Ibiza & Formentera: Private Catamaran Day Cruise with Lunch

Summary

Private sailing from Ibiza to Formentera with secret coves, Espalmador swims and lunch stops

You’ll sail from Ibiza to Formentera on a private catamaran with local guides, stopping to swim at Espalmador’s sandbar and snorkel near Ses Salines. Try paddle boarding or just relax on deck before choosing lunch onboard or at a beachside spot. The sunset return feels like something you’ll remember long after your feet are dry.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that line in the water? That’s El Paso — looks shallow but you can walk it if you don’t mind wet shorts,” Nuria grinned as she pointed out the sandbar between Espalmador and Formentera. I’d never even heard of Espalmador before this day trip from Ibiza, but apparently it’s only reachable by sea. The boat — Blue Dragon — rocked gently under us while Marcelo let me take the helm for a bit (I was nervous, but he just laughed and said, “Don’t worry, she’s tougher than she looks”). There was this salty tang in the air and the wind kept flipping my hat off; I didn’t expect to feel so free out there.

We stopped first near Ses Salines Natural Park. The water was ridiculously clear — like someone had turned up the contrast. No bars or hotels in sight, just dunes and silence except for the soft thud of the paddleboard against the hull. I tried snorkeling (the mask always fogs up on me) while some of our group paddled over to check out tiny caves along the rocky coast. The dog on board — a Border Collie named Lua — kept circling us like she was herding sheep instead of swimmers. Lunch was casual: we could’ve eaten on deck (Marcelo had stories about every dish), but we ended up hopping off at Illetes beach for grilled fish and cold white wine with our feet in the sand.

The afternoon light over Formentera is hard to explain — everything goes gold and pink at once, then suddenly you’re just quiet, floating between islands with nowhere else to be. On the way back toward Ibiza, Nuria played old Spanish pop songs from her phone while we watched Es Vedra turn dark against the sky. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day catamaran cruise Ibiza and Formentera

• Sail from Ibiza to Espalmador
• Explore El Paso sandbar and paddle surf
• Visit Ses Illetes beach and snorkel
• Discover caves and paddle in rocky Formentera
• Sail back to Ibiza at sunset

Top questions

How long is the private catamaran cruise from Ibiza to Formentera?

The full-day cruise lasts around 8 hours, including stops for swimming, snorkeling, and lunch.

Is lunch included on this Ibiza & Formentera day trip?

You can choose a catered lunch onboard, bring your own food, or dine at a restaurant in Illetes.

Are paddle boards and snorkeling gear provided?

Yes, two paddle boards and snorkeling equipment are included for guests to use during the cruise.

Can children join this private catamaran tour?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available and families are welcome aboard.

Where does the cruise depart from in Ibiza?

The tour departs from Ibiza; exact location details are provided upon booking.

Is there a restroom onboard?

Yes, there is a restroom available on the catamaran for guest use.

Can we bring our own drinks or snacks?

You’re welcome to bring your own food or drinks if you prefer not to have lunch catered or eat ashore.

Is there WiFi on board during the trip?

Yes, WiFi is available throughout your day on the catamaran.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Ibiza port, all fuel costs covered by your hosts Nuria and Marcelo, use of two paddle surf boards plus snorkeling gear for everyone who wants it, WiFi onboard so you can share photos right away, access to a restroom below deck — and even Lua the friendly Border Collie keeping watch as you sail between islands.