Formentera: Daily departures on a classic catamaran

Formentera: Daily Departures on a Classic Catamaran
Location: Spain | Duration: 8 hours | Rating: 4.3

Introduction

If you’re dreaming of spending a day on the water exploring the stunning coast of Formentera, this daily catamaran tour might just be the perfect way to do it. Offered by Marta, the owner and skipper of the beautifully renovated “Bobcat,” a classic 1967 vessel, this experience promises both comfort and charm in equal parts.

What we really love about this tour is how it combines the nostalgic appeal of a vintage boat with modern comforts, like a sunbathing solarium and snorkel gear. Plus, the flexibility — Marta is known for her friendly approach and willingness to adapt to special requests — makes it feel more personalized than many group outings.

On the flip side, some travelers have noted that the tour is quite dependent on weather conditions, which can influence the day’s itinerary and mood. Still, for those who enjoy relaxed sailing, stunning vistas, and a touch of vintage charm, this experience offers a genuine taste of Formentera’s waters.

This tour suits travelers who prioritize intimate, authentic experiences over large crowds. Whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic sunset, a family wanting a laid-back day on the water, or friends looking for a private adventure, it’s a solid choice.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Vintage Vibe: The boat, built in 1967 and renovated in 2025, offers a nostalgic yet comfortable sailing experience.
• Flexible & Personalized: Marta’s willingness to adapt departure times and requests adds value to your day.
• Secluded Spots & Shallow Draft: The boat’s shallow draft allows access to exclusive, less crowded areas.
• All-Inclusive Highlights: Snorkeling gear, SUP, and an outdoor dining area make for an enjoyable day.
• Perfect for Relaxation: The focus is on unwinding, with options to enjoy sunsets, sunbathing, and peaceful meals.
• Limited Capacity: Comfortably fits up to 9 people, making it intimate and less hectic.

The Experience in Detail

The Vintage Vessel – Bobcat

The boat itself is a major draw. Built in 1967 but renovated in 2025, the Bobcat catamaran exudes old-world charm with modern safety and comfort features. Its 8-meter size keeps it cozy, yet spacious enough for a small group. The outdoor table with an awning offers a perfect spot for relaxed meals, while the refrigerator keeps drinks cool.

The boat’s interior seating area provides a shaded retreat during the midday sun, and the toilet is a thoughtful addition for comfort during the day. The sun awning ensures you can soak up the sun without overheating and provides a shady spot for reading or napping.

For active travelers, the boat comes equipped with SUP (Stand Up Paddle) and snorkeling goggles, opening up fun options for exploring the shallow waters and underwater life of Formentera’s coast.

The Itinerary: A Day of Relaxed Exploration

The tour begins with a pickup at Sant Francesc Xavier, the charming main town of Formentera, known for its laid-back vibe and picturesque streets. From there, you’ll be taken out on the catamaran to explore various secluded spots along the coast.

The main highlight is the time spent in Formentera itself, where you can enjoy free time for swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking in the scenery. The route includes photo stops, ideal for capturing memories of this stunning island.

One of the key benefits of this tour, as noted by travelers, is the ability to visit less accessible areas thanks to the boat’s shallow draft. This means fewer crowds and more pristine, peaceful beaches.

The sunset segment is particularly popular, offering a peaceful, picturesque end to the day — perfect for couples or anyone craving a moment of tranquility with a view.

The tour culminates with a return to Sant Francesc Xavier, giving you plenty of time to reflect on your day or explore the town further afterward.

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What’s Included & What’s Not

The price covers the catamaran ride, skipper, fuel, and snorkeling gear, including goggles. You also get access to SUP boards and a 12v ice box for your drinks if you request it — a nice touch for keeping your beverages cool.

However, there’s an important note: boarding and disembarking are not included in the price if you choose to go ashore for meals or walks, and those costs are handled separately. You’ll need to bring your own food, drinks, and beachwear, which allows you to tailor your picnic or snacks to your preferences.

The Practical Side

This experience is designed to be flexible and relaxed. With up to 9 participants, it maintains an intimate atmosphere, perfect for meaningful conversations and personalized service. The 8-hour duration means plenty of time to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed, though exact departure times depend on availability, so planning ahead is wise.

The reservation system allows you to reserve and pay later, providing a risk-free way to lock in your spot. Cancelations are free up to 24 hours in advance, making this a safe option for flexible travelers.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At first glance, a full day on a private boat may seem costly, but considering the included gear, the access to quiet, scenic spots, and the vintage charm of the vessel, many travelers find it well worth the price. The personalized experience with Marta, who is committed to making your day special, adds to the overall value.

You won’t be cramming onto a crowded tour bus or fighting for space on a busy beach — instead, you’ll savor the peace of Formentera’s waters and the authenticity of sailing aboard a beloved classic.

Who Should Consider This Experience

This tour caters best to adventurous couples seeking a romantic setting, families wanting a laid-back way to enjoy the coast, or friends looking for a private, relaxed day.

It’s ideal if you appreciate vintage charm and authentic sailing experiences rather than high-energy party boats. It’s also perfect if you want to explore hidden corners of Formentera that larger boats simply can’t access.

Travelers who enjoy snorkeling and paddleboarding will appreciate the gear provided, while those who love sunsets and peaceful scenery will find this tour particularly memorable.

The Sum Up

This catamaran tour is a charming way to experience Formentera’s coast, combining nostalgic appeal with modern comforts. The vintage vessel, refurbished and well-equipped, offers a relaxed, intimate setting for enjoying the sea, the views, and the sunset.

If you’re after a personalized experience that avoids the hustle and bustle of larger excursions, this tour delivers. It’s especially well-suited for those who value authenticity, flexibility, and quiet beauty.

While weather can influence the day’s rhythm, Marta’s warm approach and the boat’s shallow draft make it a standout choice for discovering Formentera’s quieter, scenic spots. Expect to come away with not only photos but a genuine sense of connection to this beautiful island’s coast.

This experience is well worth considering for anyone who wants to combine comfort, authenticity, and a touch of vintage class in their Formentera adventure.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for families, especially since it’s a small, private group and includes family-friendly activities like snorkeling and paddleboarding.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a towel, food, drinks, beachwear, outdoor clothing, and your passport or ID.

Can I request a different departure time?
Yes, Marta is flexible and willing to adapt to your schedule whenever possible, depending on availability.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Weather can affect the itinerary, but safety and comfort are priorities.

Are drinks and food included?
No, you should bring your own, but there is an ice box on board that can be requested for keeping your drinks cool.

How many people can join?
The boat comfortably fits up to 9 people, making for an intimate experience.

Is there a toilet onboard?
Yes, a toilet is available for your convenience.

Can I go ashore during the tour?
You can, but disembarkation costs are separate and depend on third-party providers.

What languages are spoken?
The guide speaks Spanish, Catalan, English, and Portuguese.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, including stops for swimming, relaxing, and sightseeing.

This classic catamaran adventure offers a genuine, relaxing way to see Formentera’s coast in style and comfort. It’s a wonderful choice for those who value intimate, authentic experiences on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here: