Ses Illetes is the kind of water that makes you slow down. On this Playa de Ses Illetes full-day private sail, you get a skipper doing the sailing and navigation, plus gear and floating time built in for swimming, snorkel stops, and paddleboarding. I love that it’s set up for easy, no-stress water time, and I especially like the included snorkel equipment and stand-up paddleboards so you’re not hunting rentals.

The only real catch is also simple: food and drink aren’t included, so you’ll want a plan for lunch during the beach break (and any snacks you want later).

You also don’t have to think too hard about the schedule. It runs about 7 hours, starts at 10:00 am, and you’re back at the same meeting point, with a private group size capped at up to 9 guests.

What makes this Formentera sail feel like a treat

This trip is all about day-of water enjoyment, not sightseeing marathons. Your skipper steers you through the sights around Formentera, with time to get off the boat for beach life and a second stop at S’Espalmador for more sea time.

I like that the onboard setup supports real hanging out: there’s a large cool box, a Megaboom Bluetooth speaker for your playlist, and optional dinghy rides if you want to hop ashore. And because it’s private, the pace tends to feel more like your day than a bus itinerary.

One more practical note: this experience needs good weather. If conditions aren’t right, the provider will offer another date or a full refund—so you’re not stuck paying for a cancelled day.

Key highlights at a glance

• Skipper-led sailing and navigation so you can relax instead of managing directions
• Snorkel gear included plus built-in time when the water is ideal for swimming
• Stand-up paddleboards onboard for calm-water exploring at your pace
• Ses Illetes beach break with about 3 hours on the sand to grab lunch
• S’Espalmador stop for about 2 hours of extra water time and scenery
• Onboard music and a cool box to keep the vibe easy and comfortable

Setting out from Es Molí de Sal (and why it matters)

Your day starts at Es Molí de Sal, Calle Afores, s/n, 07871 Formentera at 10:00 am. Using a single, known meeting point is a small detail, but it makes a big difference when you’re planning a relaxing vacation day. You don’t need to coordinate multiple transfers or meet-ups.

The trip runs about 7 hours total and ends back at the same meeting point. That round-trip structure also helps if you’re mixing this with other Ibiza or Formentera plans the same week. You can often keep your other plans tidy—especially compared with long multi-stop boat days that leave you stranded somewhere new.

You’ll also get a mobile ticket, and confirmation comes at booking. The tour is offered in English, and it’s private, meaning only your group goes.

The onboard setup: what you’ll actually use

This is the kind of sail where the “extras” aren’t just marketing points. The included items are practical for how you’ll spend the hours.

You get:

• Snorkeling equipment included
• Stand-up paddleboards included
• Megaboom Bluetooth speaker onboard for music
• Large cool box for drinks/ice management
• Auxiliary dinghy boat used for embarking and disembarking
• Final cleaning, plus taxes/insurance and fuel covered

A Megaboom might sound like fluff, but it changes the mood. If your group likes music, you’ll be able to play it without sharing a speaker with strangers or dealing with dead phone batteries. And the cool box is a big help for keeping water and whatever you bring from the heat.

Also, the auxiliary dinghy matters even if you never use it for beach hopping. It’s part of how you get on and off the boat safely and efficiently.

Stop 1: Playa de Ses Illetes for lunch, swim time, and easy beach life

You’ll spend about 3 hours at Playa de Ses Illetes. This is the main beach break, and it’s where the day shifts from sailing to “okay, let’s enjoy the sand.”

You can disembark and choose a lunch spot from the beach restaurants. That freedom is useful because Ses Illetes can feel busy in peak hours, and restaurant crowding can change. Having the option to pick where you eat helps you avoid wasting time walking back and forth.

What you can plan for in this stop:

• Swim and snorkel when conditions are good
• Try the paddleboard if the water is calm enough for you
• Eat lunch without rushing since you have a full chunk of time

The one thing I’d watch here is timing. Even with a 3-hour window, it’s easy to lose track of how fast the day moves once you’re in warm water. I’d keep your lunch decision simple and set a “back on the boat” time in your head.

Stop 2: S’Espalmador for a second hit of sea time

After Ses Illetes, you’ll head to S’Espalmador for about 2 hours. This stop is shorter than the first one, so it’s less about long lunches and more about getting another slice of what makes this area special: the water color, the shoreline mood, and the chance to swim again.

Because you already have snorkel gear and a paddleboard ready, this is a great moment for:

• Another snorkel session
• Paddleboard time if you want a slower, surface-level explore
• A chance to relax with fewer decisions than a beach restaurant stop

A shorter second stop is also good for energy management. By then, many groups are done with the “big lunch” feeling and want a lighter, more active end to the middle of the day.

How the skipper shapes your day (Tincho and friends)

For me, the skipper isn’t just a job title here—it’s part of the experience. On this trip, your skipper takes care of sailing and navigating, and they also tend to set the tone for where you go and how you spend the day.

In the past, guests have praised skippers by name, including Tincho (Martin), Diego, Jose, Rolan, Alejandro, Carlos, and Ale. That list tells you something important: you’re not just getting a person who can drive a boat. You’re getting someone who’s comfortable guiding the day with a sense of humor and local know-how.

What does that look like for you?

• You’ll have fewer “where should we go?” decisions
• You can lean on their sense of timing, comfort, and conditions
• You’re more likely to get a good rhythm between sailing, swimming, and downtime

If your group has different personalities—some want swimming, some want sunbathing, some want paddleboarding—the skipper’s ability to read the water and your mood becomes the glue that keeps everything smooth.

Snorkel and paddleboard time: how to make it count

This trip gives you gear, but you still control how you use it. With snorkel equipment and stand-up paddleboards included, you can choose your intensity level without spending extra money.

My practical advice:

• If you’re new to snorkeling, treat it as a float-and-look activity first. Keep it simple and let the water do the work.
• If you’re comfortable on a board, use the paddleboard time for gentle exploration around calmer areas, not for sprinting your way across the whole sea.
• Bring water and keep an eye on sun exposure. Even if you’re in shade part of the time, you’ll still feel the heat on the water.

One more bonus: the boat setup and schedule mean you’re not squeezing snorkeling into a rushed “one photo, one swim, bye” pattern. You get real time at each stop, which helps you settle in and enjoy the views without feeling hunted by the clock.

Dinghy beach rides: optional, but fun if you like the transition

The trip includes an auxiliary dinghy for embarking and disembarking, and you can also ride it to the beach if you like. That optional transition can feel like part of the adventure—especially when you’re going from open water to the beach edge.

You might prefer it if:

• You don’t want to jump into wading logistics
• Your group enjoys a small “arrival moment”
• You want a smooth way to move between boat and shoreline

If your group would rather keep things easy and minimal, the schedule still works well. You’re not required to be extra-active during the transitions.

Music onboard and group vibe: keep it easy, keep it shared

Your onboard Megaboom Bluetooth speaker is included, which is rare on boat days. It’s also an invitation to set a group vibe early. If you’re traveling with friends, you can make a shared playlist and actually use the day the way a private trip should feel: more personal, less generic.

Just keep the volume reasonable. The point is comfort, not turning the sea into a concert.

The value of a private group (and the real price math)

At $1,621.89 per group (up to 9), this isn’t a budget add-on. It’s a comfort-and-control purchase. Here’s how to think about the value.

You’re paying for:

• A private sailing day with dedicated skipper attention
• Included water activities (snorkel gear and SUP boards)
• A full-day structure that doesn’t rely on extra rentals
• Fuel, taxes/required insurance, and boat operations built into the cost

When you split the price among a group, it can start to look like a practical alternative to piecing together separate boat tours, snorkel rentals, and beach transfer time. Also, private time usually means less waiting around and fewer compromises about pace.

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, the cost per person will feel steep. But if you’re a small group of friends, this can be a very solid “one memorable day” spend—especially when the day is built around the kind of water you can’t replicate from land.

Who should book this private sail to Ses Illetes?

This trip fits best if you want:

• A relaxing day on the water with real swim and paddle time
• A private pace without turning your day into a checklist
• Included gear so you can spend money on lunch instead of rentals

It’s a good match for couples, friend groups, and small families who can handle a boat day comfortably and enjoy being active around water.

And because it’s offered in English and most travelers can participate, it’s also a friendly option for mixed experience levels—snorkel beginner to confident swimmer.

The biggest “no” is weather. The trip requires good conditions, so plan with flexibility if your travel week is unpredictable.

Should you book the Playa de Ses Illetes full-day private sail?

If your idea of a perfect vacation day includes Ses Illetes beach time, at least two chances to swim, and the freedom to do it in a private group, I’d book this. The included snorkel gear and SUP boards are a genuine advantage, not a nice-to-have, and the skipper-led format removes stress.

If you’re the type who hates coordinating group schedules or you’re traveling without a group of at least a few people, you may find the per-person cost harder to justify. Also, remember: food and drink aren’t included, so budget lunch and plan any snacks.

In short: if you want one standout Formentera day that feels personal and built around water enjoyment, this is a strong pick.

FAQ

How long is the private sailboat trip?

The trip lasts about 7 hours.

How many people are in a group?

It’s a private tour with up to 9 people per group.

Where does the trip start and end?

It starts at Es Molí de Sal, Calle Afores, s/n, 07871 Formentera, Illes Balears, Spain and ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does it start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

What’s included for water activities?

You get snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards, plus an included auxiliary dinghy boat for embarking and disembarking.

Is lunch or food included?

No. Food and drink aren’t included. You’ll have time on the beach at Playa de Ses Illetes to buy lunch from restaurants there.

Does the tour include music?

Yes. There’s a Megaboom Bluetooth speaker onboard.

Are there entry tickets for the stops?

Admission tickets are listed as free for both Playa de Ses Illetes and S’Espalmador.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. This experience is non-refundable and can’t be changed for any reason.