Snorkeling in Formentera: Sailing with paddle surf and drone

You pilot the sailboat yourself at the helm, then drop anchor in water so clear you see the seabed.

A full-day sailing activity in Formentera where you take the helm, snorkel at two stops on Europe's clearest beaches, and paddle surf in the shallows. The boat carries snorkel gear, three paddle boards, an auxiliary motor for beach access, and a drone to film the day. Skipper Diego meets you for an 8-hour outing that ends at sunset over Es Vedra.

The experience

You arrive at the boat and take the helm. This is not a tour where you sit and watch. The sailing itself is the first activity, and you practice steering while the skipper handles the bigger decisions. The route heads to Espalmador, a small island between Ibiza and Formentera reachable only by private boat, known locally as the European Caribbean for its shallow turquoise water and white sand. The boat carries an auxiliary motor to get you close to shore, and snorkel gear is already on board.

At Espalmador you enter the water with full snorkel equipment and spend time exploring the seabed in water so clear the visibility is the main event. The second stop is Illetes, a famous Formentera beach with restaurants and a different character: busier, but still ranked in Europe's top five. Here you can paddle surf on one of the three boards stowed on deck, or snorkel again if you prefer. The drone films both stops, capturing overhead footage and video you take home.

The day wraps with a return sail timed to catch the sunset over Es Vedra, the rock formation that closes the Ibiza horizon. The boat includes cookware and gas for meals, inflatable toys for the water, and insurance. A technical support team in Ibiza handles any issues, and final cleaning is part of the package.

What’s included

• Snorkel equipment and three paddle surf boards.
• drone video and photos of the day.
• auxiliary motor boat for beach access.
• cookware, gas, and inflatable toys.
• insurance and final boat cleaning.
• technical support based in Ibiza.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Navega Por Ibiza

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and Spanish, so choose this outing if you are comfortable following instruction in one of those languages. The 8-hour day is full of activity (sailing, snorkeling, and paddle surfing), so it suits someone who wants to be in the water and handling equipment, not someone looking for a relaxed boat ride.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I actually sail the boat myself, or does the skipper do all the steering?

You practice at the helm and take turns steering. Skipper Diego handles navigation and safety, but the sailing is something you actively do, not watch.

What is Espalmador like compared to the other beaches we visit?

Espalmador is a small island between Ibiza and Formentera, only reachable by boat, with shallow turquoise water and white sand: much quieter and more remote than Illetes. It is called the European Caribbean for the clarity and color of the water.

Is the snorkel gear included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkel equipment is included on the boat and ready to use at both stops.

Do I get copies of the drone footage?

Yes, the drone films video and still images throughout the day for you to keep as a record of the outing.

What time does the day end?

The 8-hour outing is timed to return at sunset, so you finish in the early evening with Es Vedra on the horizon.