Water this clear feels unreal.

This small-group sailing day gives you a calm, hands-on or totally-relax vibe as you cruise Ibiza’s coast and reach the quiet stretches around Espalmador and Formentera. I love the way the plan mixes real water time (snorkel + SUP) with downtime on board, and I also like that the day is capped at 12 travelers, so it doesn’t turn into a floating crowd scene. You’re guided by an experienced skipper (Julien gets praised for being welcoming and keeping things smooth), and you get to choose your level of participation.

The main consideration: food and drinks aren’t included, and the boat can’t stop for a restaurant lunch, so you’ll want to pack your own provisions. If you show up hungry, you’ll feel it later when you’re having a great time at the beach stops but waiting for lunch that you brought.

Key reasons this sail day hits the right notes

• Max 12 travelers for a more relaxed, social feel on board
• Espalmador + Formentera-area waters for standout swimming and paddle time
• Snorkeling gear and SUP boards included, so you can go straight into the fun
• Restroom on board plus bottled water to keep the day comfortable
• Cala Jondal as your base, with easy back-and-forth timing
• Skipper-led sailing or just cruising, depending on your mood

A small-group sail from Cala Jondal with a skipper who sets the tone

The day runs from 10:00am and lasts about 8 hours, starting and ending back near Cala Jondal. It’s a comfortable sailboat setup made for a mix of people: some guests want to learn, some want to lounge, and the best part is that it doesn’t feel forced either way.

What I like most is that it’s not a speedboat sprint. You’ll have time to notice the coast, settle into the rhythm, and actually enjoy the water instead of treating every stop like a quick photo break. The on-board setup is practical too: there’s a restroom on board, and bottled water is provided.

You’ll also have an actual chance to interact with the boat. The skipper can guide you if you want to try sailing, but if you’d rather just ride the breeze with music on, you can do that just as easily. One review highlight centers on Captain Julien’s friendly, welcoming approach, and that matters on a day where you’re spending a lot of hours together.

Stop 1 at Platja des Jondal: start in a real Ibiza cove

Your first landing is at Platja des Jondal, where the plan gives you about 1 hour ashore. This is a smart opener because it gets you oriented fast: you go from open water to a sheltered-cove feel right away, which makes the rest of the day more comfortable.

In that first hour, you can usually settle into what kind of day you want. If you’re itching to swim, you’ll get a chance early. If you’d rather pace yourself, you can take in the coastline from the shore and get your sunscreen and water routine dialed in.

A small drawback here: depending on weather and sea conditions, you’ll want to be ready for a short change in rhythm when you get off and back on board. That’s normal for sailing days, but it helps to stay flexible.

Cap Falcó and Ses Salines waters: when snorkeling and SUP feel effortless

Next up is Ses Salines, with a stop at Cap Falcò. This is where you’re given your first bigger splash of active time—about 1 hour 30 minutes—and it’s built around the included water gear.

This is the part of the day that makes the tour feel like more than just “boat sightseeing.” You can snorkel using the provided equipment and you can also use the stand up paddle boards. If you’re new to SUP, you’ll still have time to figure out your balance without feeling rushed, because the stop is long enough to settle.

If you’re sensitive to sun, plan your pace. Even on a sail day, you can go from shade to full sun quickly near the water. I’d bring your own sunscreen (it’s not included), and I’d pack something you can easily reapply when you’re back onboard with the fridge/cooler available.

S’Espalmador: more quiet time and a natural-lands feel

You get about 2 hours at S’Espalmador, and the emphasis here is nature and water time. This island area is described as a sanctuary and natural reserve, so the vibe is about unspoiled coastline rather than a busy beach scene.

You’ll likely use this time in two ways: paddle around on SUP and spend time exploring the surroundings from the water. The longer window is a big deal because it lets you do something at a comfortable pace instead of rushing from one highlight to the next.

One practical thing to remember: with a sailing itinerary like this, you’re sharing a limited amount of space at the water’s edge. Keep your movements smooth and give others room if you’re snorkeling or climbing back on after SUP.

If you like “quiet nature” more than “tourist infrastructure,” this is the stop that tends to stick with people. The whole day is built so you don’t just skim the surface—you get actual time where the coastline feels calmer.

Playa de Ses Illetes: panoramic views plus the lunch you pack

Then you’ll head to Playa de Ses Illetes for about 1 hour 30 minutes. This is where the plan shifts from active exploring to a scenic break with lunch in the backdrop.

But here’s the key planning detail: lunch isn’t included, and the tour can’t stop at restaurants for food. So you’ll want to bring your own meal and snacks, then use the on-board fridge/cooler to keep provisions in better shape. It’s a small inclusion, but it really matters when you’re spending hours in the sun.

Also note: towels aren’t provided. You’ll be happier if you bring one that dries fast and isn’t too heavy. Sunscreen isn’t included either, so treat that as a must-pack item rather than an optional one.

This stop is ideal for people who like scenic water views but also want a break from continuous movement. You can eat, cool off, and then reset before the final sail back.

Sailing back to Ibiza: the best kind of slow finish

The last stretch returns to Platja des Jondal for about 1 hour 30 minutes of sailing back. This is your decompression time. You can lie back, watch the coastline slide past, and enjoy the calmer pace that makes a sail day feel different from a busy island tour.

The plan explicitly allows for a low-key onboard finish—either relaxing with the sea sounds or listening to your own music. With the earlier stops already giving you snorkeling and SUP time, the return leg is a chance to enjoy the journey itself, not just the destinations.

This is also where you’ll notice the value of the small group size. There’s less crowding, less noise, and it’s easier to share space without bumping into people every time you move.

What the included gear and comfort items really give you

Let’s talk about what’s included, because this is where the tour earns its price.

You get snorkeling equipment plus two SUP boards, which is a big reason this feels like a full day of water activities instead of passive sightseeing. You also get bottled water, and there’s a fridge and cooler onboard, which is useful since you’ll bring your own food. Add in restroom on board, and you’re not constantly trying to time your day around facilities.

There’s also the basics that usually get forgotten until you need them: glassware is included, and all fees and taxes are part of the package. Fuel is included too, which matters because it supports the longer route time across the water.

Here’s the personal-planning part: you should pack smart for salt and sun. Bring your own towels and sunscreen, and bring enough water and snacks to cover the whole day since there’s no restaurant lunch stop. If you’re someone who likes to swim multiple times, bring a simple kit that’s easy to use and not a pain to dry.

Price and value: is $178.02 fair for this kind of day?

At $178.02 per person, this is priced like a real day on the water with gear included, not a bare-bones taxi to a beach. You’re paying for a full sailing day of about 8 hours, plus snorkeling equipment, SUP boards, and the onboard comfort touches like bottled water and a restroom.

The value really hinges on your expectations for food. Since lunch and drinks aren’t included and there’s no restaurant stop, the true cost depends on what you bring and how much you eat. If you pack well—simple lunch, snacks, and plenty of water—you’ll feel like you got a full experience for your money.

This is also a tour where the group size affects the feel. With a maximum of 12 travelers, you’re far less likely to feel like a number. That can be worth real money on island days where big groups can spoil the quiet-water vibe you came for.

Who this sailing day is best for (and who might want a different style)

This experience fits best if you want a balanced Ibiza-to-Formentera day: time to swim, time to paddle, and time to just enjoy the coast. It’s especially good for adventurers who want water activities and for friends or families looking for a shared day without the chaos of huge boatloads.

It’s also a good pick if you’re trying to avoid crowds. The itinerary focuses on coves and reserve areas rather than pushing you toward a single busy beach for hours. If you prefer “calm water and clear viewpoints” over nightlife energy, this matches the tone.

The one group I’d think twice about: people who expect food to be handled for them. Since lunch isn’t included and you can’t count on a restaurant stop, you need to show up ready.

Weather can shift the day, so plan for flexibility

This tour requires good weather. If conditions are poor and the trip can’t run as planned, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

That’s not a small detail. On an island sailing route, the sea state and visibility affect how comfortable and enjoyable snorkeling and SUP will be. The best move is to choose a day where you’re not locked into other tight plans.

Should you book Ibiza to Formentera and Espalmador by small-group sail?

I’d book it if you want a small-group sail day with real water time—snorkeling gear and SUP included—and if you’re happy to pack lunch instead of searching for a restaurant. The mix of places like Platja des Jondal, Cap Falcò, and S’Espalmador is built for variety, with a final scenic return that keeps the day from feeling like a rushed checklist.

Don’t book it if you’re expecting a full meal plan or if you’d rather have a guided walking-tour pace on land. This is about moving across water and spending time where the coast is the main attraction.

If you do book, pack for sun and salt, bring towels and sunscreen, and treat your lunch like part of the fun. With Captain Julien’s welcoming approach and the calm small-group setup, you’ll have a better chance of ending the day relaxed and impressed by how different these waters look from shore.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 10:00am.

How long is the sailing experience?

It lasts about 8 hours.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 12 travelers.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are bottled water, a restroom on board, snorkeling equipment, SUP boards (2), fridge and cooler, glassware, fuel, and all fees and taxes.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch isn’t included, and the boat cannot stop at restaurants for lunch.

Do I need to bring towels and sunscreen?

Yes. Towels and sunscreen are not included, so you should bring them.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Carrer de Porroig 1, 37, 07839 Sant Josep de sa Talaia and ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s the cancellation policy?

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 a different date or a full refund.