Ibiza & Formentera Private Catamaran Full-Day Sailing Tour

The best part of this private catamaran trip is the freedom to treat the south coast of Ibiza and Formentera as your swimming pool. You sail from Cala Jondal, stop in clear water for snorkeling and paddleboarding, then reach Ses Illetes, one of the finest beaches in the Balearic Islands. I especially like the private boat for up to 10 people and the chance to set your own pace with your own group.

I also like that lunch is not forced into the price. You can bring food, eat aboard, or arrange something on Formentera, which gives you more control than a fixed group cruise. The two paddleboards, snorkeling gear, restroom, and Wi-Fi add useful comfort.

The main caution is cost. At $1,609.09 per group, this works best when split among a full group, and lunch and alcoholic drinks are extra. A past meal dispute also points to a practical tip: confirm the menu and quantity carefully, especially if teenagers or big eaters are joining you.

Key points before you book

• Cala Jondal departure: You start and finish at Tropicana Eivissa Cala Jondal on Ibiza’s southern coast.
• Six water and beach stops: The route includes Platja des Jondal, Playa des Codolar, Ses Salines, Espalmador, Ses Illetes, and the return to Cala Jondal.
• A genuinely private outing: Only your group takes part, with space for up to 10 people.
• Water time is central: You can swim, snorkel, and use two paddle surf boards during the day.
• Lunch is your responsibility: Bring your own food or arrange a meal, and remember that alcohol is not included.
• A canine crew member: A friendly 10-year-old Border Collie lives aboard the boat.

Why this private Ibiza sailing day works

This is not mainly a sightseeing cruise where you sit on deck and point at the coast. The boat gets you to the water, and the water is the main event. You spend roughly eight hours moving between beaches, coves, and protected areas, with several chances to swim and snorkel.

The private format matters. If your group has 10 people, the listed price comes to about $161 per person. With only six people, it is about $268 per person, so the value improves sharply as the boat fills. You are paying for privacy, flexibility, and a full day on the sea rather than a short ride from one harbor to another.

I would consider this a strong choice for a family group, a group of friends, or a small celebration where sharing a boat feels more appealing than joining strangers. It is less suitable if you want a cheap beach transfer or a tightly scheduled cultural tour.

The boat has a restroom, Wi-Fi, fuel included, snorkeling equipment, and two paddleboards. Those details sound small, but they matter during a long day under the sun. You do not need to arrange separate water gear, and you have a practical facility aboard when the next beach is still some distance away.

Setting out from Platja des Jondal

The meeting point is Tropicana Eivissa Cala Jondal, at Cala Jondal on the south coast of Ibiza. The bay is known for clear turquoise water, steep rocky surroundings, and a relaxed beach setting. Your first few minutes are simple: board the catamaran, settle on deck, and let the coast slide away.

The opening stop at Platja des Jondal is brief, listed at about 10 minutes. Think of it as your starting view rather than a long beach visit. It gives you time to settle in and take in the bay before the boat moves along the coast.

Cala Jondal is a useful departure point because the main day is not spent crossing from Ibiza Town to the southern coast. You begin close to the first scenic sections of the route. That leaves more of your eight-hour outing for swimming, snorkeling, and Formentera.

Bring sun protection from the start. The supplied information does not specify shade arrangements, so I would plan for a sunny day on deck and carry whatever personal protection you need.

Sailing past Playa des Codolar

The next section follows Ibiza’s south coast toward Playa des Codolar. You pass rocky coves, cliffs, beaches, and sea caves while the catamaran moves through open Mediterranean water. This is the part of the day when the boat itself becomes the attraction.

The listed time here is about one hour. You may spend it watching the coast, taking photos, or simply stretching out on deck. A catamaran gives you room to move around, which is useful when one person wants sun and another wants a quieter seat.

The scenery is rugged rather than polished. Ibiza’s southern shore has exposed rock and small inlets, and the changing angle from the water gives you views that are hard to get from a road. If you enjoy coastal photography, keep your phone ready, but protect it from spray and bright sun.

There is no admission fee at this stop, since the appeal is the coastal passage itself. You should not expect a guided historical talk or a formal beach program. This is a scenic sailing segment, best enjoyed at an unhurried pace.

Swimming near Ses Salines

The route continues toward the Parque Natural de Ses Salines, where the boat stops at a secluded cove. You can swim in clear water and use the supplied snorkeling equipment to look for fish and other marine life.

The stop lasts about an hour, giving you enough time to get comfortable in the water rather than rushing in for a quick dip. If you are not a strong swimmer, keep your own limits in mind. The experience requires a moderate level of physical fitness, and the tour is built around getting in and out of the water.

Snorkeling gear is included, which saves you from packing a mask and snorkel. Still, equipment is shared among the group, so bringing personal gear could be useful if you prefer a particular fit. The information does not specify fins, so do not assume they are supplied.

Ses Salines also adds a protected natural setting to the day. You are not only looking at the coast from the boat. You get a chance to slow down, float, and see the shoreline from sea level.

Espalmador and its calm water

From Ibiza, the catamaran continues toward S’Espalmador, a small natural reserve between Ibiza and Formentera. The stop lasts about one hour and 50 minutes, making it one of the longer water breaks of the day.

This is where the two paddle surf boards become especially useful. You can take turns paddling around the calm water, then return to the sea for more snorkeling. With 10 people aboard, two boards mean you will need to share, but that is still enough to give the group a welcome change from sitting on deck.

The wording for this stop suggests tranquil water, but conditions can vary. The tour depends on good weather, and the provider may offer another date or a full refund if poor weather forces cancellation. You should also expect the captain to adjust water activities if conditions are not suitable.

S’Espalmador is a good place to plan your energy. Nearly two hours in and around the water can feel wonderfully generous, but it can also be tiring in strong sun. Drink plenty of water and take breaks on the boat between swims.

Ses Illetes, Formentera’s star stop

The main beach stop is Playa de Ses Illetes on Formentera. It is known for white sand and clear water, and the boat gives you the choice to get off and spend time on the island or remain aboard for lunch and views.

The stop lasts about two hours. That is enough time for a walk along the beach, a swim, or a relaxed meal. It is not a full Formentera island tour, so keep your expectations focused. You will see one of its best-known coastal areas, not cover the whole island.

This is also where planning lunch matters most. Lunch is not included, and alcoholic drinks are not included either. You can bring food aboard, eat on the island, or arrange a catered meal through the provider. The supplied information does not give a standard lunch menu, so ask for the exact price, portions, and menu before sailing.

A previous customer paid €65 for a ham board and felt it did not provide good value. The provider explained that the group had ordered a menu for seven people even though 10 people were aboard, based on the expectation that some would eat lightly. That exchange gives you a clear lesson: order by the number of actual diners, especially if teenagers are part of your group.

You may prefer to bring a picnic. This keeps costs predictable and lets you pack food that suits everyone. If you choose the paid meal, confirm whether it is sized per person and what drinks, if any, are included.

Ses Illetes is likely to be the most memorable beach section of the day, but it can also be the busiest-feeling part of the route. The supplied details do not promise a private beach area or a quiet shoreline. Your advantage is arriving by private boat and choosing how long to stay aboard or walk on land.

The return across the Mediterranean

The final sailing section takes about one hour and 30 minutes and returns you to Cala Jondal. After swimming, snorkeling, and walking on Ses Illetes, the return gives you time to dry off and settle into the catamaran.

This is a good moment for photographs of Ibiza’s coast from the water. You can look back on the coves and cliffs you passed earlier, now viewed from a different direction. If the timing and weather cooperate, the light may be especially attractive as the day moves toward sunset, though the exact sunset view will depend on the departure time and season.

The tour description highlights seeing Ibiza at sunset, but it does not state a guaranteed sunset departure or exact return hour. Ask about the planned schedule if sunset photographs are important to you. The full activity lasts about eight hours, so the timing should be clear before you go.

You return to the same meeting point at Cala Jondal. There is no separate drop-off listed, so plan your transport around returning there.

The boat, crew, and private atmosphere

Nomad Sailing Trips operates the experience, and the group is limited to your own party. No guide names are provided, so I would not book this expecting a named historical guide or a formal commentary program.

The boat has one unusual crew member: a friendly 10-year-old Border Collie who lives aboard. That can be a charming detail for dog lovers and families, but anyone with allergies or a fear of dogs should consider it before booking.

The private setup lets your group decide how much time to spend swimming, eating, or relaxing. It also avoids the social compromise of a large shared cruise. You are still following a planned route, but the day feels more personal because the boat is reserved for your party.

The moderate fitness requirement is worth taking seriously. You need to manage boarding, moving around a boat, and getting into and out of the sea. The experience is not described as wheelchair accessible, and no accessibility details are supplied, so ask the operator directly if anyone in your group has mobility needs.

What the $1,609 price really buys

The price is $1,609.09 per group of up to 10 people. At maximum capacity, that is roughly $161 per person before food and drinks. For eight hours on a private catamaran with fuel, Wi-Fi, a restroom, snorkeling equipment, and two paddleboards, that can be fair for a group that values privacy.

The value is weaker for a small party. Two people would be paying about $805 each, and four people about $402 each, before lunch. If your priority is simply getting to Formentera, a shared boat or ferry will likely cost less. If you want the boat to yourself and plan to use the water gear, the private rate makes more sense.

Food is the main extra cost to watch. Since lunch is not included, bring your own provisions or ask for a precise catering quote. Alcohol is also extra and is not included in the listed price.

The tour is booked an average of 54 days ahead, which suggests you should plan early if your dates are fixed. Confirmation arrives at booking, and the experience is offered in English. Mobile tickets are accepted.

Who should book this day on the water

I would choose this outing if you want a relaxed full-day boat day and have enough people to divide the cost. It fits groups that enjoy swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and scenic coastal views more than organized sightseeing.

It is also a good match for people who want control over lunch. You can pack familiar food, avoid alcohol costs, or request catering after checking the details. Families should note the dog aboard and the moderate physical fitness requirement.

I would hesitate if your budget is tight, if nobody in your group wants to swim, or if you want a detailed tour of Formentera beyond Ses Illetes. The boat is the focus, not a full island tour.

The cancellation terms are generous if your plans change: you can receive a full refund by canceling at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that window are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. Since weather can cancel the day, keep some flexibility in your schedule.

Should you book the Ibiza and Formentera catamaran?

Book it if you can fill most of the 10 places and want a private day built around clear water, coastal views, and time outdoors. The strongest value comes from the combination of privacy, a long eight-hour schedule, included water gear, and stops at both Ibiza and Formentera.

Before paying, settle three points: the lunch price and quantity, the exact departure and return timing, and how the two paddleboards will be shared. If those details suit your group, this is an easygoing way to see the islands from the water without surrendering the day to a large shared boat.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

The tour starts at Tropicana Eivissa Cala Jondal, Cala Jundal, s/n, 07830 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, on Ibiza.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point at Cala Jondal.

How long does the sailing tour last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours.

How many people can join the private catamaran?

The private group can include up to 10 people, and only your group takes part.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You can bring your own food, eat on Formentera, or arrange a meal separately.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included in the price.

What water equipment is provided?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment and two paddle surf boards.

Does the boat have a restroom?

Yes. A restroom is available on board.

Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?

Yes. Wi-Fi is included on the catamaran.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

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