A private sail day out of Ibiza is a cheat code for beating crowds. I like the custom route your skipper can shape for the day, and I like that you’re not just watching the water—you’re set up with snorkel gear and paddle boards when conditions allow. The one catch: wind matters here, so on choppier days your water play may feel more limited than you’d hope.

This charter is built for a small group, and you start from Ibiza town with the boat already moored at Club Náutico Ibiza, so the morning feels simple. You’ll be aboard a Beneteau Oceanis 311 Clipper (2004) with room to spread out, a hot-water bathroom, and a kitchen that’s handy for keeping food and drinks ready. The biggest drawback to plan for is motion at sea—this is a sailboat, and the ride can get bumpy depending on wind and sea state.

Key points before you go

• Private Beneteau charter from Ibiza town with a mandatory skipper
• Snorkel equipment and paddle boards included, but wind decides how much you use them
• Stops for S’Espalmador and Playa de Ses Illetes with admission included
• A kitchen onboard plus fridge and oven means you can bring your own food and go at your pace
• Up to 7 passengers for the day charter, so it feels like your boat, not a tour bus

Why this Ibiza–Formentera private sail beats the big-tour version

If you’re picturing a day that feels calm, personal, and flexible, this is the right kind of outing. The appeal isn’t only the scenery. It’s the fact that you’re sailing on a private boat with a route chosen around wind, time, and what your group wants most—sand, swimming, snorkeling, or just hanging out anchored with a view.

For many people, Ibiza day trips can feel like checklists: see the beach, take the photo, move on. This charter is different because the day is paced around water time. You’re set up to jump in, snorkel, and paddle board from the boat area, not just stand on the shore for a quick look.

My one-word advice: bring patience for the water, because sailing times and anchor decisions depend on the day’s conditions.

Your sailboat: what the Beneteau Oceanis 311 Clipper setup means in real life

You’re on a Beneteau Oceanis 311 Clipper (built 2004), moored at Club Náutico Ibiza. The practical value of that matters because you’re not dealing with a complicated transfer. You meet near the port area, board a boat that’s already staged, and you start sailing with fewer steps.

Onboard, the layout is designed for comfort more than speed:

• Two double cabins plus a convertible lounge
• A bathroom with hot water
• A kitchen with fridge and oven (plus kitchenware, so bringing a picnic is easy)
• A CD-USB radio with deck speakers so your own music can set the tone

On a day like this, those details help. Having a fridge means your drinks stay cold and your food doesn’t turn into a warm sad lunch. A bathroom with hot water is also a big deal when you’ve been out in salt air and sun for hours.

One small caution: it’s not a huge luxury yacht. It’s a sailboat charter for a small group, so you’ll want to keep things tidy and respect shared space.

The 10:00 departure and how your route actually gets chosen

The day starts at 10:00am, and it runs about 8 hours. Your skipper (mandatory) leads the sailing, and you’re encouraged to choose preferences that range from popular beaches to quieter, less-visited corners.

That customization is where the private charter earns its keep. With a small group, you can ask for a route that matches your energy level. Want more swimming time? Great. Want more wandering around beaches and bays? Your skipper can steer the day toward that.

Your charter is also set up to get you off the main drag. The vibe is peace and quiet from the water, with stops designed around the islands’ coves and beaches rather than just the busiest viewpoints.

In case you’re new to sailing: plan for a few periods of movement. Sailboats rely on wind, so the ride can be smooth at times and bouncy at others.

Stop 1: sailing the hidden corners around Ibiza and Formentera

The first stop is essentially the heart of the day—sailing around the Pitiusas Islands at your own pace. This is where you’ll feel the difference between motor-boat sightseeing and a true sailing experience: the boat feels alive with the wind, and your skipper’s local knowledge becomes the plan.

Your route options are described broadly, and that’s the real point. You’re not locked into a single order of stops. Instead, you can pick what you care about most, whether that’s sandy beaches, less-explored bays, or just finding the best conditions for water play.

There’s also a mooring in Ibiza town built into the day, which keeps the logistics straightforward. After the sailing loop, you return to the meeting point area, so you’re not stuck figuring out transfers at the end of an already long day.

Drawback to consider: if you’re hoping for constant perfect sailing conditions, you may not get that. Wind and waves are part of the deal with sailing.

Stop 2 at S’Espalmador: time on a natural-park island

S’Espalmador is a small island with natural-park status, and the key value here is the vibe change. Even if you’ve been to Ibiza multiple times, stepping into a protected, less-crowded setting feels like a reset.

You get about 2 hours here, and admission is included. The practical expectation is that your time will be split between anchored water time and whatever on-shore moments your skipper decides fit the conditions.

Why this stop is worth it: it’s not just about a photo-friendly beach. It’s about the feel of the place—quiet water, open sky, and the sense that you’re exploring instead of simply arriving.

Possible drawback: like most island stops, how much you can do depends on wind. If conditions are rough, time might feel more anchored and less roaming.

Stop 3: Playa de Ses Illetes on Formentera for swimming and sand time

Playa de Ses Illetes is the stop most people recognize from Formentera. It’s also one of the easiest places to see why Formentera is famous: light sand, clear water, and that postcard color that makes you want to stay longer than planned.

You also get about 2 hours here, with admission included. This is typically where you’ll want to prioritize swimming and water gear, because this beach area is one of the best settings for it.

If your group likes a mix of action and relaxing, this works well. You can spend part of the stop in the water, then switch to lounging on the beach while the boat crew handles the anchored setup.

Real-world consideration: if the sea state is choppy that day, snorkeling and paddle boarding can feel harder. It’s not a guarantee that you’ll use every included activity the full time at every stop.

Snorkel gear and paddle boards: the included extras that decide whether the day feels worth it

This charter includes snorkel equipment and paddle boards, plus a dinghy with a 3HP electric outboard. That combination matters because it lets you move around from the boat and into shallow or calmer spots when conditions cooperate.

Here’s how I’d frame it for your planning:

• If the water is calm enough, you’ll likely get real enjoyment from both snorkel and paddle boarding.
• If the wind is up, expect more “swim and float” time than “full-on board sessions.”

One more note: not everyone’s equally comfortable in open water. If you’re bringing kids, older adults, or anyone who gets seasick easily, tell your skipper what you want early, and keep the plan flexible.

Also, if you like your own vibe, the onboard radio and deck speakers can help you set the mood with your playlist while you’re anchored.

Price and value: what you’re paying for, and what to budget extra

The price is $588.72 per group for up to 7 people, for about 8 hours. That sounds like a lot until you break down what’s included versus what you’d pay separately: private boat access, fuel, moorage, dinghy support, snorkel gear, paddle boards, final cleaning, and onboard kitchenware and gas.

There’s one important add-on: the skipper fee of €180 to pay cash on check-in. Food and drinks are also not included, so you’ll want to plan either a picnic or a restaurant stop on Formentera.

In practical terms, your “all-in” day often comes from two choices:

• Bring food and snacks so you can stay in water time longer
• Or plan a lunch reservation ashore and treat the boat as the morning and late-afternoon adventure

I also like that moorage is included in Ibiza town. That keeps the charter from turning into a travel-day headache.

So is it good value? For a small group that wants real water time, yes. If you’re traveling solo, or you don’t care about swimming and gear-based fun, you might find a cheaper ferry-and-beach plan makes more sense.

Comfort, space, and group size: what up to 7 passengers feels like

This charter is described as a private day charter with a maximum of 7 passengers. In plain terms, that’s the sweet spot for a sailboat day: enough people to make it fun, not so many that you constantly negotiate space.

On board, you’ll have seating and lounge areas, plus access to the cabins and bathroom if you need a break from sun. The kitchen also gives you an easy way to do a picnic without chaos.

I like that people do this as a family day too. When a group includes kids and teens, the key is having enough time for switching between beach time and water play, and this day is built for that rhythm.

Who might feel cramped: anyone who expects big-ship luxury or who hates small-group closeness should temper expectations.

Practical tips so your day goes smoothly

A few things I’d do before you go, based on how this kind of charter actually plays out at sea:

• Bring a motion-sickness plan. Even on nice days, sailboats can pitch. If you’ve had motion sickness before, pack meds and take them early.
• Bring swim essentials even if you have snorkel gear. Think sunscreen you trust, a rash guard if you’re sensitive, and a dry bag for phones.
• Pack a picnic if you want flexibility. The fridge and oven help you keep food and drinks comfortable, and it means you’re not rushing lunch.
• Plan for wind. If the day is gusty, paddle boarding and snorkeling may be limited. Keep your expectations flexible and trust your skipper’s call.
• Wear shoes you can rinse. You’ll be transferring around (dinghy support is included), and you’ll likely step into shallow, sandy, wet areas.

On the communication side, several captains in this operation have been described as organized and easy to coordinate with. Still, I’d recommend you confirm your meeting details the day before and keep an eye on updates once you’re on the water.

Who should book this charter, and who should think twice

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• A private day on the water around Ibiza and Formentera
• Time for swimming, snorkeling, and paddle boarding (when conditions allow)
• A small-group vibe where your skipper can adjust the day to your preferences
• A comfortable boat with bathroom and a kitchen so your food and drinks aren’t an afterthought

You might think twice if:

• You’re very sensitive to bumpy sea rides and don’t want to spend time dealing with motion
• You’re traveling on a super-tight schedule with zero flexibility (a sailboat route depends on wind)
• You want a guaranteed, nonstop routine of every included activity regardless of conditions

The bottom line: this is a water-and-wind day. If you like that, you’ll love it. If you need everything perfectly predictable, you’ll be happier with an option that runs more independently of sailing conditions.

Should you book this private Ibiza and Formentera cruise?

I’d book this if your goal is a memorable small-group sea day with real access to Formentera’s coastline—plus gear that lets you actually get into the water. The value is strongest when you have 3–7 people splitting the charter cost and you’ll take advantage of the snorkel and paddle board setup.

I wouldn’t book it if your priority is purely getting to shore fast and spending the whole day on land. This experience is about being on the boat and moving with conditions, not about speed and rigid timing.

If you decide to go, go in with a simple mindset: enjoy the day, trust the skipper’s adjustments, and treat wind as part of the sailing story.

FAQ

What’s the duration and start time for this charter cruise?

The cruise runs for about 8 hours and starts at 10:00am, ending back at the meeting point.

How many people can be on the charter?

It’s a private day charter for up to 7 passengers.

What’s included on the boat?

Snorkel equipment and paddle boards are included, along with a dinghy with a 3HP electric outboard, moorage in Ibiza town, final cleaning, kitchenware and butane gas, private boat charter, and fuel.

What extra costs should I plan for?

Food and drinks are not included. The skipper fee is €180, paid cash on check-in.

Do S’Espalmador and Ses Illetes have admissions fees included?

Admission is described as ticket free for both S’Espalmador and Playa de Ses Illetes.

What’s the cancellation policy and what happens in poor weather?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.