Formentera is the small island south of Ibiza whose beaches are often compared with the Caribbean, and sailing there is the most memorable way to see it. This small-group day trip leaves from the southwest coast of Ibiza at around eleven in the morning and takes roughly seven hours. The boat anchors for about two hours at S'Espalmador, an uninhabited islet reached across a shallow channel, and for about two hours off Ses Illetes, the long sandy spit that is regularly named among the best beaches in the Mediterranean. The price covers the boat tour, snorkelling gear, a stand-up paddleboard, a dinghy to the shore, fuel, bottled water, snacks and soft drinks, and there is a toilet on board. Lunch is not included, so you bring your own or eat ashore. The trip holds a 4.9 average from over 140 reviews across review sites. Season matters: Ibiza's boat operators run mainly from about May to October, so in November availability is thin and weather can cancel sailings. Check dates before you plan around it.
What the day feels like
The sail across the channel takes a couple of hours and the boat is the main event, with swimming stops, snorkelling over seagrass meadows and time on a paddleboard in water that can be startlingly clear. S'Espalmador and Ses Illetes sit in a protected natural park, so the shores are low-key and free of the beach clubs you find on Ibiza. Bring a hat, sunscreen, a towel and something warm for the crossing back, because even a summer afternoon can cool quickly on the water.
Practicalities
The meeting point is on the southwest coast of Ibiza, near Cala Jondal, so most visitors arrive by taxi or car rather than on foot from town. Free cancellation applies up to twenty-four hours before the start, which is useful because wind and swell decide whether the boat sails. Children are welcome with an adult, but this is a long day on a sailing boat, so it suits older children and adults more than toddlers. It is not wheelchair accessible.
When to go
June to September offers the warmest sea and the most departures, while May and October are quieter and cooler. By November the water is cold for swimming and the weather is less reliable, so if you are visiting now, look for the nearest available date and keep a flexible plan for the day. If the boat does not run, Formentera can also be reached by regular passenger ferry, so check the timetable for the season; the island is pleasant to walk and cycle outside the summer rush.
What to expect
The experience
A small-group sailboat day with two long anchorages, at S'Espalmador and Ses Illetes, plus snorkelling and a paddleboard, leaving the Ibiza coast at about eleven.
Best time
June to September for warm water and the most departures; May and October are quieter. Early November is out of season, so check availability.
How long
About seven hours including sailing time and two stops of around two hours each.
Tips
Bring your own lunch or plan to eat ashore, pack sunscreen and a warm layer, and book a date with free cancellation in case wind stops the boat.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want Formentera's famous shallows without the ferry crowds.
- Families
- Best for older children who can handle a long day on a sailing boat. Lunch is not included, so pack food.
- Couples
- Two long swimming stops and quiet time on deck make it an easy romantic day out in season.
- Pair with
- An evening in Dalt Vila or a sunset drink back on the Ibiza coast.
- Time needed
- A full day, roughly seven hours.
Good questions
Does this trip run in November?+
Most Ibiza boat trips run from about May to October. Check availability for your date and keep a flexible plan, because weather and low demand can cancel winter sailings.
What is included?+
The boat tour, snorkelling equipment, a stand-up paddleboard, a dinghy to the shore, bottled water, snacks and soft drinks, fuel and an on-board toilet. Lunch is not included.
Where does it leave from?+
The meeting point is on the southwest coast of Ibiza, near Cala Jondal in Sant Josep. Plan to arrive by car or taxi.
Can I cancel?+
Yes, with a full refund if you cancel at least twenty-four hours before the start time. That helps if the forecast turns windy.
What is the difference between S'Espalmador and Ses Illetes?+
S'Espalmador is an uninhabited islet with soft sand and mud flats, while Ses Illetes is a long sandy beach on Formentera itself with a more open feel.
