Ibiza & Formentera: Catamaran Sailing, Snorkel & Beach Lunch

Summary

Sail ibiza to formentera small group beaches snorkel paddle surf lunch

You’ll board a small-group catamaran from Ibiza with a local skipper, sail to Espalmador for snorkeling and beach walks, then stop at Illetes for lunch by the sea. Paddle surf is included if you’re feeling brave — or just relax as you cross Formentera’s quiet northern coast before heading back. The whole day feels easygoing and real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sail and explore Formentera beaches

• Meet in south Ibiza
• Sail to Espalmador beach
• Walk and snorkel at Espalmador
• Sail to Illetes beach
• Eat at Illetes beach restaurant
• Stop at narrow beach north Formentera
• Sail back to Ibiza

Top questions

How many people are on the catamaran trip?

The boat takes up to 12 people; if your group is smaller, you'll share with others.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkel gear is included for everyone on board.

Where does the tour start in Ibiza?

The meeting point is in southern Ibiza but can change due to weather conditions.

Are paddle boards available during the trip?

Paddle surf boards are included as part of your day on the catamaran.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No, lunch is not included but there’s time to eat at a restaurant on Illetes beach.

Can infants or small children join this sailing tour?

Yes, infants and young children are welcome; prams or strollers can be brought aboard.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Service animals are permitted during this sailing trip.

Is public transportation available near the meeting point?

Yes, there are public transport options close to where you meet for departure.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing from Ibiza with a local skipper, all snorkel equipment provided onboard plus paddle surf boards for anyone wanting to try them out — just bring your swimsuit and sunscreen before heading back in the evening.

What’s the experience like?

The morning started with us dragging our bags across the wrong marina in Ibiza — turns out the meeting point changes if the wind’s up. I was already sweating before we even saw the catamaran. Our skipper, Jordi, just grinned and waved us over like he’d seen it all before (he probably had). There were only ten of us, counting a couple from Milan who brought pastries they insisted we try. The boat felt roomy, not packed at all — you could stretch your legs or just lean back and watch the water flicker under the hull.

We sailed out toward Espalmador first. I didn’t expect how quiet it would get once the engine cut off and we just drifted — you could hear little splashes and someone’s laughter echoing across the deck. The sand there is so pale it almost hurts your eyes; I kept finding tiny shells in my sandals. Jordi handed out snorkels (mine fogged up instantly but I didn’t care), and we floated around spotting these silver fish darting between rocks. The air smelled salty and a bit sweet, like sunscreen mixed with seaweed.

Lunch was at Illetes beach — Jordi called ahead for a table but warned us that sometimes you wait, “but that’s island time,” he said with a shrug. We sat outside, toes in the sand, eating grilled calamari that tasted way better than anything I’ve tried back home. Afterward we lazed on towels while some folks tried paddle surfing (I chickened out after seeing how wobbly it looked). On the way back north along Formentera’s narrowest beach strip, everyone got quiet for a while — just sun on skin and wind in your ears. That view still pops into my head sometimes when things get noisy at home.