Sailing in Formentera, virgin and natural beaches

The best part of this day is the freedom to reach Formentera’s clear-water beaches by boat, rather than spending the day tied to one beach or road route. You can practice at the helm, stop for swimming and snorkeling, and use the small motorboat to reach shore.

I like the private format for up to 11 people and the useful kit included in the price: three paddleboards, snorkeling gear, an auxiliary boat, cookware, inflatables, insurance, and a drone for photos and video. The main drawback is the price, which makes the most sense when shared by a full group, and the exact route can depend on weather and sea conditions.

Key points

• Three major stops: Formentera, S’Espalmador, and Playa de Ses Illetes.
• Hands-on sailing: You can practice at the helm during the day.
• Water equipment included: Three paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and inflatable toys are provided.
• Private group setting: The boat is reserved for your party, with capacity for up to 11 people.
• A practical shore transfer: An auxiliary motorboat helps you reach beaches that are not easy to access directly from the sailboat.
• A scenic finish: The return includes views toward Es Vedrà, with sunset timing depending on the day’s schedule.

A full day on the water from Ibiza

This is not simply a boat ride around Ibiza. The day is built around the waters between Ibiza and Formentera, with time for swimming, paddleboarding, snorkeling, beach visits, and sailing.

You depart from the Ibiza area at 10:30 a.m. and spend roughly eight hours on the water. The trip is private, so you are not sharing the boat with a random crowd. That matters on a long day at sea. You can choose a quieter corner of the boat, decide how much time to spend in the water, and keep the mood suited to your own group.

The route includes Formentera, S’Espalmador, and Playa de Ses Illetes. These places are close enough to combine in one day, but each offers a different feel. Some stops are about natural surroundings and swimming. Others are more social, with restaurants, beach activity, and the possibility of seeing the polished side of the Balearic Islands.

You can also practice steering under the crew’s guidance. That small feature changes the feel of the trip. You are not only sitting back while someone else handles the boat, although you can certainly do that for most of the day if you prefer.

Formentera by sail, not by road

Formentera is famous for pale sand, clear water, and beaches that look their best from the sea. Reaching the island by boat gives you a different view from arriving by ferry or driving across the island.

From the deck, you can see the shoreline before deciding where to swim or go ashore. The water is the main attraction here, and the included snorkeling equipment lets you make use of it without arranging extra gear.

I would treat the Formentera stop as the broad outline of the day rather than one fixed beach visit. The supplied plan names the island as a stop, then gives more specific time to S’Espalmador and Ses Illetes. The captain may adjust the order or length of each stop based on conditions.

The sailing portion also gives you breathing room between beach visits. Eight hours can feel long if every minute is packed with activity, but the boat creates natural pauses. You can sit in the sun, watch the coast, or have a simple meal aboard using the included cookware and gas.

One practical point: the price is listed per group, not per person. At $1,320.26 for up to 11 people, a full group pays about $120 per person before any tip. With six people, the cost is about $220 each. With only two or three people, it becomes a much more expensive private day. The value improves sharply when you fill most of the available places.

S’Espalmador, a boat-access island

S’Espalmador is the most unusual stop on the route. It is an island between Ibiza and Formentera and is accessible only by boat, according to the tour details. That makes the auxiliary motorboat useful, since it can take you from the sailing boat toward the beach.

This stop is best for a quiet swim, a look at natural shoreline, and time away from the busier parts of the Balearic Islands. It is also the place where you should keep your expectations practical. The island is natural, not a developed beach resort with a long list of facilities.

The included paddleboards are particularly useful here. Three boards are provided, so several people can get on the water without waiting for one board to come free. Snorkeling gear is included too, although underwater visibility and marine life will vary with weather, sea conditions, and the exact anchorage.

The auxiliary boat is more than a nice extra. A sailing boat cannot always settle directly at the sand, and the small motorboat lets you get closer to shore. It also means you do not need to swim all the way from the main boat if you want to visit the beach.

If you are bringing children or anyone who is not a strong swimmer, keep the shore transfer in mind and follow the crew’s instructions. The experience is designed for most people, but it remains a day on the sea, not a walk-up beach outing.

Ses Illetes, the famous beach stop

Playa de Ses Illetes is the best-known beach on this route. It has the bright water and pale sand that make Formentera popular, but it also has restaurants, tourism, and a more public atmosphere than S’Espalmador.

This contrast is one of the strengths of the day. You get a natural stop and a famous beach in the same outing. At Ses Illetes, you can swim, paddleboard, relax aboard the boat, or head toward shore using the auxiliary boat.

The beach is also linked with a more glamorous side of Formentera. Restaurants and celebrity sightings are part of its reputation, though the appeal is not limited to that. The water is the real reason to stop here.

I would plan this section around your group’s priorities. If you want a calm day, spend more time floating and swimming away from the shore activity. If you want a meal or a look at the social side of the island, Ses Illetes gives you that option, though restaurant costs are not included in the tour price.

The schedule does not specify a restaurant reservation or a meal package. Cookware and gas are included on the boat, so you have the option of preparing food aboard, but you should not assume that food or drinks are supplied.

Paddleboards, snorkeling, and the included extras

The comfort package is one of the better parts of this charter. It includes three paddleboards, snorkeling equipment, inflatable toys, cookware and gas, final cleaning, insurance, technical service in Ibiza, and the auxiliary motorboat.

These items reduce the number of extras you need to arrange. The three paddleboards are enough to make paddleboarding a real group activity rather than a quick turn for one person. The snorkeling kit makes spontaneous swims easy.

The inflatable toys add a more playful option for a group that does not want to paddle or snorkel the entire day. They are especially useful during the slower parts of the outing, when some people want activity and others want to remain on deck.

The drone is another distinctive feature. It is included to create videos and photographs of the group and the boat. You should confirm how the drone footage is delivered and what is included before departure, since the supplied details do not specify the number of clips, editing, or delivery method.

Cookware and gas give you flexibility with food. You can bring supplies and use the boat’s equipment, although the details do not state what food storage or refrigeration is available. Ask before the day begins if you are planning a full onboard meal.

A private boat changes the mood

A private charter suits people who want control over the day. You can set the tone yourself, from quiet sunbathing to a lively group outing with paddleboards and inflatables.

The group limit is 11 people. That is large enough for a family gathering, a group of friends, or a small celebration, while still keeping the boat reserved for people you know. The private setup also makes it easier to accommodate different energy levels. One person can steer, another can snorkel, and someone else can stay aboard with a book.

The boat has been described as clean, comfortable, and well equipped, and the package includes final cleaning and insurance. Diego is associated with especially warm and attentive service in the available feedback. If he is your skipper, you may find the day includes local stories and suggestions about coves and beaches. Skipper assignment should be confirmed at booking rather than assumed.

There is also evidence of strong overall satisfaction, with a 4.8 rating from 20 ratings and recommendation from 95 percent of customers. That is encouraging, but it should not replace practical questions about the exact boat, skipper, departure point, food arrangements, and drone footage.

Es Vedrà on the return

The advertised finish is a return with views toward Es Vedrà. This gives the day a final scenic chapter after the beach stops.

The exact sunset experience depends on the season, the sea, and the schedule. The posted operating hours are Monday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., while the experience is described as lasting about eight hours and including a sunset view. Those details do not always line up across every season, so I would confirm the expected return time before booking, especially if Es Vedrà at sunset is a major reason for choosing this trip.

Even if the sun is not setting during your return, the west-facing views can still be a pleasant close to the day. The point is less about a guaranteed cinematic moment and more about ending offshore, with Ibiza’s famous rock formation in view.

Who will get the most from this trip

This is a strong fit for a group that wants several things in one day: beach time, water sports, relaxed sailing, and a private setting. It works particularly well for friends who can share the fixed group cost.

You should like the trip if you enjoy being outside and want more than a ferry transfer. The ability to steer, paddleboard, snorkel, use inflatables, and move between beaches gives the day plenty of choice.

Families may appreciate the private format and auxiliary boat, although every person should be comfortable with a full day around the sea. The experience states that most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. It is near public transportation, but the precise meeting instructions should be confirmed after booking.

This may not be the right choice if you want a short, cheap boat ride, a guaranteed restaurant meal, or a tightly timed sightseeing schedule. It is also less attractive for a very small party because the group price becomes harder to justify.

Booking details worth checking first

The experience runs from the Ibiza meeting point at 07800 Ibiza, in the Balearic Islands, and returns to the same meeting point. A mobile ticket is accepted, and the experience is offered in English.

Confirmation is provided when you book. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund, and bad weather can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Before paying, I would ask four direct questions:

• Which boat will be used, and is a skipper included?
• Is Diego available for the date you want?
• What is included in the drone package, and how are files delivered?
• Will the schedule really include sunset views of Es Vedrà on your chosen date?

These questions are not signs of distrust. They simply clarify the parts of the experience that matter most to your group.

Is this Formentera sailing day worth booking?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the $1,320.26 cost and want a full private day rather than a basic transfer. The combination of S’Espalmador, Ses Illetes, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, a motorboat for shore access, and the chance to practice sailing gives you plenty to do.

I would be more cautious if only two or three people are going, or if you need a guaranteed sunset schedule and a fixed restaurant plan. For a well-sized group that values freedom, swimming, and time on the water, this is a practical way to see Formentera from a more personal angle.

FAQ

How long is the sailing experience?

The activity lasts approximately eight hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at 07800 Ibiza, in the Balearic Islands, Spain, and ends back at the meeting point.

What places are included in the route?

The route includes Formentera, S’Espalmador, and Playa de Ses Illetes.

Are paddleboarding and snorkeling included?

Yes. Three paddleboards and snorkeling equipment are included in the comfort package.

How many people can join the private boat?

The private activity is for your group only and can accommodate up to 11 people.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.