Sail to Formentera with Catamaran Cruise Tour

The best part of this Ibiza to Formentera catamaran cruise is the mix of open-water sailing and real beach time. You are not simply looking at the islands from offshore. You stop at Espalmador, spend time near Ses Illetes, and reach a quieter beach in northern Formentera for swimming, paddle surfing, or a lazy nap.

I like the small group of up to 12 people, which gives the boat a friendly feel without turning it into a floating crowd. I also like the freedom built into the day: you can snorkel, paddle surf, walk ashore, eat at a beach restaurant, or bring your own food and stay aboard. The main drawback is that lunch is not included, and the restaurant stop may cost more than some people expect.

Five things to know before you book

• Espalmador is reachable only by boat, with time for a walk, swim, snorkeling, or paddle surfing.
• Ses Illetes gets the longest stop, about two and a half hours, including time for lunch.
• Skipper Toni is a major part of the experience, combining sailing guidance with humor and practical suggestions.
• The boat holds a maximum of 12 people, and the spacious catamaran helps keep the day comfortable.
• Bring food, drinks, and a towel if you want to avoid buying lunch and renting or finding a towel elsewhere.

Leaving southern Ibiza at 10 a.m.

The day begins at 10 a.m. in the south of Ibiza, at Diseminado Poligono 32, 11055, 07839, Illes Balears. The meeting point is also given as Hostal Mar y Sol in the practical directions shared for the tour, so check your confirmation carefully before setting out.

After a short briefing, you sail toward the waters between Ibiza and Formentera. The crossing takes about an hour and a half. That is long enough to feel that you are leaving Ibiza behind, but not so long that the trip becomes a test of patience for anyone new to sailing.

Skipper Toni, also referred to as Tony in some tour details, handles the boat and explains the plan. His approach seems to be friendly but professional. He gives ideas about what to do at each stop, explains things clearly, and keeps an eye on safety. That matters if you are nervous on the water or have little sailing experience.

The catamaran is limited to 12 people. That is a useful number for this sort of day. You get enough company to make the boat social, but you are not packed shoulder to shoulder. The spacious layout also gives you the option to stay on deck and enjoy the scenery if you do not want to swim or go ashore.

Espalmador, a quiet first stop

The first major stop is S’Espalmador, a small island between Ibiza and Formentera that can only be reached by boat. The stop lasts around an hour and a half, giving you time to choose your own pace.

You can walk on the island, swim, snorkel, or try paddle surfing. I like this early stop because it gives the day some choice. A strong swimmer can get into the water quickly, while someone who prefers dry land can take a walk or sit back and look across the channel.

Snorkeling equipment is included, and bottled water is provided. Towels are not included, so bring one from your accommodation. You should also pack sun protection, since an open boat and pale sand can make the sun feel stronger than it did in Ibiza.

S’Espalmador is described as lonely and remote, but do not read that as a promise of complete solitude. It is a popular area in the Ibiza and Formentera region, especially in good weather. The appeal is its boat-only access and the chance to spend time in clear water without the setup of a conventional beach day.

Two and a half hours at Ses Illetes

After S’Espalmador, the catamaran sails to Platja de Ses Illetes on the northern end of Formentera. This is the longest stop, at about two and a half hours, and it is where the schedule slows down.

Ses Illetes is known for its bright sand and clear water, and it is often described as one of the world’s best beaches. The tour gives you enough time to enjoy it rather than making this a quick photo stop. You can go ashore, swim, or stay on the boat and eat there.

Lunch is the one part of the day that needs careful planning. The boat stops near beach restaurants, but your meal is not included in the $144.49 price. One restaurant was described as enjoyable but somewhat expensive, so you should allow extra money if you plan to eat there.

The alternative is simple: bring your own food and eat aboard. The boat has a small fridge, which is useful for keeping drinks and packed food cool. This option also gives you more control over cost and timing. If you are visiting Ibiza on a budget, buying supplies before departure may make the tour better value.

The long stop works well for families and mixed groups. Children can swim, adults can relax, and nobody has to spend the entire time doing the same activity. Kids aged 9 and 12 were reported to enjoy the day, and the space aboard meant that a full group of 12 did not feel cramped.

A quieter beach in northern Formentera

Once lunch is finished, the boat sails to a narrow beach in northern Formentera. This final swimming stop lasts about an hour.

The description leaves room for a slower mood here. You can visit the beach, paddle surf, or simply take a nap. That variety is important after several hours in the sun. By this point, some people will want one more swim, while others will be happy to stay aboard and rest.

The stop also breaks up the return journey. Instead of sailing directly back to Ibiza after lunch, you get one last chance to step ashore or cool off. The schedule is active, but it is not built around constant movement. You have repeated chances to decide how much energy you want to spend.

Paddle surfing is mentioned at both S’Espalmador and the later Formentera stop. The supplied details do not specify rental charges or how many boards are available, so ask about the equipment when you board if paddle surfing is important to you.

What the sailing day feels like

This is a relaxed island-hopping day rather than a fast sightseeing trip. The full outing takes about eight hours, including roughly three hours of sailing time between Ibiza and the stops. You should expect a full day in the sun, with salt water, wind, and several chances to get wet.

The boat is also part of the attraction. One useful feature is that you do not have to leave it at every stop. If you prefer to listen to music, sit with a drink, or watch people move between the beach and the water, you can remain aboard.

The group size helps here. A maximum of 12 people makes it easier to hear Toni, find a place to sit, and move around without the feel of a large excursion boat. The atmosphere can become social, especially if people decide to jump from the boat or play their own music, but the group still needs to respect everyone aboard.

Toni receives especially strong praise for his balance of humor and professionalism. He is described as helpful, detailed, and reassuring for people who are nervous about sailing. That combination is valuable because a boat day can be spoiled by a skipper who is either too distant or too casual about safety.

One piece of feedback raises a concern about the skipper giving a single female extra attention. The operator responded that this was not usual and apologized for the experience. I would treat this as an isolated warning rather than the defining feature of the tour, but it is fair to note that personal boundaries and professional conduct matter on a small boat where everyone spends the whole day together.

Is $144.49 a fair price?

At $144.49 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Formentera. You are paying for an eight-hour outing, the catamaran, the skipper, the route between several coastal stops, bottled water, and snorkeling equipment.

The value improves if you want several experiences in one day. A separate trip to S’Espalmador, a beach visit at Ses Illetes, and time at another Formentera beach would take more planning and transport. Here, the boat connects them in one continuous outing.

The price is less attractive if you expect lunch, towels, or a fully staffed party cruise. You must pay for your own meal, and you need to bring a towel. The beach restaurant can also be expensive. For the best value, pack food and drinks, use the small fridge, and think of the included activities as swimming, snorkeling, sailing, and beach time rather than a meal package.

The booking pattern suggests that people usually reserve about 17 days ahead. That is a useful guide for planning, especially in the busy Ibiza season. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability, so do not leave your schedule too tight if you need a particular date.

Who will enjoy this boat trip?

I would choose this tour if you want a full beach day without the party-club focus often associated with Ibiza. It suits couples, families with older children, friends, and solo visitors who enjoy meeting a small group on the water.

It is also a good introduction to sailing. The tour is not presented as a technical sailing lesson, but Toni explains the day and keeps the mood comfortable. If you feel unsure about boats, the limited group size and unhurried schedule may help.

You should think twice if you dislike sun, salt water, or long periods aboard a boat. The tour includes about an hour and a half of sailing in each direction, and the day depends on good weather. Anyone wanting a guided cultural tour of Formentera will also find this too focused on beaches and the sea.

Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but the supplied details do not give specific information about wheelchair access, boarding arrangements, or mobility equipment. Ask the operator directly if those details affect your decision.

Getting back to Ibiza

After the last Formentera stop, the boat sails back to the original meeting point in Ibiza. The return crossing takes about an hour and a half, and the experience ends where it began.

Allow extra patience when leaving. A practical note from the day is that taxis can be difficult to find on the return, with a reported wait of around 20 minutes in a hot taxi queue. That is not a reason to reject the tour, but it is a good reason not to schedule a tight dinner reservation or airport transfer immediately afterward.

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. A minimum number of bookings is also required, and if that number is not met, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

You can cancel without charge up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not refunded or accepted, with cut-off times based on local time.

Should you book the Formentera catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want the best swimming and beach stops in one organized day, prefer a small boat to a large cruise, and like having choices rather than a fixed activity at every moment. The combination of S’Espalmador, Ses Illetes, and northern Formentera gives you a good sample of the area, while Toni adds useful guidance and a relaxed tone.

I would book early, bring a towel, pack lunch and drinks, and keep the evening schedule flexible. If the extra cost of a beach restaurant does not bother you, you can eat ashore instead.

Skip it if you want meals included, a low-cost beach transfer, or a detailed land tour of Formentera. For everyone else, this is a strong choice for an active but unhurried day on the water, with a small group, several beautiful stops, and enough free time to make the experience your own.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

The tour starts in southern Ibiza at Diseminado Poligono 32, 11055, 07839, Illes Balears, Spain. The practical meeting information also refers to Hostal Mar y Sol, so check your booking confirmation for the exact meeting instructions.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 10 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours and returns to the original meeting point in Ibiza.

How many people can join the catamaran?

The maximum group size is 12 people.

Which places does the boat visit?

The route includes Ibiza, S’Espalmador, Platja de Ses Illetes, a narrow beach in northern Formentera, and the return to Ibiza.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and bottled water are included.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included. You can buy food at a beach restaurant or bring your own meal and eat aboard the catamaran.

Are towels provided?

No. Towels are not included, so bring your own.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience begins. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of bookings can also result in an alternative date or a full refund.