Reviewed · SAILING

Ibiza & Formentera Private Deluxe Sailing: Full Day

5.0 · 262 reviews 8 hours (approx.) Operated by Nomad Sailing Trips · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

The best part of this day is the freedom to enjoy Ibiza and Formentera from the water, away from the usual road traffic and beach crowds. You’ll sail from Cala Jondal in a private group of up to seven, with stops for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and a long break at Formentera’s Ses Illetes beach.

I like the personal service, especially the way captains such as Agus have helped with lunch reservations and taxis after the trip. I also like the mix of active and lazy time: you can paddle and snorkel, then stretch out on the deck with music playing through the boat’s WiFi.

The main consideration is the boat’s size. This is a modern 41-foot yacht, not a huge charter vessel, and one person found it smaller than expected. Weather can also change the route, so reaching Formentera is not guaranteed.

Key things to know before you book

Ibiza & Formentera Private Deluxe Sailing: Full Day - Key things to know before you book

  • Private sailing for up to seven people: Your group has the boat to itself, making this a good choice for families or friends who want control over the pace.
  • Two paddleboards and snorkeling gear included: You can get into the water at several stops without renting equipment separately.
  • A full day on the south coast: The route links Cala Jondal, Ibiza’s southern coves, Ses Salines, Espalmador, and Ses Illetes.
  • A yacht assistant helps with food and drinks: Lunch is not included, but the crew can help arrange a restaurant stop.
  • A 41-foot boat with a restroom and WiFi: The practical touches matter during an eight-hour outing.
  • Strong service from the crew: Agus, Carlota, Tom, Nuria, and Marcelo are among the captains and crew members connected with particularly warm outings.

Setting out from Cala Jondal

The day begins at Tropicana Eivissa Cala Jondal, at Cala Jondal on Ibiza’s south coast. The meeting point is easy to identify, and the tour ends back there after roughly eight hours.

Cala Jondal is a fitting starting point. It is a beautiful bay with clear water and steep coastal scenery, so you begin with a pleasant view before the boat even reaches open water. The first listed stop is brief, about 10 minutes, and works more as a gentle start than a major sightseeing stop.

You can settle on deck, take in the water, and get used to the boat before the longer stretches begin. If you are prone to seasickness, this is also a useful moment to decide where you feel most comfortable. The boat has a restroom, which is a small but important advantage on a full-day trip.

Because this is a private outing, you are not joining a large mixed group. That makes it easier to keep the day relaxed. You can spend more time swimming if everyone agrees, or move on when your group has had enough. The tradeoff is that the final schedule is shaped by sea and weather conditions, not just by the printed route.

Sailing past Playa des Codolar

Ibiza & Formentera Private Deluxe Sailing: Full Day - Sailing past Playa des Codolar

From Cala Jondal, the boat follows Ibiza’s southern coast toward Playa des Codolar. This part of the outing is about the coast itself: rocky coves, cliffs, beaches, and sea caves viewed from the water.

The stop lasts around an hour. You will get a different view of Ibiza here than you would from a road or beach path. From the deck, the coastline becomes a succession of small inlets and rock faces, with the boat offering a moving viewpoint rather than a fixed one.

This is also a good time to settle into the rhythm of the trip. Some people will want to sit in the sun, while others will keep cameras ready for the coves and cliffs. WiFi on board allows you to stream music and upload photos, though you will want to balance phone time with simply watching the coast pass by.

The boat is not described as a large luxury ship, so space can feel limited when all seven passengers are sitting or moving around at once. That is worth keeping in mind if your group expects extensive room. For a small private party, though, a 41-foot boat gives you a more direct connection to the sea than a large vessel would.

Swimming near Ses Salines

Ibiza & Formentera Private Deluxe Sailing: Full Day - Swimming near Ses Salines

The next stop is a quiet cove connected with the Ses Salines Natural Park. The boat anchors here for about an hour, giving you time to swim and use the supplied snorkeling equipment.

The water is the main attraction. You can get in from the boat and look for fish and other sea life in the clear water. Snorkeling conditions vary with weather and visibility, so you should think of this as a chance to explore rather than a guaranteed wildlife show.

This stop works well because the equipment is already on board. You do not need to arrange a separate rental, and the crew can help you make use of the gear. The pace is also flexible in a private group. If you would rather stay on deck, you can do that, but the outing is at its best when you take advantage of the water.

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended. You will need to move around the boat, get in and out of the water, and handle a paddleboard later in the day if you choose to use one. The supplied information does not give detailed access guidance, so anyone with mobility concerns should ask the operator before booking.

Paddleboarding around Espalmador

Ibiza & Formentera Private Deluxe Sailing: Full Day - Paddleboarding around Espalmador

After the Ibiza stops, the boat continues toward S’Espalmador, a protected island area between Ibiza and Formentera. The scheduled time here is about one hour and 50 minutes, making it one of the longest water-based portions of the day.

Two paddle surf boards are included. They give you a simple way to explore the calm water near the boat, and they add a bit of activity without turning the outing into a demanding sports tour. You can paddle with a companion, take turns, or simply swim and snorkel while others use the boards.

The setting is especially appealing for people who want more than a sightseeing cruise. You are not only looking at the coast from the deck. You have the chance to get into the water and see the area from a lower, quieter position.

Still, the boards are a shared resource for the group, not one per person. With seven people aboard, you may need to take turns. That is not a serious problem on a private trip, but it helps to set expectations before you leave.

The long break at Ses Illetes

Ibiza & Formentera Private Deluxe Sailing: Full Day - The long break at Ses Illetes

The most substantial shore stop is Playa de Ses Illetes on Formentera. The boat spends about two hours here, and you can choose between going ashore for lunch or eating on board while looking out over the beach.

Ses Illetes is known for white sand and clear water. The two-hour stop gives you enough time for more than a quick photo. You can walk along the beach, explore a little farther on foot, or make lunch the center of the break.

Lunch is not included in the tour price, so budget for it separately. This is where the yacht assistant can be useful. Agus, in particular, has been praised for arranging restaurant reservations and helping with transport after the boat returns. That kind of support can save time in a place where a casual lunch plan may not work out during a busy season.

You can also remain on board for lunch. That option suits anyone who would rather avoid a shore stop or keep the day centered on the sea. Ask ahead about food plans, especially if anyone in your group has dietary needs. The supplied details confirm help with food and beverages, but not a specific included menu.

The two-hour window is generous, but you should not expect a full tour of Formentera. This is a beach and lunch stop, not a land-based island excursion. If you want to see more of the island’s interior, you would need a separate plan.

The return to Cala Jondal

Ibiza & Formentera Private Deluxe Sailing: Full Day - The return to Cala Jondal

The return leg lasts about an hour and 30 minutes. You will have time to rest on deck and watch the Ibiza coast from the opposite direction.

The timing may also bring a pleasant late-day feel, depending on the exact departure and conditions. One group described a proper sunset sail back to Ibiza after the wind picked up, but you should not treat a sunset as guaranteed. The tour is sold as a full-day outing, and the light on the return will depend on the season and schedule.

This final stretch is useful because the boat ride itself becomes part of the day, rather than just transportation between stops. After swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and lunch, you can simply sit back and enjoy the open water.

The captain’s personality matters here. Carlota has been praised as an excellent captain, while Agus is known for humor and a hands-on approach. Tom, Nuria, and Marcelo have also led outings, including one day when weather made the Formentera route unwise and the group visited other Ibiza coves instead. That is a good reminder that a capable captain has to put sea conditions first.

What the crew adds to the day

Ibiza & Formentera Private Deluxe Sailing: Full Day - What the crew adds to the day

The strongest part of the service is the attention to practical details. The crew does more than steer the boat. A yacht assistant is available for food and drinks, and the captain can help keep the day moving without making it feel rushed.

Agus has received particular praise for arranging lunch and making sure a group had taxis after sailing. That does not mean every outing will include the same exact help, but it shows the level of personal assistance you can ask for.

Carlota is another named captain associated with a highly praised outing. Other crew members, including Tom, Nuria, and Marcelo, have also led successful trips. The overall tone is friendly and personal, with the boat described as the captain’s home in one account. That may appeal to you if you prefer a relaxed host-led day over a formal cruise.

A drone video was also provided on one outing and was described as high quality. Since drone footage is not listed among the standard inclusions, ask before booking if this is important to you. Treat it as a possible extra, not a promised feature.

Price, group size, and value

Ibiza & Formentera Private Deluxe Sailing: Full Day - Price, group size, and value

The price is $1,088.86 per group of up to seven people. At full capacity, that works out to about $155 per person for eight hours. For a couple or a small group of three, the per-person cost is much higher, so the value improves when you can fill most of the boat.

The price includes fuel, the skipper or captain, snorkeling equipment, two paddleboards, a restroom, and use of the 41-foot modern boat. Lunch and alcoholic drinks cost extra. WiFi is also available, which is useful for music and photos but should not be the main reason to book.

I see the value in the privacy. A large shared cruise may cost less per person, but it will not give your group the same say over swimming time, music, lunch plans, or the general pace. Here, you are paying for the boat, crew, and a full day that combines several locations without changing vehicles.

For a family or group of friends celebrating a special day, the cost can make sense. For two people on a tight budget, a shared sailing trip may be a better financial choice. Keep a separate allowance for lunch, drinks, and any transport you need before or after the outing.

The tour is often reserved around 36 days ahead of time, so popular dates may disappear well before your visit. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Inside that window, you should expect no refund.

Who will enjoy this private sailing day

This trip suits you if you want several kinds of water time in one day. You can snorkel near Ibiza, paddle around Espalmador, spend time at Ses Illetes, and still have long stretches to relax on deck.

It is especially suitable for groups of friends, couples traveling together, and families with older children who can manage a boat day and moderate physical activity. The private format also helps mixed groups, since not everyone has to follow the same activity at every stop.

You should think twice if you want a large yacht with lots of interior space, a fully included lunch, or a fixed guarantee that Formentera will be visited. The route depends on sea conditions, and the boat may feel compact if your group expects resort-style space.

The day is also not ideal if you dislike being on the water for long periods. Eight hours is a substantial commitment. Even with a restroom and several stops, you will spend most of the day aboard.

Should you book it?

Book this sailing day if your group can share the cost and wants a private, flexible route through Ibiza and Formentera. The included boards and snorkeling gear add real value, while the crew’s help with lunch and transport can make the day easier than arranging each detail yourself.

Before booking, ask about the expected route for your date, lunch arrangements, and whether any drone footage will be available. If the weather blocks Formentera, the crew may redirect the outing to other Ibiza coves, but that substitute should be understood as a possibility rather than a fixed promise.

For a small group seeking the most active day on the sea, this is a strong choice. For anyone expecting a big boat, included meals, or guaranteed island access, choose with more care.

FAQ

Where does the sailing tour start and finish?

The tour starts and ends at Tropicana Eivissa Cala Jondal, Cala Jundal, s/n, 07830 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Ibiza.

How long is the sailing experience?

The activity lasts approximately eight hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The private experience is for your group only, with up to seven people.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, although you can eat ashore at Ses Illetes or have lunch on board. The yacht assistant can help with food and beverage arrangements.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with two paddle surf boards.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes. The 41-foot modern boat has a restroom on board.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

More like this

Sailing, compared.

The full Sailing list →
Eco-Yacht Whale and Dolphin Watching and Swimming
★★★★★★★★★★4.7· 15,619 reviews· from $13

Eco-Yacht Whale and Dolphin Watching and Swimming

Read the review →
5-Hour Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Swim
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 9,957 reviews· from $69

5-Hour Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Swim

Read the review →
Daytime or Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Music
★★★★★★★★★★4.3· 5,923 reviews· from $15

Daytime or Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Music

Read the review →
Lloret de Mar: Catamaran Sailing Cruise with BBQ and Drinks
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 3,812 reviews· from $59

Lloret de Mar: Catamaran Sailing Cruise with BBQ and Drinks

Read the review →
Costa Adeje: Whale Watching Catamaran Tour with Drinks
★★★★★★★★★★4.7· 3,653 reviews· from $41

Costa Adeje: Whale Watching Catamaran Tour with Drinks

Read the review →
Catamaran Cruise with Sunset Option
★★★★★★★★★★4.0· 3,566 reviews· from $17

Catamaran Cruise with Sunset Option

Read the review →
Sunset Catamaran Trip
★★★★★★★★★★4.6· 3,200 reviews· from $27

Sunset Catamaran Trip

Read the review →
Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Live Music
★★★★★★★★★★4.7· 3,024 reviews· from $33

Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Live Music

Read the review →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

Explore Spain

Pick a city, a coast or a table.