Ibiza & Formentera Private Full-Day Sailing Tour

The best part of this private sailing day is the freedom to shape it as you go. From Cala Jondal, you can cruise past Ibiza’s rough southern coast, stop for a swim near Ses Salines, use the two paddleboards at S’Espalmador, and spend time at Formentera’s famous Ses Illetes beach. I especially like the private boat for up to seven people and the chance to ask skippers such as Carlota, Agustin, Victoria, Thomas, or Julien to adjust the day to your group.

I also like the easy, social feel. You can snorkel, sunbathe, try sailing the boat, or simply sit on deck. The catch is time: a sailboat can take about two hours to reach Formentera, leaving less beach time than you may expect. Bring your own food and cold drinks, and confirm the day’s route and timing before setting off.

Key points to know before you book

• A private 35-foot sailboat: Only your group joins, with room for up to seven people.
• Sailing takes time: Reaching Formentera may take close to two hours, depending on conditions.
• Swimming gear is included: Snorkels and two paddleboards are provided, along with an onboard restroom.
• The route can bend to your plans: Your skipper may focus on swimming, beaches, snorkeling, sailing, or a celebration.
• Ses Illetes is the main island stop: You can eat on Formentera or remain aboard with lunch.
• The price works best for a full group: The total is $943.68 per group, not per person.

Leaving Cala Jondal on a private sailboat

Your day begins at Tropicana Eivissa in Cala Jondal, on Ibiza’s south coast. This is both the meeting point and the return point, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup after the sail.

The boat is a 35-foot sailboat, large enough for a private group of up to seven. That size gives you a more personal day than a crowded excursion boat, though it also means the available indoor and deck space is limited. The onboard restroom is useful during a full day at sea, especially when the boat is away from shore.

The opening stretch near Platja des Jondal is short in the schedule, but it gets you onto the water quickly. Cala Jondal is a dramatic starting point, with clear water, pale stone, and steep coastal edges. I would use this early period to settle in, meet your skipper, and explain what matters most to your group. If you want plenty of time in the water, say so at the beginning. If you prefer a relaxed sightseeing day, say that instead.

Skippers have included Carlota, Agustin, Victoria, Thomas, Julien, German, Marcel, Nuria, Lao, and Ali. The strongest pattern in the feedback is not one fixed route, but the captains’ willingness to adapt the day. Some groups wanted paddleboarding and snorkeling. Others wanted a special birthday, a wedding-week finale, or a sunset sail. That flexibility is one of the main reasons this works better for a private group than for a standard boat outing.

Along Ibiza’s south coast to Playa des Codolar

The next stretch follows Ibiza’s southern shoreline toward Playa des Codolar. This is scenic sailing rather than a single major attraction. You pass rocky coves, cliffs, small beaches, and sea caves that are difficult to appreciate from inland roads.

This part of the trip is also where you notice the difference between a sailboat and a fast motorboat. A sailboat moves at a gentler pace, and the crossing may take longer than your map suggests. One account described nearly two hours to reach Formentera. That is not a flaw if you enjoy being on the water, but it matters if your main goal is a long afternoon on the beach.

I would think of the sailing time as part of the experience, not dead time. Sit on deck, watch the coast change, and ask your skipper about the coves and islands ahead. You can also use this period to avoid spending the whole day rushing from one stop to another.

Swimming and snorkeling near Ses Salines

The route continues toward the Parque Natural de Ses Salines, where the boat can anchor near a quieter cove. This is the first major chance to swim and use the snorkeling equipment supplied on board.

The water around Ibiza and Formentera is known for its clarity, but conditions can change with wind and sea movement. The skipper chooses the anchorage, so the exact place may vary. Expect a natural swimming stop rather than a formal beach facility. There may be no shop, changing room, or easy way to replace something you forgot.

The snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from packing a full set of gear. If you are particular about fit, you may still prefer to bring your own mask. This stop is a good match for confident swimmers and anyone who likes short water activities between periods of sailing.

Families should take the sea conditions seriously. One positive account described Agustin finding a cove where children could jump safely from the rocks, but that does not mean every departure will offer the same conditions. A private skipper can adjust the plan, but you should still ask about swimming depth and water movement before anyone enters.

S’Espalmador, paddleboards, and another swim

S’Espalmador is a natural reserve between Ibiza and Formentera, and it gives the day a more remote feel. The boat provides two paddleboards, so you can take turns moving around the calm water near the boat or use them as a quiet way to see the coast from sea level.

You also have another chance to snorkel here. The appeal is variety: you are not simply sitting on a boat all day. You can swim, paddle, sunbathe, or watch others in your group use the boards. For a group of seven, two boards mean you will need to share, but that is usually manageable during a long stop.

This is one of the places where a private tour earns its keep. If your group wants more time in the water, the skipper may be able to linger. If someone feels tired or uncomfortable, you can move on without waiting for a boatload of strangers.

Sea sickness is worth considering. A former group described skipper Thomas helping family members who felt sick at first. That suggests the crew can be patient and supportive, but it does not remove the basic risk of spending eight hours at sea. If you are prone to motion sickness, plan ahead and tell the skipper early.

Formentera and the two-hour Ses Illetes stop

The main destination is Playa de Ses Illetes, one of Formentera’s most recognizable beaches. Expect white sand, clear water, and a setting that can feel much more open than Ibiza’s developed resort areas.

You have two choices here. You can go ashore for lunch and a walk, or stay on the boat and eat while looking back toward the beach. Lunch is not included, so budget for a restaurant meal if you want to eat on the island. Some skippers have helped arrange lunch reservations, which is useful during busy periods, but you should confirm that service in advance rather than assume it is part of the package.

The scheduled two hours at Ses Illetes sounds generous, but remember that the full day includes sailing time and transfers to shore may affect how long you actually spend on land. If your priority is beach time, tell the skipper before the boat leaves Ibiza. You may be able to adjust the swimming stops, though the final route depends on conditions.

I like having the option to remain aboard. Not everyone wants to walk in the midday heat or pay for a restaurant meal. Staying on the boat lets you keep the day quiet and avoids turning the most scenic stop into a rushed lunch break.

The return crossing to Cala Jondal

The return to Ibiza takes about an hour and a half in the planned schedule. This is a calm time to dry off, stretch out on deck, and look back at the coast. Some departures have continued toward sunset, which can make the final leg especially attractive for birthdays, anniversaries, or a proposal.

The return crossing also shows why you should not treat this as a simple transport service to Formentera. If all you want is the fastest way between islands, a ferry is likely more practical. This tour is about the full day on the water, with stops and a skipper shaping the experience around your group.

The schedule adds up to roughly eight hours, but sailing times are not exact. Wind, sea conditions, anchoring, and the amount of time spent ashore can alter the rhythm. Keep your evening plans flexible.

What the $943.68 price really buys

The total price is $943.68 for the group, with a maximum of seven people. At full capacity, that works out to about $135 per person. For seven people wanting a private boat, snorkeling, paddleboards, a skipper, fuel, and eight hours at sea, that is a reasonable value.

For two or three people, the calculation changes. You are paying for privacy, not just seats. The price may still be worthwhile for a proposal, anniversary, birthday, or unusually important day, but it is not the budget choice.

Included are fuel, snorkeling equipment, two paddle surf boards, the onboard restroom, and the 35-foot boat. Alcoholic drinks and lunch are not included. Bring food and beverages yourself, and do not assume the boat’s cooling facilities will always be available. One account described a broken refrigerator and difficulty finding ice, so confirm how you will keep drinks cold before departure.

The flexibility is a major part of the value. A skipper may help you choose a swim stop, recommend a restaurant, show you how the sailboat works, or adjust the plan for children. You are paying for local handling of the day as well as the boat itself.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this for a group that wants time together rather than a fixed sightseeing checklist. It suits friends, couples, families with older children, and people marking a special occasion.

You will get the most from it if you enjoy:

• A slow, scenic crossing rather than fast transport
• Swimming and snorkeling from the boat
• Paddleboarding in calm water
• Choosing between lunch ashore and lunch aboard
• A private setting with your own skipper
• A flexible day that can favor beaches, water sports, or sailing

I would be more cautious if you have very young children, dislike boats, or want several hours on a beach. One account specifically questioned the fit for small children, while another praised the crew for accommodating children at a safe jumping spot. The right choice depends on your children’s swimming ability, patience, and comfort at sea.

Safety deserves a direct note. One serious account described a restaurant-arranged transfer boat capsizing near Formentera, with passengers reporting that they had no life jackets. The operator said the transfer was provided by the restaurant, acknowledged the safety concern, and said it was investigating. This was not described as the main sailboat overturning, but it is still a reason to ask who operates any shore transfer, confirm that life jackets are available, and consider eating aboard if conditions feel rough.

Practical details for a smoother day

The meeting point is Tropicana Eivissa, Cala Jondal, Cala Jundal, Sant Josep de sa Talaia. The activity ends there as well. Confirmation is provided when you book, and the location is near public transportation, though the information does not specify a dedicated hotel pickup.

Wear swim clothes under something light, bring sun protection, and pack a towel, food, drinks, and any personal snorkeling gear you prefer. Keep phones and sunglasses secure around the water. Alcohol is not included, and responsible packing matters on a small boat.

The tour requires good weather. If conditions cancel the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted.

Should you book this Ibiza and Formentera sailing tour?

Book it if you want a private day with control over the pace, and if the sailing itself sounds as appealing as Formentera. The best parts are the personal skipper service, swimming and snorkeling stops, two paddleboards, and the ability to shape the route for your group.

Think twice if you want the most beach time possible or the quickest Ibiza to Formentera crossing. In that case, a ferry or faster boat may serve you better. Before paying, confirm the planned departure time, the likely time at Ses Illetes, lunch arrangements, cold storage, and the safety setup for any transfer boat.

For a full group celebrating something important, I see the value. For a small group on a tight budget, the cost is harder to justify. This is a slow, flexible sailing day, not simply a ride to the next island.

FAQ

How long is the Ibiza and Formentera sailing tour?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours and returns to Cala Jondal. The sailing time can vary, and reaching Formentera may take close to two hours.

How many people can join the private tour?

The private boat accommodates up to seven people. Only your group participates.

What equipment is included?

Snorkeling equipment, two paddle surf boards, fuel, an onboard restroom, and use of the 35-foot boat are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You can eat on Formentera near Ses Illetes or bring food and eat aboard.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Tropicana Eivissa in Cala Jondal, Ibiza, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.