That first silver-morning water is hard to beat. A private ride on the Tullio Abbate 42 turns classic Formentera stops—like S’Espalmador and Playa de Ses Illetes—into an easy, no-fuss day on the sea. I love that your ticket includes snorkel gear and SUP, plus snacks, beer, and champagne so you’re not stuck paying for extras the moment you step aboard. The main thing to think about is weather: the operator notes the experience needs good conditions, and if it’s canceled you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

This is built for groups that want their own pace. You’ll spend about 8 hours cruising between coves, relaxing on board (including the front cabin lounge areas) and using a bathroom onboard—nice when you’re out for a full day. One possible drawback: the day is long, and while you can eat at beach restaurants, you may want to plan for time splits so nobody feels rushed.

If you want an authentic Mediterranean boat day without the logistics headache, this one fits. It’s a private tour for up to 9 in English, with a mobile ticket and an easy starting point at Puerto Marina Ibiza.

Key highlights to notice before you book

• Tullio Abbate 42 comfort with lounge space, a front cabin area, and an onboard bathroom
• Snacks + beer + champagne included so you can actually relax, not just float
• SUP and snorkeling equipment included, plus towels for the day
• S’Espalmador first for early access to clear water and white sand
• Formentera routing that balances swim time and calmer waiting spots, including a sunset-style stop near Espalmador

Tullio Abbate 42 comfort: what an 8-hour private charter feels like

This is the kind of boat day that starts to feel like a vacation the moment you settle in. The Tullio Abbate 42 is sized for a private group up to 9 people, which matters because the day doesn’t feel crowded in the way big group cruises can. You’ve got lounge space to lie back, plus areas that work well if you want shade or a quieter corner.

The onboard setup is practical. There’s a bathroom on board, and there are enough places to stretch out—especially if you spend the day mixing swimming breaks with downtime. Even if you’re not a “constant swimmer,” the rhythm still works: cruise, stop, swim, back to the boat, snack, repeat.

One more thing I like about this style of charter: it’s not just about stopping at famous beaches. You’re also paying for time on the water at a comfortable cruise speed. The itinerary calls for a fast hop (about 25 minutes) to S’Espalmador, which means you spend less of your day stuck in transit and more time actually floating.

Finally, remember this is a private experience. That’s the real value lever here. If you want to swim right away, you can. If your group wants a slower start, you can. You’re not trying to squeeze everyone into a pre-set schedule made for strangers.

S’Espalmador: crystal-clear water, white sand, and champagne on ice

Your day begins with S’Espalmador, a natural reserve sitting between Ibiza and Formentera. The boat leaves from Ibiza Port and heads over at speed, so you get that classic feeling of looking back at Ibiza’s old-town views as the sea opens up.

When you arrive, the vibe is simple: crystal-clear water and white sand, plus time to choose your pace. The plan includes about 2 hours here. That’s a sweet spot. Long enough for snorkel checks, a full swim, and a relaxed lay-down on the sand, but not so long that everyone starts waiting.

Here’s what’s especially worth paying attention to: the day includes snacks, beer, and champagne throughout. That means you can treat the first stop like a proper arrival ritual instead of thinking about what you’ll eat later. If your group likes photos, this is where you’ll want to take them—bright water + sand + calm conditions make for easy, flattering shots.

Snorkeling is included through the snorkel equipment, and this stop is ideal for it because the water quality is specifically described as crystal clear. Even if snorkeling isn’t your thing, you’ll still get plenty from simply being in that water, especially with towel support and time to relax.

Possible consideration: because it’s a reserve and popular for a reason, it can feel busy in the water at certain times. Your best move is to swim early in the window—start first, then settle into a calmer rhythm.

Playa de Ses Illetes: quick cruise, restaurant choices, or eat aboard

After S’Espalmador, the route continues to Playa de Ses Illetes, described as only about 5 minutes away by boat. That short hop is a big deal. You don’t lose a huge chunk of your day to travel, and you still get multiple different “settings” instead of doing one long swim stop.

This is also where you start making simple decisions based on your group. The area includes several restaurant options mentioned by the operator, including Beso Beach, El Pirata, Juan y Andrea, and Can Carlitos. The plan notes you can decide where to eat before you arrive, or you can keep it easy and eat your own food on board.

I like this setup because it protects your budget and your energy. If your group wants the beach restaurant experience, you can. If you’d rather save money, you can stay flexible and just eat what you brought or snack from what’s included.

The included snacks (chips and olives) and drinks (beer plus champagne) help bridge any gap between swimming and eating. And because snorkel gear is included, you can still do a water-focused break here rather than turning the stop into only a land hangout.

Practical tip: this part of the day can involve more sun and more sand exposure. Bring swimwear you’re comfortable wearing longer, and plan a quick rinse moment when you get back aboard. The towels help, but the sun in Formentera gets real—fast.

Cala Saona and the nearby secret-style underwater access

After lunch, you’re headed to Cala Saona, described as one of the best spots around Formentera, with water color that’s unusually striking. The plan gives you about 2 hours here too, so you don’t have to rush.

What makes this stop feel different is the mix of calm beach time and optional exploration. You can relax and swim, and you can also snorkel if you want. The itinerary adds an extra layer of interest: a near-by secret-style spot close to Cala Saona, with cliffs and caves and a little cave that you can reach by going underwater.

That cave detail is the reason I’d pay close attention to how confident your group is in the water. You don’t have to do it, but it’s offered as an option. If you’re with mixed swimmers, it’s smart to identify early who wants to try snorkeling exploration and who prefers to stay above-water.

There’s also a rhythm advantage here. You’re not just bouncing between famous beaches. You’re getting at least one spot that feels a little more like you’re discovering something with your captain’s help.

One note: the itinerary says you can visit this secret spot near Cala Saona. It’s not framed as a guarantee for every group no matter what, so I’d treat it as a “if conditions allow and your group wants it” kind of addition.

Sunset return around Espalmador: fewer boats, more calm

On the way back, you stop again around Espalmador, this time on the other side of the island near a spot behind a lighthouse. The idea here is that it’s less crowded, because it can be difficult to access. Then you wait until the sun goes down before returning to port.

This is a smart way to structure a full-day charter. Most people cram the day into the first half, then lose energy before sunset. By placing a calmer, quieter final stop at the end, the day ends on a softer note. You get the “final swim” feeling without the frantic schedule of a beach-hopping sprint.

It also plays well with the onboard included drinks. Since alcohol beverages are listed as included (beer and wine), this is a natural time for the group to slow down and enjoy the sky colors. Even if you don’t drink alcohol, the beer/champagne aspect usually adds to the celebratory feel for many groups.

Practical consideration: plan for wind near sunset. Not dangerous, just something to expect. If your group is sensitive to chill air, a light layer on board is a good idea.

What’s included (and what you might end up paying for)

This charter is refreshingly clear about what you get. Included items are designed to cover your day, not just get you to the first stop.

Included highlights

• Snacks (chips and olives)
• Alcoholic beverages: beer, plus a bottle of white and rose wine
• Soft drinks like Coke and Fanta, plus bottled water
• Snorkeling equipment and stand up paddle (SUP)
• Towels
• Skipper
• Fuel for 1.5 hours of sailing (this matters for understanding the charter limits)

Not included

• Extra fuel
• Extra water toys like seabobs, jetski, flyboard, etc.

That fuel line is worth mentioning because it hints at why extra activities might cost more. The tour is planned around its included sailing time; if the captain extends beyond that, you might see additional fuel charges. Since the day is private, that also means your captain can manage the best route within the plan.

Also, admission is listed as free for the stops. That’s useful because you’re not dealing with last-minute ticket confusion for the reserve beaches.

Price and value: why this can work out better than you think

The price is $1,922.44 per group (up to 9) for about 8 hours. That’s the kind of pricing that can feel steep until you do the math for a family or a group of friends.

If you fill the boat closer to the 9-person end, the per-person cost drops fast. And unlike many tours where the “cheap” option still hits you with food and water-activity fees, this one includes a lot of the day’s essentials: snorkel gear, SUP, towels, drinks (beer, wine), plus snacks.

To think of it another way: you’re buying a full day of access to a boat, plus time-saving routing, plus water gear, plus a professional skipper. If your group would otherwise pay separately for boat rentals, equipment, and drinks, the total can get close enough that the private format starts to make sense.

One more subtle value point: the day is in English, which helps if you want straightforward explanations of what you’re seeing and where you’re going. The operator also uses a mobile ticket, and confirmation is promised within 48 hours of booking (subject to availability). That removes some planning stress.

Captain quality and group pace: the part you feel most

The biggest difference between an average boat day and a great one is how the crew reads your group. In this kind of charter, a professional skipper isn’t just driving. They handle the timing, pick calmer spots, and keep everyone safe while still making the day feel fun.

The reviews tied to this experience highlight professional captains like Faco, Freddie, and Ito, with very attentive service. That lines up with what I’d expect from a charter operator that focuses on Ibiza and Formentera water activities.

Even if you’re not trying to “learn sailing,” you’ll feel the benefit: smoother transitions between stops, better timing for sun and swim windows, and help with using the included gear (snorkel and SUP). That matters because water toys are great—until someone has to figure them out with no instructions.

Group pace matters here, too. This is a private tour, so you’re not balancing the wants of strangers. If half the group wants to snorkel early and the other half wants a slower start, you can usually make that work within the stop windows.

Who should book this Formentera boat day?

This charter works best if you want a classic Ibiza to Formentera day without stress and without constant decision-making. If you like swimming, snorkeling, or just hanging out on a boat with good food and drinks, this is a strong match.

It also suits:

• Families or friend groups up to 9 who want privacy
• People who like a mix of beach time and on-water time
• Travelers who want included gear (so you’re not renting snorkels or hunting SUP spots)

If you’re the type who wants one “perfect beach” and nothing else, you might find the multi-stop format a little busy. But if your idea of a great day includes variety—sand one stop, clear-water swimming another—this route style is exactly what you’d be looking for.

Booking tips that make the day smoother

A few practical choices can make your day feel calmer:

• Wear sunscreen early, and bring a light layer for the late part of the day when the air can feel cooler.
• If your group plans to snorkel at multiple stops, consider doing a short test swim early so everyone knows their rhythm before the longer swim windows.
• Decide in advance what your group wants for food at Playa de Ses Illetes: restaurant time or eat on board with your own items.
• Bring a waterproof phone option if you want photos at S’Espalmador and during the cave/snorkel window near Cala Saona.

Finally, because the operator says the experience requires good weather, don’t plan it as your only “must-do” on a fragile-weather trip day. Build in at least one backup activity in Ibiza.

Should you book Living the Dream on the Tullio Abbate 42?

I’d book it if your priority is a well-paced private day to Formentera with included water gear and included drinks. The combination of snorkel equipment + SUP, plus beer and champagne, plus the comfort of lounges and a bathroom onboard makes this feel like a real day out, not a basic sightseeing cruise.

I’d think twice if your group wants an ultra-cheap option, or if you’re likely to skip swimming and snorkeling entirely. The value really shows when you use the included gear and when you’re splitting the group cost.

If you want a straightforward way to experience S’Espalmador, Playa de Ses Illetes, and Cala Saona with a professional skipper and minimal planning headaches, this is a solid choice.

FAQ

How many people can join this boat day?

It’s a private tour for your group only, with a maximum size of up to 9 people.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 8 hours.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is at EWS Enjoy WaterSports Marina Ibiza, Puerto Marina Ibiza, Passeig Joan Carles i, 15, F49, 07800 Eivissa.

Does it include snorkel equipment and SUP?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and stand up paddle (SUP) are included.

What drinks and snacks are included?

You’ll get snacks (chips and olives), beer, a bottle of white and rose wine, plus bottled water and soft drinks like Coke and Fanta.

Are the island/beach stops ticketed?

The itinerary notes free admission tickets for the stops listed.

Is there a bathroom on board?

Yes, there is a bathroom on board.

Do you need extra money for fuel or water toys?

Extra fuel is not included, and extra water toys such as seabobs, jetski, or flyboard are also not included.

What language is the tour offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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