Six stops, one long day on water. This private catamaran tour strings together Ibiza’s best south-coast viewpoints, quiet coves, and Formentera’s famous beaches into a single smooth sailing day. I like that you get your own group on board, not a crowded cattle-wagon feeling, and that the route is built around multiple swim and paddle moments rather than just cruising past scenery.

My other favorite part is the mix of paddle surf boards and snorkeling gear included, so you can choose active or relaxed time at each anchorage. One drawback to plan for: lunch is not included, and onboard food can be pricey, so it helps to have a food plan before you get hungry.

Key Points You Should Know Before You Go

• Private boat for up to 10 people, so the day moves at your group’s pace and not a mass-tour schedule
• Snorkeling equipment plus 2 paddle surf boards are included, which adds real value if you want to play in the water
• Multiple south-coast anchor stops, meaning less “see it from the deck” and more actual time on the spot
• Formentera time at Ses Illetes, with options to eat there or stay on board for lunch
• A friendly border collie lives aboard, which is a charming detail but worth noting if anyone has allergies or dislikes dogs
• Good weather matters, since this is a sailing-focused outing and can be rescheduled or refunded if conditions cancel it

Cala Jondal to Ibiza’s South Coast, Built for Views and Easy Time at Sea

The day starts at Tropicana Eivissa Cala Jondal in Cala Jondal. If you already know Ibiza’s south coast, you’ll appreciate the logic right away. The coastline here is the “crystal water and cliffs” kind of pretty, and the tour is set up so you’re not just looking at it from far off. You’re on a catamaran, so you get deck time, sun time, and the kind of sea breeze that makes even a mid-summer day feel manageable.

Because this is a private tour for up to 10, I think it’s a strong fit if you’re traveling with a small circle, couples, or a family group that wants to stick together. You’re also not sharing the boat with strangers, which matters when you want simple things like everyone hearing instructions, everyone getting a turn at the paddle boards, and everyone having a relaxed lunch plan.

One more practical point: the tour calls for moderate physical fitness. That doesn’t mean you need to be a athlete. It just means you should be comfortable moving around on a boat, stepping down near the water for swimming or snorkeling, and doing normal “summer day” activity like wearing gear and spending time in and out of the sun.

Platja des Jondal and Playa des Codolar, the Warm-Up Stops That Set the Tone

Stop 1 is Platja des Jondal. It’s a beautiful bay on Ibiza’s southern side, known for its clear turquoise-looking water and the cliffs and shapes around the coastline. This is a great start because it gives you an early chance to settle into the day. You’re on deck right away, you see how the water looks close up, and you get that first hit of “we’re really out here.”

Stop 2 is Playa des Codolar. This stretch leans more rugged and dramatic, with rocky coves and hidden-feeling areas along the shore. On this leg, you’ll feel the rhythm shift from “pretty bay start” to “south-coast scenery in motion,” and it sets you up for the calmer, more natural feel of the protected areas later.

Two small things I’d keep in mind at these earlier stops:

• You’ll want to have your swim essentials ready early, because the day’s flow is meant to keep you active.
• Bring sun protection even if you think you’re just riding on water. Deck time adds up fast.

Parque Natural de Ses Salines, Where the Day Gets Quiet and Water Time Gets Real

Next up is the Parque Natural de Ses Salines. This is the kind of stop that makes a catamaran feel worth it. You’re looking for secluded water, and the route builds in that quieter cove feeling. The plan here is to drop anchor and then get time for a refreshing swim.

This stop is also where snorkeling becomes most practical. If you have snorkeling gear included (you do), this is the point where you can actually use it. Even if you’re not a serious snorkeler, it’s enough time to look around for colorful fish and to enjoy the underwater view without turning it into a long, exhausting session.

One drawback you can’t control is timing. Coves often mean more time spent waiting for the right conditions, like wind or water clarity. The good news is the tour structure gives you multiple chances across the day, so one slightly slower stop doesn’t ruin everything.

S’Espalmador Between Ibiza and Formentera, Paddle Boards Plus Snorkeling

Then you head to S’Espalmador, a natural reserve between Ibiza and Formentera. This stop is particularly appealing if you like being hands-on. The tour includes paddle boards, and the water here is the kind you can paddle around in at an easy pace.

After paddling, the plan includes more water time for snorkeling. This matters because it gives you a double option: you can be active with the boards, or you can swap to snorkeling and just watch what’s going on beneath the surface.

If you’re traveling with mixed interests, this is a strong stop. Some people want to paddle, others want to relax on board, and you can still all enjoy the same anchorage. Also, since you’re on a catamaran, you’re not constantly climbing in and out the way you might on a smaller boat.

Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera’s Beach Time and Two Lunch Options

You’ll sail toward Formentera and arrive at Ses Illetes, which is famous for its clear water and white sand. This is the stop that often feels like the “main event” because you get the chance to do a beach day, even if it’s only for part of the outing.

The tour gives you two lunch styles:

• You can disembark and grab lunch on the island.
• Or you can stay on board and have lunch there.

Lunch is not included in the tour price, so this becomes a planning decision. If you choose island lunch, you’ll likely have more freedom to pick something that matches your taste and budget. If you choose onboard lunch, you’ll trade that flexibility for convenience, and you won’t waste time getting back and forth.

Here’s my practical advice: decide before you arrive. When everyone is tired and hungry, it’s harder to make a calm choice. And because lunch is extra, planning helps you avoid that “surprise bill” feeling.

Also note the tour doesn’t position this as a marathon walking tour. You can explore at a relaxed pace, whether that means a beach stroll or just enjoying the views from shore.

El Paso Water Time and the Sunset Return to Cala Jondal

The tour’s highlight is the way it handles the ending of the day. After Formentera time, you begin the return sailing leg to Ibiza, and the plan is built for Ibiza as the sunset. That deck time is usually when people stop checking their phones and start actually enjoying the day.

Between the route and the anchored stops, you also get paddle, surf, or swim-style water play, with a specific callout for time when you arrive at El Paso. In practical terms, that means this isn’t only about sitting on a boat. You’re meant to get in the water more than once, so you’re not stuck waiting for the one beach moment.

The return stop is Platja des Jondal again, bringing you back to the meeting point area by the end of the day. It’s a nice full circle feeling: you start on the same coastline section, see different angles across the day, then settle back down when the light changes.

Lunch, the Real Cost of the Day, and How to Avoid the Most Common Regret

Lunch is not included, but it’s central to how the day feels. The tour explicitly offers lunch as an option either on Formentera or on board, and that matters because you’ll be out for about 8 hours. If you love food, you can make it part of the experience. If you don’t, you’ll want to know what you’re paying for.

In one case, a passenger criticized the value of an onboard food add-on, mentioning a €65 board of jamón that didn’t match expectations. I’m not saying every lunch situation works the same, but I am saying this: onboard food costs can surprise you on a private boat day.

So how do you keep this from becoming a regret?

• Bring your own snacks or meal if you can, especially if you have kids or picky eaters.
• If you plan to buy onboard, set a budget in your head before you order.
• If you’re choosing a meal option that comes in different portions, make sure the portions match your actual group size and appetites. One reported issue was that a smaller menu choice left people feeling short on food when the group was larger.

If you want the simplest approach, go in ready with a plan:

• Morning: water, sunscreen, and some easy snacks if you tend to get hungry.
• Midday: decide island lunch versus onboard lunch once everyone’s clear on the timing and cost.

What You Actually Get Included on Board (and What You Still Need to Bring)

This tour includes several things that make your day easier and more comfortable:

• Restroom on board
• Snorkeling equipment
• 2 paddle surf boards
• Fuel surcharge
• WiFi
• Mobile ticket
• Offered in English

Not included:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Lunch

The presence of a restroom matters more than people think, especially on an 8-hour sailing day. WiFi is a nice bonus for photos and messaging, even if the goal is to keep your screen time low.

Because snorkeling gear is included, you don’t need to pack your own set. That alone can save time and carry weight. Still, you should pack your own comfort items:

• Sun protection
• A swim layer or rash guard if you burn easily
• Water shoes if you’re cautious about rocky shore areas
• Towels or a way to dry off comfortably (the tour doesn’t list towels)

And because a border collie lives aboard, if you have a dog-sensitive situation in your group, bring that up in advance. Many people love it. Some people do not. Knowing ahead lets you decide calmly.

Price for a Private Boat: When It’s Good Value and When It Isn’t

The price is $1,609.09 per group, up to 10 people, for about 8 hours. That’s private-boutique pricing, so the value depends on how full you are.

Here’s the quick math:

• If you fill all 10 spots, you’re roughly around $161 per person.
• If you’re only 4 people, it becomes roughly $402 per person.

So when is it a good buy?

• If you have 7 to 10 people who will actually use the included gear and enjoy the full day, it can feel surprisingly reasonable for a true private catamaran outing.
• If you’re a small group, it can still be worth it if you treat it as a “spend the money for time together and water access” day, not a budget day.

Also consider the lunch reality. Since lunch isn’t included, you’ll likely add some cost anyway. The more people in your group, the more you benefit from “shared boat cost,” but the more attention you’ll want to pay to how you handle food choices.

The Weather and Timing Reality Check (Because Sailing Has Rules)

This is a weather-dependent sailing experience. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s standard for boat days, but it’s still worth noting if you’re in Ibiza on a tight schedule.

The tour also expects moderate physical fitness. If someone in your group struggles with sun exposure, mobility, or being near water frequently, you might want to plan alternative activities for them during the more active stops.

Should You Book This Private Catamaran Day?

I think you should book if you want a private Ibiza to Formentera day built around multiple swim and paddle moments, not just a sightseeing cruise. It’s especially appealing if:

• you’re traveling with a group up to 10 and can actually fill most spots
• you care about water time, snorkeling, and paddle board play
• you want a relaxed day with restroom access and onboard WiFi as backup

Skip it or plan carefully if:

• your budget is tight and you dislike paying extra for lunch on the boat
• you or someone in your group has strong concerns about being around a friendly dog on board
• you’re very worried about paying for meals without controlling costs

If you do book, the best move is to go in with a food plan and sun plan. Then you’ll get what this tour is designed to deliver, big sea views, multiple anchored water breaks, and a sunset ride that feels like the day actually lasted long enough.

FAQ

How long is the Ibiza and Formentera private catamaran sailing tour?

It runs for about 8 hours.

What is the group size for this private tour?

It is private, and the group can be up to 10 people.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Tropicana Eivissa Cala Jondal, Cala Jondal, s/n, 07830 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Illes Balears, Spain, and it ends back at the meeting point.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included.

What water activities and gear are included?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment and 2 paddle surf boards.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Do I need to be able to swim or have a certain fitness level?

The tour notes that travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Is there WiFi and a restroom on board?

Yes. There is WiFi and a restroom on board.