7 Hour Private Sailing Tour of Formentera Beaches

The real appeal here is simple: you get a private boat, two of Formentera’s best-known beach areas, and several hours to choose your own pace. Espalmador gives you clear water and room for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding, while Ses Illetes adds an easy second stop for beach time or a lazy afternoon aboard.

I like the private format, which lets your group set a relaxed mood rather than follow a crowded boat schedule. I also like that skipper Baldo is described as friendly, flexible, and willing to help arrange lunch on Formentera. The main catch is practical: food, drinks, and alcohol are not included, and the published stop times appear to add up to more than the stated seven-hour duration, so confirm the day’s timing before you go.

Key points to know before booking

• Two major Formentera stops: Spend time at S’Espalmador and Playa de Ses Illetes, with swimming and beach access at both.
• Water gear is included: You get snorkeling equipment, a two-person kayak, two paddle surf boards, ice, and fuel.
• A private boat changes the mood: Only your group takes part, making this a good fit for families and friends who want flexibility.
• The skipper makes weather calls: Baldo may choose the east or west side of each island area for safer sailing conditions.
• Bring your own provisions: Lunch, brunch, soft drinks, and alcohol are not included.
• The trip starts at 11 a.m.: Meet at Beso Beach Ibiza in the Ses Salines area and return there at the end.

Why a private sail from Ibiza works so well

This is not mainly a sightseeing cruise where you sit in one place and watch the coast pass. It is a full day built around the water. You sail from Ibiza toward Formentera, anchor near attractive beaches, and decide how active you want to be.

That freedom matters. You can use the snorkeling gear, take out the kayak, try a paddleboard, swim, walk on the sand, or stay aboard with music and a drink. If your group includes both energetic swimmers and people who would rather sunbathe, the private setup keeps everyone happier.

The boat also gives you a better way to see the islands than a simple beach transfer. The trip out to S’Espalmador takes about an hour and 10 minutes, so part of the experience is the sailing itself. You get open water, changing views, and time to settle into the day before the first swim.

The price is listed at $154.88 per person. That is not a low-cost beach shuttle, but the comparison changes when you consider that the boat is private and includes several pieces of water equipment. For a group that would otherwise rent a boat, kayak, paddleboard, and snorkeling gear separately, the package can make good sense.

The value is strongest when several people share the booking. Group discounts are available, and a private tour means the cost is paying for your group’s time rather than a seat on a large shared boat. I would compare the final group price with the cost of a standard beach excursion before booking, but families and groups of friends should look closely at this option.

Leaving Beso Beach Ibiza at 11 a.m.

The meeting point is Beso Beach Ibiza, Platja de ses Salines, in the San Jorge de ses Salines area. The activity starts at 11 a.m. and finishes back at the same place.

That start time creates a useful rhythm. You are not rushing out at dawn, yet you still have most of the day ahead. You should arrive ready to board, with your personal belongings organized and your food and drinks packed. The tour includes ice, but it does not include provisions, so do not assume lunch or water will appear on the boat.

The meeting location is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying elsewhere on Ibiza and do not have your own car. The supplied details do not specify transfer service, so plan to reach Beso Beach independently unless the operator tells you otherwise.

The tour is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, and the activity states that most people can participate. Since this is a boat day with swimming and water sports, you should still ask the operator about any personal mobility needs before booking if that applies to you.

Sailing for about 70 minutes to S’Espalmador

Your first major stretch is the trip toward S’Espalmador. The stated sailing time is about one hour and 10 minutes. That is long enough to make the crossing part of the day, not just a short ride between docks.

S’Espalmador is known here for clear water and a calm, flexible stop. Once anchored, you can swim, snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, walk on the beach, or simply enjoy the setting from the boat. You are not locked into one activity, which is especially useful for a mixed group.

The equipment included is practical rather than decorative. There is snorkeling equipment, one kayak for two people, and two paddle surf boards. If several people want the same item at once, you may need to take turns. The boat is private, but the gear is still shared within your group.

The stop is listed as three hours, giving you enough time to try more than one activity. You might begin with a swim, use a board for a while, then spend the final stretch relaxing on deck. Or you can skip the water sports entirely and treat S’Espalmador as a quiet beach stop.

Weather affects the exact location. The skipper may choose the east or west side of the island for safety. This means you should think of S’Espalmador as the destination area rather than demand one fixed anchorage. Wind and sea conditions can change the plan, and letting the skipper choose the safer side is a sensible part of a private sailing day.

One caution: the supplied schedule lists three hours at S’Espalmador, followed by a 20-minute trip to the next stop and another three-hour stop at Ses Illetes. Along with the 70-minute outward sail, those figures exceed seven hours. The tour is described as approximately seven hours, so treat the stop lengths as estimates and confirm the actual schedule with Monkey Sailing.

The short hop to Playa de Ses Illetes

The second stop is Playa de Ses Illetes, reached after about 20 minutes of sailing. This makes a good contrast with the first stop because you have already had time to settle into the boat and try the equipment.

At Ses Illetes, you can go ashore, snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, swim, or stay aboard with music, food, and your own drink. The stop is listed as three hours, which gives you plenty of room to set your own pace instead of rushing from one activity to another.

For many people, this will be the easygoing part of the afternoon. You can use the beach as your main focus, then return to the boat when you want shade, a seat, or a quieter place to relax. Since the tour is private, your group can decide how much time to spend in the water and how much time to spend doing nothing.

Again, the skipper chooses the east or west side according to conditions. You may not get the exact side you pictured, but this is a useful safety decision, not a weakness in the experience. On a boat, a good captain pays attention to wind and water before sticking to a rigid plan.

You should also remember that the beach stop does not include lunch. If you want a meal on Formentera, bring your own food or ask Baldo in advance about arranging lunch. His flexibility and help with lunch planning are useful, but the meal itself is not part of the stated package.

What is included, and what should you bring?

The included equipment gives this tour more value than a basic sailing trip. You receive:

• Snorkeling equipment
• A kayak for two people
• Two paddle surf boards
• Ice
• Fuel

The list covers the main water activities named for both stops. You do not need to arrange separate rentals for a mask and snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard.

The boat has ice, but no food or drinks are included. Lunch, brunch, and alcoholic beverages are specifically excluded. Pack what you want to eat and drink, or speak with the skipper about lunch arrangements before the day begins.

The supplied details do not list towels, so ask before assuming they are provided. The same applies to any special equipment not named above. A little preparation will make the day smoother: bring the personal items you need for a beach and boat outing, and keep valuables to a minimum.

Music is part of the relaxed onboard atmosphere, but the details do not specify whether a sound system or connection is supplied. If music matters to your group, ask what is available rather than relying on an assumption.

Baldo’s role in the day

A private boat experience depends heavily on the skipper. Here, Baldo is the named captain associated with the tour. His role is more than steering between Ibiza and Formentera. He also decides which side of the islands to visit based on weather and can help with practical plans such as lunch.

That flexibility is important. A rigid route can be uncomfortable when wind conditions change. A skipper who can adjust the east or west anchorage gives the day a better chance of staying safe and pleasant.

The tone described for Baldo is friendly and relaxed, which suits this type of trip. One family-focused account highlights the easy atmosphere he created, while another points to clear communication and help arranging lunch. Those details suggest you should speak up about what your group wants: more swimming, more beach time, a slower pace, or help planning food.

Do not expect a formal lecture-heavy tour. The supplied information presents this as a personal sailing day centered on time together, water activities, and flexible stops. If you want a detailed historical tour of Formentera, this may not be the right product. If you want a skipper who helps shape a comfortable day on the water, it fits better.

Who will get the most from this boat trip?

This tour is a strong match for families, couples, and groups of friends who want private time on the water. A family can split up between swimming, paddleboarding, and relaxing aboard without worrying about keeping pace with strangers.

It also suits people who want a social day without committing to a party boat. You can play music, share food you bring, and enjoy a more personal setting. The private format is especially useful for groups with different ideas about how active the day should be.

People who love water sports will appreciate the range of gear. You can move between snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding instead of paying for one activity at a time. People who prefer a quiet day can use the same boat as a floating base and spend more time sitting, swimming, or walking on the beach.

This is less suitable if you want every meal and drink handled for you. It also may not suit someone who dislikes weather-based changes, since the skipper may shift the anchorage for safety. The route is built around the sea, so the exact feel of the day depends on conditions.

Booking timing, cancellation, and weather

The experience is often booked about 30 days ahead, so I would not leave a preferred date until the last minute, especially if your group needs a particular day.

Confirmation is provided when you book. The activity offers free cancellation if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded.

Good weather is required. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy is reassuring, but it also makes clear that the sea, not the timetable, has the final say.

My take on the value

At $154.88 per person, this is a mid-to-high priced day on the water, but the private arrangement is the key. You are not just purchasing transport to Formentera. You are paying for a skipper, a boat reserved for your group, two beach areas, several hours at anchor, and a set of useful water toys.

The value improves when you have enough people to share the cost and actually use the equipment. If your group will swim, kayak, paddleboard, and spend most of the day aboard, the package offers a full experience. If you only want a quick ride and one swim, a cheaper shared outing may be better.

The strongest points are the relaxed private setting, Baldo’s flexible approach, and the chance to shape the day around your group. The main weaknesses are the extra planning required for food and drinks, the weather dependence, and the unclear relationship between the listed stop durations and the approximate seven-hour total.

Should you book the Formentera private sail?

Book it if you want a private day from Ibiza with time for swimming, beach stops, and several water activities. It is particularly appealing for families and friend groups who value personal space and want a skipper who can adjust the plan.

Before paying, confirm the boat capacity, the expected timing, and what is supplied beyond the listed equipment. Pack your own food and drinks, and ask about lunch if you prefer not to prepare it yourself.

I would choose this tour for a group that wants a relaxed, flexible day rather than a fixed sightseeing schedule. I would skip it only if you need an all-inclusive outing, a guaranteed exact route, or a fully defined seven-hour timetable.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at Beso Beach Ibiza, Platja de ses Salines, in San Jorge de ses Salines. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the sailing tour start?

The scheduled start time is 11 a.m.

Which places does the tour visit?

The tour visits S’Espalmador first and Playa de Ses Illetes second. The skipper may choose the east or west side of each area depending on weather conditions.

Is food or alcohol included?

No. Lunch, brunch, and alcoholic beverages are not included, and no food or drinks are provided as part of the stated package.

What water equipment is provided?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, a kayak for two people, two paddle surf boards, ice, and fuel.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.