Formentera looks better from a sailboat. This classic day cruise from Ibiza is run with real warmth by Alberto and Irene, and it pairs easy sailing with two serious water breaks: Espalmador for swimming and Ses Illetes for beach time. I like that the experience feels private and unhurried, not like a rushed day of checkboxes.

You’ll love the water toys that are actually included: snorkeling gear and a stand-up paddleboard, plus snacks and drinks onboard. It’s the kind of setup where you can float, swim, and explore without stopping to buy extras.

One thing to consider: the tour is weather- and sea-condition dependent, and there’s no lunch or towel included. If you show up unprepared, the day can feel shorter than you want.

Key things to know before you go

Private Espalmador Island swim: a calmer break in crystalline water, close to Formentera.

Ses Illetes beach time on your terms: get ashore, then choose walking, snorkeling, or paddleboarding.

Snorkeling + stand-up paddleboard included: gear is part of the package, not an add-on.

Small, private-group feel (up to 11): more hands-on hosting and less crowd energy.

Onboard comfort basics covered: drinks, snacks, water, toilet, and onboard music via speaker/Spotify.

Meeting at Cala Jondal: how to start the day smoothly

Your day begins at Cala Jondal in Ibiza, at the beach in front of Tropicana. Plan to arrive a bit early so you can park, find the group, and settle in before departure.

Parking near the embarkation point can be tricky. The hosts share a car-park suggestion in advance, and I’d take that seriously—use their recommended parking area so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.

Sailing to Formentera: what the boat day feels like

The ride from Ibiza to Formentera is about an hour on the water. That means you get real sea time right away, without losing most of the day sitting in a bus.

This is a classic sailboat experience, and you’ll feel it in the pace. Music is handled onboard through a speaker with Spotify, and with a skipper on board you can relax into the rhythm of sailing rather than worrying about logistics.

Also, because it’s a private group, the trip doesn’t feel like you’re sharing the boat with a big crowd. It’s small enough that the hosting style from Alberto and Irene tends to show up in how the day runs.

Espalmador Island swim stop: private water time that feels different

Espalmador Island sits just adjacent to Formentera, and it’s privately owned—meaning you’re not dealing with the same crowd pressure you might see elsewhere in the area. After sailing over, you’ll get a chance to swim in crystal-clear water.

Here’s the best way to use this stop: don’t treat it only as a quick dip. Even if you’re tempted to go straight for a snorkel, give yourself a minute to look around first. The water visibility is part of why this stop is so special.

You’ll also have onboard options depending on what you want to do that moment. The tour includes snorkeling gear and the stand-up paddleboard, so you can switch between calm floating, active exploring, and photos from the boat if you prefer.

One practical note: the itinerary includes a dinghy to go to shore, so you’ll be hopping from boat to smaller transport for beach access. If you prefer a fully step-off-and-go setup, you should be aware you’ll have that transfer.

Ses Illetes beach on Formentera: sand, swims, and a choose-your-own-adventure shoreline

Ses Illetes is the main beach moment, and it’s the one most people picture when they think Formentera. Once you head ashore, you can relax on the white sand and enjoy the water right there.

This stop is also designed for flexibility. You can keep it simple—walk around, swim, and hang out—or you can take the snorkeling equipment out for a closer look at the coastline. The stand-up paddleboard is included too, so you’re not limited to just one kind of water time.

If you like your beach time with a plan, do this: pick your first activity (swim or snorkel), then switch to something slower (a stroll or paddle) once you’ve warmed up. With a 7-hour overall day, you’ll feel better if you pace yourself instead of trying to do everything in one go.

The dinghy-and-shore setup also means you’ll be able to come back and regroup, which helps if you’re traveling with mixed comfort levels in the group.

Snorkeling gear and stand-up paddleboards: the real value of the inclusions

This is one of the biggest reasons the day works so well. You’re not just watching the coast; you’ve got gear that lets you interact with it.

You get snorkeling equipment and a stand-up paddleboard as part of the tour. That matters because Formentera’s coast is often a “you’ll wish you had brought the right gear” kind of destination. Here, it’s handled for you.

Onboard, you also get snacks and drinks, plus water. So your “gear time” doesn’t turn into “stop time.” You can snack, hydrate, and get back to the water without turning the day into a series of small detours.

What’s included onboard (and what you’ll need to cover yourself)

Included:

• Skipper and sailboat tour
• Drinks, snacks, and water
• Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboard
• Dinghy to go to the shore
• Speaker with Spotify
• Toilet onboard

Not included:

• Lunch
• Towel
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

This is a smart split. The included food is enough for snacks and an easy sailing day, but you should eat beforehand if you want a real sit-down lunch experience later. Since lunch isn’t included, plan for the day to be light-meal style: snack on the boat, then decide if you want to eat on Formentera after the tour ends.

And yes, bring your own towel. Also bring swimwear and sunscreen—this is sun-and-water territory.

Price and group size: does $1,472 per group make sense?

The price is $1,472 per group, for up to 11 people, for a total duration of 7 hours. That’s a group-based rate, so the value changes depending on how full your group is.

If the boat fills to the full capacity of 11, you’re looking at roughly $134 per person. If you’re traveling with fewer people, your per-person cost rises—but you still get a lot for what you pay: the boat, skipper, fuel, water, drinks, snacks, and the snorkeling/SUP setup.

The best angle here is to think less about the headline price and more about what it replaces. This isn’t just transport—it’s a hosted sea day with included water gear and beach access via dinghy.

Practical tips that keep the day from getting annoying

Bring what you’re told to bring, and you’ll stay comfortable:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• ID card (a copy is accepted)

For logistics, keep this in mind:

• Hotel pickup is not included, so you’ll need to get to Cala Jondal yourself.
• Parking near the meeting point can be difficult, so follow the hosts’ parking suggestion.
• The day runs only with favorable weather and sea conditions, so if you’re booking, choose dates you can be flexible about.

Also, if you’re the kind of person who hates getting sunburned, plan your sunscreen timing. This is a sea day where you can get burned even if you feel cool at first from the breeze.

One last small tip: keep your phone ready for quick photos, but don’t treat every moment like a photo shoot. The water time is why you came.

Who should book this Formentera sailing day from Ibiza?

This tour is a great match if you want:

• A classic sailboat day, not a party-speed boat
• Included snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding
• Real beach time at Ses Illetes
• A private, up-to-11 group feel with hands-on hosting

It’s less ideal if you want:

• A full lunch included
• A long, all-day beach marathon with no schedule
• A trip that runs no matter the sea conditions (because it is subject to weather and sea state)

If you’re traveling with friends, it can also be a strong choice since the group rate can make the math feel friendlier—especially if everyone pulls together and makes the meeting point on time.

Should you book Mas Que Nada Sailing to Formentera?

I’d book this if your idea of a perfect Ibiza day is: sailing out, swimming somewhere special, then anchoring at Ses Illetes with enough time to actually enjoy it. Alberto and Irene’s hosting comes through in the way the trip is set up—water time first, equipment included, and no need to scramble for snacks or extras.

Skip it only if you know you won’t like dinghy-and-shore transfers, you need hotel pickup, or you’re counting on lunch being provided. Otherwise, this is a straightforward, good-value way to see Formentera from the water with Espalmador and Ses Illetes as the two anchor stops.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the tour in Ibiza?

Meet at Cala Jondal on the beach in front of Tropicana.

How long is the sailing tour to Formentera?

The tour lasts 7 hours, and you return to Ibiza in the late afternoon.

What’s included for water activities?

Snorkeling equipment and a stand-up paddleboard are included, along with drinks, snacks, and water.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is lunch included, and do I need to bring a towel?

Lunch is not included, and you should bring your own towel. Snacks and drinks are provided onboard.

Does the tour run in any weather?

The activity depends on favorable weather and sea conditions.

What languages does the live guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks Spanish, English, and Italian.