Private Sailboat Day-Trip from IBIZA to FORMENTERA

The best part of this day is the freedom to enjoy Formentera by private sailboat, not from a crowded ferry or a packed beach. You can stretch out on the deck, learn a little about sailing from Captain Gabriel, swim in clear water, and choose how active or lazy the day becomes.

I like the generous 43-foot boat, which gives a group of up to seven room to move, and I like the useful extras: snorkeling gear, a stand-up paddleboard, a restroom, WiFi, and a fridge. The main drawback is the meeting point at Cala Porroig. It is a stone dock without obvious Bora Sailing signs, and the map pin has reportedly been imprecise, so confirm the spot with the captain before setting off.

Key points to know

• A private 43-foot sailboat: You have the full boat for your group, with space for up to seven passengers.
• Captain Gabriel at the helm: He speaks Spanish, English, and Portuguese, and can explain the basics of sailing along the way.
• Formentera’s Ses Illetes: The route includes about two hours near one of the island’s best-known beaches.
• Snorkeling and SUP included: Bring a towel and sunscreen, then use the onboard gear during the swimming stop.
• Bring your own picnic: Food and drinks are welcome, and the boat has a fridge plus an outside cooler.
• Lunch needs planning: Beach restaurants can be fully booked in high season, so reserve before departure if you want a table.

Why a private sailboat changes the Ibiza to Formentera day

The short crossing from Ibiza to Formentera is easy to arrange by ferry, but a private sailing day gives you a different kind of visit. You are not simply transported to the island. You spend much of the day on the water, with time to swim, paddle, snorkel, sunbathe, and enjoy the view from the boat.

That privacy matters most if your group has mixed interests. One person can stretch out on deck while another uses the paddleboard. Children can enjoy jumping from the boat where permitted by the captain, while adults can focus on the scenery or practice the basics of sailing.

The boat is a 43-foot sailboat, larger than many small day boats. That does not turn it into a luxury yacht, but it should make the day more comfortable for seven people than a cramped open motorboat. You also have a restroom onboard, which is a practical advantage during an eight-hour outing.

The price is $777 per group, not per person. With seven passengers, that works out to about $111 each. A smaller group pays more per person, but you are paying for the boat, captain, fuel, equipment, and control over the day rather than for a fixed seat on a ferry. For a full group of friends or family, the value is strongest.

Meeting Captain Gabriel at Cala Porroig

The pickup point is Cala Porroig on Ibiza. You can park in the area, then look for a stone dock where the captain waits in a red tender, or small dinghy, to take you to the sailboat.

This is the one part of the arrangement that deserves extra care. There is no prominent Bora Sailing sign at the dock, and one booking party found the provided map pin inaccurate. I would message Captain Gabriel or the operator before the day begins, confirm the exact location, and allow a little extra time to find the dock.

Once aboard, the day feels more personal than a standard excursion. Captain Gabriel has been praised for being attentive, friendly, and good with children. He also takes time to explain the art of sailing, so you can treat the crossing as more than a scenic ride.

The sailing instruction is informal rather than a full sailing course. You will learn the basics while moving between Ibiza and Formentera, with the captain handling safety and navigation.

The 90-minute crossing to Formentera

The first scheduled stretch takes about an hour and a half. This is your chance to settle into the boat, watch Ibiza recede, and get a feel for the pace of a sailing day.

A sailboat is quieter and slower than a speedboat, especially when the wind is doing the work. That slower pace is part of the appeal, but it also means you should not expect to cover a long list of distant beaches. The day works best when you enjoy the journey itself.

You can use the deck during the crossing, but remember that the boat is exposed to strong sun. Put sunscreen on early and keep applying it. A towel, swimsuit, hat, and a secure place for your phone are sensible additions, although the stated essentials are a towel and sunscreen.

Food and drinks are not included, but you are welcome to bring your own. The boat has a fridge, and ice bags are recommended for the outside cooler if you want very cold drinks throughout the day. A simple picnic is often the easiest lunch plan because it keeps you on your own schedule.

Two hours at Playa de Ses Illetes

The main beach stop is Playa de Ses Illetes, on Formentera. The planned stay is about two hours, long enough to get off the boat if arrangements allow, enjoy the beach, or simply swim and relax nearby.

Ses Illetes is known for clear water and pale sand, which explains why it is a major draw on this route. The private boat gives you a pleasant way to reach the area, but do not expect solitude. It is one of Formentera’s most popular beach areas, especially in the summer season.

This stop is best for people who want a classic Formentera scene without giving up the comfort of a private base on the water. You can spend time ashore, then return to the boat for shade, deck space, or a change of pace.

The exact balance between beach time and time aboard is something to discuss with Captain Gabriel. The route is flexible, and the captain can help decide how much of the stop should go toward swimming, walking, or relaxing.

Snorkeling and SUP in Formentera’s clear water

After the beach visit, the boat allows about an hour for snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding. Both are included, so there is no separate equipment rental to arrange.

The snorkeling setup makes this more than a sightseeing cruise. You can put on the provided mask and gear, look beneath the surface, and spend time in the water rather than only taking photographs from the deck. Visibility and conditions can change with the weather, so think of this as an opportunity for casual exploration, not a guided marine biology trip.

The SUP board adds another option. If you have never used one, ask the captain for a few pointers before setting off. If you prefer not to paddle, you can remain aboard and enjoy the swim stop at your own pace.

Families should appreciate this flexibility. Captain Gabriel has worked well with children, and the boat offers several ways to enjoy the water. Still, you should be comfortable around open water, and the captain’s instructions should guide any jumping or swimming activity.

Es Pujols for a change of scene

The route then heads toward Es Pujols, with about an hour of sailing followed by about an hour to visit. Es Pujols is a useful contrast to the quieter feeling of a boat anchored near a beach. It gives you a chance to step ashore and see a more developed part of Formentera.

The appeal here is variety. A full day of sitting on a boat can become repetitive, even on beautiful water. Es Pujols breaks up the day with a walk, a look around, or a meal if you have arranged one.

If you plan to eat at a beach restaurant, book ahead. In high season, finding a table on the same day can be difficult. Some restaurants can arrange food delivery to the boat, including paella, but you need to coordinate that with the captain.

One useful detail is that restaurant arrangements can involve extra costs. A lunch reservation at Cafe Del Lago, for example, required a €40 mooring fee, while other suggested restaurants did not. The restaurant choice may still be worthwhile if your group wants a broader menu or more options for people who do not eat fish, but ask about mooring charges before confirming.

Lunch: picnic freedom or a reserved table

You have two sensible lunch plans. The simplest is to bring food and drinks aboard. The fridge and cooler make this practical, and a deck picnic lets you keep the day moving without worrying about a restaurant timetable.

The other choice is to arrange lunch at a Formentera beach club or restaurant. Some restaurants offer pickup from the boat, and food delivery to the boat may be possible if you coordinate it in advance.

I would choose a picnic for a relaxed family day or a group that values swimming over sitting at a table. I would reserve a restaurant for a birthday, a special occasion, or a group that wants a proper meal and a break from the boat.

Do not leave restaurant planning until you reach Formentera in July or August. The practical message is simple: reserve first, then ask the captain about the best way to reach the restaurant or arrange delivery.

The sunset at Platja des Jondal

The final major stop is Platja des Jondal, with about two hours set aside for sunset. This gives the day a graceful finish rather than ending as soon as you have seen the main beach.

Platja des Jondal is on Ibiza, so this part of the route brings you back toward the starting island. The sunset stop is a good reason to keep some energy for the final hours. After swimming, paddleboarding, and walking around Es Pujols, you can settle onto the deck and watch the light change over the water.

The exact sunset experience depends on the season and the day’s timing. The posted segments add up to slightly more than eight hours, even though the experience is advertised as an eight-hour trip, so treat the stop lengths as approximate. Ask the captain how the timing will work for your chosen date, especially if seeing the sunset is a priority.

What is included, and what should you bring?

The package covers the captain, private 43-foot sailboat, fuel, up to seven passengers, snorkeling equipment, SUP boards, restroom, WiFi, and use of the deck.

You need to bring your own food and drinks unless you arrange a restaurant meal. Bring a towel and sunscreen as the basic requirements. I would also pack a hat, sunglasses, a swimsuit, and a light cover-up, though these additional items are practical suggestions rather than stated requirements.

The fridge is useful, but ice bags are recommended for the outside cooler. That small preparation detail matters on a hot summer day, particularly if your group plans to bring enough water and drinks for eight hours.

The boat’s WiFi is a bonus, but I would not make constant connection part of the plan. The main point of the day is time on the water, and your phone is most useful for photos and coordinating lunch.

Who will get the most from this day?

This trip suits a family, a group of friends, or a small celebration that wants privacy and flexibility. The seven-person limit works especially well because the cost can be shared across a full group.

It is also a good match for people who want a mix of activities. You can sail, swim, snorkel, paddleboard, visit the beach, stop in Es Pujols, and watch the sunset without booking several separate activities.

I would think twice if your priority is a long, organized tour of Formentera’s inland sights. This experience is built around the sea and the boat. It also may not suit anyone who dislikes sun, wind, motion, or spending many hours outdoors.

The private format gives you control, but it also means you should communicate clearly. Tell the captain if your group cares most about beach time, swimming, lunch, sailing instruction, or sunset. That conversation helps turn a general route into the kind of day you actually want.

Booking details worth checking before you go

The captain can communicate in Spanish, English, or Portuguese. Captain Gabriel is the main name connected with the day, and he has been especially well received for his warm manner, attention to safety, and patience with children.

The activity allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available starting times because the exact departure time is not fixed in the basic description.

Since the meeting point can be hard to identify, contact the operator before departure rather than relying only on the map. Confirm the stone dock at Cala Porroig, the red tender, parking, and how you will reach the sailboat from shore.

Should you book this Ibiza to Formentera sail?

Book it if you have a group of up to seven and want a private day built around the sea rather than a standard ferry outing. The strongest reasons are the large boat, included snorkeling and SUP equipment, the freedom to bring your own picnic, and Captain Gabriel’s attentive approach.

The price makes the most sense when shared by six or seven people. For a small party, compare it with other private boat options before deciding. Also remember that lunch is extra, restaurant reservations are your responsibility, and the pickup point needs confirmation.

For a group that values clear water, beach time, sailing, and an unhurried sunset, this is a well-shaped day. Just prepare the food, ice, sunscreen, and meeting point in advance, then let the captain adjust the route to your group.

FAQ

How long is the private sailing trip?

The experience is advertised as eight hours. Starting times depend on availability, and the individual stop lengths are approximate.

Where does the tour begin?

Pickup is at Cala Porroig in Ibiza. You should look for a stone dock where the captain waits in a red tender or dinghy.

How many people can join?

The private boat accommodates up to seven passengers.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The boat and captain are reserved for your private group.

What equipment is included?

Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards are included. You also have use of the boat’s deck, restroom, and WiFi.

Can I bring food and drinks?

Yes. You can bring your own food and drinks onboard. The boat has a fridge, and ice bags are recommended for the outside cooler.

Can I eat at a restaurant in Formentera?

Yes, but you need to reserve in advance during high season. Some restaurants may arrange pickup from the boat, and food delivery can be coordinated with the captain.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and sunscreen. Food and drinks are not included, so bring them yourself or arrange a restaurant meal before departure.