Ses Illetes looks like a postcard. A catamaran turns it into a full day. You get time on the water, then time on one of Formentera’s most famous beaches, with snorkel equipment and stand-up paddleboards already handled. The whole day runs like a smooth, low-effort outing—your skipper sails, you play.

I also love the way this trip gives you real flexibility at the beach. You can step off for a meal at local restaurants, or bring supplies and store them in the large cool box. One thing to consider: food and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to plan a lunch budget (or bring your own snacks).

Key Things I’d Note Before You Go

• Private group up to 11: calmer, more personal pacing than bigger day tours.
• Skipper does the sailing and navigating: you can focus on swimming, not map apps.
• Snorkel gear + paddleboards included: you’re not hunting for rentals later.
• Auxiliary dinghy to the beach: you’ll be dropped off right where you want to be.
• Megaboom Bluetooth speaker onboard: bring your playlist and enjoy the day together.
• Ses Illetes stop is planned for beach time: about 2 hours to swim and eat.

Why Playa de Ses Illetes by Catamaran Feels Like a Shortcut

Ses Illetes has that water-color thing going on—bright, clear, and hard to ignore. The catamaran approach matters because it changes the rhythm. You’re not just getting to a beach; you’re spending the day on the water first, with a full-on float-and-play setup.

The other reason I like it: the trip is built around you doing what you want. Some days on Formentera you want a slow beach lunch. Other days you want to hop in and out of the water all afternoon. This one gives you both options.

Also, the crew vibe shows up in the details. In past bookings, captains like Nacho, Martin, Tincho, Rolan, and Rolando have been singled out for keeping the trip fun and well-run. That usually means less stress for you—things like timing, anchoring spots, and getting everyone comfortable tend to go smoother.

One more practical point: Ses Illetes is popular. Going by boat doesn’t erase crowds, but it does shift your experience. You’re more likely to feel like you “arrived by choice,” not by accident in a giant line.

Getting on Board: Meeting Point, Timing, and How the Day Flows

This is a full-day plan clocked at about 7 hours. The start time is 10:00 am, and you meet at Camino de Ses Illetes, 126, 07871, Illes Balears, Spain. You end back at the same meeting point.

Because the tour is private, it’s just your group aboard—up to 11 people. That matters more than it sounds. When there’s less crowd management, you get more natural breaks. Nobody’s waiting for the “next group” to finish. And if your group is mixed ages, that private setup usually helps everyone keep a steady pace.

The day’s structure is simple:

• Sail out and get anchored for swim and water time.
• Head to Playa de Ses Illetes for beach time (about 2 hours).
• Spend the rest of the outing back on the water—snorkeling, paddleboarding, relaxing—then return.

You don’t need to be a sailor. The skipper handles sailing and navigation, so you’re not stuck learning the ropes mid-day.

The On-Water Setup: Snorkel Gear, Paddleboards, and a Real Soundtrack

Here’s what you should know before you show up: this trip actually includes the toys. That means less spending, less logistics, and more time enjoying water instead of organizing it.

Included gear and onboard perks:

• Snorkeling equipment (so you can jump in without hunting rentals)
• Stand-up paddleboards (included)
• Megaboom Bluetooth speaker onboard (so you can play your tunes while everyone’s in a good mood)
• A large cool box (handy if you want to bring drinks or snacks)

In real life, the combination of snorkel gear + paddleboards changes the experience. You can do a short swim, then switch to paddling when you want something more active. And because the skipper controls the boat, you’re not stuck coordinating “who returns the gear” or “who watches the kids.”

The best practical tip here: go into the day with swim time in mind. If you plan to wear sunscreen and stay dry all day, you’ll spend less time enjoying the core features.

Stop One: Playa de Ses Illetes Beach Time (About 2 Hours)

Playa de Ses Illetes is the main shore moment. The planned beach stop is about 2 hours, and you can disembark at the restaurants on the beach. That’s a big deal: it makes lunch easy without a bunch of extra walking or awkward logistics.

Food and drink are not included, so your lunch plan is the only real “extra cost” you’ll likely face. But you also have options:

• Eat at a beach restaurant for a classic island lunch
• Bring supplies and keep them cold in the provided cool box

One thing to keep in mind: Ses Illetes is famous, so it can feel busy. If your group enjoys photos and people-watching, that’s fine. If your group wants quiet, aim to make your lunch and swim time work for your preferred vibe during that 2-hour window.

Also, plan your beach time like an athlete. Two hours disappears faster than you think once you’re in the water and then out again to dry off and eat.

The Dinghy Transfer and Anchoring Time: What to Expect on the Water

A lot of catamaran trips have “beach time,” but not all of them handle it the same way. This one uses an auxiliary dinghy boat to help you embark and disembark. That’s how you get from the catamaran to the beach area smoothly.

This detail matters because it often reduces the awkwardness of boarding in tricky spots. You’re not scrambling or negotiating rocks. You’re using the smaller boat specifically meant for transfers.

Once anchored, the plan shifts into “enjoy mode.” You’ll throw anchor and have time to:

• Snorkel
• Use the paddleboards
• Or just relax and soak up the views

From the way captains are described in past trips, there’s also a pattern of finding great water spots. Multiple captains—people like Martin, Rolan, and Rolando—have been praised for showing passengers parts of the island that are easier to access by sea. So you’re not only waiting for the beach stop; you’re getting value in the water time leading up to it.

Price and Value: What $3,372.33 per Group Buys You

The price is listed as $3,372.33 per group (up to 11), which is basically a private charter-style cost. That can sound steep until you translate it into what you’re actually buying.

You’re paying for:

• A private group (not sharing your day with strangers from multiple boats)
• A skipper who handles sailing and navigation
• Fuel and required taxes/insurance (so you’re not hit with surprise add-ons later)
• Onboard inclusions: snorkel gear, paddleboards, and even the Bluetooth speaker
• The dinghy transfer system to reach the beach restaurants

If your group is 8–11 people, the value can feel much more reasonable because the cost isn’t spread over dozens of passengers. And that’s where private sailing shines: you get a day that feels designed for your group’s comfort and timing.

If you’re only 2–3 people, the price per person goes up quickly. In that case, you’re really paying for privacy and a “we can move at our pace” day. That can still be worth it—especially for birthdays, families, or friend groups who want the calm of a dedicated boat—but it’s good to go in knowing you’re buying exclusivity.

Who Should Book This Catamaran Trip (and Who Might Think Twice)

This is a great fit if:

• You want Formentera water time without doing the planning work
• Your group includes mixed ages and you want something easy to manage
• You care about snorkeling and paddleboarding and don’t want to rent equipment
• You’re traveling with friends or family who want a shared day with a soundtrack

It might feel less ideal if:

• You only want a quick beach visit and aren’t interested in water activities
• Your group expects food and drinks to be included
• You’re booking for a week where weather is unpredictable and you hate planning around forecasts

One more practical point: you’ll likely get more out of this trip if your group is comfortable in swim mode. The core fun happens in and around the water.

Practical Tips to Make the Day Go Smoothly

I recommend you pack and plan like you’re doing a beach + water sports day, not just sightseeing.

Bring:

• Sunscreen and a hat (you’ll be in the sun, and you’ll be in and out of the water)
• Swimwear (obvious, but people still show up thinking a towel counts)
• A dry layer or towel for after swimming
• A simple lunch strategy since food and drink aren’t included

If you’re planning to eat at beach restaurants, remember you have about 2 hours at Ses Illetes. That’s usually enough for a meal and a swim round, but not enough to wander slowly for an extended shopping detour.

If you’re bringing your own snacks, the large cool box is your friend. Use it so everyone can graze without losing time.

And about the onboard music: since there’s a Megaboom Bluetooth speaker, you’ll want to bring a charged phone and a playlist you actually love. Otherwise, you’ll spend the day negotiating what sounds good. (Group harmony is part of vacation math.)

Should You Book This Full-Day Catamaran to Ses Illetes?

Yes—if your idea of a perfect day in Formentera includes swimming, snorkeling, and real beach time, plus the comfort of having a skipper handle everything. The private group size up to 11 is a big advantage for families and friend groups who want a relaxed schedule.

Book it especially if:

• You want included snorkel gear and paddleboards (so you’re not paying extra on the ground)
• You like the idea of beach restaurants as part of the plan
• You’re celebrating something with people you actually want to spend all day with

Skip it or choose a different style of trip if:

• You only want shore time and don’t care about the water activities
• Your group insists that food and drinks must be included
• You know you won’t enjoy a day structured around weather and sailing conditions

If you’re on the fence, pick based on this: do you want a day on the water first, with Ses Illetes as the payoff? If yes, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the Playa de Ses Illetes full-day catamaran trip?

The duration is about 7 hours.

What time does the tour start, and where do we meet?

It starts at 10:00 am. The meeting point is Camino de Ses Illetes, 126, 07871, Illes Balears, Spain.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes all taxes and required insurance, fuel surcharge, an enthusiastic skipper, an auxiliary dinghy for embarking and disembarking, snorkeling equipment, stand-up paddleboards, a Megaboom Bluetooth speaker, a large cool box, and final cleaning.

Is food and drink included?

No. Food and drink are not included, but you can disembark at the beach restaurants during the Ses Illetes stop, or bring supplies and store them in the cool box.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group will participate, with a maximum of up to 11 people.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If you cancel for any other reason, it’s non-refundable and cannot be changed.