Sailing past Ibiza’s coves feels easy. This private Bavaria 42 cruise gives you real time on the water between Ibiza and Formentera, with included snorkeling and paddle SUP. I love the mix of classic beach stops plus calmer anchor moments, and I also like that the captain brings the day to life when the wind cooperates. One heads-up: sailing time and how much you can hoist sails can depend on wind and sea conditions that day.

You’ll start in Cala Jondal, then spend the afternoon hopping from beach to beach: Playa de Ses Illetes in the Ses Salines Natural Park, the uninhabited island of S’Espalmador, and Sa Caleta with its Phoenician past. If skies cooperate, the return sail is built around sunset and Es Vedrà showing up as a silhouette on the horizon.

This is designed for a small group (up to 8), and it runs about 8 hours. The onboard comfort is practical with a restroom, and the big “payment surprises” are limited since all fees and taxes are included and even the fuel tank is covered. Lunch isn’t included, though you can bring your own or add catering as an extra.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Private for up to 8 people so you can actually enjoy the day without sharing your boat time
• Wind-powered sailing when possible with a true sail feel between Ibiza and Formentera
• Playa de Ses Illetes (Ses Salines Natural Park) for white sand, calm clear water, and SUP/snorkel time
• S’Espalmador by sea only with anchoring in a quiet cove and swimming from the boat
• Sa Caleta’s red rocks + Phoenician ties for photos and a meaningful history pause
• Sunset return near Cala Jondal with Es Vedrà framing the view if conditions line up

Bavaria 42 style: why this feels different from the usual party-boat day

This kind of private sail day is less about rushing scenery and more about pacing yourself. The Bavaria 42 cruiser is made for comfort on the water, which matters when you’re spending most of the day outside—swimming, floating, and moving slowly between stops.

The itinerary also makes sense. You’re not just doing one beach. You get the “I want a sandy swim” option, then you get the “let’s anchor somewhere quieter and float” option. That balance is what makes the day feel special instead of just busy.

And yes, this is the sort of trip where the captain matters. In the experiences I saw through the operator’s history, captains like Sebastian and Juan Diego stand out for paying attention to guests and keeping the day smooth—from the first safety talk to the moments you’re deciding where to swim next.

Starting at Tropicana Eivissa, Cala Jondal: a smooth first 15 minutes

Meeting at Tropicana Eivissa in Cala Jondal is straightforward, and the day starts with a brief welcome and safety talk (about 15 minutes). That’s a sweet spot: enough guidance so you feel confident, without turning your vacation into a lecture.

You’ll then settle into the boat. This is when I’d suggest getting your bearings fast—where you’ll store stuff, where the restroom is, and how you’ll handle your towels and swim gear. You don’t need to overthink it, but you do want to be ready so you can enjoy that first chance to relax on deck or go for a swim.

The cruise includes a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation, which helps if you’re not driving.

Timing is seasonal at Cala Jondal. The operator lists opening windows at the meeting point that vary by month (from 10:00 AM and running until either 1:00 PM or 1:30 PM depending on the dates). Translation: show up on time, because this is a private sailing day, and it won’t wait around like a museum ticket line.

The sailing leg to Formentera: where the day actually starts

After the first stop begins, you sail for about 1 hour and 45 minutes toward Formentera. This is a key part of the experience, not dead time. When the wind permits, the captain hoists sails so you can feel that slower, quieter motion that people chase when they book sailing instead of motor-only cruising.

This is also when you’ll notice the boat rhythm. You can hang out on the bow with sun and sea breeze, and you can just watch the coastline drift by. It’s a nice reset if Ibiza’s land scene feels too intense.

One practical note: bring whatever you need for salt-air comfort. The day is on the water, and the sea can be drying. Simple things like water (if you bring it) and sun protection can make the difference between a great day and a “we should have prepared better” day.

Playa de Ses Illetes: Caribbean-style water with real time to enjoy it

Playa de Ses Illetes is in the Ses Salines Natural Park, and it’s the kind of beach that lives up to its reputation. Expect white sand, calm clear water, and that look that makes photos feel too easy.

You get about 2 hours here, which is enough time to do what you actually want instead of doing everything quickly. Options include:

• paddle SUP (included)
• snorkeling with the provided equipment
• walking along the shore for a slower, scenic pace

Lunch is built into this stop, and the choices are practical:

1) step down to waterfront restaurants (extra)

2) eat on board whatever you brought

3) add catering as a bespoke extra service

For many groups, the easiest win is eating onboard or picking one simple option—because it keeps your time on the water feeling continuous. If you’re the type who likes a sit-down meal, the waterfront restaurants can be a good treat, but don’t plan on it being fast.

Possible drawback: beach time is limited. You’ll want to use your first 20–30 minutes wisely—get in the water early, then decide if you want a snorkel session or a SUP loop after.

S’Espalmador: uninhabited island time (and a quiet cove anchor)

S’Espalmador is small and uninhabited, and it’s only accessible by sea. That access rule matters. It’s one of those places where you can feel the difference between a beach that’s meant for crowds and a spot that just… exists.

The water is described as among the cleanest and most turquoise in the Mediterranean. What you’ll actually notice in practice is visibility when you swim. You’ll anchor in a quiet cove and have about 1 hour here to swim, explore the coastline from the boat, or just relax on deck.

This is also where the operator adds a “secret” moment—something few travelers know about the island. The important part isn’t the trivia itself; it’s the feeling that the captain isn’t just ticking off stops. The day feels guided in a low-key way.

Why this stop is valuable: it breaks up the day with stillness. After moving between Ibiza and Formentera, S’Espalmador is like a pause button.

Possible drawback: 1 hour sounds short, but it’s usually the right length when you’re bouncing between multiple stops. If you want more time swimming here, you’ll likely have to accept that the trip structure prioritizes variety over extended beach time.

Sa Caleta: red rocks, pine green, and Phoenician traces

Sa Caleta is a quieter corner, and the color contrast is part of the fun: reddish rocks next to intense green pines. It looks like a postcard moment, but the bigger reason to like Sa Caleta is what’s underneath the scenery.

This is where the first Phoenicians inhabited Ibiza more than 2,600 years ago. Even if you don’t know much about Phoenician history today, the stop gives you a chance to imagine the island at the scale of centuries—not just beaches and boat views.

You’ll have about 1 hour here. It’s ideal for swimming again, photos, and a slower mental shift: you’re in the same water and coastline, but the human story is older than the party reputation most people associate with the island.

Possible drawback: because it’s a scenic, historic stop, the time can feel “watch, swim, move on” rather than “hang out for hours.” If your perfect day is one long beach day, you may prefer staying ashore. But if you want variety and a sense of place, this stop earns its spot.

Back to Platja des Jondal and the Es Vedrà sunset moment

You’ll close the day with a quiet sail back to Ibiza, with about 1 hour of navigation on the return. This is where the timing and mood can line up for a sunset you actually remember.

The plan is set around the silhouette of Es Vedrà framing the horizon if conditions cooperate. Even when the sky isn’t perfect, the return sail usually feels like a reward. You’ve had swimming time, beach time, and calmer anchoring time. Now you get a slower finish.

If you’re planning photos, sunset lighting is the obvious move. But I’d also suggest just putting your phone away for a few minutes. The sound of the sea changes as the day cools down, and that’s when the sailing part feels most real.

Price and value: $1,015.87 for up to 8 people

Let’s talk money in a way that helps you decide.

The price is $1,015.87 per group for up to 8 people. That sounds steep until you do the math: you’re paying for a private charter experience, with the boat, captain, and fuel tank covered, plus equipment and fees handled.

The included pieces are where the value shows:

• snorkeling equipment
• paddle SUP
• restroom on board
• all fees and taxes
• fuel tank included

Lunch is the only obvious gap, and that’s common on boat days. But you’re given choices: eat onboard what you bring, choose a waterfront meal on your own, or add catering as an extra bespoke service.

So who does this make the most sense for?

• Groups of friends or families (up to 8) who want a real private day without splitting into separate tours
• People who care about snorkeling and want gear handled for them
• Anyone tired of overcrowded beach transfers who prefers calm anchor stops

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, private sailing can still be worth it if it’s a special occasion. Just remember: you’ll be paying for the whole boat.

Also, this experience is typically booked about 60 days in advance. That’s your clue to plan ahead if your dates matter.

What’s included, what’s not, and what you should bring

Included:

• snorkeling equipment and use of it
• paddle SUP
• restroom on board
• all fees and taxes
• fuel tank included

Not included:

• lunch (but there are flexible options, including onboard food or catering by request)

What I’d personally bring so the day feels effortless:

• sun protection and something to cover your shoulders (the sea sun can be sneaky)
• a small bag that can handle wet items
• a towel and dry clothes for the ride back
• any personal swim comfort items (the water time is real)

If you’re adding the catering option, I’d treat it like a plan you coordinate early in your booking process, since lunch can shape how long you’re at each stop.

Who this sail day fits best (and who should pick something else)

This cruise is a strong fit if you want:

• private time on a real sailboat
• a mix of beaches and quieter anchoring
• included snorkeling and SUP gear
• a sunset-focused return rather than a midday finish

It’s not the best match if your top priority is:

• a single, long beach day with zero moving around
• a tour that’s mainly land sightseeing and museums
• staying away from the water for long stretches

If your group includes different comfort levels—some want to snorkel, some just want to float—the itinerary actually supports that. You’re not forced into one activity. The boat is the center, and you choose how involved you get.

Should you book this private Ibiza–Formentera sailing day?

If you’re excited by the idea of sailing between islands, swimming in clear water, and getting a chance at that Es Vedrà sunset framing, I think it’s an easy yes—especially for a group up to 8.

Book it when:

• you want privacy and calm
• you value included snorkeling/SUP gear
• you like structured variety (beach, island, historic stop, then return)

Skip it or compare alternatives if:

• you only want one long beach
• you don’t want to plan around weather and wind (sailing depends on conditions)
• your group is trying to keep costs ultra-low

One last smart move: because it’s a private sailing day and sells out around 60 days ahead on average, pick dates early. Then focus on the fun part—sun on the bow, clear water swims, and that final sail back where the day starts to slow down.

FAQ

How long is the Bavaria 42 private sail around Ibiza and Formentera?

It lasts about 8 hours.

What group size is this private tour for?

The tour is private and can accommodate up to 8 people per group.

What language is the experience offered in?

English.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with paddle SUP.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included, and you can bring your own, choose waterfront restaurants, or arrange catering as an extra service.

Where does the tour meet and where does it end?

It starts at Tropicana Eivissa in Cala Jondal (Cala Jundal, s/n, 07830 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Illes Balears, Spain) and ends back at the meeting point.

Do I get a ticket on my phone?

Yes. The tour uses a mobile ticket.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid isn’t refunded.