Review · SPAIN

Playa Es Arenals Catamaran Private Full Day Trip

★ 5.0 · 18 reviews $3,499 for the boat, seats 12 Operated by CharterAlia Boat Hire Formentera · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

The real treat here is simple: your own catamaran and skipper for the day, with no strangers choosing the music, swimming times, or lunch stop. You cruise from Es Molí de Sal along the Migjorn coast, then anchor at Playa Es Arenals for a long spell of swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and sun.

I like the freedom to bring your own food and drinks, and I like that the snorkel gear, stand-up paddleboards, dinghy, and fuel are included. The main drawback is the price: $3,498.20 per group, even with up to 12 people aboard, so this makes much better financial sense for a full group than for two or three people.

  • About five hours at Playa Es Arenals: Most of the day is built around one anchorage at the end of Migjorn Beach.
  • A private boat for up to 12 people: You share the catamaran only with your own group.
  • Skipper-led sailing: Your captain handles navigation, sailing, and the practical work on the water.
  • Water gear included: Snorkels and stand-up paddleboards let you get off the boat and enjoy the clear water.
  • Bring your own provisions: The large cool box is supplied, but food and drinks are not.
  • Friendly captains are a major part of the experience: Tincho, Alejandro, Teo, Martin, Carlos, Francisco, and others have been praised for care, good humor, and professional sailing.

A Private Day on Formentera’s Migjorn Coast

Playa Es Arenals Catamaran Private Full Day Trip - A Private Day on Formentera’s Migjorn Coast

This is a full-day boat outing built around time on the water rather than a packed sightseeing schedule. You meet at Es Molí de Sal at 10:00 am, board your private catamaran, and let the skipper guide you along Formentera’s coast toward Playa Es Arenals.

The route takes you past the coastline and Migjorn Beach before reaching the anchorage. I like this format because you are not rushing from one beach to the next. Once the boat reaches Es Arenals, you have the time to settle into the day: swim, snorkel, paddleboard, listen to music, eat lunch, or simply sit on deck.

The stated duration is about seven hours, while the Playa Es Arenals stop is listed at five hours. That leaves time for the outward and return sailing, boarding, and movement around the anchorage. You should think of this as a relaxed water day with one main base, not as a rapid tour of every cove on Formentera.

Reaching Playa Es Arenals by Catamaran

Playa Es Arenals sits at the end of Migjorn Beach, a useful location for a boat day because the beach and open water give you more than one way to enjoy the stop. The catamaran anchors offshore, so the main activity takes place around the boat and in the water rather than at a formal beach club or sightseeing attraction.

I like having a long stop here. Five hours gives you room to try the paddleboard early, swim later, and still have time for lunch and a quiet spell on board. You are not forced to pack every activity into a short break.

The water is described as crystal clear, which is exactly what makes the included snorkel equipment worthwhile. Bring your own expectations down to earth, though. The information does not specify particular fish, reefs, underwater sites, or a guided snorkeling lesson. You use the equipment on your own, with the skipper managing the boat and the general safety of the outing.

If you prefer the sand, the auxiliary dinghy can take you to the beach for disembarking. That is a practical touch, especially if you want to step ashore without trying to swim from the catamaran. The dinghy is also used for boarding and leaving the boat, so it is part of the basic transport setup rather than an extra activity with its own charge.

More Private Catamaran Charters in Spain

What Five Hours at Anchor Feels Like

Playa Es Arenals Catamaran Private Full Day Trip - What Five Hours at Anchor Feels Like

The best part of this trip is the lack of pressure. Once the catamaran is anchored, your group decides how to use the time. You can get into the water with the snorkel equipment, take a stand-up paddleboard for a spin, or stay on board with something cold from the cool box.

I would plan the day in loose blocks. Start with a swim or paddleboard session while everyone is fresh. Eat when the group is ready, then return to the water later. The long stop also helps if your group has different energy levels. Some people can be active while others rest, talk, listen to music, or enjoy the view from the catamaran.

The Megaboom Bluetooth speaker adds a social touch. You can play your own music rather than relying on a fixed soundtrack. Keep the volume sensible, since the boat is being used in a shared coastal setting even though the booking itself is private.

The large cool box is one of the most useful inclusions. You are responsible for filling it, so plan your supplies before departure. Food and drinks are not included, and the supplied information does not describe catering, a meal service, or a bar. If lunch matters to you, shop before meeting the boat and bring enough water for the full seven-hour outing.

Your Skipper Makes the Difference

Playa Es Arenals Catamaran Private Full Day Trip - Your Skipper Makes the Difference

The captain is not just there to steer. The skipper handles the sailing and navigation, takes care of the boat, and manages the route to the anchorage. That matters if you want a day at sea without needing boating experience or someone in your group having to remain focused on the practical side of the trip.

Several captains are named in the feedback, including Tincho, Alejandro, Teo, Martin, Carlos, Francisco, Rolando, and Constantine. Tincho is praised for responsibility, warmth, and creating a fun atmosphere. Alejandro is described as welcoming, professional, attentive, and helpful with suggestions for scenic drone videos. Teo receives special praise for his attention to detail, humor, and distinctive pirate style.

Martin is noted for taking a group from cove to cove and making stops for paddleboarding or views. Carlos and Martin are praised for expert sailing and good energy during a larger group outing. Francisco is remembered for his friendly character, while Rolando is described as professional, attentive, and fun on a longer catamaran rental.

You cannot assume you will receive a particular captain unless the operator confirms it. Still, the repeated praise for the skippers tells you something useful: the human side of the day is a major part of the product. When you book, it is reasonable to ask whether a specific captain is available, especially if you have heard a recommendation for Tincho, Teo, Alejandro, or Martin.

The Catamaran Setup and Included Equipment

This is a private activity for up to 12 people. That group limit is important when you judge the price. At the full capacity, the listed cost works out to about $291.52 per person. For six people, it is about $583.03 each. For only two people, it becomes a very expensive private boat day.

The price includes:

  • Fuel
  • Required insurance and taxes
  • A skipper
  • Auxiliary dinghy for boarding and leaving the boat
  • Snorkel equipment
  • Stand-up paddleboards
  • Megaboom Bluetooth speaker
  • Large cool box
  • Final cleaning

That is a strong list of practical inclusions. You are not adding a fuel bill or a cleaning fee at the end, and the main water activities are already covered. The skipper also means you do not need to arrange a separate boating license or manage navigation yourself.

The information does not give the catamaran’s length, cabin layout, number of toilets, shade arrangement, or seating plan. If those details matter to your group, ask before paying. This is especially important for a group of 12, when personal space and shade can make a long day much more comfortable.

Is $3,498.20 Good Value?

The answer depends almost entirely on group size and what you want from the day. For a birthday, family gathering, wedding-side outing, or group of friends, the cost can be sensible when divided among 10 to 12 people. You receive a private boat, skipper, fuel, water equipment, dinghy service, and cleaning for roughly seven hours.

For a smaller party, the value is less convincing. Two people pay the same group rate as 12, and food and drinks still come from your own budget. You are paying for privacy, space, control over the day, and a skipper-led experience, not for a meal or a long list of separate beach stops.

I would compare this with the price of several smaller shared boat outings, but the key difference is control. On this catamaran, your group can set the mood, choose when to swim, use the paddleboards when it suits you, and bring the food you actually like. If that flexibility matters, the premium may be fair.

The strongest value comes when your group fills most of the 12 places and cares more about a private day than a guided tour with constant commentary. If you want an inexpensive way to reach Formentera’s beaches, this is not the right pick.

Meeting at Es Molí de Sal

The start point is Es Molí de Sal, Calle Afores, s/n, 07871 Formentera, Illes Balears, Spain. The scheduled start is 10:00 am, and the boat returns to the same meeting point at the end.

You should allow time to find the meeting point and have your food and drinks ready before boarding. The activity uses a mobile ticket, and confirmation is received at booking. Because the day depends on a boat departure, I would avoid arriving at the last minute.

The return to the same point keeps the day straightforward. You do not need to arrange a separate end location, and the skipper brings the group back after the sailing and anchorage.

Who Will Enjoy This Most?

I would recommend this to a group that wants a private day outdoors and is happy to make its own fun. Friends can use the speaker and paddleboards, families can spread out between the boat and beach, and couples can enjoy a quieter boat day if they are willing to pay the full group price.

It also suits people who like a flexible schedule. The five-hour anchorage gives you time to change plans without feeling that every minute is fixed. If one person wants to snorkel and another wants to rest, both can do their own thing.

The trip may be less suitable if you want a formal tour with detailed commentary, a provided lunch, several named sightseeing stops, or a low per-person price. It is also worth thinking about your group’s comfort on a boat for much of the day. The water activities are optional, but the central experience is being on the catamaran.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. The supplied information does not give specific details about wheelchair access, so anyone with mobility needs should confirm the boarding arrangements before booking.

Weather and Cancellation Rules Matter

This experience needs good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

That weather clause is reassuring, but the normal cancellation policy is strict. The booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason if you cancel or request an amendment. I would only book once your group is confident about the date and the weather outlook is favorable.

For a boat trip, this policy is worth taking seriously. You are not booking a flexible museum visit. The operator has a vessel, captain, fuel, and a limited departure window to manage.

My Verdict: Book It for a Full Group

I would book this private Formentera catamaran trip if I had a large group ready to share the cost and wanted a relaxed day centered on swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, music, and time together. The long Playa Es Arenals stop is the right pace for a sunny island day, and the skipper-led format removes the work from sailing and navigation.

I would hesitate if only two or three people were going, or if I wanted lunch and drinks included. Before booking, I would confirm the catamaran’s onboard facilities, ask whether a preferred captain such as Tincho, Alejandro, Teo, or Martin is available, and check the weather forecast.

For the right group, the value is in privacy and freedom. You get a boat, a capable skipper, useful water gear, and enough time to enjoy Formentera without racing the clock. That is a good reason to spend the day at sea.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip start?

The trip starts at Es Molí de Sal, Calle Afores, s/n, 07871 Formentera, Illes Balears, Spain.

What time does the activity start?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 am.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts approximately seven hours.

Where does the boat go?

The catamaran cruises along the Formentera coastline and Migjorn Beach before anchoring at Playa Es Arenals.

How long is the stop at Playa Es Arenals?

The listed stop at Playa Es Arenals lasts five hours.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your own group takes part, with a maximum group size of 12 people.

Is a skipper included?

Yes. An enthusiastic skipper handles the sailing and navigation.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can fill the large onboard cool box with your own supplies.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes the activity to be canceled, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Normal cancellations and amendments are non-refundable.

More Full-Day Catamaran Cruises in Spain

Same water, other boats

Private Catamaran Charters, side by side.

The full list of Private Catamaran Charters →
Half-Day Exclusive Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with Meal and Open Bar
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 2,975 reviews· from $133

Half-Day Exclusive Catamaran Cruise in Santorini with Meal and Open Bar

Read our review →
Berlin: Exclusive Boat Tour on a Solar-Powered Catamaran
★★★★★★★★★★4.7· 1,767 reviews· from $41

Berlin: Exclusive Boat Tour on a Solar-Powered Catamaran

Read our review →
50′ Luxury Yacht. Private Full or Half Day Catamaran Snorkel, & Beach Experience
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 606 reviews· $1,595 for the boat, seats 12

50′ Luxury Yacht. Private Full or Half Day Catamaran Snorkel, & Beach Experience

Read our review →
Lagoon 39ft Private Catamaran 5hr – El Cielo Full Experience
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 600 reviews· $2,200 for the boat, seats 15

Lagoon 39ft Private Catamaran 5hr – El Cielo Full Experience

Read our review →
Private Catamaran from Cancun to Isla Mujeres for up to 13 People
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 497 reviews· $899 for the boat, seats 13

Private Catamaran from Cancun to Isla Mujeres for up to 13 People

Read our review →
Private Full-Day Luxury Sailing Catamaran Charter in Sint Maarten
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 402 reviews· $1,700 for the boat, seats 8

Private Full-Day Luxury Sailing Catamaran Charter in Sint Maarten

Read our review →
Private 4 Hour Power Catamaran Excursion in Grace Bay
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 400 reviews· $1,800 for the boat, seats 6

Private 4 Hour Power Catamaran Excursion in Grace Bay

Read our review →
Exclusive 3-Island Catamaran Tour with Buffet Lunch
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 387 reviews· from $104

Exclusive 3-Island Catamaran Tour with Buffet Lunch

Read our review →
Scroll to Top

Find your catamaran

Pick a coast, or pick what happens on board.