Two Formentera stops beat the ferry crowd.

This full-day sail trip is built for a small group feel, and it comes with the gear to actually use your time—snorkel equipment plus a SUP board. I love the long, real beach breaks at Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador, not just a quick stop for photos. One thing to consider: you’re at the mercy of weather and sea conditions, and the sailing pace can mean a slower-feeling day on the water.

In the best-run versions of this trip, the captain matters. Names like Paul, Miki, Fernando, and Sylvia show up in the feedback, and the pattern is consistent: clear attention, smooth pacing, and making sure you’re comfortable.

Value-wise, it’s not a bare-bones “hop on a boat” deal. You get drinks and food timed around the day, and the itinerary focuses on swimming-friendly anchorages. Still, if you’re extra sensitive to water entry points, plan ahead.

Key things I’d bank on before you book

• About nine passengers on board for a more relaxed, semi-private feel (with a stated maximum of 12)
• Snorkel gear + SUP + drinks/snacks included, so you’re not paying extra once you’re there
• Two set anchor stops, each with roughly 2 hours on the water and beaches
• Ses Illetes first, then the quieter-magic feel of S’Espalmador
• Plan for rocky entry spots by packing water shoes or footwear with grip

A mini sailing day that actually feels like Formentera

This trip is all about trading Ibiza’s busy beach energy for a calmer slice of Formentera. The boat ride is the lead-in, but the itinerary is designed around two places where you can stop, drop anchor, and spend time in the water.

The small-group setup is the big difference maker. With around nine people (and a maximum of 12), you avoid the chaotic “herd to the water” vibe. That matters because the day isn’t about one photo-perfect moment. It’s about being able to snorkel at your own speed, find a comfy spot near the boat, and actually enjoy the view without feeling rushed.

And it’s a sailing cruise, not a frantic speed-boat situation. That’s a plus if you want a slower, scenery-focused day. It’s a drawback if your idea of fun is constant movement.

Getting to Es Xarcu and starting at 11:00 sharp

You meet at Es Xarcu (Restaurante Playa), S/N, Cala Es Xarco, Sant Josep de sa Talaia. The start time is 11:00 am, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

This is one of those routes where being on time helps. You’re starting from a specific dock area, so don’t plan to “arrive when you arrive.” Aim to be there early enough to find the spot, get your mobile ticket ready, and settle in before departure.

You’ll receive confirmation within 48 hours (assuming availability), and the ticket is mobile. That’s convenient, especially if you’re juggling sunscreen, swimwear, and beach stuff—no printed documents to fuss with.

One small practical thought: if you’re arriving by taxi, keep your taxi driver simple instructions ready (meeting point name + Cala Es Xarco). In at least some cases, captains have provided a Google Maps pin style of help the morning of the trip, which can make dock-finding much easier.

Ses Illetes: the Balearics’ most famous beach, with real water time

Stop one is Playa de Ses Illetes, with about 2 hours at anchor. This is the beach people recognize—famous for a reason. The whole point here is time in the water, surrounded by that iconic Formentera look: bright sand and clear conditions that make snorkeling feel worth the effort.

Here’s what you can do during that window:

• Swim right from the anchored boat
• Snorkel with the equipment provided
• Paddle the SUP (SUP is included)
• Grab snacks and settle into the day’s rhythm

In practical terms, Ses Illetes is ideal early in the itinerary. You start fresh, you’re not yet tired from the rest of the day, and the beach-adjacent water makes it easy to move between relaxing and exploring.

Potential drawback: water entry can be uneven. There are areas with rocks around the boat/near-shore points, so bring footwear with grip if you have it. If you hate sandy barefoot steps, water shoes are worth their weight in gold.

S’Espalmador: white sand, crystal water, and an easy afternoon pace

Stop two is S’Espalmador, also about 2 hours. If Ses Illetes feels like the headline beach, S’Espalmador is the follow-up that turns the day into a full-on Mediterranean daydream: clear water, bright sand, and a “take a breath” pace once you’re anchored.

What you do here matches the first stop, just with a slightly different vibe:

• Snorkel again (gear is included)
• SUP again (board is provided)
• Enjoy the fruit platter served in the afternoon

That fruit platter detail matters more than you might expect. It keeps the day from feeling like you’re powering through on empty snacks, and it gives you a natural break time after you’ve had a good swim session.

As with Ses Illetes, rocky spots can show up for getting in and out. You don’t need to be paranoid—just plan to protect your feet and take your time during boarding and re-entry. This is one of the few moments where the trip’s “relaxed” feel can still require a little common sense.

Food, drinks, and the included “day on the water” rhythm

This is a full-day outing, so the included food and drinks are not an afterthought. They’re part of how the day stays comfortable.

Included onboard:

• Snacks in the morning (salty)
• Drinks: soda/pop
• Snacks/food: a fruit platter in the afternoon
• Fuel and the captain (all part of the package)

The setup is simple: you don’t have to spend time hunting for food once you’re on the sea. You can go from swimming to eating without breaking the rhythm of the day.

One more practical angle: if you’re planning to snorkel, you can get hungry without noticing. The included snack timing helps you avoid that sudden “we’re all low-energy now” moment.

What to bring (not included, but suggested):

• Towels
• Sunglasses and sunscreen

If you forget sunscreen, it’s a long day under sun and reflected water. And for towels—having your own makes it easier to dry off between dips.

Price and value: why this costs what it costs

At $174.43 per person, this isn’t the cheapest way to reach Formentera. But it also isn’t trying to compete with budget transport.

Here’s what you’re paying for:

• A small-group experience (about nine people, max 12)
• A sailboat day with two anchoring stops
• Snorkel gear and SUP included
• On-board drinks and food
• A captain and the fuel to run the route

If you were to piece things together yourself—boat/taxi to the coast, ferry or private transfer, then rentals for snorkeling gear and a paddleboard, plus drinks/snacks—you’d likely spend time and money in bits and pieces.

The main value question for you is this: do you want a “transport + beach” day, or do you want a “water time + included gear” day? If you want the second option, this price starts to make sense. If you’re okay doing a quick ferry, you’ll find cheaper ways to get there—but you won’t get the same built-in convenience.

Who this is best for (and who should pass)

This is a great match if you want:

• A calmer Formentera day with a smaller group
• Longish swim windows instead of quick photo stops
• Snorkeling and SUP without rental stress
• An itinerary that’s clearly built around water time

It may be less ideal if:

• You need wheelchair-friendly or step-free boarding. The data doesn’t spell out accessibility features, and there are indications that entry points can be rocky.
• You strongly dislike slow sailing. One account specifically called out that the trip can feel long because it moves slowly—so if you’re the type who needs constant motion, temper expectations.

Also, there are clear restrictions:

• Not recommended for pregnancy after more than 5 months
• Not recommended over 130 kg

If any of those apply, check with the operator before booking.

Weather and the one “real-world” risk

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s fair—sea days don’t run well when wind and swell get rough.

The other “real-world” risk is the water-entry situation. A standout comment noted that water shoes would help for rocky areas when getting off the boat. Another low rating mentioned disorganization and attention issues during boarding for their specific day.

So here’s the balanced advice I’d give you:

• Bring footwear with grip and take your time when stepping in or out.
• If something feels off—like safety support or cleanliness—say something right away. On a day like this, small fixes matter.

Most feedback is very positive about captains being attentive and organized. Just don’t assume every detail will be perfect on every operating day.

Should you book this Formentera sailing day?

I’d book it if your ideal day is built around the water: two anchor stops, snorkel gear in hand, a SUP ready when you want it, and included food that keeps you comfortable all day. The small-group nature is the difference between “nice day” and “I want to do this again.”

Skip it (or at least think twice) if:

• You want a fast, high-speed itinerary with minimal time on the boat
• You’re worried about rocky entry points and you won’t bring proper footwear
• You need a very specific accessibility setup not described in the details

If you’re flexible on weather and you’re excited by Ses Illetes plus S’Espalmador as swim-and-snorkel stops, this is a strong value play for a full day at sea.

FAQ

How long is the Ibiza boat trip to Formentera?

The trip is about 7 hours 30 minutes.

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 11:00 am.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Es Xarcu (Restaurante Playa), S/N, Cala Es Xarco, 07839 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Illes Balears, Spain.

What stops are included during the day?

You’ll stop at Playa de Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

Is paddleboarding included?

Yes. A SUP board is included.

What food and drinks are included onboard?

There are salty snacks in the morning, soda/pop, and a fruit platter in the afternoon.

Are towels and sunscreen provided?

Towels, sunglasses, and sunscreen are suggested to bring. They are not listed as included.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, it’s not refunded.