Ibiza: Small Group Day Trip to Formentera by Catamaran

The best part of this day is the freedom to enjoy Formentera from the water, not from a crowded road or packed beach. You sail from Beso Beach Ibiza to clear-water stops at Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador, with time to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or simply stretch out on deck.

I like the small-group format, capped at 12 people, and the easygoing captains, including Fran, Frank, Franco, and Nacho. I also like that you can bring your own lunch or let the captain help arrange a restaurant ashore. The catch is simple: water and lunch are not included, and a full 12-person boat may feel tight if everyone wants to lie on deck.

Key points to know before you book

• Three hours at Ses Illetes: You get a long stop at one of Formentera’s best-known beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and photos.
• Two hours at S’Espalmador: This second stop gives you more time in clear water and access to the dinghy for beach exploration.
• A relaxed boat for up to 12 people: The catamaran is spacious and well maintained, but deck space can feel limited at full capacity.
• Water activities are included: Snorkeling gear, four paddleboards, inflatables, and lifejackets are provided.
• Lunch is flexible: Bring food for the boat, or ask the captain to reserve a table at a Formentera beach restaurant.
• You control the soundtrack: The Bluetooth stereo lets you connect your own music during the cruise.

A full day from Ibiza to Formentera

This is an eight-hour catamaran outing built around two things: good swimming and unhurried time. You meet at Beso Beach Ibiza, to the left of the lifeguard booth, then settle aboard for the trip toward Formentera.

The boat accommodates up to 12 participants plus the captain. That is small enough to feel more personal than a large excursion boat, yet large enough that the group may include couples, friends, and families who do not know one another.

The sailing time to the Formentera area takes about an hour. After that, most of the day is spent at the two stops rather than rushing from one cove to the next. That pacing is important. You have time to get in the water more than once, dry off, eat, and enjoy the ride without watching the clock every few minutes.

Captains vary by departure, but Fran appears often in the feedback and is praised for creating an easygoing atmosphere and helping with lunch plans. Frank, Franco, and Nacho are also named as helpful captains. The guide speaks Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian, or Catalan, depending on who leads your trip.

Ses Illetes: three hours beside clear water

The first main stop is Playa de Ses Illetes, where you have about three hours of free time. This is the longest stop, so it becomes the heart of the day.

You can swim directly from the catamaran, use the snorkeling equipment, or try one of the four stand-up paddleboards. Inflatables are also available, giving you options if you want to play in the water without committing to a long swim.

Ses Illetes is especially good for a day when you want both beach time and boat time. You can sunbathe on board, then climb down for a swim. You can take pictures of the pale shore and bright sea, then return to the catamaran for a glass of Champagne.

The three-hour block also gives you room to set your own pace. If you are energetic, spend much of it snorkeling and paddleboarding. If you prefer a slow afternoon, swim once, eat lunch, and enjoy the views from the deck.

Bring a towel and a change of clothes. The boat has a fridge, but water is not included, so plan your drinks carefully. You should bring enough water for the day, along with any snacks or lunch you want to eat aboard.

S’Espalmador: a quieter second stop

The catamaran then continues to S’Espalmador for about two hours. This keeps the day from feeling like a single beach visit and gives you another chance to swim in clear Mediterranean water.

The stop is also useful for people who want to explore beyond the boat. A dinghy is included, so you can use it to reach the nearby beach rather than staying aboard the entire time.

You will want to check with the captain about how the dinghy is being used that day and when it is available. Conditions and timing can shape the plan, and the captain is the person managing the boat, water equipment, and shore access.

For photographers, this second stop offers another chance to capture the Formentera coast from a different angle. For swimmers, it is a fresh stretch of water late in the day. For anyone who has had enough activity, it is simply another place to sit in the sun and enjoy the ride.

Lunch: bring your own or eat ashore

Food is not part of the $141 price, and water is not provided. This is the most important practical detail to handle before departure.

You can bring lunch and eat it on board while anchored near Formentera. The catamaran has a fridge, which helps with drinks and food storage, although you should not assume it is large enough for a full picnic for every person on board.

You can also ask the captain to arrange a restaurant reservation on Formentera. The captain helps with the reservation on the day, so you do not need to book a restaurant in advance. Several outings included lunch at beach restaurants, including Manolito, with the meal and relaxed setting becoming a favorite part of the day.

The restaurant option is convenient, but it adds to your total cost. If you want to keep the day close to the advertised price, bring your own food and drinks. If you would rather step ashore for paella or another local meal, the captain can help you find a place and reserve a table if available.

I would decide before you board. A group that brings food gets a smooth, flexible lunch on the water. A group that wants a restaurant gets a more traditional Formentera stop, but should be ready to pay separately and follow the available timing.

What is included on the catamaran

The activity includes a skipper, one glass of Champagne, snorkeling equipment, four paddleboards, a dinghy, and lifejackets.

The paddleboards are a strong feature because four are available rather than just one shared board. With a full boat, not everyone can use them at the same time, but several people can be active together.

Snorkeling gear saves you from packing fins and masks, though you may still prefer to bring your own if you are particular about fit. Lifejackets are provided, and the captain is responsible for the boat and the group while underway.

The fridge and Bluetooth stereo make the catamaran feel set up for a long day rather than a quick transfer. You can connect your music and choose the mood, but remember that you are sharing the boat. A considerate volume keeps the day pleasant for everyone.

The Champagne is one glass per person, not an open bar. Treat it as a small welcome or a celebratory moment while the boat is anchored, not as the main source of drinks for eight hours.

Is 12 people still a small group?

A maximum of 12 people is small compared with a large sightseeing boat, and it allows the captain to offer more personal help. You can ask about the swimming spots, equipment, or lunch plans without trying to catch someone across a crowded deck.

The catamaran itself has been described as spacious and well maintained. That matters on a long outing, since you will spend hours aboard between water activities and shore access.

Still, do not picture 12 private loungers. One person noted that there was not enough room for everyone to lie out on the deck at the same time. If your main goal is to claim a sunbed and stay there, the boat may feel crowded at full capacity.

The group size works best if you are comfortable sharing space and taking turns with the paddleboards and prime deck spots. It suits social couples, friends, and solo visitors who enjoy a relaxed group setting. It is less ideal if you want a private charter or complete control of the schedule.

The captains shape the day

This trip depends more on the captain than a fixed sightseeing route would. The captain handles the sailing, chooses how the stops work in practice, organizes water activities, and can help with restaurant reservations.

Fran is repeatedly singled out for a calm manner, a good sense of timing, and help with lunch arrangements. Frank is also praised for making the day easy and informative. Other named captains include Franco and Nacho, and the language options cover Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian, and Catalan.

You should expect a host rather than a formal history guide. The main service is practical: getting you to the right water, keeping the day moving, helping with the equipment, and making sure the group knows what is happening.

The sailing plan can also respond to the mood of the group. You might spend more time swimming, paddleboarding, or sitting aboard, but the main structure remains the same: about an hour out, three hours at Ses Illetes, two hours at S’Espalmador, and a return to Beso Beach Ibiza.

The real value of the $141 price

At $141 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Formentera. A basic ferry or a public beach day can cost less, especially if you are happy to arrange everything yourself.

The comparison changes when you count what is included. You get eight hours on a catamaran, a skipper, two water stops, snorkeling equipment, four paddleboards, a dinghy, lifejackets, and a glass of Champagne. You also avoid organizing separate transport between Ibiza, Formentera, and the swimming areas.

I see the value in the time on the water and the equipment. You are not paying only for a ride to an island. You are paying for a full day built around swimming, beach access, and a small group.

The price feels less attractive if you add a restaurant lunch, buy all your drinks separately, and spend most of the day sitting on deck. It works best when you use the included gear and value having a captain manage the movement between stops.

What to pack for eight hours afloat

Wear a swimsuit and comfortable shoes. Bring a towel, a change of clothes, and clothing suited to the day’s weather.

Most important, pack water. It is not included, and eight hours in the sun with swimming and paddleboarding can make you thirstier than expected. Bring food too if you plan to eat on board.

You may also want sun protection, though the supplied information does not specify what is available on the boat. Keep your belongings compact because you will be sharing storage and deck space with other people.

A waterproof phone pouch can be useful for photographs near the water, but that is your own responsibility. The trip is well suited to photos of the Ibiza and Formentera coast, so keep your camera ready without letting it get in the way of swimming.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this for someone who wants an active beach day with a little structure. You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, take the dinghy to shore, or simply enjoy the views, so the day works for mixed groups with different energy levels.

It is also a good fit for people who prefer a small boat to a large group cruise. The maximum of 12 keeps the setting more personal and makes it easier to talk with the captain and other people aboard.

Couples and friends will likely appreciate the relaxed pace and the ability to connect music to the stereo. Solo visitors may find the small group more welcoming than a private charter, provided they are comfortable sharing space.

I would think twice if you need wheelchair access, since the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. I would also reconsider if you want a private boat, a guaranteed restaurant meal, or unlimited deck space.

Booking and timing tips

The meeting point is Beso Beach Ibiza, to the left of the lifeguard booth. Confirm the starting time when you check availability, since the departure time can vary.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Ibiza plans depend on weather or changing travel arrangements, but you still need to check the forecast and prepare for a full day outdoors.

Arrive ready to board rather than planning a large breakfast stop after reaching the beach. The exact departure details are not provided here, so use the booking confirmation for the time and any final instructions from LocalCoolTour.

Should you book the Formentera catamaran?

Book it if you want a full day on the water, clear swimming stops, useful gear, and a captain who can help make lunch simple. The long stays at Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador are the main strength. You are not rushed through a string of brief photo stops.

The $141 cost is fair when you bring your own food and water, use the paddleboards and snorkeling gear, and value the included skipper and boat time. Add a restaurant meal and extra drinks, and the day becomes more expensive.

I would skip it if you want a private charter, guaranteed quiet space, or a low-cost transfer to Formentera. For everyone else, this is a well-balanced way to see the island’s beaches from the sea, with enough free time to make the day feel like your own.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran depart from?

The meeting point is Beso Beach Ibiza, to the left of the lifeguard booth.

How long does the experience last?

The catamaran trip lasts eight hours. The listed schedule includes about one hour of sailing, three hours at Playa de Ses Illetes, and two hours at S’Espalmador, followed by the return to Beso Beach Ibiza.

How many people can join the boat?

The catamaran can accommodate up to 12 participants plus the captain.

Is lunch included?

No. You can bring your own food and eat on board, or ask the captain to help reserve a restaurant on Formentera. Water is also not included.

What equipment is provided?

The activity includes snorkeling equipment, four paddleboards, inflatables, a dinghy, and lifejackets. It also includes a skipper and one glass of Champagne.

Is the activity suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.