Sun, sails, and secret coves in one day. This private full-day sailing trip from Ibiza to Formentera lets you choose the pace, with only your group onboard for about eight hours, plus snorkeling gear and paddle boards when the sea says yes. My favorite part is the mix of relaxed sailing and real time in the water, not just “look from a distance.” One thing to consider: it’s a long day outdoors, so heat and time on the boat are real factors—plan accordingly.

You’ll meet in Cala Jondal and head along the south coast, stopping where the crew thinks conditions are best. The vibe is casual, and the captain can tailor the day for special moments like birthdays, anniversaries, or even sunset proposals.

Key things to know before you go

• Private group size up to 7: A true get-away day, not a crowded boat.
• Snorkeling gear is included: You’ll have what you need for the coves and reserves.
• Two paddle surf boards on board: Expect chances to get moving on calm water.
• Most of the magic is on the water: You’re paying for time, not just scenery.
• Lunch is not included: You can either eat ashore or have lunch on board, depending on your day plan.
• Weather matters: This is sailing—good conditions are part of the deal.

Why this Ibiza-to-Formentera day feels like your vacation, not a tour

This is the kind of trip where you feel the difference from the start: you’re not sharing the day with strangers. With a group limited to seven and your own captain at the helm, the sailing plans can breathe a little. If you’re the type who wants extra swim time at a specific spot, or you want to keep things slower for a celebration, that flexibility is the whole point.

You’re also in the right part of the Balearics for a day like this. Ibiza’s south coast has dramatic cliffs and small stretches of sand that you just don’t see the same way from land. And once you cross toward Formentera, you’re in a different pace—more beach time, more calm water, and a strong “this is why people come” feeling.

One more detail I like: the tour includes the basics that can turn a day stressful—snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, and a restroom on board. That means you can focus on doing the fun stuff instead of hunting down rentals or scrambling for timing.

Your boat setup: 35 feet, deck time, snorkel gear, and paddle boards

You’re sailing on a 35-foot boat with a restroom onboard. That matters more than you’d think. When you’re out for most of the day, having a real place to freshen up keeps the mood light.

Included on the water:

• Snorkeling equipment so you can jump in where the captain drops anchor
• Two paddle surf boards, which are perfect if your group likes to move a little instead of floating the whole day
• Fuel surcharge included in the price, so you’re not surprised later

What’s not included: alcohol and lunch. So if you’re planning a true “celebration day,” bring your drinks strategy with you. If your group likes chilled beverages, don’t assume there’s always working cold storage onboard—plan like you’ll handle that yourself.

Also, one travel reality: sailing days can make some people feel a bit queasy. The good news is the captains tend to manage the day with comfort in mind, and you’ll have plenty of fresh air when you want it.

From Cala Jondal to Ses Illetes: what happens at each stop

This is a stop-by-stop route that keeps the day moving while still giving you real breaks. Total time is about 8 hours, with a mix of sailing, swimming, snorkeling, and beach time on Formentera.

Platja des Jondal (Cala Jondal) — start with the views

Your day begins at Cala Jondal. Expect a quick start at the bay, with time to settle in, check out the cliffs, and take in that bright, clean water along Ibiza’s south coast. This first moment is short (about ten minutes), but it sets the tone: you’re not waiting around. You’re already in vacation mode.

Practical tip: arrive ready to be in swimwear soon, because you’ll spend enough hours outdoors that changing late can feel annoying.

Playa des Codolar — south-coast sailing with coves and cliffs

Next comes about an hour of cruising along Ibiza’s south coast. This is where you get the dramatic shoreline from the water: rocky coves, beaches you can’t easily reach on foot, and coastal lines that look almost sculpted.

This stop is less about one single swim point and more about the ride itself—sea breeze, wide views, and the feeling that the coast is unfolding in front of you. If you like photos, this is a strong stretch of the day.

Parque Natural de Ses Salines — anchor in a quieter cove

After sailing, you reach a secluded cove in Parque Natural de Ses Salines. Here you’ll have about an hour, including time to drop anchor and swim. You’ll also have snorkeling equipment on hand, so this is one of your main “get in the water and see what’s there” moments.

Why it’s valuable: natural parks tend to mean less random development and more protected coast. Even if you’re not a serious swimmer, being able to snorkel right from the boat makes this part easy.

S’Espalmador — Formentera area, paddle boards, and snorkeling time

Then it’s on to S’Espalmador, a natural reserve between Ibiza and Formentera. This is one of the longer stretches (about 1 hour 50 minutes), and it’s packed with options.

On the water:

• You can use the paddle boards provided onboard.
• You’ll have another snorkeling chance after swimming.

This is also the kind of spot where the day can feel extra calm. If your group likes low-stress water time—floating, paddle boarding, slow swims—this section usually hits the sweet spot.

Playa de Ses Illetes (Formentera) — white sand and a real lunch decision

After that, you sail to Ses Illetes in Formentera, and this is the beach anchor of the day. You’ll have about 2 hours here, which is just enough to do two things well: swim, and eat.

Lunch choice is built into the experience:

• Disembark and have lunch ashore with local options, or
• Have lunch on board while you enjoy the view

Then there’s extra time to walk the beach area at your own pace. It’s one of the best moments to slow down, because sailing tends to make time feel fast. On the sand, it goes different.

Back to Cala Jondal — the return is part relaxation, part replay

The last stretch is about 1 hour 30 minutes returning to Cala Jondal. This is the easy cruise phase: relax on deck, enjoy the coastline one more time, and let the day settle into your memory.

It’s also a good chance to compare notes inside your group. If someone wanted more snorkeling, you can always plan a second visit. That’s the nice thing about a private day: the day doesn’t end with “next group, next stop.” It ends with you.

Price and value: why $943.68 per group can make sense

The price is listed as $943.68 per group for up to 7 people. If you’re splitting with a full group, the effective cost per person can drop dramatically compared to typical per-person boat tours. If you’re traveling as two, the cost per person is higher, but you still get a lot: a captain, fuel, snorkeling gear, paddle boards, and a day that’s designed around your group’s pace.

Here’s what you’re really paying for:

• Time on the water (8 hours is a serious chunk of sailing day)
• Included gear (snorkeling equipment and paddle boards)
• A private skipper experience (tailoring and responsiveness)
• A route that hits both Ibiza and Formentera in one day

Not included: alcohol and lunch. That’s normal for this kind of trip, but it’s worth planning. If lunch is a big part of your day, decide early whether you want the ashore experience or prefer eating onboard and keeping everyone together.

Practical “make it smooth” tips for a hot, windy, sun-heavy day

Sailing days are simple, but they can be physically demanding. You’re spending hours in bright sun and salt air, often with time that can swing between wind on deck and calm near anchor.

A few smart moves that keep things comfortable:

• Bring sun protection and water (you’ll want it before you feel thirsty)
• Plan for swim time even if you’re not a hardcore swimmer
• Bring something for motion sensitivity if you know your group gets sea sick
• Have a shoe plan for beach and rocky edges (water-friendly footwear helps)

Also, pay attention to cooling and drinks. One past issue involved cold-storage not working and no easy nearby ice option, so I wouldn’t plan your day around having perfect fridge function onboard. If cold drinks matter to you, bring a practical solution.

If you’re going ashore for lunch, it’s also worth asking how the crew plans shore access for your specific day. The experience can involve getting from boat to land, and conditions can change. You’ll feel better if you confirm what to expect and whether life jackets are available for any small-boat transfer segments.

Who should book this sailing tour (and who might not love it)

This tour is a strong fit for:

• Friend groups and families of older kids who want beach time plus snorkeling without doing the logistics themselves
• Couples celebrating something (anniversaries, proposals, birthdays). The private feel helps.
• People who love water activities: snorkeling and paddle boarding are not “optional extras,” they’re part of the day.
• Anyone who wants flexibility instead of a rigid checklist.

It may be less ideal for very small children. The day includes open water time and beach access elements, so if your group includes toddlers, you’ll want to think carefully about comfort and safety.

Final verdict: should you book it?

If your idea of a great day is “sailing, swimming, and a beach that feels like a reward,” book this. The overall ratings are extremely high, with a 5-star average from hundreds of bookings and 99% recommending it, which matches what you can tell from the structure: lots of real time doing fun things, not just moving through places.

I’d book it especially if you’re traveling with friends (up to 7) and want a private skipper who can shape the day. If your group is sensitive to heat or motion, go in with a plan—and if you care about cold drinks or shore transfers, ask questions before you leave.

FAQ

How long is the private sailing tour?

The tour runs for about 8 hours.

What’s the group size limit?

This is a private tour for up to 7 people.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Tropicana Eivissa Cala Jondal, Cala Jundal, s/n, 07830 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Illes Balears, Spain.

What activities and equipment are included?

You get snorkeling equipment, 2 paddle surf boards, a restroom on board, and a 35-foot boat. Fuel surcharge is included too.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included, but you can choose to eat ashore on Formentera or have lunch on board.

Is alcohol included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

What if the weather is bad?

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

What’s the cancellation window for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.