REVIEW · FORMENTERA
Playa de Ses Illetes Sailboat Full Day Private Trip
Book on Viator →Operated by CharterAlia Boat Hire Formentera · Bookable on Viator
Clear water and a private sail day. From Formentera, you cruise to Playa de Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador, with swim stops, a dinghy option, and a sunset return. You’ll spend your time on the water instead of hassling with transfers.
Two things I love: the skipper handles the sailing and navigation, so you can actually relax, and you get real time in the water with snorkeling gear plus stand-up paddleboards. One possible drawback: food and drinks aren’t included, so you’ll want to plan your lunch and snacks ahead, especially since the day depends on the weather.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You’ll Care About
- Why Playa de Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador Make Sense Together
- What’s Onboard (and What It Means for Your Day)
- 10:00 Departure: Meeting at Es Molí de Sal and Getting Comfortable
- Stop 1 at Playa de Ses Illetes: Beach Time and Lunch at Your Pace
- Stop 2 at S’Espalmador: More Water Time, Less Hurry
- The Skipper Factor: Why Sailing Feels Easy When Navigation Is Handled
- Sunset Return: The Part You’ll Remember Later
- Price and Value: What $1,621.89 Gets You for Up to 9
- Who This Private Sail Day Is Best For
- Booking Checklist: Small Prep That Makes a Big Difference
- Should You Book This Playa de Ses Illetes Private Sail Trip?
- FAQ
- What is the duration of the Playa de Ses Illetes sailboat private trip?
- How many people can be in a group?
- What does the price include?
- Is food or drink included?
- Where is the meeting point, and what time does the trip start?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
- Can I get a refund if I cancel?
Key Highlights You’ll Care About

- Skipper-led sailing and navigation keeps you in vacation mode
- Snorkeling equipment + stand-up paddleboards are included
- Megaboom Bluetooth speaker lets your group set the mood onboard
- Auxiliary dinghy makes beach landings practical when you want them
- Ses Illetes beach time (about 3 hours) for lunch at your pace
- S’Espalmador stop (about 2 hours) adds more water time and scenery
Why Playa de Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador Make Sense Together
This is the kind of day that works because the schedule mixes classic beach time with a second, calmer-feeling island stop. You start in the morning from Formentera, sail to Playa de Ses Illetes, then shift to S’Espalmador before heading back with that classic evening glow people chase in this part of the Balearics.
What makes it more fun than a generic boat ride is how flexible it feels once you’re out there. If you want to swim and paddle, you can. If you want sand time and a long lunch, you can also do that. And when you return, you’re not stuck thinking about transport or checking boats—it’s all handled by your crew.
There’s also a social sweet spot here. It’s private for your group of up to 9, and the onboard setup supports hanging out together—music, a cool box, and enough water toys that the day stays active without feeling rushed.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Formentera.
What’s Onboard (and What It Means for Your Day)

You’re paying for a full day experience, not just “getting on a boat.” The included items matter because they change how you spend those 7 hours.
You’ll have snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards available during the trip. That’s a big deal because it turns the water time into real activities instead of a quick swim. You can do short, casual sessions or make it a bigger focus day—either way, you don’t have to rent gear or hunt for a place to use it.
Your skipper takes care of sailing and navigating, which is exactly what you want on a private charter. You can enjoy the views, float around when you feel like it, and not worry about the logistics of route changes.
You also get a Megaboom Bluetooth speaker onboard. It’s a small detail that changes the vibe. With music, the day feels like a group hangout rather than a silent checklist.
Then there’s the practical stuff: a large cool box (useful for keeping drinks cold if you bring them), fuel, required insurance, and final cleaning. Even the auxiliary dinghy is included for embarking and disembarking—if you want to step onto a beach from the main boat, you’re not stuck waiting or improvising.
10:00 Departure: Meeting at Es Molí de Sal and Getting Comfortable

You start at Es Molí de Sal, Calle Afores, s/n, 07871 Formentera, at 10:00 am. The trip is listed for about 7 hours, and it ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not planning a second leg of travel.
Because it’s private, you’re not sharing space with strangers. That often means the day feels calmer and easier to manage—especially when you’re switching between snorkeling, paddling, and the beach.
You’ll also get a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English. Confirmation happens at booking time, which helps you avoid last-minute uncertainty.
Tip that saves time: show up ready to go. Since food and drink aren’t included, you’ll want to plan what you’ll bring for lunch and snacks so you’re not making emergency stops.
Stop 1 at Playa de Ses Illetes: Beach Time and Lunch at Your Pace
Your first major stop is Playa de Ses Illetes, with about 3 hours there. That block of time is long enough to do more than just dip your feet. You can swim, relax, and then decide how much you want to commit to lunch.
The key point here is that you can disembark to eat at restaurants along the beach. That means you’re not limited to what’s onboard. You get choices, and you can match your meal plan to your group’s mood—quick and casual, or sit-down and slow.
If you want a calmer approach, use the beach time for an easy rhythm: snorkel when the water calls, then paddle breaks, then a long lunch. If your group prefers activity, you still have plenty of room to cycle through activities without feeling like you’re running on a strict timer.
And if you like beach access, the auxiliary dinghy is there as an option. It’s included, so it’s not one of those “maybe” extras that adds friction when you’re ready to go ashore.
Possible consideration: because lunch is on you, you’ll want to bring a plan for water and food. Hot sun + water activities can make people hungry fast, and you don’t want to spend half your beach window figuring out what to order.
Stop 2 at S’Espalmador: More Water Time, Less Hurry
Next comes S’Espalmador for about 2 hours. This stop is shorter than Ses Illetes, but that’s part of the charm. It gives you a second change of scenery without turning the day into a long, drawn-out slog.
You’ll likely spend this time in the water and around the boat, since the snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards are included. It’s a good fit for groups who want to keep moving: swim, paddle, take a break, then swim again.
If your group likes taking breaks, this segment also works because you’re not forced into a strict beach restaurant plan. You can focus on the water experience and let the stop feel more relaxed.
One practical note: since you only have about 2 hours here, it’s smart to think about timing for your big water moments. If you’re the type who wants longer paddles, do that earlier rather than saving it until the end.
The Skipper Factor: Why Sailing Feels Easy When Navigation Is Handled

This is one of those trips where the “best part” often isn’t the water toys. It’s the person running the day.
Your skipper is included, and they handle the sailing and navigation. That means you’re not spending mental energy on routes, timing, or finding the right spots. You can focus on the experience—swimming, paddling, music, and enjoying the views.
The reviews you’ll find highlight a consistent theme: skippers who act like good hosts and guide the day well. Names that show up include Tincho (Martin), Diego, Ale, Rolan, Jose, Alejandro, and Carlos. The exact person can vary, but the pattern is similar—people remember the skipper as someone who made the day feel smooth, fun, and well-managed.
If you want to get the most out of a private charter, it helps to treat the skipper like a resource. Ask what time to do certain activities. Ask where to relax. Even simple questions can help you avoid wasting time.
Sunset Return: The Part You’ll Remember Later

On the way back, the trip leans into one of the big draws of this region: sunset at sea. The schedule is designed so that the return doesn’t feel like the trip ended the moment you left the last stop. You’ve got time to relax onboard as the light changes.
This is also where the onboard music helps. With the Megaboom speaker, your group can keep the atmosphere going without it becoming chaotic. It’s a nice touch for photos too—golden light plus sea time makes a natural memory.
When you’re planning your day, don’t treat the sunset return as background. If your group cares about photos or just taking in the moment, plan to stay present during the ride back rather than splitting off into “just one more thing” every time you’re near the water.
Price and Value: What $1,621.89 Gets You for Up to 9
The price is $1,621.89 per group, for up to 9 people. That’s the main math problem with charters: you either fill the group and spread the cost, or the per-person value feels heavier.
If you book with a full group of 9, you’re roughly around $180 per person for a full day on the water with sailing, fuel, insurance, snorkel gear, SUP boards, and a dinghy option. If you’re booking for fewer people, the cost per person goes up fast, but you’re still getting a lot bundled together: equipment, a skipper, and the boat day itself.
Where the value really shows is in what you don’t pay for separately. Food and drink are not included, but you do avoid rental hassles for snorkel and paddleboards. You also avoid the time cost of dealing with larger logistics, since it’s private and you return to the same meeting point.
One more value angle: you’re buying a day that’s timed well. A full day of sailing for about 7 hours, with two solid stops, plus sunset time is easier to justify than a short ride that doesn’t give you enough room to actually do the water activities you came for.
Who This Private Sail Day Is Best For
This trip fits best if you want a day built around being on the water, not just looking at it.
It’s ideal for:
- Families or groups of friends who want a private setting and shared activities like snorkeling and paddleboarding
- People who prefer a skipper-handled day, where you’re not steering or dealing with route planning
- Anyone who wants beach time with a plan, including the option to disembark for lunch at Ses Illetes
It might be less ideal if:
- Your group expects food and drinks to be included. You’ll need to bring your own lunch strategy.
- Your group hates weather uncertainty. The experience requires good weather, so plan with flexibility in mind.
Also, “Most people can participate,” which suggests the experience is broadly accessible for a wide range of ages and comfort levels, as long as you’re good with being out on the water.
Booking Checklist: Small Prep That Makes a Big Difference
Because food and drink aren’t included, your prep list is simple but important.
Consider bringing:
- Lunch and snacks for the Ses Illetes stop (and anything you want for the rest of the day)
- Water if your group needs it
- Sunscreen and swimwear for snorkeling and paddleboarding days
- A plan for towels and basic sun protection (not listed, so you might want to bring your own)
Then decide how your group wants to split time:
- If you love water toys, plan to use snorkeling gear and the SUP boards across both stops.
- If you love beach time, treat Ses Illetes as your main food and relaxation block, then keep S’Espalmador focused on swimming and quick paddles.
If you’re a music person, bring your playlist. The Megaboom Bluetooth speaker makes it easy to set the tone, and it keeps the day fun even during calmer stretches.
Should You Book This Playa de Ses Illetes Private Sail Trip?
If you want a straightforward, high-fun day on the water with real included gear, I’d say yes—especially for groups who can fill most of the boat. The combination of skipper-led sailing, snorkeling equipment, stand-up paddleboards, and a private setup adds up to a day that feels like it runs on vacation logic.
Book it if:
- You’re planning for lunch on your own and don’t mind that food and drink aren’t included
- Your group wants both beach time and water time
- You like having a host who can handle navigation while you focus on the views and activities
Skip it or reconsider if:
- Your group has food expectations built into the price
- You’re booking during a period where you can’t adjust if weather becomes an issue
FAQ
What is the duration of the Playa de Ses Illetes sailboat private trip?
The trip lasts about 7 hours.
How many people can be in a group?
The private trip is priced for a group of up to 9 people.
What does the price include?
It includes all taxes and required insurance, fuel, an enthusiastic skipper, an auxiliary dinghy for embarking and disembarking, snorkeling equipment, a Megaboom Bluetooth speaker, a stand-up paddleboard, a large cool box, and final cleaning.
Is food or drink included?
No. Food and drink are not included.
Where is the meeting point, and what time does the trip start?
You meet at Es Molí de Sal, Calle Afores, s/n, 07871 Formentera, and the start time is 10:00 am.
What happens if the weather is poor?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Can I get a refund if I cancel?
No. This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.












