A day at sea turns Formentera into something you can actually plan for. This private luxury catamaran charter takes you from Ibiza to the island’s clear-water beaches, with time built in for snorkeling, paddle boarding, and lots of deck time.

I especially like the mix of “go do stuff” and “just hang out.” You’ll have snorkelling gear and paddle boards included, and the boat setup makes it easy to enjoy the day even if you’re not chasing every swim spot.

One thing to think about: this experience is weather-dependent. If conditions aren’t good, you’ll have to reschedule or get a full refund, and cancellations are otherwise non-refundable.

Key Things I’d Put on Your Radar

• Private charter for up to 12 so the day feels yours, not scheduled around strangers
• Ses Illetes (Illetas Beach) for the kind of water that makes snorkeling and paddle boarding make sense
• Uninhabited S’Espalmador as a no-pressure beach-islet stop between Ibiza and Formentera
• Megaboom Bluetooth speakers + WiFi so you can set your vibe and still stay connected
• Included gear and life jackets if requested to reduce what you need to carry
• Captain-led photo time so you can actually get pictures without playing photographer all day

Private Catamaran Day From Es Xarcu: Starting Clean and Easy

Your day starts at Es Xarcu (Restaurante Playa) in Cala Es Xarco, with a 10:00 am start and the activity ending back at the same meeting point. That matters more than it sounds—Cala Es Xarco is the kind of spot where you can get settled without a complicated morning runaround.

This is a private tour, so you won’t be squeezed into a big group plan. The price is set per group (up to 12), and it’s listed at $3,569.03 for the whole charter. For families or friend groups, that can be the difference between “we’ll buy a ticket and hope for the best” and “we get our own boat day.”

The included gear package is another big win for planning. You won’t need to hunt down snorkels or life jacket options on your own—snorkelling equipment and paddle boarding are part of the deal. If you’re the type who hates last-minute logistics, you’ll like this.

The day also runs about 7 hours, so it feels like a real outing. You’re not doing a quick taste of Formentera; you’re spending enough time in each place to actually notice the differences between the beaches.

Life on Board: What “Luxury” Means Here (WiFi, Music, and Space)

The boat is set up for comfort and downtime, not just transportation. You’ll have WiFi on board, plus Bluetooth speakers (Megaboom) so you can play your own music. That’s not just a nice-to-have. Music plus a private deck changes the feel of the day—suddenly you’re not waiting for the next activity, you’re living in the moment.

You can also expect a hands-on approach from the captain. One of the nicest touches is that the captains will take as many pictures as you want with your camera. That means you can actually get group photos without passing phones around every five minutes.

There’s also a small but meaningful safety and comfort note: life jackets are available if requested. That keeps the experience flexible for different swimmers in your group.

A few groups mention they received upgrades to bigger boats with extra lounge space (one example was a larger setup with a 6-meter sofa), which makes sense. More room on deck means you’re less likely to “claim space” like you’re at a festival. It’s easier to spread out, dry off, and let the day unfold.

Heading Toward Formentera: The Sailing Part You Don’t Want to Rush

The route is straightforward: you sail from Ibiza over to Formentera, with stops that anchor the day around the island’s most swimmable water.

You’ll typically start by meeting at Cala Es Xarcu and making your way through the morning to board your charter. Once you’re out, the trip is less about checking a box and more about enjoying the sea air and the change of scenery as you get closer to Formentera.

Even if you’re just planning to snorkel later, I like that the schedule includes sailing time before your first major water stop. It helps you arrive feeling relaxed instead of already tired.

Playa de Ses Illetes (Illetas Beach): Your First Swim, Snorkel, and Paddle Time

Your first real stop is Playa de Ses Illetes, often referred to as Illetas Beach. This is a standout because the water is described as clear enough to support all the fun options: swimming, snorkeling, and paddle boarding.

You’ll have about 2 hours here, which is the right length for a private charter. Short enough that you don’t lose the day, long enough that you can do multiple “modes”:

• get in the water for a calm swim
• snorkel without feeling rushed
• paddle board and drift at a pace that lets you take it all in

What makes this stop especially worth planning for is that it’s where the included gear comes into its own. Instead of hauling snorkel gear just to try it once, you get time to actually use it in conditions that match the activity.

If your group includes people who don’t snorkel, that’s still fine. This is also a great beach-and-deck stop, where you can spend the time soaking up sun or stretching out once you’re back on board.

Possible drawback: Illetas is the kind of place where everyone wants to swim. Because you’re on a private charter, you should avoid the feeling of being surrounded by a crowd—but it’s still a popular area, and the water can get busy.

S’Espalmador: The Uninhabited Islet Stop Between Two Islands

After Ses Illetes, you move to S’Espalmador, an uninhabited sandy islet sitting between Ibiza and Formentera. You’ll have about 2 hours there.

This is the stop that tends to change the mood. It’s not built around beach clubs or constant activity. The appeal is simpler: water, sand, and a sense of space. For many groups, it’s the “slow down” moment after a more active first swim stop.

Because the islet is uninhabited, it also feels more flexible. You can choose how involved you want to be. If you’re in full-on water mode, you can use the included snorkeling setup and paddle boards. If you’re in “just relax” mode, you can keep it easy and enjoy the sea views from wherever the captain anchors.

One practical note: even when places are pretty calm, you’ll still want to think about sun protection. You’ll be on the water for hours, and you’ll likely be out of shade unless you create your own (hat, sunscreen, and positioning on deck help).

Lunch on Formentera: Deck Time vs. Shore Time

You have options, and I like that you’re not forced into one plan. You can either:

• stay on board and enjoy the sun and scenery, or
• go ashore for lunch at one of the glamorous waterside restaurants nearby

This is one of those decisions that depends on your group. If you’ve got folks who want a proper meal and a change of pace, shore lunch can be a fun break from salt water. If your group is more “sea day only,” it’s easy to keep the day continuous.

It’s also explicitly allowed to bring your own food and drinks. For many groups, that’s the value move—skip the stress of finding a table at the exact moment your appetite hits, and keep your timeline steady.

So here’s my practical advice: if you’re the group that likes a planned meal, go ashore. If you’re the group that likes control, bring a snack-style picnic and keep sailing-friendly food on deck.

Returning Toward Cala Jondal: Setting Yourself Up for a Sunset Drink

On the way back, the route goes toward Cala Jondal, and your day ends back at the meeting point. The timing is designed so it can line up with a sunset drink at Blue Marlin, which is a famous Ibiza beach club name that shows up again and again in this area.

Even if you don’t plan a sunset stop at Blue Marlin, the big reason this matters is how the day finishes. With a charter like this, you’ll likely be ready for a cool-down moment—something simple like a drink, a walk, or just a slow final meal.

Also, because this is a private charter, you’re not locked into a strict “everyone off, everyone line up” vibe at the end. You can get back, relax, and finish the day without feeling like the staff is moving you along every five minutes.

Price and Value: Why This Charter Can Make Sense for Groups

Let’s talk money, because $3,569.03 is a number that makes you pause. The value depends on how many people you bring.

For a group of 12, the math is roughly $297 per person for a full day on a private luxury catamaran. For 6 people, it’s about $595 per person. That swing is huge.

So think of it like this: you’re paying for privacy, comfort, and included water activities—snorkeling gear, paddle boards, WiFi, Bluetooth speakers, and captain-led photo help. You’re also covering taxes and included handling charges. Those details add up, especially when you compare it to paying separately for boats, gear rentals, and a guided day.

The biggest value lever is group size. If you can fill the boat with friends or family, this becomes one of those rare “you’ll remember it for years” days where the cost stops feeling random.

Who This Formentera Day Trip Works Best For

This is a great match if you want:

• a private sea day with your own music and your own pace
• Formentera’s best swim-and-paddle time without juggling rentals
• a day that feels relaxed but still has real structure (two main water stops, then sailing back)

It’s also a good fit for groups where not everyone wants the same thing. The water activities are there, but the deck time is real too.

You should consider physical comfort too. The day calls for moderate physical fitness, which makes sense if you’ll be getting on and off the water and moving around on deck. If you’re unsure, life jackets are available if requested.

A Few Practical Tips Before You Go

• Bring sunscreen and a hat you can actually tolerate in sea wind. You’ll be outside for hours.
• Plan for swim time early, because once you start using the included gear, the day moves fast.
• If your group wants lunch, decide early whether you want shore time or a bring-your-own plan. That keeps everyone happy and on schedule.
• If music matters to your vibe, make a playlist. The Bluetooth speaker setup is part of what makes this day feel like a floating hangout.

Should You Book This Private Luxury Catamaran Day?

If you’re traveling with a group and you want a Formentera day that feels private, comfortable, and easy to run, I’d strongly consider booking. The combination of Illetas water time, S’Espalmador’s uninhabited islet feel, and included water gear takes the stress out of planning the best bits.

I’d skip it only if your budget can’t handle private-charter pricing, or if you hate weather uncertainty. The good news is that if poor weather cancels the trip, you’ll either be offered a different date or a full refund.

In short: this is the kind of day you book when you want the vacation feeling without the guesswork.

FAQ

How long is the Formentera day trip from Ibiza?

The duration is about 7 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

Where do we meet for the private catamaran?

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

Is snorkelling gear included?

Yes. Snorkelling gear is included.

Are paddle boards included?

Yes. Paddle boarding is included.

Can we play our own music on the boat?

Yes. The boat includes Megaboom Bluetooth speakers so you can play your own music.

Is WiFi available on the catamaran?

Yes. The boat is equipped with WiFi.

Is lunch included?

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

What do we need to bring for travel documents?

A current valid passport is required on the day of travel.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This 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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