REVIEW · IBIZA
Ibiza & Formentera Private Catamaran Full-Day Sailing Tour
Book on Viator →Operated by Nomad Sailing Trips · Bookable on Viator
Ibiza on a private boat beats beach hopping. This full-day private catamaran sails the south coast in a tight route—Cala Jondal to Formentera, with swim stops and time for snorkeling—and you finish watching the light change from the water. It’s a rare way to see Ibiza without sprinting between viewpoints and parking lots.
Two things I’d call out right away: the pacing (you actually get water time, not just a photo stop), and the included gear. With 2 paddle surf boards and snorkeling equipment on board, you can jump into the day with minimal hassle. One possible drawback: lunch isn’t included, and onboard food can be pricey if you’re hungry-hungry or expecting a bargain-style picnic.
In This Review
- Key Things to Know Before You Go
- From Cala Jondal to Formentera: The Big Picture
- The 8-Hour Flow: What Your Day Actually Feels Like
- Stop-by-Stop: Jondal, Codolar, Ses Salines, and S’Espalmador
- Stop 1: Platja des Jondal (start bay, ~10 minutes)
- Stop 2: Playa des Codolar (~1 hour)
- Stop 3: Parque Natural de Ses Salines (~1 hour)
- Stop 4: S’Espalmador (~1 hour 50 minutes)
- Formentera’s Ses Illetes: Beach Time and Lunch Options
- Stop 5: Playa de Ses Illetes (~2 hours)
- Stop 6: Platja des Jondal return (~1.5 hours)
- Food, Drinks, and How to Avoid Cost Surprises
- Included Gear: Snorkeling and Paddle Boards That Actually Get Used
- The Border Collie Factor (And Why It Matters)
- Price and Value: Does $1,609.09 Make Sense?
- Logistics That Make the Day Easier
- Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Catamaran Day
- Should You Book This Ibiza and Formentera Private Sailing Tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the private catamaran tour?
- What’s the maximum group size for this private tour?
- Where is the meeting point?
- What’s included in the price?
- Is lunch included?
- Are alcoholic drinks included?
- Is there Wi‑Fi and a restroom on board?
- What happens if weather is bad?
Key Things to Know Before You Go

- Private group up to 10: You’re not sharing the boat with strangers, which makes the day feel calmer.
- Snorkeling equipment included: You can spend your stop time looking around underwater without bringing extra gear.
- Paddle surf boards aboard: You’ll have tools for gliding around in the calmer coves.
- Restroom and Wi‑Fi on board: Useful when the day runs long and the sun turns everyone into a phoneographer.
- Food is flexible, but not included: You can bring your own, and there’s an onboard lunch option, though lunch itself isn’t listed as included in the price.
- Good weather matters: The tour depends on conditions, and you’ll get an alternate date or a refund if it’s canceled for poor weather.
From Cala Jondal to Formentera: The Big Picture

This tour is built around a simple idea: do the south-coast highlights by sea, then base your day on short, timed stops where the water looks good and you can actually use it. You start at Cala Jondal (south Ibiza), move along rugged coves and protected areas, then head across toward Formentera’s famous pale-sand beach zone at Ses Illetes. The day ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not stuck planning your return.
The boat time is a big part of the value. You’re not just transferring between islands; you’re seeing coastline from a moving vantage point, with breaks when it’s time to swim, snorkel, or paddle.
One practical note: the tour runs about 8 hours, and it’s rated for moderate physical fitness. That usually means you should be fine with getting on and off the boat and spending time in and out of the water. If you’re dealing with mobility issues, you’ll want to think about how much stepping and water entry you can handle.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Ibiza
The 8-Hour Flow: What Your Day Actually Feels Like
The schedule is intentionally stop-and-go, but not frantic. You get multiple stretches where sailing is part of the experience, then you get anchored or at a beach long enough to do something with the included gear.
Here’s the rhythm:
- A quick start at Platja des Jondal to set the day in motion.
- A longer cruising section along the coast toward Playa des Codolar.
- A protected-nature stop at Parque Natural de Ses Salines with anchoring and underwater time.
- A longer session at S’Espalmador (between Ibiza and Formentera) with paddle boards and more snorkeling.
- A larger chunk of beach time at Playa de Ses Illetes in Formentera.
- A sailing return leg back toward Cala Jondal, with sunset-style views.
If you like your days paced like a beach day plus a boat day, this hits the sweet spot.
Stop-by-Stop: Jondal, Codolar, Ses Salines, and S’Espalmador

Stop 1: Platja des Jondal (start bay, ~10 minutes)
You begin at Cala Jondal, a bay on Ibiza’s southern side with clear water and dramatic cliffs. The first minutes are about getting situated and heading out, not sightseeing from a distance. It’s a good way to wake up into the day without losing time.
What to do here: Get your sun protection on early. The day includes multiple water activities, and starting strong helps you avoid the classic sunburn regret.
Stop 2: Playa des Codolar (~1 hour)
This is a cruising-plus-anchoring stop along Ibiza’s south coast. You’ll pass rocky coves and rugged sections of shoreline, which is part of what makes this route feel different from a simple beach transfer.
Why it matters: This segment is where the south-coast vibe shows up—more texture, fewer easy roads, and coastline that looks good from the boat even before you enter the water.
Potential drawback: It’s not an all-day stop. If you want a long beach stretch with zero boat time, this stop is more of a refresh-and-reset moment.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Ibiza
Stop 3: Parque Natural de Ses Salines (~1 hour)
Now you’re in a protected-natural setting with a secluded cove feel. The plan is to anchor and let you jump in for swimming, and use snorkeling gear if you brought it (it’s included on the boat).
What you’ll enjoy: Calm, clear-water moments with enough time to actually look around underwater rather than just dipping a toe.
Consideration: This stop depends on sea conditions. When water is rough, you’ll still get time, but your ability to swim comfortably can change.
Stop 4: S’Espalmador (~1 hour 50 minutes)
S’Espalmador sits between Ibiza and Formentera and is part of the kind of natural reserve area where the water is the headline. This stop is longer, and it’s where the included paddle surf boards really fit the day.
What to do here: Paddle around and treat it like a slow-motion water playground. Then spend your time snorkeling, aiming for marine life viewing instead of rushing.
Why this is valuable: You’ve already seen the coastline. This is the stop that shifts the day from scenery to “you are in the scenery.”
Formentera’s Ses Illetes: Beach Time and Lunch Options

Stop 5: Playa de Ses Illetes (~2 hours)
Ses Illetes is one of the beach zones people talk about for good reason: the water looks strikingly clear and the sand is pale. This stop includes the option to disembark and enjoy time on foot, plus a choice about lunch timing.
You can:
- Get off the boat and enjoy time on the island, with the opportunity to have lunch there.
- Stay on board and eat lunch while you take in the view.
Here’s the key value-for-your-money point: because you’re on a private catamaran, this beach stop feels less like a cattle-call. You have more control over how you spend the time.
Watch-out on food value: Lunch is not listed as included in the price. The experience overview suggests catered lunch is available onboard or you can bring your own, but the cost details matter. Based on feedback related to onboard dining value, I’d treat lunch as a “plan it” item. If you’re traveling with teen appetites, pick up your own snacks and plan for a full meal outside the boat if that’s how you like to travel.
Stop 6: Platja des Jondal return (~1.5 hours)
The return leg is where the day usually clicks. You’re back on open water with a slower pace, and you get that sunset-style look back along the coast. It’s not just travel time; it’s the closing scene.
What to do: Put your phone away for a bit, then bring it back for one last photo when the light turns golden. This is a day for comparison shots: boat views versus beach views.
Food, Drinks, and How to Avoid Cost Surprises

This is where you should pay attention before you board.
- Lunch is not included in the price.
- Alcoholic beverages are not included.
- You can bring your own food.
The experience overview also mentions a catered lunch option. The practical takeaway: expect an onboard meal to be available, but don’t assume it’s included for free just because meals exist on the day.
I’ve seen a pattern in this kind of setup: if you’re expecting a generous, low-cost included lunch and you get charged for food you didn’t plan for, you’ll feel disappointed fast. One review specifically complained about cost versus benefit around an expensive cured ham table add-on. You don’t need that to enjoy the day. If you want good value, come prepared:
- Pack snacks you’ll actually eat.
- Decide in advance whether you’ll pay for lunch onboard or handle it yourself.
- If you’re sensitive to pricing, skip special boards and stick to your planned meal.
This is a private sail day. Your goal is comfort, not surprise spending.
Included Gear: Snorkeling and Paddle Boards That Actually Get Used

The included items are straightforward and useful:
- 2 paddle surf boards
- Snorkeling equipment
- Restroom on board
- Wi‑Fi
- Fuel surcharge
That matters because you don’t spend vacation energy figuring out rentals or hauling gear. You can also pivot based on how you feel: paddle first, snorkel later, or just float and watch the surface.
A small practical tip: if you want to snorkel comfortably, keep an eye on when your stop timing starts. Many people waste minutes after anchoring figuring out gear, so you’ll enjoy the water more if you’re ready quickly.
The Border Collie Factor (And Why It Matters)

There’s a friendly Border Collie dog living on board. That’s a genuine detail, and it can be either a highlight or a deal-breaker depending on your comfort level.
If you love dogs, this kind of onboard companion can make the boat feel more personal. If you’re nervous around animals, have allergies, or want quiet space, it’s smart to mentally plan for the dog’s presence before you go.
Price and Value: Does $1,609.09 Make Sense?

The price is $1,609.09 per group, for up to 10 people. That makes the cost feel very different depending on how you’re traveling.
- If you’re a small group (say 2–4 people), the per-person cost is high.
- If you fill the boat with close friends or family (near 10), the per-person value improves fast.
What you’re paying for:
- A private catamaran experience rather than a shared tour boat.
- Fuel and included activity gear (snorkeling equipment and paddle boards).
- A whole-day schedule with multiple stops and time on/near the water.
- Facilities like restroom on board and Wi‑Fi.
So the real test is simple: do you want the privacy and flexibility of your own group more than you want the cheapest ticket possible? If yes, it’s easier to justify. If your priority is cost efficiency above all, you may want to compare against cheaper shared boat options.
Logistics That Make the Day Easier
You meet at Tropicana Eivissa Cala Jondal, Cala Jundal, s/n, 07830 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Illes Balears, Spain. The tour ends back at the meeting point, so you don’t need another transfer plan after the ride.
A few more helpful points:
- You’ll get a mobile ticket.
- The tour is offered in English.
- It’s near public transportation (so you’re less dependent on a taxi plan).
- Confirmation happens at booking time.
- The tour runs only when conditions are good, and cancellations for poor weather come with an option to switch dates or get a refund.
For a boat day, these small logistics items reduce stress.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Catamaran Day
Keep it simple. A smooth day is mostly about prep:
- Sunscreen early, not after you’ve already warmed up in the sun.
- Bring your own water and snacks if you don’t want lunch decisions to steer your day.
- If you plan to snorkel, rinse your face and gear as soon as it’s feasible during the day. It helps you stay comfortable.
- Bring a light layer for the boat return leg. Even when it’s hot on land, wind changes how it feels on water.
- Decide your priority before you arrive: swimming, paddling, snorkeling, or a beach walk at Ses Illetes. The schedule gives time for multiple things, but it’s still a day with limited hours.
Also, if you’re traveling with kids, the private setup is a plus. If you’re traveling with older teens, think about food planning early so hunger doesn’t turn into crankiness.
Should You Book This Ibiza and Formentera Private Sailing Tour?
Book it if you want a private catamaran day that mixes sailing scenery with real water time: snorkeling gear, paddle boards, anchored coves, and a proper beach stop at Formentera’s Ses Illetes. It’s a good fit for couples, friend groups, and families who can split the group cost and who like doing their sightseeing from the water instead of from a crowded shoreline.
I’d hesitate if you’re mainly budget-driven or you don’t want to think about meals in advance. Since lunch isn’t included, the onboard dining portion can change your overall value feeling. And if the idea of sharing the boat with a Border Collie is a concern for you, factor that in too.
If you’re excited by sea stops and want a day that feels like Ibiza slowed down, this route is the kind that delivers.
FAQ
How long is the private catamaran tour?
It lasts about 8 hours.
What’s the maximum group size for this private tour?
It’s a private tour for up to 10 people.
Where is the meeting point?
You start at Tropicana Eivissa Cala Jondal, Cala Jundal, s/n, 07830 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Illes Balears, Spain, and you return to the same meeting point.
What’s included in the price?
Included items are 2 paddle surf boards, restroom on board, snorkeling equipment, fuel surcharge, and Wi‑Fi.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included. The experience notes that you can also bring your own food.
Are alcoholic drinks included?
Alcoholic beverages are not included.
Is there Wi‑Fi and a restroom on board?
Yes. There is Wi‑Fi and a restroom on board.
What happens if weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.














