Formentera Day Trip from Ibiza on Private Luxury Catamaran

The best part of this trip is simple: you get your own catamaran for a full day between Ibiza, Formentera, and Espalmador. You can play your music, swim when the water looks inviting, and set the pace instead of following a packed boat tour. I especially like the two-hour stop at Illetas for snorkeling and paddle boarding, plus the chance to finish near Cala Jondal in time for a sunset drink.

I also like that the boat works for a larger private group, up to 12 people, and includes useful gear rather than charging for each activity. The main drawback is the price: at $3,569.03 per group, it makes the most sense when split among several people. You’ll also need good weather, and the booking cannot normally be changed or refunded if you cancel.

Key points to know before you book

• Private boat for up to 12 people: You share the catamaran only with your own group, making it a good fit for families, friends, or a special celebration.
• Two water stops: Spend about two hours at Playa de Ses Illetes and another two hours around S’Espalmador.
• Bring your own soundtrack: Megaboom Bluetooth speakers and Wi-Fi are included.
• Water gear is ready: Snorkel equipment, paddle boards, and life jackets on request are part of the outing.
• Two possible departure areas: The listed meeting point is Es Xarcu, while Cala Jondal is also offered as a departure location.
• Plan for a full seven hours: The 10 a.m. start leaves most of the day for sailing, swimming, lunch, and relaxing on deck.

Why this private catamaran day works so well

A private charter changes the feel of a boat trip. You are not being moved from one fixed stop to another with strangers around you. Your group can spread out on deck, choose the music, decide when to swim, and spend more time doing what suits you.

The catamaran is set up for easygoing time on the water rather than serious sailing instruction. Find a place in the sun, open a cold soft drink, and let the captain handle the route. The boat has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speakers, so you can bring your own playlist. That small detail matters on a seven-hour trip. The day feels personal instead of packaged.

The boat takes up to 12 people, but the value depends on how many of you share the cost. At $3,569.03 per group, two people would be paying a very high private-charter price. A full group of 10 to 12 brings the cost to roughly $297 to $357 per person before any lunch or drinks you purchase. For a group celebrating together, that can be reasonable. For a couple or small family, it is a luxury splurge.

You should also know that this is not a sightseeing cruise packed with monuments or guided island history. Its appeal is the combination of freedom, clear water, swimming, sun, and privacy. If you want a quiet cultural tour, this is the wrong choice. If you want a day outside with your own group, it is much better suited.

Starting at Es Xarcu or Cala Jondal

The practical starting point is Es Xarcu, at Restaurante Playa in Cala Es Xarco, in the Sant Josep de sa Talaia area. The stated start time is 10 a.m., and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

The tour description also gives Cala Jondal as a departure option, with the captain meeting you at a pier by the Blue Marlin beach club. This is useful because the two areas suit different plans. Es Xarcu is described as the family-friendly option. Cala Jondal places you close to Blue Marlin, which may appeal if you want to end the day with a drink there.

Confirm your exact departure point when booking. The supplied details identify Es Xarcu as the formal meeting point but also say that Cala Jondal can be arranged. That is the sort of detail you want settled before the morning of the trip.

A current valid passport is required on the day. The activity is near public transportation, though the information does not specify the exact bus route or transfer arrangements. Plan to arrive with enough time to find the pier and meet the captain without rushing.

The run toward Formentera

Once aboard, you head from Ibiza toward Formentera. The trip is as much about the ride as the stops. You can sit on deck, listen to music through the Megaboom speakers, and watch the Balearic water open around you.

The crew includes a driver and guide, and the captain handles the sailing and anchoring. Your captain can also take as many photos as you want with your camera. That is a useful inclusion for a private group, since you do not have to rely on one person being left out of every picture.

The pace is relaxed, but remember that the day lasts about seven hours. Bring food and drinks if you want a simple picnic aboard. Lunch is not included, and the description specifically allows you either to bring your own supplies or go ashore to eat.

The boat has life jackets available if requested. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask for one early. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended, since you will be moving around a boat and using water equipment, though the tour is not described as a strenuous athletic activity.

Two hours at Playa de Ses Illetes

Playa de Ses Illetes is the main Formentera stop and the heart of the day. The catamaran anchors offshore for about two hours, giving you time to swim, snorkel, paddle board, or stay aboard and enjoy the view.

This is where the included equipment earns its keep. You do not need to arrange a separate snorkel rental or paddle board session. You can move between activities as you like, which is one of the main advantages of having a private boat. Go for a swim, dry off on deck, then try the paddle board without worrying about a group schedule.

You can also choose not to enter the water. The catamaran gives you a comfortable base for sunbathing, taking photos, listening to music, or watching the beach scene. That flexibility helps if people in your group have different energy levels.

If lunch ashore appeals to you, this is the place to consider it. Restaurants by the water offer a more polished, glamorous setting than a picnic on deck. The tradeoff is cost and time. A restaurant meal adds to an already expensive day, and leaving the boat means less time for swimming and relaxing. Bring food if you want to keep the day simple and control your spending.

Illetas is likely to be the busiest part of the route, especially during the main beach season. The private boat gives you privacy inside your group, but it does not make the famous beach or its water completely private. If you want a quieter feel, remain on deck or ask the captain about the best anchoring position available.

S’Espalmador, the sandy island stop

The next stop is S’Espalmador, an uninhabited sandy islet between Ibiza and Formentera. The planned visit lasts about two hours, giving the day a second setting rather than sending you straight back after Illetas.

The character here is different. There are no restaurants or developed attractions described at the islet, so the appeal is open sand, water, and a more natural pause in the route. You can swim, take photos, and enjoy the feeling of being away from the main beach scene.

Do not expect a long guided walk or a full island tour. The information provided focuses on time around the boat and shore, not on a formal land excursion. If you prefer facilities, shade, or a proper lunch, Illetas is the more practical stop. If you want a quieter place to sit and swim, S’Espalmador may be the better part of the afternoon.

Two hours sounds generous, but it passes quickly when your group is switching between water activities. Keep track of the return time and listen for instructions from the captain. With a private boat, the schedule feels flexible, but the captain still needs enough time to return to Ibiza safely.

Returning to Cala Jondal for the evening

After S’Espalmador, the boat heads back toward Cala Jondal. The timing is designed to bring you back after a complete day on the water, with the option of having a sunset drink at the famous Blue Marlin.

That ending gives the tour a useful social angle. You can finish with a drink near the beach club instead of having the day end abruptly at the pier. It also makes the Cala Jondal departure option especially appealing for groups planning an evening there.

If you depart from Es Xarcu, the activity ends back at the meeting point. The return is not presented as a separate transfer to another part of Ibiza, so arrange your onward transport with the correct end location in mind.

The boat’s return timing may vary with conditions. Since the experience depends on good weather, the operator can cancel for poor conditions and offer another date or a full refund. That is reassuring, but it does not remove the need for a backup plan during a short Ibiza stay.

What the private setup adds

The strongest feature is not just the catamaran itself. It is the control a private charter gives you.

You decide how much music to play, who uses the paddle board first, whether lunch happens onshore, and how much time you spend simply sitting on deck. That works especially well for groups with mixed interests. Some people can snorkel while others stay dry. Children can have a quieter break while adults enjoy a drink and the views.

A group of ten used the boat in mid-April and described the day as a strong choice for a larger party. Another group chose an upgrade to a bigger boat with a six-metre sofa and found the extra space worthwhile. Availability of that exact upgrade is not guaranteed, but it is sensible to ask about boat size if your party is large or if deck comfort matters to you.

Captain Constantin has also been singled out for choosing particularly blue, clear anchoring spots and for being helpful. Captains can vary by date, so treat that as a useful name to ask about rather than a promise that he will operate your trip.

The ability to take your own photos is another quiet benefit. A private captain can take pictures of the whole group instead of leaving one person behind the camera. You still need to bring your own camera or phone, since no professional photography package is included.

What to bring and what costs extra

The tour includes snorkel gear, paddle boards, taxes, local taxes, handling charges, the driver and guide, and life jackets if requested. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speakers are also supplied.

Food and drinks are not included. You can bring your own, which is the best way to keep the cost under control, or go ashore for lunch. Pack items that are easy to manage on a boat and enough water for the day. The provided details do not specify a catering service, so do not assume meals will appear onboard.

You should also bring swimwear, sun protection, and a towel if you want them. These items are not listed as included, and you will likely want them for a day built around swimming and sun. Keep valuables limited and secure your phone when using the paddle boards or snorkeling gear.

The cancellation terms are strict. The booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal reasons. A full refund or alternate date is offered only if poor weather causes the operator to cancel. That makes weather and your group’s schedule important factors before you commit.

Who should book this Ibiza sailing day

I would choose this for a group of friends, a family gathering, or a special occasion where privacy matters more than saving money. It is also a good match for people who want several hours on the water without giving up basic comforts such as music, Wi-Fi, a private deck, and included gear.

Families may prefer the Es Xarcu departure because it is described as family-friendly. The private format also helps parents manage the day at their own pace. Still, the group should be comfortable around a boat and able to handle a moderate level of physical activity.

Couples can book it, but the price is hard to justify unless you specifically want a private luxury charter. A shared boat would usually make more financial sense for two people, though this private option gives you far more control.

You should skip it if you dislike sun, swimming, or long stretches on a boat. You should also think twice if your Ibiza schedule is tight. The seven-hour outing takes up most of the day, and the strict cancellation rule leaves little room for last-minute changes.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran trip last?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 10 a.m.

Where does the tour begin?

The formal meeting point is Es Xarcu, Restaurante Playa, in Cala Es Xarco, Sant Josep de sa Talaia. Cala Jondal is also offered as a possible departure point, so confirm the location when booking.

How many people can join the private boat?

The private catamaran can accommodate up to 12 people in your group.

Are snorkel gear and paddle boards included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and paddle boarding are included. Life jackets are available if requested.

Is lunch included?

No. You can bring your own food and drinks or go ashore for lunch at a restaurant by the water.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Personal cancellations and amendments are non-refundable.

Should you book this private Formentera charter?

Book it if you can fill much of the 12-person capacity and want the day to feel like your group’s own holiday. The combination of Illetas, S’Espalmador, swimming gear, music, and flexible time on deck gives you a fuller experience than a basic transfer to Formentera.

The price is the deciding factor. Split among a large group, it can be fair for a private luxury boat and a seven-hour outing. Split between only two or three people, it is a serious indulgence. Confirm whether you will leave from Es Xarcu or Cala Jondal, ask about the boat size and captain, and check the weather forecast before committing. If those details fit your plans, this is a polished, easygoing way to spend a full day between Ibiza and Formentera.