A catamaran day can make Ibiza feel slow.

This private charter to Formentera turns the trip into your own moving beach club, with a personal skipper and the kind of on-water access you just don’t get on group boats. I love that you’re headed specifically for Ses Illetes Beach, famous for its pale sand and clear water, and you also get gear and onboard comforts that keep the day from feeling like a checklist. One thing to keep in mind: lunch isn’t included, so plan snacks or buy your own to avoid getting hungry between swims.

For me, the best part is how much time the boat gives you to play—swim, snorkel, paddleboard, and just float when conditions are right. The private setup also matters: you’re up to 12 people, which usually means less waiting around and more space to relax. Still, at a price that’s set per group, the value is strongest if your group size is near the max or you’re splitting costs with friends.

Key things that make this catamaran day work

• Ses Illetes Beach time: focus on the iconic shoreline with that famous shallow, swim-friendly water
• Snorkel + SUP included: gear is on board, so you can go straight from boat to water
• Private feel for up to 12: you’re not sharing the day with a floating crowd
• Onboard extras: Megaboom Bluetooth speakers, nets to lounge, and WiFi keep things comfortable
• Skipper-led route: captains often aim for coves and even caves/grotto-style spots when the water allows

Private Catamaran to Formentera: what you’re really buying

This is not a big “bus to boat to beach” day. You’re chartering a catamaran with an onboard skipper, leaving from the Sant Josep de sa Talaia area and spending about 7 hours on the water. The point is simple: you want the best water, more freedom, and a schedule that bends around conditions.

Formentera’s appeal is easy to understand once you’re off the sand and moving. The island’s beaches are beautiful, but they’re also the kind that get busy if you arrive late or rely on set group departures. With your own boat, you can spend your time in the water more than in lines, and your skipper can take you to the swimming spots that look best that day.

I also like that this trip is built around more than one activity. You’re not only going to one beach and calling it a day. You’re set up for snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding, with time that’s meant to be flexible enough to fit your group’s pace.

Where the day starts: Es Xarcu and a 10:00 am launch

The meeting point is at Es Xarcu (Restaurante Playa) in Cala Es Xarco, Sant Josep de sa Talaia, starting at 10:00 am. The good news here is that the end point is the same area, so you’re not stuck tracking a faraway drop-off later.

Pickup is offered, and that matters if you don’t want to spend your morning figuring out transfers. Even if you do make your own way to the meeting spot, plan for an easy buffer—catamaran days are smoother when everyone arrives calm and ready.

If your group is coming from Ibiza Town or the airport area, you’ll want to think through timing early. The tour time is fixed around that morning departure, and delays at the start can shrink your on-water play time.

Sailing over the Ibiza–Formentera stretch: the practical payoff

The trip is designed as a full-day water experience, so the time spent sailing isn’t wasted. Between Ibiza and Formentera, you can expect stops for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing from the boat. This is where a private catamaran often feels worth it: you’re not just “arriving,” you’re already enjoying the day while you travel.

Snorkel and paddle sessions tend to be most fun when you’re not rushed. That’s one of the hidden advantages of a small private group. When there are fewer people, it’s easier to reset, rinse off, and rotate through activities without turning every moment into a scramble.

Also, you’ll have WiFi onboard, which sounds like a minor detail until you’re using it to share photos, check the day’s conditions, or just keep kids or group members occupied while you’re underway.

Stop one: Playa de Ses Illetes and why it’s so worth the hype

Ses Illetes Beach is the headline, and it earns its reputation. You’re going for the famous combination of white sand and remarkably clear water. When conditions are right, the water quality is the whole show: you can see down into the shallows, and it makes swimming feel effortless.

One detail I really like from real-world experience described by others: you can get in and even walk through shallow water between two beach sections. That’s not just a nice photo moment—it’s a way to explore without needing a boat-only viewpoint the entire time.

Practical tip: wear reef-friendly swim shoes if you’re sensitive about stepping on sand and small shell bits. The water is clear, but the ground under it can vary. And bring a thin cover-up for the transition between sun and lounging on deck.

Time management at Ses Illetes

Because the day is about multiple water activities, don’t treat Ses Illetes like a single long beach picnic. Think of it as your anchor stop: spend time swimming, take a few photos, then re-board and keep the momentum. If you linger too hard, you can end up feeling time-crunched when the rest of the day’s best water moments are still coming.

The onboard setup: comfort, music, and gear that actually gets used

A lot of catamaran days fail on the same points: no real lounge space, weak sound, and gear that’s more promise than help. Here, the inclusions are practical.

You’ll have:

• Snorkel equipment and a stand-up paddle surf board (SUP)
• Megaboom Bluetooth speakers for music you control
• Nets to relax on and use the bow pulpits for hanging out
• Onboard WiFi
• A skipper, plus taxes/insurance and final cleaning

I especially like that the gear is already there. If you’ve ever shown up to a beach day and realized you have to rent everything last minute, you know how quickly “relax” turns into “manage.” Here, you can go straight from onboard instructions to water time.

And with nets and open areas around the bows, it’s not just about sitting upright and waiting. You can lounge at the right angle, switch between shade and sun, and make the boat feel like a floating base camp.

Skipper-led coves, grottos, and that sunset mood

A private charter works best when the skipper adds local rhythm, not just navigation. The route can include swimming spots and cave or grotto-style areas when conditions allow. One of the repeated themes from similar charters is that captains bring families and groups through areas that feel more adventurous than typical beach hopping.

You may also get time that feels like a bonus: a slow, scenic approach for the right light. Multiple captains associated with this kind of trip are described as aiming for memorable sunset moments from the water. Even if you’re not chasing sunsets, this changes the vibe of the last part of the day—less “get it over with,” more “hang in the moment.”

What to do: ask your skipper how the plan looks once you’re at sea. If wind shifts or water clarity changes, skippers can often adjust. That’s one reason private beats fixed tours.

Swimming and snorkeling: how to get the most from clear water

This day is built around water time, so your success comes down to a few simple habits.

Bring:

• Your swimsuit and a quick-dry layer for afterward
• A dry bag (even if you’re not told you need one, it’s usually worth it)
• Sun protection you’ll reapply during beach time

Use the snorkel breaks early if you’re the type who wants to see fish right away. Clear water tends to stay clear, but the feeling of calm changes as the day progresses and sun warms the surface.

Also, don’t underestimate how fun SUP can be when you’re relaxed. If you’re new, start in shallow water and take your time. The fact that the SUP is included means you can try it without paying extra or negotiating rental availability mid-day.

Price and value: $3,399.57 per group up to 12 (how to judge it)

The price is listed as $3,399.57 per group (up to 12) for about 7 hours. That number sounds steep until you do the math and include what you’re getting.

If you fill the boat with a full group of 12, you’re effectively paying about:

• ~$283 per person (before any personal extras like lunch)

That might sound more reasonable if you compare it to:

• separate boat tickets plus paid snorkeling/sup rentals plus food
• or the cost of private transfers plus multiple “half-day” activities

What pushes value up:

• enough people to split the group cost
• using the snorkeling and SUP instead of just watching from deck
• taking advantage of the private skipper route and lounge time

What pushes value down:

• booking when you’re far from the max capacity
• expecting lunch to be included (it isn’t)
• thinking this is a “quick hop” day rather than a full on-water experience

My suggestion: treat this as a splurge you can justify if your group is organized and you’ll actually use the included gear.

Who this catamaran day suits best

This charter fits best when you want:

• a private, relaxed water day instead of a crowded tour schedule
• a focus on one major beach highlight (Ses Illetes) plus extra swim breaks
• included snorkeling/SUP gear so you don’t lose time organizing rentals

It’s also a strong family option, since multiple skippers are described as engaging and careful when kids are along for the ride.

One more note: service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. If that affects your planning, you’ll have an easier time coordinating without complicated logistics.

Small drawbacks worth considering before you book

No tour is perfect, and the details that matter most are usually the boring ones.

• Lunch isn’t included. You might get soft drinks and mineral water onboard, but you’re still responsible for food planning.
• The experience is non-refundable and can’t be changed once booked. If your schedule is flexible, you’ll want to be sure before committing.
• It’s private and up to 12 people, but it’s not described as a full-day sunset cruise in the standard 7-hour timing. If you want a very specific sunset viewing, ask the operator how they pace the day on your travel date.

Should you book the Ses Illetes private catamaran?

If your goal is a classic Formentera beach day with more freedom than a group tour, I think this is a smart choice. The combination of Ses Illetes Beach, included snorkeling and SUP, onboard comfort (speakers, lounge nets, WiFi), and a small-group private layout makes it easy to see where the money goes.

Book it if:

• you have a group that can get closer to 12 people
• you want lots of actual water time, not just beach time
• you’re okay planning lunch yourself

Skip it or rethink if:

• you’re booking solo or as a tiny group and the cost per person feels hard to justify
• you need food included as part of the package
• you’re likely to change plans last-minute, given the strict cancellation terms

FAQ

What time does the private catamaran tour start?

The tour starts at 10:00 am.

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

You’ll meet at Es Xarcu (Restaurante Playa), S/N, Cala Es Xarco, 07839 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Illes Balears, Spain.

Does the tour include snorkeling and paddleboarding?

Yes. Snorkel equipment and a stand-up paddle surf board (SUP) are included.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch isn’t included. The operator tries to have soft drinks and mineral water onboard, and you’re welcome to bring what you want.

Is the tour price per person?

No. It’s $3,399.57 per group, up to 12 people.

What happens if I need to cancel?

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or request an amendment, the amount paid is not refunded.