Ibiza: Catamaran Cruise to Formentera with Meal and Drinks

The best part of this trip is the chance to enjoy Formentera’s clear water without arranging a separate boat day. You sail from Ibiza on a 22-meter catamaran, pass Las Salinas, then anchor near Playa de Ses Illetes for swimming, snorkeling, food, and drinks. I like the large front net and the open bar, which make the five hours feel easy and social.

I also like that lunch is more than a packet of snacks. The crew serves salad, finger food, roast meat, Spanish sausages, and fresh fruit, with a barbecue-style meal included. Guides such as Tina have earned praise for explaining the coast in several languages. The main drawback is simple: you do not go ashore at Formentera, so this is a boat-and-swim day rather than an island visit.

Key points at a glance

• A 22-meter catamaran: Find the Sun Cat near Ibiza’s Botafoch Ferry Terminal and settle into deck chairs or the large forward net.
• Formentera views without a land stop: You cruise past Las Salinas and anchor near Playa de Ses Illetes, but you stay aboard.
• Two hours near Illetes: This is the main leisure period for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, drinks, and lunch.
• Food is part of the value: Expect salad, finger food, roast meat, Spanish sausages, and fresh fruit.
• An open bar is included: Soft drinks, beer, water, and sangria are available during the cruise.
• Best for swimmers and couples: Children under 5 and wheelchair users cannot join, and the boat is not set up for disembarking.

Why this Ibiza to Formentera cruise works

Ibiza has no shortage of boat trips, but this one makes a clear promise: spend five hours at sea with the meal and drinks handled for you. That matters because a day on the water can become surprisingly expensive once you add food, beverages, snorkeling equipment, and a comfortable place to sit.

At $108 per person, this is not a bargain ferry ride. You are paying for a catamaran cruise, an included meal, an open bar, swimming time, snorkeling goggles, and noodles. I see the price as reasonable if you want a full half-day outing rather than simply transportation to Formentera.

The experience is also easy to understand. You meet at the dock, board the Sun Cat, cruise along Ibiza’s southeastern coast, stop for refreshments and swimming, spend about two hours near Playa de Ses Illetes, then return to Ibiza. There is no complicated island transfer or separate lunch plan to arrange.

Meeting the Sun Cat at Botafoch

The meeting point is at Carrer de la Mola, 31, by Ibiza’s Botafoch Ferry Terminal. Look for the Sun Cat floating in the dock just before you reach the terminal. If you arrive by taxi, tell the driver to take you to the Botafoch Ferry Terminal.

That last detail is useful. Botafoch is a working ferry area, and the exact boat matters more than simply arriving somewhere near the harbor. Give yourself enough time to locate the catamaran before departure, especially if you are carrying towels, sunscreen, and swimming gear.

The crew speaks Spanish and English. Tina is one guide specifically praised for explaining the coastal sights in several languages, so you can expect some commentary as you pass the shoreline rather than a silent transfer across the water.

Once aboard, you can choose between deck chairs and the large net at the front. The net lets you sit above the water as the catamaran moves, though it is best suited to people comfortable with spray and motion. Deck seating is the more practical choice if you want a dry place for your towel, drink, or meal.

Sailing past Las Salinas

The cruise follows Ibiza’s southeastern coast, with views toward Las Salinas and the surrounding shoreline. This opening stretch gives you time to settle into the rhythm of the boat before the main swimming stop.

You can sunbathe on deck, watch the coast, or use the boat as a floating lounge. I like this part because it is not packed with scheduled activities. The value comes from having room to look around, chat, and enjoy the sea without rushing from one stop to the next.

The route also gives you a different view of Ibiza. From the water, beaches and coastal areas appear as a connected line rather than a series of roads and buildings. The supplied details do not promise a long narrated sightseeing tour, so you should book this for the setting and the time on the water, not for a detailed history lesson.

A short swimming and refreshment period lasts about 20 minutes. It is a useful first chance to cool off, particularly on a sunny day, and to get comfortable with the water before the longer stop near Formentera.

The main stop at Playa de Ses Illetes

The catamaran anchors near Playa de Ses Illetes, one of Formentera’s most attractive coastal areas. This is not a landing stop. You remain on the boat, with the sea as your swimming area and the beach as part of the view.

About two hours are set aside here for brunch or lunch, snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing. That generous block of time is important. You are not being pushed into a quick photo stop, and you have a fair chance to swim, eat, dry off, and return to the water.

Snorkeling goggles and swimming noodles are provided. The noodles are especially handy if you want to float without constantly swimming, while the goggles let you look for marine life in the clear water. No specific marine species or underwater sites are promised, so think of snorkeling as a pleasant added activity rather than a specialist excursion.

The beach itself remains across the water. If your dream of Formentera includes walking on the sand, wandering along the shore, or visiting a beach café, this trip will not deliver that. If you are happy to admire Playa de Ses Illetes from the catamaran and swim nearby, the arrangement works well.

A meal that makes the day easier

Food is one of the stronger parts of the package. The included spread features a salad buffet, finger food, roast meat, Spanish sausages, and fresh fruit. The meal may be presented as brunch or a barbecue-style lunch, depending on the departure setup.

That selection gives you more than a light snack between swims. You can build a proper plate, then return to the deck with fruit or a drink. Fresh salad and fruit also provide lighter choices alongside the roast meat and sausages.

The meal is prepared by the crew, which saves you from carrying provisions or searching for food during the excursion. I would still bring a small personal snack if you have strict dietary needs, since the available information does not list vegetarian, vegan, allergy-friendly, or gluten-free alternatives.

The open bar includes soft drinks, beer, water, and sangria. This is a real part of the value, not just a welcome drink. You can keep cool during the cruise without buying each beverage separately.

Still, pace yourself. Five hours in the sun, with swimming and alcohol available, can catch up with you quickly. Water, sunscreen, and sensible timing will make the day far more comfortable.

Catamaran comfort and the feel of the boat

A 22-meter catamaran gives you more space than a small speedboat and a steadier platform for a long outing. The layout includes deck chairs and a large forward net, so you have choices depending on how you want to spend the day.

The front net is the fun spot. You are close to the water and get an unobstructed view as the boat moves. It is also likely to be the first area people choose, so do not assume it will remain open throughout the cruise.

Deck chairs suit you better if you want to read, dry off, eat comfortably, or avoid getting splashed. The best seat depends on your priorities, but the variety helps make the vessel work for both active swimmers and people who mainly want to relax.

This is a shared boat experience, not a private charter. The supplied information does not state the group size, so you should expect a communal atmosphere rather than guaranteed quiet or personal space. That can be part of the fun, especially if you like a social day at sea, but it may not suit someone seeking solitude.

What the five hours feel like

The five-hour duration is long enough to make the trip feel like a main activity for the day, but short enough to leave you with time afterward in Ibiza. The schedule has three clear moods.

First comes the cruise along the coast. You are moving, looking out toward Ibiza and Formentera, and getting used to the catamaran. Then comes the shorter swimming and refreshment period, followed by the main anchor stop near Ses Illetes.

The two-hour Illetes period is the heart of the outing. You can divide it however you like: swim first, eat afterward, snorkel once the boat is quieter, or stay on deck with a cold drink. The lack of a shore visit means the pace is controlled by the boat, but it also means you avoid the work of ferrying back and forth between ship and beach.

The return journey is quieter in purpose. You have already eaten and swum, so it becomes a final chance to watch the coastline and enjoy the remaining sea views before reaching the dock.

The guide and crew experience

The crew is part of what makes a boat day work. You need clear instructions around swimming, food, drinks, and movement on deck, especially when the boat is anchored and people are getting in and out of the water.

Tina receives particularly strong praise for her friendly manner and coastal explanations in several languages. That suggests the guided side of the outing can add useful context without turning the cruise into a formal lecture.

The available information names Tina but not every crew member, so I would not book this expecting one specific guide unless the operator confirms her presence for your departure. Still, the combination of Spanish and English support is helpful for mixed-language groups.

Is $108 good value?

At $108, you should compare this with the full package, not the ferry fare alone. The price includes:

• Five hours on a catamaran
• A meal with salad, finger food, roast meat, Spanish sausages, and fruit
• An open bar with soft drinks, beer, water, and sangria
• Swimming time near Formentera
• Snorkeling goggles and swimming noodles
• A crew and live guide in Spanish and English

You must still get yourself to the Botafoch departure point. There is no hotel transfer, and there are no disembarking stops. Those limits explain why the trip is best viewed as a comfortable sea excursion, not a complete Formentera day trip.

I consider it good value for couples, friends, and families with older children who want food and drinks included. It is less convincing for someone who mainly wants to reach Formentera and spend the day walking around the island. In that case, a ferry or land-based visit may fit better.

The overall score is 4.3 from 302 ratings, and the strongest praise centers on the catamaran, the scenery, the food, and the crew. Specific comments describe the meal as a barbecue with chicken and salad, and call the boat trip better value than another Ibiza boat outing. That matches the package as described: the experience earns its price through the combination of comfort, food, drinks, and time at anchor.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want a ready-made day on the water. It suits couples looking for a relaxed outing, friends who enjoy swimming and drinks together, and families whose children are old enough for a boat day and confident around the water.

It also suits people who like a little structure. You do not need to plan a restaurant, rent snorkeling gear, or decide how to get from Ibiza to Formentera. The crew handles the main pieces while you choose how active or lazy to be.

I would be cautious if you dislike open-water swimming, strong sun, shared boats, or alcohol-centered settings. You can relax without drinking, but the open bar and social format are part of the atmosphere.

Children under 5 cannot join, and the boat is not suitable for wheelchair users. Anyone with limited mobility should consider that the experience includes boarding a catamaran and swimming from an anchored boat.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those policies are useful if your Ibiza plans are still shifting, but the more important booking decision is the no-landing rule.

What to bring for a comfortable day

Pack swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. These are not minor extras. You will have swimming time, sun exposure, and wet equipment on deck, so arriving without them will make the trip less pleasant.

A dry change of clothes is sensible, though it is not specifically listed as required. Keep personal items secure around the swimming and net areas, and remember that the boat is shared space.

If you plan to drink alcohol, pay attention to water and sun protection. The included water is useful, and the hot conditions can make beer or sangria feel stronger than expected.

Should you book the Sun Cat trip?

Book this cruise if you want Formentera scenery, swimming, a substantial meal, and an open bar in one five-hour package. The food, large catamaran, swimming equipment, and praised guide Tina give it more substance than a simple sightseeing ride.

Skip it if setting foot on Formentera is essential. You will see Playa de Ses Illetes from the boat and swim nearby, but you will not disembark. At $108, the trip makes sense for a relaxed sea day, not as a substitute for exploring the island itself.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise leave from?

The meeting point is Carrer de la Mola, 31, at Ibiza’s Botafoch Ferry Terminal. Look for the Sun Cat in the dock just before the terminal.

How long does the cruise last?

The full experience lasts five hours.

Does the cruise stop so I can visit Formentera?

No. The catamaran anchors near Playa de Ses Illetes for swimming and other activities, but you do not disembark.

How much time is spent near Playa de Ses Illetes?

About two hours are scheduled for brunch, snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing near Playa de Ses Illetes.

Is food included?

Yes. The included food consists of salad, finger food, roast meat, Spanish sausages, and fresh fruit. The meal may be served as brunch or a barbecue-style 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.

What languages are available?

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

Can children join the cruise?

Children under 5 cannot join. Families with older children are welcome, according to the tour information.

Is the catamaran accessible to wheelchair users?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.