Day Sail tour from Ibiza to Formentera

The best part of this Ibiza to Formentera sailing day is the long stretch of sea time between two of the islands’ most famous beaches. You get away from Ibiza’s busy shore, reach the clear water around Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador, and have room to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or simply stretch out on the boat.

I like the small group of up to nine people, which should make it easier to get help from the captain and find a comfortable spot on board. I also like the simple food and drink plan: salty snacks, fresh fruit, soft drinks, and beer are included, so you can spend the day swimming rather than searching for a beach café.

The main drawback is that the snack is not a proper meal, and the tour runs for about seven and a half hours. You should bring lunch if you need more than fruit and light bites, along with sun protection and a towel.

Key things to know before you book

• Two full beach stops: You get about two hours at Ses Illetes and two hours at S’Espalmador.
• A genuinely small boat group: The tour is limited to nine people, including the captain.
• Water activities are included: Snorkel equipment and a paddleboard are provided.
• The meeting point is specific: Meet at the stone pier of Es Xarcu restaurant in Cala Jondal, near the Tropicana Restaurant.
• Food is light: Salty snacks and fruit are included, but not a full meal.
• The day ends where it starts: You return to the Es Xarcu pier at about 6:30 p.m.

Setting out from Cala Jondal at 11 a.m.

Your day begins at the stone pier of Es Xarcu restaurant in Cala Jondal, on the south side of Ibiza. The meeting point is at the old Es Xarcu location, close to the Tropicana Restaurant, so check the location carefully before leaving for the coast.

The captain meets you at the pier and handles the boat, fuel, safety, and route. The tour is offered in English, German, Spanish, and Italian. Since the group can be as small as nine people, you are not joining a large party boat with dozens of passengers.

The first part of the route includes a 15-minute water-taxi segment and then roughly 75 minutes on the yacht toward Formentera. The exact arrangement of those boat transfers is worth confirming when you book, but the practical point is simple: this is not a quick crossing followed by a short beach stop. You spend a good part of the morning sailing.

That longer crossing is part of the appeal. You get changing views of the Ibiza coast, time in the open air, and a chance to settle into the slower pace of a day at sea. If you are prone to motion sickness, take that into account before booking. The supplied information does not describe special medical support on board, so bring any medication you normally use.

Ses Illetes, the main swimming stop

After about an hour of sailing, the boat reaches Playa de Ses Illetes. This is the first major stop and the tour allows around two hours here, enough time to do more than take a quick swim.

You can get into the water with the included snorkel equipment and look for fish in the clear shallows. You can also use the paddleboard, swim near the boat, or go ashore to spend time on the beach. The exact order is flexible enough to suit your mood, which matters on a long summer day. You are not locked into one organized activity.

The water is the star here. The trip description focuses on clear, turquoise water, and the practical advantage of arriving by boat is that you can enjoy the coast from the sea before choosing whether to go ashore. The captain anchors the boat at the swimming areas, giving you a base for your gear and drinks.

Ses Illetes is also the more active part of the day. If you want to snorkel, paddleboard, swim, and walk on the sand, use this stop well. You may find that two hours passes quickly, especially if several people want to use the paddleboard.

A salty snack is served on board during the day. It is useful between swims, but it is not lunch. Bring your own food if you need a full meal. The boat cannot warm food, so pack something that is ready to eat.

S’Espalmador for a quieter second pause

The boat then continues toward S’Espalmador, with about 30 minutes listed for the yacht transfer. This stop also lasts around two hours, giving the day a good rhythm: a long first beach stop, a short cruise, and another extended period by the water.

S’Espalmador offers warm white sand and clear water. You can get off the boat and walk on the beach, or stay aboard and use the bow chillout area. That choice gives the second stop a different feel from Ses Illetes. You might spend the first stop being active and the second one resting, or reverse that plan.

Fresh fruit is served before the return journey, along with soft drinks and beer. Music can be played through Bluetooth, so the boat can feel relaxed and informal rather than strictly programmed. The captain may restrict alcohol use for safety, and that is sensible on a moving boat, especially when people are swimming and using the paddleboard.

The tour description names S’Espalmador as a beach stop, but it does not promise a guided walk or a formal shore tour. Think of it as free time for sand, water, and rest. If you want a structured history talk or a land-based visit, this is not that kind of excursion.

What the sailing time adds

The return trip takes roughly 75 minutes on the yacht, followed by the 15-minute water-taxi portion back to the pier. You should be back at Es Xarcu around 6:30 p.m.

Some people see the crossing as time between the real activities. I see it as a useful part of the experience, provided you enjoy being on the water. You can sit in the bow chillout area, listen to music, take a drink, or watch Ibiza and Formentera recede behind you.

This is also where the small group matters most. With up to nine people, you have a better chance of finding a comfortable place to sit and asking the captain for help when needed. It does not mean you have a private yacht, unless you book the private option, but it should feel more personal than a large excursion boat.

The boat includes fuel, captain, taxes, embarkation and disembarkation, drinks, fruit, snacks, snorkel gear, and paddleboard use. Those inclusions reduce the number of add-on costs during the day. You are paying for a full day of transport, beach access by boat, equipment, and refreshments rather than just a one-way transfer to Formentera.

Is $193 a fair price?

At $193 per person, this is not a budget beach shuttle. The value depends on how much you want from the day.

If you only need transportation to Formentera and plan to spend the day on shore, you can likely find cheaper ways to make the crossing. This tour makes more sense if you want the boat itself to be the experience. You get about seven and a half hours, two long stops, a captain, fuel, swimming equipment, a paddleboard, snacks, fruit, drinks, and a small group.

The price also covers the convenience of moving between Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador without arranging separate transport. You do not have to carry snorkel gear or rent a paddleboard at the beach. The group size can make the cost easier to justify for couples, friends, or families who value space and personal service.

A private option is available, but the supplied price is stated per person and does not explain the private upgrade cost. Ask for that price before booking if you want the whole boat to yourself.

Who will enjoy this day most?

This tour suits you if your ideal island day includes swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, beach time, and a slow cruise. It is especially good for people who prefer a small group and want a more personal setting than a large boat with a crowded deck.

It also works well for couples and small groups of friends. Parents should note that babies sit on their parents’ legs while the boat is moving, and children under two are not considered suitable for the activity. Anyone underage remains the responsibility of the parent, tutor, or adult who booked the tour and cannot be left alone on board.

You should be comfortable with a full day on a boat. The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, heart problems, epilepsy, or anyone over 275 pounds, or 125 kilograms. Pregnant people over seven months cannot join.

This is not a good match if you need a full lunch, dislike open-water travel, or want a highly guided cultural tour. There is no promise of a proper meal, formal beach commentary, or a long land visit.

What to bring for a better day

Pack lightly, but do not arrive unprepared. The sun reflects strongly off the water, and you will spend hours outdoors.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• A towel
• Sunscreen
• A hat
• Food if snacks and fruit will not be enough
• Any personal motion-sickness medication you normally use

Food cannot be warmed on board, so choose sandwiches, fruit, or other ready-to-eat items. The included drinks cover soft drinks and beer, but do not assume they replace plenty of water for a hot day.

Smoking is allowed only in permitted areas because of fuel and flammable items on board. Pets are not allowed. Guns and drugs are prohibited, and the captain can limit alcohol for safety.

What the high rating means in practical terms

The strongest part of this experience is the combination of water time and simple service. The boat pauses at two spots where you can swim among fish, snorkel, paddleboard, or cool off. The captain provides snacks and drinks, which keeps the day easy and informal.

That praise should be read with the right expectations. You are not buying a luxury meal or a private yacht by default. You are buying access to a well-planned day on the water, with the two best beach stops doing most of the visual work.

The small group is another major benefit. A limit of nine people gives the captain a better chance to keep an eye on the group and answer questions. It also means less competition for the paddleboard and more room to relax, though the exact feel depends on how many people book that day.

Booking and cancellation details

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, which helps if your Ibiza plans are still shifting.

Starting times should be checked when you select your date, although the stated schedule begins at 11 a.m. and returns at about 6:30 p.m. Make sure you can reach Cala Jondal in time for the captain’s departure. The activity ends back at the same Es Xarcu pier.

Should you book this Ibiza to Formentera sail?

Book it if you want a full day built around clear water, two famous beaches, and relaxed sailing rather than a simple transport service. The included paddleboard, snorkel gear, fruit, drinks, and small group help explain the $193 price.

Skip it if you need a full meal, have mobility or medical limitations listed above, or prefer to spend most of your day on land. For the right kind of beach lover, this is a nicely focused island outing: two strong stops, plenty of swimming time, and a captain-led boat ride that keeps the day easy.

FAQ

Where does the sailing tour start?

It starts at the stone pier of the Es Xarcu restaurant in Cala Jondal, near the Tropicana Restaurant. The activity ends at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour begin and end?

The stated departure is 11 a.m., and the boat returns to Cala Jondal at about 6:30 p.m. Check availability for the exact starting time on your chosen date.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts about seven and a half hours.

How many people can join the tour?

The small-group tour allows up to nine people. A private option is also available.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards included?

Yes. Snorkel equipment and a paddleboard are included.

What food and drinks are provided?

The tour provides a salty snack, fresh fruit, soft drinks, and beer. The salty snack is not a full meal, and you can bring your own ready-to-eat food. Food cannot be warmed on board.

Which beaches does the boat visit?

The tour visits Playa de Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador. You have about two hours at each beach.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

Children under two are not considered suitable for the activity. Babies sit on their parents’ legs while the boat is moving, and minors remain under the responsibility of their parent, tutor, or accompanying adult.

Can I cancel and receive a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.