You get day-trip magic on a real sailing catamaran. I love how this LAGOON 400 outing turns the trip itself into the fun, with sails up when the wind cooperates and a smooth rhythm across turquoise water to Formentera. Two things I especially like: the included snorkeling gear and paddle SUP (so you’re not waiting around), and the smart beach schedule that mixes famous swimming spots with a quieter boat-only stop.

One watch-out: meals aren’t included, so you’ll either budget for shore lunches at midday or plan for an on-board catering option. If you go in expecting a fully catered day with zero decisions, you’ll need to set your expectations.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Private LAGOON 400 for up to 11: your group only, so the day feels personal instead of rushed.
• Sailing time is the point: you’re not just “transported” to Formentera; you’re enjoying the water all the way there.
• S’Espalmador swim stop: boat-only access, crystal-clear shallows, and a calm pace that feels hard to fake.
• Ses Illetes with gear included: snorkeling equipment and paddle SUP mean you can switch activities without extra stops.
• Cala Saona caves by paddle or swim: great for photos and a final watery send-off back to Ibiza.
• Captain Juan sets a relaxed, organized tone: friendly, detail-minded hosting in the moments that matter.

A Private LAGOON 400 Day Trip to Formentera (From Ibiza)

This is the kind of day that feels simple until you’re out there. You start from Cala Jondal, settle in aboard a private catamaran, and spend hours moving between some of the best water on the Balearics—without the hassle of changing boats, buses, or plans.

The ship is a LAGOON 400 catamaran, which matters because it’s built for comfort on the move. You get a restroom on board and even WiFi, plus fuel is included—no surprise add-ons once you’re on the water. You’re also in a small private setup (up to 11 people), so the pacing feels coordinated instead of chaotic.

And yes, this trip is about Formentera beaches—but what you’ll remember is the in-between: sailing time, anchor time, and the moments when the sea turns from pretty to unreal.

Where It Starts: Cala Jondal Is an Easy Win

Your day begins at Tropicana Eivissa Cala Jondal (Cala Jondal, s/n). It’s close to public transportation, which is handy if you’re not rolling in with a driver and you want a smooth start.

Once everyone’s aboard, you’ll get a welcome and a safety talk. Then you can start relaxing right away—first swims happen quickly, with a classic catamaran setup: sun and breeze up top, and a spot on the bow where you can feel the wind move through everything.

One smart detail: the itinerary doesn’t treat sailing as boring transit. Whenever the wind allows, sails go up. That turns the “crossing” into part of the experience, and you’ll feel the day shift from shore mode to open-water mode fast.

Timing-wise, plan on about 8 hours total. Navigation to Formentera takes about 1 hour 45 minutes, so you’ll be out long enough to stop checking the clock.

Sailing to Formentera: When the Sea Becomes the Schedule

The sailing leg is scheduled, and it’s scheduled for a reason. You get about 1h 45m of navigation time, which is long enough for real separation from land life. For me, that’s where the value shows: you’re buying hours on the water, not just access to a few swimming stops.

You’ll also get open views and a changing horizon as the coastline falls behind you. If the wind cooperates, the ride can feel different ship-to-ship—even if you’ve done catamaran days before.

Practical tip: bring swimwear you’re comfortable re-wearing. Even if you plan one swim, the water invites second thoughts once you’re already warm and in the sun.

Stop 1: Platja des Jondal Launch Energy and First Swim

Even though Platja des Jondal is both start and end, it works twice because it’s the “bookends” moment.

At the start, it’s all about easing in: welcome, safety talk, then water time. You get that early chance to jump in while the day feels fresh and the sun is still climbing.

At the end, you’ll return for one last stretch of open-water quiet. If there’s time, you can take a final dip before the goodbye.

That loop is more than cute branding. It helps you avoid the awkward “too long on land waiting for boat time” feeling. You’re on the water when it matters.

Stop 2: S’Espalmador, the Boat-Only White Sand Moment

S’Espalmador is the kind of stop you hope for on a day trip. It’s a protected, unspoiled island and it can only be visited by boat. That means you don’t get the same crowds you’d see on a beach accessible from land.

The water here is described as so clear it feels unreal, and the white sand is the kind that looks almost too bright against the sea. You anchor and settle in, and the experience includes a guide-style explanation—little curiosities and details that you don’t usually catch if you arrive on your own.

What you can actually do with this stop:

• Swim in calm, crystal-clear water
• Explore at your own pace
• Just slow down and enjoy the silence

Possible drawback: because it’s boat-only, you should be comfortable with basic beach logistics. You’re not in a resort zone, and you’ll want to keep your plan simple—swim, float, take photos, then head back.

Stop duration is about 1 hour, which is enough time to get a swim in without burning the whole day on one anchor spot.

Stop 3: Playa de Ses Illetes at Midday (Snorkel, SUP, and Lunch Choices)

This is the famous one: Ses Illetes. The sand is white, the water is bright turquoise, and it’s a top destination for good reason. The big win here is that your time overlaps with a beach “session” feel.

You’ll arrive and have about 2 hours on this stop. You can snorkel using the equipment included on board, try paddle SUP, or simply walk and swim. Since the gear is included, you won’t waste time figuring out rentals once you’re there.

Lunch at Noon: Choose Your Style

At noon, lunch becomes the decision point. You have two approaches:

Option A: Eat ashore at a waterfront restaurant. The recommended names include:

• It’s Molí de Sal
• Juan & Andrea
• Can Carlitos
• Kiss Beach
• The Shark

Option B: Stay on board and relax while you eat. If you want less walking and more sea time, you can order catering (meals aren’t included by default, but the catering option is available).

If you want the best of both worlds, you’ll need to time it right. Two hours at the beach is great for water time, but if you go heavy on a long shore lunch, you might cut into your swimming and walking window.

My practical take: if you’re traveling as a group with different appetites for activity, staying on board for lunch can keep everyone happy. The water is the main event; don’t lose the plot to a complicated midday schedule.

Stop 4: Cala Saona for Photos, Paddle, and Last Swims

Cala Saona is your final Formentera cove: small, scenic, and surrounded by reddish cliffs. The water again is clear, and weather permitting, you can explore using a paddle or by swimming toward the area’s hidden caves.

This stop is about 1 hour 30 minutes, which gives you time to do a slow paddle pass, grab photos, and still end with one last proper swim.

This is also where the day starts to feel like it’s heading toward sunset mode, even if the sky doesn’t say so yet. The colors can shift fast here. If you care about photos, pack your phone/water protection the way you’d do for any boat day—because you’ll want your hands free.

The Return Sail: Calm Views on the Way Back to Ibiza

After Cala Saona, you sail back to Platja des Jondal with about 1 hour 30 minutes of navigation time.

This return leg is useful. You’re already in “vacation mode,” but you’re not yet in “bedtime and travel” mode. It’s the in-between stretch where you can float one more time, soak up the last light, and get those calm ocean views that don’t show up when you’re constantly switching destinations.

Then you say goodbye to the catamaran, your captain, and the feeling that you got your money’s worth in actual water time—not just checklist boxes.

What’s Included on Board (and Why It Matters)

This experience is stronger than it looks on paper because several key comfort and activity pieces are included.

Included highlights:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Paddle SUP
• WiFi on board
• A restroom on board
• Fuel included
• All fees and taxes

That combo is practical. Snorkeling gear and SUP remove the “logistics tax,” so you can spend more time in the water and less time hunting rentals, lines, or payment desks.

The restroom and WiFi are also not glamorous, but they help. If you’re on a catamaran for hours, those small comforts change your mood fast. And fuel included means you’re less likely to feel nickel-and-dimed.

Meals are the only big missing piece by default. You’ll either handle lunch at recommended shore restaurants or choose the on-board catering option when offered.

Price and Value: $1,309.05 per Group (Up to 11)

The price is listed as $1,309.05 per group, up to 11 people. That matters because private boat days can get expensive quickly when the boat can’t scale with you.

Here’s how I’d think about value:

• You’re paying once for the group experience, not per person per activity.
• You get multiple anchor stops, snorkeling gear, and SUP included.
• You’re covering sailing time plus several swimming zones across Ibiza-to-Formentera-to-Ibiza.

So if you’re going as a small group (family, friends, birthday crew, couples with extra space), it can be a surprisingly efficient way to spend a day on water compared with piecing together separate beach transport, rentals, and tours.

If you’re solo or a duo, the price can feel steep—because it’s built for groups. In that case, you’d want to think of it as a splurge for the whole day, not a casual activity.

Captain Juan and the Tone of the Day

Your captain helps shape whether the day feels smooth or stressful. In this case, the captain is Juan, and the vibe comes through in the way the day is run.

The consistent theme in the feedback is that Captain Juan is friendly, welcoming, and detail-minded—especially in how he keeps the day organized. That matters most during transitions: boarding, safety talk, when you move from one stop to the next, and when you’re deciding how to spend limited time at Ses Illetes or Cala Saona.

The overall pace is relaxed and fun, not stiff. You’re not being herded. You’re being guided.

A small but useful mindset: show up ready to go with a simple plan—swim, snorkel, paddle, repeat. If you try to schedule ten micro-goals for each stop, the stops will feel rushed. This day works best when you let the water lead.

Who Should Book This Catamaran in Formentera?

This is a great fit if:

• You want a private catamaran feel rather than a big group tour
• You care about included water activities (snorkeling gear + SUP)
• You want a mix of iconic and quieter places (Ses Illetes plus S’Espalmador)
• You like sailing as part of the day, not just a means to an end

You might think twice if:

• You strongly prefer a shore-based day with lots of restaurant time and minimal swimming
• You need fully included meals with zero options
• You’re traveling very late in the day and don’t want midday decisions at Ses Illetes

Should You Book This LAGOON 400 Formentera Tour?

I’d book it if you’re aiming for a day where the big moments happen on the water: sailing, anchoring, and swimming at multiple high-impact spots. The included snorkeling equipment and SUP do real work here, and the stops are chosen to balance famous beaches with a more secluded boat-only island.

I’d skip it if you mainly want a traditional beach day with minimal planning and meals fully handled. The lunch decision is part of the day, so it helps if you’re comfortable choosing between shore restaurants or staying on board for catering.

If you’re celebrating something, it’s also a strong pick: private catamaran time turns a birthday or special day into something you’ll keep replaying in your head—because you’re not stuck in one crowded viewpoint. You’re moving, swimming, and watching the coastline drift by.

FAQ

What is the duration of the catamaran experience?

It runs for about 8 hours (approx.).

How many people can be on the private tour?

This is a private tour/activity for your group only, up to 11 people.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Tropicana Eivissa Cala Jondal, Cala Jundal, s/n, 07830 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Illes Balears, Spain.

What stops are included on the itinerary?

The stops are Platja des Jondal (start and end), S’Espalmador, Playa de Ses Illetes, and Cala Saona.

Are snorkeling and SUP included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and paddle SUP are included.

Is WiFi available on board?

Yes, WiFi is available on board.

Are meals included?

Meals are not included. You can consult for a catering option, or eat at waterfront restaurants near Ses Illetes.

Is this tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

What’s the latest cancellation window for a full refund?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What time do departures run?

Start times run within the activity opening hours. For May and July (Mon–Sun), it’s 10:00 AM–12:00 PM. For June (Mon–Sun), it’s 10:00 AM–1:00 PM.

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