Formentera looks different from the sea. This private Sea Ray charter (up to 8 people) takes you to Formentera’s best-known beaches and coves, including Playa de Illetas with its famous views and S’Espalmador’s shallow water that’s great for relaxed swimming. I particularly like how the day is built around real beach time (not just quick photo stops), and I also love that snorkeling equipment and paddle surf are included so you can switch from soaking in the scenery to getting active right away.

One big thing to plan for: the published price does not cover fuel (€200 per booking) or the captain’s salary (€200 per booking), so your total spend can feel higher than the base number you first see.

Key Highlights

• Private for your group (up to 8 people): no crowd choreography, and you can follow your skipper’s pace.
• Formentera in one day: Playa de Illetas, S’Espalmador, and Cala Saona are all part of the route.
• Snorkeling equipment + paddle surf included: you can do water activities without paying extra on site.
• A Sea Ray in the mix: you’ll be on a Sea Ray-style boat, with upgrades/swaps possible if there’s a technical issue.
• Plan around an 8-hour window: the day runs long enough for multiple swims and a proper break.

A Private Sea Ray Day: Formentera’s Beaches from the Sea

If you want Formentera at its best, you do it by boat. The view from the water makes the whole coastline feel sharper and more spacious than it does from shore. From Ibiza, you’re looking at a day that feels like a mix of sightseeing and beach time, with enough freedom to enjoy the stops instead of rushing through them.

This is private in the real sense: only your group is on board. That matters on a day where the real value is where you go, when you swim, and how much room you have to spread out.

I also like the way this charter sets you up for being comfortable in the water. With snorkeling gear and paddle surf included, you can choose your own rhythm: float, swim, snorkel, paddle, or just watch the shoreline go by.

One practical note: you’re not just paying for the boat. The trip cost can grow because fuel and the captain’s salary are separate from the base price, and that changes how you should budget. More on that next.

Your Stops in Order: Illetas, S’Espalmador, and Cala Saona

This day is about three different kinds of water time, each one with a different vibe. The itinerary focuses on the west and east highlights around Formentera, with time to swim and explore around the coves.

Playa de Illetas: Famous views and an easy first swim

Playa de Illetas is the headline stop. It’s described as the most famous beach on Formentera, known for turquoise-looking water and big, scenic island views. If your group wants that wow-factor beach moment early, this is where you get it.

The payoff here is simple: arriving by boat helps you experience the beach and water on your terms. You can spend time in the shallows, take a break from the heat, and then move on before the day gets too crowded elsewhere.

Downside? If the sea is a little choppy in the morning (it can happen), the first swim might feel less calm than you imagined. Still, a good captain can make the ride workable so you can get to the water without turning the day into a seasickness mission.

S’Espalmador: Shallow-water swimming and calmer pacing

Next up is S’Espalmador Island, a small island beside Formentera. The key detail is that it has shallow depths, which makes it ideal for bathing and a good fit for kids or anyone who wants a more relaxed swim.

This stop is also a nice break from the “big beach” feel. It’s more about approachable water and easy floating time than about quick sightseeing.

If your group includes a mix of swimmers and non-swimmers, this is where you’ll feel the value of doing it privately. You can let slower swimmers enjoy the water at their pace while everyone else uses the time to snorkel or paddle.

Cala Saona: West-coast energy and lunch-friendly breaks

Cala Saona is the most famous beach on Formentera’s west coast, and it’s a practical choice. It’s known as a spot for water sports, and there are restaurants with boat service, which makes it easier to plan a lunch stop.

Even if you don’t order food, the stop works because it’s built for spending time. You’re more likely to come away from the day with both swimming and a real meal, rather than just grabbing something quickly elsewhere.

If you do plan to eat, keep your group’s expectations realistic. Boat-to-shore service can add a bit of timing rhythm, so it helps to stay flexible and treat lunch as part of the slow island pace.

Price and Logistics: What the €200 Fees Really Mean for Value

Let’s talk money in a way that helps you decide. The base price is $881.92 per group for up to 8 people, for about 8 hours on the water. On paper, that already sounds like a group deal.

But two things are not included:

• Fuel consumption: €200 per booking
• Captain’s salary: €200 per booking

So the real budget starts with the base price and then adds roughly €400 total for those two items. The exact final amount in dollars depends on exchange rates, but the key point is you should assume the advertised price is only part of the total.

When this charter becomes great value

This is best value when your group uses the whole capacity. If you fill all 8 seats, the cost per person drops sharply. If you’re only 2–4 people, it can still be a great experience, but you’ll feel more of the fixed fees.

I also think the included items improve value. Snorkeling equipment and paddle surf being part of the price means you’re not piecing together extra activities on the fly. Plus, soda, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages are included, which helps keep the day feeling like one bundle instead of a series of add-ons.

The tip question you should not ignore

One more budgeting angle comes from how this works in Ibiza. The charter does not list tips as included, and in practice, captains may ask about tipping other service staff. One person described being asked about tipping a ferry driver tied to a restaurant stop, and the advice was simple: bring Euros for the moments that come up.

Skippers Like Ramiro and Laura: How Private Feels in Real Life

On a private charter, the skipper matters. Not in a dramatic, movie-trailer way, but because a good captain changes the feel of every stop: where you anchor, how much privacy you get, and how smoothly the day runs.

The standout detail from real experiences: some captains were genuinely tuned into the group’s privacy needs. One captain reportedly stayed out of the way during stops, letting the group enjoy the beach without constant interaction. If what you want is a quieter, more personal day, that matters more than you’d think.

Captains you might run into include Ramiro and Laura, both praised for their attitude and for steering the day toward what the group needed. Ramiro came up as an amazing skipper who seemed to anticipate what people wanted. Laura was also mentioned for delivering a smooth day even when the sea was rough in the morning, then still finding good swim spots and arranging lunch.

There’s also a real-world detail worth knowing: if there’s a technical issue with the planned Sea Ray, the operator may upgrade you to a larger boat or swap you to a different Sea Ray model. One review mentioned an upgrade after an issue with the original boat, and another described a technical issue with a Sea Ray 260 leading to a slightly different boat. That’s not always comfortable news, but it can still end well if communication is good and the swap happens smoothly.

What to watch for: the quality of upholstery and comfort can vary by boat. One person noted wear and tear on the front upholstery area. In other words, the experience is about the route and the captain, not luxury furniture finishing.

Included Drinks, Snorkeling Gear, and Paddle Surf: What You’ll Actually Use

This charter is set up so you can go from viewing to doing without stopping for rentals. Here’s what comes with it:

• Snorkeling equipment (use of snorkeling gear)
• Paddle surf
• Soda/pop and bottled water
• Alcoholic beverages

Snorkeling gear inclusion is a big deal because it removes one of the hassle points that can kill a relaxed day. You can show up and decide on the water activity right away, especially at stops like S’Espalmador where shallow water makes getting in easier.

Paddle surf is also a fun wildcard. If your group includes a couple of people who want more than swimming, it gives everyone something active to do between swims. It also works well for groups that don’t all snorkel, because paddling can be a solo activity while others focus on floating or photos.

On the drink side, having soda, water, and alcohol included changes the mood. You’re not constantly budgeting for small purchases during the day, and that helps you spend more energy on the experience itself.

One practical caution: keep an eye on sun and hydration. Even with water included, the pace of an 8-hour boat day can sneak up on you, especially if you’re swimming and paddling back-to-back.

Weather, Timing, and Comfort: How to Plan for an 8-Hour Day

This experience needs good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll either get a different date or a full refund. That’s exactly how it should work for boat days.

Timing-wise, the trip is listed as about 8 hours. One group described boarding at 11am and getting back around 7pm, which aligns with a full day on the water and enough time to actually enjoy each stop rather than sprint between them.

If you’re sensitive to waves, plan for that. One review mentioned the sea was rough in the morning, but the skipper handled it well enough for a great day. Still, if you know you get motion sick, it’s smart to plan ahead with what you normally use.

Meeting point: go in calm, not frantic

You’ll start at Carrer Port d’Eivissa, 107, 07800 Eivissa, Illes Balears, Spain and return back there. The big win here is simple: you don’t need to coordinate separate drop-offs or rethink your day logistics.

The tour uses a mobile ticket, and confirmation is provided at booking. Also, it’s offered in English, which can make the day smoother when your skipper explains the plan and what to expect at each stop.

Who This Charter Fits Best (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This charter fits best if you want Formentera on a schedule that belongs to your group. It’s ideal for:

• couples who want privacy and flexibility,
• families who want shallow-water time at S’Espalmador,
• friend groups that want snorkel + paddle surf without juggling rentals.

It also works well if your group cares about not sharing the experience with strangers. On a private boat, the “who’s around you” part disappears, and you can relax into the day.

If you’re the type who wants the cheapest possible way to see Formentera, you might compare against group boat tours. This one is priced for a private experience with included gear and drinks, so the value comes from filling the boat and using the full day.

Also, if your group is picky about boat condition down to upholstery details, it’s worth keeping expectations realistic. One experience noted wear and tear on part of the boat. The operator may upgrade or switch boats when issues happen, but you’re still choosing an activity experience over a showroom interior.

Should You Book This Sea Ray Charter?

Book it if you want a true private day that combines sightseeing and water time, with snorkeling gear and paddle surf included. The route hits three strong Formentera anchors: Playa de Illetas for the famous views, S’Espalmador for easy shallow bathing, and Cala Saona for west-coast energy and lunch-friendly options.

I’d also book it if your group values privacy. Captains like Ramiro and Laura were specifically praised for how they handled stops and how they adjusted when conditions weren’t perfect.

Don’t book it if you hate unexpected extras. The big one is cost: fuel (€200) and captain salary (€200) are not included in the base price. Add that to the day budget before you fall in love with the headline number. And if you’re visiting during peak season, bring Euros for tip moments that can pop up around service staff.

If you go in with those two planning points handled, this is the kind of day you remember: clear water, a boat that feels like it’s yours for the day, and the freedom to swim when the mood hits.

FAQ

How many people can join the Private Boat Rental Sea Ray up to 8 people Ibiza-Formentera?

It’s for a private group of up to 8 people.

How long is the Ibiza to Formentera boat tour?

The duration is about 8 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Carrer Port d’Eivissa, 107, 07800 Eivissa, Illes Balears, Spain.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What’s included during the trip?

Included items are soda/pop, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, alcoholic beverages, and paddle surf.

What is not included in the price?

Fuel consumption (€200 per booking) and the captain’s salary (€200 per booking) are not included.

Which beaches and areas do you visit?

You visit Playa de Illetas, S’Espalmador Island, and Cala Saona.

What happens if 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.