A sail day here feels like a secret. This private full-day trip glides from Cala Jondal across south Ibiza to Formentera, with stops you can flex around your crew’s interests. It’s also a slower, more old-school way to reach Formentera than the ferry, so if you want max beach time you’ll want to plan for a good chunk of time on the water.

What I really like is the casual, just-you-on-the-boat feeling, plus the fact that many captains will tailor the day for moments like birthdays, anniversaries, and even sunset proposals.

My other favorite part is the included water time: snorkeling gear and paddle surf boards come with the tour, so you’re not hunting for rentals or last-minute plans. You’ll get refreshing swim breaks in crystal-clear spots, with gear ready at the right moments.

Key things that make this tour worth your day

Private boat experience for up to 7 people (so you’re not crammed with strangers).

Snorkeling gear + 2 paddle surf boards included for hands-on time in the water.

A route that mixes Ibiza coves with Formentera beach time instead of doing one long drive-by.

Espalmador and Ses Salines reserve-area stops that are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Skippers who customize—some have even handled lunch reservations when requested.

It ends back at the start point, so you’re not juggling transportation on arrival.

Setting Sail From Cala Jondal: The South-Coast Route That Feels Effortless

This is one of those days where the logistics matter because you’re out at sea for hours. The tour meets at Tropicana Eivissa, Cala Jondal (Cala Jundal, s/n, 07830 Sant Josep de sa Talaia). From there you’ll head out from the southern coast of Ibiza, typically with a clear plan for swim and beach time.

You’ll be on a 35-foot boat, and it matters that it’s not a huge party vessel. The vibe stays calm: deck time, short swims, and enough structure to know where to go without feeling like you’re stuck on a schedule. And because it’s private, you can ask the skipper to lean toward swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing.

One small practical note: since this is a sailing experience, the pace to Formentera can feel longer than you expect if you’re used to ferries. That’s not a deal-breaker—it’s part of the charm—but it’s worth knowing up front.

Platja des Jondal and Playa des Codolar: Your First Hit of Turquoise Water

The day starts at Platja des Jondal. Expect views of bright turquoise water, dramatic nearby cliffs, and that “we’re finally here” feeling when the boat pulls away from shore. There’s time for the first deck relax and photo moments before you’re moving again.

Next comes Playa des Codolar. This stretch is all about the coastline: rocky coves, bold headlands, and sea-breeze sailing along the south side of Ibiza. The tour’s rhythm here is simple—watch the coast, soak up sun, and be ready for the next stop when it’s time to get wet.

What I like about these first two legs is how they set the tone. You don’t jump straight into the busiest stop. You ease into it, so by the time you hit the reserve areas, you’re ready to actually enjoy them.

Parque Natural de Ses Salines: Swim and Snorkel Time in a Secluded Cove

Then you reach Parque Natural de Ses Salines, where the tour shifts from scenic cruising to water time. You’ll drop anchor and get a chance to swim in clear water, and you can use your snorkeling equipment to look for colorful fish and marine life.

Ses Salines is the kind of stop that works best when you keep it simple:

• Put on gear when you’re ready, not when everyone else is rushing.
• Swim at your own pace and use the boat as your “home base.”

If you’re the type who likes a calm water break—no long walks, no “where do we meet after?” stress—this is the part of the day that usually delivers the most satisfaction.

S’Espalmador: Paddle Boarding in the Reserve Zone (and More Snorkeling)

Next up is S’Espalmador, located between Ibiza and Formentera. This is a natural reserve area, and the tour gives you a chance to use the paddle surf boards included on board. The idea is straightforward: paddle in the tranquil waters, then go again for snorkeling once you’re back in sea mode.

One reason I like this stop: it gives you a mix of activity levels. If you’re feeling energetic, you paddle. If you’d rather relax, you can stay in the water nearby and just snorkel. Either way, you get that “we’re surrounded by clear water” sensation without needing to know a single route on foot.

Playa de Ses Illetes on Formentera: Beach Time Plus a Lunch Choice

When you sail toward Formentera, the main target becomes Playa de Ses Illetes. This is the stop where the day can feel like it officially turns into a beach holiday.

You get about 2 hours here, and you can choose how you want lunch to work:

• Disembark and have lunch on the island (the tour can help make the day feel smooth).
• Or stay onboard for lunch, using the view and deck time while you eat.

This choice is more important than it sounds. If you want a quick shoreline reset, you’ll likely disembark. If you’d rather avoid heat and foot traffic, staying on the boat is a real convenience. Either option keeps you from having to plan the next step while you’re already relaxed and sun-warmed.

Also, Formentera timing can feel different than Ibiza. It’s common to want “a little more time,” and the sailboat pace can make that wish sharper. If your top priority is maximum beach minutes, you should treat this as a “most of the day at sea, plus real beach time” plan—not a quick out-and-back.

Onboard Reality Check: Comfort, Sea Time, and What to Bring

This tour is built around a boat day, so a few practical habits make it feel easier.

Restroom on board is a big deal when you’re out for hours. Use it before a longer swim stop if you can, so you’re not scrambling later.

Because drinks like alcohol aren’t included, you’ll likely want to bring your own non-alcoholic setup if you’re particular about what you sip. Lunch is also not included, so plan around the lunch option at Ses Illetes.

Bring:

• Sun protection (this is southern Spain; the sun does not play around)
• Swimwear you can rinse or dry easily
• A light layer for when the breeze picks up

And if you’re prone to motion sickness, you’ll be happy you came prepared. Some skippers handle sea-sickness requests with patience, but your best strategy is still your own prevention.

One more practical heads-up: there’s at least one complaint tied to an onboard amenity not being available in hot weather (ice/cooling). If you’re counting on keeping food or drinks very cold, plan as though it might not be perfect that day.

Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying For (and What’s Extra)

The price is $943.68 per group up to 7, for about 8 hours. That sounds high until you break it down the way a private day should be broken down:

What you’re getting that’s expensive to arrange:

• A private boat setup instead of sharing with strangers
• The skipper/crew experience
• Fuel surcharge included
• Snorkeling equipment
• 2 paddle surf boards
• A 35-foot sailing boat experience with restroom access

What’s extra:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Lunch (though you can eat on Formentera or stay onboard, depending on your preference)

Value tip: split the cost in your head by experience, not by travel distance. If you’ve been to Ibiza before and you’re tired of the same beach-and-club loop, this is one of the more direct ways to get a different day: water stops, gear included, and a route you can adjust with your skipper.

It’s also something to book earlier. This gets booked about 40 days in advance on average, so if you have a specific day in mind, don’t wait for a last-minute mood.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This is ideal if you:

• Want a private day with your own pace
• Like swimming and snorkeling without paying extra for gear
• Appreciate a skipper who’s friendly and responsive, like the captains who’ve been praised for hosting skills and local knowledge (I’ve seen names like Carlota/Charlotta, Julian, Tomas, Agustin, German, Augusto, Victoria, Marcel, Nuria, and Ali show up in guides’ stories)
• Are celebrating something special and want the day to feel personal

It’s not ideal if you’re traveling with very small kids or you want a strict “beach-only” schedule. The sailing itself can mean more time on deck and at sea than some families expect, and one planning consideration is whether your crew is comfortable with that flow.

Should You Book This Private Ibiza-to-Formentera Sailing Day?

Book it if you want your day to feel like a true beach-and-water escape, with snorkeling and paddle boarding included and a route that hits both Ibiza coves and a serious Formentera beach stop.

Think twice if your priorities are:

• Maximum time on land with minimal sea time
• Very predictable onboard amenities in hot weather
• A hard requirement for lunch included in the ticket price

If you’re booking for a group of up to 7 and you like the idea of getting on a sailboat, using the provided gear, and letting the skipper tailor the day—this is a strong pick. Just show up sun-ready, ask questions early about what the day looks like for your group, and plan for the sailing time as part of the experience.

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