A day on the water can beat any itinerary. This private charter sails you from Ibiza to Formentera on a luxury catamaran, with time to swim and snorkel using the provided gear, plus paddle boards when the water looks like glass. One heads-up: you’ll want good weather, since the experience depends on it.

What makes it feel special is the pace. You’re not sharing your deck with strangers, and the captain handles the best-possible anchoring so you can spend more time actually in the water (and less time watching someone else’s schedule). Based on how the day is run, your group size stays tight—up to 12—so it’s calmer, more personal, and easier to settle in.

Key Things You’ll Really Notice On This Catamaran Day

• True privacy for up to 12 people, run as a private sailing charter
• Snorkel gear + paddle boards included for the clearest-water stops
• Bluetooth speakers and Wi‑Fi on board so your playlist can follow you
• Captain photo help so you don’t have to keep trading phones
• Easy timing back toward Cala Jondal, often lining up well with sunset drinks

Meeting At Es Xarcu: Where The Day Begins

The day starts at Es Xarcu (Restaurante Playa), near Cala Es Xarco. You’ll meet your captain at the pier, then step onto a boat built for comfort—not a “squeeze-in and hope for the best” kind of sailing setup.

This matters more than you’d think. A private charter is easiest when everyone arrives together, gets oriented quickly, and can start the trip feeling relaxed. Being close to public transport also helps if you’re coordinating with a driver or you’d rather not stress about parking.

Tip: if your group is coming from different parts of Ibiza, aim to be on time. Private doesn’t mean chaotic—just efficient. Once you’re aboard, you’ll have that clean, unrushed feeling right away.

The 10:00 Departure And Why It’s A Smart Choice

The start time is 10:00 am, and that’s a sweet spot for a day trip like this. You get solid daylight for swimming and snorkeling, but you’re not stuck doing everything in the harsh mid-day sun with no buffer.

A lot of people plan too tightly on island time. Here, the schedule gives you room to actually enjoy the water. You’ll spend a couple hours at the first beach area, then another couple at the uninhabited islet, with time later to enjoy the return sail and the social part of the day—like a drink near the famous Blue Marlin.

Because it’s private, your captain’s approach also shapes the day. The better the anchoring and the clearer the water at the moment you arrive, the less you have to “make do.” In one account of this trip, the skipper (Constantin) anchored to what sounded like front-row, turquoise spots—exactly the kind of practical difference you feel even if you can’t explain it.

Playa de Ses Illetes (Illetas Area): The Water You Came For

The first major stop is Playa de Ses Illetes, about two hours. This is the kind of beach time where you don’t just look—you play. The water is clear enough to make snorkeling feel easy, and it’s a great spot for paddle boarding too.

Here’s what I like about this stop as a concept: it gives you options without forcing decisions. If you want active time, use the snorkel gear and paddle boards. If you want to slow down, you can float, swim, and just work on your beach tan like it’s a full-time job.

What to consider: “clear water” often means you’ll want sun protection. You’re out on a boat and in open water, so bring real sunscreen, not the emergency tube you forgot in your hotel. Also, even if you’re not a strong swimmer, you’re on a trip that includes life jackets if requested—so you can choose comfort levels before you get too far from the ladder.

S’Espalmador: Two Hours On A Deserted Sand Bar

Next you’ll head to S’Espalmador, another two-hour stop. This is an uninhabited sandy islet between Ibiza and Formentera, and that “no buildings, no crowds” feeling is the point.

Why it’s worth your time: deserted places change the soundscape. Instead of focusing on where to walk or what to queue for, you can focus on the sea—how it moves, how it looks in different light, and how quiet it gets when there aren’t people everywhere.

Potential drawback: since it’s uninhabited, you shouldn’t expect the kind of beach amenities you might find in a busier town. The trip is designed for water time, not for wandering shops or settling into a long cafe break.

Back To The Ibiza Side: Floating, Photos, And A Calm Return

After your island/islet time, you travel back toward Cala Jondal where your day wraps up, and the timing is often good for sunset drinks at the Blue Marlin area.

This is one of those “small scheduling wins” that can make the day feel complete. If you return too early, you end up feeling like you left the fun behind. Return too late and you’re hungry, tired, and stuck making last-minute plans. Here, the flow is designed so you can keep the mood going.

And because it’s private, you’re not dealing with the classic end-of-trip rush—no sprinting across a marina, no waiting for someone else’s late arrival to hold your group up.

What’s Included (And Why Those Details Matter)

This charter is heavy on the practical “onboard” stuff, and that’s where value usually lives.

Snorkeling and paddle time, already handled

You get snorkelling gear and paddle boarding, so you’re not spending part of the day renting equipment or negotiating who has what. The trip is set up so your water time starts quickly after anchoring.

If you want life jackets, you can request them. That choice is yours.

Music and Wi‑Fi so you stay in your own vibe

The boat includes Wi‑Fi and a Bluetooth speaker setup (with Megaboom speakers mentioned). Translation: you can bring your playlist and actually hear it. And if you want to message home or post a quick clip, you’re not scrambling for signal.

Captain photo help

Your captains will take as many pictures as you want with your camera. This is underrated. You’re on a boat; it’s not like there’s always someone else around with the perfect angle. Having the captain handle photos helps you get the fun shots without stopping the day every five minutes.

Taxes and fees are covered

The price includes all taxes, fees, and handling charges, plus local taxes. That reduces the “what surprises are hiding in the fine print?” feeling.

Lunch, Drinks, And The Best Way To Handle Food On A Sail Day

Lunch is flexible. You can bring your own food and drinks, or you can disembark for lunch at restaurants by the water (the day is described as offering glamorous options near the shore).

For many people, this is the easiest way to enjoy Formentera without over-planning: you pick your preferred style.

• If you want ease, bring snacks/drinks and keep your timeline simple.
• If you want the island feel, go ashore for a proper lunch and then get back to the water.

One more practical point: since you’ll be out on deck for hours, you’ll be happiest if your food choices don’t turn into a mess. Pack in a way that’s easy to share and doesn’t require a lot of fuss.

Price And Value: What $3,569 Buys You On The Water

The price is $3,569.03 per group (up to 12). At first glance, it sounds like a splurge, because it is. But it’s also a private charter, meaning you’re paying for a dedicated boat and captain time—not just a ticket.

Here’s how I’d think about value:

• If you split the cost among 8–12 people, it starts to look like a reasonable way to buy back a full day of comfort and attention.
• You’re not paying extra for snorkel gear and paddle boards, which can add up quickly on many island day trips.
• You’re not sharing the boat vibe. That privacy is the part you’ll feel every time you want to move around on deck or just relax without negotiating space.

And there’s a “quality-of-day” factor too. One group shared an upgrade experience involving a bigger layout and a 6m sofa, which they called the best decision. That’s not something to count on, but it’s a useful reminder: with private charters, boat comfort can improve based on what’s available for your date.

Who This Private Formentera Day Trip Fits Best

This charter is a great match if you want:

• A private day on the water with a tight group
• Real swim-and-play time (snorkeling + paddle boarding)
• Comfortable “hang out” deck time with your own music
• A captain who helps with photos so you don’t lose the best moments to logistics

It’s especially good for couples who want privacy without the “everyone else is a crowd” feeling, and for groups like small friend circles or families who want the day to be predictable and calm.

One caution: it says travelers should have moderate physical fitness level. That doesn’t mean it’s extreme, but it does suggest you should be comfortable with boat movement and getting in and out for water time.

Practical Tips So You Enjoy It Fully

A few things will make the day feel smooth:

• Bring your passport: a current valid passport is required on the day of travel.
• Dress for sun and water: you’ll be outside for hours, and you’ll likely be in the water more than once.
• Plan your lunch style: either bring your own or plan to go ashore if you want restaurant time.
• Use your camera wisely: since the captain can take photos using your camera, you can spend less time passing devices around.
• Ask about life jackets if you want them: they’re available if requested, which makes the water time less stressful.

Should You Book This Catamaran Day Trip?

If your goal is a private, water-first Formentera day—with snorkeling and paddle boarding built in—this is an easy yes. The combination of privacy (up to 12), included gear, and onboard comfort (Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth speaker setup) is exactly how you buy a calmer, better experience without doing extra legwork.

I’d hesitate only if you know weather risk will stress your group, or if you don’t care much about swimming/snorkeling and would rather spend your day on land. This trip earns its money by getting you into the sea, not by building a land itinerary.

FAQ

How long is the Formentera day trip from Ibiza on a private luxury catamaran?

It runs about 7 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

Where do we meet the captain?

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

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group participates. The group size is up to 12.

What language is the experience offered in?

It’s offered in English.

What’s included for water activities?

Snorkelling gear and paddle boarding are included, along with life jackets if requested.

Is there music or Wi‑Fi on the boat?

Yes. The boat has Wi‑Fi and Megaboom Bluetooth speakers so you can play your own music.

Do we need to bring anything for check-in?

A current valid passport is required on the day of travel. You’ll also use a mobile ticket.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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