A private sail to Formentera in one day. I love the private group setup, and I also really like the way a 35-foot sailboat makes the day feel relaxed, not rushed. You’ll get real water time for snorkeling and paddle boarding in calmer coves, but plan for one drawback: this is a slow-and-scenic sail, so it’s not the quickest way to reach Formentera.

Skipper quality is a big part of why this tour rates so well. You might be with captains like Carlota (with first mate Sophia), Tomas (patient with sea sickness), Agustin (great local tips), Victoria (customized for the day), or German (who can help with lunch reservations). Still, double-check details like fridge/ice availability if you’re counting on cold drinks.

Key things you’ll notice on this Ibiza to Formentera sailing day

• Private means it feels casual: only your group onboard, so you’re not sharing the day with strangers.
• A long day, not a quick hop: expect sailing time plus multiple swim stops, not hours of nonstop beach lounging.
• Snorkeling gear and paddle boards are included, and they’re timed into the day’s calmer-water coves.
• Ses Salines and S’Espalmador get you away from the crowds, with anchor stops that make swimming easy.
• Formentera time centers on Ses Illetes, with an on-shore lunch option or eating onboard.
• Skippers can adapt the tone of the day for occasions like anniversaries, proposals, and birthdays.

Price and value: what $943.68 really buys

$943.68 is the price per group (up to 7). The math matters here. If you fill the boat with 7 people, you’re roughly at $135 per person. If it’s only 2 or 3 of you, it becomes a splurge. Either way, the value comes from what’s included.

You’re not just paying for a boat ticket. You’re paying for:

• a 35-foot sailboat with restroom onboard
• snorkeling equipment
• two paddle surf boards
• fuel surcharge
• a crew (the skipper, plus first mate support on many days)

What’s not included is also important: alcohol and lunch. So if you want “everything sorted,” you’ll need to plan your food either through lunch at Ses Illetes or by bringing snacks/water and deciding once you’re there.

My take: this tour is best value when you’re a small group that will use the included gear (snorkel and paddle boards) and you want privacy enough to make the day feel like yours.

Meeting at Cala Jondal: how to start the day without stress

You meet at Tropicana Eivissa, Cala Jondal (Cala Jundal, s/n, 07830 Sant Josep de sa Talaia). The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Two practical notes:

• It’s listed as near public transportation, but with a sailing day, I still recommend you arrive early enough to handle parking or a quick walk.
• You’ll get a mobile ticket and the tour runs in English.

Also: the experience is weather-dependent. That means you should keep the day flexible in your head. If conditions are rough, the operator should either change your date or refund.

The sailboat day feel: why a private 35-footer changes everything

A private sailing tour in Ibiza sounds fancy until you’re actually on it. Then you feel the difference: fewer interruptions, more time to swim when conditions are right, and a crew that can talk through what you’re seeing.

On this itinerary, the pacing helps. You’re not sprinting from stop to stop. You’re sailing, then anchoring, then swimming/snorkeling, then sailing again. That rhythm is part of the appeal.

A few extras that matter day-to-day:

• Restroom onboard means you’re not constantly timing your water breaks around land trips.
• Two paddle boards sounds like “small” until you realize it’s perfect for a group of mixed swimmers. Plan on rotating.
• Some skippers may even explain how sailboats work. One past group mentioned trying sailing—ask if that’s something you want during your day.

Comfort reality check (especially on hot days)

One reviewer ran into a comfort snag: the listing referenced a refrigerator and possible ice options, but the fridge didn’t work and they couldn’t find ice nearby. You can’t assume every boat day runs the same, so if cold drinks are part of your plan, I’d message ahead and ask whether the fridge/ice situation is working that day.

Stop 1: Platja des Jondal for a first look at the south coast

The tour begins at Cala Jondal, then you spend about 10 minutes at Platja des Jondal.

What you can expect here is more “orientation” than a long beach hang. It’s a way to get you out on the water, show you the coastline, and settle into the vibe before the swims begin.

If you like photos, this is one of those opening moments where the cliffs and clear water are strong right away. Don’t worry if you don’t feel like jumping in yet—your longer water time comes later.

Playa des Codolar: the scenic coast hour

Next is Playa des Codolar with about 1 hour in the mix. This segment is largely about sailing along the south coast—rocky coves, dramatic cliffs, and the feeling that you’re seeing parts of Ibiza that most people just drive past.

This is also a good time to do the practical stuff:

• Check your snorkeling fit
• Confirm how the crew is handling anchor points
• Get your sea legs if you’re new to boats

If you get motion sensitive, this is when you’ll feel it. One reviewer called out that their skipper was patient with a family member who got sea sick, which is a sign this crew is used to adapting when people feel off.

Parque Natural de Ses Salines: the secret-cove swim stop

Then comes Parque Natural de Ses Salines, another 1 hour stop. Here, the tour shifts into the good stuff: the boat drops anchor, you can swim, and snorkeling is part of the plan.

Why this stop is valuable:

• It’s described as a secluded cove, which usually means fewer people and more calm water for swimming.
• The underwater experience is tied to seeing colorful fish and marine life (snorkeling gear is included).

Time tip: if you’re the kind of swimmer who needs a few minutes to settle in, start early in the hour. The best water moments can go fast once everyone’s ready.

S’Espalmador: paddle boards plus snorkeling between islands

You’ll spend about 1 hour 50 minutes at S’Espalmador, the natural reserve between Ibiza and Formentera.

This stop has two major ingredients:

• Paddle boarding: paddle boards are provided onboard, and this is the kind of calm water spot where boards make sense.
• Another snorkeling session: again, gear is included, and you’ll have another chance to see marine life close to the surface.

This is also where the day starts to feel like a true “island escape,” not just a ride. The time window is long enough that you’re not rushing through water activities, but short enough that you still get a decent chunk of Formentera later.

One thing to keep in mind: it’s a sailing day. If you thought you were booking a speed boat, you might find the pacing different. A past reviewer specifically mentioned they didn’t realize it was a sailboat and it took them about two hours to reach Formentera—so manage expectations and treat the sail time as part of the experience.

Playa de Ses Illetes (Formentera): white sand and two lunch options

Finally, you reach Playa de Ses Illetes on Formentera for about 2 hours.

This is the beach everyone talks about. You’ll sail in, enjoy the views, and then you get two choices:

• Disembark and get lunch on the island (the tour includes time for that decision)
• Stay onboard and eat while you enjoy the scene from the boat

Then you can also walk the beach. Two hours is enough for a casual stroll and a bit of sand time, but it’s still a sailing day. If your priority is maximum sunbathing, plan to prioritize swimming and walking early, so you’re not scrambling near the end.

Also: bring swim-ready footwear if you like walking far. Not every sand-and-cove combination is equally comfortable for bare feet.

Return to Ibiza from Cala Jondal: wind-down sailing time

You head back with about 1 hour 30 minutes of sailing to Platja des Jondal.

This is when the day often feels calmer. You’ve already snorkeled and paddled. Now it’s just you, the coastline views, and the gentle end-of-day pace that makes sailing tours worth paying for.

If you want a practical photo tip: late-day light can be forgiving, but also be ready for changing clouds. Keep your phone secured near you—boats move more than you think.

Who this tour fits best (and who should think twice)

This tour is a great fit if you:

• want a private day with only your group
• will actually use snorkeling gear and paddle boards
• like the south-coast route and want anchor-stop swimming at Ses Salines and S’Espalmador
• are celebrating something special and want the day to feel low-pressure and personal

You might think twice if you:

• want a super fast, ferry-style trip. You’ll be sailing for a good chunk of the day.
• have very young kids. One past review said it wasn’t a great idea for small children.
• are counting on perfect onboard conveniences. A reviewer had issues with refrigerator/ice availability. Bring your own water and snacks just in case.

Booking timing and what to message the crew about

This experience is often booked about 40 days in advance, so if you’re traveling in peak season, don’t wait until the last week.

When you message ahead, ask about the practical stuff that affects your comfort:

• confirm the plan for lunch at Ses Illetes (shore vs onboard)
• ask about cold drinks/ice if that’s important to your group
• tell them if anyone has sea sickness concerns, so the skipper can plan around it
• if you’re using snorkel gear, mention it if you want extra help fitting it

Should you book this Ibiza & Formentera private sailing tour?

If you want a day that mixes privacy, multiple swim stops, and time in Formentera’s iconic beach area, this is an easy “yes” for most groups up to 7. The included gear is a real cost saver, and the private setup turns the day from a checklist into your own schedule.

Skip it only if you’re hoping for a quick transfer and tons of beach-only time with minimal sailing. This is a sailing experience first, beach second. If that sounds like your kind of day, you’re in the right place.

Also: if you’re celebrating (anniversary, proposal, birthday), this kind of tour can make the day feel more personal, especially when the skipper is willing to tailor the vibe.

FAQ

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour for your group only, with a maximum group size of up to 7 people.

How long is the sailing tour?

The duration is listed as about 8 hours.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You start at Tropicana Eivissa Cala Jondal, Cala Jundal, s/n, 07830 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Illes Balears, Spain. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

What snorkeling and water gear is included?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment and 2 paddle surf boards. There is also a restroom onboard.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included. At Ses Illetes on Formentera, you can either disembark for lunch or have lunch onboard.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What happens if weather is bad or I need to cancel?

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