A private sail across the Pitiuses feels like you found the cheat code. This full-day charter pairs a skipper with a classic Beneteau sailboat so you can hop to S’Espalmador and Formentera’s best beach spots with time to actually swim, snorkel, and paddle board.

I like that it’s truly private for your group (up to 7), so the route can match what you want—easy beach time, more time at anchor, or a relaxed day with fewer rules. I also love the onboard setup: fridge, oven, hot-water bathroom, and gear like snorkel kits and paddle boards ready to use.

One consideration: the day runs on the water and the wind. If conditions don’t cooperate, sailing can slow down and the water activities may be limited, especially around the timing at Formentera.

Key Things I’d Focus on Before You Book

• Up to 7 people on a Beneteau Oceanis 311 Clipper means real space to spread out and hang at anchor
• S’Espalmador + Playa de Ses Illetes are built into the schedule with admission tickets listed as free
• Snorkel gear and paddle boards are included, so you don’t need to rent anything once you’re on the boat
• Mooring in Ibiza town (Club Náutico Ibiza) keeps logistics simple for getting there and back
• Skipper mandatory (paid separately in cash) gives you confidence and takes the navigation stress off you

Private Ibiza and Formentera Charter Cruise: What the Day Feels Like

This is a full-day private sail where your main job is to look up, look around, and decide how long you want to stay out in the sun. You leave Ibiza town by boat, spend the day in the Formentera side of the Mediterranean, and come back the same day—no packing and unpacking, no ferry lines, and no “everyone back on board right now” panic every hour.

You’re not stuck staring at the same shoreline from far away. The point here is to reach spots that are best enjoyed from the water: sandy shallows, bays you can anchor near, and places where you can jump in, snorkel, and paddle board at your own pace.

A private charter also changes the vibe. Even if you’re traveling with family or friends, you’re not sharing the boat experience with strangers. And because the skipper leads, you’re free to focus on the fun part instead of routing and timing.

The Boat (Beneteau Oceanis 311 Clipper) and Why It Matters

The sailboat is a Beneteau Oceanis 311 Clipper (2004), moored at Club Náutico Ibiza. That sounds like a detail, but it affects your comfort.

On board, you get:

• 2 double cabins plus a convertible lounge
• a bathroom with hot water
• a kitchen with fridge and oven
• a CD-USB radio with deck speakers

For a day charter, you might not use the cabins much, but you will appreciate the layout when you’re switching between lounging areas, shade, and fresh air on deck. The bathroom with hot water is also a small thing that becomes a big thing when you’ve been swimming.

You also get a dinghy (small tender) equipped with a 3Hp electric outboard. That’s the practical link between “anchored in a pretty spot” and “actually on the beach.” Electric power tends to be calmer for everyone around you.

One more practical point: this is a sailboat, not a motor yacht. If the wind is working, you’ll get more sailing. If it isn’t, you’ll still move safely—but expect more time under power and more motion at sea when the weather is choppy.

The 10:00 Start From Ibiza Town: Your Day’s Pace and Flow

The meeting point is on Avinguda de Santa Eulària des Riu, 1006, in Ibiza town, with a 10:00am start. The day ends back at the same meeting point.

Starting from Ibiza town is one of those quiet wins. You’re not spending your morning crossing the island or transferring between multiple bus and port steps. You’re at the harbor side, close to where the sailboat is moored, so the day feels like it begins immediately.

From there, the day is planned around sailing time and swim time, with a route flexible enough to fit preferences—sun seekers can prioritize beach and water time, while others might enjoy more quiet anchors and fewer hops.

Stop 1: Ibiza Boat-Charter Segment (Sailing to Hidden Corners)

This portion sets the tone. The goal isn’t just to reach Formentera. It’s to enjoy the sailing itself and take the day through the quieter, less predictable areas around the Pitiusa Islands.

In plain terms, this segment is where you get the magic feeling: moving on your own boat, leaving the busy crowd rhythm behind, and finding where the water is clear and calm enough to stop.

The operator also emphasizes that you can choose the route based on what you like—sandy beaches versus more “virgin and unexplored” corners. You’ll feel the difference between a route that’s optimized for photos versus one optimized for time in the water. This one leans toward the second, which matters because the best part of these islands is often what you experience when you’re actually in the bay.

Also note the group size rule: the day charter maximum is 7 passengers. So if your group is larger, you’ll want to plan for a different setup.

Stop 2: S’Espalmador (Natural Park Time for Clear-Water Swimming)

S’Espalmador is listed as about 2 hours, and admission is marked free. It’s a small island and natural park, and it tends to be a strong choice for people who want a classic “white-sand, swim from the boat” moment.

Why this stop works:

• You get anchored water time that feels removed from the day-trip bustle.
• It’s a good place to use included snorkel gear and get comfortable with your water routine.
• Two hours is long enough to swim, rinse off, and still have time to enjoy the boat again afterward.

The only drawback to keep in mind is the same one that affects every island day: wind and sea conditions can change what’s practical. If the water is too rough, you may have to shorten swim time or skip paddle boards.

Stop 3: Playa de Ses Illetes (Formentera’s Famous Beach, Built for Water Time)

Playa de Ses Illetes is the best-known beach in Formentera, and it’s scheduled for about 2 hours with admission listed as free.

This is where the itinerary leans into one of Formentera’s biggest selling points: beach water that looks almost too bright to be real. Even when you’re not snorkeling, the shoreline and shallow areas make it worth it. You can keep it simple: swim, wade, paddle board, then head back to the boat for a break in the shade.

One practical thing: this stop is time-limited. Two hours is a sweet spot for many groups, but if you’re the type who wants to linger for hours, you’ll want to spend your time wisely—arrive ready to use the snorkel gear or paddle board right away rather than waiting until the last hour.

Snorkel Gear and Paddle Boards: Included, But Use Them With Sense

Snorkel equipment and paddle boards are included, and the dinghy lets you get from anchored spots to the beach when needed. That’s a nice combo, because it means the “active water day” doesn’t depend on renting gear on the island.

Here’s how I’d plan your own water rhythm:

• Start with a short snorkel or first paddle board run while you’re fresh.
• Save the longer swimming for calmer moments, especially if wind picks up later.
• If you’re sailing with kids or anyone new to open water, choose the simplest option first: short swims, supervised paddle board time, and plenty of breaks.

Also, one caution from real-world experience on boats like this: conditions can affect whether paddle boarding or snorkeling is comfortable. The negative side of the experience in the record isn’t about lack of effort—it’s about wind changing what you can do comfortably and safely.

Food and Drinks: The Kitchen Is Useful (And You Should Bring Your Own)

Food and drinks are not included. That means you have two choices: go for island restaurants (and plan timing), or bring your own.

A kitchen on board means you’re not stuck with nothing but snacks. You have a fridge and oven, plus kitchenware and butane gas are included. So a “picnic strategy” is very realistic: buy provisions on Ibiza, pack easy items, and keep a relaxed flow.

This is also a comfort advantage. Instead of spending your Formentera time searching for lunch under pressure, you can build in a proper break and still get back in the water.

If you do want a restaurant, I’d treat lunch as something to coordinate through your skipper rather than something you “just find” on the day. In high season, tables can be tight, and your boat timing matters.

Skipper and Safety: Why the Extra Cash Payment Is Part of the Deal

The tour is rented with a mandatory skipper. The skipper fee is listed as €180, paid in cash on check-in.

You might be thinking, why pay extra when the price already looks high? Here’s the value logic: a skipper isn’t a “nice-to-have” on a sailboat day charter. Navigation, anchoring choices, and keeping you safe across wind shifts are the core of the experience. For this itinerary—Ibiza to Formentera and back—having a professional at the helm is what turns a “trip” into a “day that runs.”

Also, if you’re booking for a family group, a confident skipper matters even more. You’ll feel it in how smoothly the day moves, how quickly you get to the swim anchors, and how calmly the boat handles when conditions get choppy.

Price and Value: Is $588.72 Worth It for a Group?

The price is $588.72 per group (up to 7) for roughly 8 hours. That’s not cheap on a per-person basis if you’re traveling solo, but private sailing shifts the math.

What you’re getting for that group price:

• Private sailboat charter with fuel included
• moorage in Ibiza town
• final cleaning
• snorkel equipment and paddle boards
• dinghy with electric outboard
• kitchenware and butane gas

Then there’s the additional skipper cost (€180 cash). Add that, and you still have a strong “group value” story: you’re paying for a whole boat day plus the expertise to use it well.

So who is this most worth it for?

• Families or friend groups that can split the charter cost
• People who care more about water time than sightseeing buses
• Anyone who wants a calm, controlled plan without crowd logistics

If you’re the type who just wants to reach Formentera fast and wander, a ferry might be cheaper. But if your priority is swimming and being out on the water for most of the day, private sailing is hard to beat.

Weather Reality Check: What Can Go Wrong (and How to Manage It)

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

That’s the clean scenario. The messy scenario is what happens when weather is technically safe but still not ideal for comfort. The negative experience in the record wasn’t about danger—it was about expectations. When winds rise, sailing can slow, and the timing and usability of paddle boards and snorkeling can change.

So here’s how I’d plan around that possibility:

• Pack motion-sickness help if you’re even slightly prone to it.
• Keep an open mind about the order of stops and how much time you spend at each.
• Plan your photos, but prioritize the water routine over the timeline.

If you’re traveling in a week where winds are common, consider booking with flexibility and mental backup plans for a slower day.

Who Should Book This Private Charter (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This charter is a great fit if you:

• Want a private boat day with flexibility
• Enjoy swimming and water activities (snorkel and paddle board are included)
• Prefer Ibiza town logistics over complicated transfers
• Travel as a group that can use the boat space

You might hesitate if you:

• Are sensitive to choppy water and don’t plan for seasickness
• Expect a guaranteed “same conditions, same water activities” day no matter what
• Are traveling solo or as a couple and don’t want to pay for a full private boat day

If you’re unsure, think of it like this: you’re paying for the experience of being on the water with a skipper and gear. If weather cooperates, it’s exactly what you wanted. If it doesn’t fully cooperate, you’ll still get a boat day—you just need to adjust your expectations.

Should You Book This Full-Day Private Charter Cruise?

I’d book it if you want the Formentera experience the way most people remember it: from the water, with time to swim and paddle board, and with your day shaped by a skipper instead of a fixed group schedule.

I’d pause and double-check your comfort with wind and sea motion if you know you get seasick or you’re traveling during a season where rough conditions happen. In those cases, pick this only if you can tolerate a slower or more grounded version of the day.

FAQ

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Ibiza and Formentera charter?

The experience lasts about 8 hours.

How many people can be on the private charter?

It’s a private charter with a day maximum of 7 passengers.

Where do we meet for the 10:00am start?

The meeting point is Avinguda de Santa Eulària des Riu, 1006, 07800 Eivissa, Spain, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

What’s included for water activities?

Snorkel equipment and paddle boards are included.

Is a skipper included?

A skipper is mandatory, but the €180 skipper fee is not included and is paid cash on check-in.

Are tickets included for S’Espalmador and Playa de Ses Illetes?

Admission tickets are listed as free for both S’Espalmador and Playa de Ses Illetes.

What about food and drinks?

Food and drinks are not included, but the boat has a kitchen with a fridge and oven, plus kitchenware and butane gas.

What boat are you sailing on?

The boat is a Beneteau Oceanis 311 Clipper from 2004.

Do you get a dinghy for getting to shore?

Yes, a dinghy with a 3Hp electric outboard is included.

What’s the cancellation policy if weather isn’t good?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.