Formentera, minus the crowds. This full-day mini sailing cruise from Ibiza takes you to Formentera’s top coast, with time to swim, snorkel, and paddleboard. You’ll float between two classic stops: Playa de Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador.

I love the small-group feel. With just nine passengers (and a stated maximum of 12), you’re not fighting for attention or space when it’s time to gear up or jump in. I also love the included onboard extras—snorkeling equipment, a SUP board, soda/pop, salty snacks in the morning, and a fruit platter later on.

One consideration: it’s a long day on the water (about 7.5 hours total), and some entry areas can be rocky. If you hate slow boat time or you want easy, sand-only swimming, plan for that up front.

Key things I’d bank on

• Small-group sailing with a more personal pace than big beach tours
• Two serious beach stops with about 2 hours at each anchorage
• Snorkel gear and SUP included, so you don’t pay extra once you’re there
• Food and drinks built into the schedule, not an afterthought
• Captains who focus on comfort and safety, with guidance at the stops

A semi-private sailing day to Formentera, with real breathing room

This is the kind of trip that feels like you’re getting out of the main Ibiza traffic without giving up the good stuff. You’re not racing from viewpoint to viewpoint. You’re sailing, dropping anchor, and spending real time in the water around Formentera’s most famous stretches.

The group size is a big deal. When the boat is carrying about nine people, you get quicker help with snorkel setup, easier boarding, and a calmer vibe at anchor. It also means the captain can actually notice who’s paying attention, who wants more time in the water, and who’s happy just relaxing.

And yes, the ride matters. Several people specifically highlight how beautiful the cruise itself is—the “time spent getting there” is part of the experience, not just a transfer.

Meeting at Es Xarcu and what an 11:00 start means

The meeting point is Es Xarcu (Restaurante Playa), located at S/N, Cala Es Xarco (07839 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Illes Balears). The tour starts at 11:00 am, and it returns back to the same meeting point.

Bring a little “holiday patience.” This is a full-day experience, and the day is structured around sailing time plus two anchored swimming stops. You’ll want to arrive ready to go—full of water and sunscreen before you’re out in the sun, because once you’re underway, there isn’t much time to “go back” for anything you forgot.

You’ll use a mobile ticket, which keeps things simple at check-in. And since confirmation is typically received within 48 hours (depending on availability), I’d treat the start time as real and firm once you get that message.

What you actually do on the water (snorkel, swim, SUP)

This trip is built around water time. At both stops, you can snorkel with the equipment provided and paddle on a SUP (a tablero de pádel). There’s also a lot of “float and enjoy the views” time—so even if you’re not spending every minute face-down in the water, the boat and anchorage still give you plenty to enjoy.

Each stop runs about 2 hours, which is long enough to do a proper swim-and-snorkel loop, then get back to the surface for photos, shade, and a snack. It also helps that you’re in a smaller group. You don’t feel like you need to rush to fit into the schedule.

A small but practical heads-up: water access isn’t always perfectly “beachy.” One recurring tip is that some landing spots can have rocks, so it’s smart to think about footwear before you go.

Stop 1: Playa de Ses Illetes—famous beach time with snacks

Your first anchored stop is Playa de Ses Illetes, often described as the Balearic Islands’ most famous beach. You’ll have about 2 hours here, and it’s time for the main water activities plus a relaxed snack moment.

This is a great stop if you like crystal-clear shallows and the kind of scenery that makes you pause the first time you look down. With snorkel gear provided, you can spend a chunk of that 2 hours checking out what’s happening underwater, then switch to paddleboard when you want a slower, calmer way to explore.

There’s also a practical reality: you may not have a smooth, sand-only entry everywhere. If you want the easiest time getting on and off the boat, consider bringing water shoes. It makes the rock-or-scramble parts much less stressful.

Stop 2: S’Espalmador—white sand, calm water, fruit later

After the first swim session, you head to S’Espalmador for another 2-hour stop. People often talk about Espalmador as the Mediterranean’s “jewel,” mainly because the water tends to look impossibly clear once you’re out there.

This stop is similar in style but slightly different in vibe. You’ll still have the chance to snorkel and SUP, but the emphasis feels more like floating around white sand edges and soaking in the bright-water views. And when you’re ready to refuel, you’ll get a plate of fruit in the afternoon.

If you like the idea of a day that shifts from “active water time” into “more relaxed cruising,” this second stop is where it tends to happen. You’ll likely finish the day feeling sun-warmed and satisfied, not drained.

Food and drinks that make the day feel lighter

One of the best value signals here is that the food and drink aren’t an extra add-on. Included means you’re not doing mental math every time you get hungry.

You’ll have soda/pop on board, plus salty snacks in the morning. Later, you’ll also get a fruit platter in the afternoon. That combination is perfect for a day that runs on sun and swimming—simple fuel that doesn’t feel heavy.

Also worth noting: the trip includes fuel and a captain, so the price isn’t just paying for “a boat somewhere.” You’re paying for the whole day’s operation around those stops, including the time at anchor where you actually use the included gear.

Crew style: attentive captains and a safety-first vibe

The biggest recurring compliment is how involved the captains are. People describe guides who stay attentive to comfort and needs, and captains who feel genuinely focused on safety. In past outings, you may meet captains and crew like Paul, Marina, Miki (sometimes spelled as Mickey), Fernando, or Sylvia—names that show up because they set the tone.

In practice, that usually means a smoother feel at the stops: helpful guidance when it’s time to get into the water, clear instruction on what to do with snorkel gear, and a captain who checks on how everyone is doing.

That said, you should still use your common sense anywhere on the water. One downside that has shown up at least once is a report about poor organization during boarding and cleanliness issues onboard. If anything feels off—dirty surfaces, unclear boarding help, or you not being given proper guidance—say something early. Your comfort matters, and it’s better to speak up immediately than hope it improves later.

Price and weather: when $174.43 actually makes sense

At $174.43 per person, this isn’t the cheapest way to do Formentera. But it’s priced like a guided, small-boat day where the big costs are already wrapped in.

Here’s what helps it feel like good value:

• Snorkeling equipment and SUP are included
• Food and drinks are included
• You get two anchored beach stops instead of one quick drop
• The day runs with a captain and fuel included

Also, this is a weather-dependent experience. If conditions are too rough, it may be canceled and you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. That’s not just fine print—it affects whether you can actually enjoy the water time you’re paying for.

One planning note: this kind of trip is often booked ahead. If you have specific dates in mind, don’t wait until the last minute.

What to bring so you’re not stuck at the dock

This is where you can make your day easier with a few basics.

The operator suggests bringing:

• Towels
• Sunglasses and sunscreen

My extra recommendation is to bring water shoes if you want an easy time stepping in and out. Rocky spots show up at these kinds of anchorages, and once you’re relaxed on a hot day, you don’t want to spend the best moments worrying about your footing.

Also think about day-long sun protection. Even if you’re in the water, you’re still exposed while you’re sitting on the boat, waiting for boarding, or taking photos.

If you have health considerations, check the stated limits: the tour is not recommended for travelers more than 5 months pregnant, and not recommended for travelers weighing more than 130 kg.

Who this Formentera sail trip suits best

This trip fits best if you want Formentera in a low-crowd way. You’ll enjoy it most if you like:

• Swimming and snorkeling with gear provided
• SUP time without renting equipment
• A small-group day with a more relaxed pace
• A mix of active water moments and onboard downtime

If your ideal vacation includes long beach lounging only on sand, you might find the water access a bit more hands-on than you expect—again, that’s where water shoes help.

If you’re traveling with friends or a couple and you want everyone to have the same “shared day on the water,” the group size makes it feel social without turning it into a party.

Should you book this boat trip to Formentera?

Book it if your priorities are small-group sailing, included snorkel and SUP gear, and real time at Ses Illetes plus S’Espalmador. The $174.43 price feels more justified when you count the included equipment and the fact that the day is structured around two meaningful swim stops.

Skip it or think twice if:

• You hate long days on the water (this runs about 7.5 hours total)
• You need very easy, fully sandy access everywhere
• Weather on your dates is unpredictable and you’d be unhappy if the day gets rescheduled

My practical checklist: arrive early enough to settle in, bring sunscreen and towels, consider water shoes, and be ready to enjoy the pace. If that sounds like your kind of day, this is a strong Formentera choice.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Ibiza boat trip to Formentera?

It runs about 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

What time does the tour start and where is the meeting point?

The start time is 11:00 am. You meet at Es Xarcu (Restaurante Playa), S/N, Cala Es Xarco, 07839 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Illes Balears, Spain.

How many people are on the boat?

It has a maximum of 12 travelers, and the experience is described as a small group of about nine passengers.

Which beaches are visited during the day?

You visit Playa de Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador, with about 2 hours at each stop.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is SUP included?

Yes. You’ll have use of the SUP board (tablero de pádel).

What food and drinks are included?

You get snacks in the morning, a fruit platter in the afternoon, and soda/pop.

What should I bring?

Bring towels, plus sunglasses and sunscreen.

What if the trip is canceled due to weather or I need to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are there any limits for pregnancy or weight?

It is not recommended for travelers more than 5 months pregnant and not recommended for travelers weighing more than 130 kg.