Ibiza & Formentera Private Catamaran Full-Day Sailing Tour

The best views come from the water. This private eight-hour catamaran trip links Ibiza’s south coast with Formentera’s famous Ses Illetes beach, with plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and relaxing on deck. I especially like the privacy of a boat reserved for your own group and the easy access to quiet coves that are hard to appreciate from shore.

I also like the flexible food arrangement: you can arrange lunch on board, eat on Formentera, or bring your own meal. The main caution is cost. At $1,609.09 for up to 10 people, it can be good value for a full group, but extras such as lunch and alcoholic drinks are not included, and one food order led to disappointment over portion size and price.

Key points before you book

• Private for up to 10 people: You get the boat for your own group rather than sharing the day with strangers.
• Two paddleboards and snorkeling gear included: The equipment makes the stops more active, though you should be comfortable in the water.
• The route covers Ibiza and Formentera: You sail from Cala Jondal along Ibiza’s south coast, then continue toward Espalmador and Ses Illetes.
• Lunch is not included: You may eat on board, arrange food, or go ashore at Ses Illetes, so confirm the menu and cost before ordering.
• A friendly Border Collie lives on board: The 10-year-old dog is part of the boat experience, an important detail if anyone in your group has allergies or dislikes dogs.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure.

Why this private sailing day works

This is not a quick boat ride with one photo stop. The schedule gives you about eight hours on the water, with long pauses for swimming and time at Formentera. You can spend the day actively using the boards and snorkeling equipment, or simply stretch out on deck and watch the coast pass by.

The private setup is the biggest advantage. If your party fills most of the 10-person capacity, the cost works out to about $160.91 per person before food and drinks. That is a meaningful sum, but it compares more favorably when divided among a family or group of friends. For two or three people, the same total price feels much harder to justify.

The route also has a good rhythm. You begin with Ibiza’s cliffs and coves, stop for a swim, spend time around the natural reserve near Formentera, and finish with a longer visit at Ses Illetes. You are not spending the entire day under way. Much of the value comes from the time at anchor.

This trip suits people who want a relaxed private day rather than a tightly managed sightseeing program. You set out from Cala Jondal, use the boat as your base, and choose how much time to spend in the water. The tradeoff is that the experience depends heavily on weather, sea conditions, and your group’s ability to agree on how to use the day.

Starting at Cala Jondal

The meeting point is Tropicana Eivissa at Cala Jondal, on Ibiza’s southern coast. The tour begins and ends at this same location, which keeps the transportation plan simple. The meeting address is Cala Jundal, s/n, 07830 Sant Josep de sa Talaia.

Cala Jondal is a fitting starting point, with clear water, rocky coastal scenery, and a holiday atmosphere. The first stop is brief, about 10 minutes, so think of it as your transition onto the catamaran rather than a full beach visit.

Once aboard, you can settle on deck and take in the coast. The boat has a restroom, Wi-Fi, and the basic water equipment included. Fuel costs are also covered, so the advertised group price does not come with a separate fuel surcharge.

The boat is private, but it is not a silent, child-free charter by default. A 10-year-old Border Collie lives on board and is described as very friendly. If someone in your party is allergic to dogs, ask about this before booking.

Sailing past Playa des Codolar

The next section follows Ibiza’s south coast toward Playa des Codolar. The scheduled time is about one hour, giving you a chance to watch the shoreline change from sandy bays to rocky coves and cliffs.

This part is mainly about the view and the ride. You will see small inlets, rough stone edges, and openings along the coast that are easy to miss from a road. The sea breeze and open deck make the passage feel like part of the day, rather than dead time between activities.

The practical point is sun protection. The tour description emphasizes relaxing on deck and enjoying the sun, but eight hours on the water can catch you out. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a cover-up. These are simple items, but they make a long day much more comfortable.

The one drawback is that the schedule does not promise a shore visit at Playa des Codolar. You are sailing past the coast, not necessarily stopping for a walk or swim there. If your priority is exploring beaches on foot, the longer stop at Ses Illetes matters more.

Swimming near Ses Salines Natural Park

After the coastal sailing, the catamaran reaches a secluded cove near the Ses Salines Natural Park. The boat anchors for about an hour, and this is one of the day’s best opportunities to get into the water.

The included snorkeling equipment means you do not need to bring your own mask and gear. You can look for fish and other sea life in the clear water, while anyone who prefers a quieter break can remain on deck.

The stop is simple but valuable. A private boat gives your group a more personal place to swim than a crowded public beach, although the exact feel of the cove will depend on conditions that day. The itinerary calls it secluded, but it does not promise complete solitude.

You should have a moderate level of physical fitness for this trip. Getting in and out of the water, moving around a boat, and using a paddleboard all require some balance and mobility. This is not presented as an accessible sightseeing cruise with no physical demands.

Paddleboarding around Espalmador

The route then continues toward S’Espalmador, a protected natural area between Ibiza and Formentera. The stop lasts about one hour and 50 minutes, making it the longest water-based portion of the day.

Two paddleboards are provided. This is a useful inclusion for a group of up to 10, but remember that only two people can use them at once. You may need to take turns, especially if everyone wants a go.

The calm water around Espalmador is suited to a gentle paddle, and you can also swim and use the snorkeling equipment again. I like this section because it gives the day some choice. You can paddle, snorkel, swim, or stay aboard. Nobody has to turn the outing into an athletic contest.

The natural reserve setting also gives the route a different character from the Ibiza coast. Instead of looking up at cliffs, you are focused on low shoreline, clear water, and the open space between the islands. Keep your expectations sensible, though. The boat provides equipment, not a guided lesson in paddleboarding or marine biology.

Two hours at Ses Illetes

The longest shore-based stop is Playa de Ses Illetes on Formentera. The beach is known for white sand and clear water, and the schedule allows about two hours here.

You have two basic choices. You can stay on the boat and eat while looking toward the beach, or go ashore for lunch and a walk. The ability to choose is useful for mixed groups. Some people may want to stretch their legs and explore, while others may prefer the shade and comfort of the catamaran.

This is also the place where food planning matters most. Lunch is listed as not included, and alcoholic drinks are also extra. You can bring your own food, but ask in advance about what is permitted and what storage is available. If you order a catered meal, confirm the price, menu, and number of servings in writing.

One complaint about the food involved a €65 ham platter that was considered poor value. The provider explained that a menu had been ordered for seven people in a group of 10, based on the idea that some people would eat lightly. The response also noted that the menu was priced per person and that teenagers could have larger appetites.

The lesson is clear: do not treat the food arrangement as an afterthought. For a full group, order by the actual number of people who will eat, not by an optimistic estimate. If you want to control the budget, bring your own meal or eat on Formentera, provided you confirm the plan with the operator.

Ses Illetes is also the best point for a walk. The schedule gives you enough time to leave the boat, enjoy the shore, and return without rushing. Still, the exact amount of walking or exploring is up to you. This is not a guided island tour with a set route inland.

The return to Cala Jondal

The final sailing section takes about one hour and 30 minutes. You return across the Mediterranean to Cala Jondal, with time to relax after the swimming and beach stop.

A late return can be a pleasant way to end the day. You can sit on deck, look back toward the coast, and let the boat ride do the work. The summary also highlights sunset views from the water, but the exact sunset experience depends on your departure time and the season. If sunset is important to you, ask the operator how the schedule lines up on your chosen date.

The return is not another activity stop. It is a quiet closing stretch, so plan your energy accordingly. If your group wants nonstop swimming or a packed sightseeing schedule, the long ride back may feel slow. If you like a calm finish, it fits the trip well.

What is included, and what is not

The price includes the private catamaran, fuel surcharge, restroom, Wi-Fi, snorkeling equipment, and two paddleboards. These inclusions remove several common add-on costs, especially fuel and water equipment.

Lunch and alcoholic beverages are not included. This distinction matters because the promotional description presents lunch as an option, not as a free part of the trip. Budget for food separately, and do not assume that a catering order is included in the charter price.

The boat’s capacity is up to 10 people. That makes the price easier to justify for a large family or group of friends. If you book with only two people, you are paying for private use of the whole boat, not individual seats.

The tour is offered in English. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the experience is available near public transportation. The exact transport arrangement from your hotel is not included in the supplied details, so you should plan your own way to Cala Jondal.

Who should book this catamaran day?

I would choose this trip for a group that values privacy, water time, and a full day outdoors. It works especially well for friends or families who want to make their own pace and share one boat rather than split up among different excursions.

It is also a good match for people who like options. You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, eat aboard, go ashore, or simply sit on deck. The day does not force everyone to take part in every activity.

I would be more cautious if your budget is tight, if you are booking for only a few people, or if you want lunch and drinks included in one clear price. I would also think twice if anyone in your group is uncomfortable around dogs, has limited mobility, or does not enjoy spending long hours in the sun.

The published score is 5 out of 5 from 242 reviews, with 99 percent recommending the experience. That strong overall record supports the trip’s main appeal: a private boat, attractive waters, and a full route through Ibiza and Formentera. It does not remove the need to clarify food costs or consider the physical side of a day on a catamaran.

Should you book the Ibiza and Formentera catamaran tour?

Book it if you can fill most of the 10-person capacity and want a private day built around swimming, clear water, coastal views, and Ses Illetes. The route is varied, the equipment is useful, and the private format gives you more freedom than a standard group cruise.

Before paying, confirm three things: the exact lunch plan, the price per person for any catering, and how the timing works if sunset is important. If your group is small or you prefer a guided island tour with included meals, this may not be the best value. For a full group that plans carefully, it offers a memorable way to see both islands from the water.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at Tropicana Eivissa Cala Jondal, Cala Jundal, s/n, 07830 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Illes Balears, Spain. It ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the catamaran private?

Yes. The activity is private, and only your group participates. The boat accommodates up to 10 people.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included. You can bring your own food, arrange a meal, eat on board, or go ashore at Ses Illetes for lunch.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

What water equipment is provided?

The boat provides two paddleboards and snorkeling equipment. A restroom and Wi-Fi are also available on board.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.