Ibiza: Catamaran Cruise to Formentera with Meal and Drinks

The best part of this trip is simple: you get a full half-day on the water without having to plan ferries, lunch, or beach gear separately. The 22-meter Sun Cat carries you from Ibiza toward Formentera, past Las Salinas and onto the clear water near Playa de Ses Illetes, where you can swim, snorkel, or stretch out on deck.

I like the easy all-in setup, with fresh food and an open bar included in the $108 price. I also like the choice of how to spend the anchor stop: take a swimming noodle into the sea, use the provided goggles, or stay on the catamaran’s large front net and watch the water pass beneath you.

The main drawback is important: this is not a boat trip for exploring ashore. You do not disembark at Formentera, so you will see Illetas from the water rather than walk its famous beach. Children under five and wheelchair users cannot join, and the open deck offers little shelter from strong sun.

Key points to know before booking

• Five hours on a 22-meter catamaran: The trip gives you a generous stretch of time at sea without taking up an entire day.
• Illetas is a swimming stop, not a beach visit: You anchor near Playa de Ses Illetes, but you remain on the boat.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect salad, finger food, roast meat, Spanish sausages, fresh fruit, soft drinks, beer, water, and sangria.
• The Sun Cat is easy to find: Look for it floating in the dock just before Botafoch Ferry Terminal.
• Guide Tina has received special praise: She provides friendly commentary in several languages, with Spanish and English listed for the tour.
• The trip suits couples and families with older children: It is not suitable for children under five or wheelchair users.

Setting out from Ibiza on the Sun Cat

Your meeting point is at the Botafoch Ferry Terminal area, with the supplied starting address listed as Carrer de la Mola, 31. Look for the Sun Cat floating in the dock just before you reach the terminal. If you take a taxi, tell the driver Botafoch Ferry Terminal rather than relying only on the street address.

That small bit of planning matters. Ferry terminals can have several boats and boarding areas, and the catamaran is easier to spot from the dock than from a road. Give yourself enough time to find the vessel without starting the day rushed.

Once aboard, you have several ways to settle in. The deck has chairs for sunbathing, while the large forward net lets you lie above the water with the sea moving beneath you. This is one of the more enjoyable features of a catamaran: you get open-air views and room to spread out, rather than sitting in a single enclosed cabin.

The crew welcomes you with refreshments, then the boat begins its five-hour outing. Spanish and English are available, and guide Tina has been singled out for clear, friendly explanations of the coast in more than one language. That makes the trip more useful than a simple boat transfer, especially if you want some context as you pass Ibiza’s southern shore.

Coastal views past Las Salinas

The route follows the southeast coast of Ibiza, with views toward the beaches and low coastal areas around Las Salinas. The appeal here is the changing view from the water. You are not trying to cover several sights on foot. Instead, the catamaran gives you a broad look at the coast while the crew handles the route.

The first part of the cruise is a good time to find your preferred spot. The deck suits you if you want full sun and a clear view. The forward net is better for lying down and feeling the motion of the boat. If you are sensitive to sun, bring sunscreen and use the seating areas rather than treating the entire trip as a tanning session.

The tour includes a 20-minute welcome refreshments period, followed by the longer cruise and anchor stop. Timing can vary with operating conditions, so I would treat the published schedule as a guide rather than expect each part to run to the exact minute.

The views are the main attraction during this stretch. You get the coast of Ibiza behind you and the approach toward Formentera ahead. The boat’s size helps create a relaxed day-at-sea feeling, but remember that this is still an outdoor activity. Wind, glare, and heat can make the ride feel different from one hour to the next.

Anchoring near Playa de Ses Illetes

The main stop is near Playa de Ses Illetes, one of the best-known coastal areas of Formentera. The catamaran anchors in clear water for about two hours, giving you the most active part of the day.

This is where the trip works best for anyone who wants a swim without arranging a separate beach excursion. You can get into the sea, use the included snorkeling goggles, or float with one of the swimming noodles. The water is also a pleasant place to cool down after sitting in the sun.

The snorkeling equipment is basic and practical rather than a full specialist setup. You receive goggles, and the stop is designed for casual swimming and looking for marine life close to the boat. I would bring your own equipment only if you have very particular preferences, but the included gear removes one more thing from your packing list.

The limitation is just as clear. The boat does not stop so you can walk on Playa de Ses Illetes. If your main goal is to spend hours on Formentera’s sand, this is the wrong format. You will get the view, the water, and a boat-based stop, but not an independent visit to the island.

You can also remain aboard. Some people will prefer the deck, the shade available around the seating areas, or the forward net to another swim. The boat’s flexibility makes the stop suitable for a mixed group, as long as everyone understands that the itinerary is built around staying on the catamaran.

A fresh meal rather than a packed lunch

Food is part of the price, and it adds real value to a five-hour trip. The onboard spread includes salad, finger food, roast meat, Spanish sausages, and fresh fruit. The meal may be presented as a brunch or barbecue lunch, depending on the scheduled departure.

The food is prepared by the crew, with barbecue chicken and salad specifically noted as part of the meal experience. That is useful because you do not need to bring a full packed lunch or leave the boat to find food during the anchor stop.

The meal also changes the rhythm of the day. After the first stretch of sailing, you can eat before swimming, or cool off in the water after lunch. Fresh fruit is a welcome finish in the heat, while the salad keeps the meal from feeling like nothing but grilled meat and snacks.

Still, do not book this as a food-focused excursion. The meal is a helpful inclusion, not a restaurant tasting. The exact presentation may vary between brunch and barbecue, and the supplied details do not promise a choice of dishes or special menus. If you have strict dietary needs, check before booking because no specific dietary arrangements are listed.

Open bar with sensible expectations

The open bar includes water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria. That is a strong part of the value, especially on a sunny five-hour cruise where buying every drink separately could add up quickly.

I would still pace yourself. The combination of heat, swimming, and alcohol can catch up with you faster than expected. Water is included, so make it your regular choice and treat beer or sangria as an occasional drink rather than the main activity.

The bar also helps keep the day social. You can take a cold drink back to your deck chair, sit near the group, or enjoy it while watching the yachts around the anchorage. The atmosphere is described as friendly, and the crew’s role is not limited to serving food and drinks. Guide Tina has received particularly warm praise for her energy and multilingual coastal commentary.

The trip may appeal to couples looking for an easy day on the water, but it is not presented as a quiet private charter. You share the catamaran with other people, and the atmosphere can be more sociable during the meal and swimming stop.

What the $108 price really covers

At $108 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Formentera. A basic ferry or a beach day arranged independently may cost less at first glance. Those options do not necessarily include a meal, open bar, snorkeling goggles, swimming noodles, a crewed catamaran, and five hours of coastal cruising.

I think the price is reasonable if you value convenience and want the boat itself to be the main event. You are paying for the vessel, crew, organized route, food, drinks, and a planned water stop in one package. That removes several small costs and decisions from your day.

The value is weaker if you only want to stand on Formentera. Since you cannot disembark, you are not getting transport to a town, time on the beach, or a chance to explore inland. For that kind of visit, a ferry and separate beach plans may suit you better.

The included equipment is another small saving. You need to bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen, but the operator provides the goggles and swimming noodles. The trip also has free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve while paying later, which helps if your Ibiza plans are still shifting.

Practical comfort on a sunny day

Bring swimwear, a towel, and plenty of sunscreen. Those are not minor suggestions here. You spend a long time outside, and even people who plan to swim may spend much of the ride sitting on deck.

Wear something comfortable for boarding and moving around the boat. The forward net is attractive, but you should expect exposure to sun and sea spray. Keep personal items secure and avoid bringing anything you would worry about getting wet.

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and children under five cannot participate. Families with older children are welcome, but parents should consider the open deck, swimming stop, and five-hour duration. This is a better fit for children who are comfortable around boats and can manage a long outdoor outing.

There are no shore stops, so you do not need walking shoes for an island visit. That is convenient, but it also tells you what kind of day this is: a catamaran cruise with swimming, not a guided tour of Formentera.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this trip for you if you want a relaxed mix of scenery, swimming, food, and drinks without managing several separate bookings. It is especially suitable for couples, friends, and families with older children who enjoy spending time on a boat.

It also works well if you want to see the coast from the water but do not need a packed sightseeing schedule. The five-hour length leaves enough time to settle into the boat, enjoy the route, eat, and swim, while still leaving part of the day for other plans in Ibiza.

You may want to skip it if you dislike sun, shared group activities, or swimming from a boat. It is also a poor match if you expect to explore Formentera on foot. The tour gives you a taste of the island’s coastal setting, not a full island visit.

The overall score is 4.3 out of 5 from 302 ratings. The strongest praise centers on the beautiful stops, the catamaran, the food and drinks, and the crew. Tina’s guiding receives special attention, which matters if you want more than background music and a view.

Should you book the Ibiza to Formentera catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want an easy, social half-day with clear water, a meal, an open bar, and time to swim near Illetas. The combination is convenient, and the included food and drinks make the $108 fare easier to justify.

Do not book it expecting a Formentera beach day. You will not disembark, and the boat remains the base for the entire experience. For the right kind of day, though, this is a well-rounded way to enjoy Ibiza’s coast and get a short taste of Formentera without handling the details yourself.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts five hours, including the cruise, refreshments, meal, swimming, and time anchored near Playa de Ses Illetes.

Where do I meet the catamaran?

Meet at the Botafoch Ferry Terminal area in Ibiza. Look for the Sun Cat floating in the dock just before the terminal. The supplied starting address is Carrer de la Mola, 31.

Can I get off the boat at Formentera?

No. The cruise does not include disembarking stops. You can swim from the boat during the anchor stop near Playa de Ses Illetes.

What food is included?

The meal includes salad, finger food, roast meat, Spanish sausages, and fresh fruit. Depending on the departure, it may be served as a brunch or barbecue lunch.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes soft drinks, beer, water, and sangria.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling goggles and swimming noodles are included. You should bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is the cruise suitable for young children or wheelchair users?

The activity is not suitable for children under five or wheelchair users. Families with older children are welcome.