Formentera Catamaran Trip with Water Sports, Paella & Open bar

This is a full Mediterranean day built around two very different pleasures: active time in the water at Cala Saona and several free hours to explore Formentera on your own. The catamaran carries no more than 38 people, so you get a social outing without the feel of a giant party boat.

I especially like the live paella cooking show and the open bar, which make the long sailing day feel generous rather than bare-bones. I also like that you are not trapped on the boat all day: you can arrange a scooter or bike at La Savina and choose your own Formentera plan. The main consideration is simple: nine hours is a long commitment, and the island portion depends on how efficiently you arrange transport.

Key points before you book

• Cala Saona is the water-sports stop: Swim, snorkel, paddleboard, and jump from the catamaran in clear water.
• Paella is cooked on board: A live cooking show is included, with a vegetarian option available if requested.
• The open bar runs through the day: Wine, beer, cava, prosecco, soft drinks, and fresh seasonal fruit are provided.
• Formentera time is self-directed: Rent a scooter or bike with crew assistance, then choose places such as Ses Illetes, Es Pujols, or the Mirador de la Mola.
• The boat holds up to 38 people: That keeps the group social but more manageable than a large excursion vessel.
• The tour is adults only: It suits couples and adult friends better than families with children.

Why this Ibiza to Formentera day works

Formentera is close to Ibiza, but it feels different enough to justify a full day. The island is known for clear water, pale beaches, small villages, and open coastal views. This excursion gives you a taste of all of it without asking you to plan a ferry, find a boat, organize water gear, and arrange lunch separately.

The day starts at 10:45 am near Figueretas, at the Japanese and Thai Restaurant YOKUBO beside Hotel Ibiza Playa. You board at Figueretas Port and head toward Formentera with soft background music and views of the Mediterranean. The sailing itself is part of the experience, not just transport between stops.

The group limit matters. With a maximum of 38 people, you can expect a friendly shared outing, but not a private charter. That balance suits you if you want to meet people and enjoy a lively day without signing up for a massive boat party.

The local team associated with the excursion includes Fabio, Rocco, and Alessandro. Fabio receives particularly warm praise for careful organization, while all three are described as friendly and professional. That personal touch seems to be a real part of the experience, especially if you need help arranging your island transportation.

Cala Saona: your main swimming and water-sports stop

The first major stop is Cala Saona, where the catamaran anchors for about four hours. This is the part of the day for swimming, snorkeling, paddle surfing, and simply lying in the sun.

The water activities are included, and you can use the stop as actively or lazily as you like. Jumping from the boat into the sea is one of the memorable details of the outing, especially for confident swimmers. Paddleboards give you another way to get away from the boat and look back at the coast from the water.

You should think of this as a boat-based water stop, not a long beach visit. The information provided does not promise a shore landing at Cala Saona, so expect to spend your time around the anchored catamaran. If you prefer a proper beach day with an umbrella and a long walk on land, the later Formentera stop will suit you better.

Snorkeling is available, but the tour details do not specify whether equipment sizes or particular gear are supplied. Ask the crew about equipment when you board if snorkeling is important to you. Paddle surfing is clearly part of the advertised activity, and the water is described as crystal clear.

This four-hour block also gives you breathing room. You do not have to rush from one activity to another. You can swim first, eat later, take photos, and return to the water when you feel like it.

Paella, fruit, and an open bar on the catamaran

Food is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a basic boat transfer. The crew puts on a live paella cooking show, so lunch becomes part of the entertainment rather than a meal handed out in a container.

The paella received especially strong praise, and that makes sense for a day at sea. It is filling, local in spirit, and practical after swimming and paddleboarding. A vegetarian option is available on request, but you should make that request ahead of time rather than assume it will appear automatically.

The open bar includes wine, beer, cava, prosecco, and soft drinks. Fresh seasonal fruit is served during the day. That is a useful mix because you can choose a celebratory drink, a soft drink, or something simple while spending hours on the water.

There is an important practical point here: an open bar can add real value, but it can also change the mood of a boat outing. If you want the most from the water activities and the island visit, pace yourself. You have several hours still to go after Cala Saona, including independent time in Formentera.

The food and drinks are included in the stated tour package. Optional scooter or bike rental in Formentera is a separate choice, and no rental price is provided.

Four hours in Formentera, with room to choose

After Cala Saona, the catamaran docks at La Savina Port. You then have about four hours to explore Formentera at your own pace.

This is the most flexible part of the day, but it also requires the most planning. The crew can help you arrange a scooter or bike, though renting is optional. If you want to see more than the port area, arranging transportation is important. Walking alone may limit how much of the island you can cover in the available time.

Ses Illetes for the famous beach

Ses Illetes is the obvious choice if your priority is sand, sea, and photos. It is often described among the world’s best beaches, and the tour specifically points you there as a top island stop.

Choose Ses Illetes if you want your Formentera time to focus on the coast. You might find this the most rewarding option after a morning spent swimming from the boat, since it lets you compare Cala Saona with another well-known beach setting.

Es Pujols for shops and cafés

Es Pujols offers a different mood. The village has shops and cafés, making it a better fit if you want a meal, a drink on land, or a little local browsing instead of another beach stop.

This option also gives you a simple way to experience Formentera without trying to cross the whole island. If you prefer an easy afternoon with some town life, Es Pujols is likely the most manageable choice.

The Mirador de la Mola for broad island views

The Mirador de la Mola is the choice for views. From the lookout, you can see rugged cliffs and clear water across the island. It is a stronger pick for scenery than for swimming.

The trade-off is time. Formentera may look small on a map, but you have only about four hours before returning to the boat. If you want the lookout, a beach, and Es Pujols all in one visit, you will need an efficient route and reliable transport. The excursion gives you freedom, not a guided island circuit.

The return to Ibiza and the sunset mood

After your free time, you return to the catamaran for the trip back to Ibiza. The ride takes about an hour and includes relaxing music and final views of the Mediterranean.

The boat makes stops at Playa d’en Bossa and Figueretas before returning to the starting point. This is useful if one of those areas is closer to your accommodation, though the stated end point is back at the original meeting point.

The return ride is less structured than the morning. You can sit back, take pictures, and watch the light change over the water. The tour description places this part near sunset, but it does not give an exact return time, so keep the rest of your evening flexible.

What the $204.50 group price really means

The listed price is $204.50 per group of up to two people. If two people book together, that works out to $102.25 each before any optional scooter or bike rental. For a nine-hour outing, the value is strong if you plan to use the boat, food, drinks, water equipment, and island time.

You are paying for more than a crossing to Formentera. The price includes a full day on the catamaran, the Cala Saona stop, water activities, paella, an open bar, fruit, and the return sailing. A basic ferry ticket would leave you to arrange meals, beach access, and water activities yourself.

The value is less clear if you mainly want independent time on Formentera. In that case, the four-hour island visit may feel short, especially if you want to reach several distant places. You are also sharing the day with up to 37 other people, so this is not a private sailing experience.

For two adults who want a social sea day, the package is easy to understand and fairly complete. For a couple focused only on exploring the island by scooter, a ferry and separate rental might offer more freedom, though it would not include the boat-based water sports or open bar.

Who should book this catamaran trip

I would choose this excursion if you want a mix of swimming, food, drinks, scenery, and a little independent exploring. Couples and adult friends are the natural audience, especially if you enjoy meeting people during a shared activity.

It also works well if you want help with the practical parts. The crew can assist with scooter or bike arrangements, and the team’s friendly approach is useful when you are unfamiliar with Formentera.

You should think twice if you dislike group activities, need a quiet private boat, or want a tightly guided island tour. The day has a social atmosphere, and the Formentera portion asks you to make your own choices.

Families should note that this is an adults-only experience. Most adults can participate, service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

Practical details that make the day easier

Arrive at the listed meeting point, the Japanese and Thai Restaurant YOKUBO at Paseo de ses Pituses bajo, beside Hotel Ibiza Playa. The scheduled start is 10:45 am, and the tour ends back at the meeting point after roughly nine hours.

Bring what you need for a long day around water and sun. The tour provides drinks, fruit, food, and water activities, but the supplied details do not specify towels, personal snorkeling equipment, sunscreen, or changing facilities. If you rely on a particular item, confirm it before departure.

If you want a vegetarian paella, request it in advance. If you want to explore beyond La Savina, decide before boarding whether you prefer a scooter or bike. The staff can help with the rental, but the rental itself is optional and its price is not stated.

The tour is usually booked about 23 days ahead, so popular dates may fill before your holiday. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made later are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book the Formentera catamaran trip?

Book it if you want one well-packed adult day that combines a boat ride, swimming, paddleboarding, paella, drinks, and a taste of Formentera. The strongest parts are the four-hour Cala Saona stop, the live lunch, the helpful local team, and the freedom to choose your own island route.

Skip it if your main goal is a relaxed private charter or a full day touring Formentera by road. The schedule is long, the group is shared, and the island time is limited. For everyone else, especially two people splitting the group price, this is a practical and enjoyable way to turn an Ibiza holiday into a proper day at sea.

FAQ

How long does the Formentera catamaran trip last?

The experience lasts approximately nine hours, beginning at 10:45 am and ending back at the original meeting point.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is the Japanese and Thai Restaurant YOKUBO at Paseo de ses Pituses bajo, Hotel Ibiza Playa, 07800 Eivissa, Ibiza, Spain.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point after the return sailing to Ibiza.

How many people can join the catamaran?

The catamaran accepts a maximum of 38 participants.

Is the tour suitable for children?

No. This activity is listed as adults only.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes wine, beer, cava, prosecco, and soft drinks. Fresh seasonal fruit is also served during the day.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A live paella cooking show and paella meal are included. A vegetarian option is available on request.

Can I rent a scooter or bike in Formentera?

Yes. After arriving at La Savina Port, you can arrange an optional scooter or bike rental with assistance from the crew.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.