Sail to Formentera with Catamaran Cruise Tour

The best part of this Ibiza to Formentera catamaran cruise is the variety packed into one relaxed day. You sail across clear waters, stop at the quiet island of Espalmador, spend time at Ses Illetes, and finish at a narrow beach in northern Formentera. Skipper Toni, also called Tony in some booking details, leads the trip with humor and a careful hand.

I like the small 12-person group, which keeps the boat social without making it feel crowded. I also like the freedom at each stop: you can snorkel, paddle surf, swim, walk ashore, nap on the boat, or simply enjoy the ride. The main catch is lunch. It is not included, and the beach restaurant can be expensive, so bringing your own food is the sensible choice if you want to control costs.

Key points at a glance

• Espalmador stop: Walk on a quiet island accessible only by boat, then swim, snorkel, or paddle surf.
• Ses Illetes beach: Spend about two and a half hours near one of Formentera’s best-known beaches.
• Small boat setup: The catamaran carries a maximum of 12 people and has enough room for the group to spread out.
• Skipper Toni: Expect clear explanations, local guidance, humor, and a professional approach to sailing.
• Bring your lunch: You can eat at a beach restaurant or bring food aboard, but lunch is not included.
• Full-day timing: The trip starts at 10 a.m. and lasts about eight hours, with plenty of time at the main stops.

Why this catamaran day works so well

Formentera is close to Ibiza, but it feels like a different sort of island day. Instead of spending the whole outing on one beach, this cruise gives you several settings in a single trip: open water, a small uninhabited island, a famous beach, and a quieter stretch of Formentera.

That variety is the real value. You are not paying only for transport. You are paying for a full day on the water, use of snorkeling equipment, bottled water, sailing time between stops, and a skipper who manages the route. At $144.49 per person, it is not a budget excursion, but the price makes more sense if you want a complete boat day rather than a simple ferry crossing.

The boat is limited to 12 people. That matters in Ibiza, where larger boat outings can feel noisy and tightly packed. The catamaran has enough space that the maximum group size does not automatically mean an uncomfortable day. You can join in with the group, but you can also sit quietly on board when you need a break from the sun.

The tone is flexible rather than rigid. You receive a short briefing at the start, then Toni guides the day from one stop to the next. You can follow his suggestions, or choose a slower pace for yourself. One especially useful detail is that you do not have to leave the boat at every stop. If you would rather rest on board while others swim or walk, that is acceptable.

Leaving southern Ibiza at 10 a.m.

The meeting point is in the south of Ibiza at Diseminado Poligono 32, 11055, in the Balearic Islands. The activity starts at 10 a.m., and the first sailing leg takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

A morning start gives you a full day without pushing the return too late. It also means you should arrive ready for sun, wind, and a long stretch outdoors. Bring swimwear, sun protection, food if you prefer to avoid restaurant prices, and a towel. Bottled water and snorkeling equipment are included, but towels are not.

The first sailing leg is part of the experience, not just a transfer. You get time to settle into the boat, listen to the safety briefing, and watch Ibiza recede as you head toward Formentera’s waters. Toni is repeatedly praised for explaining things clearly and balancing humor with professionalism. That combination helps if you are new to sailing or feel nervous about being on a boat.

The route is weather dependent. Poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund, which is reasonable for an activity built around open water. The experience also requires a minimum number of participants, so a cancellation is possible if that number is not reached.

Espalmador: an island stop with room to roam

The first main stop is S’Espalmador, a small island between Ibiza and Formentera that you can reach only by boat. The stop lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving you enough time to do more than simply step ashore for a photograph.

You can take a walk, swim, snorkel, or try paddle surfing. That range makes Espalmador a good early stop because you can choose your energy level. If you want activity, the water-based options are ready. If you prefer a quiet start, a walk or time on the beach may be enough.

The word lonely fits the feel of the stop, at least compared with Ibiza’s busier social scene. Do not expect a developed attraction with a long list of facilities. Its appeal comes from the sense of being somewhere reached by boat, with open space and clear water around you.

The supplied snorkeling equipment is useful here, especially if you do not want to pack your own gear. Still, bring your own towel, since towels are specifically excluded. You should also keep track of your belongings when moving between the boat, beach, and water.

This is a good point in the day to decide how you want to spend the rest of the cruise. The boat offers activity, but it does not force you into a schedule of constant movement. You can swim hard at Espalmador and rest later, or treat the whole trip as a slow day at sea.

Ses Illetes: the longest and most popular stop

After Espalmador, the catamaran sails to Platja de Ses Illetes, one of Formentera’s best-known beaches. The stop lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it the longest pause of the day.

That extra time is important. You are not being dropped off for a quick look before rushing onward. You have time to enjoy the beach, swim, eat lunch, or remain on the catamaran. The bright water and pale sand are the main attraction, and the stop gives you a classic Formentera beach setting without asking you to organize separate transport.

Lunch requires planning. The group uses one of the beach restaurants, but the meal is not included in the price. Food costs at a prime beach location can add up, so I would bring your own meal if value matters to you. You can eat on board, and the boat has a mini fridge for keeping drinks and food cold.

That flexibility is one of the tour’s practical strengths. You are not locked into a restaurant bill, and you can choose between the convenience of buying lunch and the economy of bringing it yourself. The tradeoff is that you must think ahead. If you arrive without food and decide the restaurant is too expensive, your options may be limited.

Ses Illetes can also be the most social part of the day. You might swim, use the paddle surf equipment, stretch out on the boat, or join the group ashore. The long stop lets families and mixed-age groups find their own rhythm. Children aged 9 and 12 have enjoyed the outing, while adults can use the time for a quieter break.

Northern Formentera for a slower final swim

After lunch, the boat sails to a narrow beach in northern Formentera. This stop lasts about one hour, so it is shorter than the time at Ses Illetes, but it gives the day a final change of scene.

You can visit the beach, paddle surf, or simply take a nap. That last option says a lot about the pace of this excursion. It is not designed as an all-action water sports program. You can be active, but you are equally free to let the sun and the boat set the tempo.

A final swim is often welcome after lunch, and a quiet beach can feel like the right place to wind down. On the other hand, one hour goes quickly. If your priority is a long stretch of beach time on Formentera, a dedicated beach day may suit you better. This tour is about seeing several places, not staying in one place all day.

The stop also helps break up the return journey. Rather than turning immediately toward Ibiza after lunch, you get one more chance to enjoy the water before the final sail.

The return to Ibiza and what the day feels like

The return leg takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, ending at the same meeting point where the trip began. The full schedule totals roughly eight hours, so you should expect most of the day to be spent outdoors.

The best way to approach this is as a shared boat day, not a private charter. The maximum group is 12, and the atmosphere can depend on who books that day. The small size makes conversation and meeting people easier, but you will not have complete privacy.

The boat has enough room for the group to avoid feeling packed. You can listen to the skipper, chat with other people, or put on your own music if the group is respectful of one another. That kind of flexibility suits people who want something more relaxed than Ibiza’s party scene.

Taxis can be difficult to find after returning, and one account describes a wait of about 20 minutes in a hot taxi queue. That is worth keeping in mind when planning your evening. The tour itself ends at the original meeting point, but your onward ride is your responsibility.

What Toni adds to the trip

The skipper has a major effect on a boat excursion, and Toni is central to this one. He is described as professional, detailed, funny, helpful, and reassuring for people who are nervous about sailing.

That mix matters because the day has no elaborate entertainment program. Much of the experience comes from the route, the water, the stops, and the person handling the boat. A good skipper explains what is happening, keeps the schedule moving, and gives you ideas without turning the day into a lecture.

Toni also appears to be comfortable with different types of passengers. Families can enjoy the stops, first-time sailors can feel supported, and adults looking for a quieter break can stay on board when they prefer. His job is not only to steer. He sets the tone for the group.

There is one negative account concerning the skipper’s personal behavior toward a passenger. The company apologized and said it was not usual. I would treat that as a serious but isolated caution, while also noting that the wider feedback gives Toni consistently strong marks for his work as captain and guide.

Price, group size, and what you actually receive

At $144.49 per person, this is a mid-to-high priced day out, but it includes about eight hours of sailing and island stops. The price also covers snorkeling equipment and bottled water. The boat carries no more than 12 people, which gives the outing a more personal feel than a large excursion boat.

You still need to budget for lunch, and you must bring your own towel. If you buy food at the beach restaurant, the final cost rises. If you pack lunch and drinks, the price becomes easier to justify.

I would compare this with the cost of arranging separate transport and beach time on your own. The cruise combines the boat, route planning, water activities, and skipper in one booking. Its value is strongest if you want to visit Espalmador and Formentera by water without planning each part yourself.

Mobile tickets make the booking simple. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours, subject to availability. Most people can participate, service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

Who should book this Ibiza catamaran cruise?

I would recommend this for you if you want:

• A full day on the water rather than a short boat ride
• Several beach and swimming stops in one outing
• A small group capped at 12 people
• Snorkeling and paddle surfing without arranging separate equipment
• A relaxed alternative to Ibiza’s party-focused activities
• A trip suitable for families with older children
• A skipper who gives clear guidance and keeps the mood light

I would think twice if you want a private boat, included meals, a long uninterrupted stay on one beach, or a low-cost excursion. The lunch arrangement is simple, but it is not all-inclusive. The taxi situation after the return can also be inconvenient, especially if you are in a hurry.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations later than that are not refunded, and changes made within 24 hours are not accepted. Weather and minimum-group requirements can also affect the schedule.

Should you book the Formentera catamaran day?

Book it if your ideal Ibiza outing includes clear water, several stops, a small group, and plenty of freedom to swim or rest. The strongest parts are the 90-minute Espalmador stop, the generous 2.5 hours at Ses Illetes, and Toni’s steady, personable approach.

Bring lunch, bring a towel, and arrive ready to spend most of the day outside. If you do that, the $144.49 price buys a well-filled day of island hopping rather than a simple transfer. For a relaxed introduction to Formentera by boat, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

The tour starts in southern Ibiza at Diseminado Poligono 32, 11055, 07839, Illes Balears, Spain.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 10 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately eight hours.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends at the same meeting point where you were picked up.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The maximum group size is 12 travelers.

Is lunch included?

No. You can eat at a beach restaurant, or bring your own food and eat on board.

Is bottled water provided?

Yes, bottled water is included.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided for use during the trip.

Are towels provided?

No. You need to bring your own towel.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If bad weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.