Charter is just the word for hiring a boat for the day. The choice comes down to how many of you there are, whether you want a captain, and how much comfort you want on the water. Get those three right and the price follows. This guide lays out the charter options for the Ibiza to Formentera run by group size, so you can see at a glance what fits.
Charter by capacity and price
The single biggest driver of cost is the boat, and the boat is driven by your group size. Here is how the common options compare for a full day crossing to Formentera.
| People | Boat type | Skipper | Relative price | Per person |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 to 4 | Small motorboat or RIB | Optional | Lowest total | Mid |
| 4 to 6 | Mid motorboat | Recommended | Low to mid | Low to mid |
| 6 to 8 | Sailing yacht | Included | Mid | Low |
| 8 to 12 | Large catamaran | Included | Highest total | Lowest |
The pattern is clear. Bigger boats cost more in total but less per head, so a charter that looks expensive for two becomes very reasonable once you fill the deck. If you are a group, charter is almost always better value than buying individual tickets on a shared trip.
With or without a skipper
Skippered charter
A skipper comes with the boat and handles everything, the crossing, the anchoring, the local knowledge of where to swim away from the crowd. For the Formentera run this is what most people choose, and it is required on larger boats. An Ibiza and Formentera sailing charter is a good example of a crewed charter that includes the captain.
Bareboat charter
Drive it yourself, which is cheaper but needs a valid licence for most boats with any real power. If you have the licence and the experience, a self drive day boat gives you total freedom. An 8 hour private boat rental for up to 10 people can suit a confident group that wants the deck to themselves without paying for crew.
What a charter usually includes
- The boat for the agreed hours and the skipper if crewed
- Fuel for the planned route, though confirm the cap
- Safety equipment and life jackets for everyone aboard
- Snorkel gear and often water or soft drinks
- Not usually: lunch, alcohol, water toys, extra hours
How long should you charter for
A full day, eight hours or so, is the sweet spot for Formentera. It gives you a relaxed crossing, time to anchor at two beaches, a long lunch and a calm return. A half day works if you only want the headline beach and a swim, but you will feel rushed. If you want sunset on the way back, book the longer day and tell the operator up front.
How to compare charters without overpaying
Compare like for like. A crewed yacht and a bareboat RIB are different products at different prices, so decide skipper or self drive first. Then check the included hours, the fuel policy and the cancellation terms if the wind turns. If charter and a smaller hire are blurring together for you, our boat hire guide explains the difference. Or just message us your group size and date and we will send a fair charter that fits, with a real person to call if plans change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a boat charter to Formentera cost?
It scales with the boat. A small motorboat for two to four is the lowest total cost, while a large catamaran for eight to twelve costs the most overall but the least per person. For groups, charter usually beats buying individual tickets.
Do you need a skipper for a Formentera charter?
On larger boats a skipper is included and required. On smaller boats it is optional if you hold a valid licence. For the Formentera crossing most visitors choose a skipper for safety and local knowledge.
What does a boat charter include?
Typically the boat for the agreed hours, the skipper if crewed, fuel for the route, safety gear and snorkel equipment. Lunch, alcohol, water toys and extra hours are usually charged separately.
How long should I charter a boat for Formentera?
A full day of around eight hours is ideal. It allows a relaxed crossing, two beach stops, a long lunch and a calm return. A half day feels rushed unless you only want one beach.
Is a charter cheaper than a group tour?
For a group, often yes. A full boat split across eight or ten people frequently lands close to or below the per person cost of a shared tour, and you get the deck to yourselves.
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