A day like this feels designed for slowing down fast. You’ll sail from Ibiza to laid-back Formentera on a private luxury catamaran, with snorkel gear and paddle boards waiting when you drop anchor. The best part is the calmer, more personal pace—one group, one captain, your own music. One thing to consider: this trip is weather-dependent, so you’ll want flexibility.

I also like the practical comfort touches: onboard Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth speakers mean your day won’t be stuck at the mercy of silence. And the crew’s role isn’t just steering; captains will take as many photos as you want with your camera, which saves time and awkward handoffs. The only downside I’d flag is physical effort: you should have a moderate fitness level for swimming and getting on/off water activities.

Luxury private sailing with real swim time.

Snorkel gear and paddle boards included.

Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth speakers for your own soundtrack.

Anchors at Playa de Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador for clear-water time.

Photo help from the captain so you don’t miss moments.

A 7-hour day that finishes in time for a sunset drink.

Formentera on a Private Catamaran: What Makes It Feel Special

Formentera is famous for feeling different from Ibiza. It’s slower, more beach-first, and the vibe is more “stay outside all day” than “party itinerary.” Doing it by private catamaran adds the simple magic: you don’t have to compromise with crowds, set routes, or random timing.

This charter focuses on swim-and-sun time, not just sightseeing from far away. You’ll get two dedicated stops—clear-water swimming and snorkeling time, then a second stop at an uninhabited islet where the day opens up again.

And you’re not just renting a boat. You’re sharing the sea with your captain and crew, and the experience is planned around how your group wants to spend the hours on deck.

Your Boat Setup: Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth Music, and Captain-Led Comfort

A private luxury catamaran means your day is built around comfort, and the details matter. You’ll have Wi‑Fi onboard plus Bluetooth speakers so you can play your own music without needing headphones or passing phones around.

That sounds small until you’re out on the water for hours. A good soundtrack changes the mood fast—especially while cruising toward Formentera and again while you’re anchored and just hanging out.

Also, you don’t have to manage every “extra.” The trip includes snorkelling gear and paddle boarding equipment, and life jackets are available if you request them. The captain will take photos with your camera too, which is a surprisingly big deal if you want real memories instead of half-finished selfies.

Getting There: Es Xarcu vs Cala Jondal Blue Marlin Pier

The tour is timed to start at 10:00 am, and you’ll need to meet your crew near the departure area. The base meeting point listed is Es Xarcu (Restaurante Playa) in Cala Es Xarco. But the sailing portion is also described as meeting at a pier in Cala Jondal by the Blue Marlin beach club.

Here’s the practical way to handle it: when you book, confirm which pier is your exact meeting point for your day. Either way, plan to arrive early enough to park, walk, and get everyone together without stress.

The good news is that the meeting area is described as near public transportation. So if you’re not driving, you still have options for getting there without turning your day into a logistical puzzle.

The First Anchored Stop: Playa de Ses Illetes (Your Clear-Water Playground)

Your first swim stop is Playa de Ses Illetes, with about 2 hours allocated there. This is where the trip’s “easy fun” really starts: clear water for swimming, a place to use snorkeling gear, and ideal conditions for paddle boarding once you’re anchored.

Ses Illetes is popular for a reason—when conditions are good, the water is the kind that makes you want to move slowly and look down more than you expected. And because this is a private charter, you’re not stuck waiting for the crowd rhythm.

A realistic consideration: even with life jackets available, you’re still doing water activities. If you’re not a confident swimmer or you hate getting your feet wet, you’ll want to plan your time intentionally—snorkel and paddle board are included, but you can also just float and enjoy the anchored view from the deck.

S’Espalmador: Uninhabited Island Time Between Ibiza and Formentera

Next comes S’Espalmador, another 2-hour stop. This is described as an uninhabited sandy islet between Ibiza and Formentera, which matters because it changes how the coastline feels. You’re not going to “tour” it like a city—this is more about space, light, and the calm of being near nowhere.

Expect the feel to be different from a beach club day. With fewer people around, it’s easier to hear your own conversations. It also tends to make photos better because you’re not photographing around umbrellas and crowds.

Since it’s uninhabited, your plan should be simple: enjoy swimming and snorkeling time, then pick a spot—on water, on deck, or on shore if that’s part of your comfort level. If you’re the type who likes variety, you’ll get it here without rushing.

Lunch and On-Deck Time: How to Keep the Day Yours

Lunch isn’t “scheduled and forced.” Instead, you’ll have options. You can bring your own food and drinks, or you can disembark for lunch at restaurants by the water—described as glamorous.

If you like the freedom of a private tour, this part is key. You don’t need to pick a single restaurant before you leave home. You can decide once you’re actually there, based on how the day feels.

That said, don’t treat the day like it’s endless. Between your two main water stops and the sail back, you’ll want to keep an eye on time so you don’t get caught in a “just one more swim” loop that cuts into your return.

The Return and Sunset Rhythm Back Toward Cala Jondal

After your time at Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador, you sail back toward Cala Jondal, where the trip concludes at or near the departure area. Timing is part of the value here: it’s set up so you can do a sunset drink at the famous Blue Marlin.

I like this because it gives you a natural “end cap.” Your catamaran day is the main event. Then you transition to a relaxed bar-and-view moment without needing a long drive afterward or scrambling to find dinner plans.

What’s Included (and Why It’s Better Than You Think)

The list of inclusions is where this private charter becomes easier on you. Here’s what you’re covered for:

• Snorkelling gear and paddle boarding equipment
• Life jackets if you request them
• A driver/guide and local taxes (all included in the package)
• A team that will take as many pictures as you want using your camera
• Megaboom Bluetooth speakers so you can play your music

The value in these inclusions is time. Every item you don’t have to rent or organize yourself turns into more “actual beach hours.” And photo help matters because it’s hard to balance fun and logistics—someone on the boat handling the camera means you can stay present.

Price and Value: When This Charter Makes Sense

The price is $3,569.03 per group for up to 12 people, for about 7 hours. On the surface, that’s not cheap. But private sailing works differently than standard tours.

To judge value honestly, break it down this way:

• You’re paying for a private boat, not a seat on a shared one.
• The trip includes water gear and onboard tech (Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth audio).
• Your group size means the cost per person can drop fast if you have enough people.

This is especially good value if you’re traveling with a tight group—friends, a family unit, or a celebration—because you’re buying comfort and control. If it’s just two of you, the per-person cost stays high. In that case, it’s still worth it if you really want privacy and don’t want to compromise on pacing.

One extra note: in at least one experience, the group received an upgrade to a bigger catamaran with a 6m sofa. That’s the kind of thing that can make the day feel even more comfortable, especially if you’ll spend a lot of time lounging between swims.

Who Should Book This Formentera Day Trip

This is a great match if you want:

• a private day on the water (not sharing deck space with strangers)
• included swim activities like snorkeling and paddle boarding
• a relaxed schedule with time at two prime stops
• onboard comfort features (Wi‑Fi and music) that make the day feel modern

It’s also a smart fit for people who like photos but hate taking turns. With captain photo help, you’ll get more keepers without stopping the day.

If you’re looking for a strict “see everything” tour, this probably won’t be your style. This is about sea time, water time, and downtime.

And if you’re planning for a range of ages and abilities, check in on the moderate physical fitness requirement. You can still enjoy plenty from the deck, but you should be comfortable with the general boat-and-water rhythm.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Day at Sea

Here’s how to make your time feel effortless once you’re underway:

• Bring what you need for sun: you’ll be outdoors for most of the day.
• If you plan to snorkel, keep your skills in mind and don’t force long stretches.
• Decide early how you want to use paddle boarding time—some people go straight in, others prefer a slower approach and steady positioning.
• Have a simple plan for lunch: either pack your own or keep flexibility for a shore stop.

Also, keep your documents simple. You’ll need a current valid passport on the day of travel. Confirmation is handled after booking, and you’ll receive a mobile ticket.

Finally, consider timing. A 10:00 am start means you’ll want breakfast sorted and an easy morning routine so you’re not scrambling before boarding.

Weather and Timing: The One Variable You Can’t Control

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

So don’t treat this as a “must-have on this exact day no matter what” plan. If your trip dates are tight, that’s when this risk matters most. If your schedule has wiggle room, you’re more likely to land on the right conditions.

Should You Book This Private Formentera Catamaran Day Trip?

I think you should book if you want Formentera to feel personal. This is one of those experiences where the privacy changes everything: you set the mood, you get included gear, and you spend your time where it counts—anchored in good water, not waiting in lines.

Skip it if your budget is tight or you don’t care about onboard comfort and having your own space. A shared tour can be cheaper, but it won’t give you the same control over music, pacing, and deck time.

If you’re traveling with a group up to 12 and you’re serious about swimming, snorkeling, and paddle boarding, this is the kind of day you’ll remember for the simple reason that it feels effortless.

FAQ

What time does the Formentera day trip start?

It starts at 10:00 am and runs for about 7 hours.

Where do I meet for the private catamaran?

The meeting point listed is Es Xarcu (Restaurante Playa), Cala Es Xarco. The sailing description also references meeting at a pier in Cala Jondal by the Blue Marlin beach club, and there’s an option to depart from Es Xarcu if you prefer.

How long do you spend at each stop?

Playa de Ses Illetes is about 2 hours, and S’Espalmador is about 2 hours.

Is snorkeling gear and paddle boarding included?

Yes. Snorkelling gear and paddle boarding are included, along with life jackets if you request them.

Can we bring our own food and drinks?

Yes. You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks, and you can also disembark for lunch at water-side restaurants if you want.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What happens if weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.