A day on the water beats the usual beach shuffle. This private luxury catamaran charter takes you from Ibiza out to Formentera’s best swimming areas, with snorkel gear and paddle boards ready on board so you can actually use the day. I like that the vibe is relaxed but upscale, and you can play your own music through the boat’s Bluetooth setup.

The one real catch: the tour is weather-dependent. If the day can’t run due to poor conditions, you’ll either get a different date or a full refund, but there’s no refund if you cancel on your own.

Key takeaways

• Private for up to 12: you control the pace and your group stays together.
• Playa de Ses Illetes as a swim hub: clear water that’s ideal for paddle boarding and snorkeling.
• S’Espalmador sand stop: a brief, easy break at an uninhabited islet between Ibiza and Formentera.
• Megaboom Bluetooth speakers + onboard WiFi: you get comfort and your own soundtrack.
• Captain-run photos: the crew will take as many pictures as you want with your camera.
• Prime timing back toward Cala Jondal: built for a late-day drink at Blue Marlin.

A Private Catamaran to Formentera: the real payoff

If you’re doing Formentera in a single day, the big win is reducing the hassle. This trip is set up as a true private charter, not a seat on a crowded boat. That matters because it keeps the day feeling like yours—your timing, your music, your swim rhythm—without you spending time playing logistics roulette.

What makes it feel genuinely “luxury” is the combination of space and simplicity. You meet the captain, get settled on deck, and then the day unfolds around the water. You’re not constantly switching plans or waiting for other groups to finish boarding. Add snorkel gear and paddle boards to the mix, and you’re not just watching the ocean—you’re in it.

The route also focuses on the water you came for. You’re anchored at Playa de Ses Illetes (also referred to as Ses Illetes / Illetas), then you move to S’Espalmador, an uninhabited sandy islet. That’s a straightforward two-stop plan that keeps your energy for swimming and sun, not for endless transit.

Meeting at Es Xarcu (and getting on the water fast)

The day kicks off at 10:00 am, starting at Es Xarcu (Restaurante Playa), Cala Es Xarco. You’ll meet there and then head out with your captain for the sailing day. The experience is private, so it’s just your group—no shared ride to stitch together with strangers.

This is also close to public transportation, which is handy if you’re not driving. Still, on a boat day, you’ll want to plan to arrive on time and have everyone ready to board promptly. That’s the difference between a smooth start and a rushed scramble in vacation mode.

One detail I pay attention to: you need a current valid passport on the day of travel. If you’re traveling light or splitting up bags between people, make a quick check before you leave for the meeting point.

Sailing from Ibiza to Playa de Ses Illetes (Illetas): swim time on purpose

Your first major stop is Playa de Ses Illetes, with about two hours anchored for water time. This is the part of Formentera most people chase for a reason: the water is clear enough that paddle boarding and snorkeling actually feel easy. When you’re anchored in a good spot, you’re not constantly fighting waves or drifting far from the group.

Here’s how I’d think about using this time well. Start with the “quick wins” first: jump in, snorkel while the water is calm, and try the paddle board before you burn all your energy on swimming. Once you’re warm and comfortable, you can linger—float, swim again, then switch to taking it slow.

You also have the option to head to shore for lunch at restaurants by the water. If you want lunch off the boat, this is your moment. If you’d rather stay relaxed, you can stay on board, stay shaded when you want, and just enjoy the scene from deck.

A nice extra: life jackets are available if requested. That’s helpful if anyone in your group prefers that extra comfort while trying snorkel or paddle boarding.

The S’Espalmador stop: an uninhabited islet break

After Illetas, your next stop is S’Espalmador, again with about two hours to enjoy the water and sand. This is an uninhabited sandy islet sitting between Ibiza and Formentera, so the energy shifts a bit. Instead of a beach-with-everything feel, it’s more about open space and the sense of being out there.

Practically, this stop is a breather. You can spend more time in the water without needing to think through a long onshore schedule. If you like the idea of a “second swim zone” rather than a single long swim session, this layout works well.

The clear benefit of anchoring around this area is that you get a contrast to Ses Illetes. You’re still on the same day, still within easy reach of swimming and snorkeling, but you’re not doing the exact same thing twice in a row.

Onboard comfort: Bluetooth music, WiFi, and deck time

This charter isn’t just about where you go. It’s also about how you get there and how you spend the in-between time.

The boat is equipped with WiFi and Bluetooth speakers, so you can keep a playlist going as you sail and anchor. The speakers mentioned are Megaboom units, which usually means you don’t need to baby the connection—use your phone and let the day do the rest.

You’ll also get cold soft drinks during the trip. It’s a small thing, but on hot sea days it keeps the “we’ll get to drinks later” problem from happening.

Another detail I really like in the included items: your captains will take as many pictures as you want with your camera. Boat days are often ruined by the one person who ends up holding the phone with a half-finished selfie video. Here, you can actually enjoy the views and let someone else do the photo work.

And if you care about added comfort: in the feedback, a larger-boat upgrade came up, with people praising a setup that made the day feel even more lounge-like. If that option exists on your booking, it’s worth asking about—comfort on deck makes the whole day feel smoother.

Lunch and shore time: your choice, your rhythm

This trip gives you flexibility with food. Food is not included, but you can bring your own. Or, when you’re anchored at Ses Illetes, you can disembark for lunch at the waterfront restaurants.

I like this approach because it avoids turning lunch into a timed event. You can eat early if you want to be back in the water, or you can keep lunch simple and then go slow the rest of the afternoon.

There’s also an alternate departure option mentioned: it’s possible to depart from Es Xarcu if you prefer. For people staying around that side of the island, it can make the start of the day feel less like a logistical mission.

Returning toward Cala Jondal: setting up your sunset drink

After the island stops, you sail back toward Cala Jondal, where the day ends back around the start area. The overall duration is about seven hours. That’s long enough to feel like a true day trip, but not so long that you’re stuck on the boat all day with nothing to look forward to at the end.

The best timing benefit is that it lines up nicely for a late-day stop at Blue Marlin. If you’re the type who wants a proper wrap-up—one last drink, salt air still on your skin—this schedule supports that without forcing you into a rushed dinner plan.

One small reality check: the exact vibe of the return depends on weather and conditions. The plan is “classic sunset drink timing,” but the sea always has the final word.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

The price is $3,569.03 per group, with room for up to 12 people. That’s a big number up front, so here’s how I’d judge value honestly.

• In a full group of 12, the cost works out to roughly $300 per person.
• In smaller groups, it rises fast, which is when you should be sure you’re getting what you want: privacy, a luxury catamaran setup, and structured snorkel/paddle time.

This is the kind of charter where the “value” isn’t only the activities—it’s the absence of hassle. Private means you don’t have to wait for strangers. It also means the day feels more like a floating villa than a transportation service. If you split the cost with friends or family, the math gets much easier.

Also, you’re getting gear included—snorkelling gear and paddle boarding are part of the package. If you were renting equipment separately, or booking a packed tour and still paying for extras, this starts to look more sensible.

Who should book this Formentera day trip (and who might skip)

This fits best if you want Formentera to feel easy and special.

You should strongly consider it if:

• you’re traveling with a group up to 12 and can split the charter cost
• you care about privacy and not being on a crowded schedule
• you plan to snorkel or paddle board, not just admire the view from a distance
• you want a day that mixes deck lounging with active water time

You might skip it if:

• you want a cheaper, public-transport-style day trip
• you’d struggle with a boat day that requires moderate physical fitness (especially for getting in and out for swimming, snorkeling, or paddle boarding)
• you’re not comfortable with weather uncertainty, since the experience requires good conditions

If your group is evenly split between active swimmers and people who just want to relax on deck, this layout still works because you can do the water activities without needing everyone to be in sync.

Booking tips: passports, weather, and packing smart

First, remember the passport requirement. It’s required on the day of travel, so treat it like a checklist item, not an afterthought.

Second, plan around the weather reality. The experience requires good weather, and poor conditions can trigger a date change or a full refund. That’s good protection, but it does mean you should avoid booking this as the only “must-do” day of your trip if your schedule is tight.

Third, think about what you’ll bring since food isn’t included. You can bring your own food and drinks, or you can disembark for lunch when you’re anchored near restaurants. Either way, having a plan keeps the day relaxed.

Finally, if you care about photos: coordinate early in the day with your captain about picture stops. Because the crew will take as many pictures as you want, it’s worth using that service instead of expecting everyone to self-photo constantly.

Should you book this private catamaran day trip?

If your idea of a perfect Formentera day includes real swim time and a private luxury boat experience, I think this is an easy yes. The itinerary is focused—Ses Illetes for clear-water activity, then S’Espalmador for that uninhabited islet feeling—so your day doesn’t get diluted.

Book it when you’ve got a group to share the cost, and when you’re comfortable with the weather-dependent nature of sailing. If you want something more budget-friendly or you’re traveling solo with a strict budget, you may want to look at public tours instead.

One last note: this charter has a strong reputation, including high praise for the skipper experience. If you end up with a captain who’s known for anchoring in the clearest, front-row spots and keeping the experience smooth, you’ll feel it immediately in how the day plays out.

FAQ

How many people are included in the private charter?

The tour price is per group, with capacity up to 12 people.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

Where do we meet for the trip?

The meeting point is Es Xarcu (Restaurante Playa), Cala Es Xarco, 07839 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Illes Balears, Spain.

How long is the day trip?

The duration is about 7 hours.

What activities are included on the water?

You get snorkelling gear and paddle boarding. Life jackets are available if requested.

Is WiFi and music available onboard?

Yes. The boat has WiFi and Bluetooth speakers, including Megaboom speakers so you can play your own music.

Do we have to buy separate tickets for the beaches or stops?

Admission tickets are listed as free for both Playa de Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador.

Is food included, or can we eat on shore?

Food is not included. You can bring your own food and drinks, or disembark for lunch at restaurants by the water.

What happens if weather is bad?

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

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