REVIEW · IBIZA
Private Experience Full-day Sailing in Ibiza and Formentera
Book on Viator →Operated by Bora Vida Sailing · Bookable on Viator
Turquoise water in Formentera starts this trip right. This full-day private sail from Ibiza to Formentera pairs included snorkeling gear with a real private charter setup for up to 7 people, with Captain Gabriel often at the helm. You also get big-picture scenery as you head out, including the famous Es Vedrà view rising out of the sea.
I love how much time you actually get in the water and on the sand, not just on a schedule sprint. The main thing to plan around is weather: the day depends on good conditions, and if the sea state is choppy during beach boarding, you may catch some spray—bring a dry layer as a backup.
In This Review
- Key points worth knowing before you go
- Ibiza to Formentera by sail: what the day feels like
- What $820.62 per group actually buys (and what costs extra)
- Meeting at Bora Sailing and how the 8 hours run
- That Es Vedrà moment: the scenic stop before the beach hopping
- Stop 1: Sa Caleta for cliffs, swim time, and a calm reset
- Stop 2: S’Espalmador’s boat-only sand and quieter water
- Stop 3: Playa de Ses Illetes for sun, soft sand, and easy swimming
- Included snorkeling gear and SUP boards: how to use it well
- Lunch in Formentera: beach club comfort vs bringing your own food
- Drinks, towels, and what to pack for a deck day
- Who this private sailing fits best (and who should think twice)
- Booking with confidence: what to know before you commit
- Should you book this sailing day in Ibiza and Formentera?
- FAQ
- How many people are in a private group?
- How long is the sailing trip?
- Is the tour offered in English?
- What’s included for snorkeling and time in the water?
- Is lunch included in the price?
- Can we bring our own drinks?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
Key points worth knowing before you go
- Captain Gabriel-led day at sea: the ride is guided with a friendly, hands-on style that keeps the day feeling personal.
- 3 swim stops with long beach time: each main stop is about 2 hours, so you’re not rushing nonstop.
- Snorkeling gear + SUP boards included: you can switch between floating, paddling, and beach time without paying extra.
- Formentera beach clubs for lunch (optional): lunch isn’t included, but you can plan an easy beach-club meal once you reach Formentera.
- WiFi and a restroom on board: small comforts that make an 8-hour outing feel easier.
- Private group means your schedule stays yours: only your group is on the boat, so you’re not sharing the day with strangers.
Ibiza to Formentera by sail: what the day feels like

This is the kind of day that makes the Balearics feel less like a postcard and more like a slow, real ocean day. You leave from Sant Josep de sa Talaia and spend the bulk of the time moving along the Mediterranean, then landing at beaches that look built for turquoise-water photos.
The best part is how the trip balances active and relaxed moments. You get included snorkeling equipment and SUP boards, plus long enough stops at Sa Caleta, S’Espalmador, and Playa de Ses Illetes that you can swim, float, paddle, and still have time to sit in the sun. And since it’s private for up to 7 people, the mood stays calm—more family-day-at-sea than big-boat churn.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Ibiza
What $820.62 per group actually buys (and what costs extra)

The price is $820.62 per group (up to 7), for about 8 hours total time on the water (travel time included). That sounds steep until you do the math the way most people do on a private charter: you’re paying for the boat and your group’s time together, not per individual like the big group tours.
Here’s the practical breakdown:
- Included: snorkeling equipment, SUP boards, WiFi onboard, a restroom, and time to enjoy the sailing boat deck.
- Not included: alcoholic beverages, and lunch (you can bring your own food or book a restaurant/beach club in Formentera with details sent after booking).
- Not included: cabins and kitchen (so think of this as an outdoor deck day, not a long onboard overnight-style setup).
Value tip: If your group can split the cost (like a family of 4–7), this becomes a very fair way to get real water time without paying extra for the fun parts.
Meeting at Bora Sailing and how the 8 hours run

You meet at Bora Sailing (GPS pin shown on the listing) in Sant Josep de sa Talaia. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, which keeps the day simple once you’re done.
Because the total is about 8 hours, you’ll feel the rhythm clearly:
1) you head out from Ibiza’s side of the coast,
2) you hit a first scenic stop with the Es Vedrà view,
3) then you settle into three main beach blocks—each around 2 hours.
This structure matters. You get enough time to do one or two activities well at each stop (snorkel, swim, paddle) and still have space to just relax. That’s the real luxury here: the day isn’t packed with constant “move, move, move.”
That Es Vedrà moment: the scenic stop before the beach hopping

Before you start the named swim stops, there’s a stop designed around a big view: a picture-perfect beach where Es Vedrà rises majestically out of the sea. Even if you’re not the type to chase landmarks, this is a great “get oriented” moment.
Practical payoff:
- It sets the mood fast, so the rest of the day feels like it’s building on something special.
- It’s a reminder that sailing here isn’t only about beaches. It’s about the way the coast and islands look from the water.
Stop 1: Sa Caleta for cliffs, swim time, and a calm reset

Sa Caleta is the first big beach stop, and it’s the kind of beach Ibiza is known for: golden sand with red cliffs framing the shoreline. Expect clear, bright water and a layout that works well for a relaxed swim without feeling like a crowded city beach.
You get about 2 hours here, and because you’ll be on a sail day, you can choose your pace:
- Quick dip and snorkel,
- longer float and sun time,
- or a slow “just hang out” beach block.
Consideration: Red cliffs can mean fewer flat sandy zones for gear spread compared to wide beach stretches. If your group likes laying everything out, arrive ready with a simple routine so you don’t waste your stop time figuring out where to place towels and bags.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Ibiza
Stop 2: S’Espalmador’s boat-only sand and quieter water

Next is S’Espalmador, a Formentera-area beach you can reach by boat, which is exactly why it feels special. The shore is known for its pristine look—think pale sand and water that stays clear enough to spot what’s happening underwater near the surface.
You get another 2 hours here. This stop is ideal if your group wants a calmer vibe than the main Formentera beach scenes. It’s also a strong snorkel-and-float choice, since the setting encourages lingering rather than rushing.
What to do with your time: If snorkeling is a priority, I’d treat this as your “pay attention” stop. Let the water visibility guide you. If you’re not feeling it, switch to SUP or just swim and breathe for a while—this is the stop that works either way.
Stop 3: Playa de Ses Illetes for sun, soft sand, and easy swimming

Playa de Ses Illetes is the final beach block, and it’s the classic “wow” Formentera beach. The sand feels soft underfoot, and the water is famously clear—exactly the kind of place where snorkeling equipment starts to make sense.
You get about 2 hours here, which is the right amount of time for:
- snorkel rounds,
- a proper swim break,
- and a long stretch of sun time.
Small reality check: Popular beaches can bring crowds on land. The advantage of a sail day is that you’re not planning your whole day around traffic and parking. You’re already out there with a schedule that’s tied to water access.
Included snorkeling gear and SUP boards: how to use it well

This charter includes snorkeling equipment and SUP boards, plus use of the sailing boat deck. That’s a great combo because it gives you options when the water mood changes.
Here’s how I’d use the gear in a practical way:
- Snorkeling: bring your energy down first. Even if the water is calm, breathing and pacing matter. Start with a slow look around, then decide if you want a longer session.
- SUP: treat SUP as your “get movement without committing” activity. If wind picks up, you can still paddle gently near the calmer parts close to shore.
- Deck time: rotate. One person snorkels, another paddles, and someone else hangs out with a cold drink. That’s how you keep the day fun for everyone.
Also, the trip includes WiFi onboard and a restroom, so you can actually reset without turning the whole day into a “no comforts” survival mission. And since alcohol isn’t included, it helps to bring what you want (and ice) if your group likes a drink on deck.
Lunch in Formentera: beach club comfort vs bringing your own food

Lunch is a flexible part of this day. You can’t assume a full meal is included in the package, because lunch isn’t included. Instead, you can:
- bring your own food to enjoy on or around the boat day, or
- book a restaurant/beach-club option in Formentera, with details sent after your booking.
What I like about this setup is control. If your group wants something simple, pack it. If you want the Formentera beach-club experience, you can plan it without messing up the whole day.
Tip: If you’re choosing the restaurant/beach-club option, think about timing. You’ll already have swim blocks and beach time, so lunch works best as something you treat like a sit-down reset rather than a rushed stop.
Drinks, towels, and what to pack for a deck day
Alcoholic beverages aren’t included, but the info says you can bring your own drinks and ice. That’s helpful because it means you can tailor the day to your group.
Here’s what I recommend packing for comfort:
- a dry layer for after beach boarding,
- sunscreen and a hat (you’ll get sun time fast),
- swimwear and a towel you actually like using,
- water shoes if your group prefers stability around sand/shore zones,
- any snacks if you plan to bring food for lunch.
One note from real-world charter logic: even on a perfect day, boarding can involve some spray if waves are up. That’s why a dry layer is worth its weight in gold.
Who this private sailing fits best (and who should think twice)
This works especially well if you:
- want a private day with your group only (up to 7),
- care about snorkeling and want the gear included,
- like a mix of swim stops and relaxing beach time,
- don’t want the stress of building your own multi-stop route.
It’s also a good choice for birthdays and milestone trips when you want something more memorable than another restaurant night.
Who might want to think twice:
- If your group is very sensitive to sea conditions, remember the day requires good weather.
- If everyone in your party only wants beach lounging with zero activity, you’ll still have fun here, but the included gear means you may end up persuading people into at least one snorkel or SUP session.
Booking with confidence: what to know before you commit
This sailing experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s the key thing to watch, because the whole day depends on being able to comfortably sail and reach the beaches.
It’s also mobile ticket friendly, and you’ll receive confirmation at booking. If you’re planning around the schedule of a trip already booked, it helps that cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance (so you have room to react if weather forecasts shift).
Should you book this sailing day in Ibiza and Formentera?
If you’re weighing this against other Ibiza activities, I’d book it if your priority is simple: maximum water time with minimum hassle. You’re paying for the boat, the private group vibe, and the fact that you don’t have to rent snorkeling gear or figure out how to reach the better shoreline spots.
Choose this particularly if your group is 4–7 people and you’re excited about snorkeling and a Formentera beach day that feels calm and unhurried. Add in the included WiFi and restroom, plus the Captain Gabriel style that people seem to genuinely appreciate, and it’s the kind of day you’ll talk about long after you stop checking flight prices.
If your group is mostly interested in land-based sightseeing only, you might find a beach-and-sail day less satisfying. But if you want Ibiza and Formentera from the water, this is one of the most straightforward ways to do it.
FAQ
How many people are in a private group?
This is a private experience, and it’s priced for up to 7 people per group.
How long is the sailing trip?
The duration is about 8 hours, and travel time is included.
Is the tour offered in English?
Yes, it’s offered in English.
What’s included for snorkeling and time in the water?
The experience includes snorkeling equipment and the use of SUP boards.
Is lunch included in the price?
Lunch isn’t included. You can bring your own food to the boat or book in a restaurant in Formentera (details are sent with the booking confirmation).
Can we bring our own drinks?
Alcoholic beverages aren’t included, but you can bring your own drinks and ice.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.






















