Ibiza & Formentera Private Full-Day Sailing Tour

If you want Ibiza and Formentera without the ferry crowd, this private full-day sailing tour is a smart pick. You’ll head from Cala Jondal across to Formentera and back in about 8 hours, with stops at beaches and natural reserves that look like postcards—minus the tour-bus chaos.

Two things really shine. I love the captain flexibility—you’re not locked into a rigid schedule—and I love the variety of water time: calm coves, snorkeling gear, and even paddle boards for when you want to slow the day down.

One thing to consider: it’s a full day at sea, and that means weather and heat matter. One review also mentioned onboard amenity issues on a hot day, so it’s worth planning like you’re going to be outside for hours.

Quick Key Points Before You Go

• Private for up to 7: you book a boat day for your group, not a seat on a busier cruise
• Snorkeling + paddle boards included: gear is on board and the route is built around swimming spots
• Formentera natural reserve time: Espalmador and Ses Illetes are the big “wow” payoff
• Captain-led tailoring: guests mention skipping straight to favorites and customizing pacing
• Lunch is your call: you can disembark for it or eat onboard if you bring/arrange something
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours: plus weather-based rescheduling or refund

The Big Picture: What This Day Sailing Trip Really Delivers

This is a private sailing trip built for people who like the south coast of Ibiza and the most iconic parts of Formentera—but prefer to experience them from the water. The route is classic for a reason: turquoise shallows, limestone cliffs, and sheltered coves where you can swim without fighting the crowd.

The tour also feels “casual-private,” not stiff and scripted. Several guests mention how welcomed they felt the moment they stepped aboard, and how captains (and first mates) gave helpful context about what you’re seeing—then let the group set the tone. That’s the difference between a tour you watch and a day you actually live.

Finally, the boat is a 35-foot setup, which helps with comfort on the water. And because you’re going private, you’re not negotiating with strangers about where to swim or when to move on.

Price and Value: What You’re Paying For (And Why It Can Make Sense)

The price is $943.68 per group (up to 7). On paper, that sounds pricey. In practice, it can pencil out well if you’re traveling with friends or family.

If your group fills the boat (7 people), you’re roughly in the $135 per person range for a full sailing day—snorkeling gear, paddle boards, and a captain plus fuel coverage included. If you only have a few people, the per-person cost rises, and that’s when you should ask yourself: do you want a private day badly enough to pay for it?

For many travelers, the value comes from two places:

• Access: you reach coves and beaches that are hard to do comfortably on your own in one day
• Time on the water: you’re not burning your day on transfers and waiting around

If you’re the kind of traveler who hates wasting daylight, the cost can feel fair fast.

Where You Meet: Cala Jondal Start, Easy Access, Smooth Return

The tour starts at Tropicana Eivissa Cala Jondal, and the ending is back at the same place. Cala Jondal is on the south side of Ibiza, so it’s a convenient launch point for south-coast scenery and the Formentera run.

The operator notes it’s near public transportation and you’ll receive a mobile ticket. The practical takeaway: check that meeting spot carefully the day before. One unhappy experience report mentioned a pickup mix-up, so treat this like any good European trip—show up early and confirm details.

How the Day Flows: A Timeline Built Around Swim Stops

This is an approx. 8-hour outing, and the pacing is built around natural breaks: sail, stop, swim/snorkel, reset, repeat. The itinerary uses multiple stops with time blocks that are usually long enough to do something active, not just pose for photos.

Also, since it’s private, captains can often nudge the schedule toward what your group wants—more swimming, less moving, or a different order if conditions suggest it.

Stop 1: Platja des Jondal—Start With the Southern-Blue Views

You begin at Platja des Jondal (Cala Jondal area). Expect a beautiful bay feel—sun, sea views, and that immediate shift from “on land” to “okay, we’re really doing this.”

This first stop is short on the schedule, but it’s useful. You get oriented, settle in on deck, and start seeing the coastline angles you’ll keep noticing later on the sail.

Stop 2: Playa des Codolar—Coves, Cliffs, and a Proper Sea Breeze

Next comes Playa des Codolar. This segment is about sailing the dramatic south coast—rocky coves, cliff lines, and the kind of scenery where you’ll understand why people talk about this part of Ibiza nonstop.

You’ll likely feel the sea breeze here. It’s one of those “small but memorable” moments: you’re comfortable, you’re moving, and the coast looks different every few minutes.

Stop 3: Parque Natural de Ses Salines—A Secluded Cove Swim Moment

At Parque Natural de Ses Salines, the tour gives you a chance to slow down. You drop anchor and swim in clearer waters. You also get snorkeling equipment onboard, so if you like seeing fish rather than just floating, this is where you put it to work.

This stop also tends to feel “secret cove” in a good way—less commercial vibe, more nature-focused.

Stop 4: S’Espalmador—Between Ibiza and Formentera

S’Espalmador is where the day leans into “between two islands” magic. You’ll head there for another swim/snorkel moment, plus paddle boards are provided.

In real terms, paddle boarding changes the experience. Instead of drifting and hoping you see something, you can steer around shallows and explore the edges of the cove more actively. It’s also a nice option for mixed-skill groups—some people snorkel, others paddle, and everyone feels like they contributed.

Stop 5: Playa de Ses Illetes (Formentera)—The Beach Finale You Came For

Then you arrive in Formentera at Playa de Ses Illetes. This beach is famous for a reason: white sand, clear water, and a look that feels far more “island getaway” than “party destination.”

You have choices here:

• Disembark for lunch: you can go ashore for food on the island
• Lunch onboard: if you prefer staying on the boat, you can enjoy the view while you eat

One practical note: lunch is not included, so decide ahead of time how you want to handle it. Some captains/crew members have been known to help arrange lunch in the right area, but you shouldn’t assume a meal is automatically taken care of.

Also, the day can feel long at this point. One guest specifically mentioned they didn’t realize it was a sailing-style transfer and noted it took a while to reach Formentera. If you’re traveling with kids, it might be worth considering whether a long sea stretch is ideal (one review said it wouldn’t be great for small children).

Stop 6: Back to Platja des Jondal—Relax, Rewind, Repeat the Good Bits

On the return sail to Cala Jondal, the mood usually shifts from activity to enjoyment. You get deck time again—sun, sea views, and that final “we did it” feeling as you head back.

It’s also when you’ll appreciate how the stops connect. The coastline views you saw earlier start to make sense as a whole picture rather than isolated beaches.

What’s Included (So You Don’t Have to Think Too Hard)

Here’s what you can count on as included:

• Snorkeling equipment
• 2 paddle surf boards
• Restroom on board
• Fuel surcharge
• A 35-foot boat setup

And it’s a private tour, so only your group is onboard. That matters for comfort and for the “tailoring” travelers mention.

What’s not included:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Lunch

The Crew Factor: Captains Who Make It Feel Easy

This is one of the best-reviewed aspects of the trip. Guests consistently praise the people running the boat—not just for being skilled, but for being good at hosting.

You’ll see names come up again and again:

• Carlota / Charlotta and Sophia (mentioned for friendliness and making the trip fun)
• Julian and Tomas (praised for planning and handling sea sickness patience)
• German and Agustin (noted for local knowledge and helpful recommendations; one guest also mentioned lunch reservations)
• Victoria (credited with customizing the day and recommending lunch and swim spots)
• Marcelo and Nuria, Ali, Augusto/Agustín, and Marcel (praised for comfort, flexibility, and making the day special)

Even if you don’t get one of these exact captains, the pattern is clear: you’re booking a crew that takes the “host” part seriously.

What About Food and Lunch?

Since lunch isn’t included, you have to plan your calories like an adult. You can typically choose to:

• eat ashore at Formentera, or
• eat onboard if you prefer to keep the day simple

From the experiences shared, captains sometimes help guests with lunch ideas or reservations. That’s not the same as “lunch included,” but it’s still a big practical benefit because it reduces decision stress mid-day.

If you’re the type who loves local food and tapas, this is where you can steer the day toward that—either by finding a good place on Formentera or by bringing your own plan and enjoying the scenery while you eat.

A Quick Safety and Comfort Reality Check (Because One Review Got Serious)

Most feedback is glowing. Still, one unhappy experience described a pickup mix-up and later an incident during a transfer to shore involving a small dinghy that capsized, with passengers ending up in the water and losing personal items. That same report said life jackets weren’t available and that the operator didn’t respond at first.

I’m mentioning this carefully: it’s one report, not the overall pattern. But it’s a reminder to ask practical questions if you have concerns—especially around how any transfers are handled on your specific day and what safety equipment will be used.

Also, one review mentioned an onboard refrigerator was broken on a hot day and there was no nearby ice. If you’re bringing drinks or snacks, plan as if cooling won’t be guaranteed.

Weather, Cancelation, and When the Operator Calls It

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

There’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. That’s helpful if your schedule is flexible or you’re still deciding between a beach day and a boat day.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want a Different Plan)

You’ll probably love this tour if:

• you want private sailing without the ferry crowd
• you enjoy snorkeling and want gear provided
• you like Formentera beaches but want to arrive by boat
• you’re traveling with friends or a small group (up to 7)

You might think twice if:

• you need a very kid-friendly schedule with lots of easy “on land” time
• you’re expecting lunch to be handled automatically
• you get uncomfortable with sea time and long stretches at open water

Practical Tips So Your Day Runs Smooth

• Bring sun protection. You’ll be on deck for long stretches.
• Plan lunch in advance (or bring what you need). Lunch is not included.
• Confirm the meeting details the day before, and don’t wait until the last minute.
• If you’re prone to sea sickness, bring what works for you. One guest mentioned the skipper was patient and helped people who were affected.
• Have a backup mindset for weather. If the day changes, the refund/reschedule policy helps.

Should You Book This Ibiza & Formentera Private Sailing Tour?

If you’re choosing between a crowded cruise and a more personal day on the water, I’d lean toward this one. The combination of snorkeling gear, paddle boards, and captain-led flexibility at iconic spots like Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador is exactly what most travelers want from a “boat day” in this part of the Balearics.

I’d book it especially if:

• you have a group to split the cost,
• you care more about views and swim stops than being “on schedule to the minute,” and
• you want that calm private-hosted feel rather than a party vibe.

Just go in knowing lunch isn’t included, and be mindful that a full day at sea is still a full day. For most people, that’s the point.