Formentera on a private boat feels like cheating. In one solid day, you hit S’Espalmador (boat-only white sand) and Playa de Ses Illetes with time to swim, snorkel, and grab great photos without the usual crowd-chaos.

I like two things a lot: first, the day is set up for water time, with snorkeling gear and even a SUP board included. Second, the hosting style is calm and hands-on—Alberto and Irene are described as welcoming, safety-minded, and genuinely attentive without hovering.

One thing to consider: this experience depends on good weather. If conditions aren’t right, your day may shift or you’ll get a refund instead.

Key things to know before you go

• Boat-only access at S’Espalmador: fine white sand reachable only by boat, with time for swimming and snorkeling.
• Ses Illetes beach time: long stretch of white sand and gorgeous water, with an optional restaurant stop.
• Water toys included: snorkeling equipment plus SUP paddle board.
• A private group of up to 11: you control the vibe and keep the day flexible.
• Comfort over a cramped sprint: the boat setup is built for relaxing rather than racing between stops.
• Lunch is on you (or your host helps): you can bring lunch or arrange a restaurant meal along the beach.

The simple reason this Formentera day feels premium

Formentera can be done on a day trip. But the difference here is how you get there and how the time is spent. Instead of a rush from one viewpoint to the next, you sail, spend real chunks of time in the water, and let the beach moments land.

This tour is priced for a private group (up to 11), which changes the math. If you fill the boat, you’re not paying private-escape luxury rates for just two people. It’s more like “you and your crew get the best seats on the water.”

The other reason it feels premium is practical: the included gear and the way stops are structured. Two beaches, two water-focused blocks, and plenty of time for photos and swimming.

How the timing works (and why 11:00 is a smart start)

The tour runs about 7 hours, starting at 11:00 am from Diseminado Lluc des Xarco, 1104, 07839 Sant Josep de sa Talaia (Sant Josep de sa Talaia area), Illes Balears.

Starting late-morning is handy for a couple reasons:

• You avoid the earliest “we’re still waking up” energy.
• You still have a big block of afternoon beach time for Ses Illetes.

Also, the plan returns to the same meeting point at the end. That matters because it keeps your day simple—no complicated transfer chains after you’re sun-tired.

If you’re the type who likes to map out a tight day in Ibiza, keep your evening free. A full beach-and-saltwater afternoon can make you hungry and very content.

On board Mas Que Nada Sailing: what’s included, what it means for you

This is run by Mas Que Nada Sailing, and you’ll travel with a professional skipper and the fuel surcharge included.

Here’s what’s in the box for your comfort and activities:

• Snorkeling equipment (so you’re not hunting for a shop rental)
• SUP paddle board (included, not an add-on)
• Inflatable boat to go ashore (you get beach access even if the water approach is tricky)
• Snacks and bottled water
• Coffee and/or tea
• In the real-world rhythm of the day, expect a relaxed setup that’s meant for lounging as much as it is for swimming.

The SUP detail is worth calling out. Lots of beach trips advertise “fun on the water,” then you find out it’s extra. Here, you don’t have to negotiate for it—so you can actually plan to use it, not just hope.

The reviews also paint a picture of a boat that’s comfortable rather than all-business. Even without getting specific about boat model details, the takeaway is clear: bean-bag style lounging, room to find quiet, and hosts who keep things calm.

Stop 1: S’Espalmador, the boat-only sand where pictures happen

Your first stop is S’Espalmador, and the core idea is simple: this is a fine white-sand beach reachable only by boat.

You get about 2 hours here—enough time to:

• Swim
• Snorkel
• Coast around and find the photo angles that make your friends ask how you got that water color

What I like about this stop is the way it’s positioned early in the day. You’re not burning time waiting for the “best” part to happen later. You hit the special sand first, then roll into Ses Illetes afterward.

A practical note: because this beach is only reachable by boat, you should treat the first stop as the “water hours” part of the day. If you want to snorkel seriously, bring the energy now.

Stop 2: Playa de Ses Illetes, long sand and easy beach time

The second stop is Playa de Ses Illetes, one of the best-known beaches in Formentera.

You get another 2 hours here. It’s described as a long stretch of white beach with gorgeous water. Translation: lots of room to spread out, take breaks out of direct sun, and choose your own rhythm—float, swim, snorkel, walk, repeat.

There’s also an option to stop at one of its famous restaurants if you want a proper beach meal during the beach block.

The main benefit of Ses Illetes in this itinerary is balance. S’Espalmador is the boat-only wow factor. Ses Illetes is the classic “sit and enjoy” beach that pairs well with lunch plans.

Snorkeling and SUP: the gear is included, so actually use it

Since snorkeling equipment is included, your main decision is the simplest one: do you want a quick look or a slow swim?

If you want more out of the water time:

• Spend your first few minutes getting comfortable and oriented.
• If you’re not a confident swimmer, stay close to where you can stand or where the water is shallow enough for you to feel secure.

SUP is the same story. Don’t treat it like a background activity. If it’s included, treat it like a main event for an hour. Paddle, take a few photos, then go back to beach mode.

And since there’s an inflatable boat to go ashore, you’re not stuck waiting around with no way to access the shoreline. That’s the kind of detail that makes the day run smoothly.

Drinks, snacks, and the lunch decision that keeps the day flexible

Lunch is not included, but you have options. You can bring your lunch onboard, or the hosts can help book a restaurant meal along the beach.

Why that matters: it gives you control. In places like Formentera, “included lunch” can sometimes mean a fixed, timed meal that doesn’t match your beach plan. Here, your host’s help can keep you from wasting time tracking down food rules while you’re already on vacation mode.

Snacks and bottled water are included, and coffee/tea too. That’s a big deal on a hot day—especially if you’re swimming and out in the sun earlier than you expected.

The reviews also mention beer and wine along with the snack spread, which suggests the onboard vibe is friendly and easy. Even if you don’t drink alcohol, the key value is that the day isn’t just “here’s gear, good luck.”

Hosting style: calm, safety-minded, and willing to personalize

A pattern shows up again and again in the descriptions of the hosts: Alberto and Irene are portrayed as kind, attentive, and safety-minded, with a warm welcome that still respects your space.

One thing I really like in this kind of private setup is that the hosts can adjust the day a bit. That’s not about luxury—it’s about reducing crowd friction and making the day feel like it’s for you, not for a checklist.

If you’re traveling with kids, this matters even more. The tone described is patient and warm, not awkward or rushed. For families, that often beats a larger group tour where you spend half your time managing the logistics.

Value for money: private group math that you can actually use

Price is $1,045.33 per group (up to 11) for about 7 hours.

Here’s the simple way to think about value:

• If you have a full group of 11, you’re paying about $95 per person.
• If you have 6 people, you’re paying about $175 per person.
• If you have 2 people, you’re paying about $523 per person.

So this is best value when you travel as a group of friends, a family unit, or a small mix of couples who want the same day plans. It’s not the cheapest way to reach Formentera, but it is the way to get a private water day with included gear and beach time that doesn’t feel like a drive-by.

Also, because this is private, you’re not stuck with random compatibility issues. If your crew wants to snorkel more and lounge less, you can usually lean into that.

Who this trip suits best (and who might want to reconsider)

This tour is a strong fit if you:

• Want a private boat day rather than a ferry-and-crowd plan
• Like water time enough to use snorkeling and/or SUP
• Appreciate comfortable sailing over cramped powerboat chaos
• Travel in a group where splitting the private cost actually makes sense

You might want to reconsider if you:

• Only want a brief beach visit and don’t care about snorkeling or SUP
• Have no flexibility for weather (since the experience requires good weather, and plans can change)
• Want a full included lunch experience with no decisions involved (because lunch is not included)

Weather and real-world expectations

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 kind of policy you want on a boat day.

Plan for sun and water:

• Sunscreen and a hat are non-negotiable.
• Bring a swimsuit you’re comfortable wearing again after a snack-and-lounge session.
• If you get cold easily on the water, pack a light layer (even if it’s warm on land).

Because the day includes multiple beach swims, treat clothing like you’re doing a water day, not a sightseeing day.

Should you book this private Formentera sailing day?

If your goal is to experience Formentera beaches the calm way—two beach stops, real water time, included snorkeling gear, and a private group day—then yes, I think it’s a smart booking.

Book early too. This one is commonly reserved well in advance (on average about 111 days), which tells you it sells. If you’re set on your dates, don’t wait for perfect timing.

My practical tipping point: if you’re traveling as a small group of up to 11 and you care about snorkeling and enjoying the day, the value lands much better. If you’re just one or two people and you want the lowest cost possible, you’ll likely find cheaper ways to reach Formentera—but you’ll give up the private sailing comfort and included water toys.

FAQ

How long is the Formentera private tour from Ibiza?

It lasts about 7 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 11:00 am.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Diseminado Lluc des Xarco, 1104, 07839 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Illes Balears, Spain.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

How many people can be in a group?

The price is per group up to 11 people.

What’s included for snorkeling and water activities?

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with an inflatable boat for going ashore and a SUP paddle board. Snacks and bottled water are also included.

What beaches are included in the day?

You visit S’Espalmador and Playa de Ses Illetes.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You can bring your lunch on board, or you can book a restaurant meal along the beach.

What languages is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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