Formentera & Ibiza Small Group Trip by Catamaran

A day on the sea, minus the big-tour chaos. This small-group catamaran trip links Ibiza and Formentera with multiple swim stops, provided snorkeling gear, and time on some of the island’s most famous beaches. The icing on the cake is a complimentary glass of champagne, plus the boat has cold storage so your snacks stay pleasant all day.

I love the way the schedule is built around swimming, not sitting around. You get real chances to snorkel and paddle at S’Espalmador and Playa de Ses Illetes, not just a quick stop for photos. My only watch-out is the logistics: you’ll use a zodiac to reach the catamaran, and you’ll also transfer in dinghies to go ashore at beach stops, so plan for a bit of step-by-step moving around.

Key highlights at a glance

• Champagne included: one glass at some point during the trip
• Snorkel and SUP boards provided: plus SUPs can be converted into kayaks
• Small group size: up to 12 people max, so it stays calm on board
• Cold storage on board: use the fridge/freezer for snacks, and keep drinks chilled
• Dinghy access to beaches: you can explore on foot once ashore at stops

Why this Formentera-and-Ibiza catamaran is such a smooth day

The best part of this outing is that it feels like a full-day water plan, not a “tour that happens around the water.” You start in Ibiza, sail along the Formentera coast, then anchor for swimming where the water is famously clear. When you’re ready, you hop off in dinghies and wander the beach areas instead of just floating in one spot.

Also, the trip is built for people who want to do more than watch other people swim. You’re handed the tools: snorkeling gear and SUP boards (convertible into kayaks). That means you’re not spending your holiday time hunting rentals, figuring out how to assemble stuff, or paying extra for equipment that should have been part of the day.

The other quiet win: this is a small group. With a maximum of 12 people, the vibe stays relaxed, even during busy beach transitions and during anchor stops where everyone wants the same prime swimming spots.

Getting on board: Ses Salines to the catamaran by zodiac

The day starts at 10:00 am and the main meeting area is tied to Beso Beach Ibiza (Platja de ses Salines, s/n, 07818 Sant Jordi de ses Salines). Your first transfer is part of the experience: staff pick you up from the beach of Ses Salines and take you to the sailboat in a zodiac. That’s typically quick, but it does mean you’re not walking straight onto the catamaran like you might on other boat trips.

What this means for you in real life:

• Wear beach-safe footwear you don’t mind stepping in and out of boats with.
• Keep your phone in a dry bag or waterproof pouch. Water days are great until they’re wet.
• Bring swimwear you can handle easily, because you’ll be moving from boat to dinghy to beach and back again.

One more thing I like about the way this trip is structured: the zodiac transfer is built into the day, so it doesn’t feel like a late scramble. You’re doing it because the catamaran can’t simply cruise up to the shoreline the way you might imagine, and it sets up the rest of the stops perfectly.

Sailing along Formentera: where your time actually goes

After the initial boarding, the catamaran spends time sailing along the Formentera coast, visiting several coves. This sailing portion is not filler. It’s your chance to get oriented, enjoy the coastline views from the water, and arrive at your anchor stops without feeling rushed.

A practical benefit of having a captain lead the route is that the day can stay comfortable even when conditions change. Several captains named in past experiences (including Fran, Nacho, Pablo, and Ramiro) are repeatedly described as friendly and focused on making the day work with weather and sea conditions. Translation: if it’s choppy or the wind shifts, you’re not stuck with a fixed plan that ignores reality.

How long you spend sailing versus beach time can vary a bit based on timing and conditions, but the overall trip is designed to land you at the most worthwhile stops. You’re not paying for hours of “looking at islands from far away.” You’re paying to get onto the water, then onto the beach.

Stop one in the action: S’Espalmador and your 2-hour swim window

S’Espalmador is your first major anchored stop, with about 2 hours to enjoy the area. This is where the day’s “wow” factor starts stacking up. You can swim, snorkel, walk along the beach, and use the SUP boards.

Two details that matter here:

1. You’re not limited to one activity. Snorkeling is set up, but you can also just swim at your own pace or explore on foot.
2. The SUP access changes the feel of the stop. Instead of only drifting around, you can paddle and explore the shallows at a comfortable speed.

If you want the best time here, aim to do your main swimming and snorkeling earlier in the stop window. The later part often fills in with more people heading back and forth between boat and shore logistics, and it can be harder to find quiet water to set up.

Playa de Ses Illetes: the stop built for long beach time

If you like a real beach break, you’ll appreciate Playa de Ses Illetes. It’s about a short sail away, then you get a 4-hour window. Dinghies bring you to shore so you can explore on foot, and you can also use paddle boards and snorkeling gear again.

This stop is also your lunch decision point, and I like that you get options:

• Bring your own food and drinks.
• Use the freezer on board to keep things cool.
• Or go ashore and eat at a restaurant on the beach.

Even better for stress levels, you can eat without planning months ahead. The captain can help with a reservation on the day if you want to dine ashore, and there’s no requirement to book a specific restaurant in advance.

A small practical note: if you’re the type who wants shade, plan to spend some time under it on board and then rotate between sun and shade once you’re ashore. The boat setup includes shade, and that can make the difference between a great day and a “too hot to enjoy it” day.

Beso Beach Ibiza: how the tour finishes

After the Formentera-focused part of the day, you return to Ibiza and finish at Beso Beach Ibiza, with about 1 hour at the end. This is not another huge activity block. It’s more of a gentle wrap-up so you can cool down, soak in the last views, and head back with the trip.

The tour ends back at the meeting point. So mentally, treat it like a full-day loop: multiple swim stops, a long beach break at Illetes, then back to Ibiza for the final landing.

Price and value: what $139.08 includes (and what it doesn’t)

At $139.08 per person, this is not “cheap,” but it isn’t only paying for transportation either. You’re buying a package designed around high-cost-for-non-locals elements:

What you get:

• A full day on a catamaran
• One glass of champagne
• Snorkeling equipment and SUP boards (with kayak conversion capability)
• Zodiac access for getting to and from the boat
• Cold storage like a fridge/freezer for snacks and drinks

What you don’t get:

• Lunch is not included

So the real value depends on how you plan your day. If you bring a simple lunch from the start, store it in the boat’s cold storage, and snack your way through Illetes, you’ll feel like the price makes sense fast. If you plan to rely entirely on restaurants, you can still do it, but Formentera is known for premium pricing, and your costs will rise.

Also, the small group matters here. Large group boat trips often feel like logistics puzzles. This one stays under 12, so it’s easier to grab gear, hop on dinghies smoothly, and settle without feeling packed in.

Who should book this trip, and who might want a different style

This trip is a great fit if you want:

• A relaxed day on the water with multiple swim stops
• Included snorkeling and SUP time, so you don’t spend your trip renting gear
• A boat day where you can choose your pace, swim now or later, paddle or just float

It’s also a good match for people who like a captain-led route rather than a scripted lecture. The captain’s priority is safety and managing the boat, so don’t expect a running commentary about every stretch of coastline. If you want deep historical storytelling on a schedule, you may have a different expectation for what a boat captain does during anchor stops.

Finally, it suits couples, small groups of friends, and solo travelers who want to meet a few people without the day turning into a party atmosphere.

Practical tips to make your day easier on the water

Bring what makes beach time smoother, and you’ll thank yourself later.

Pack for “all day in and out of boats”:

• Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
• A towel and a dry change of clothes
• Water shoes (the type you’re comfortable walking in)
• Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag

Plan your food smart:

• Lunch isn’t included, so decide early if you’re bringing your own meal.
• Use the boat’s fridge/freezer to keep snacks and drinks cool.

For snorkeling and SUP:

• Wear swimwear you can move around in comfortably.
• If you get cold easily, consider a light layer that you can put on between swimming.

For comfort:

• Expect that you’ll move via dinghy at beach stops. It’s straightforward, but it’s not a “step onto the sand directly from the boat” situation.

Should you book this Formentera and Ibiza small group trip?

I’d book it if you want a small group catamaran day built around swimming, snorkeling, and beach time, with gear and cold storage included. The itinerary makes sense for a day where you do real water activities, not just cruise past scenery. And if you like having the option to bring your own lunch or eat ashore, this format is flexible.

I would think twice if you’re expecting a luxury yacht vibe or a fully narrated, explanation-heavy experience. This is a working captain-led boat day with transfers and safety as the main focus. If that matches how you want to spend your hours on the water, it’s a strong choice.

FAQ

What time does the trip start?

The trip starts at 10:00 am.

How long is the catamaran experience?

It runs about 8 to 9 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

The start meeting point is Beso Beach Ibiza (Platja de ses Salines, s/n, 07818 Sant Jordi de ses Salines, Illes Balears, Spain), and the tour ends back there.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though you can bring your own food and drinks or go to a restaurant on the beach.

What’s included besides the boat ride?

You get 1 glass of champagne, snorkeling equipment, SUP boards (convertible into kayaks), and zodiac boat transfers to reach the shore.

Do I need to book a restaurant in advance?

No. The captain can help you with a reservation on the day if you want to eat ashore.

How many people will be on the tour?

It’s a small group with a maximum of 12 travelers.

What if the weather is bad?

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

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.