Ibiza & Formentera Private Full-Day Sailing Tour

A day on a sailboat in Ibiza beats waiting in lines. I like that this is a true private outing, with only your group on board, and you get to pick the pace. The snorkeling kit and paddle boards make it feel active without turning into a chore, with plenty of calm-water time. One consideration: the day runs long at sea, so if you are sensitive to motion, you’ll want to plan for comfort.

What you’re really buying here is freedom. You start at Cala Jondal, work your way down Ibiza’s south coast, then cross to Formentera for beach time at Ses Illetes, before sailing back to the same meeting point. If the weather is rough, the whole day can shift, and you should be ready for that kind of “sea day” rhythm.

Key things to know before you go

• Private boat, up to 7 people: your captain can tailor the order and timing around your group.
• 35-foot sailing boat: enough room to spread out, but still intimate.
• Snorkeling gear included plus multiple stops where you can get in the water.
• Two paddle boards on board for calmer stretches around Espalmador and nearby waters.
• Lunch is not included, but you can choose how you want to handle food while you’re at Ses Illetes.
• Cala Jondal start and finish makes it easy to keep the day simple, no hotel transfers required.

Your private 35-foot sailing day from Cala Jondal

This is the kind of tour that feels built for a small group. Your boat is a 35-foot vessel, and the activity is priced per group, up to 7 people, which is why it can make sense for friend groups, couples, and small celebrations. Expect a full day on the water at about 8 hours, with a casual feel because you are not sharing the boat with strangers.

I also like the practical extras. There’s a restroom on board, and fuel is covered, which matters on a long route from Ibiza to Formentera and back. The tour runs in English, and you get a mobile ticket, which is helpful if you are trying to keep your day lightweight.

The biggest “value lever” here is control. A private setup means you can ask your captain to slow down for photos, linger in a swim spot, or spend more time where the water and light look best.

Cala Jondal to Platja des Codolar: south-coast scenery on your schedule

You start in Cala Jondal, a bay on Ibiza’s southern side, where the water looks clear enough to make even plain swim time feel like a reward. The first stop is short, about 10 minutes, focused on views and getting you into the rhythm of the day. Think sun, breeze, and that quick feeling of being off the grid.

From there, you sail along the scenic south coast with a mix of beaches, rocky coves, and dramatic cliff lines. The vibe here is sightseeing from the water, not “walk for miles.” Platja des Codolar is where you get a longer chance to enjoy the coastline up close, around 1 hour, while the boat glides and the sea breeze keeps things comfortable.

A small drawback to flag: the day is designed around water time, not nonstop lounging. If you want a lot of uninterrupted beach walking right away, this first stretch will feel more like a cruising warm-up than a beach day.

Ses Salines Natural Park: a protected cove and a real swim stop

Next comes Parque Natural de Ses Salines, one of the areas that earns its reputation for calm water and scenery. You anchor at a secluded cove along the south coast, giving you about 1 hour to enjoy the moment. This is where the included snorkeling gear becomes useful, because you are close to underwater life rather than just looking at the surface.

I like that the tour offers a clear “water break” here. You can swim, put on your mask, and do a relaxed, low-pressure exploration without needing to plan anything on your own. Snorkeling on a sailboat day also tends to be more enjoyable than a crowded beach because you are not stuck in the same spot with lots of people.

One practical consideration: bring a plan for your belongings. You are getting in the water more than once, so a waterproof phone pouch or a dry bag approach can prevent small annoyances from turning into a bad mood.

S’Espalmador: paddle boards and snorkeling between Ibiza and Formentera

S’Espalmador is where the route starts to feel like a “real crossing.” It’s a natural reserve located between Ibiza and Formentera, and you’ll spend about 1 hour 50 minutes here. This is the segment that many people love because it balances movement with stillness, paddle boarding when the water is calm, and snorkeling when you want to explore what’s under the surface.

Two paddle surf boards come with the tour, and the timing here often makes it feel like a bonus activity rather than a rigid schedule. You can take a slow paddle, enjoy the views, and then switch back to swimming and snorkel time.

Small reality check: paddle boarding depends on conditions. If the wind picks up, your comfort level and the stability of the water can change. The good news is that since you are on a private boat, you can ask for the safest, most comfortable approach based on what the captain sees.

Ses Illetes on Formentera: beach time, plus two lunch ways to do it

Then you arrive on Formentera at Ses Illetes, known for its clear water and white sand. Your time here is about 2 hours. This is the part of the day that feels most like a traditional beach stop, with plenty of space to relax, swim, and take photos.

You also get a choice about lunch. Lunch is not included in the tour price, but you can disembark and enjoy lunch on the island, or you can have lunch on board while enjoying the view from the boat. That flexibility matters because some people want shore time, while others prefer staying comfortable and staying close to the water.

One thing to consider honestly: your sailing to Formentera is part of the experience, so you may feel the transition time. If you dream of maximizing beach hours, you’ll want to go in knowing that the beach stop is generous but not all-day.

If sun is your main enemy, plan like it’s a beach day. Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and a light cover-up make a bigger difference than you might expect, especially when you’re sitting on deck.

The return sail back to Cala Jondal: relaxing, photos, and hands-on fun

After Ses Illetes, you head back toward Ibiza and the day closes with a return sailing segment of about 1 hour 30 minutes. This is a nice wind-down period, because you’re not trying to meet a land schedule. The boat ride becomes the reward, with open-water views and a calmer mood than earlier in the day.

I also like that several people describe captains teaching or sharing how the sailboat works. If your skipper is up for it, you may get a brief hands-on moment like adjusting sail or steering in a safe, guided way. Even when that does not happen, it’s worth asking, because this is the kind of tour where the captain’s personality really shapes the day.

If you get motion sickness, the return trip is where your comfort plan pays off. Some captains are patient with sea-sickness issues, and sitting where the motion feels smoothest can help, especially if you stay focused on the horizon instead of your phone screen.

Captains set the tone, and names matter

Part of the fun here is that the tour is personal. People often highlight captains who are friendly, safety-minded, and willing to tailor the day. Names that show up again and again in the experience include Carlota, Charlotta, Julian, Tomas, German, Agustin, Victoria, Augusto, Marcel, Ali, and the pair of Nuria and Marcelo.

What that usually means for you is simple: you’ll get a clear briefing, helpful suggestions, and a calm approach that makes you feel like you belong on the boat. Some captains are especially good at customizing the timing around what your group wants, like swimming more at one stop, spending extra time near certain coves, or adding a paddle-board moment when conditions look right.

If you’re celebrating something specific, this is also where communication pays. Tell your captain up front what you want, even if it’s just a birthday dinner vibe, a sunset-focused request, or a proposal-style plan. Since it’s private, your skipper can often adjust within the constraints of wind, sea, and daylight.

Price and value for a group up to 7

At $943.68 per group (up to 7 people), the big question is how many seats you split. If you fill all 7 spots, you’re paying roughly $135 per person. With 4 people sharing, it comes closer to $236 per person. That’s the math that makes this tour feel fair when you go as a group, and pricey when you go solo or as a couple.

What you get for that money is more than “transport.” Your snorkeling equipment is included, plus two paddle boards and a 35-foot private boat setup. Restroom access and fuel surcharge are also covered, which cuts down the surprise costs that can pile up on boat days.

Two costs to expect separately are alcohol and lunch. If you’re budgeting carefully, treat lunch as a separate line item and plan for drinks. The tour can still be a strong value because the core activities are built in.

Timing also matters. On average, this gets booked about 40 days in advance, so if you’re aiming for a specific day, lock it in early.

What to bring for a smooth sea day (and avoid small hassles)

Because you’re out for about 8 hours, pack like you’re doing a beach day plus an activity day. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are obvious, but the practical pieces that save you time are the ones you might overlook.

Bring or arrange a way to keep your phone dry, since you’ll be snorkeling and swimming during the day. Even a quick dip can turn into a frustrating wipe-down if you did not plan. A waterproof pouch or dry bag is a small cost that can prevent a big headache.

Comfort counts too. If you’re sensitive to motion, have your preferred sea-sickness solution ready. It helps to eat lightly beforehand and choose a spot where you feel stable on the boat. Some captains are used to helping people who feel unwell, so you can always say something early if you’re not feeling great.

Finally, think about water shoes. The stops are coves and beaches, and footing can vary. You may not need full hiking gear, but something with grip can keep your beach time easy.

Should you book this Ibiza to Formentera sailing day?

Book it if you want a private, active day that mixes cruising, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and Formentera beach time without the stress of planning all the details. This is a strong choice for friend groups and small celebrations, especially if you can share the group cost and you like the idea of learning the day from your captain’s eyes on the sea.

Pass or rethink if you are mainly chasing long, uninterrupted beach hours, because the Formentera stop is about 2 hours and the rest of the day is time at sea. Also, if you have strict expectations about onboard amenities like keeping drinks cold, bring an open mind, and ask your captain on the day if you need anything specific for storage or ice.

If you want a simple rule: if your ideal vacation includes water time and optional adventures, this is the kind of day that tends to land perfectly.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Ibiza and Formentera private sailing tour?

The tour lasts about 8 hours.

How much does it cost, and how many people can go?

It costs $943.68 per group, for up to 7 people.

Is the tour private and only for my group?

Yes. It is a private tour, so only your group participates.

What’s included on board?

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with 2 paddle surf boards, a restroom on board, and a fuel surcharge.

Is lunch included, and how do lunch choices work on Formentera?

Lunch is not included in the tour price. At Ses Illetes, you can either disembark for lunch on the island or have lunch on board.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.