You can smell the sea fast. This private Bavaria 42 day sail turns Ibiza and Formentera into a swim-and-sail loop, with time to snorkel and use the included paddle SUP. I also like the calm, hands-on feel from captains such as Sebastian and Juan Diego, who pay attention to what you want to do. One thing to plan for: lunch is not included, so you’ll want to bring your own or book catering.

For me, the best value is that you’re not just buying views—you’re buying time on the water with a crew, bathroom onboard, and key costs covered like fuel and fees. You meet at Tropicana Eivissa Cala Jondal, and the whole trip ends back at the same place, so the day stays simple. The sailing is offered in English, and it’s a true private outing, so it’s just your group on the boat.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Private Bavaria 42 time: up to 8 people on a single boat for an easy day schedule
• Formentera water stops: Ses Illetes, S’Espalmador, and time to swim and explore
• Snorkel + paddle SUP included: gear is on hand, so you don’t waste the morning shopping
• Wind-driven sailing moments: if conditions allow, you’ll hoist sails for the quiet, natural feel
• Sunset-friendly return: the last leg is timed to give you a shot at seeing Es Vedrà from the water
• Lunch options: eat onboard, stop for waterfront places, or add catering if you want it handled

A Private Bavaria 42 Day Sail to Formentera’s Best Water

This is the kind of trip where the day feels “made” by the sea, not by a checklist. You start with a short welcome and safety talk, then you’re off—first to settle in, then toward Formentera, and finally back to Ibiza with the horizon doing its thing.

The boat matters here. A Bavaria 42 is built for comfortable day cruising, and having a restroom onboard means you can actually enjoy the whole route without rushing back to shore. You also get snorkel equipment and paddle SUP, which is a big deal because those are exactly the things that make beach days better when the water is clear.

You’ll be with a crew that keeps the vibe relaxed but attentive. Reviews linked captains like Juan and Juan Diego, plus Sebastian, and that matches what you want on a day like this: help when you need it, but freedom once you’re floating.

Meeting at Cala Jondal: where the day starts and the pace loosens

You meet at Tropicana Eivissa Cala Jondal. That location is convenient for a day that runs long, because you don’t have to think about transport once you’re aboard—the trip finishes back at the meeting point.

Timing is also part of the experience. In the summer months listed, the sailing window starts around 10:00 AM, with end times that suggest you’ll be on the water most of the day. The total duration is about 8 hours, and the route includes several swim stops plus a return sail.

Because it’s private for up to 8 people, the boat time can feel personal. You can stay near the bow for sun and wind, or you can float, snorkel, and hop in whenever the crew drops anchor. If your group wants to move fast, you can. If you want a slower day, the structure still supports it.

Stop 1: Cala Jondal to Formentera by sail (and the first swim plan)

The day kicks off in Cala Jondal (Platja des Jondal), one of the most iconic spots on Ibiza. After a brief safety briefing—about 15 minutes—you’re free to start relaxing. If you want a first splash, you can do that right away, either swimming or simply soaking up the breeze on deck.

Then comes the sailing segment: about 1 hour and 45 minutes heading toward Formentera. If the wind permits, this is where you may hoist sails and feel the boat move in a quieter, more “old-school” way. It’s not just romantic—sailing tends to make the trip feel calmer because the movement is steadier than engine cruising.

A practical note: the sea decides some of the pace. Since hoisting sails depends on wind, don’t expect a perfectly timed sailing rhythm every single day. If you’re the type who needs a strict schedule, plan on enjoying this as a flexible day.

Stop 2: Ses Illetes for white sand, clear water, and lunch choices

Ses Illetes (in the Ses Salines Natural Park) is the kind of beach that makes you understand the hype without needing anyone to sell you on it. White sand, calm water, and views that look almost too clean to be real.

This is your main “beach-and-water” stop. You’ll have around 2 hours, which is enough time to do one or two active things without feeling like you’re packing your entire day into 15 minutes. You can paddle SUP, snorkel, or just walk along the shoreline at your own speed.

Lunch is where this trip gives you options, and I like that. You can:

• choose an exclusive waterfront restaurant,
• eat on board whatever you brought,
• or add the catering service that’s available as an extra.

If you want the easiest day, bring food you can eat without fuss and keep the boat portion going. If your group wants a proper sit-down meal, use that time to go shore-side. The key is to decide before you arrive so you’re not debating while everyone is already hungry and sun-drunk.

Stop 3: S’Espalmador for quiet coves between Ibiza and Formentera

S’Espalmador is an uninhabited island you can reach only by sea, and that’s exactly why it feels different from the busier beach culture. It sits between Ibiza and Formentera, and the water here is known for being extremely clear and turquoise.

You get about 1 hour at the anchor spot. That’s short enough that it stays exciting, but long enough to swim more than once. The goal isn’t checking boxes—it’s slowing down. You can explore the coastline at an easy pace, relax on deck, and soak up that “no roads, no noise” feeling that only comes from being off-limits to everyday life.

One detail worth noting: the route includes a secret the crew shares about S’Espalmador that few people seem to know. It’s the kind of add-on that makes a stop feel like more than a pretty postcard, because it’s tied to local knowledge rather than general trivia.

Stop 4: Sa Caleta for red rocks and an ancient connection

Sa Caleta is a small cove with a look that feels instantly distinctive: reddish rock tones, surrounded by pines that frame the bay. It’s the kind of scenery that makes photos easy, because the colors do half the work for you.

But this stop isn’t only about looks. It’s historic. Here were the first Phoenicians who inhabited Ibiza more than 2,600 years ago. That means you’re not just floating in beautiful water—you’re also sitting in a place with deep layers of human story, even if you can’t see ruins from the boat.

You’ll have about 1 hour here. That’s a good length for photos, a swim, and a little “imagine it” time while you’re watching the water. If your group loves history, ask the crew what details you should pay attention to in the cove. If your group is mostly in swim-and-sun mode, you’ll still be happy—this is a calm, quiet corner.

Stop 5: the return sail back to Platja des Jondal (sunset if conditions help)

Closing the day on the water is one of the best parts of the route. You sail back toward Platja des Jondal as the sun lowers. If conditions cooperate, you can catch one of those Mediterranean sunsets that feels extra dramatic from the sea.

There’s also a visual anchor to the day: Es Vedrà shows up in the view, framing the horizon. Even if you’ve seen photos, watching it from the water can feel more real because you get the scale and the movement of the light.

The final navigation is about 1 hour. That’s enough time to feel the day wrap up without dragging it into a late-night return. And because you end back at your original meeting point, you can plan dinner afterward without solving transport puzzles.

Price and value: what you’re paying for with up to 8 people

At $1,015.87 per group (up to 8), this is a private outing price. On a per-person basis, it can be very reasonable if you have a full group, and it stays fair even with fewer people because a private boat charter usually costs more than a group tour.

What makes it good value is the set of included extras:

• snorkeling equipment,
• paddle SUP,
• restroom onboard,
• fuel tank included,
• and all fees and taxes.

Those items are exactly the “hidden” costs that can add up on other day trips. Here, you’re more likely to get a full, activity-heavy day without doing last-minute purchases.

What’s not included is lunch. But the fact that lunch is optional rather than built into every ticket gives you control. You can keep it simple (eat on board), upgrade to a restaurant, or add catering if you want someone else to handle the food.

Also, the tour is booked about 60 days in advance on average. That tells me you’re not the only person chasing good sea days, so it’s smart to book early—especially if you’re traveling in peak summer.

What it feels like onboard: the small comforts that matter

I love how this kind of private sailing trip removes the usual beach-day stress. You’re not waiting in lines. You’re not sharing the best moments with a crowd. The boat setting means you can shift between sun time, shade time, and swim time quickly.

The included snorkeling kit and paddle SUP also change the tone of the day. Instead of just standing on shore, you get to move through the water. In places like Ses Illetes and the coves near S’Espalmador, that makes the day feel active without being exhausting.

And the crew detail matters. Reviews highlight captains paying attention to needs, and that’s what you want when you’re balancing navigation, anchoring, and water activities. Even if you’re confident in the water, having a captain who checks in makes the whole day smoother.

Weather, wind, and sea reality: the only drawback worth respecting

If there’s one consideration to take seriously, it’s that sailing depends on wind and sea conditions. The itinerary has planned stops, but how much sailing you feel under sail versus engine can shift.

Also, you should plan for sun and salt. This is a day of swimming and deck time, so bring sunscreen, water, and a simple sun strategy for the time between stops. A day like this can be easy to forget the time until you look down and realize you’ve been in the sun longer than you expected.

The good news: the route keeps the day varied. If one cove feels too sunny, you can take a break onboard while the crew prepares the next stop.

Who should book this private sail?

This trip is a strong match if you want:

• a private day with up to 8 people,
• lots of sea time and water activities,
• a clear route that still feels relaxed,
• and a chance at a sunset return with Es Vedrà in view.

If your group loves beaches but hates crowds, you’ll likely enjoy the rhythm. If you’re traveling with a couple who wants romance, this fits too—privacy plus quiet coves do most of the work.

If you’re the type who needs long, uninterrupted beach time at one location, you might find the frequent stop pattern less satisfying. But if you like variety, this route is built for you.

Should you book the Bavaria 42 Ibiza + Formentera cruise?

If you can organize a group up to 8, I think this is a smart booking. You get a full day of sailing and swimming, and you avoid the usual cost creep because snorkeling gear, SUP, restroom access, and fuel are part of the package. The stops are spaced so you’re not stuck in one place all day, and the sunset-style return makes the end of the day feel special.

I’d skip it only if lunch is a non-negotiable part of your plan and you don’t want to think about food at all. Since lunch is extra and you choose how you handle it, you’ll need to be okay with a bit of decision-making.

Otherwise, this is the kind of day that feels like it was designed for the water.

FAQ

How many people can go on the Bavaria 42 cruise?

It’s a private tour/activity for your group, with a maximum of up to 8 people per group.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 8 hours.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are snorkeling equipment, paddle SUP, a restroom on board, fuel tank included, and all fees and taxes.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch isn’t included. There is an optional bespoke catering service you can add depending on your requirements.

Where do we meet and where does it end?

You start at Tropicana Eivissa in Cala Jondal, and the experience ends back at the same meeting point.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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