Private Catamaran Excursion through Formentera

The best part of this private Formentera catamaran trip is the freedom to treat the Mediterranean as your day-long playground. You sail from Cala Jondal, stop at the hard-to-reach island of Espalmador, then anchor near Platja d’Illetes for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. If the wind cooperates, the engines go quiet and the sails come up.

I like the generous three hours at Ses Illetes and the fact that your group gets the whole boat, rather than sharing deck space with strangers. I also like the practical setup: a restroom, shaded and comfortable seating, snorkeling gear, a double kayak, paddleboard, and a proper sound system. The main catch is the price, $3,484.42 per group, and lunch, drinks, and bottled water are not included.

Key details before you book

• Private boat for up to 11 people: The price works best when shared by a full group of family or friends.
• Eight hours from Cala Jondal: The day generally runs from noon to 8 p.m., with about three hours anchored near Ses Illetes.
• Three named crew members: Mariano, Marcelo, and Chelo are associated with the catamaran operation.
• Water equipment included: You can use snorkeling gear, a double kayak, and paddleboard without arranging separate rentals.
• Wind shapes the sailing: The crew opens the sails when conditions allow, and strong wind can alter the route or return point.
• Bring food and drinks: Snacks, lunch, alcohol, and bottled water are not part of the price.

Why this private boat day works so well

This is not simply a transfer from Ibiza to Formentera. The crossing itself takes about 90 minutes each way, so a large part of your day is spent on the water. That matters if you enjoy the movement of a boat, open views, and the chance to let the route unfold with the wind.

You get a Lagoon 450 catamaran, described as spacious, clean, and comfortable, with four bedrooms and private bathrooms. For this excursion, the important point is not the sleeping capacity. It is the amount of room available during a full day at sea. A catamaran gives you more stable footing and several places to sit, stretch out, listen to music, or get away from the main group for a few minutes.

The private format also changes the mood. You can use the sound system, swim when you want, and decide how much time to spend ashore at Espalmador or Ses Illetes. The crew, including Mariano, Marcelo, and Chelo, can handle the boat while you focus on the day.

I would not book this as a quiet sightseeing cruise if your group wants a formal guide narrating every mile. It is better suited to people who want a relaxed boat day with active stops and plenty of free time.

Leaving Cala Jondal for Formentera

The meeting point is Cala Jondal in Ibiza, at the listed address on the cove. The published operating hours are noon to 8 p.m., which gives you a full eight-hour outing. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, so I would avoid treating the reservation as final until you receive that confirmation.

The first crossing takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. You may spend that time under power, but the crew aims to raise the sails when the wind permits. That is one of the small details that can make the outing feel like a real sailing day rather than a motorboat ride with a few stops.

Wind is important here. It affects speed, comfort, and the possibility of sailing without the engine. The route can also change if conditions require it. In most cases, the boat returns to the same meeting point at Cala Jondal, though major changes may be needed because of the wind.

I would arrive ready for a flexible day. The advertised stops are clear, but the sea gets the final vote. That is normal for sailing, not a flaw in the operation.

Espalmador, a boat-only stop with room to roam

After the crossing, the catamaran reaches S’Espalmador, an island accessible only by boat. This gives the stop a different character from a normal beach visit. You are not simply walking down from a resort or road. You arrive by sea, step ashore, and explore its natural spaces on foot.

You have about two hours here. That is enough time for a short walk, a look at the famous natural salt flat, and a swim in the clear water. If you prefer movement to lounging, this is the stop where you can stretch your legs and take a small trek before returning to the boat.

The salt flat is worth seeing, but keep your expectations sensible. This is a nature stop, not a museum visit with exhibits or a long guided walk. The attraction is the setting and the contrast between the pale salt area, open ground, and sea around the island.

I like this stop because it breaks up the day. Spending eight hours only on the catamaran could feel repetitive for some groups. Espalmador gives you a chance to get off the boat, walk around, and enjoy a quieter side of the Formentera area.

Three hours at Platja d’Illetes

The main swimming stop is Platja d’Illetes, one of Formentera’s best-known beaches. The crossing from Ibiza takes roughly 90 minutes, though the precise timing depends on the route and conditions. Once the catamaran reaches the beach, the boat can drop anchor for about three hours.

This is where the included equipment earns its keep. You can use the double kayak, paddleboard, and snorkeling equipment. The water is described as clear enough for you to see fish, and you can swim and feed them from the water. The experience is less about a formal activity session and more about having several easy choices in one place.

I would plan to spend the first part of this stop swimming and snorkeling before the boat gets busy with everyone choosing equipment. Then take the paddleboard or kayak, or simply sit on deck with music playing. The crew provides the gear, but the information does not specify a formal lesson or an instructor, so you should be comfortable using basic water equipment independently.

You can also go ashore to eat on the beach. That is useful because lunch is not included. Bring food with you or arrange your own plan for eating, and remember that bottled water and alcoholic drinks are also excluded. A paella was arranged successfully on another occasion, but it is not listed as part of the standard package. I would ask about food arrangements before departure rather than assume a meal will appear on board.

Ses Illetes can be the busiest-feeling part of the day because it is a famous beach and a popular anchorage. The private boat gives you your own base on the water, but it does not make the wider beach area private. If your ideal afternoon means total solitude, this may be a consideration.

What the catamaran gives you for the price

The total cost is $3,484.42 for a group of up to 11. Split evenly among 11 people, that is about $317 per person. A smaller group pays much more per person, so the value depends heavily on your group size.

You are paying for private transportation by boat, a skipper, fuel, taxes and fees, a restroom, air conditioning, water equipment, and the use of the catamaran for the full day. You also avoid the limits of a shared excursion. Your group controls the music, the pace of swimming, and how it uses the deck.

I see the price as reasonable for a full group that wants a private boat and intends to use the equipment. It is harder to justify for only two or three people, especially once you add lunch, drinks, and any other spending on land.

The boat has a high-fidelity Bluetooth sound system, which will appeal to groups that want music during the afternoon. It can also change the feel of the trip. If your group prefers peace and conversation, you will need to agree on the volume. The good news is that a private boat lets you make that choice among yourselves.

Fuel and the skipper are included, so you do not face a surprise fuel surcharge or need to handle navigation. That is a meaningful part of the value. Your crew can focus on the route while you enjoy the sea.

A day built for friends and family

I would recommend this outing most strongly for a group of friends, a family celebration, or a small party that wants one special day together. The boat can handle up to 11 people, making the fixed group price easier to share.

It also works for mixed groups. One person can swim, another can use the kayak, someone else can walk around Espalmador, and another can stay on deck. That range of choices is useful when not everyone wants the same kind of day.

The boat has four bedrooms with private bathrooms, according to the description of the vessel, but this excursion is an eight-hour day trip rather than an overnight cruise. Do not book it expecting accommodation as part of this particular outing. The useful takeaway is the boat’s spacious design and onboard comfort.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The supplied information does not give detailed guidance about mobility access, boarding assistance, or restrictions for specific medical conditions. If those details matter to you, ask before paying.

Timing, food, and what to bring

The day is scheduled from noon to 8 p.m. That timing gives you a late start and a return in the evening. It may suit people who want a relaxed morning in Ibiza, though it leaves little room for delay if the wind changes the route.

Since the package does not include snacks, lunch, alcohol, or bottled water, food planning is essential. I would bring enough water for eight hours and confirm what can be stored or prepared on board. If you want a beach lunch or a paella, arrange it before departure rather than count on an included meal.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and something dry for the return crossing. The supplied details do not list towels, so I would confirm whether they are available or pack your own. A waterproof bag for phones and other small items is also a sensible choice on any boat day.

The boat includes air conditioning and a restroom, which makes a long outing easier. Still, you are spending much of the day in sun, wind, and salt water. A light layer for the crossing can be useful even during a warm Ibiza day.

The sailing crew and the mood on board

Mariano and Marcelo are identified as captains, with Chelo also associated with the crew. The strongest praise centers on their friendliness, attention, safety, and ability to create a relaxed atmosphere. That matters on a private charter because the crew shapes the day more than a fixed schedule does.

You can expect a social style rather than a stiff, formal cruise. The tone suits a group that wants help when needed, then space to enjoy the boat. The crew can make the practical parts easy, from handling the route to setting up the water equipment.

The praise is especially consistent about the condition of the boat. It is described as clean, comfortable, spacious, and in excellent condition. Those qualities matter after several hours at sea, when cramped seating or a poor restroom can spoil an otherwise beautiful day.

At the same time, the experience depends on good communication within your own group. Decide early how you want to share the equipment, what music suits everyone, and whether you want more time in the water or on land. A private charter gives you freedom, but it also means your group must make the small decisions.

Return to Cala Jondal

The return crossing takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. If the wind is favorable, the crew will sail back as much as possible. Otherwise, the boat returns under power to the same starting point in most cases.

This final stretch is a useful reason not to overpack the afternoon with plans. Wind may affect the exact return time, and the operator notes that a major modification could change the meeting point. Keep your evening schedule flexible, especially if you have a dinner reservation or a flight connection.

The boat returns to the meeting point, and the activity ends there. You do not need to arrange separate transport between the excursion and the start point, since the trip is round-trip by boat.

Should you book this Formentera catamaran?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the fixed price, want a private boat, and value a mix of sailing, swimming, beach time, and simple water sports. The three hours at Platja d’Illetes, the two hours at Espalmador, and the included kayak, paddleboard, and snorkeling gear give you more to do than a basic sightseeing cruise.

Think twice if you are traveling as a couple, need a low-cost day, or want lunch and drinks handled for you. The non-refundable policy also means you should be confident about your date and group before paying. If the wind changes the sailing plan, the crew may need to adjust the route or return arrangements.

For a full group of friends or family, I see this as a strong splurge day in Ibiza. You get a comfortable catamaran, named crew, useful equipment, and two very different Formentera stops. Bring food, water, sun protection, and a flexible attitude, then let the sea set the pace.

FAQ

How long is the private catamaran excursion?

The excursion lasts approximately eight hours. The published operating time is from noon to 8 p.m.

Where does the boat depart and return?

The boat departs from Cala Jondal in Ibiza and normally returns to the same meeting point. Wind conditions can require a major change to the return arrangements.

How many people can join the private boat?

The private catamaran can accommodate a group of up to 11 people.

Is lunch included?

No. Snacks, lunch, alcoholic drinks, and bottled water are not included.

What water equipment is provided?

Snorkeling equipment, a double kayak, and paddleboard equipment are included.

Can I use the catamaran restroom?

Yes. A restroom is available on board. The catamaran also has air conditioning and a Bluetooth high-fidelity sound system.