two hours here may feel long. If you like a calm sea day, it gives the outing breathing room.

The island is uninhabited, so do not expect the same facilities you might find near Illetas. Bring anything you need onboard, including food, drinks, sun protection, and a towel if you want one. The supplied details do not list towels, so ask before assuming they are provided.

Together, Ses Illetes and Espalmador make a good pair. The first stop gives you beach access and water sports. The second offers a more stripped-back pause before the return sail.

What the catamaran includes on deck

The boat is set up for a relaxed private charter rather than a formal luxury cruise with a full service crew. You get deck seating, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Megaboom speakers, and the use of snorkeling and paddle boarding equipment.

The speakers are useful for groups that want to create their own soundtrack. Bring your phone and any needed connection details, but do not assume that music streaming will work perfectly everywhere just because Wi-Fi is listed. The supplied information confirms Wi-Fi is onboard, not the strength or speed of the connection.

The captains will take as many photos as you want with your camera. That is a valuable service for groups who want pictures of everyone together, especially during water activities. You still need to bring your own camera or phone, since a professional photo package is not included.

Life jackets are available on request. I would ask for one before entering the water if you are not comfortable swimming, and I would make sure children or less confident swimmers have the equipment they need.

The experience requires a moderate level of physical fitness. You will need to board the boat, move around the deck, and get in and out of the water if you plan to snorkel or paddle. The details do not promise special accessibility equipment, so anyone with mobility concerns should ask the operator before paying.

Who should book this catamaran

This trip fits a group that values privacy more than a low price. It is especially suitable for families, birthday groups, friends sharing a holiday, and couples who want a private day but are willing to pay for the space.

You will likely enjoy it if you want:

• A full day on the water without strangers onboard
• Swimming and paddle boarding in clear water
• Freedom to bring your own music, food, and drinks
• A choice between a waterfront lunch and staying aboard
• A relaxed day that mixes sailing with long anchor stops

It may not suit you if you want a cheap way to reach Formentera, a packed sightseeing schedule, or a guided cultural tour. The focus is the boat, the sea, and time at the beaches, not museums, villages, or detailed island commentary.

The strong overall rating, with 99 percent of customers recommending the experience and a five-star average from 177 ratings, supports the idea that the format works well. The most repeated praise centers on the captain, the boat, the beautiful anchor spots, and the feeling of having the day to yourself.

Weather, cancellation, and practical planning

Good weather is required. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Your own cancellation is different. The booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. That makes travel insurance or careful date planning worth considering, especially for an expensive group booking.

Bring food and drinks unless you plan to eat ashore. You may also want sun protection, swimwear, and anything else you need for several hours around the water. The supplied information confirms snorkeling gear, paddle boards, and requested life jackets, but it does not confirm towels or a catered meal.

The activity is offered in English. Confirmation arrives at booking, and only your group participates. The passport requirement applies on the day, so do not leave it behind even if you are already staying in Ibiza.

Should you book it?

Book this private catamaran if your group can share the cost and you want a polished, flexible day at sea. The combination of Ses Illetes, Espalmador, onboard water equipment, personal music, and a private captain gives you more freedom than a standard island transfer.

I would be cautious if your group has only two or three people, since the per-person price rises quickly. I would also confirm the exact departure point and ask about the boat size before finalizing the booking.

For a full group that wants swimming, sunshine, privacy, and a little luxury, this is a strong choice. For a budget-minded visit to Formentera, take a simpler route and spend your money on the island itself.

FAQ

How long is the Formentera catamaran trip?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours.

What time does the trip start?

The scheduled start time is 10 a.m.

Where does the trip begin?

The meeting point is listed as Es Xarcu, Restaurante Playa, Cala Es Xarco, Sant Josep de sa Talaia. The description also mentions a pier near Blue Marlin in Cala Jondal, so confirm the exact departure point when booking.

Where does the trip end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How many people can join the private catamaran?

The private group can include up to 12 people.

Is food included?

No. You can bring your own food and drinks or go ashore for lunch at a waterfront restaurant near Illetas.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

Are paddle boards included?

Yes. Paddle boarding is included in the experience.

Can I play my own music?

Yes. The boat has Megaboom Bluetooth speakers so you can play your own music.

Is a passport required?

Yes. A current valid passport is required on the day of the trip.