You’re going to spend the whole day on water, and that changes everything. This private Formentera and Espalmador sailing trip strings together five standout swimming and paddling areas, with SUP boards and snorkeling gear built in. I love the variety of water scenes in one day, and I especially like how the route balances big-view beaches with calmer bays for easy paddling. The one drawback to plan around: you’re booking a weather-dependent day, so rough conditions can affect the schedule.

What makes this feel truly “Formentera” is the mix of protected nature and swim-ready stops. On our trip, the host—Augustin—kept things friendly and purposeful, getting us to the beaches that feel like postcard magic once you’re actually there. You’ll also appreciate the practical touches on board: a restroom, WiFi, and plenty of drinking water so you can stay out longer without constantly scrambling for basics.

Key things I’d bookmark before you go

• Espalmador by sea only: you’re heading somewhere you can’t reach by land, with the famous El Paso sandbar vibe.
• SUP-friendly timing: flat-water conditions show up here, so it’s a good day to practice paddling.
• Big views at Ses Illetes: 360-degree sightlines that include Ibiza and Es Vedrà.
• A wind-sheltered sailing plan: Es Pujols is often protected, which makes paddling feel calmer.
• Private means flexible-feeling: your group (up to 7) is the only one on the boat, so the pacing feels more like your day than a factory schedule.

Why a Private 35-Foot Sailboat Day Feels Like the Real Formentera

Formentera is famous for beaches, but the best part is how quickly the coastline changes once you’re on a boat. With a private sailboat (a 35-foot vessel) you’re not stuck with one sandy patch and a bus timetable. Instead, you can hop between different kinds of water and shorelines—sand, rock, sandbars, and small coves—while still keeping it relaxed.

I also like that this isn’t just sightseeing from the rail. You’re given 2 paddle surf boards and snorkeling equipment, so you’ll actually spend time in the water, not just look at it. And because it’s a full day (about 7 hours), you can go deeper than the “one-hour stop and off we go” feel you get on shorter trips.

One more practical point: the boat includes a restroom and WiFi, plus bottled and filtered water. It’s a small thing until you’re halfway through the day and suddenly very grateful.

Entering Ses Illetes: Your Starting Point and First Taste of the Day

The meeting point is Platja de Ses Illetes (07871 Formentera), and the day ends back there. Ses Illetes is a smart place to start because it’s already one of the area’s most dramatic beaches. You’re essentially beginning with a “wow” view before you even move the boat.

Plan for a day that moves at sea-schedule speed, not strict land-tour speed. You’re out for about 7 hours total, with set time windows at each stop. That makes packing and logistics simpler: you don’t need to think about multiple transfers or where you’ll eat—lunch can be handled on board or onshore depending on the stop.

Stop 1: S’Espalmador and the El Paso Sandbar Swim

S’Espalmador is the kind of place you only understand once you’re there: it’s only accessible by sea. Because it’s a protected natural park, you’ll find no bars, restaurants, or hotels, and no buildings. That matters more than it sounds. It keeps the island feeling wild and untouched, and it also reduces the “crowd pressure” you can get at more developed beaches.

One highlight here is El Paso, described as a natural sandbar that acts like a bridge toward Formentera. In plain terms: you’re in shallow, clear-water territory where swimming feels easy and visually rewarding. If you’re into paddle sports, S’Espalmador is also a strong choice because you may get flat-water conditions that are ideal for paddle surfing practice.

The tradeoff is your mindset. Since there’s nothing built there, you’re not going for a lunch stop on the island. You’re going for water time—swimming, paddling, and soaking in the fact that this is truly “no-frills nature.”

Stop 2: Playa de Ses Illetes for Snorkeling, SUP, and 360 Views

Ses Illetes is one of the Mediterranean’s standout beaches, and the big reason is the view. From here, you can enjoy a 360 view that includes Ibiza and Es Vedrà. That’s the kind of scenery that doesn’t just look good in photos; it helps orient you for the rest of the day because you start seeing how the islands relate.

This stop is about 2 hours, and it’s built for flexibility. You can hop off for lunch at a beach restaurant if you want a more traditional meal on shore. Or you can keep it simple and have lunch on board. Either way, you’re not stuck making a single “right choice” early.

Once you’re in the water, this is a good stop for a mix of activities:

• Snorkeling in clear water
• Walking around the area near the beginning of Formentera
• Swimming
• Paddle time with the SUP

I like that Ses Illetes gives you both “big-beach” vibes and water-activity vibes in the same window. If you’re traveling with people who want different things—views vs. movement—this stop helps everyone feel satisfied.

Stop 3: Cala Saona for Rocky Coves and Paddle Around Hidden Caves

After the classic beach look, Cala Saona shifts the mood. This is the rocky part of Formentera, and it’s known for hidden caves you can explore by paddling. The water here is still described as crystal clear, but the setting is more dramatic: reddish rocky areas mixed with bright water tones.

Your time at Cala Saona is about 1 hour 30 minutes, which is long enough to settle in without turning into a rushed scramble. I’d treat it as your “slow paddling and water exploring” stop. If you like the feeling of moving along the coast instead of just floating in one spot, this one tends to deliver.

The main drawback? Rocky shorelines can feel less forgiving underfoot than sandy beaches. That’s not a dealbreaker—just come with water shoes or shoes that can handle wet stone if you’re cautious.

Stop 4: Es Pujols for Wind Protection, Paddling, and Optional Cliff Jumps

Es Pujols is another bay stop, and it has a built-in advantage: it’s often protected from wind. That makes the water more comfortable for paddling and for people who want a calmer feel after stops that may feel more exposed.

You get about 1 hour here. In that time, you can swim around a bay that mixes rocky and sandy stretches. This is also described as an area with cliff jumps nearby, so if your group likes thrill moments, you’ll have that option. If not, you can still enjoy the water and focus on calmer activity.

Food options are part of the appeal. It’s possible to have lunch on board, or you can visit some of the best Formentera restaurants in this bay. That’s a useful planning detail because it means you don’t have to pack a plan for meals early in the day. If you decide mid-trip that you want something more substantial, you can pivot.

Stop 5: Es Calo for a Quieter, Colorful Finish

Es Calo is positioned as less crowded, which is a big deal on a day like this. You’ve already sampled the signature views and variety; now you get a chance to relax with fewer distractions.

This stop is about 1 hour 30 minutes. The selling point here is the mix of incredible water color and rocky scenery. Even without a “must-do” listed activity beyond swimming and relaxing, the setting gives you a reason to just take it down a notch.

I like using the last stop for decompression. You’ll want time to linger in the water, dry off slowly, and enjoy that last stretch before heading back. This is a strong way to end: not with more pressure, but with a slower finish.

What You Get On Board (And What It Means for Your Day)

This trip includes several items that add up in real-world comfort:

• 2 Paddle Surf Boards

You can use them during the stops, which means you don’t need to rent gear separately.

• Snorkeling equipment

Having your own gear makes it easier to go from boat to water quickly.

• Restroom on board

On a full sail day, this is huge for reducing stress.

• WiFi on board

Not essential, but it helps if you want to check in, map your day, or post without hunting for signal later.

• Water (bottled + filtered)

You’ll drink a lot on a sea day, so built-in water is one less thing to manage.

• Fuel surcharge

This is part of why the price feels more “complete” than add-on-heavy tours.

What’s not included is also clear: alcoholic beverages and brunch. If you’re the kind of person who likes a drink on the boat, plan to bring your own preference—or accept that you’ll handle alcohol separately. For brunch, if you’re eating early on land, you’ll want to manage that before you arrive at the meeting point.

Price and Value for a Group of Up to 7

The price is $941.32 per group (up to 7 people). That’s the kind of number that makes you ask, “Is this worth a private day?”

Here’s how I’d think about value:

• You’re paying for a private sailing setup, not a shared ride.
• You’re getting multiple scheduled stops across very different water environments, not just one or two.
• Key active gear is included: SUP boards and snorkeling equipment.
• You’re also covered for essentials on board like restroom access and water, with fuel handled in the total.

If you’re traveling as a pair, it can feel steep compared with shared tours. But if you have a small group—friends or family—private starts to make more sense because the cost is spread, and the experience becomes yours. And because the day is long (about 7 hours), you’re getting time to enjoy the included activities instead of treating it like a quick “hit the highlights” tour.

Who This Formentera and Espalmador Trip Fits Best

This is a great fit if you:

• want multiple swimming zones in one day (sand, sandbar, rocky coves)
• like water activities like paddle surfing practice and snorkeling
• prefer the calm of a private group over sharing a boat with strangers
• enjoy scenery with geographic variety: views toward Ibiza and Es Vedrà, plus protected natural areas like S’Espalmador

It may be less ideal if your group wants strictly sandy, zero-rock entry everywhere, since several stops lean rocky. Also, because this is weather-dependent, you’ll want to be the flexible type.

Should You Book This Private Sail Day?

If your ideal Formentera day includes water time, not just photos, I’d book it. The route is built for variety: a protected island start at S’Espalmador, the view powerhouse of Ses Illetes, the cave-and-cove feel of Cala Saona, the wind-friendly paddling of Es Pujols, then a quieter color show at Es Calo. On top of that, SUP boards and snorkeling gear are included, which makes the day feel more complete.

The biggest “yes, but” is weather. If conditions aren’t right, the operator can reschedule or refund, so you’re not stuck. Just don’t treat this like a guaranteed sunshine coupon—plan for a realistic sea day.

Bottom line: this is the kind of private trip that’s worth the money when you’re sharing it with others, because you get a long, active itinerary with strong natural settings and a boat setup designed for comfort.

FAQ

How long is the Formentera & Espalmador private sailboat trip?

It’s about 7 hours total.

What’s the meeting point and where does the tour end?

You start at Platja de Ses Illetes (07871 Formentera, Illes Balears, Spain) and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates.

What activities and gear are included?

The trip includes 2 paddle surf boards, snorkeling equipment, restroom on board, WiFi on board, and bottled/filtered water.

Are meals included?

Alcoholic beverages and brunch are not included. Lunch can be arranged either on board or at places near certain stops.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English, and you’ll receive a mobile ticket.