A day on a private catamaran makes Formentera feel easy. You’ll cruise along the coast, stop at Migjorn Beach, then anchor at Platja Es Arenals for hours in clear water with snorkel gear and stand-up paddleboards.

I also like the setup onboard: you get a big cool box to keep your own food and drinks chilled, plus a Megaboom Bluetooth speaker so your playlist becomes the soundtrack. The one drawback to plan for is simple—food and drink aren’t included, so you’ll want to bring what you’ll eat during the day.

Key things to know before you go

• 5 hours anchored at Platja Es Arenals: time to swim, snorkel, and paddleboard without racing the clock
• Snorkel equipment + stand-up paddleboards included: you don’t have to rent extra gear on-site
• Megaboom Bluetooth speaker onboard: play your tunes while you relax and float
• Auxiliary dinghy for getting to shore: useful if you want to hop onto the beach area
• Private day for up to 12 people: ideal if you want your own pace and space
• Good-weather trip: the experience depends on conditions for sailing

Entering Formentera by sea, not by schedule

Formentera is famous for water that looks unreal from the shoreline—then you get on the water and it makes more sense. This private catamaran day is built around one long, relaxed water stop, instead of squeezing in a bunch of quick photo moments. That matters, because you end up spending more time enjoying the sea and less time waiting.

The day also feels flexible in the way sailing days often do. Your skipper handles navigation, and the overall rhythm is “cruise, arrive, anchor, enjoy,” with time in the water built into the plan. If you’re the type who likes to hang out—snorkel for a bit, paddle around, then do nothing for a while—you’ll match the vibe.

The private element is the other big reason this works. For a group up to 12, you’re not sharing the boat with strangers. You can spread out, keep conversations easy, and generally avoid the constant ebb and flow of people boarding, watching, and squeezing.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

The price is $3,498.20 per group (up to 12) for about 7 hours. That sounds like a lot until you translate it into what you’d otherwise pay for boat access, captain time, fuel, and the included water gear.

Here’s the value math in plain terms:

• If you fill the boat (12 people), it can work out to roughly $290 per person.
• If it’s a smaller group, your per-person cost goes up quickly.

So the best value is when you have a ready group—friends, family, or a mixed group of couples and singles who want a shared day. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, this may be pricier than day tours that run on fixed schedules with more people onboard.

One more way it’s good value: many “catamaran days” still make you pay extra for snorkel gear, paddleboards, or premium onboard items. Here, snorkel equipment and stand-up paddleboards are included, along with a large cool box and a Bluetooth speaker. That means you can focus your budget on food for the day instead of add-ons.

From Es Molí de Sal to Migjorn and then Playa Es Arenals

Your day starts at 10:00 am at Es Molí de Sal, Calle Afores, s/n, 07871 Formentera. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, which is convenient: you don’t have to figure out transport after a full day on the water.

Before the main anchoring stop, you cruise past the coastline and Migjorn Beach. Migjorn is one of those areas where the shoreline looks gorgeous in motion—like the coastline is constantly revealing a new view. Being on a catamaran keeps the day feeling wide open, with plenty of room to move between shaded and sunlit areas onboard.

Then you head to Platja Es Arenals, where the boat anchors at the end of Migjorn Beach. The plan is clear and simple: anchor there so you can make the most of the time in the water. You get about 5 hours at Platja Es Arenals, which is long enough to snorkel, paddle around, and still have time just to float and relax.

The main stop: how to use your 5 hours at Playa Es Arenals

At Platja Es Arenals, the boat anchors and you’re set up for water time: snorkelling plus stand-up paddleboarding. This is the heart of the trip, and the hours are long enough that you can do it in a way that feels calm rather than rushed.

Snorkel time that doesn’t feel like a chore

You have included snorkel equipment, so you’re not spending your day hunting for rentals or swapping gear with other people. If you’re new to snorkeling, this is still a good plan because you can take it slow and focus on the basics—floating, breathing steadily, and exploring small areas near the boat.

If you’re more experienced, you’ll still appreciate the time length. Long anchored stops mean you can try a couple different directions and spend more time where you see more fish or clearer water.

Paddleboard time: do it early

Stand-up paddleboards are included, and you’ll get the most enjoyment if you use them earlier rather than treating them like a last-second activity. The water conditions can change through the day, and even when they don’t change much, your energy does.

A practical approach:

• Start with snorkeling or a short paddle loop
• Then pick your favorite spot for another swim or another paddle session

Getting to shore with the auxiliary dinghy

You’ll have access to an auxiliary dinghy for getting on and off if you want to move between boat and beach area. The trip description also makes it clear you can ride the dinghy to the beach if you like.

I like this setup because it’s optional. If you want to stay in the “anchored and swim” zone, you can. If you want a stretch of sand time, you can add it.

Onboard comfort: cool box, tunes, and space for real relaxation

The included large cool box is one of those details that quietly makes a huge difference. Since food and drink aren’t provided, your cool box is how you turn a great water stop into a full-day picnic experience.

Bring your own stuff and keep it chilled: sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and drinks. You’ll also be able to snack without needing to stop the day for anything. That’s a big deal on a 7-hour outing—small delays add up.

Then there’s the onboard fun factor. You can play your tunes through the Megaboom Bluetooth speaker, which means your group can set the mood. It’s also useful for keeping the day feeling social without constant conversation. One person can handle the music while others snack or swap paddleboard turns.

Space matters too. A private catamaran setup tends to feel more open than the packed feeling you sometimes get on larger shared tours. With a group up to 12, you can find a comfortable spot without constantly fighting for room.

Captains and vibes: why the skipper makes the day

The most repeated theme in the experience is that the skipper isn’t just doing the sailing—they’re shaping the day. Multiple captains are mentioned by name, including Tincho, Carlos, Martin, Alejandro, Teo, Francisco, Rolando, and Constantine. Each gets praised for being attentive, professional, and good at reading the group.

What I take from that pattern is simple: when a skipper knows the area and communicates well, you get more than transportation. You get smart choices—where to stop for views, when to anchor, and how to make sure water time stays fun.

Some groups also mention the value of having a skipper who helps with practical details like filming spots for drones. If that matters to you, it’s worth asking your skipper what’s safe and what gives the best angles.

Either way, the captain handling navigation means you can treat the day like a vacation. You’re not juggling directions or planning a route. The sailing is the background; your water time is the main event.

What to bring so the day runs smoothly

Since food and drink aren’t included, your packing list should center on one goal: keep yourself fed and hydrated without making it complicated.

Food and drink

• Use the large cool box and bring a mix of easy-to-eat food
• Pack water and something a little more substantial than just snacks
• Plan for sun time, not just “boat time,” when choosing what to eat

Water gear essentials

Snorkel equipment and paddleboards are included, which is great. Still, you’ll want the usual helpers: sunscreen, a hat, and something to protect your shoulders if you’re sensitive. Consider swim shoes if you think you’ll be stepping around shore areas, especially if you use the dinghy.

Your onboard mood

Bring a phone with your music ready to go. The Megaboom speaker is included, and it turns the day into a shared experience rather than silent sailing.

Who this private catamaran day is best for

This trip fits best when you want a private experience and your group can take advantage of it.

It’s a great match for:

• Small friend groups who want one shared schedule and room to relax
• Families who prefer one long anchor stop over constant moving
• Couples who want to control the pace and enjoy a slower day
• Anyone who cares about snorkeling and water time more than a checklist of “must-see” stops

It might not be ideal if you’re strict about spending as little as possible. The cost makes the most sense when the group is near the upper limit of 12 people or when your group values privacy enough to justify the price.

Quick expectations about timing and the rhythm

The overall trip is about 7 hours, with 5 hours at Platja Es Arenals. That leaves a shorter “cruise and arrive” stretch before your main water time, and then you return to the meeting point.

So think of the day as one big event—Playa Es Arenals—supported by sailing time before and after. With that structure, you can plan your energy and don’t feel like you’re constantly switching gears.

Should you book Playa Es Arenals Catamaran Private Full Day Trip?

Book it if you want a long, water-centered day in Formentera with snorkel gear and paddleboards included, plus the privacy of a boat for your group. The big cool box and the chance to play music onboard are small details that make the day feel personal, not like a conveyor belt.

Hold off if you’re coming as a very small group and the per-person cost would feel painful. Also keep in mind the experience is weather-dependent, so if you’re traveling during a time when conditions are unpredictable, plan flexibility.

If you’re ready for sun, calm sailing, and real time in the water, this is the kind of trip that can easily become a highlight.

FAQ

How long is the Playa Es Arenals catamaran trip?

It’s listed as approximately 7 hours total.

What time does the tour start, and where does it meet?

The start time is 10:00 am. The meeting point is Es Molí de Sal, Calle Afores, s/n, 07871 Formentera, Illes Balears, Spain, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is snorkeling and paddleboarding included?

Yes. The tour includes snorkel equipment and stand-up paddleboards.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drink are not included, though you do get a large cool box to store your own items.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate (up to 12 people).

What if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

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 or ask for an amendment, it’s non-refundable and the amount you paid will not be refunded.