Ibiza & Formentera Private Catamaran Full-Day Sailing Tour

Ibiza looks better from a sailboat. This full-day private catamaran tour takes you along Ibiza’s south coast, over to Formentera, and back again, with time to swim, snorkel, and paddle while you soak up the views.

What I like most is how smoothly you get from scenic sailing into real water time. You get paddle surf boards plus snorkeling equipment included, so you are not scrambling to rent gear once you arrive.

The main thing to consider is food spending. Lunch is not included in the tour price, and you may find onboard options can feel pricey, so I recommend planning to bring your own food or set expectations for paid meals.

Key things I’d watch for

• Private, up to 10 people, which keeps the day feeling calm and personal
• Snorkeling equipment and paddle surf boards included, so you can make the most of each stop
• Multiple swim moments, not just one quick beach break
• Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador, two different types of water time in one day
• English-speaking experience with a mobile ticket for easier check-in
• A resident 10-year-old Border Collie on board, friendly and part of the vibe

A Private Catamaran Day on Ibiza and Formentera, Starting at Cala Jondal

This tour is built for a small, private group, with a maximum of 10 people. That matters on a long day, because you tend to get less crowd noise and more say in how the time feels, from deck lounging to water breaks.

The day starts at Tropicana Eivissa Cala Jondal (Cala Jondal, s/n, 07830 Sant Josep de sa Talaia). The return ends right back at the same meeting point, so you avoid the stress of figuring out transport after a full day on the water.

You are sailing the south side of Ibiza first, then crossing toward Formentera. That route is a big part of why the day works: you get changing scenery rather than one long stretch of the same coastline. And yes, the timing is such that you will get that classic Ibiza feeling on the water, including a sunset view from the boat.

On-Board Comfort and Included Gear You Can Rely On

The included onboard setup is simple, but it helps. There is a restroom on board, plus Wi-Fi, and you do not have to think about where to wash up mid-day. Fuel surcharge is also included, which is good news because it avoids that awkward last-minute surprise for the base trip.

The real value, though, is the gear. You get snorkeling equipment and two paddle surf boards included. That means when you reach the protected coves and calm-water spots, you can switch from sailing to active fun without paying extra for rentals.

You should also be aware that the tour lists a moderate physical fitness level. In practice, that usually means you will want to be comfortable moving around the boat and spending time in the water, whether you are paddling or snorkeling.

One charming detail: there is a friendly 10-year-old Border Collie living on board. If you like dogs, it is a sweet touch. If you are not a dog person, it is still worth knowing in advance so the presence of a calm, friendly animal does not catch you off guard.

Stop 1 and 2: Platja des Jondal to Playa des Codolar

You kick things off around Platja des Jondal, right in the Cala Jondal bay area on Ibiza’s southern coast. This is the moment to settle in, find your spot on deck, and enjoy the turquoise water right away. If you prefer photos that look like postcards, this is where you start collecting them.

The first sailing leg moves you along the south coast, and then you reach Playa des Codolar. This is where the coast starts to feel a little more dramatic, with rugged rocky edges and the kind of caves and cliffy shapes you tend to miss when you are only driving past beaches.

The key experience here is the pacing. You get about an hour centered on Codolar, which is enough time to enjoy the views from the boat and then decide what you want to do next. It is not just a stop where you hop off and rush back on.

Practical tip: plan to be a little sun-aware early. Even when the day is not at peak heat, deck time adds up fast on a sailing tour, and you are likely to be out in direct light across multiple stops.

Stop 3: Parque Natural de Ses Salines, Protected Water for Snorkel Time

Next comes Parque Natural de Ses Salines, a protected area with a more secluded feel. This stop is designed for water time in a smaller cove setting, and it shows. The weather and sea conditions matter here, because protected areas usually mean calmer moments for swimming and snorkeling.

You get around one hour, which is a good slot for switching between stillness and action. If you want to snorkel, this is a strong place to do it, using the included gear to explore underwater life close to shore. If you are more of a casual swimmer, you can also keep it simple and just enjoy the clear water and cooling off.

The main drawback to note is also part of the deal: protected areas can still be affected by wind and chop depending on the day. The tour runs only in good weather, and that helps, but the sea always has its own personality.

If you want the smoothest water experience, keep your snorkel plan flexible. Arrive ready to get in, but do not lock yourself into one exact timeline. Boats and nature both run on real-time conditions.

Stop 4 and 5: S’Espalmador and Playa de Ses Illetes

This is the turning point of the day, when you go from Ibiza coastline cruising into Formentera territory, with two different water experiences that complement each other.

S’Espalmador: Paddle boards first, then snorkeling

S’Espalmador sits between Ibiza and Formentera, and it is treated like a natural reserve stop. Here you get about 1 hour 50 minutes total for this sequence segment in the plan, with roughly one hour dedicated to the Espalmador portion.

The big perk is the paddle option. You have paddle boards available on board, and you can paddle around the calm waters at your own pace. After that, you have another chance to use snorkeling equipment, giving you a second underwater look that is different from the Ses Salines cove.

Playa de Ses Illetes: Choose your lunch style and how you explore

Then you reach Playa de Ses Illetes. This is the stop where the day often turns into a more “stay longer” feeling, since the beach is famous for clear water and bright sand. You get about two hours here.

You have options for what to do next:

• You can disembark, enjoy time on foot, and explore the area.
• Or you can stay on board and have lunch there, if you choose the onboard meal option.

This flexibility is genuinely useful. Some people want beach wandering and a long lunch break. Others prefer staying aboard so they can keep an easy schedule and avoid hauling bags on and off.

One note about lunch: lunch is not included in the base tour price. That means your choice at Ses Illetes may affect your total cost for the day. If you are trying to keep spending under control, bring your own food for the beach portion, and treat onboard meals as a convenience.

And yes, as the day moves toward the return sailing leg, you are set up for a proper sunset view from the boat. That final sailing stretch is a nice payoff after the water stops.

Lunch, Drinks, and the Real Value of the Price

The price for this private experience is $1,609.09 per group up to 10, for about 8 hours on the water. When you compare that to the cost of private speedboats or multiple paid activities, it can start to look reasonable, especially because the tour includes key “activity” items.

What is included:

• Paddle surf boards
• Snorkeling equipment
• Wi-Fi
• Restroom on board
• Fuel surcharge

What is not included:

• Lunch
• Alcoholic beverages

This is why I think the real value comes down to how you handle food. If your group plans ahead and brings food, you can keep the day feeling like good value. If you rely on paid onboard meals or add-ons, the day can get expensive fast.

I saw one negative point in the feedback that matters for your planning. A complaint mentioned a costly meat snack add-on priced around €65 for a ham table, and the guest felt it was not worth it. I am not saying every onboard option is overpriced, but it is a clear sign to check menus and pricing expectations before ordering.

My advice: if you want to control the budget, bring a simple lunch and snacks. If you want the convenience of eating on board, you can still do it, just treat it like a paid add-on, not an automatic included perk.

Good-Fit Checklist, Plus One Practical Caution

This tour is best for you if you like:

• A private group experience rather than a crowded boat
• Active beach and water time (snorkeling and paddle boarding)
• A south-coast route with multiple short, well-timed stops

It might not be the best match if your group wants a heavily structured, on-land tour style. This is mostly a sailing day, with time outdoors by the water and a beach stop at Ses Illetes.

One practical caution is weather. The tour requires good weather, and it can be canceled if conditions are not right, with an alternative date or full refund offered in that case. So if you book close to your final departure day, you are taking a small risk.

Also, because you are on the water for the whole day, pack for sun and for getting wet. Think swim-friendly clothing, towel, sunscreen, and something you can use as a cover when the breeze picks up.

Should You Book This 8 Hour Private Sail?

If your dream day is sailing between Ibiza and Formentera, then using the boat time for real swimming and snorkeling, I think this one is worth strong consideration. The mix of included water gear plus multiple stops gives you a full-day program without turning into a rushed checklist.

I would book if:

• You want a private up-to-10 experience starting from Cala Jondal
• You care about snorkel time and paddle boarding
• Your group can plan for lunch not being included (or you are comfortable paying onboard)

I would pause if:

• You are trying to keep the entire day strictly budget-based, especially around food
• You prefer beach time but do not like active water activities
• Your schedule is tight and you are worried about weather-related changes

Overall, with a very high recommendation rate and strong ratings, this looks like a reliable choice for people who want the Ibiza and Formentera coast from the water, not from the road.

FAQ

Is this a private tour?

Yes. This is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates. The group size is up to 10.

How long is the Ibiza and Formentera private catamaran tour?

It runs for about 8 hours.

What’s included with the tour?

The tour includes 2 paddle surf boards, snorkeling equipment, Wi-Fi, a restroom on board, and a fuel surcharge.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is listed as not included, and alcoholic beverages are also not included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

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.