Formentera & Ibiza Small Group Trip by Catamaran

You can feel the day slow down on this catamaran. The route links Ibiza and Formentera with a small crew, multiple swimming stops, and the kind of beach time you cannot fake with a quick land tour. I especially like that you get the gear to make each stop count. A possible drawback is that shore time depends on sea conditions and the dinghy transfer, so plan for a flexible schedule.

Two things I like a lot are the small group size and the onboard setup. With a max of 12 people and gear for snorkeling and SUP (convertible into kayaks), you are not stuck watching others do the fun part. Another big plus is the free champagne glass plus cold storage options for snacks, so you can keep the day easy.

The main consideration is cost versus expectations. This is not a luxury yacht experience, and you should expect dinghy rides to reach the beaches, plus no included lunch, which can add up if you do not bring your own picnic.

Key things to know before you go

• Max 12 travelers keeps the vibe calm, not crowded
• Champagne toast included to mark the day off right
• Snorkel gear and SUP boards are provided at the stops
• Dinghy or zodiac shore rides are part of reaching the coves
• Fridge/freezer options help you keep food and drinks cold
• Weather affects the best spots, so your captain may adjust the plan

Why Formentera from Ibiza feels like a cheat code on a time budget

Formentera is famous for water so clear you start judging every other beach you have ever seen. The trick is that getting to the best coves takes time, and time is what most half-day tours steal from you. This day trip gives you hours in the water and on the beach, not just a quick stop for photos.

I like that the trip mixes cruising with anchored beach time. You sail the coastline and then drop anchor at places where swimming is the main event. That balance matters because it gives you both motion and stillness, and you can switch modes depending on how hot or tired you feel.

If you are the type who wants to do “less walking, more swimming,” this format fits. You get practical help getting onto shore using a zodiac/dinghy, plus gear that makes it easy to try snorkeling or paddle boarding without renting anything separately.

From Ses Salines to the catamaran: what your morning looks like

You start in the Ses Salines area around the Sant Jordi de ses Salines coastline, with the tour listed at Beso Beach Ibiza (Platja de ses Salines area). The meeting time is 10:00 am, and the day runs about 8 to 9 hours.

One detail that changes how you plan your shoes and bags: the crew brings you from the beach area to the catamaran via zodiac. That means you should wear something you can get wet and handle saltwater and sand without stress. It also means you should keep valuables simple and secure, since you will be transferring between watercraft.

The good news is that the experience is set up to reduce friction once you arrive on board. You are also dealing with a small group, so boarding and check-in typically feel smoother than on bigger boats.

Stop by stop: Espalmador for snorkeling, then Ses Illetes for beach time

This trip is built around two major beach anchors on Formentera, plus additional cruising along the coast.

Espalmador: the first big swim anchor

After about an hour of sailing along the coast, you anchor at S’Espalmador for roughly 2 hours. This is a place to swim, snorkel, walk the beach, or hop on a SUP board. In practice, this stop is where you decide your day theme: do you want to snorkel more, paddle more, or just float and watch the water?

A practical tip: bring a mindset for sandy, warm beach time. Espalmador works best when you are ready to be slow. If you rush here, you miss the whole point, which is to let your body cool down in the water and let your head catch up.

Ses Illetes: longer time, world-class beach energy

Next you sail to Playa de Ses Illetes, about a 15-minute sail. This stop is the biggest one, with around 4 hours on site. You can swim again, use the paddle boards and snorkeling gear, and also go ashore to explore. The beach area is well known, and the extra time matters because it gives you options: active water time, shade time, or a long beach wander.

You also have a real food decision here. You can bring your own lunch and drinks, and you can use the boat freezer to keep things cold. If you prefer eating out, there are restaurants on Ses Illetes beach, and the captain can help with a reservation on the day. That help is useful because you are on a schedule, and you do not want to spend your beach hours chasing tables.

One small drawback to keep in mind: if sea conditions or timing get adjusted, your beach time can feel slightly different than expected. Still, in general this is the stop that fills up your camera roll.

Cruising along Formentera’s coast, plus the way back

Between anchors, there is sailing time to see the shoreline from the water. Then, you return to Ibiza and finish at Beso Beach Ibiza with about 1 hour near the end of the day.

This structure is smart for most people because you are not trapped on one beach for the whole day. You get variety without constantly packing and unpacking.

Snorkeling and SUP boards: free gear that actually changes the day

Included gear is one of the biggest reasons this trip earns its strong feedback. You get snorkeling equipment and SUP boards, and the boards are listed as convertible into kayaks. Even if you never convert anything, the key is that the equipment is there when you decide you want to use it.

Here is how I think about it for planning your day:

• If you snorkel, you can focus on the water and let the crew handle the logistics
• If you paddle board, you can explore shallower areas at your own pace
• If you want to relax, you still get to move, which keeps the day from feeling like one long lounge

A detail I really appreciate is the time value of having gear onboard. Renting gear separately at each beach usually turns into extra walking, extra fees, and extra delays. This model is cleaner.

Also, shade matters on an all-day trip. Several people highlighted that there is shade available on board, which is a big deal when the sun in this part of the Balearics can push hard.

Food, drinks, and that one champagne glass

You get one complimentary glass of champagne during the day. That is a fun touch, not a reason to plan your lunch around it.

For food, lunch is not included. You have two straightforward approaches:

1) Bring your own picnic, and use the boat fridge/freezer to keep snacks cold

2) Eat at a restaurant ashore, with the captain helping with a reservation

I recommend the picnic option if you want to control the budget. More than once, people noted that dining in Formentera can be pricey. If you bring food, you can spend more time exactly where you want, instead of thinking about the next bill or rushing to fit a reservation.

If you do dine ashore, do it as a treat, not as an add-on you forget to plan for. Restaurants take time, and the most enjoyable day trips feel like they fit around your schedule, not the other way around.

Small-group vibe: the real benefit of going with 11 or 12

This is marketed as a small group trip, with a maximum of 12 travelers. Many people described a total of 11 on board, and that number is the difference between feeling like you are on a crowd-moving machine and feeling like you can actually hear yourself think.

What makes that small-group size practical is how it affects the day rhythm. You get more personal attention around gear, boarding, and transfers. You also feel more comfortable floating on the water without worrying that your whole boat time is one long wait.

You may also meet different captains depending on your date. Names that came up in feedback include Fran, Pablo, Nacho, Ramiro, and Sebastian. The consistent theme across names is that the captain chooses routes based on weather and safety, and that the crew is friendly and helpful.

One more point: you can still hear music, but it is not positioned as a party boat. If you want quiet water, relaxed pacing, and real swim time, that fits the vibe.

When weather and timing change your stop lengths

This experience runs only when conditions allow, because it is built around anchored swims and dinghy transfers. Weather matters here for two reasons: water comfort and how easily the crew can safely get you to shore.

Timing can also shift slightly. One reason is simple and shared-group related: boats can wait briefly for everyone to arrive at the meeting point area so the day does not fracture into confusion. In most cases, the trip is still smooth and runs close to schedule, but you should treat stop lengths as guidance, not promises.

Think of it this way: if conditions are rougher, your captain may choose different spots or adjust how long you spend ashore. You will still get the structure of the day, just with real-world variation.

Value check: is $139.08 per person a good deal?

At $139.08 per person for a full day of sailing plus multiple swimming stops, you are paying for three things:

• transport on the water between Ibiza and Formentera
• access to the best-feeling coves without doing separate bookings
• included gear and a dinghy transfer so you can actually enjoy those coves

The value improves because the trip includes snorkeling equipment and SUP boards. If you had to rent those items separately, the cost would add up quickly, especially when you factor in time lost chasing rentals.

It is not an all-inclusive lunch package, so your final cost depends on whether you bring your own food. If you pack a picnic, you are likely to feel like you got your money’s worth fast. If you plan to eat out every time, budget accordingly, because dining on Formentera is often expensive.

The trip also pays off when you care about how you spend time. If you want long swim sessions and beach time with minimal logistics, this price sits in a reasonable zone for what it delivers.

Should you book this catamaran trip to Formentera?

I would book it if you want a relaxed, small-group day on the water with real beach time, snorkeling access, and the option to bring food. It is a great match for couples, friend groups, and solo travelers who want to experience Formentera without turning the day into a checklist.

I would pause if you need long guaranteed shore stays under any weather scenario. Because this trip relies on anchored swimming spots and zodiac transfers, the day can flex a bit, and that is normal for this style of travel.

If you do book, set yourself up for success: bring water-friendly clothing, consider a picnic to keep costs under control, and show up ready for a day that is paced by the sea, not a stopwatch.

FAQ

What is included on the catamaran trip?

The trip includes a full-day catamaran experience with one glass of champagne, plus snorkeling equipment and SUP boards. You also get access to a zodiac boat to reach the shore at swimming stops.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included, but you can bring your own food and drinks. You can also eat at beach restaurants, and the captain can help with a reservation on the day.

How long is the trip?

The duration is listed as approximately 8 to 9 hours.

How many people are in the group?

It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 12 travelers.

Where and when does the tour start?

The tour starts at 10:00 am from the Beso Beach Ibiza area (Platja de ses Salines, s/n, 07818 Sant Jordi de ses Salines, Illes Balears, Spain). The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Do I need to speak a specific language?

The tour is offered in English, and it is a mobile-ticket experience.

Does the tour require good weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What should I bring for the day?

Plan for a day on the water with swimming stops. The tour provides snorkeling and SUP gear, so you mainly need your swimsuit or swim-ready clothing, plus any food and drinks you want since lunch is not included.

What is the cancellation window?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.