Private sailing experience discovering Ibiza or Formentera

A Look at the Private Sailing Experience in Ibiza and Formentera

If you’re dreaming of a day on the water exploring the stunning coastlines of Ibiza and Formentera, this private sailing tour might be just what you’re looking for. Although I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary suggest it offers a memorable, personalized way to experience some of the most beautiful spots in the Mediterranean. Think lounging on deck, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and enjoying the serenity of a silent sail when the wind allows.

What really catches our eye about this experience is its flexibility and intimacy. You get a private boat, which means no sharing the space with strangers—perfect if you want a relaxed family outing, a romantic escape, or a fun day with friends. Plus, the itinerary includes some of the most iconic and less crowded spots around Ibiza and Formentera, making it ideal for those craving authentic, scenic moments away from the typical tourist crowds.

One thing to consider, though, is the price. At $920 for a group of up to 8, it’s not exactly budget-friendly for everyone, but when you break down what’s included—like the boat, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and fuel—it seems to offer solid value for a full day of exclusive, tailored fun. Still, this experience is best suited for travelers who want a customizable, intimate day at sea rather than a large-group or party boat scene.

If you’re someone who appreciates comfort, privacy, and a touch of adventure spent exploring beautiful coves and beaches, you’ll likely find this tour a good fit. It’s especially appealing if you want to combine sailing with active breaks for swimming, snorkeling, or just lying back soaking up the sun.

Key Points

• Personalized experience: The private boat allows for a flexible itinerary tailored to your preferences.
• All-included amenities: Snorkeling gear, paddleboards, Bluetooth music, and fuel are covered, making it hassle-free.
• Stunning stops: Highlights include Ses Illetes, S’Espalmador, Sa Caleta, and a sunset sail with Es Vedrà views.
• Ideal for small groups: Up to 8 people, perfect for intimate gatherings or families seeking a serene escape.
• Flexible catering options: You can dine onboard with your own food or choose a previously arranged catering service.
• Good value for a full day: Despite the higher price, the personalized service and all-inclusive setup make it worthwhile.

The Experience in Detail: What’s Included and What to Expect

This private sailing tour spans approximately 8 hours, starting from Cala Jondal in Ibiza. The journey is designed to show you some of the most beautiful and secluded spots along the coast, with the captain customizing each stop based on your requests and the wind conditions.

Starting Point and First Stop: Cala Jondal

You’ll meet your crew at Tropicana Eivissa in Cala Jondal, a well-known, lively area. After a quick safety briefing (about 15 minutes), you’ll get a taste of the yacht life—taking in the sun, unwinding on the deck, and perhaps taking your first dip in the water. The boat, a sleek 42-foot vessel, comfortably fits up to 8 people, ensuring everyone has space to relax or socialize.

The Navigation: Sailing to Formentera

The first leg involves a scenic sail toward Formentera that lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes. If the wind is right, you might get the full sailing experience, hoisting the sails yourself or simply enjoying the quiet glide of the boat with the wind in your hair. Many reviews highlight how much they appreciated this peaceful, natural mode of travel—“silent,” “free,” and “magical,” to quote one guest.

Stop 1: Playa de Ses Illetes

Once you arrive at Ses Illetes, you’ll discover why it’s considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The shallow, crystal waters and powdery white sand are reminiscent of a Caribbean paradise. Here, you can paddle on the SUP, snorkel around the reef, or just walk along the shore soaking up the sun. You’ll have about two hours to enjoy this idyllic spot, with the option to dine at a waterfront restaurant or eat onboard if you prefer.

Stop 2: S’Espalmador

Next, the boat takes you to S’Espalmador, a tiny uninhabited island famous for its turquoise waters and peaceful surroundings. Anchored in one of its quiet coves, you can swim, explore the coastline, or simply relax on deck. The highlight here is not just the scenery but the chance to slow down and connect with nature, with a local secret about the island adding an extra layer of intrigue.

Stop 3: Sa Caleta

The journey continues to Sa Caleta, a cove with reddish rocks and lush pines. Its landscape is a striking contrast to the white beaches; a little historical and a lot photogenic. This spot is perfect for a swim, snapping photos, or pondering the island’s ancient past—since it was inhabited by Phoenicians over 2,600 years ago.

Final Leg and Sunset

As the day winds down, you’ll sail back towards Ibiza with a final hour of navigation, ideally catching one of the most scenic sunsets in the Mediterranean. If the weather cooperates, the silhouette of Es Vedrà provides a breathtaking backdrop as the sun dips below the horizon. Many visitors describe this moment as truly magical, a perfect way to wrap up a day filled with beautiful scenery.

What’s Included and What You Need to Know

This tour covers a lot—fuel, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and even Bluetooth music to set the mood. Restroom facilities are available on board, which is handy for a full-day adventure. The price of $920 per group includes everything except the lunch, which you can bring yourself or opt for a catering service.

The Value of the Price

While $920 might seem steep, especially for a group of 8, the all-inclusive nature and private setting justify the cost for those seeking an exclusive experience. You won’t be sharing with strangers, and the flexibility to choose your stops and activities adds a lot of value.

Timing and Group Size

The tour runs almost daily from early May to late September, with departure times around 10 AM. The small group size ensures a relaxed atmosphere, and the duration makes it a full, satisfying day—without feeling rushed.

Authentic Feedback from Guests

Many reviews praise the experience highly. “Excelente todo! Muy recomendable, el barco muy bien, fuimos a Formentera una gran navegada y lo mejor Juan Diego el capitán!!! Un éxito,” said one delighted guest. Another mentioned, “Nous avons eu une super expérience de bateau avec Juan. Il était à l’écoute de nos besoins et nous pouvions choisir notre itinéraire pour la journée. Je vous conseille fortement de choisir l’option sunset, c’était magique à voir.”

Guests consistently highlight the stunning views, the good value for an all-day private trip, and the friendly, attentive captain who personalizes the experience. The optional sunset sail is particularly loved for its magical atmosphere and picture-perfect moments.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for couples, families, or groups of friends looking for a peaceful, personalized day on the water. It’s perfect if you appreciate beautiful scenery, active water sports, and a flexible itinerary. Because it’s a private, small-group setting, it’s less suited for those wanting a large, lively party atmosphere or budget-conscious travelers—though the value for what’s included does reflect the premium nature of the experience.

Travelers who love authentic, scenic moments and want to avoid crowded tours will find this a true treat. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply escaping to the coast for a day, this sailing trip offers a peaceful, tailored adventure with plenty of opportunities for swimming, relaxing, and soaking up the views.

FAQs

How many people can fit on the boat?
Up to 8 people, making it a cozy but spacious private experience.

What’s included in the price?
Use of snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, fuel, Bluetooth music, and restroom access are all included. Lunch is not included but can be arranged separately.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?
Yes, you can bring your own onboard food, or select the catering option previously arranged.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
It operates from May through September, with the most favorable weather typically from June to September.

Is the experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the small, relaxed nature of the tour and water activities suggest it’s appropriate for children comfortable with a boat and water.

How long is the total sailing time?
The entire trip, including stops, lasts about 8 hours, with most sailing happening at the beginning and end.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for water activities, plus sun protection like hats and sunscreen.

Is the tour customizable?
Yes, your captain will tailor the course based on your preferences and the weather.

Final Thoughts

This private sailing experience in Ibiza and Formentera offers a tranquil yet adventurous way to connect with the stunning Mediterranean landscape. The opportunity to personalize your stops, enjoy active water sports, and watch unforgettable sunsets makes it stand out from more generic boat trips.

While the price might be a barrier for some, the all-included amenities and exclusive nature of the tour provide solid value for those seeking a high-quality, memorable day at sea. If you’re after a peaceful, scenic escape with plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in a private setting, this experience is likely to deliver exactly that.

Ideal for travelers craving authenticity and quiet beauty, this trip truly shines when weather conditions cooperate, and the calm waters enhance the serene atmosphere. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting to see Ibiza and Formentera from a unique perspective, this sail promises a day you’ll remember.