Want an easy day on the water?

This small-group sail from Ibiza to Formentera and Espalmador is built for people who want real time in the sea, not just a long boat ride. I like that you get structured stops in top coves and protected waters, with plenty of chances to cool off using included snorkeling gear and shared SUP boards.

One catch: food and drinks aren’t included, and the boat doesn’t stop for a restaurant lunch. If you show up without provisions, you’ll feel it fast—plan a packed meal (and your sunscreen/towel).

Key Points at a Glance

• Max 12 travelers means you’re not lost in a crowd; it’s easier to hear the skipper and coordinate on the water.
• Snorkeling equipment + 2 SUP boards are included, so you can switch between floating and paddling.
• Espalmador time gives you access to a protected, nature-focused island feel that’s harder to reach any other way.
• Ses Illetes is the lunch backdrop, with beautiful views where you can eat your own food.
• Bottled water, cooler/fridge, and glassware are provided, so you can keep your day comfortable.
• Captain Julien is specifically praised for making guests feel welcome and at ease onboard.

Why This Ibiza to Formentera Sail Feels Right for a Full Day

This is the kind of trip that makes sense if you want the islands’ best colors without spending your whole day in a line. You start in a classic Ibiza cove and end right where you began, so the pacing stays simple.

What makes it especially worth considering is the mix of active and relaxed time. If you want to play in the water, you can. If you want to sit with a cold drink from the cooler and watch the coastline slide by, you can do that too. And with a maximum of 12 people, the vibe stays friendly instead of chaotic.

Value for $178: What You Get (and What You Supply)

At about $178 per person, the value hinges on what’s included versus what you’ll need to bring.

You do get a lot for that price:

• Bottled water and a cooler/fridge for storing what you bring
• Snorkeling equipment
• 2 stand-up paddle boards for the group
• A restroom on board
• Fuel and all fees/taxes
• Glassware (small detail, but it helps if you bring drinks)

The parts that cost extra are also clear:

• Lunch and drinks
• Towels and sunscreen

For me, the smart way to think about the price is this: you’re paying for access to places that are much more pleasant from the water, plus equipment and boat time. If you’re willing to bring a packed lunch and set yourself up for the day, it lands as good value.

The 10:00 Start and the “No-Rush” Flow of an 8-Hour Day

The tour starts at 10:00am and runs about 8 hours. The schedule is built around a string of water-friendly stops, with enough time at each place to actually enjoy it.

You’ll begin at Cala Jondal and then move across the sea toward Ses Salines/Cap Falcò, spend time around S’Espalmador, then finish with time at Ses Illetes before sailing back. It’s not a sprint tour. It’s more like: arrive, gear up, spend time in the water, eat when you want, then settle back for the next leg.

Stop 1: Platja des Jondal Sets the Tone in a Real Ibiza Cove

You kick off at Platja des Jondal (Cala Jondal) for about 1 hour. This first stop matters because it’s where you get oriented: how the boat feels in motion, where you’ll likely swim, and what the water looks like from the sail.

Also, there’s something psychologically helpful about starting in a place that already feels special. You’re not thrown immediately into gear prep and navigation. You ease in, take in the coastline, and then the rest of the day feels even better.

A small consideration: you’ll be ready for water time by the first hour. If you want to get straight into snorkeling or SUP afterward, come prepared so you’re not hunting for sunscreen once you’re already on the beach.

Ses Salines and Cap Falcò: Snorkeling and SUP in Calm Water

Next up is Ses Salines, with sailing and a stop near Cap Falcò for about 1 hour 30 minutes. This is your main “play in the sea” segment.

Here’s what you should expect based on the way the trip is set up:

• You can use the included snorkeling equipment
• You can also paddle using the stand-up paddle boards
• The pace is flexible enough that you can do either activity or switch between them

Ses Salines is a great match for first-timers because it’s easier to enjoy the water without feeling like you have to be a pro. If your goal is to see fish, swim a bit, and still keep the day relaxed, this is the right block of time.

Practical tip: bring what you need to get in and out smoothly. If you’re sharing SUP boards, plan on taking turns and setting yourself up for quick, easy entry.

S’Espalmador: Where the Day Turns Nature-Focused

The highlight zone for many people is S’Espalmador, where you get about 2 hours. This island is treated as a sanctuary-like nature area, and it’s exactly the kind of place where you can feel the difference between being on land versus being in the water.

This stop is built around water activities:

• SUP and time in the sea
• Natural reserve-style exploration on or near the shoreline, depending on conditions

Why that matters for you: Espalmador is the kind of stop that can make the day feel more “islands with space” and less “tourist checklist.” From the boat, the coastline looks dramatic, but the real payoff is that you’re given time to settle into it.

One caution: because it’s a nature area and you’re spending time on/near the water, you’ll want to protect yourself from sun and keep an eye on your own energy. You’re out there for two hours—bring the mindset of a beach day, not a quick photo stop.

Playa de Ses Illetes: A Beautiful Lunch Break You Plan Yourself

Then comes Playa de Ses Illetes for about 1 hour 30 minutes. The big theme here is the views while you eat, because lunch and drinks aren’t included and the boat doesn’t make restaurant stops.

So treat this as: stop → find a comfy spot → eat your packed meal → cool down with a swim or just relax.

Ses Illetes is the kind of place where you’ll appreciate slowing down. Even if your main goal is snorkeling and SUP earlier, this stop is where you can turn the day into a true break. If you like photographing water and coastline, it also tends to be a good light-and-color moment.

The practical move: pack food that doesn’t melt in the heat and that you can eat without making a mess. The trip includes water and the boat has a cooler/fridge, which helps you keep things manageable.

Sailing Back to Cala Jondal: The Feel-Good Finish

Your final stop is back at Platja des Jondal for about 1 hour 30 minutes. This return leg is where the day often clicks into place: you’ve played, eaten, rested, and now you can enjoy the coastline without needing to rush.

If you feel like sailing instead of lounging, the skipper can guide people who want to try the ropes. If not, you can simply enjoy the ride and let the water do its job—calm motion, good views, and a social atmosphere on a small boat.

Also, this is the end of the day back at the starting meeting point, so you’re not stuck figuring out last-minute transport.

The On-Board Details That Make a Difference

This trip is comfortable enough for a full day, and it’s the small inclusions that keep it from becoming annoying.

You get:

• Restroom on board (huge for long beach-to-beach days)
• Bottled water plus a cooler/fridge
• Glassware, which helps if you bring drinks
• Snorkeling gear ready for use
• SUP boards for the group

A helpful detail for pacing: with a maximum of 12 travelers, it’s easier to keep track of who’s in the water and how long people need between tasks. That translates into less waiting around.

What’s not provided:

• Towels
• Sunscreen
• Lunch and drinks

So your “comfort prep” is mostly about personal items and food planning.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Style)

This tour is a strong fit if you:

• Want a small-group sail with real beach time
• Like being active, with snorkeling and SUP options
• Prefer a day trip where you can relax without feeling bored
• Travel with friends or family and want a shared experience

It also makes sense if you’re the kind of person who likes easy instructions. You can try sailing with the skipper’s guidance, or you can keep it simple and just enjoy the ride.

A possible mismatch: if you don’t want to pack lunch and manage your own sunscreen/towel, this won’t feel as convenient. The trip is built for you to bring what you need for a beach day.

What I’d Plan Before You Go (So You Don’t Lose Time)

If you want the day to run smoothly, I’d do three things before you step on the boat.

First, pack a real meal plan. Since there’s no restaurant lunch stop, bring a packed lunch you’re happy eating in beach conditions. Think: easy-to-eat food, not fragile items.

Second, bring the basics the tour doesn’t supply: sunscreen and a towel. Sun is part of the trade-off for the best water time.

Third, think about how you’ll rotate snorkeling/SUP. With only two SUP boards, you may share turns. The smoother you plan your gear and timing, the more fun you’ll have.

Should You Book This Ibiza to Formentera and Espalmador Sail?

I’d book it if you want a day on the water that mixes great coves, included gear, and a small-group feel that stays friendly. Espalmador time is a big reason to choose this one, and the fact that snorkeling equipment and SUP boards are included makes it easier to jump in without extra costs.

Skip it if you’re hoping for an effortless day with included meals and a restaurant lunch. Here, you’re the lunch planner. But if you’re okay bringing provisions and enjoying the islands from the sea, this kind of trip is one of the best ways to spend an Ibiza day with less stress and more swim time.

FAQ

What time does the sailing trip start?

The tour starts at 10:00am.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Carrer de Porroig 1, 37, 07839 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Illes Balears, Spain.

How long is the experience?

It runs for about 8 hours.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

What’s included on the boat?

You’ll have a restroom on board, bottled water, and use of snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddle boards (2). A fridge/cooler and glassware are also provided, plus fuel and all fees/taxes.

Is lunch or drinks included?

No. Lunch and drinks are not included, and the boat cannot stop at restaurants for lunch.

What should I bring?

Bring your own provisions for the day (including lunch) and also bring towels and sunscreen.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.