Unforgettable Catamaran Experience in Formentera – LAGOON 400

Formentera looks best from the water. This private Lagoon 400 catamaran gives your group a full day of swimming, sailing, paddleboarding, and beach time, with stops at S’Espalmador, Ses Illetes, and Cala Saona. I especially like the flexible feel of a private boat and the chance to sail when the wind cooperates.

I also like that the price covers fuel, taxes, snorkeling gear, SUP use, WiFi, and the onboard restroom. The main consideration is lunch: meals are not included, so you must either arrange catering or pay separately at a beach restaurant. Wind can also affect how much time is spent under sail.

Key things to know before you book

• Private sailing for up to 11 people: The quoted price is for the boat, not per person, making it far better value for a full group than for a couple.
• A full Formentera circuit: The route combines S’Espalmador, Ses Illetes, and Cala Saona rather than stopping at just one beach.
• Sailing time depends on the wind: When conditions allow, the crew unfurls the sails for the crossing from Cala Jondal.
• Water equipment is included: You can use snorkeling equipment and a SUP without arranging rentals at each stop.
• Lunch takes planning: You can eat at a waterfront restaurant or stay aboard and add catering.
• Captain Juan earns strong praise: His careful, friendly approach is a major part of the experience for many groups, especially celebrations.

Why this catamaran day works so well

This is an eight-hour private outing from Ibiza to Formentera, starting and ending at Tropicana Eivissa Cala Jondal. You are not simply being ferried to a beach. The crossing, the anchorages, the swimming stops, and the unhurried return all form one long day on the sea.

The Lagoon 400 is a catamaran, so you get several places to settle in. The bow is the natural spot for sun and open views, while the rest of the boat gives you room to move around during the day. A private booking also means your group does not have to match the rhythm of strangers.

The experience is particularly well suited to families, groups of friends, and birthday celebrations. Captain Juan has been praised for being friendly, careful, detail-oriented, and intent on making the day run smoothly. That matters on a private boat, where the skipper shapes the tone of the entire outing.

The price is $1,309.05 for up to 11 people. At full capacity, that works out to about $119 per person for eight hours, including fuel, taxes, equipment, and the boat itself. For a smaller group, the per-person cost rises quickly, so this is most attractive when shared among several people.

Leaving Cala Jondal under sail

The meeting point is Tropicana Eivissa Cala Jondal, at Cala Jundal, in Sant Josep de sa Talaia. After boarding, you receive a short welcome and safety briefing. Then the day begins with a first chance to swim, sit in the sun, and settle into the boat.

The crossing to Formentera takes about one hour and 45 minutes. When the wind is suitable, the crew raises the sails, giving you a quieter and more traditional way to cross the channel. When the wind does not cooperate, the boat still makes the crossing, but you should not book this expecting guaranteed sailing conditions.

This first stretch is useful in two ways. It gets you away from Ibiza’s shore, and it gives you time to adjust to the boat before the main stops begin. If you are prone to seasickness, the length of this crossing is worth considering. The boat has a restroom, but there is no promise of calm water or a completely smooth ride.

The catamaran includes WiFi, though the strongest appeal here is the chance to spend less time looking at a screen. You can use the open water, sun, and wind as a natural reset before reaching Formentera.

S’Espalmador, the quiet first stop

S’Espalmador is the first stop and one of the most distinctive parts of the route. This protected island is reached by boat, and the setting is deliberately spare: clear water, pale sand, and very little of the built-up feel found in more developed coastal areas.

The boat anchors here for about an hour. That gives you enough time for a swim, some snorkeling, or simply a quiet look around from the water. The crew also shares local curiosities and details about the island, adding a little context instead of treating the stop as just another photo break.

Bring your attention to the water. This is the kind of stop where the color and clarity do much of the work. The attraction is not a long list of activities. It is the contrast between bright sand, transparent water, and the silence around the boat.

The practical limit is time. One hour passes quickly once you have gathered snorkeling equipment, entered the water, and dried off. If you want a long swim and extensive exploration, this may feel brief. Still, as a first stop, S’Espalmador sets the tone well and gives you a calm introduction to Formentera.

Two hours at Ses Illetes

The catamaran then reaches Playa de Ses Illetes, one of the best-known beaches in Europe. Here the sand is white, the water is strikingly turquoise, and the setting is made for a longer pause. The boat spends about two hours in the area, making this the main stop of the day.

You can snorkel, use the SUP, swim, or go ashore for a walk. The paddleboard is a useful inclusion because it gives you a way to explore just beyond the catamaran without paying another rental fee. Snorkeling equipment is also provided, so you do not need to pack your own gear to take part.

Lunch is the main decision at Ses Illetes. You have two basic choices:

• Go ashore or to a waterfront restaurant for paella, fresh fish, or tapas.
• Stay aboard and arrange the optional catering service.

Suggested restaurants include It’s Molí de Sal, Juan & Andrea, Can Carlitos, Kiss Beach, and The Shark. These names make the stop sound simple, but you should plan ahead. A popular beach restaurant can change the pace and cost of the day, while catering keeps you on the boat and avoids breaking up your time at anchor.

I like the flexibility here. A group with different priorities can split up, with some people taking a beach walk and others staying aboard. The drawback is that lunch is not included in the base price, so your final cost depends on your choice of restaurant or catering.

Ses Illetes is also likely to be the most familiar-looking stop. It is famous for good reason, but fame can mean more activity around the beach. If your ideal day is total solitude, S’Espalmador or Cala Saona may suit you better.

Cala Saona and the final swim

Cala Saona is the last stop in Formentera, with about an hour and 30 minutes at anchor. The cove is framed by reddish cliffs and clear water, giving it a different character from the pale, open beach at Ses Illetes.

Weather permitting, you can explore by SUP or swim toward the area’s caves and quieter corners. The boat’s position matters here because the point is not only to look at the cove from the deck. You have time to get into the water and move through it at your own pace.

This is a good late-day stop. After the longer visit at Ses Illetes, Cala Saona feels more intimate and contained. You can take photographs, have one last proper swim, or simply float near the boat. The schedule gives you enough time to enjoy the place without turning the stop into a rushed few minutes.

Conditions remain important. The plan to explore caves and nearby areas depends on the weather, and water activities always depend on the sea state. If conditions change, the crew may need to adjust what you can do.

The return to Cala Jondal

The return crossing takes about one hour and 30 minutes. It is a quiet way to finish the day, with the boat heading back toward Ibiza and the open-water views gradually giving way to Cala Jondal.

If time allows, you may get one final swim before leaving the boat. That last dip is a small detail, but it helps the day end naturally rather than stopping abruptly after the final crossing.

The total day is listed at about eight hours. The schedule includes roughly four hours and 15 minutes of stated navigation time, plus the main stops at S’Espalmador, Ses Illetes, and Cala Saona. Exact timing can shift with wind, weather, anchoring, and the needs of the group.

What is included, and what is not

The package includes all fees and taxes, fuel, snorkeling equipment, SUP use, WiFi, and a restroom on board. Fuel being included is useful because it removes one common source of surprise charges on private boat trips.

The main extra is food. You can consult the operator about catering, or you can choose a waterfront restaurant during the Ses Illetes stop. Drinks and meal costs are not specified in the supplied details, so ask for the catering price and exactly what it includes before confirming.

No separate transfer service is listed. You should make your own way to Tropicana Eivissa Cala Jondal, and the activity ends at the same meeting point. The location is near public transportation, but the supplied details do not specify routes or travel times.

The tour is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. Since this is a boat day with swimming, a paddleboard, and open-water crossings, you should still consider your group’s comfort with those conditions.

Who gets the best value

This is strongest for a group that wants privacy and can fill much of the boat. Eleven people sharing the $1,309.05 price gives a far better deal than booking as a couple. It is also a good match for a birthday, reunion, or relaxed group celebration, especially with a captain who pays close attention to the details.

I would also recommend it to people who want variety. You get sailing, swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, beach time, restaurant options, and quiet time aboard. It is not just a beach transfer and not just a sightseeing cruise.

The trip may be less suitable if you want a short outing, a guaranteed sail, or a meal included in the price. It is also not the right choice for someone who dislikes a long day on the water. The 8-hour schedule is generous, but it requires energy and flexibility.

Booking around a month ahead is sensible. The experience is often reserved about 36 days before departure, and private boats with a fixed capacity can fill quickly. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book the Lagoon 400?

Book it if you have a group of friends or family, want a private day rather than a shared cruise, and care more about clear water and time at anchor than a packed schedule of land activities.

The strongest reasons are the route, the included water equipment, the private setting, and the chance to sail when conditions allow. Captain Juan’s friendly, careful style is another good sign for groups that want a calm and well-managed day.

I would skip it if you are booking for only one or two people and the per-person price feels high, or if paying separately for lunch is likely to be a problem. For the right group, though, this is a polished way to see the best-known corners of Formentera without giving up the freedom of your own boat.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour begin?

It begins at Tropicana Eivissa Cala Jondal, Cala Jundal, s/n, 07830 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Ibiza, Spain.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same Cala Jondal meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts approximately eight hours.

How many people can join the private tour?

The private catamaran can accommodate a group of up to 11 people.

Is fuel included in the price?

Yes. Fuel is included, along with all fees and taxes.

Is lunch included?

No. Meals are not included. You can eat at one of the suggested waterfront restaurants or ask about the optional catering service.

Are snorkeling equipment and a paddleboard provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a SUP paddleboard are included.

Does the tour always sail under sail power?

The crew unfurls the sails whenever the wind permits. Sailing is therefore dependent on weather and wind conditions.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted.