Bavaria 42 Cruiser · Private sailboat around Ibiza and Formentera

Sea days are best when the route feels personal. This private Bavaria 42 Cruiser carries up to eight people from Cala Jondal to Formentera, S’Espalmador, Sa Caleta, and back to Ibiza in about eight hours. I like the choice of stopping for a swim or letting the wind take over, and I like that Juan Diego and Sebastián are named as captains praised for their care and attention.

The best parts are the clear water at Ses Illetes, the quiet anchorage at S’Espalmador, and the chance to use the paddleboard and snorkeling gear without paying extra. The main drawback is simple: lunch is not included, and the day is long. Sailing times can also depend on the wind, so this is not the right pick if you need every minute to run like a train timetable.

This suits a small group that wants its own boat rather than a crowded cruise. At $1,015.87 for up to eight people, the price works out to about $127 per person when the boat is full. That is fair for a private sailboat, fuel, equipment, taxes, a restroom, and a full day on the water, but the value drops if only two or three people share the cost.

Key points at a glance

• A private Bavaria 42 for up to eight: Your group has the boat to itself, with room to shape the day around swimming, sailing, and shore time.
• Ses Illetes is the main beach stop: Expect pale sand and calm, clear water inside the Ses Salines Natural Park.
• S’Espalmador adds a quieter hour: This small island is reached only by sea and offers a peaceful place to swim and slow down.
• Lunch is flexible but extra: You can eat at a waterfront restaurant, bring your own food, or arrange catering in advance.
• Sunset may include Es Vedrà: The return sail ends at Cala Jondal, with a possible sunset view framed by Ibiza’s famous rocky outline.
• Weather shapes the sailing: If conditions allow, the crew hoists the sails for a quieter, more natural ride.

Setting out from Cala Jondal on a Bavaria 42

The day begins at Tropicana Eivissa in Cala Jondal, on Ibiza’s southwest coast. After a short welcome and a 15-minute safety briefing, you can settle on deck, take an early swim, or enjoy the breeze from the bow.

That opening matters. A private charter works best when you are not rushed into a fixed group routine. You get a clear explanation of the boat, then the day begins at a relaxed pace. Snorkeling equipment and a paddle SUP are included, so you can get into the water without arranging separate rentals.

The first run toward Formentera lasts about one hour and 45 minutes. This is a proper stretch of sailing, not just a quick hop between beaches. When the wind cooperates, the crew raises the sails. That changes the mood at once: the engine becomes less important, the ride gets quieter, and you feel the sea setting the pace.

The boat is a Bavaria 42 Cruiser, a useful size for a private day out. It is large enough for eight people, yet still feels like a personal charter rather than a floating party venue. You also have a restroom on board, which becomes especially useful during a full day away from shore.

Ses Illetes gives the day its postcard moment

After the crossing, the main stop is Playa de Ses Illetes on Formentera. It sits within the Ses Salines Natural Park and is known for white sand, calm water, and a bright blue sea that can look almost Caribbean in good conditions.

You have about two hours here. That gives you time to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or walk along the shore without treating the stop as a quick photo break. I like this part of the route because it offers several ways to enjoy the same place. An active morning swimmer can use the SUP or snorkeling gear, while someone who prefers a quiet hour can stay on deck or stroll beside the water.

Lunch is built into this stop, but not into the price. You have three practical choices:

• Go ashore to one of the waterfront restaurants.
• Bring food from Ibiza and eat on board.
• Arrange catering in advance for the boat.

The right choice depends on your group. A restaurant adds a shore-based pause, while bringing your own food keeps the day simple and may help control costs. Pre-arranged catering is the most convenient option, but it is an added service and should be organized before departure.

There is one thing to keep in mind. Ses Illetes is the best-known beach on the route, so it may feel less private than the smaller coves later in the day. The boat gives you a good way to enjoy the setting without spending all your time on the sand.

S’Espalmador brings a quieter hour

The next stop is S’Espalmador, a small uninhabited island between Ibiza and Formentera. It can only be reached by sea, which gives this part of the route a more remote feel than Ses Illetes.

The boat anchors in one of the quieter coves for about an hour. You can swim, explore along the coast, or stay on deck and enjoy the stillness. The water here is described as exceptionally clean and turquoise, and the lack of permanent settlement makes the stop feel more stripped back.

This is where the private format earns its keep. The crew can focus on your group’s pace instead of moving a large crowd from one scheduled activity to the next. If you have already spent the morning swimming and paddling, S’Espalmador is a good place to do less.

The description also promises a little-known fact about the island from the crew. The exact detail is not specified, but it adds a personal guide element to what could otherwise be only a swimming stop. Captain Juan Diego was praised for listening to the group’s needs, and another account specifically noted that the route could be adjusted during the day. That flexibility is worth asking about before you set off.

Sa Caleta adds Ibiza’s ancient side

The final major stop is Sa Caleta, back on Ibiza. Its red rocks and green pine trees create a different setting from Formentera’s pale sand and clear shallows.

You have about an hour here for swimming, photographs, and a look at the area’s ancient past. Sa Caleta is associated with the first Phoenicians who settled Ibiza more than 2,600 years ago. That historical detail gives the stop more weight than a standard cove visit. You are not only looking at a pretty shoreline, you are also seeing a place tied to the island’s earliest known settlement.

The contrast is one of the route’s strengths. Ses Illetes is about sand and open water. S’Espalmador is about quiet. Sa Caleta brings red stone, pines, and archaeology. A private sailing day can easily become a string of similar swimming stops, so this change of scenery helps keep the route interesting.

The plan allows one hour, which is enough for a short stop but not a full archaeological visit. If history is your main reason for coming, keep expectations modest. This is a scenic stop with historical context, not a dedicated heritage tour.

The return sail may finish with Es Vedrà

The last navigation back to Cala Jondal takes about an hour. The timing is designed to catch the late-day light, and if conditions are right, you may see the sun lower over the water with Es Vedrà in the distance.

Es Vedrà is one of Ibiza’s best-known coastal silhouettes. Seeing it from a sailboat gives the end of the day a fitting sense of occasion, especially after a route that has included both islands and several swimming stops.

Sunset is not guaranteed. It depends on the date, weather, light, and the day’s timing. Still, the return is more than a transfer back to the marina. It is a final chance to sit on deck, enjoy the wind, and let the day wind down.

The return to the original meeting point is included. That makes the logistics easier, since you do not need to arrange a second pickup at another beach or harbor.

What the private price really buys you

The listed price is $1,015.87 per group of up to eight people. At full capacity, that is roughly $127 per person for eight hours. For a private boat with a captain, fuel, taxes, a restroom, snorkeling gear, and a paddle SUP, that is a reasonable group rate.

The calculation changes for smaller groups. Four people would pay about $254 each, while two people would pay roughly $508 each. The charter makes the most financial sense for families or friends who can fill most of the eight places.

The private setup also has value beyond the equipment. You are not simply buying transport between Ibiza and Formentera. You are paying for control over the pace, a boat reserved for your group, and the possibility of adapting the day to your interests. One account specifically praised being able to choose the route around the group’s needs.

Fuel is included, so you do not need to worry about a separate fuel charge. All fees and taxes are also covered. Lunch is the notable extra, and catering is available according to your preferences.

Captains, language, and the feel on board

The activity is offered in English. Captain Sebastián was praised for excellent attention, while Juan Diego was singled out as the best part of one Spanish-language outing. Another account described Juan as attentive to the group’s needs and recommended the sunset option.

Those details point to an important strength: the captain is not only there to steer. A good private sailing day depends on communication, especially when you want to decide between more swimming, more sailing, or extra time at a particular stop.

The crew’s ability to raise the sails also depends on the wind. If the conditions are right, you get a more traditional sailing feel. If not, the boat still follows the planned route, but you should not book this expecting guaranteed sail-only travel.

The boat has a restroom, and service animals are allowed. It is near public transportation, and most people can participate. The tour is private, so only your own group takes part.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this for a group of friends, a family celebration, or a couple traveling with several companions. It works especially well for people who want swimming, beach time, and a bit of sailing without joining a large shared boat.

It is also a good fit if your group has different interests. One person can snorkel, another can paddleboard, and someone else can stay dry on deck. The route includes enough variety that you do not need to spend all eight hours doing the same thing.

You may want to reconsider if you dislike long days at sea or prefer a tightly timed sightseeing schedule. The first crossing takes nearly two hours, and the return adds another hour. The attraction is the time on the water, not simply reaching Formentera as quickly as possible.

You should also plan lunch early. The boat does not include a meal, and a waterfront restaurant may affect the timing of the day. If you want catering, arrange it before departure rather than leaving the decision until you are already on the water.

Booking timing and cancellation details

This outing is booked, on average, about 60 days ahead. That is a useful signal for summer planning, especially during July and August. The listed operating windows run from May through August, with daily availability shown during those months. In May and June, the hours are listed as 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., while July and August show 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Confirm the exact start time when booking.

You receive confirmation at the time of booking. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book the Ibiza and Formentera sailing day?

Book it if you can fill the boat, want a private route, and see the sea itself as the main attraction. The combination of Ses Illetes, S’Espalmador, Sa Caleta, included water equipment, and a possible Es Vedrà sunset gives you much more variety than a simple beach transfer.

The strongest reason to choose it is flexibility. The captains, especially Juan Diego and Sebastián, are praised for attentive service, and the day can respond to wind and group preference. The biggest caution is cost for small parties, plus the extra charge for lunch.

For a full group that wants a relaxed day between Ibiza and Formentera, this is a strong value. For two people, compare the total against smaller shared sailing trips before booking. If you do reserve it, plan your food in advance, bring your swimwear, and leave room in the schedule for the sea to set the pace.

FAQ

How long is the private sailing experience?

The activity lasts approximately eight hours. The route includes about one hour and 45 minutes from Cala Jondal toward Formentera, time at several stops, and about one hour sailing back to Ibiza.

How many people can join the private boat?

The private Bavaria 42 Cruiser accommodates a group of up to eight people. Only your own group participates.

Is lunch included?

No. You can eat at a waterfront restaurant, bring your own food on board, or arrange catering in advance as an extra service.

Are snorkeling gear and paddleboarding included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a paddle SUP are included in the price.

Where does the activity start and finish?

It starts at Tropicana Eivissa in Cala Jondal, Cala Jundal, Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Ibiza. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is fuel included in the price?

Yes. The fuel tank is included, along with all fees and taxes.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.