Ibiza & Formentera: Private Sailboat Tour with Snorkeling

Summary

Sail Ibiza to Formentera for secret swims, beach stops and laughter

You’ll set sail from Ibiza with a local captain, stopping to swim and snorkel at Cap des Falco before cruising to Espalmador’s wild beaches and Ses Illetes’ golden sand in Formentera. Try paddle surfing or just lounge on deck—there’s space for both laughter and quiet moments here.

What’s the experience like?

Someone handed me a cold drink before I’d even finished kicking off my sandals — that’s how our day started in Ibiza. The captain (I think his name was Jordi?) greeted us with this half-grin, like he’d seen every kind of group pile onto his boat. The deck felt warm under my feet and there was this salty tang in the air that made me want to just jump straight in. We set off from Cala Jondal, and honestly, I lost track of time watching the coastline slip by — white cliffs, scrubby green pines clinging to rock, the water below so clear you could spot fish darting around even from up top.

We dropped anchor at Cap des Falco. There was a hush except for someone’s playlist drifting out from another boat nearby and the soft clink of snorkel gear being handed around. I’m not much of a swimmer but put on the mask anyway — the water felt colder than I expected but good, like waking up properly. Our guide pointed out little things beneath the surface: sea grass waving like ribbons and these silvery fish that scattered when you moved too fast. Sunlight flickered everywhere. At Espalmador island later, we just lay back on deck for a while, letting the sun dry us off while some folks tried paddle surfing (I didn’t last long standing up — got a laugh from Jordi for that one).

By lunchtime at Ses Illetes beach in Formentera, it was all sand between toes and that smell of grilled seafood from somewhere downwind. You could eat at one of those restaurants right by the water or just unpack whatever food you brought — we went for picnic style on board because honestly it felt right after swimming so much. There was no rush; nobody hurrying us along or fussing over schedules. Just quiet chatter, sunburned noses (mine especially), and turquoise water stretching out everywhere you looked.

I still think about how peaceful it got as we sailed back toward Ibiza in the late afternoon — everyone sort of sunk into their own thoughts or just watched the light change on the cliffs. It’s not something I’d expected: that gentle tiredness mixed with feeling lucky to have spent a day like that out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sail and explore Ibiza and Formentera

• Enjoy Cala Jondal beach
• Stop at Cap des Falco for swim
• Cruise to Espalmador island
• Anchor and admire Espalmador beaches
• Sail to Ses Illetes beach
• Relax on Ses Illetes sandy beach
• Eat at beachfront restaurant or picnic

Top questions

How long does the private sailboat tour last?

This is a full-day tour covering Ibiza and Formentera with several stops for swimming and relaxing.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included for all guests onboard.

Can I bring my own food or do we eat at restaurants?

You can bring your own food for a picnic on board or choose to eat at beachfront restaurants at Ses Illetes.

Are paddle boards available during the trip?

Paddle surf equipment is included as part of your day trip experience.

Is hotel pickup included?

No mention of hotel pickup; guests join directly at the departure point in Ibiza.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed during this tour.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with low mobility?

This tour is not recommended for people with low mobility or certain health conditions.

Is there a bathroom onboard?

Yes, there is a bathroom available on the sailboat.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing with an experienced captain and deck hand between Ibiza and Formentera, use of snorkeling gear and paddle surf boards, plus time to swim or relax at each stop. There’s also a dinghy for getting ashore if you want it, and yes—there’s a bathroom onboard too before heading back in the evening.