Private Sailboat Day-Trip from IBIZA to FORMENTERA

The best part of this day is the freedom: you sail from Ibiza to Formentera on a private 43-foot boat, then shape the day around swimming, beach time, snorkeling, SUP, lunch, and sailing. Captain Gabriel guides the boat and can also show you the basics of sailing.

I like the generous size of the boat for a private group and the way the captain helps turn a simple transfer into a full day at sea. I also like that you can bring your own food and drinks, use the onboard fridge, and avoid the fixed schedule of a crowded ferry.

The main thing to consider is the price: $777 per group of up to seven, before any restaurant or mooring costs. It is good value for a full private boat when your group is close to seven, but less so for a couple or small party.

Key points to know before you book

• A private 43-foot sailboat: The boat gives a group of up to seven room to spread out on deck, with a restroom and WiFi onboard.
• Captain Gabriel at the helm: He speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and can explain the basics of sailing while keeping the day relaxed.
• Ses Illetes and Es Pujols: The route combines one of Formentera’s famous beach areas with time in Es Pujols.
• Snorkeling and SUP included: Equipment is supplied, so you do not need to arrange separate water activities.
• Bring your own picnic: The boat has a fridge, and ice bags are useful for keeping drinks cold in the outside cooler.
• Lunch takes planning: Reserve a Formentera restaurant ahead of time, especially in high season, and check whether a mooring fee applies.

Why this private sail works so well

A day on a sailboat gives you a different view of Ibiza and Formentera. Instead of spending the whole day moving between roads, ports, and crowded beaches, you travel at sea and use the boat as your base. You can stretch out on deck, watch the islands change shape from the water, and stop for a swim when the schedule allows.

This is not a bare-bones boat transfer. The eight-hour plan includes sailing, beach time, snorkeling, paddleboarding, a visit to Es Pujols, and a sunset return toward Platja des Jondal. You get a full day, not just a ride across the channel.

The private format matters. Your group has the boat to itself, up to seven passengers, so you can talk with the captain about how active or relaxed you want the day to be. A family may prefer a long swim and easy beach stop. Friends may want more time with the SUP boards and jumps from the boat. You are not trying to match the pace of a large tour group.

Captain Gabriel is an important part of the experience. He has been praised for being attentive, friendly, and patient with children. He also explains the art of sailing, which adds substance to the trip. You can simply enjoy the views, but you also have the chance to learn what the captain is doing and why.

Meeting Captain Gabriel at Cala Porroig

The stated pick-up point is Cala Porroig on Ibiza. You should look for a stone dock, where the captain waits in a red tender, or small dinghy, to take you out to the sailboat. Parking is available in the area.

This meeting point deserves careful attention. There is no prominent Bora Sailing sign at the dock, and one booking pin has been described as inaccurate. Contact Captain Gabriel by WhatsApp before arrival so you know exactly where to go. Allow enough time to find the stone dock rather than assuming you can simply walk straight onto the boat.

That small bit of planning can prevent a frustrating start. Once you spot the red tender and connect with the captain, the boarding process should be clear.

Bring a towel and sunscreen. You may also bring your own food and drinks. The boat has a fridge, though bags of ice are recommended if you want very cold drinks throughout the day, especially when using the outside cooler.

The 90-minute sail from Ibiza to Formentera

The first major part of the day is the sail to Formentera, scheduled for about an hour and a half. This is valuable travel time rather than dead time. You settle into the rhythm of the boat, watch Ibiza recede, and see Formentera approach from the water.

If you have never sailed before, this is a good moment to ask questions. Captain Gabriel can introduce you to the basics, and the private setting makes it easier to listen without competing with a large group. If you already enjoy sailing, you can simply settle on deck and let the captain handle the route.

The boat is 43 feet long, which is larger than many small excursion sailboats. That size helps when seven people are aboard, though you should still expect a nautical day rather than a resort lounge. Bring only what you need, keep personal items tidy, and use sunscreen often.

The crossing can also be the quietest part of the experience. There is no loud group commentary required, no fixed entertainment program, and no pressure to socialize with strangers. You get the sea, the wind, and your own company.

Two hours at Playa de Ses Illetes

The itinerary allows about two hours at Playa de Ses Illetes, one of the main reasons people want to visit Formentera. Expect pale sand, clear water, and the chance to enjoy the beach at a slower pace than a quick photo stop.

The value here is time. Two hours gives you room to swim, sit in the sun, and take in the setting without rushing straight back to the boat. You can also use the stop as a break between longer stretches of sailing.

Ses Illetes can be one of the busiest and most sought-after parts of Formentera, particularly in high season. The private boat does not make the beach empty, but it does let you reach the area by sea and avoid making the whole day revolve around ferry schedules.

If beach time is your priority, speak with the captain about how the visit fits with the rest of the day. The itinerary is planned, but the private format gives you more room to discuss your preferences than a standard shared excursion.

Swimming, snorkeling, and SUP near Formentera

After the beach visit, the schedule sets aside about an hour for snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding. The equipment is included, which saves you from renting gear separately or carrying your own.

This is one of the strongest practical features of the trip. You can move from relaxing on the deck to getting into the water without another booking, transfer, or extra charge. The clear water around Formentera is the setting for a simple water session: swim, look below the surface with the snorkeling equipment, or try the SUP boards.

The boat also gives you the option to make the water stop as active or easygoing as you like. Children can enjoy the excitement of jumping from the boat where appropriate, while others may prefer floating, snorkeling, or staying on deck. The captain can help keep the activity safe and organized.

An hour passes quickly if everyone wants a turn on the boards. If your group especially wants SUP or snorkeling time, tell Captain Gabriel early in the day so he can help fit it into the schedule.

Sailing and an hour in Es Pujols

The route then includes about an hour of sailing to Es Pujols, followed by about an hour to visit the town. This gives you a change of scene from the open water and beach.

Es Pujols is a useful stop if you want a little time ashore. You can walk around, take a break from the boat, or arrange food nearby. The visit also gives your group a chance to decide how you want to spend the later part of the day.

This stop may feel less secluded than the beach and swimming portions. That is not necessarily a flaw. A full day at sea benefits from variety, and Es Pujols gives you a town setting before the final sailing stretch.

If you plan to eat at a restaurant, arrange it before the trip. In high season, same-day tables can be hard to find. Some restaurants can deliver food to the boat if you coordinate with the captain, including paella. A booking at Cafe Del Lago has been used with a €40 mooring fee, while other suggested restaurants may not charge that fee. Ask about the total cost before committing.

Lunch planning: picnic or restaurant

You have two sensible lunch options. The simplest is to bring your own food and drinks for a picnic on deck. The boat has a fridge, and the outdoor cooler can be kept colder with ice bags. This option gives you control over timing and usually keeps the extra cost low.

The second option is to reserve a restaurant on Formentera. This can make the day feel more like a special occasion, but you need to book in advance. Do not assume you can find a table at the last minute during the busy season.

Restaurant delivery to the boat is another possibility. Coordinate it with the captain once you are aboard, and confirm where and when the food will arrive. If you choose a beach restaurant, ask about mooring charges. A cheaper menu can still cost more overall if the boat has to pay a separate fee.

I would choose the picnic for a flexible family day or an active group that wants to keep swimming. I would choose a restaurant for a birthday, anniversary, or group that values a proper sit-down meal more than a loose schedule.

The sunset return toward Platja des Jondal

The final part of the planned day includes about two hours around Platja des Jondal for sunset before returning to Bora Sailing. This is a fitting finish to a day built around the sea. The light changes, the pace slows, and you can enjoy the deck without needing to rush into another activity.

The sunset portion also helps spread the eight-hour schedule across the whole day. You are not cramming every stop into a short excursion. There is time for the boat itself to be part of the experience.

Keep your expectations practical. The exact feel of a sunset stop depends on the day’s conditions and timing, but the itinerary specifically includes two hours for this part of the route. If sunset is important to you, confirm the day’s departure time and route with the operator when booking.

At the end, the boat returns to the Bora Sailing meeting area. You should expect to leave from the same general pick-up point at Cala Porroig.

What the $777 price really buys you

The $777 rate covers the whole private group, up to seven people. If you fill all seven places, that works out to about $111 per person for eight hours. That is a fair proposition for a private 43-foot sailboat with a captain, fuel, snorkeling equipment, SUP boards, a restroom, WiFi, and use of the deck.

For six people, the cost is about $130 per person. For four, it rises to roughly $194 each. A couple would pay the full group rate unless a different booking option is available, so this experience makes the most financial sense for families or friends sharing the boat.

The price does not include food, drinks, or possible restaurant mooring fees. That is not unusual for a private boat day, but you should budget for it. Bringing a picnic is the clearest way to keep the total predictable.

The free cancellation policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option helps keep plans flexible. Check the available start time when booking, since the activity lasts eight hours.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this trip for a group that wants time on the water rather than a quick island transfer. It suits families, couples traveling with friends, and small groups who want to control the pace.

It is especially good for:

• People who want a private boat rather than a shared ferry or large excursion
• Families looking for swimming, SUP, and a captain who can engage with children
• Friends who want to bring their own drinks and food
• First-time sailors who would enjoy learning basic sailing skills
• Groups of six or seven who can share the fixed price

It may be less suitable if your main goal is a long, uninterrupted visit on land. Much of the day is spent sailing, swimming, or on the boat. It also requires more planning than a simple ferry ride, particularly for lunch and the meeting point.

Should you book the Ibiza to Formentera sail?

Book it if you can fill most of the seven seats and want a private, active day with real time at sea. The strongest reasons are the large boat, Captain Gabriel’s attentive approach, included snorkeling and SUP equipment, and the freedom to bring your own picnic or arrange a special lunch.

Before paying, confirm the exact Cala Porroig meeting point, decide how many people are sharing the cost, and make any restaurant reservation early. If you handle those details, this is a well-rounded way to see Formentera, with enough structure to keep the day moving and enough flexibility to make it your own.

FAQ

How long is the private sailing trip?

The experience lasts eight hours, including sailing, beach time, water activities, a visit to Es Pujols, and the return to Ibiza.

How many people can join the private boat trip?

The private group can include up to seven passengers.

Where does the trip meet in Ibiza?

The pick-up point is Cala Porroig. Look for a stone dock and a red tender, where the captain will be waiting. Parking is available in the area.

Who is the captain?

The captain is Gabriel. He speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and can explain basic sailing during the trip.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

Are stand-up paddleboards included?

Yes. Use of SUP boards is included.

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.

Is lunch at a Formentera restaurant included?

No. Restaurant meals are not included. You need to reserve ahead, especially in high season, and some restaurants may charge a mooring fee. Restaurant delivery to the boat can be arranged with the captain.