Ibiza: Catamaran Cruise to Formentera with Meal and Drinks

The sea is the main event. This five-hour catamaran cruise from Ibiza gives you a relaxed way to see Las Salinas and Formentera’s Playa de Ses Illetes without arranging boats, meals, or drinks on your own. I like the 22-meter Sun Catamaran and the generous time anchored near Illetas, where you can swim, snorkel, or stretch out on the deck. I also like that the price includes a proper meal and open bar, not just a short boat ride with one soft drink.

The main drawback is simple: you do not go ashore. The boat anchors for swimming, but you will not walk on Ses Illetes or explore Formentera by land. If you want a beach day with your feet in the sand, choose a ferry or land tour instead. If you want five easy hours on the water, this is a strong choice, though the midday sun and shared deck space may not suit everyone.

Key points at a glance

• A 22-meter catamaran: The Sun Cat has deck chairs and a large forward net where you can relax above the water.
• A scenic route: You sail along Ibiza’s southeast coast, past Las Salinas and toward Formentera’s Illetas area.
• Swimming instead of shore visits: The cruise anchors for around two hours, but you stay aboard.
• Food is part of the value: Expect salad, finger food, roast meat, Spanish sausages, and fresh fruit, with a buffet brunch or barbecue-style meal.
• Drinks are included: The open bar serves soft drinks, beer, water, and sangria.
• A friendly bilingual crew: Tours operate in Spanish and English, and guide Tina received special praise for her clear explanations and warm manner.

Setting out from Botafoch with the Sun Cat

Your starting point is Carrer de la Mola, 31, at the Botafoch Ferry Terminal in Ibiza. 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 simply asking for a catamaran cruise.

That small piece of advice matters. Ferry areas can be busy, and the boat is the meeting point, not a separate office hidden inside the terminal. Allow enough time to find the vessel without turning the start of your day into a dockside treasure hunt.

Once aboard, you have several ways to settle in. The catamaran has comfortable deck chairs and a large net stretched over the water. The net is the most distinctive spot on the boat. You can lie above the sea while the water moves below you, though it is exposed to the sun and may not suit anyone who dislikes a little motion.

The crew speaks Spanish and English. One guide named Tina received especially warm praise for explaining the coastal sights in several languages and for keeping the mood friendly. The exact style of commentary may vary, but the tour is not simply a silent transfer from one port to another.

Sailing past Las Salinas and Ibiza’s southeast coast

The first part of the cruise follows Ibiza’s southeast coast. You get wide sea views, coastal scenery, and a different look at the island from the water. Las Salinas is one of the key sights along the route, and the boat passes its beach before continuing toward Formentera.

I like this part because it gives you time to settle into the pace of the day. You are not rushing from one sight to the next. The point is to watch the shoreline change, feel the boat move, and enjoy the open water with a drink in hand.

Do keep your expectations in check. This is a scenic cruise, not a detailed coastal sightseeing trip with frequent stops. You may hear information about the areas you pass, but much of the pleasure comes from the view itself. Bring your camera, but do not spend the whole ride looking through it. The boat deck is the better place to take in the coast.

The itinerary includes a 20-minute swimming and welcome-refreshment period before the longer stop near Ses Illetes. That first pause gives you a chance to cool off early in the day and get comfortable with the water activities.

Anchoring near Playa de Ses Illetes

The main stop is near Playa de Ses Illetes, in the Illetas area of Formentera. The water here is clear and inviting, and the catamaran anchors for about two hours. This is the heart of the experience.

You can swim from the boat, use the provided snorkeling goggles, or float with one of the swimming noodles. If you prefer dry clothes and a quiet break, stay on deck, sip a drink, and watch the yachts move across the water.

The key detail is that the boat does not disembark. You will see the beach and enjoy the water near it, but you will not walk onto Ses Illetes. That makes this a good match for anyone who wants a floating beach day. It is less suitable if your picture of Formentera includes a stroll along the sand, lunch on shore, or time to explore the island.

Two hours is a useful amount of time. You have room to swim, dry off, eat, and relax rather than being called back aboard after a quick photo stop. It also means the day has a proper pause instead of five hours of continuous sailing.

Snorkeling is included, but this is not presented as a specialist marine-life excursion. You can look for fish and enjoy the clear water, but the equipment is basic recreational gear. Think of it as an easy add-on to swimming, not a guided underwater tour.

Lunch, fresh fruit, and an open bar

Food makes a real difference to the value of this cruise. The included spread features salad, finger food, roast meat, Spanish sausages, and fresh fruit. Depending on the departure setup, it is described as a buffet brunch or barbecue lunch prepared by the crew.

A meal at sea is often more practical than glamorous, and that is fine. You are eating outdoors, after swimming, with the boat moving or sitting at anchor. The menu gives you enough variety to build a proper plate rather than relying on crisps and sandwiches.

The barbecue chicken and salad received particular praise, along with the general quality of the food. One useful detail from the experience feedback is that the crew prepares the meal onboard, which gives lunch a more personal feel than a prepacked box.

The open bar includes water, soft drinks, beer, and sangria. This is valuable in Ibiza, where buying drinks individually during a long day can quickly push up the cost. It also means you do not need to carry a full supply of drinks with you.

Drink responsibly, especially in the sun. A catamaran deck can feel cooler than the shore because of the breeze, while the sun still works hard. Water, sunscreen, and regular shade breaks will make the five hours much more comfortable.

What the $108 price really includes

At $108 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Formentera. A basic ferry crossing can cost less, especially if your only goal is to get from Ibiza to the island. That comparison, however, leaves out most of what this cruise provides.

The price includes:

• Five hours aboard the catamaran
• Coastal sailing around Ibiza and Formentera
• A meal with salad, finger food, roast meat, Spanish sausages, and fruit
• Open-bar drinks
• Snorkeling goggles
• Swimming noodles
• A bilingual crew and guided commentary

The value is strongest if you want a full half-day experience without planning the parts yourself. You pay for the boat, food, drinks, swimming time, and a pleasant setting in one package.

The value is weaker if you want independent sightseeing. You cannot use this outing as transport to Formentera because there is no shore stop. You also cannot choose your own beach, restaurant, or return time. The experience is designed for people who want the crew to handle the day.

Compared with a short Ibiza boat trip, the included meal and bar help justify the price. The 4.3 rating from 302 reviews also suggests a consistently positive experience, though not a perfect one. A few hours on a shared boat will always involve some compromises around space, sun, and personal pace.

Finding your best place on deck

A catamaran gives you more room than a small speedboat, but this is still a shared excursion. The deck chairs are useful for sunbathing, while the large net offers the most memorable position above the water.

You may want to move around during the day. Sit back for the coastal views, use the net while sailing, and head toward the swimming area once the boat anchors. Staying in one exposed place for five hours is a good way to get too much sun.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Those are not optional extras here. You will likely spend much of the day outdoors, and the swimming stop is a major part of the experience.

The boat is not suitable for wheelchair users, and children under five are not accepted. Families with older children are welcome, but the cruise is particularly well suited to couples and adults who want a social day at sea. It also works for friends who would rather share drinks and a meal than organize separate activities.

The return journey to Ibiza

After the swimming, snorkeling, and meal near Ses Illetes, the catamaran returns to the Botafoch dock. The ride back gives you another chance to take in the sea views without needing to organize a second activity.

The five-hour length is well judged for a half-day outing. It is long enough to make the boat feel like the destination, yet short enough to leave part of your evening free in Ibiza. Check the available start times when booking, since the exact departure schedule is not fixed in the information provided.

This is not a cruise for people who need constant entertainment. The strongest moments come from simple pleasures: lying on the net, swimming in clear water, eating lunch outdoors, and watching Ibiza recede behind you.

The crew can make a big difference. Tina’s praised commentary and friendly approach suggest that the human side of the trip is one of its strengths. Still, the main attraction remains the route and the time spent at anchor, not a packed schedule of formal sightseeing.

Who will enjoy this Ibiza catamaran cruise?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want:

• A relaxed day on the sea rather than a land-based Formentera tour
• Swimming and snorkeling without arranging equipment
• Food and drinks included in one upfront price
• Scenic views of Ibiza, Las Salinas, and Formentera
• A social boat setting with a bilingual crew
• A half-day activity that fits around other Ibiza plans

You may want another option if you need beach access, quiet surroundings, or independent time on Formentera. The lack of disembarkation is the most important limitation, and it should shape your decision.

It is also not the right fit for babies, children under five, or anyone who cannot use the boat safely without wheelchair access. For older children, couples, and groups of friends, the swimming stop and open bar provide plenty to do.

Booking advice and cancellation flexibility

The activity allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Ibiza schedule is still changing.

Because weather and sea conditions can affect any boat outing, flexible booking is useful. The information provided does not specify the group size or exact departure time, so check availability before committing to dinner plans or another timed activity.

Arrive at the Botafoch Ferry Terminal and look for the Sun Cat at the dock. Do not expect a transfer from your hotel. Transport to and from the departure point is not included.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a comfortable, food-and-drink-inclusive day on the water, with swimming near Formentera but no need to go ashore. The combination of a large catamaran, clear water, meal, open bar, and five-hour schedule gives you good value for a carefree Ibiza outing.

Skip it if walking on Ses Illetes is essential. In that case, choose transport that lets you disembark and explore Formentera. For everyone else, this is one of the easier ways to enjoy the islands from the sea, especially if you appreciate a friendly guide such as Tina and prefer one upfront price to a string of small expenses.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise leave from?

The cruise leaves from Botafoch Ferry Terminal in Ibiza. The meeting address is Carrer de la Mola, 31. Look for the Sun Cat floating in the dock before you reach the terminal.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts five hours. The schedule includes a 20-minute swimming and welcome-refreshment period, followed by about two hours anchored near Playa de Ses Illetes.

Does the tour stop on Formentera?

No. The catamaran anchors near the Illetas area for swimming and snorkeling, but you do not disembark or explore the beach on foot.

Is food included?

Yes. Food includes salad, finger food, roast meat, Spanish sausages, and fresh fruit. The meal may be served as a buffet brunch or a barbecue-style lunch prepared by the crew.

Which 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 for use during the anchor stop.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The live tour guide service is available in Spanish and English.

Is the cruise suitable for young children or wheelchair users?

Children under five are not permitted, and the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. Families with older children and couples are welcome.