Sunshine, sea, and no hard planning.

This Ibiza to Formentera catamaran day is built around sailing, relaxing on deck, and cooling off with swim stops and snorkeling gear. It’s one of those rare trips where the schedule feels simple, but the scenery keeps delivering.

I especially like the way the boat setup invites different moods—deck chairs for sun lovers, plus a big net area for a calmer hang with the water right below. I also like that you’re fed well while you’re out there: a brunch or barbecue-style meal, fresh fruit, and salad, with drinks on tap via the open bar.

One thing to consider: this is a boat-with-swim-stops cruise, not a land tour. There are no disembarking stops, so if you want to hop on/off at beaches or walk around, you’ll be happier choosing something else.

Key takeaways before you sail

• A 22-meter catamaran that feels comfortable and stable for a day on open water
• Anchor stops near Ses Illetes, built for swimming, snorkel time, and yacht-spotting
• Snorkeling gear included, plus goggles and swimming noodles
• Meal + open bar during the cruise, which makes the $108 price feel more “all-in”
• Guide Tina (English/Spanish) adds context along the coast and keeps the vibe friendly

From Botafoch to the Sun Cat: start strong, then relax

You meet near the water at Botafoch Ferry Terminal, and you’re looking for the catamaran called Sun Cat floating in the dock. If you’re arriving by taxi, ask for Botafoch Ferry Terminal and you’ll be right where you need to be—this trip is designed to be easy once you arrive.

The first chunk of time is all about settling in. You’ll get welcome refreshments and a short orientation, then you start moving. The real win here is pacing: it doesn’t feel like you’re running from place to place, and it doesn’t feel like you’re stuck waiting around either.

Once onboard, you’ll see why this is a good “do nothing” day. There are comfortable deck chairs for sunbathing, and there’s also a large water-level net area that lets you relax with the ocean beneath you. That matters on a day like this, because the comfort isn’t only about looks—it changes how much time you’ll actually spend out there.

What you actually see on the Ibiza–Formentera sail

This cruise focuses on one big idea: you’re out on the water long enough to enjoy real coastal scenery, without turning your day into a checklist.

You’ll sail along the south-east coastline with panoramic views as you go. The day typically includes the coastal stretch around Las Salinas and then heads toward Ses Illetes. On a clear day, it’s the kind of route where you keep noticing new shades and new angles, especially when the shoreline curves and the water changes color in front of you.

There’s also a social side to the sail. One moment you’re watching the coast slide by; the next you’re spotting luxury yachts in the distance while you’re anchored. That mix—bigger views while moving, and smaller details when stopped—helps the cruise stay interesting even if you’re not doing anything active.

If you’ve done other Ibiza excursions that feel rushed, this one reads differently. The itinerary supports “slow travel” by default, with plenty of time built into the water time rather than constant transfers.

Playa de Ses Illetes: the anchor stop that does the heavy lifting

The highlight time is the stop at Playa de Ses Illetes. The boat drops anchor in crystal-clear water, and this is where your day turns from cruising into cooling off.

You get about two hours here, and that’s enough time to do a few different things without feeling frantic. You can sunbathe, sip a cold drink, and watch boats pass. You can also swim at your own pace because you’re not dealing with crowded shore logistics or searching for the “right” spot on land.

Snorkeling is part of this window. Goggles and swimming noodles are included, so you don’t need to travel with gear or rent equipment. That said, the cruise is set up as an anchor swim experience, not a guided dive. If you love snorkeling, it’s a good chance to try it with minimal effort.

One practical consideration: you’re swimming from the boat. The tour does not stop to let you disembark, so plan on staying onboard between swim times. Bring what you’ll need for swimming (swimwear, sunscreen, towel), and keep the rest simple.

Swimming and snorkeling gear: what’s included, and how to use it

You’re provided with snorkeling basics and float supports: snorkeling goggles and swimming noodles. For most people, that’s exactly what makes the activity feel easy—no worrying about lost rentals or whether you grabbed the right mask.

Here’s how to think about it so you get value out of the gear. Use the noodles if you want a relaxed “float and look” session. Use goggles if you want to spend time searching close to where you enter the water. The cruise is short, so it’s smart to prioritize comfort over long distances.

Also, don’t underestimate how much swim time matters on a sunny coast. The cruise is only five hours, so when you’re anchored you’ll want to actually take advantage of the water break. Even if you’re not a strong swimmer, a noodle can make the difference between skipping the water and enjoying it.

The meal and open bar: where your money turns into real comfort

This is one of the main reasons this cruise tends to feel like good value. You’re not just paying for a boat ride—you’re paying for time on the water plus food and drinks included.

The menu is described in a way that matches a typical island sea-day appetite: a salad buffet and fresh fruit, plus finger food and a hot component like roast meat and Spanish sausages. Depending on the day and format, you’ll also get a brunch-style spread or a barbecue-style meal prepared onboard.

In other words, you’re unlikely to feel like you’re grabbing a snack. You should expect a real meal break during the day—especially helpful if you’re arriving hungry from a morning in Ibiza.

Then there’s the open bar, which keeps things easy. Drinks included are soft drinks, beers, water, and sangria. If you’re the type who likes a cold drink while sunbathing, this part of the cruise is a direct upgrade over day trips where you buy drinks a la carte.

A practical tip: hydrate before you go deep into the sunshine. Water is included, and you’ll be happier if you use it proactively instead of waiting until you’re already feeling it.

The crew and guide Tina: friendly structure, not stiff tourism

The vibe is often what makes a “pretty good” boat trip turn into a “yes, I’d do it again.” This one leans friendly and well-run, with crew onboard who keep the day moving smoothly.

A standout detail: the tour guide Tina is noted for being exceptional and for explaining the coastline in multiple languages. That means you’re not just sitting there while the boat floats—you’re getting context for what you’re seeing along the coast.

You also get a sense that food is treated with care, not just tossed together. One review highlights a chef-prepared BBQ chicken and salad, and that matches the overall feel of the meal: you get the sense someone planned it as part of the experience rather than as an afterthought.

So if you like your tours to feel organized but not overly formal, this fits that sweet spot.

Price and value: is $108 worth it?

At $108 per person for a five-hour cruise, the price can look steep at first glance. But when you break down what you’re getting, it starts to make sense.

You’re paying for:

• a catamaran ride on the Ibiza–Formentera route
• food included (salad buffet, fruit, finger food, and hot items)
• open bar (beer, sangria, soft drinks, plus water)
• snorkeling equipment (goggles and noodles)
• a guided experience with English/Spanish support

If you were to price those pieces separately—boat time plus a meal plus drinks plus gear—it often adds up quickly on the Spanish islands. The value here is that the trip feels “all-in” while you’re out there, so you can focus on the sea and not on your wallet.

Also, the five-hour duration matters. You get enough time to enjoy multiple phases of the day—sail, anchor, swim, eat—without it turning into an all-day grind.

Who should book this catamaran cruise, and who should skip it

This fits best for couples and friends who want an easy day on the water with swimming time and included food. It also works for families, as long as everyone meets the age guidance, because the tour is not suitable for children under 5.

If you hate boats, you’ll hate this. The tour is built around being on the water, and the core activities—swim and snorkel—depend on that.

If you want land time, walking, or beach hopping with disembarking, you might find the format limiting because there are no disembarking stops. You’ll be anchored and swimming from the boat instead.

And if you need wheelchair access, note that it’s not suitable for wheelchair users. The tour is designed around onboard spaces and water access rather than barrier-free shore transfers.

Quick practical checklist for a smoother day

Bring what makes the water time easy:

• swimwear
• towel
• sunscreen

Then pack your mindset: this is a “use the boat” day. Keep a few simple essentials close, and don’t plan on long walks or shore time.

Also, if you’re prone to sunburn, consider how long you’ll be out in the open before and during the anchor time. The cruise has plenty of deck time, so sunscreen isn’t optional.

Should you book this cruise?

If you want a five-hour Ibiza day that combines sea views, a serious swim stop at Ses Illetes, and an included meal plus drinks, I’d say this is a smart booking. The setup makes it easy to enjoy the day without juggling extra costs or rentals, and the onboard experience feels guided rather than chaotic.

Book it if you’re comfortable swimming from a boat and you don’t need shore disembarking. Skip it if you want walking time on land or you need wheelchair accessibility.

If your ideal day in Ibiza is sunshine, turquoise water, and minimal effort, this catamaran cruise is one of the most straightforward ways to get there.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts 5 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at Carrer de la Mola, 31.

Is transport to the meeting point included?

No. Transfer to and from the departure point is not included.

What food is included onboard?

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

Are drinks included?

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

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling goggles and swimming noodles are provided.

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

No. The tour does not stop for disembarking. There are anchor stops where you can swim.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is it suitable for children?

It is not suitable for babies or small children, and children under 5 are not suitable.

What languages is the live tour guide in?

The live guide offers Spanish and English.

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