Ibiza & Formentera: Catamaran Day Trip with Beach Stops

4.72

(138 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

We stepped off the sand at Ses Salines, squinting into the morning light while our captain waved us over. He looked sun-baked in that way only locals do, and the little zodiac ride out to the catamaran was bumpier than I expected—my bag nearly took a dive. Once we clambered aboard, the sea felt endless and blue, and someone put music on (a bit too loud at first, but it fit). The boat held maybe a dozen of us, plus the crew—felt like just enough people to chat or find your own quiet spot.

The first hour glided by as we sailed along Formentera’s coast. There was this salty breeze that stuck to my skin, and I couldn’t stop watching the water shift from navy to turquoise near Espalmador. When we anchored, our guide tossed us snorkels and SUP boards—I tried both but mostly ended up floating on my back, listening to laughter echo off the hull. Some folks walked ashore barefoot; I joined them for a bit. Sand here is almost powdery and there’s this faint smell of pine in the air. Didn’t expect that.

Later we drifted towards Ses Illetes—supposedly one of the world’s best beaches (I mean, who decides these things?). Our captain offered to take us ashore by dinghy or we could just jump in. A few of us paddled around instead. You can bring your own food—someone shared olives and cold melon slices—or you can ask the captain about restaurants on the beach. I fumbled through some Spanish with a waiter; Li laughed when I tried to say “agua con gas” in proper accent.

On the way back to Ibiza, everyone sprawled out quietly—sun-drunk or maybe just content. The sky had that late afternoon haze and even though I knew we’d be back soon, part of me wanted it to last longer. I still think about that view from the deck: salt on my lips, music low, nothing urgent except maybe passing someone another glass of cava.