Formentera is the day you’ll keep. This 5-hour catamaran ride packs Formentera coast views at Illetas and a crew-cooked meal with open bar into one easy sea-day. One thing to plan for: this trip is built around anchor stops, not getting off the boat.

I like that the boat itself does the work for you. The Sun Cat is a 22-meter catamaran with comfy deck chairs and a big net area where you can relax while watching the water below. Snorkel gear is provided, so you can go straight from sunbathing to a swim without extra hassle.

Key things I’d pin to the top

• 22-meter Sun Cat comfort: deck chairs plus a large net area above the water
• Illetas anchor time: real swimming and snorkeling at Playa de Ses Illetes
• Open bar included: soft drinks, beers, water, and sangria
• A proper meal: salad buffet, finger food, fresh fruit, and cooked mains like roast meat and Spanish sausages
• Guide narration in English/Spanish: with guides like Tina praised for coast explanations
• No disembarking stops: you stay onboard during the anchor moments

A 22-meter catamaran day trip that feels longer than 5 hours

This isn’t one of those quick “hop on, wave at the shore, hop off” outings. You’re on a 22-meter catamaran for a full sea day, which changes the feel fast. Instead of rushing from viewpoint to viewpoint, you settle in: sun on deck, shade when you need it, and plenty of water time.

The Sun Cat setup is practical. You’ve got enough deck seating for people to spread out, and the net lets you hang out over the sea without committing to a full swim. If your goal is to enjoy Formentera’s water color without sweating through a long on-land plan, this format makes sense.

And the vibe is simple: you’re sailing the coast, stopping to swim, and eating onboard. That’s why it works well for couples who want “easy special” and for friend groups who just want a fun day on the water.

Getting to the dock: where to meet the Sun Cat

Your main target is the Botafoch Ferry Terminal area. You’ll look for your catamaran, the Sun Cat, floating in the dock just before you arrive at Botafoch Terminal.

Your activity meeting point is listed at Carrer de la Mola, 31, and taxis can drop you near Botafoch Ferry Terminal. If you’re going by taxi, tell the driver to take you to Botafoch Ferry Terminal so you’re not walking with salty wind in your face and a timeline ticking.

One more thing: transfers to and from the departure point aren’t included. So if you’re staying farther from the dock, budget time for getting there and back. On a day like this, arriving stressed is the one thing you don’t want.

Sailing past Las Salinas and Ibiza’s shoreline views

Once you’re onboard, the early part of the day is about getting your bearings and enjoying the coastline from the water. You cruise along the south-east coast of the islands and take in the coastal scenery around both Ibiza and Formentera.

There are a couple of named spots you’ll pass that help you understand what you’re seeing: you sail past Las Salinas and then head toward Illetas for the best water stop. Even if you don’t memorize every coastline detail, it’s still a very visual route—coastlines from a moving boat look different than from land, and the light on the water is part of the magic.

There’s also a short early “welcome” window with refreshments and time to settle in. I like when the start is structured like that, because it prevents the classic chaos of everyone trying to find their seat and figure out where the food and drinks are.

Playa de Ses Illetes: the anchor stop where swimming steals the show

The big highlight is the stop at Playa de Ses Illetes. The boat drops anchor in crystal-clear waters, and you get a block of time to enjoy it—sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling with the gear provided.

A key detail: this tour is not built around disembarking at shore. You won’t be stepping off the boat onto a beach. That might sound limiting, but it’s also what makes the trip feel effortless. You can enjoy the beach-water experience without organizing transport, walking routes, or crowds.

Snorkeling gear is included—goggles and swimming noodles—so you don’t have to bring anything besides the basics. If you’ve never snorkeled before, the noodles help you get comfortable while you float and watch what’s happening below.

Practical tip: pick your swim time based on comfort. If you burn fast, do the ocean time early or in the gentler part of the day. If you’re more comfortable in heat, late-morning to mid-day can be when everyone is out—just plan where you’ll sit afterward.

Lunch or brunch onboard: food that fits the sea-day rhythm

Food onboard isn’t an afterthought here. The day is set up so you can work up an appetite, then eat with a view—no sitting on land waiting for a restaurant slot.

You’ll get a meal that’s described as a buffet brunch or barbecue lunch style, and the included menu items are specific: salad buffet, finger food, fresh fruit, and cooked mains like roast meat and Spanish sausages. That’s a broad spread, and it matters because sea days can mean different hunger levels—some people want lighter bites, others want something hearty.

I also like that the food isn’t just snack-level. One strong theme from the onboard experience is that the meal quality stands out. Some guests specifically called out BBQ chicken and salad being prepared by the crew. Even if your personal tastes run toward something else on the table, it helps to know this isn’t the kind of meal that gets swallowed just to survive.

If you’re sensitive to heat or motion, eat early in the meal window and drink water between bites. You’ll be surprised how quickly sun and sailing can change your appetite.

Open bar and staying comfortable on deck

The open bar is part of what turns the boat from a sightseeing trip into a full relax-and-celebrate day. Included options are soft drinks, beers, water, and sangria. That’s a good mix: you can keep it light, or go for something stronger without needing to plan payments throughout the cruise.

Sailing days do one thing very consistently: they make you thirstier than you expect. So I recommend treating water as your first drink, then using sangria or beer if that’s your vibe.

Comfort-wise, you’ll want to show up ready to switch roles from sun to shade to water and back. Bring a towel, swimwear, and sunscreen. The sunscreen part matters most. Even if you think you’ll stay in the shade, you’ll likely spend time moving around for the best angles and then end up in the sun again.

The crew and guide experience: how the stories make the coast feel closer

A good guide can turn “pretty views” into something you understand. This tour includes a live guide with Spanish and English, and the narration is clearly part of the design.

One name that stands out in the feedback is Tina—praised for being exceptional and for explaining the sites along the coast in multiple languages. Even if you’re not trying to become a geography expert, it helps to have someone connect what you’re seeing to what it is. Coastlines and bays look similar until someone points out the features.

I’d say the crew also plays a role in the day’s ease. When the onboard rhythm is smooth—refreshments early, food served in a manageable way, and swim/snorkel time handled without confusion—the whole trip feels more relaxing.

Price and value: is $108 worth a catamaran, lunch, and Illetas swim time?

At $108 per person for a 5-hour catamaran with food and an open bar, you’re paying for convenience plus the “day on the water” experience. This isn’t a barebones boat tour. You’re getting:

• A catamaran cruise along Ibiza and toward Formentera
• An onboard meal with multiple components, not just light snacks
• A included open bar (soft drinks, beers, water, sangria)
• Snorkeling equipment (goggles and swimming noodles)
• A real water stop at Illetas for swimming and snorkeling

That combination is the value. If you tried to assemble the same day on your own, you’d likely spend time coordinating boat access, meal options, and gear. Here, it’s packaged into one clear, timed experience.

The only “value caution” is the format: since you don’t disembark, you’re not using this tour to explore towns on Formentera. If your dream is walking streets, that’s a different day trip. But if your dream is Formentera’s water and coast from the best possible angle, this price starts to look fair quickly.

Also, with a 4.3 rating from hundreds of bookings, it suggests consistency in what people care about: the boat, the food, and the onboard experience.

Who this cruise suits best (and who should skip it)

This is a couples-and-friends friendly way to spend a day. It also works for families, but there’s a clear limitation: it’s not suitable for children under 5, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

If you like your beach time simple—swim, snorkel, eat, drink, repeat—you’ll probably love it. If you need a lot of on-land exploring, you might find the no-disembarking setup less satisfying.

Best fit:

• People who want Formentera water time without logistical stress
• Those who enjoy relaxing on a boat with a structured meal
• Anyone who likes a guided day but still wants downtime

Not ideal if:

• You’re traveling with someone who needs wheelchair access
• You’re expecting stops where you can get off and wander for an hour or two

Should you book this Ibiza to Formentera catamaran cruise?

Book it if your priority is a straightforward day on the water: sailing views, a swim stop at Illetas, a meal that’s more than snack food, and drinks included while you relax. This is the kind of tour that makes your vacation feel smoother because it bundles the best parts into one timeline.

Skip it if you’re the type who wants to explore Formentera on foot, because this experience is designed around anchor stops, not beach departures or town walking. Also, if you’re sensitive to sun, plan your shade and water strategy from the start.

If you want an easy, high-comfort way to experience the Ibiza–Formentera connection, I’d put this near the top of your shortlist.

FAQ

How long is the Ibiza to Formentera catamaran cruise?

The total duration is 5 hours.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The meeting point is listed at Carrer de la Mola, 31. You’ll look for the Sun Cat at the dock near Botafoch Ferry Terminal.

What is included in the food onboard?

Food is included, including a salad buffet, finger food, roast meat, Spanish sausages, and fresh fruit.

What drinks are included in the open bar?

The open bar includes soft drinks, beers, water, and sangria.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling goggles and swimming noodles are provided.

Will the tour stop so you can get off the boat?

No. The tour does not stop at locations where you can disembark. You’ll have anchor stops where you can swim in the water.

What should I bring with me?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live tour guide provides narration in Spanish and English.

Is the tour suitable for young children or wheelchair users?

It is not suitable for children under 5 and is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Are there options for cancellation and flexible booking?

Yes. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.