Ibiza & Formentera Private Full-Day Sailing Tour

The best part of this private sailing day is the freedom to shape it as you go. You can swim off Ibiza’s south coast, snorkel near Ses Salines, paddle around Espalmador, and spend time at Formentera’s famous Ses Illetes beach, all without sharing the boat with strangers. The private setting is especially useful for birthdays, anniversaries, proposals, and groups that want a relaxed pace.

I like the personal service and the simple water gear included: snorkeling equipment, two paddleboards, and a restroom. Captains including Carlota, Agustin, Victoria, Thomas, Julien, and German have been praised for adjusting the route and helping with lunch plans. The main drawback is time. Sailing to Formentera can take close to two hours, leaving less beach time than some people expect. This is a sailing trip first, not a fast ferry ride.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to seven: Your group has the 35-foot boat to itself, with a skipper and a flexible route.
• Cala Jondal start: The trip begins at Tropicana Eivissa in Cala Jondal, a scenic bay on Ibiza’s south coast.
• Swimming and snorkeling stops: Ses Salines and Espalmador provide time in clear water with equipment supplied.
• Formentera lunch choice: You can go ashore at Ses Illetes for lunch or eat on board, but lunch is not included.
• Sailing takes time: The passage to Formentera may last around two hours, so plan for a generous day on the water.
• Strong overall reception with one serious caution: The experience has a 5 out of 5 rating from 377 reviews and is recommended by 99 percent of customers, but one report raised major concerns about a delayed pickup, a separate transfer boat, and missing life jackets.

Setting sail from Cala Jondal

Your day starts at Tropicana Eivissa in Cala Jondal, on Ibiza’s southern coast. The bay is known for clear water, rocky edges, and a polished beach-club setting, so you begin with good coastal views before the boat even gets moving.

The boat is a 35-foot sailing vessel. That is large enough for a private group of up to seven, yet small enough for the captain to keep the mood informal. You are not joining a packed sightseeing cruise with a fixed script. You can talk with the skipper, ask about the island, and request changes when conditions and timing allow.

The first listed stop at Platja des Jondal is brief, about ten minutes, and works more as the launch point than a full beach visit. Bring your phone or camera for the opening views, but remember that an entire day around salt water is hard on electronics.

Ibiza’s south coast, from Codolar to Ses Salines

From Cala Jondal, the route follows the southern coast toward Playa des Codolar. This is a scenic stretch of rocky coves, cliffs, and small inlets that are easier to appreciate from the water than from a road. The boat moves at a sailing pace, giving you time to watch the coastline change rather than simply racing to the next stop.

The scheduled time around Playa des Codolar is about an hour. You can relax on deck and enjoy the sea air, though conditions may affect how much time you actually spend sailing with the sails up. The skipper controls the route and speed, so the day depends partly on wind, sea conditions, and the group’s wishes.

Next comes a secluded cove in the Ses Salines Natural Park area. The boat drops anchor for about an hour, and this is one of the strongest parts of the day if you want to swim and snorkel. The supplied equipment means you do not need to pack your own mask and snorkel, although bringing personal gear is sensible if fit and comfort matter to you.

The water around this section is promoted for its clear visibility and fish life. You can swim from the boat instead of walking onto a busy beach, which gives the stop a quieter feel. If you are not comfortable in open water, ask the skipper about the safest place to enter and stay close to the boat.

Espalmador and the best water time

The boat then heads toward S’Espalmador, a protected island between Ibiza and Formentera. The scheduled stop lasts about one hour and 50 minutes, giving you a proper block of time for water activities rather than a quick photo stop.

Two paddleboards are included. That matters for a private party, but remember that only two people can use them at once. You can take turns paddling near the boat, then use the remaining time for swimming and snorkeling.

S’Espalmador is a natural reserve, so the appeal is its open water and unbuilt setting. Do not expect shops, a full beach-club service, or a long list of facilities here. Pack sun protection, water, and anything you need to stay comfortable between swims.

I would treat this as the day’s main activity stop. If your group cares most about snorkeling, paddleboarding, and time in the water, tell the captain early. If your priority is reaching Formentera quickly, you may prefer a shorter stop here.

Reaching Ses Illetes in Formentera

The trip continues to Playa de Ses Illetes, one of Formentera’s best-known beaches. The scheduled time is about two hours, which gives you a meaningful visit but not an unlimited one. White sand and clear water make this the most recognizable beach stop of the day.

You have two choices at Ses Illetes. You can go ashore for lunch and a walk along the beach, or stay on board and eat while looking toward the shore. Lunch is not included, so budget separately for food. The captain or company may help with restaurant arrangements, and German received particular praise for arranging lunch, but you should confirm the plan before departure.

Going ashore adds a practical wrinkle. The main boat may not pull directly onto the beach, so any transfer arrangements should be clarified in advance. One serious complaint described a separate dinghy transfer that capsized in choppy water and reportedly had no life jackets. The company’s response said the transfer was operated by the restaurant and that the matter was being investigated. This appears to be an isolated account among many positive experiences, but it is still important enough to ask about the exact transfer method and safety equipment before you leave the boat.

If your group is happy to eat on board, you avoid that extra transfer and keep the day simpler. If lunch on the island is part of your dream, confirm the restaurant, transfer, timing, and return plan directly with the operator.

The long sail back to Ibiza

The return to Cala Jondal takes about one hour and 30 minutes in the planned schedule. This is not dead time. You can lie back on deck, watch the coast recede, and enjoy a quieter stretch after the swimming and beach stop.

Some captains have added a sunset return when timing and weather permitted. One family group finished a wedding week with sunset views from the boat, while another party described sailing back after exploring Formentera’s caves. Sunset is not guaranteed by the standard route, so ask about departure time if that matters to you.

A sailing boat is slower than a ferry. That is the central tradeoff here. You get a more personal day with swimming stops and coastal views, but you give up some time on Formentera. One person specifically found the two-hour passage longer than expected and wished for more beach time. I would not book this if your only goal is to maximize time ashore.

What the skipper adds to the day

The skipper can make or break a private boat trip. The strongest pattern in the feedback is personal attention. Carlota was praised for friendliness, Thomas for making a group feel comfortable, Victoria for customizing the day, Agustin for local suggestions, and Julien for attentive service.

Several captains have also explained how the sailboat works and allowed people to try sailing under supervision. That can turn a passive boat ride into a hands-on experience, especially for a group curious about sailing rather than just sunbathing.

You should speak up about what you want. Tell the skipper if you prefer quiet coves, longer swims, paddleboarding, snorkeling, a beach lunch, or simply more time under sail. The itinerary gives the captain a framework, but the private format is most valuable when you use that flexibility.

The crew has also handled mixed needs well in several accounts, including sea sickness. Thomas was praised for patiently helping family members who felt ill at the start. Still, bring any personal remedies you normally use, since an eight-hour day on a moving boat can test even experienced sailors.

Price and value for a private group

The listed price is $943.68 per group of up to seven. That sounds high beside a shared boat trip, but the calculation changes when you divide it among a full party. At seven people, the cost is about $135 per person before lunch and drinks. A smaller group pays more per person, but receives more space and control.

The price includes the skipper, fuel surcharge, snorkeling equipment, two paddleboards, and a restroom. Alcoholic drinks and lunch cost extra. Since the boat is private, you are also paying for the ability to set the mood and adjust the route, not just for transport between Ibiza and Formentera.

Bring your own food and nonalcoholic drinks unless you have arranged something else. One report noted that a refrigerator was broken and ice was not available nearby, creating a problem on a hot day. I would confirm the cooler situation before departure and avoid assuming that onboard storage will keep drinks cold.

For a birthday or anniversary, the private price can be reasonable because the boat becomes the venue. For a couple seeking the cheapest way to reach Formentera, the ferry will likely make more financial sense and provide more time on the island.

Who will enjoy this sailing day

This experience suits you best if you want a full day outdoors and enjoy mixing activities. It works particularly well for families with older children, groups of friends, couples celebrating something, and anyone who prefers a personal skipper to a fixed group excursion.

The boat offers swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, beach time, and sailing in one day. You can also ask for restaurant advice, coastal suggestions, and help with planning a special occasion. The language offered is English, and most people can participate.

I would think twice if you have very young children, are uncomfortable in open water, or dislike long periods at sea. One person specifically felt it was not ideal for small children. Sea sickness is another consideration, even though a captain helped one affected group manage it.

The schedule is also not ideal for someone who wants a slow Formentera beach holiday. You will spend a substantial part of the day moving between islands. That is the price of seeing several coastal areas in one outing.

Practical details before you go

The meeting point is Tropicana Eivissa, Cala Jondal, s/n, 07830 Sant Josep de sa Talaia. The activity ends at the same place. The area is near public transportation, and confirmation is sent when you book.

Wear a swimsuit, bring sun protection, and pack a light layer for the return sail. Use a waterproof pouch for phones and sunglasses. If you choose lunch ashore, ask exactly how you will reach the beach and how you will return to the boat.

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted.

Should you book it?

Book this private Ibiza and Formentera sailing day if you value personal service, swimming stops, a flexible route, and time on the water more than maximum beach time. A full group of seven gets the best value, especially for a birthday, anniversary, or relaxed day with friends.

Skip it if you want a quick, inexpensive crossing to Formentera. The ferry is simpler for that purpose. If you do book, confirm the departure point, cooler arrangements, lunch plan, and any transfer from the boat to Ses Illetes. With those details settled, this is a strong choice for a private Mediterranean day that combines Ibiza’s rocky coast, protected coves, Espalmador, and Formentera in one outing.

FAQ

How long is the sailing tour?

The experience lasts about eight hours, including the sailing time and stops around Ibiza, Espalmador, and Formentera.

How many people can join the private boat?

The private tour is for up to seven people. Only your group participates.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and ends at Tropicana Eivissa in Cala Jondal, Ibiza.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You can eat on Formentera at Ses Illetes or have lunch on board.

Are drinks included?

Alcoholic beverages are not included. The provided information does not state that drinks are supplied.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are paddleboards available?

Yes. Two paddle surf boards are provided for use during the tour.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If bad weather causes a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Can I cancel the tour?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the experience begins. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted.